Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

149. Chapter 149

Chapter 149

"You've really never been to a football game before?" Luke asked Evalynn, completely shocked.

"No, I haven't," she answered. She was with her study group after school on a Friday. They would be getting a week off for Thanksgiving and most were going home for the event, Luke being one of them.

"You said you're staying here for Thanksgiving?" Luke asked and Evalynn nodded while raising a brow. "My family is going to my little sister's high school football game Wednesday night; why don't you come with? It's just $2 for a ticket and her team's not half bad."

"Your sister's a football player?" a member of the group asked.

"No, she's a cheerleader," Luke said.

"Cute," that same member teased and Luke shoved him.

"Hey," Luke said, "no. Besides, she has a boyfriend. Kid's a brat, but what can you do? Mom and dad just keep reminding themselves that he's going to college in Georgia after graduation."

"Is your sister going to college?" Evalynn asked.

"No. She's planning to find work after she finishes school. So what do you say, Evalynn? We've got a week off from school so let's enjoy it."

After a moment, Evalynn shrugged and said, "Sure. Why not? There isn't a dress code or something is there?"

"No," Luke answered with a small laugh. "I mean, you have to be dressed. Whether you're in your pajamas or a ball gown is your business. I'd suggest casual if I'm honest."

"Noted," Evalynn answered with a humored smile. "Do I need to get my ticket in advance or at the door?"

"Either one," Luke said, "but generally family are the only ones that buy tickets in advance. I'll make sure you get a seat near me so you won't be by yourself."

"Thanks," Evalynn laughed a little.

They continued with their studies and managed to get the majority of their homework done together. Once done, Luke offered to walk Evalynn home which she accepted. It wasn't strange. In the months since she started going to Yale, Luke became a very good friend; even a bit of a brotherly figure. Earlier in that month, he'd confessed he really liked her and asked if she'd go out with him. Her answer had been to tell him that she was flattered he thought highly of her but that she didn't see him that way and his reply was a great relief. His reply was to shrug and say, "It was worth asking." After that, everything had gone back to normal. Once they returned to her apartment building, Luke wrote down the address and name of his little sister's school and the day and time of the football game.

"It's a private school?" Evalynn asked when she read the name of the school.

"Yeah; same one I went to. The football team's really only 'fine' if I'm being honest but it's a live sporting event so I'm not complaining."

"Maybe one day for your birthday I'll take you to a game," Evalynn joked.

"I'll hold you to that," Luke smiled. "Actually, we're going to be tailgating in the school parking lot before the game. We'll be there by about three. You're welcome to join us for that too if you want."

"Are you sure they'd be alright with that? I wouldn't be intruding on Thanksgiving or something?"

"No, not at all," Luke said. "This'll be ribs, burgers and hot dogs; regular tailgate fair. The turkey and fixins won't be until Thursday."

"Okay. As long as you're sure no one will mind than I'm happy to go," Evalynn said. "Should I bring anything?"

"Just yourself and a booze of your choice," Luke said. "You're 18, right?"

"Recently, yes," Evalynn said. "So the party is BYOB?"

"Yeah, but you're welcome to whatever we bring or anyone else brings," Luke said. "Do you want me to come pick you up?"

"No, that's fine. I'll get a ride. If you could drop me back off home I'd appreciate it," Evalynn said.

"Absolutely; we'll take you home once the game's over," Luke said and then stepped forward to give her a hug. "Have a good vacation and I'll see you on Wednesday."

"I'll see you Wednesday," Evalynn replied and then Luke walked away. Once he was out of site, Evalynn went inside and upstairs to her apartment to the smell of dinner. "Dinner smells amazing," she said.

"It's almost ready," Heidi said from the kitchen. Evalynn went to the couch where Dimitri was sitting and reading the paper and gave him a hug.

"How was school?" Dimitri asked.

"It was good," Evalynn answered. "I've got some homework and a project to work on before I go back to school. I'm going to work on that tomorrow so I can enjoy the rest of the week off." She went to the kitchen to give Heidi a hug. Afterwards, she put her backpack on one of the free chairs so she could pull out some work.

"Evalynn, you can work after you eat dinner," Heidi said and put the plate of food on the table for Evalynn. She rubbed her shoulder and took a seat beside her at the table and Dimitri soon joined them. "So if we overheard correctly, you're going to a football game Wednesday?"

"Yeah; his family is going to his little sister's school football game. I guess she's a cheerleader for the team. I'll be going early to tailgate with them."

"Sounds like fun," Heidi said. "How are you getting there?"

"I'll take a taxi; it'll be fine," Evalynn said. "Luke and his family will drive me home after."

"Do you know what time you'll be home?" Dimitri asked.

"I'm not sure, but I can't imagine I'll be home later than midnight," Evalynn said.

"Do you want us to come with you? We can stay out of side if need be."

"No, it's fine. I'll be alright," Evalynn answered.

Evalynn got through dinner and turned her attention to her homework, staying up well into the night wanting to get it done. Afterwards, she went to bed and the rest of Sunday was spent on her project which took her all day. She'd made a point to get all the books she would need from the library at school before vacation and held up the kitchen table with her type writer, her books and her class notes. For Heidi and Dimitri, it was exhausting just to watch her but when Kyle and Evalina had called that evening to check on Evalynn, Dimitri made sure to tell Kyle how hard Evalynn had been working all day before giving the phone over. With all her work done, Monday was when Evalynn's vacation really started. Wanting to go to the farmer's market, Evalynn got some money from Dimitri and made the walk to the park where the market was situated. She spent hours there to get the necessary fixings for thanksgiving dinner. Seeing as she was the only one that would be eating, she didn't buy more than what would feed her. There was a stand selling fresh turkey but they were all whole turkeys. She got most of the things she needed at the farmer's market and went to a local grocery store for whatever was left. She was able to get just a turkey breast that could be roasted come Thursday.

Come Wednesday, Dimitri and Heidi asked again if Evalynn wanted them to drive her but she insisted she'd be fine and would take a taxi and then she'd be home later that night. She searched through the school parking lot until she finally spotted Luke. He spotted her and waved at her with a big smile inviting her to come over. Once she made it to the group, Luke gave her a hug.

"Good to see you," Luke said and released her so he could introduce her to everyone. "Mom, this is the girl I told you about from school, Evalynn. Evalynn, this is my mom Eleanor."

"Good to meet you Evalynn," Eleanor smiled.

"That guy that's at the grill is my dad, Frank," Luke pointed, but his father was engrossed with what he was doing and didn't reply. "And….where is she?" Luke started looking around and when he found what he was looking for, he pointed at a young woman with dark brown hair already wearing her cheerleading uniform. "There she is. That's my little sister Kelly."

"What grade is she?"

"She's a senior," Luke answered.

"Okay," Evalynn said and got a good look at Kelly. She was really cute and Evalynn found herself attracted to her, but then remembered something. "You said she has a boyfriend?"

"Yeah," Luke said and shrugged a little. "We don't like him honestly, but he'll be leaving for college."

"Why don't you guys like him?"

"He's just an asshole," Luke answered bluntly.

"How do you mean?" Evalynn asked but Luke shrugged.

"It's nothing big; he's just a bit pompous. Enough about him, though. How have you enjoyed your vacation so far?"

"I've enjoyed it quite a lot. It's been a while since I've just relaxed. Before college, I would spend every waking moment preparing to get into Yale and now that I'm here all I do is work," Evalynn said.

"I tried to ask you on a date, but you said no," Luke joked.

"I never said we couldn't get coffee together; it just wouldn't be a date," Evalynn played along.

"Evalynn, my husband said the first round of burgers should be ready soon. How do you like your burger?" Luke's mother asked her.

"If you have it, lettuce, tomato and onion would be nice. And ketchup, mustard and cheese," Evalynn said.

"I'll take the same, but put pickles on mine," Luke said.

"Got it," Luke's mom said and turned to her husband to let him know. She then called out to Kelly asking what she wanted and Kelly approached with a man at her side in a letterman jacket that she wasn't convinced was under the age of 25.

"That's the guy," Luke said, whispering to Evalynn.

"I figured," Evalynn said. "You didn't tell me your sister was dating Alex Karras." Luke burst out laughing but made a point to cover his mouth hoping no one heard him.

"He wishes," Luke finally said and took a deep breath. "He'd have talent if he were."

Evalynn snickered a little, "So he's not a good football player?"

"He's fine, but no college team will be chomping at the bit for him; let's put it that way," Luke said. "He thinks otherwise, but he's allowed to dream."

"A dream is the wish your heart makes," Evalynn said.

"Cinderella your favorite Disney movie then?" Luke asked.

"No," Evalynn said. "My favorite is Mary Poppins."

"I love Mary Poppins. Although between you and me, Dumbo is my favorite."

"Really? My cousin Jae Sun loves that one too. He said it's one of the most interesting."

"A mouse and an elephant get drink and hallucinate a frightening pink elephant parade. 'Interesting' is definitely a word you can use," Luke said and Evalynn laughed. Then Kelly walked over with her boyfriend in tow.

"Luke, where did you say the beer was?"

"Nowhere you're concerned with. You don't turn 18 until December so you can wait," Luke said.

"It's alright, babe. We can raid my parents' cooler. I brought some beer."

"I'd really rather you didn't do that," Luke said.

"Oh, it's fine," Kelly said flippantly. "So who's this?"

"She's a friend of mine from school. Evalynn," Luke said.

"Oh, right," Kelly said.

"So how long have you worked at the University?" Kelly's boyfriend asked.

"Pardon?" Evalynn asked.

"How long have you worked there? Are you a secretary?"

"No," Evalynn said firmly, "I'm one of the students. I'm in pre-med."

"You got into pre-med?"

"Yeah, and accepted at 17 no less. I graduated high school early and got accepted to Yale Medical School. Once that's done, I'll re-enroll to Yale Law School and I'll be a malpractice attorney," Evalynn said.

"Huh," was all he said. It struck her as a manner one might say to a child saying they wanted to be a princess some day. "Well, good luck with that."

"So, James," Luke stepped in, "how's school going?"

"Fine," James answered and Kelly took a step forward.

"Can we not talk about school? We're on vacation. So where are you from?" Kelly asked Evalynn.

"I'm originally from Washington State," Evalynn said.

"How do you like Connecticut?"

"I like it," Evalynn said. "I miss home, but I've made plenty of friends since coming here that keep me busy."

"Do you have a boyfriend back home?" Kelly asked.

"No," Evalynn said. "I didn't really date in High School."

"Had your nose in a book the whole time?" James tried to joke.

"In a book and interning at a hospital," Evalynn said.

"Wait, you interned at a hospital? You never told me that," Luke said.

"I could have sworn I did," Evalynn said, but since James was there, she left out the part about her father and great, great Uncle Carlisle owning the hospital. "I didn't do anything crazy; just shadowed the nurses and helped out with paperwork here and there."

"So you're getting your medical degree on top of having nursing credentials?" Luke said.

"I wouldn't say I have nursing credentials. I have a passing knowledge. I can care for a patient's cleanliness needs and change bandaging, but if you needed me to hang fluids, I wouldn't be certain what to do."

"Why not just become a nurse?" James asked.

"I don't want to be a nurse," Evalynn answered.

"Why not just be a lawyer or just be a doctor?" Kelly asked. "I mean, how long are you going to be in school?"

"A little over a decade," Evalynn said.

"It's called being driven, Kelly. You should try it; see what you accomplish," Luke said to Kelly. She stuck out her tongue at Luke who reciprocated the gesture just as rudely.

"Kids, the burgers are ready," Luke's mom called to them.

"I'll get our food, babe," James said and walked away.

"I'll be right back. You had the same thing as me but without pickles right?" Luke said.

"Yeah," Evalynn nodded and Luke walked away, leaving Evalynn and Kelly alone. "So…what are your plans after high school?"

"Get a job," Kelly shrugged. "My uncle works as a realtor and he said he'd give me work."

"That's good," Evalynn said. "What's James planning to study?"

"Political science. He really wants to get into politics," Kelly said.

"He may want to improve his opinion on women then. Just saying," Evalynn said.

"Are you a feminist?"

"I suppose you could say that," Evalynn said.

"So you don't really like men, then?"

"I like men just fine. I just expect them to treat me like an equal."

"Well, I hope your future husband is receptive to that," Kelly said but Evalynn didn't say anything. Thankfully, Luke and James returned with two plates each and Luke handed Evalynn hers.

"Let's go back to the team," James said after handing Kelly her plate. "Nice meeting you Evalynn."

"You too," Evalynn said politely.

"Nice meeting you, Evie," Kelly said and walked away. Evalynn sighed a little.

"I thought you didn't like being called Evie."

"I prefer not to. That's what my dad calls mom."

"I'm sorry about her," Luke said. "She's a good kid; she's just a little oblivious sometimes."

"It's fine," Evalynn said. "I hope this doesn't come off offensive, but she's a bit of a dip."

Luke chuckled just a little, "Like I said. She's a good kid. Just oblivious. Let's find a spot to sit down for a bit. Did you want a beer?"

"Sure," Evalynn said and went to find two lawn chairs while Luke grabbed two beers from a cooler.

It was several more hours before the start of the game, but once it began, everyone that was on looking funneled into the field and up the bleachers to find their seats. Evalynn sat with Luke and his parents towards the center so they could get a good view. The challenging football team was announced first as well as their cheerleaders who went into their own little cheer and dance for their team. Then the home team was announced and they funneled out to roaring applause from their families. Shortly after came the cheerleaders in a sea of blue, yellow and white in knee high skirts and tight fitting shirts with long sleeved white shirts under their usual uniform. Evalynn spotted Kelly but then another girl caught her eye. She was brunette with a heart shaped face and the brightest red lipstick she'd ever seen. She was adorable and had the cutest voice from what Evalynn could hear.

"Do you happen to know her name?" Evalynn asked, pointing at the girl in question.

"Um….I'm not positive. I'm sure I've met her at least once, but her name's escaping me," Luke said.

"Hm," Evalynn hummed and kept her eyes on the young woman. She was a little shorter than some of her fellow cheerleaders and when Evalynn got a good look, she had brown eyes too. She didn't tell Luke she thought the girl was really cute, instead keeping the opinion to herself.

The game went well, but the home team ended up losing by 2 points. Evalynn noticed that the girl she'd had her eye on the whole game looked a little disappointed but was quick to encourage the others to cheer the team on anyway. Once the players were leaving the field, parents started leaving the bleachers presumably to mend their sons' wounded pride at the loss. Evalynn followed after Luke and his parents but instead of going to Kelly, she went to the other girl. She was already hugging two people that she assumed were her parents and had a bright smile that Evalynn thought was very sweet. The girl told her parents she was going to say goodnight to her squad and just as she turned was face to face with Evalynn.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't bump into you did I?" she said.

"Not at all," Evalynn smiled. "You guys were great tonight. Your cheerleading team I mean. They definitely didn't lose the game from lack of enthusiasm from you."

"Thanks for saying," she said and Evalynn noticed her blush a little. "So long as you enjoyed the game, that's what matters."

"I did," Evalynn said. "So what's your name?"

"Caroline," she answered and held out her hand. "Caroline Murphy. And you?"

"Evalynn Black," she answered.

"Evalynn? That's a really pretty name."

"Thank you," Evalynn said.

"So are you related to someone on the team? I don't remember meeting you before."

"No, I'm here with a friend of mine from school. Luke Bordeaux; Kelly's brother."

"Oh! So you go to Yale?"

"Yes ma'am. Yale Medical School," Evalynn said. "I graduated high school early and got accepted right after finishing."

"Really? So you're only 18?"

"Yeah," Evalynn said. "What about you? What grade are you?"

"I'm a senior. I turned 18 this past August. My God, so you're basically a genius?" Caroline asked and Evalynn giggled.

"I do what I can," Evalynn said. Hoping with all her might that she was right and Caroline was attracted to her, Evalynn said, "So hey, I'm not doing anything Friday after Thanksgiving. Do you want to go get coffee together?"

"Friday?" she asked and she even blushed a little. Evalynn tried to make her smile charming and that seemed to do the trick. "Sure. Where should we meet?"

"How about Joe's House down on Grove Street? I get coffee from there sometimes on days when my classes start late."

"Sure. Does 9 work?"

"Works for me," Evalynn said.

"Okay," Caroline answered and glanced down shyly for a moment and then said, "I'll see you Friday," before walking back to the girls in her squad. Evalynn grinned from ear to ear. She couldn't believe it: she had a date. Her first date! She had a little spring in her step as she went back to Luke and his family.

"You win the lottery or something?" Luke teased.

"Maybe," Evalynn smiled and left it at that. Luke dropped Evalynn off at her place and gave her a quick hug telling her to have a good Thanksgiving and that he'd see her Monday. Evalynn returned upstairs and saw Dimitri and Heidi on the couch together reading.

"How was the game?" Dimitri asked when she stopped in.

"The home team lost, but I had a great time," Evalynn said and couldn't help a silly grin. "I have a date on Friday."

"What?" Heidi asked and they shifted on the couch so they could better face her. "With who?"

"Her name's Caroline Murphy," Evalynn said. "She's one of the girls on the cheerleading squad."

"And you're sure she's…you know?" Dimitri asked.

"I mean…I can't be positive until I ask, but she was blushing and she seemed like she was attracted to me. I mean, I guess I won't know for sure until I come out and ask her. I'd rather have coffee together and get to knew her before I ask."

"I'd recommend that," Heidi nodded her head in agreement. "So where are you going?"

"We're going to that coffee shop on Grove Street," Evalynn said. "I'm meeting her at nine."

"Well…good luck, Evalynn," Dimitri encouraged. "Now get to bed; it's late."

"Good night," she said to her great grandparents and kissed their cheeks before retreating to bed for the night.

The following day, back in Washington, Thanksgiving was hosted at the Cullen House as always. Although it wasn't the first time Ashley had been at the Cullen House for Thanksgiving, it was the first time she'd been nearly so involved with everyone. She stayed at Caleb's side while a large group of kids were playing Monopoly together or watching the game. A football game was playing on a large TV and the kitchen was packed with people helping prep for an early Thanksgiving dinner. Salem had invited Arturo, Esparenza and their son Emilio to his family's house so they could join in the festivities. They all called Evalynn at one point to wish her Happy Thanksgiving and also just to talk which Caleb made sure he was involved with.

"Jesus, did your balls drop since I've been gone?" Evalynn said when Caleb said hello to her over the phone.

"They've been that way a while," Caleb laughed. His voice had deepened to a similar deep baritone voice that their father had. Over the phone, he sounded just like their dad, but Evalynn could tell it was Caleb. "So how has school been? I haven't talked to you since you left."

"School's been amazing," Evalynn said. "All that hard work was well worth it."

"Are you saying you're not working hard now?"

"No, trust me, I am," Evalynn said. "So how are you and Ashley doing? She's still suffering a lapse in judgment and dating you?"

"Hey!" Caleb said while Evalynn laughed. "We're doing great I'll have you know."

"Well, I'm happy to hear it," Evalynn said. "So guess what I'm doing tomorrow?"

"What?"

"I've got a date," Evalynn grinned.

"You have a date? With who?" Caleb asked.

"Her name is Caroline Murphy. She's a cheerleader I met at a football game last night," Evalynn answered.

"And you're sure she's gay?" Caleb asked bluntly.

"I haven't exactly asked, but she's giving me signs," Evalynn said. "We're getting coffee together tomorrow and I'll see how the date goes. When I'm comfortable to, I'll ask her outright if she's into girls and if she is and we had a good time, I'll ask her out again."

"Good luck to you," Caleb said. "So she's a cheerleader, eh?"

"Yeah," Evalynn said with a grin on her face Caleb couldn't see but he could hear in her voice. "She's really cute. She's bubbly and energetic and she's really flexible. I mean, she kicked her leg up so high she could have hit herself in the face."

"Sounds sexy," Caleb chuckled. "So what's her major?"

"Oh, she doesn't go to Yale. She's a senior at a private school here in New Haven. Turned 18 in August."

"Just barely missed her being jailbait," Caleb joked.

"Hey, we're the same age so it's fine," Evalynn said.

Soon Caleb had to give other family members that wanted it a turn to talk to Evalynn so the two said goodbye and he handed over the phone to their Grandpa Jacob. Further in the party of people, Gabriel was outside enjoying a beer watching a large clutch of smaller kids – Tristan, Lilliana, Lee, Eun Mae and Mae Yon among the lot – play together while Illyana and Rosalie were doing their best to keep the kids under control. Nadeshka was sitting on the swing watching them and Ariel was sitting on the adjacent to her so they could talk pleasantly. While Gabriel was enjoying the fresh air, Emma Leigh stepped outside and stood right beside him.

"Hey Emma Leigh," Gabriel said to her.

"Hey Gabriel," Emma Leigh said. "I think dinner's going to be ready in another hour or so. You must be starving."

"Absolutely," Gabriel smiled. "I've been hungry since I smelled the Turkey cooking in the oven. Did you go hunting already?"

"Not long ago," Emma Leigh said. "I came out here 'cause I'm exhausted. I've been peeling potatoes for the past hour. You'd better eat every morsel of the mashed potatoes on your plate."

"You can count on it," Gabriel smiled. "So…last year of school. Are you excited?"

"Last year of home schooling," Emma Leigh smirked. "After that, it's off to Beauty School. Oh! I can't wait!"

"I know you can't," Gabriel chuckled. "So where will you go?"

"I haven't decided yet," she said. "There's a school in Port Angeles, but I'd rather go downtown in Seattle. The Beauty School there offers courses in massage therapy and I really want to dip my toes in that."

"I thought you were doing hair."

"Hair, nails, massage if I can," she smiled, "I want to be a jack of all trades. Maybe even open my own salon some day."

"You will; don't worry," Gabriel said. "You're a lot like my mom: you won't accept anything less than being the boss."

Emma Leigh giggled, "Why be an employee when you could be the owner? Although, I guess if you have to be anyone's employee, best to be your mother's."

Gabriel huffed, "You kidding? When we're at work, we're not her sons, we're her employees and she'll chew us out same as anyone else."

"At least she's fair," Emma Leigh said.

"She is," Gabriel nodded, "She's a hard ass but she's definitely fair."

They continued to talk pleasantly. As he'd promised Edward, he'd not said a word about imprinting on Emma Leigh. It had become rather difficult in recent months, though. He was beginning to see her as a woman, but she didn't return his affections. At least not from what he could tell. She was always very sweet and personable as she always was, but she still treated him like the favorite family friend. Regardless, it was too soon for him to admit how he felt. He could wait and be patient. He kept reminding himself she'd go off to Beauty School for a while and when she came back, maybe they could pursue a romantic relationship. He hoped so. Until then, though, he'd have to remain her best friend that she could talk to about anything, and she most certainly did. For Ariel, his feelings for Nadeshka were still entirely platonic. She was growing up the way any half breed would and she thought of him the same way Emma Leigh thought of Gabriel: a best friend.

Very recently, Levi had received another letter from Nadja. The two had been firm pen pals, writing to each other regularly and sending each other little presents here and there: books, albums, strange knick knacks here and there. Anything they thought the other would like. And they were able to have a good sense of humor together. He'd told her about their family outings and get-togethers that they'd all have as a family and so on, particularly when it was the 4th of July telling her of the parade they always attended together. As a present that year for July, she sent him a t-shirt that she told him she'd had made special for him with the image of an American flag blowing in the wind that said 'Happy Traitor's Day!' with fireworks and July 4th, 1969 at the bottom. He'd gotten a really good laugh and Edward and Carlisle did too. "Be careful where you wear that shirt, Levi," Kevin had told him. He wore it as a nightshirt or a work shirt whenever he was around the house. As a response, Levi sent along with his letter a tiny American Flag he'd gotten from the 4th of July Parade they'd gone to as well as a copy of Benjamin Franklin's essay in which he explained why elderly women made superior lovers.

In her most recent letter and package to Levi, she sent him a copy of A Clockwork Orange. Opening the cover of the book revealed a handwritten note from Nadja:

"Allow me to preface this message stating that I DARE you to read this book on your own first. That being said, in the back of this book is a translation of 'Nadsat'. Now, you may be asking, 'what the hell is Nadsat?' It's a strange lingo that the author of this book made up. It took a while for me to completely figure it out, but once I did, I started putting the straight English translation of these words on the last page of the book. Happy reading!"

Intrigued by Nadja's message, he made a point to not even glance at the back of the book, but he quickly learned this book was going to make him work to understand anything basic so it seemed. By the first page, he was already thrown off quite a bit by the language. 'My three droogs', 'making up our rassoodocks what to do with the evening, a flip dark chill winter bastard though dry'. By the end of the first paragraph he uttered out loud, "what the hell does that mean?" He nearly gave up then and opened to the back of the book where the promised translation to English laid, but he avoided it: determined to take on the challenge. Although, it was obvious this wasn't going to get any easier when he read, "Our pockets were full of deng," okay, Levi thought to himself. Money. Got it. But then the paragraph progressed with words like 'crasting', 'pretty polly', 'tolchock', 'veck', 'viddy' and so on.

"This is going to be a hard read," Levi mumbled to himself but soldiered through. While composing his letter back to Nadja, he decided he'd send her a copy of Planet of the Apes: a novel he'd bought shortly after seeing the movie not too long ago. He knew it was one that Nadja had not read, so he included it with his letter, adding a little note to the first page of the book saying, "As you can see, I've kindly sent you a book in English'.

After Thanksgiving Day, Evalynn got herself out of bed early so she could prepare for her date. She didn't normally dress up, especially since school started. She usually threw on a sweater or a t-shirt and jeans and called it a day. But today, she searched her closet until she found a nicer shirt to wear with her jeans and she did up her hair in a ponytail and even put on a little makeup, though very little. She promised Dimitri and Heidi she'd be home no later than 1 assuming her date went well and she started walking from her apartment a few blocks to the coffee shop they'd agreed to meet at. She arrived a little early, but she didn't wait long before a car stopped near the shop. Evalynn recognized the man in the car as the one Caroline had hugged after the game. Her dad gave her a hug and told her to have fun before driving off. She waited until the car was gone before she approached Evalynn and the two of them hugged.

"How was your Thanksgiving?" Caroline asked once they'd greeted each other and took their seats. "Oh, did you already order?"

"No, I was waiting for you," Evalynn said. "I can order for us. What would you like?"

"If they have milk with black tea, I'd like that," Caroline said.

"I'll see what I can do," Evalynn smiled and stepped inside the shop to place an order. They didn't have black tea, so Evalynn stepped out again to ask Caroline if she'd like something else and she requested a cappuccino. Evalynn ordered the drinks getting herself a large coffee like she always got and then ordered two slices of the coffee cake the store sold. Once she had the coffees and cakes, she stepped back outside and put everything down.

"You got cake?"

"Their coffee cake is fantastic," Evalynn said. "I get it every Friday: my little end of the week treat to myself."

"How much do I owe you?"

"It's on me," Evalynn insisted and sipped her coffee. "So," she started after putting her coffee back down, "how long have you been cheerleading?"

"Since Junior High," she said. "My parents had me in gymnastics before that and I loved it. What about you? Were you in any sports while you were in high school or junior high?"

"No, I was a book worm through and through. I knew early that I wanted to study medicine at Yale then move on to my law degree so I can be a malpractice attorney. With that goal in mind, I went head on into preparing myself for applying."

"Oh, wow," Caroline said, "What made you decide to become a malpractice attorney and not just a doctor or a lawyer?"

"My father is a doctor and my uncle Kevin is a lawyer. I found things about both their industries that always fascinated me and I said once when I was a girl that I wished I could just do both and Uncle Kevin told me, 'you could be a malpractice attorney'. I've been getting myself ready for just that ever since."

"That's amazing," Caroline smiled. "So how long will that take?"

"If all goes well? 11 years," Evalynn said. "Medical school will take me about eight years and after that, I'll take my L-SAT and it'll be three more years of Law School."

"My God, so you won't be out of school until you're 30?"

"29," Evalynn smirked. "It'll be worth it, though."

"Lord knows you've already worked so hard thus far," Caroline said. "By comparison, my plan's downright meager."

"What is your plan?"

"I want to get my teaching credentials and be an elementary school teacher," Caroline said. "If I can really have my way, I'd love to be a gymnastics teacher or cheer coach."

"Do elementary schools have cheerleading squads?"

"Very rarely," Caroline said. "It's one of those things where if you want your child to start cheerleading early, you'd have to put your daughter in a community squad."

"So the plan is to be a school teacher and with any luck you'll coach a gymnastics or cheerleading team after school?" Evalynn asked.

"That's the dream," Caroline said. "So are you from here?"

"No, I'm from Washington State," Evalynn said.

"I hear Washington is beautiful," Caroline said. "You must go hiking all the time."

"When I was younger I definitely did, but not as much in recent years. We also do a lot of cliff diving. My tribe is right on La Push Beach and we go swimming and cliff diving all the time."

"Your tribe?"

"Yeah; I'm a third Native American. My father is Quileute on my grandpa's side and on my grandma's side he's Scottish and English."

"Do you speak a native language?"

"Yes, I do. I speak several languages if I'm honest."

"Such as?"

"I speak Quileute of course. And English. I speak Italian and Russian fluently."

"Your mom is Russian and Italian?"

"My mom's a whole melting pot. She's Russian, she's Italian, she's Scottish – and that's just what we know. Both my great grandmothers were adopted so we don't know their background for certain. Both were at least mostly Italian but we can't be sure," Evalynn lied partially.

"Was she born here?"

"My mom? No, she was born in Volterra, Italy. She and my father met when he served as a medic during the war and they married after Germany surrendered. They even married at the Vatican. My mother really wanted a Catholic wedding."

"And what's more Catholic than the Vatican?" Caroline smiled. "How much did that cost?"

"Their first born son," Evalynn joked and Caroline laughed a little. "In all seriousness, I never asked. Probably more than most would be willing to spend. Not to mention not just anyone can marry at the Vatican. You have to prove you're Catholic, I think you need recommendations from local clergy – It's a mess."

"So you'll not be having a Catholic wedding?" Caroline asked.

"I won't have a wedding at all if I'm frank," Evalynn said. "Unless I meet the right person and the laws change I guess." She wasn't outright saying it, but she hoped she was at least giving a hint. Caroline stared at her looking a little sad but then what Evalynn was saying seemed to sink in.

"So you don't like men at all?"

"Not sexually, no," Evalynn said. "I don't mind them as fellow members of society. Hell, Luke's become one of my best friends at Yale. I just don't like men 'that way'. You know what I mean? What about you?"

"I mean…..I like men fine," Caroline said, "I've had a boyfriend before and I really liked him. We just weren't meant to be is all. He's actually on the Football Team. Greg's his name. Really good guy. But I still can't help this feeling I get. Sometimes I'll just stare at girls in my squad or in my school and think, 'what would it be like to kiss them?' Have you ever had a boyfriend?"

"Nope," Evalynn said.

"A girlfriend?"

"No," Evalynn admitted. "My cousin Heather was the only one that knew about me for a very long time. The rest of the school didn't. I told my dad while I was getting ready to apply to Yale."

"You told your parents?" Caroline asked as though the prospect of such a thing was completely shocking and even absurd. For most, Evalynn thought, it probably was.

"Yes," Evalynn said. "I'm very fortunate to have parents that are extremely understanding. Daddy especially. When I told him, he just smiled. He said he figured I was but he didn't want to assume and was just happy I felt comfortable to confide in him. We told mom eventually and while she was accepting, she's not…thrilled I guess is the word. She's scared if too many people know it'll cause issues for me. Hell, she's probably right but what can I do?"

"I think if my parents knew I was having feelings like this they'd force me to go to bible studies and make me live at church basically. Or worse, mom would ask the Elders to do a 'Sheparding Call'." Caroline shivered a little.

"Are you Catholic?"

"No. My dad's Methodist but he's hardly a practicing one. My mom's a Jehovah's Witness; has been for about 10 years now. She got baptized two years in. She tried to get daddy into it but he's made clear he didn't want to join the religion. Those were the most miserable two years of my life. Mom kept pushing and wouldn't relent until daddy threatened to get a divorce if she didn't drop it. That finally made her stop. I remember one of the Elders told her that the only way to bring her husband into 'The Truth' was to prove what a good wife she had become since joining the religion. Still hasn't changed dad's mind at all but at least they're back on good terms again. And after going to the meetings two days a week and bible studies and three day assemblies and going door to door to convert people for about 7 years, I decided I didn't want to do it. Before that she was Methodist too."

"Can't say I've heard of them," Evalynn said.

"They're the people that knock on your door on Saturday mornings offering you literature called the Watchtower and try to offer Bible Studies. When it's spring time, they make a point to invite you to the Memorial."

"The Memorial?"

"It's like Passover but…Jehovah's Witness style. You listen to a 45 minute talk, brothers pass around the wine and unleavened bread as the blood and body of Christ. It's the only holiday they celebrate. Otherwise, there's no Christmas, no Halloween, no Easter, no 4th of July – Nothing."

"Forgive me, but I'll pass," Evalynn tried to joke and Caroline smiled.

"No problem; so did I," Caroline said. "Needless to say the religion isn't exactly kind to…you know."

"I suspected as much," Evalynn said. "So on a more cheerful note," she started and made Caroline laugh.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to put a damper on things."

"No worries; we're getting to know each other."

"So…how did you know I liked girls?" she asked in a hushed tone.

"I didn't. I just saw you, thought you were cute and took a chance," Evalynn smiled.

"Well, I'm glad you did," Caroline blushed. "So do you have any siblings?"

"A little brother; Caleb," Evalynn said.

"How old is he?"

"He's fifteen now," Evalynn said. "You'd never know it looking at him. Big and tall runs in my family."

"Yeah, I can tell. How tall are you?"

"I'm 5' 10," Evalynn said. "5'9.9" if I'm at a different doctor and they want to make me feel better."

Caroline giggled, "So how tall is your brother?"

"When I left, he was 5' 9" but he's definitely shot up more since then. On average, then men in my family on my daddy's side are anywhere from 6'4" to 6'7". The tallest among us is….give me a second. I have to think about it."

"It's okay, I believe you," Caroline smiled. "Are all the women in your family the same?"

"I think my shortest cousin on my father's side is 5'7" and the tallest is 6 feet. That's my Aunt Natalie in fact. She's also got the longest hair of us all. She has to always have it up because if she didn't it would be at her ankles."

"Oh wow," Caroline said. "I could never get away with that. We have to always have our hair in a bun or a ponytail when we're cheering and it can't be too long or it gets in the way. Unless you've got it in a bun."

"Given what you girls have to do, I'd say that makes sense. Do you do competitions?"

"We do, actually," Caroline said. "It's been a long time since my school placed but it's always a lot of fun. It's usually local stuff. One year when I was on the squad, we were able to get into a competition in New York. We got 3rd place."

"That's great! So how do these competitions work? Do you just do your school cheers and the judges pick the best one based on group performance?"

"No, we do actual proper routines," Caroline said. "I can take you to the local park and show you a few things if you're interested."

"You bet," Evalynn agreed.

Taking their travel cups and finishing their cakes by eating it with their hands, they walked a few blocks until they came across a park. Wanting to avoid any presents from the local dogs and be safe as possible, they found a field that had a baseball diamond. There were kids using it, but they were younger and weren't hitting the ball very far. They stayed outside the diamond in the grassy area and once they found a spot that Caroline gave the green light to, she handed her coffee over to Evalynn.

"Now, I can't do the full routine since there are girls that get tossed in the air, but I can do my portion."

"They toss you in the air?"

"Well, not me. You have to be very small to be one of the girls that get tossed. Short and skinny. They go the highest and they're the easiest to catch."

"Makes sense," Evalynn said. "So you're too tall?"

"5'3" at 135 lbs.? Yeah, I'm too tall and too pudgy."

"Oh, shut up; you're not pudgy," Evalynn said and truly she wasn't. She was curvy definitely with full breasts and nice wide hips with a small waist. In Evalynn's opinion, she looked healthy and voluptuous.

"I'm too pudgy to throw; let's put it that way. The preferred weight for cheerleaders to throw is about 120 and under," Caroline said.

"I bet I could toss you," Evalynn challenged.

"If we had safety mats, I'd let you try but since we're in the grass I'll just take your word for it," Caroline giggled. "Ready?"

"Ready," Evalynn said.

"Okay, now picture we're playing Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison," she said and then got herself into a position.

Evalynn watched as she got into position crouching down only to ease up, put her hands on her hips and start jerking her hips back and forth to an imaginary beat and then finally break into a dance that occasionally included a back flip, a summersault and some flirty looks that were a part of the routine intended for the audience. When she reached the end of her routine, she did a pose where she faced the side, had her knee pointed out and toe on the ground beside her other foot with her other leg straight, a hand on her hip and her other hand behind her head in a sexy pose. Once she was done, Evalynn put down the coffees on the ground and clapped.

"I would have given you first place," Evalynn said.

"You should have been one of the judges then," Caroline smiled and hopped over to her with excitement. "That routine does involve the smaller girls being on someone's shoulders. If you can do that, I'll let you try to lift me."

"Deal," Evalynn said perhaps a little too eagerly.

Caroline took Evalynn to one side so they didn't disrupt their coffee and then explained how the routine got someone up. With her direction, Evalynn stood back where Caroline had directed and waited for her to do her single back flip which was her sign to kneel, get her head under Caroline's legs and then stand once she was balanced. She got Caroline up effortlessly.

"How'd I do?" Evalynn asked.

"Perfect! And the view is amazing; I can see everything!"

"Do you want to go higher up?"

"We'll try it," Caroline said and then got down so she could direct Evalynn on how to lift her higher. Once Evalynn assured she understood, Caroline faced Evalynn who got on her knee. Caroline took a step, Evalynn grabbed the leg she'd been directed to and Caroline turned as Evalynn's hand went flat onto Caroline's but to make sure she was balanced and stood tall. Caroline brought her hands up in a show of school spirit and could see even higher. "I think I can see New York from here," she joked.

"Glad to be of service," Evalynn said. She helped Caroline back onto her feet and they grabbed their coffees so they could finish their drinks. "So do you want to try tossing?"

"No, I think I'm good," Caroline said. "I don't doubt you can but I don't want to kick you on accident."

"I'll appreciate that," Evalynn smiled. "So how was your Thanksgiving?"

"Lovely as always," Caroline said. "We went to my grandma's house and helped make a giant dinner for about 30 people. It's the only holiday mom with celebrate 'passively' let's say."

"What does she do? Sit in a corner and wait until dinner's ready?"

"She talks to family and insists on saying the prayer at dinner," Caroline said. "A prayer is being said so no one argues. Mom and I always argue over who gets the oysters of the turkey. Grandma makes 2 turkeys but two oysters always go to grandma and grandpa without question. So the last two are a fight to the death."

"I stopped trying to fight for them. I always lose," Evalynn said. "Our family is enormous so there's always a bunch of turkeys. It used to be only 2, then it was 3 and this year it was four. The more family, the more turkeys. When I was a kid, my cousins and I fought tooth and nail for the oysters. And I mean we were actually fighting. My grandpa Jacob told us to stop but none of us listened, so he took all the oysters for himself and whoever he felt generous enough to give them to. The lot of us kids were crying until our parents soothed us, but since then when we would bicker over them, grandpa would tell us 'either stop fighting or none of you get them' and that stops us right away. But now it's just whoever can get to the kitchen fast enough to ask grandma. In recent years, that's always been my cousin JJ's kids. I swear Jae Sun has a supernatural sense for knowing when the turkeys are done because without fail he goes right to the kitchen and nabs two. Eun So and Hae Li always follow Jae Sun because they know he knows when they're done and they'll take the last remaining oysters. It's a futile fight at this point."

"Eun So is a unique name," Caroline said.

"They all have Korean names. Jae Sun, Mae Sun and Hae Li are just a little less obvious when people hear them. Their mom is Korean."

"Ah. That explains it," Caroline said. "I take it your cousin fought in Korea?"

"Yeah, he did. He met Eun Mi while he was there, the two fell in love and before we knew it, they were married and expecting their first son."

"So you have a lot of veterans in your family?"

"Yes," Evalynn said. "I told you my father was a medic for the army. My Uncles Kevin and his best friend Embry fought in the first and 2nd world war. My Uncle Nathan fought in Germany during the second world war, my cousin JJ fought in Korea and my cousin Salem was in the Navy and spent two years in Vietnam."

"Wait….how old is your Uncle Kevin?"

"He's 67 I think," Evalynn answered.

"And your dad?"

"My dad is 65."

"Geez," Caroline said. "I guess your dad started a family late in life?"

"When he and my mom got married he was….41 or 42. I can't remember. My dad didn't really have an interest in getting married and starting a family and focused his attention of his career. That changed when he met my mom, but it was much later in his life."

"Do you know if anyone else in the family wants to join the army?" Caroline asked.

"We've had a bunch of men from our tribe and Forks that were drafted. I think my cousin Salem is the only one among us that volunteered for Vietnam. At least theoretically. He was already in the Navy when the war started," Evalynn said. "That's a pretty gripping fear the lot of us have; men in the-" she stopped herself from saying 'pack', "I should say my immediate family, being drafted. My cousins Ariel and Gabriel having been drafted and we're very, very relieved," Evalynn said. "When the war started and the draft was enacted, Gabriel suggested he could sign up and my Aunt's exact words were, 'Do it and the Vietnamese won't have a chance to kill you'. It sounds harsh I know. But Ada was so terrified when my Uncle Nathan went to war that she wasn't about to go through that again with her sons. Especially since we'd suffered a devastating loss in the family during the 2nd World War."

"How old did you say your brother was?"

"15," Evalynn said.

"God willing, the war will be over before he's 18 and eligible to be drafted."

"We're hoping so," Evalynn said. "From what I can tell, that draft seems to be affecting low income families more than anything. I know it's not fair but given my parents are upper middle class, I'll accept anything that keeps my baby brother from going to war. I tease him ruthlessly, but I love the little squirt. My Uncle Kevin has some pretty good contacts in politics so he'd move heaven and hell to keep my little brother and his son safe – he's done as much for the men in our tribe that got drafted."

Caroline smiled, "You said your uncle is a lawyer right?"

"Yes, I did," Evalynn said. "He's owner of Heidelberg and Black Attorneys at Law in Seattle and in New York. He represents some people in politics so he's got a few names by the balls so to speak."

"In times of war, I guess the best people to have by the balls are politicians," Caroline said. "Do you think he'd try to overturn a draft? Can you even do that?"

"No, I don't think so," Evalynn said, "but he can definitely influence where you're going to be sent and what you'll be doing. Hell, if my little brother or my cousin Levi got drafted, he'd tell them to join the navy and make sure all they did was stare are Cuba. I think that's what a few guys from our tribe ended up doing although a few got sent to Da Nang I think. That's where Salem was sent."

"I'd take staring at Cuba over going to Vietnam," Caroline said.

"Me too," Evalynn replied. "Did your dad ever serve?"

"No. During the 2nd world war, he was just a kid. By the time the war ended, I think my dad was only 15. Same with mom. She was 13 or 14 when the war ended. By the time Korea broke out, daddy was in college. He and mom got married back in '51 and I was born the year after that. Daddy considered joining the army when Vietnam began but my mom convinced him not to."

"At least he wasn't away for a long time," Evalynn said. Wanting to change the topic, Evalynn asked, "So do you know what school you want to go to for college?"

"Honestly, I'd be happy with anyone that accepted me. I've applied to just about every school in Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts."

"Not Yale?"

"Oh please," Caroline laughed, "I have a 3.4 GPA and a middle class family. If I tried to apply at Yale, they'd laugh in my face."

"I wish I could say you're wrong but that's probably true if I'm honest," Evalynn said.

"How did your dad get into Yale as a Native American in the 1920s? I assume it was the 20s?"

"My Uncle Kevin saved the lives of two of his commanding officers from No Man's Land during the Great War, one of those men happened to be son to the Dean of Yale at the time and after Uncle Kevin got himself on that Dean's good side and the good side of his professors, he requested a spot for my dad and got it."

"Your uncle sounds like quite a guy."

"Earned himself a Medal of Honor at 15," Evalynn said.

"Jesus, what am I doing with my life?" Caroline asking jokingly and Evalynn laughed. The two of them spent another hour or so in the park talking and barely touching the rest of their now cold coffee. When it was nearing noon, Caroline said they needed to get back to the coffee shop so her dad could pick her up.

Knowing they couldn't exactly do this in front of her dad, Evalynn asked as they walked back, "So when can I see you again?"

"I'm free Saturday next week if that works for you. Do you want to go shopping?" Evalynn was about to suggest something else but Caroline said, "We can go to some boutiques and have some proper alone time in the dressing rooms."

"Works for me," Evalynn said after that suggestion.

"Great!" Caroline said. Once they arrived back at the coffee shop, the car Evalynn had seen before was already there waiting. "There's my dad. I'd better go. I had a great time, Evalynn."

"Me too. Hold on; let me give you my number," she said.

"Oh, right," Caroline said and grabbed a napkin off an empty table and got a pen from her purse writing down her number. She gave it to Evalynn who wrote her number on another section, tore it off and handed it to her. "Got it. I'll call you later and we can decide where to go. Is there anything I should say when I call?"

"Just ask for me," Evalynn said. "If I call, should I just say I'm a friend?"

"Yes," Caroline nodded a little hurriedly. "Yes, just say you're a friend. Well, I'll talk to you later."

"Talk to you later," Evalynn said and Caroline walked up behind the car to the passenger's side of the car. She waited until the car was gone, but once it was, Evalynn had a big smirk and started walking down the road back to her apartment.

"Evalynn?" Luke's voice sounded, startling Evalynn and making her look at the door to the coffee shop where he was stepping out.

"Oh….Luke. Good to see you. I didn't know you were in the area," Evalynn said.

"Yeah; I was sent on a few errands and got myself some coffee cake for my troubles," Luke said, holding up the little bag. "So what brings you in this part of town?"

"Just enjoying my day off," Evalynn lied. "How did you enjoy your Thanksgiving?"

"It was great. My dad and I watched the football game with my uncles and cousins, my mom cooked dinner with my aunts and grandma and by the end of dinner I was so full I couldn't move," Luke said. "But then mom served French Silk pie and pumpkin cupcakes, so I forced those down too. I think I gained 10 pounds in 1 hour."

"It certainly sounds like a great time," Evalynn smiled. "So what errands were you sent on?"

"Mom's out of detergent and we're running low on dish soap so mom sent me to get some."

"Well that's not so bad," Evalynn said. "So did you drive into town?"

"Yeah, I'm parked a block that way," Luke pointed in the direction he'd parked. "Did you want a ride home?"

"Sure," Evalynn shrugged and followed him up the block to his car.

"So how has your day been?" Luke asked once they were in his car.

"It's been fine," Evalynn said. "I got myself some coffee and went to the park to relax. It's actually really nice to relax and not do school work."

"Isn't relaxing nice?" Luke teased. "It's a shame there's only 2 days left of vacation."

"We'll have winter vacation soon enough," Evalynn said.

"You're going back home for that, right?"

"Yeah, I'll be in Washington until after New Year's," Evalynn said. "So I'm going to be busy over Christmas."

"You know that's not what Christmas is for, right?"

"Oh, stop, I'll have a lot of fun," Evalynn said. "One of my cousins was born on Christmas so we get our Christmas dinner and a big birthday cake."

"His birthday's on Christmas? Shit, I'm sorry," Luke said.

"Don't be; he's never missed out. Every year his mom makes the kids their own special dinner for their birthday and Jae Sun always gets Ox Bone stew. That's his favorite."

"How old is he this year?"

"He's turning 17 this year," Evalynn said.

"Good for him," Luke said pleasantly. Before long, they were in front of Evalynn's apartment and once they were, Evalynn and Luke hugged and said they'd see each other on Monday. When she stepped into the apartment, Dimitri and Heidi were in the living room waiting for her.

"How was your date?" Dimitri asked.

"It was great," Evalynn smiled. "We had coffee, went to the park for a bit, she did one of her cheer routines that got her squad third place in a competition and we're seeing each other again Saturday. I gave her the number to the apartment, so if we get a call from a Caroline Murphy, that's her."

"Glad to hear you had a good time," Heidi smiled. "So when do we get to meet her?"

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Heidi; It was one date," Dimitri said and patted Heidi's knee affectionately. "We'll let you two have a few more dates to get to know each other before we start demanding to meet her and scare her away."

"I appreciate it, grandpa," Evalynn laughed a little.

Later in the evening after dinner, Evalynn got a call from Caroline and she took the phone out of the living area into her room so the two of them could talk privately; or as privately as one can get with two vampires in the house. They talked at least two hours before there was a knock that Evalynn overheard on Caroline's bedroom door telling her she needed to get off the phone. The two of them agreed again to see each other next Saturday and agreed on the shopping center they'd meet at before they ended their call.

Throughout the week, Evalynn got back to her usual routine going to class, meeting with her study group and all around keeping herself busy. But she was extremely excited for Saturday. When the day finally came, they met where they'd agreed to and proceeded to shop. Evalynn was normally not one to spend hours shopping preferring to go to a store with intent, get what she needed and be done with it but Caroline was making the endeavor endurable.

"I think I've got everything I want to try. Did you grab anything?" Caroline asked after they'd been wandering around the store for a good hour and thirty minutes.

"I want to try on this pair of jeans," Evalynn held up what she'd grabbed. Caroline became thoughtful and looked at the rack of clothes searching until she found a light fabric floral pattern shirt. "Try this," she said and then went to another rack to grab a pair of blue jean overall shorts designed to be without the front chest panel then grabbed a teal short sleeve T-shirt, "and try this. You'll look fantastic in that."

"Alright," Evalynn said, deciding to just take Caroline's word for it.

Then Caroline finally said, "Okay, let's get ourselves a dressing room and try this on." The small smile that formed on Evalynn's face was unintentional but she couldn't help herself. Caroline noticed and smiled. "Don't get too excited. I do actually want to try these on. One thing at a time." Then Caroline winked at her and the two made their way to the dressing rooms and secluded themselves in an open one.

The two of them got undressed to try on their clothes. Evalynn started with the jeans but was more focused on Caroline. It was the first time she'd seen another woman half naked that wasn't immediate family or her cousin and it gave her a thrill. Caroline seemed focused on the task at hand and told Evalynn the jeans looked great and now she needed to move on to the overalls, but they were too short and didn't fit.

"Well damn," Caroline pouted. "I was so sure those would look great."

"I'm sure they would if they were taller," Evalynn said. "Women's clothes aren't the most accommodating for women pushing 6 feet tall."

"I guess not," Caroline said with a sigh. "What about this dress? How do you like it on me?"

"It's cute," Evalynn answered. Caroline put her hands on her hips with a mischievous smile.

"If I didn't know better, I'd think you had no care whatsoever for the dress and were only interested in getting into it," Caroline said.

"Guilty," Evalynn answered, playing along. Caroline smiled, now looking a little timid.

"I've never kissed a girl before," she said quietly so no one would hear them.

"Me either," Evalynn said.

They stared at each other a moment inching closer and closer to each other. Evalynn was the one to take the plunge and close the distance and once she had, there was a spark of excitement. Her first kiss! She was finally having her first kiss. She felt giddy and gently walked forward so Caroline was against the wall of the dressing room. Caroline reciprocated with ease. Now that the initial nervousness over the 'new' was gone, kissing one another felt natural. Caroline deepened the kiss so their tongues met. They'd have stayed that way were they not startled by the sound of the dressing room beside them opening and closing.

Remaining discreet, Caroline smiled at Evalynn and picked up a few choice items. "I think I'll get these. Are you getting the jeans?"

"I'll buy the jeans and shirt," Evalynn said. When Evalynn said she'd buy the shirt that Caroline had picked up, she gave Evalynn a sweet smile.

"Let's pay for our things and we'll get some lunch together?"

"Sounds good," Evalynn agreed and the two of them left the changing room going to the register to buy their clothes.

Afterwards, the two of them walked to a restaurant nearby to have an early dinner together. They enjoyed talking to one another but had to keep their hands to themselves, so no holding hands. But the table they sat at did have a long table cloth so they were able to play footsy under the table. They even ordered a slice of cake that they shared with a cup of coffee and thankfully their waitress seemed completely oblivious to any affection Caroline and Evalynn were expressing towards one another. Then it neared the time Caroline had to go where she'd agreed for her dad to pick her up. Evalynn walked Caroline to the location in question and the two talked until Caroline saw her dad's car approaching.

"I'll call you later?" Evalynn asked when they noticed the car approach.

"I can't wait," Caroline answered. She puckered her lips making a kissing sound as their only means of having a goodbye kiss and when her father's car was in front of them, Caroline's father rolled down the window.

"You ready to get going, sweetie?" her father asked.

"Yeah," Caroline said but did take a moment to point out Evalynn. "This is Evalynn by the way. Evalynn, this is my dad."

"Good to meet you, Mr. Murphy," Evalynn said and extended a hand that he accepted and they shook.

"Good to meet you, Evalynn. Caroline tells me you're enrolled at Yale as a medical student?"

"Yes, sir," Evalynn smiled. "Once I've gotten through medical school I'll reapply to Yale for my Law Degree."

"Really?" Mr. Murphy said, raising a brow. Then he glanced at Caroline. "You'd better be picking this girl's brain getting ready for college."

"I'm not planning to apply to Yale, daddy," Caroline said.

"Caroline says she wants to become a grad school teacher. If I'm honest, sir, I think her career choice is of much greater value than mine."

Mr. Murphy did shrug a little with a proud smile, "She has a big heart; what can I say? " Caroline smiled sweetly at the praise and then looked at Evalynn.

"I'll talk to you later," Caroline said and went around the car into the passenger's seat. Evalynn returned the sentiment, Mr. Murphy waved goodbye to Evalynn and then they drove off.

As promised, later that day Caroline called and the two talked for an hour before Caroline was told she needed to end the call and get to bed. Over the next several weeks, things continued that way between them. The two would meet each other on a weekend and they'd talk on the phone every other night. They would sneak kisses to one another whenever they could, always under cover whether it was trees in the park when no one was looking or dressing rooms at department stores (Evalynn had never gone clothes shopping so much in her life). Then with the approach of Christmas meant Evalynn would be leaving for Washington for the duration of her winter vacation. After their time together, Evalynn was determined to be truly alone with Caroline. So she begged Dimitri and Heidi to leave for Washington early so she could have the apartment to herself for a few days. She told Caroline she'd be alone, they planned when she would come and the day Caroline was planning to come over, Evalynn spent her remaining time to herself to get the apartment spotless. She'd done some cleaning the night before but wanted to put some finishing touches on the space.

She got candles lit on her tiny dining table and had a dinner prepared. It was just sandwiches she'd purchased from a shop nearby and a slice of cake that she kept in the fridge for them to have with coffee later. She had the coffee maker filled with her grounds and some water so that all she'd have to do was press the button when they were ready for it. She curled her hair and wore one of her nice silk blouses - pale pink shirt that Caroline had convinced Evalynn to buy – and a pair of jeans so that she wasn't too fancy. The closer it came to when Caroline had said she'd arrive, Evalynn got more and more nervous. Caroline had suggested she spend the night and Evalynn had readily agreed to the prospect. She wasn't even expecting sex; she just wanted the luxury of genuine romance that they couldn't express when they were out and about. Then, finally, a knock came at her front door and Evalynn bolted to it, but she stopped so she could take a moment to make sure her shirt was straight and take some deep breaths so she would be composed. Once she was calmed down, she opened the door to Caroline.

"Come in," Evalynn smiled and stepped aside so Caroline could enter. She kicked her boots so the snow would fall off into the snow then rubbed her boots on the rug right at the door so she couldn't track in too much snow. "We usually put our shoes over here," she pointed at a spot that had her day to day shoes rested as did a pair of Dimitri's and Heidi's shoes. She closed the door while Caroline got out of her boots and put her heavy coat on the coat rack revealing a pair of jeans and a navy blue sweater.

"You said you live here with your Aunt and Uncle right?" Caroline asked. Evalynn nodded, keeping the façade so their appearing so young when Caroline finally met her great grandparents wouldn't be such a shock. "You said they left for Washington early?"

"Yeah," Evalynn said, "I've had the place to myself since Tuesday. You're sure you won't get in trouble for staying the night with me?"

"It's no problem. My parents remain blissfully unaware," Caroline said with a smile. "If anything, daddy's encouraging us to hang out. He thinks your smarts will rub off on me."

"Whatever works," Evalynn said. "Are you hungry? It's not much but I got us dinner. I got you that turkey sandwich from Sammy's just the way you like it."

"With cucumber, mayonnaise, tomato and muenster cheese?"

"Yup," Evalynn answered and Caroline smirked.

"You're so sweet," Caroline said and went on her toes to give Evalynn a kiss. Then she went to the table taking a seat in front of her sandwich that rested on a little plate. Evalynn came to the dining table so they could enjoy dinner together. "You said you're leaving for Washington on Monday?"

"Yeah," Evalynn said. "My flight leaves at 9 so I need to get to the airport really early. Sunday I'll be going to bed really early so I'm not the walking dead when I have to leave."

"When are you coming back?"

"I'll be back Saturday after New Year's," Evalynn said. "I'll have another week to myself before the semester starts."

"I start back up at school that Monday," Caroline lamented. "I wish you could be here for New Year's. My friend's parents are having a big party for New Year's; I'd love to take you."

"We can always have a belated New Year's," Evalynn said and reached across the table to hold Caroline's hand. Caroline smiled back at Evalynn and squeezed her hand in response. Then she pulled her hand away, took a hold of her dinner plate and put it right next to Evalynn and then took the seat right beside Evalynn. "This is nice."

"You mean being able to display affection while on a date?" Caroline said with a little smile. "Yeah, this is nice."

They continued to talk pleasantly while eating their sandwiches and once they finished, Evalynn offered to brew some coffee to have with their cake. The cake was eating within minutes and was gone by the time their coffee was ready. Evalynn poured them both a cup while Caroline ran to her purse to get a present. The two reconvened in the living room with Evalynn holding two coffee mugs and Caroline holding up the folded board and spinner for Twister.

"How about we turn on the radio and play a little Twister?" Caroline asked.

Evalynn's only answer was to nod before she put the cups of coffee on the tiny dining table and helped Caroline move the coffee table in the living room out of the way. Caroline unfolded the flexible plastic game board while Evalynn turned on the radio so they had some soft music to listen to while they played. Every now and then the music would be interrupted by the radio host and advertisements, but then the music would come back. Caroline took a turn first and got left hand green. Keeping the rest of her body off the board, she put her left hand on a green circle. Then Evalynn took her turn and got left foot red. So she went to the other side of the board to put down her foot.

For the next hour, they each took their turns putting their hands and feet wherever on the board the spinner directed. It was no time before they were tangled in an awkward tangle of limbs but they were initially on opposite sides of one another. Evalynn was in a crab position with her right foot on a green circle, her left foot on a blue circle, her left hand on a blue circle and her right hand on a yellow circle. Caroline was practically on top of Evalynn with her right foot on yellow, left foot on blue and both her right and left hand on red. Caroline took her turn and got right hand blue.

"Okay, right hand blue. I can do this," she said as though to motivate herself into the new position. She crossed her right hand behind her left to touch the blue spot. "Your turn."

"Let's see," Evalynn said and lifted her hand to hit the spinner with her fingers. She got left hand blue. "I'll spin again." She did and this time got left foot green. "Better." She maneuvered herself as best she could around Caroline's body to get her left foot on a free green spot. As she was moving her foot, her toe caressed Caroline's breast. Caroline giggled but otherwise said nothing.

Hey Jude began playing while Caroline took her turn and when it did, she started singing along with The Beatles while she got her next order from the spinner. Evalynn hummed along and watched as Caroline got left hand yellow.

"Shit, this one'll be hard," she mumbled then continued to sing along with the song.

Evalynn smirked as she watched Caroline try to maneuver herself so that she could get her left hand on yellow. She eventually managed to, but it brought her face right above Evalynn's hips. Neither said anything but they did share a glance and smile before Evalynn reached over to hit the spinner again. This time she got right hand red so she twisted her body so her feet remained on their green circles while her left hand stayed on blue and her right hand planted on red. Her hip was turned upward and gently pressed against Caroline's chin. Again, they just smirked at each other before Caroline took her turn. The son on the radio changed to It's Now or Never by Elvis Presley and Caroline sang along with that one too as she got right foot red.

"Shit," she mumbled again with good humor and started doing her best to move her foot as directed. But inevitably, she lost her balance and fell on Evalynn who collapsed under Caroline with a laugh as Caroline's face was pressed into Evalynn's lower stomach. The two of them started laughing and Evalynn got on her elbows to look down at Caroline.

"I win," Evalynn said.

Caroline was laughing too seeming to not initially notice where her head was rested but soon she looked up at Evalynn and was no longer laughing. Rather, she was giving Evalynn sultry eyes that made Evalynn's laughter die down and her heart race. Caroline started to climb up to Evalynn until their faces were just a breath apart. Evalynn pressed her lips to Caroline's, wrapped her arm around Caroline and then twisted so Caroline was on her back and Evalynn was on top continuing to kiss her. While they kissed, Caroline suddenly pulled her lips away to look up at Evalynn. Evalynn opened her eyes a little confused but was met with Caroline's seductive yet shy smile.

"I have a present for you if you…um…want to go all the way," she said.

"A present?" Evalynn asked as she blushed. She actually felt silly for blushing but Caroline's smile was promising something that Evalynn had admittedly wanted for some time. "What kind of present?"

"Undo my overalls and see," was Caroline's answer.

Evalynn hesitated mere seconds before she got on her knees. Once balanced, she unclipped Caroline's overalls pulling them down while Caroline pulled off her shirt. Caroline directed Evalynn to remove the socks along with the overalls and she did. Once Caroline's clothes were off, Evalynn finally saw her present. Under her clothes, Caroline had been wearing a pair of high-waisted white lace panties that were almost entirely see through save for the design of the lace, a pair of thigh high stockings held up by a lacy garter and a matching lace bullet bra in which her pink nipples were completely visible through the sheer fabric. Caroline's brown hair was sprawled out on the twister board like a halo and Evalynn thought she looked like an angel.

"Do you like your present?" Caroline asked. Evalynn nodded and moved up so she was kneeling between Caroline's legs and caressing her legs feeling the texture of the stockings against her hands.

"You look beautiful," Evalynn finally said. She trailed her hands down over Caroline's body just enjoying the feel of her skin and her sexy lingerie. "Did you really get this just for me?"

"Just because I won't see you for Christmas doesn't mean I can't give you a present," Caroline answered and leaned forward so she was sitting up, her legs still resting atop Evalynn's near her hips. Caroline took a hold of the hem of Evalynn's silk blouse. "May I?"

Evalynn nodded and lifted her arms so Caroline could get the blouse off and toss it to one side. Evalynn's bra was nothing spectacular by comparison. She felt a little embarrassed for being completely unprepared but Caroline seemed unconcerned with it. Instead, she wrapped her arms around Evalynn's neck so they could start kissing again. After that, Evalynn felt emboldened as her arms wrapped around Caroline's waist holding her closer while they began to make out. Evalynn's hands soon trailed down to start squeezing Caroline's firm hips and butt after which Caroline reached behind herself to undo her bra all the while never taking their lips away from one another. When Caroline's bra was off, Evalynn lifted Caroline and carried her the short distance to the couch plopping her down on the cushions. Caroline started giggling so Evalynn shifted her kisses to Caroline's jaw and neck.

"That tickles," Caroline continued giggling when Evalynn started kissing her neck. As an answer, Evalynn gently licked a line up her neck to Caroline's ear and nipped at her lobe, tugging tenderly on the diamond stud in her ear.

"Is there anywhere else you're ticklish?" Evalynn asked.

"You'll have to check for yourself," Caroline said with a smirk. Evalynn was all too happy to take the challenge and started kissing her way back down over Caroline's neck and then chest.

Caroline reached over to the clasps of Evalynn's bra to undo them. Once loosened, Evalynn shook off her bra all while continuing to kiss down Caroline's chest until she reached her breasts. Evalynn took a hold of them rubbing her thumbs over her nipples before taking one in her mouth. Caroline sighed appreciatively and laced her fingers through Evalynn's hair encouraging her to continue. Evalynn nipped Caroline just enough to sting but immediately eased it by licking around Caroline's nipple with her tongue causing Caroline to whimper. She moved on to Caroline's other breast staying more gentle this time around and then started kissing her way over Caroline's midriff down to her hips going from one side to the other. But as Evalynn started planting kisses over Caroline's hips, her access prevented by the silk of her high waisted panties, she started to get a little nervous again.

"I've…um…I've never done this before. So bare with me," Evalynn said.

"Let me help," Caroline smiled encouragingly and undid the clasps of the garter so she could push down her panties.

"Let's take this to my room," Evalynn said, placing her hands on Caroline's to stop her. Then she lifted Caroline to her feet and guided her with to the bedroom.

Once in her room, Evalynn lifted Caroline up again to plant her atop the edge of the bed and took down Caroline's panties the rest of the way so she was bare save for her garter and thigh high stockings. Evalynn's heart pounded as she got on her knees before Caroline. She looked up at Caroline and realized she seemed nervous, though not as much as Evalynn. Deciding she was wasting time being nervous, Evalynn dipped her head down to start kissing Caroline's hips and then the inside of her thighs. Caroline moaned with anticipation waiting in anticipation for what Evalynn would do. But then she had an idea.

"How about we do this together?" Caroline suggested.

"Together?" Evalynn asked and Caroline nodded, standing up and pulling Evalynn by the hand so she was standing.

"You do me, I'll do you," Caroline said and undid the button and zipper of Evalynn's pants.

Caroline tugged down on Evalynn's pants taking her panties with until Evalynn was naked. Evalynn pulled her socks off along with her pants and followed Caroline onto the bed. Taking the lead, Caroline pressed down on Evalynn so she was on her back then spun around so Caroline had her face between Evalynn's legs and vice versa. Having more confidence since Caroline was doing this with her, Evalynn took a hold of Caroline's hips to pull her down enough so Evalynn could start licking her clitoris all while Caroline did the same thing. It took a moment for the two of them to become accustomed to what they were doing, but once Evalynn found a groove and discovered a pattern that seemed to please Caroline the most, she kept it up. The two of them did their best to keep up what they were doing in spite of any mutual pleasure they were experiencing.

After a while, Evalynn had enough confidence to multitask and, while using her tongue on Caroline, she brought her right hand around so she could slip her fingers inside Caroline until she found a slight elevation within her vaginal canal and began pressing on it. Caroline cried out when Evalynn did that and stopped what she was doing from whimpering and encouraging Evalynn to keep going. Caroline managed to regain her bearings and copied what Evalynn was doing. They kept building each other up higher and higher until Evalynn had an idea and softly rubbed her hand over Caroline's butt.

"Hey," Evalynn said, "Get on your back. I have an idea." Caroline moaned in response and gave Evalynn another lick before getting on her back as Evalynn directed. Then Evalynn moved Caroline's legs around until they were pressed against one another so their clitorises touched. Once they were in position, Evalynn started to grind against Caroline slowly and moaned. "Does it feel good?"

"One second," Caroline said and reached down between them so she could open herself up so her clitoris was better exposed and once it was Evalynn moved again and this time it felt good and Caroline sighed. "There we go," she said and moaned a little louder when Evalynn began a full rhythm that stayed slow and steady.

Since the movement and closeness kept her open, Caroline lifted her hands up to grab a hold of Evalynn's breasts rubbing them affectionately. Evalynn kept moving her hips grinding against Caroline building themselves up again. As Evalynn moved, Caroline sighed longingly as she climbed closer and closer until she told Evalynn she was getting really, really close. After hearing that, Evalynn stopped what she was doing, got down on her stomach so she was between Caroline's legs and started licking between her legs slipping her fingers back inside Caroline to bring her to climax. Evalynn was a little more aggressive with her tongue and fingers to intensify the pleasure and finally she felt Caroline's walls grip her fingers tightly accompanied by Caroline's cries of pleasure as Evalynn's sign that Caroline had achieved orgasm. It took Caroline a moment to recover and as she was recovering, Evalynn starting planting tender kisses over her body until she was at Caroline's neck gently sucking at her skin.

As soon as she was able, Caroline pushed Evalynn onto her back and went down between her legs to return the favor. Evalynn laced her fingers into Caroline's thick brown hair and laid back enjoying Caroline's tongue against her clitoris until she reached her own orgasm. When Evalynn had reached her orgasm, she tugged a little at the roots of Caroline's hair while her hips gyrated from pleasure. Caroline kept going until Evalynn's grip loosened and she had stopped moving. Caroline crawled up so she could rest her head on Evalynn's breasts and Evalynn leaned her head down to kiss the top of Caroline's head.

"That was…wow," Caroline said with a blissful smile and Evalynn giggled a little.

"You're good for my ego," Evalynn said. A thought came to her mind that she tried to push away; it didn't matter. But no matter what, it kept eating at her until she finally asked, "Did….was it better than it was with a guy?" Caroline lifted her head so she was looking at Evalynn a little surprised by the question. "Never mind. Forget I asked. I shouldn't have."

"No, it's fine," Caroline said and smiled reassuringly, even kissing Evalynn's breast. "If I'm honest, my ex was my first. It was the back of his car after Junior prom, three thrusts and it was done. But after a while, it got better with practice. By the time we had broken up, we both knew what we were doing and the sex was pretty good. We just weren't compatible as a couple. Sex with you felt more….attentive. Or maybe intuitive is the word. Either way, I had a fantastic time."

"Really?" Evalynn asked.

"Really," Caroline smiled and lifted her head to press a kiss to Evalynn's lips.

They spent the rest of the evening in Evalynn's bed. They cuddled and talked until finally falling asleep. When Evalynn woke the next morning, the smell of pancakes filled the air and when she stepped out of her room, Caroline was in a little blue teddy with matching blue panties and coffee was brewing. It was perhaps the sexiest thing Evalynn had ever woken up to. By the time Evalynn had to leave for Washington, she had a little spring in her step feeling on top of the world. Heather was the one to come pick Evalynn up and after the two shared a tight hug and were in Heather's car, she looked at Evalynn noticing the glow about her.

"You're certainly in a good mood," Heather said.

"Yeah," Evalynn nodded and couldn't help smiling when she thought back on her night and even morning with Caroline. "We slept together."

"Pardon?"

"Caroline and I," Evalynn said, unable to resist. "We slept together."

"Really? That's great! How was it?"

"It was amazing," Evalynn said with a sigh and smile. "This feels really nice having a girlfriend."

"She's helped you learn to relax a little I hope," Heather teased.

"We've been spending every weekend together, so I'd say so," Evalynn said.

"How do her parents feel about you and Caroline?"

The question took the wind out of Evalynn's sales a little and she looked forward at the road. "They don't know," Evalynn finally said. "They think we're just friends."

"Would they be angry if they knew?" Heather asked and Evalynn nodded gently.

"Her dad isn't so much but her mother is deeply religious," Evalynn said. "The way Caroline talks about her, I suspect if she knew she would kick Caroline out of the house or demand Caroline 'come to her senses'."

"So what happens if you and Caroline end up….I guess being together for good? I mean, you like her a lot I can tell."

"I don't know," Evalynn shrugged. "I wish I did, but I don't know. All we can do is just see how it goes. Regardless, we really like each other. And it's not just because we're each other's first girlfriend."

"You said she had a boyfriend before this, right? So her parents don't suspect anything?"

"Not as far as I can tell," Evalynn said. "After she graduates high school and is going to college, she said she's planning to stay in the dorms, so that will give us a lot more freedom. She's also going to get a car come summer before she goes to college."

"Does she know where she's going?"

"She plans on applying to Southern Connecticut University. It'll keep her in New Haven so we'll still be close together. The school has an Early Childhood education program so she can get her teaching credentials."

"That's good," Heather said.

"So how about you and Embry? How have things been since you officially became an item?" After her question, Heather started to blush a little.

"We're taking things slow still," Heather said. "We go on dates all the time and we've done some things, but…..the day we had become official, daddy apparently had a long talk with Embry and….long story short Embry is basically keeping our intimacy to a limit out of respect for my father." Heather took a deep breath and then said, "It's God damn infuriating. We'll kiss and what not but the moment I try to initiate anything further, Embry will go along with it for a little while but will stop me before we can go too far."

"Did Uncle Kevin tell him he wasn't allowed to lay a hand on you or something?"

"No, it's not that," Heather said. "As Embry explained it, his imprinting on me and our relationship finally evolving past the simple platonic has been…awkward for him and daddy to say the least. He's trying to maintain normalcy but realistically, that's a little difficult when your childhood friend is madly in love with your daughter. I really understand where daddy is coming from and I appreciate that Embry is trying to be respectful but," Heather stopped and sighed heavily, "I have needs God damn it!" she finally blurted out and Evalynn laughed just a little.

"You still have that massager?"

"Yes, and I've been using it more frequently than I care to admit," Heather said. "The problem is he wants me and I know he wants me. Men can't exactly hide it when they want you."

"Yes, I hear it's rather annoying for a man to get erections at the most inopportune time," Evalynn said.

"Us making out on his couch while I'm straddling him is hardly an 'inopportune time'. It's the perfect time. But when I try to touch him, he'll stop me."

"Hey, at least you two are finally together," Evalynn shrugged. "You've got all the time in the world so don't be in a rush, I say."

"I guess," Heather grumbled.

"Now I feel bad for bringing up Caroline," Evalynn said.

"Don't be," Heather finally smiled, "I'm happy for you. I just hope everything works out for the best."

"Me too," Evalynn said.