Sorry everyone :( I had a hospital emergency that took up all of yesterday and night so haven't had a chance to update. But on a happier note, thank you to all my reviewers, your comments can sure make a girl happy! Here's the next chapter, read, review, and enjoy!

I do not own any of Stephanie Meyer's work, solely the plot and some new characters in this story.

*****************************Esme***************************

Though I'd noticed a magnificent difference in Nessie, a twinkle in her eye that I'd never seen before, I also noticed a drain in her once laughing and loving self. She went from being completely miserable to overly anxious yet passive. The change was dramatic, nowhere near the frivolous granddaughter I was so used to. She made a conscious effort to see her friends, the twins, more often, inviting them over for lunch after school, video games in the den with Emmett—and even Edward two or three times—hanging out front on the porch…but the sadness remained, visible behind that fervent glimmer for the wolf she missed so much.

She would awake early every morning, awaiting the random days she might be able to talk to her beloved, her other half, but as the weeks passed, I noticed what had been originally 'two times a week' had gone down to once. Nessie noticed too, but, much to my surprise, didn't argue over it. Something about the slump in her shoulders, her willingness to abide by the rules…it wasn't exactly Nessie. Though outwardly more audible, weak smiles to silence her family's worried glances, her eyes told of every pain and every joy Jacob caused her. I could see now what Alice had meant when she'd told me of Bella's lifeless living during Edward's absence. I'd thought a miserable Nessie was heartbreaking, but I'd been wrong.

The faint hearted smiling Nessie, the pleasing everyone Nessie, perhaps in hope of speaking to Jacob more often, the thoughtful and absentminded staring Nessie…this Nessie made me want to go and drag Jacob back myself.

I'd tried to get her to talk to me too, but…

"Sweetie, you know you can come to me. Sometimes parents aren't good enough, that's what grandparents are for," I'd said to her once, but as she curled in to hug me, my hopes of that beautiful smile vanished with a recited, "I'm ok, Esme. Just, you know, getting used to Jake not being around."

I missed her, as I could see the rest of our family did. The shining beacon of light for our family was dimming, and it hurt to see what one little, unhappy, and so-in-love young lady could bring about, not that I blamed her of course. But that was how this family worked, each of us had a place here, each of us a puzzle piece to blend into a perfect picture, if one of us deteriorated, so did we all.

I could see it the most in Bella. She seemed to know exactly what our little ray of sunshine was going through, and seeing her mirror Nessie's misery only made my heart break more.

But what could I do?

"Um, Esme?" chirped a male voice on the brink of achieving his full deepness. I looked down at the expectant dark haired boy. Oliver was looking at me worriedly, his eyebrows forming together into one. I realized I'd been silent towards a question he'd asked me. I quickly smiled warmly at him.

"I'm sorry, dear, what was that?"

"I just, uh, wanted to know if you needed any help with the dishes," he said slowly, still eyeing me suspiciously. I almost brought him towards me into a smothering hug, but refrained, knowing the motion might seem somewhat inappropriate to a growing boy.

He was another reason I found myself upset these days. After Nessie's revelation to him, I'd expected some kind of withdrawal from him, completely understandable considering the poor boy was in love with someone he couldn't have. However, much to my amazement, he remained loyal to her, smiling at her with just the right amount of adoration, resorting back to their 'just friends' relationship as if nothing had happened…but I knew it hurt him, I could see the pain in his eyes whenever he looked at her, not just for the girl he'd lost, but for said girl's happiness. He was truly in love with her, caring for her happiness no matter what it cost him…it reminded me of another wolf and now-vampire…Jacob had been the same with Bella…I hoped Oliver would find his imprint soon, the boy deserved every happiness allowed in this world, just like Jacob had been given when Nessie was born.

"Sure, Oliver, thank you."

He grinned at me half-heartedly, genuine nonetheless. I suspected my allowing him in that fateful day had something to do with it.

"He just wants dessert, that's all," chided Tom, coming over to playfully nudge Oliver. Oliver narrowed his eyes at him, though I could see the suggestion was certainly one of interest in both their eyes. He turned an eye towards Nessie, who was staring absentmindedly out the window, her empty cup still raised as if she were about to take a sip. "Yo, Renesmee, how 'bout it? Ice cream in fifteen? My treat," offered Tom. Though not as close as Oliver, I could see his efforts were just as strenuous to keep her distracted, help her cope. I was ever grateful to the twin boys.

It took a few seconds before the offer registered. Nessie blinked, then smiled the temporary 'Nessie' smile. "Not today, Tom, maybe tomorrow?" she asked.

But Oliver shook his head at her. "No way, you said that last week. You can't get rid of us that easily," he grinned at her, forcing it to look playfully menacing. Nessie looked up to me for some kind of help, knowing I would always side with her.

"I think that's a great idea, actually," I said. Nessie blinked again, her mouth dropping slightly, right before she averted her gaze back out the window and muttered a barely audible 'Ok then.'

I sighed quietly, catching Oliver's eye. We shared a momentary glance, knowing we had the same goal in mind. Tom joined the comprehending moment, shrugging as if he didn't know what more to do.

Emmett suddenly walked in with that infectious smile of his. "Did someone say ice cream? Can I get mine with extra blood, please, please, Esme?"

Oliver and Tom laughed appreciatively, but Nessie remained lifeless.

*****************************Jane**********************************

Alec and I were biding our time, not having spoken to Jeanine in hopes of further confusing our 'favorite' family. Jeanine was still preparing our 'secret weapon' back in Volterra. Things were still underway as we'd planned, and we'd agreed not to discuss anything till the day of, the day all the abrupt decisions would be made. I had no idea when that would be…then again, that was entirely the point, right?

We'd been sightseeing for the most part, in New York for the moment. I really didn't see what the big deal was with the Statue of Liberty, but Alec had insisted it was a must see. After a long evening of pesky tourists—I sneaky-snacked an elderly couple at one point, their incessant squeals of delight over the stupid monument getting on my last nerves—we'd finally made our way to the border, and I had to admit, the scenery here was much better.

"Alec," I said aloud, "I think I want to take a ride on that ferry thing, what is it called?"

Alec frowned at me. "You mean the Maid of the Mist?"

"Yes, I think with all the different types of tourists on board, not to mention the lovely falls, it'd be," I smiled knowingly, "refreshing, don't you think?"

He rolled his eyes, but smiled at me. "Blood is all you ever think about," he said, approval glittering his eyes, "but it is a once in a lifetime chance, I suppose we should—"

He staggered backward as suddenly the foulest, most disgusting scent crashed over us. We froze, taking in our surroundings for the verdict. I delegated taking down everyone within a mile radius, just to be sure, but Alec put his hand on my shoulder.

"This is New York, sister. Anything is possible," he said assuredly. I glared back at him. What would be the chances of one of them being here? And why? We'd been very random of our whereabouts, and even then, I highly doubted one of their kind would be the type to wander stupidly within our clutches…then again, they were likely very stupid.

I shrugged, proceeding forward. "I suppose you could be right, brother," I said, motioning for him to follow me. We continued on our way towards the falls, but I kept my eyes open should our little 'guest' decide to come our way once more.

******************************Jake*********************************

I was getting REALLY tired of New York. Well, not of the food of course, but everything else was so different from good, old, homey Forks. I missed home, I missed my dad, but above all else, I missed Nessie.

Our short phone calls always seemed too short, too fast, and every time I felt a piece of my already fragile heart break even more. Her voice, happy in parallel to my own, was also wretched. She reminded me a lot of Bella, back when Edward had left her. It made everything so much worse knowing my precious Nessie might be going through the same thing Bella had gone through. The only thing different was that I really hadn't left her like he'd left Bella.

Right?

This kept going through my head, pounding my conscience heavily with its implications. Was I as bad as Edward had been? Leaving because it was what would keep my true love safe? No, I told myself stubbornly, he left with the intent of permanency, because he wanted her to live normally, I left temporarily to keep her safe, there was a big difference.

But it nagged at me nonetheless.

I'd been spending my nights at a cheap motel I'd come by, using my money as little as possible—I was still at about twenty two thousand or so—and walking restlessly to pass the time. Walking and taking in the sights, but never actually paying for anything that wasn't free.

Today was another one of those days—weren't they all?—as I made my way over to the falls. Something about their beauty, their cool temperature, it reminded me somewhat of Forks: wet. I walked forlornly, avoiding any curious glances aimed my way. No matter how many days passed, or how 'scruffy' I looked, I still managed to get hit on by some wayward girl—and even two boys, much to my horror—but I suppose it had something to do with New York being one of the major tourist cities. Suddenly I froze.

I smelled them before I saw them.

Vampires.

My senses kicked into hyper speed, the control I'd worked on to pacify suddenly flaring to get out of hand. It was like a knife being stuck in my chest, the horrid stench probing the wolf in me to erupt. I felt myself shaking uncontrollably for two horrifying seconds. I needed to calm down.

Nessie, I thought furiously, think of Nessie…and just like that, my control was back.

I did my best to look inconspicuous, knowing vampires lived all over the world, and that just because there were some in New York didn't mean they were anything threatening…but somehow I knew that would be too good to be true.

The smell grew stronger, making my nose burn and my eyes water. I swept my gaze to where it came strongest…and then…I saw them.

The witch twins.

Despite my 'control' I growled, unable to keep it to myself any longer. I knew exactly who those two were, and exactly what leech given powers they were capable of. It took everything I had to not lunge out and kill them now; they hadn't seen me yet, smelled me yes—I could see their miniature porcelain noses wrinkle in unison—but my location was still unsuspected. I knew what I had to do.

I ran.

I made my way as far as I possibly could from them in the span of three minutes, only slowing down then to pull out the tiny phone I'd held so vigilantly these past few weeks. I dialed quickly, running and not caring if any humans saw the inexplicable blur racing by.

It rang once…twice…three times…and then a high voice answered.

"Alice," I said urgently but steadily, "I've got company."

Alright everyone, like I said, so sorry for not updating sooner, and even sorrier for ending with yet another cliff hanger *runs into closet to hide* but that's all I have time for today. Please review and let me know what you think. I noticed one of my last reviews (concerning the chapter where Nessie and Oliver 'mess around') was expressing their utter disgust and concern for the behavior of the two 13 year olds. I already addressed this, but I will do it one more time for the sake of quelling those thoughts. You must remember that Nessie is not really 13 mentally; in my story, her growth is dependent of her happiness, so Nessie is actually closer (mentally) to her late teens. Oliver, well, you can't honestly say there's never been a 'frisky' young man, plus he too (like all the wolves) is stuck in between his 'young man' and 'full growth'…so I don't think that the scenario is completely 'out of line'. Nonetheless, because it is not my intention whatsoever to disturb any of my readers, I will personally apologize to lannie for disturbing you with that chapter. For future reference, it is never my intention to do such a thing, so I am terribly sorry to have upset you.

Ok, so anyway, please review, review, and review some more! Lol, I will do my best to update asap, thanks!