Renesmee Cullen

I was awoken by a text on the Saturday morning. I groggily stretched my hand out to the nightstand to grab my phone to see it was a text from Nahuel. I frowned as I glanced over to Jake's side of the bed to see him sleeping soundly, his bare body lifting and falling as he snored lowly.

I gnawed my bottom lip. So cute.

I sighed as I reluctantly read the text from Nahuel.

Nessie! Help me! I need your help! Please! Or it's going to be too late.

Nahuel

My mouth agape as I read the plea for help. My paranoid side awakened. Did something happen to Nahuel?

I thought about waking Jake up to tell him I was heading over to Nahuel's but I didn't want to ignite anything so I just decided to tell him something else.

I planted a kiss on his lips which woke him up slightly.

"Hello, baby." He muttered in his half-asleep, thick, deep voice. I smiled.

"I'm going to head out for a few but I'll be back soon okay?" I told him.

"Where are you going?" He asked, his eyes half-open.

"I'm just going to grab a few things at the house and stop by a friend's quickly." I told him. "It will only take an hour, tops." I said.

I wasn't lying. I actually was intending to get a couple of things later today.

"Okay." He believed me. "I love you," He whispered.

I smiled. "Love you too," I said, planting a kiss on his lips before hopping off the bed to freshen up.

When I was done, I headed out the bedroom where I was met with a series of giggles coming from Seth's bedroom. I closed my eyes and shook my head.

Alex and Seth…

Disgusting but cute…I guess?

I grabbed my car keys and walked past the couch where Embry was fast asleep. I smiled as I ran out of the house.

So as expected, Jake and I hardly had time alone together. If it wasn't Embry, it was Seth and Alex. If it was neither of them that interfered, it was always work and school that got in the way so I was pretty bunked that I couldn't spend romantic alone time with my boyfriend.

Jake said he's got something romantic planned tonight for us though and I'm pretty excited for that.

But that wasn't my focus at this point. Now I was focused in figuring out what was going on with Nahuel.

As I drove to his mansion, I thought of all the possibilities. Jennifer told me once (when she wasn't cold to me) that Nahuel had a hint of bipolar and could do something crazy if ignited so I was slightly freaking out for my friend.

When I reached his gigantic mansion, I semi-circled around his large fountain in his driveway before pulling up next to the bushes. I slipped out of my car and began climbing up the ceramic stairs that led to his front, mahogany double-door.

I tied my long bronze hair into a ponytail. I inhaled a deep breath before knocking on the door.

I waited for a few seconds before the doors were opened wide.

My mouth agape as I noticed Nahuel, unscathed, in nothing but a white towel and water dripping off his dark brown skin. His straight, black hair was soaked in water and he was grinning like an idiot, showcasing his perfect white teeth.

"Nahuel!" I called out.

"Hi, mi carina." He greeted with a wink. "Pretty hot outside, huh?" He insinuated.

I scoffed. "I got your text saying you really wanted my help! I was worried sick."

"Oh, you were worried about me?" He teased.

I gritted my teeth together. "Why did you sound so scared? Why did you sound so panicked?"

"I am panicking!" He said before pulling out two dress shirts. "Pale blue or white? I wanna look good for tonight." He asked me.

My mouth dropped. I groaned, spinning on my heel and began heading down to my car.

"Where are you off to?" He snickered slyly.

"You know, I thought you were a little full of yourself –"

"Full of myself?" He laughed, feeling offended.

"Yeah! But now you just solidified it." I grumbled, reaching the last stair.

"You know, Nahuel! I have a life with a lot of problems going on so don't be the unnecessary weight holding me back." I stated to him as I reached my car.

"Okay. I'm sorry!" He stated.

This immediately caused me to look at him reluctantly. He seriously looked sincere, like pissing me off was not his intent. It better not have been but it didn't matter, I already was.

"I really don't know how to do this. I've never been to a party and especially with a bunch of teenage humans so I'm really in a dilemma." He told me. "I don't want look like an idiot."

I contemplated for a few seconds before shutting the door of my car and making my way up to the house. He grinned confidently as he adjusted the towel around his waist.

I stared only into his eyes.

"Hi," He whispered.

I faked a smile. "Just don't ever do that to me again. We're friends and I don't want a reason for that to stop."

"Of course, mi amore." He stated.

I frowned. "Don't call me that. My boyfriend has big guns." I said.

"Have you seen mine?" He said presumptuously.

I chuckled, rolling my eyes at his confidence.

I'll admit, he was quite lean and muscular but nowhere near to Jacob's size. I think it's the difference in height that comes into play. But his ego was certainly really high.

He stepped aside. "Come in, milady."

I rolled my eyes. Oh, brother!

"Welcome to mi casa. Mi Casa is Su Casa." He stated as he shut the door. I was quiet. "Want anything to drink?" He asked as he walked into the vintage living room.

"No thanks," I stated, strolling in and eying the scenery of the house.

It was so elegant and classy. This entire house was actually. It had some vintage aura to it, like it was designed in the 1900s. The dark, mahogany stairwells and brown walls with ancient paintings and antique artefacts was quite alluring.

I nodded my head.

"Nice place!" I commented as I entered into the living room.

"Muchos gracias, I try." He said as he poured a bottle of Jack into his mini, crystal glass cup.

"La casa es demasiado grande para una sola, correcto?" He asked.

He asked if the house was too large for one single person. I'll say. Glad I took Spanish when I was homeschooled and currently.

"Well you have Jennifer." I replied.

"Yeah well…" He shrugged as he took a sip of his whiskey.

I smiled. "So, what's your problem with parties?"

"Well, I've lived in Brazil where all everyone does is party." He said.

I scoffed. "Yeah that's why I'm confused."

"Well, those parties weren't my kind of thing, y'know?" He said.

I nodded, my eyes on carpet he was standing on but apparently he thought I was gawking at his body.

"Like what you see?" He teased, licking his lips.

I rolled my eyes. "No. The maroon carpet doesn't go with the creamy coffee table. I suggest you should add more brown to the table to incorporate in with the color scheme" I said, gesturing to the ceramic table.

He stared at me grabbing the cloth on the side table next to the patterned, round couch with wooden edges and placing it underneath the vase of the creamy coffee table.

He looked at it before humming.

"Interesting," He said. "Ever thought of interior design?" He asked.

I laughed. "I'm just an artsy person and my grandmother takes that title."

"Could have fooled me." He said.

I smiled. "Why don't you put a shirt on?" I asked him.

"No. This is my comfort zone." He said.

I rolled my eyes. "Can we just get this whole thing over and done with?" I asked.

He grinned.

We were both in his large bedroom closet, running through his clothes. I pulled out some dark denim jeans and shiny, black formal shoes.

"Okay. So, I'm not quite sure what to wear on an occasion like this." He said.

"Well, I'd say you don't want to particularly look out of place but you also want to be different. Um…I'm not a fashion expert like Alice but I think you should lose the white shirt and pale blue shirt and wear something dark. You've got a black shirt right?"

He nodded, snatching it from the rack

I nodded and matched them with the jeans and shoes.

"Done." I said with a smile.

He grinned. "Well thank you. I love it."

I smiled, nodding my head.

"Should I keep my shirt buttoned at the top or leave the top three open?" He asked.

"Leave three open. I think other girls like that." I laughed.

"What about other girls?" He asked in confusion.

"Well, there will be a lot of girls there who are eager to party –I heard boys love that at least that's what I know! A friend of mine said a room of girls means girlsardise." I laughed, remembering something Embry told me on Wednesday.

"Right." Nahuel replied. "I'll keep that in mind."

I smiled. "So are we done?" I asked.

He shrugged. "I guess we are." He replied with a smile.

I smiled, nodding my head in response before sauntering my way past him and heading out of the massive closet. I halted in my tracks as a thought rushed through my brain.

"Um…" I paused, twirling around to see Nahuel applying some lotion onto his dark body. "Well, I was wondering what time the party will be?"

His eyes widened. Suddenly I could sense some nervousness radiating off him as his cocky grin fell.

"W-What?" He stuttered.

"I mean, Jennifer's party tonight. Is it still at six-thirty?" I asked.

"Oh!" He chuckled –in a hint of relief – as he nodded his head. "Yeah, yeah! Of course."

I nodded my head.

"Are you thinking of coming?" He asked, in slight hopefulness.

"I don't know. I don't think so. I've got plans tonight anyway." I said, remembering the conversation I had with Jake about the romantic gesture he had planned for us tonight. I was pretty excited for it.

"Then why did you bring it up if you weren't interested in coming?" He probed.

I don't even know why I asked, I mean, maybe I do but I don't exactly want to admit to him or myself.

"Just curious. My friend, Felicity really wants me to come with her but I don't think so." I replied. "Besides, I've got plans as I said." I added needlessly.

Nahuel didn't look to happy to hear that I had plans it seemed.

"It will make Jennifer and me, especially, really happy if you did." He whispered, his dark eyes piercing through mine like an animal eying its prey.

I furrowed my eyebrows. I can't just stop my plans with Jake just for some party that the talk of the town is throwing.

But it got me thinking. What would a party thrown by one of the most popular, beautiful and –admittedly – sweetest girl in school look like?

"I guess I'll have to think about it." I told him.

He nodded. "No problem. It's your decision ultimately." He simply replied.

"Yeah…" I said awkwardly. "Well, I guess I better get going." I told him.

"I will walk you out." He said.

When we reached the front door, he reached for the handle to open it for me. I looked up at him and smiled politely before slipping out.

"Hopefully I'll see you tonight?" He said.

I shrugged. "I don't know," I chuckled as I descended the flight of steps.

I approached my car and hopped in. I pressed my finger against the start button and heard the car roar. I glanced out the window to see Nahuel grinning widely. I forced a smile before driving out of his massive driveway.

… …

"How's it going in Egypt? I'm sure it's really hot!" I said over the phone as I took out some clothes from the rack.

"You have no idea. We have to stay indoors the entire time because we don't want to expose our skin the world. Obviously!"

"Obviously," I laughed. "Anyway, so how is everyone? Amun, Kebi, Tia and Benjamin?"

"They're great. They were delighted it see us again after so many years." She stated. "They were asking about you. We showed them pictures and videos of you. Benjamin is still shocked at how grown up you are."

I chuckled. "Yeah, he is good man." I replied, folding up a camisole and jeans. "And how did they react to Carter."

She sighed over the line before replying. "Not as good as expected but not as bad as we prepared for. They received him well but their main concern was what would happen if the Volturi found about him and his powers. It just brought back so many memories of the past."

I nodded my head.

They were all worried about the events that occurred after I was born returning to haunt them. If the Volturi ever found out about Carter and his gift, there'd probably be a rift between covens and there's no telling what the outcome would be.

"What did Benjamin say about Carter's power?" I said, trying to deviate from the topic because I could tell she was getting emotional.

"He has seen nothing like it. Carter demonstrated his gift once again on a tree and it almost burned down the entire area. Benjamin tells us that Carter seems to have no control over it, it just happens and when it does it just keeps increasing in power and fury. Amun doesn't think it's a gift or an ability –after we told him the story of Charles. Amun believes it's more or less a curse or something past down to him from his father."

"He thinks Charles intentionally knew this would be of his son so he gave Carter this power?" I asked, stopping in my tracks.

"Yep. They believe his real gift is the compulsion but the power of influencing the fire element is something totally different." She added.

I furrowed my eyebrows. "Wow!"

"Yeah, we'll give you a proper update when we come back in two weeks." She said to me.

I nodded my head. "Okay."

"How's it going over there?"

"Ugh, you know. Same old, same old. Busy with school." I said, hiding the fact that I am currently living at Jake's apartment for the next weeks. "Jasper and Alice went Vermont to visit Peter and Charlotte." I said.

Alice and Jasper got a call from their old nomad friends that I vaguely remember helped us during the whole Volturi ordeal eight years ago. I assured them that I'd be fine being alone as I had Jake as well as Seth and Embry close by so they just took that in and took off yesterday.

"They left you all alone?!" Bella questioned, her motherly instinct kicking in.

"Mom. I'll be fine! I'm fully grown which means I'm essentially eighteen years old! Totally capable of taking care of myself." I said.

"I know. I'm just being a mom. You can't blame me for caring." She replied.

I laughed. "Of course not mom. And I love you for it." I said with a smile as I placed some clothes neatly into my go-away bag,

"What are you planning on doing this weekend?" She asked.

"I don't know. I was thinking of just hanging around with Jake, probably go to the movies or something and study." I added.

"Isn't tonight the party you told me Jennifer was throwing?" She asked.

I sighed at the mention. "Yeah,"

"And you don't want to go?" She said, more of a statement than a posed question. She knew me well.

"I don't know. Felicity wants me to go and so does Nahuel, they're both adamant I'd have a good time [whatever that means] I mean, I'd much rather be with my boyfriend. It doesn't make me a bad person, does it?"

"Of course not. You actually shouldn't be partying as a senior so it's good to know you are more mature about it." She said.

I smiled. I heard a knock on the door from downstairs.

I wasn't expecting anybody.

"I gotta go mom. I'll text you later."

"Okay, kiddo." She laughed.

I threw my phone onto my bed and started making my way down the stairs. Another series of knocks approached my ears.

"Coming! Coming!" I called out as I leaped over to grab the door handle and opened the door to see Felicity standing there with two zipped up hangers in her grasp.

"Hey!" She squealed.

"Hi! Uh…what are those?" I asked, gesturing to the items in her hands. She grinned as she waltzed in. "Don't tell me those are the outfits you want me to wear for tonight's party." I pleaded as I shut the door.

"How did you guess?" She gasped.

"Because I know you, Felicity and you should know me by now that I don't want to go." I said to her as I made my way up the stairs, to my room.

"Oh, come on! Please! We never go out." She replied as she followed my tail. I rolled my eyes.

"No!" I said.

"Okay! Just agree to go and I'll never pressure you to go to another party again." She said.

"Even then, the answer will remain the same." I stated as I zipped my bag up. "And besides, I'm spending tonight with Jake." I said to her, smiling as I walked past her to grab some cosmetics from my bathroom.

"He'll understand! You two see each other every day. I'm sure he'll understand that his girlfriend needs to have fun with her best friends." She stated. I sighed, narrowing my eyes at her as I shut the cabinet of my vanity counter. "Look, I understand that you two are in your honeymoon phase and have been dating for what like, three months?"

"It's actually eight,"

"Wow? That long? You're practically married!" She laughed.

I snorted but felt my cheeks burn as the thought of being married to Jake ran through my brain and stopped for a minute. Jacob looking dashing in his tux, I in a wedding dress, watching my family sitting in the front row as my fiancé and I uttered our vows of love and devotion. Fast track to a couple years later where Jake and I are a happily married couple where we're living in a nice house with a couple of dogs running around. We've got forever to make that into a reality. It was a nice thought.

"Nessie? Are you even listening to me?" She asked.

"Sorry. Yeah! No! I can't go." I stated, shoving some cosmetics into my vanity bag and heading out the bathroom.

"Nessie! Gah! You're impossible." She groaned as I walked past her.

"Where do I even fit in here, Lecity? I mean, it's Jennifer's party. She's your friend, not mine." I said.

"You have issues with her, I get that but don't think showing up at her party would make you seem like the bigger person? You'll let her know that you're not bothered by her even in the slightest. And with the outfits I brought you, you'll definitely turn heads."

"Away from Jennifer? Please!" I scoffed.

"Which is why I brought outfits to wear!" She stated enthusiastically as she unzipped the dress hanger.

"Felicity, it's not a fashion show." I told her as I zipped the hanger rack up. "Why are you so passionate in wanting me to go to the party?" I asked, perplexed.

"Oh, please just come. It will be fun. All your friends will be there, you'll have a good time. I promise. Hey, you can even bring Jacob along!" She suggested.

I contemplated on it for a minute, before exhaling a reluctant sigh. "If I promise I'll think about it you'll promise to leave me alone with all this partying thing? Meaning, no persuasion of any kind from here on out?" I demanded.

She nodded her head. "Promise,"

"Okay." I said. I involuntarily moved my focus on Felicity to my window where the drops from the rain and mist clogged my view out the window. "I'm not sure the party's going to work out either way because of the rain."

It's been pouring for the past couple of weeks and it's only the beginning of the Fall season. I don't

Felicity followed my gaze and I could sense her nerves kick in.

"O-oh uh! I don't think it'll be a problem. It's an indoor house party." She said to me. I frowned. "At least that's what she told me."

Something's not right.

… …

Jacob Black

I punched in the numbers on the calculator the second time around and I got the exact same answer and I immediately scratched my head…again.

This didn't add.

"Yo!" Seth greeted as he entered the room. I didn't reply. "What's up with him?"

Embry answered. "No clue. Playing with a calculator." Embry replied with a mouthful of cereal.

"He's weird lately. Like last week, I could him licking a tree." Seth ratted me out.

"Are you serious?" Embry gurgled. "He really is a dog."

"I can hear you guys, y'know?" I pointed out in complete annoyance.

"Oh, we know that bro!" Embry replied. "I think he's going through a quarter-life crisis." He stated.

"What is that? Like a mid-life crisis?" Seth asked.

"Yeah, but only this time instead of buying a fast car, he's going crazy." Embry said.

I rolled my eyes.

"Where's Nessie when you need her?" Embry laughed.

"Nessie's grabbing some stuff back at her house and visiting a friend." I responded, begrudgingly glaring at Embry.

"Come on, man. In all seriousness, what's going on?" Seth questioned, taking a seat on the edge of my couch with a bowl of Apple Jacks cereal in his grasp.

I sighed. "Uh…just calculating our expenses for the month." I told him. "I don't think we can barely afford rent this month at the look of things."

"What about the deposit I sent in?" Seth questioned.

I shrugged. "I don't know. I thought we'd work it out like we always do but I guess not. I mean we had to pay for the clogged toilet, thank you Embry, which broke it completely. Even though we were able to repair some of the broken appliances in the house, there were some that we needed to replace completely. I think we gotta cut down on a few things 'coz now the expenses are piling up. Phone bills are overdue. Car insurance payments increased. And now with Embry cribbing with us, we got even more groceries to buy –"

Embry cut me off.

"Why don't you ask the Cullen's for help? They're fully loaded with money! I mean, don't they keep their million in their vampire vault or whatever?" He suggested.

"I'm not going to ask my girlfriend's family for help." I stated firmly.

"Okay, dude. I understand. They're money probably smells like crap and we're kinda still queasy around them but…they've got the money." He said in contrast.

I shook my head.

"Whatever, dude. It's your ass in the gutter." He shrugged. "Hey, maybe I should get a job?" Embry suggested.

I glanced back at him. You think?!

"Of course you need to get a job."

"If you want to live here then ain't gonna be free, bro. I learned that the hard way." Seth chuckled.

Embry sighed. "I guess I better get started on reading those job hunting magazines, right?"

"They're called newspapers, Embry. Newspapers." Seth said.

The slender wolf groaned before hopping off the couch.

"Everything will work out, man. Stress isn't good for you, at least that's what my mom told me." Seth pointed out, patting my shoulder. I nodded my head. "I'm going to check up on Alex. My girl sleeps for days." He laughed.

I sighed as I stared at the stacks of paper sprawled across my coffee table. I nervously gnawed on my nail, tapping my foot.

I'm in a funk.

Dammit.

The door flinging open caused me to scurry to gather all the papers together before throwing them to ground, shoving them under the couch. I shot my head up to see Nessie waltzing in with a duffel bag and a couple of hangers in her grasp.

"Oh!" I mumbled, jumping off the couch and running over to help her.

She giggled. "Thanks. Hey, Embry!" She waved at him.

He winked as he continued devouring his cereal.

I quickly ran to the bedroom with her things and reappeared with empty hands as I approached the couch again. She hopped onto my free leg and draped her arms around my neck whilst I wrapped an arm around her waist, supporting her on my lap.

"Everything all right?" I asked her with a sigh, staring at her glossy pink lips.

She nodded her head, scraping her nails through my hair.

"Are you okay?" She asked.

I frowned. "Yeah, of course. Why?"

She shrugged. "You just seem weird, like you're stressed about something."

I sighed heavily. "Don't worry about it. Everything's all good. Hopefully," I chuckled.

She smiled, planting her lips in a brief kiss before quickly pulling away. I furrowed my eyebrows.

Now something's wrong with her.

"What's wrong with you? You're kissing differently." I muttered.

"There's nothing wrong." She smiled convincingly. "Just a little annoyed with Felicity right now." She stated.

"So that's why you took long?" I laughed.

She scoffed. "She kept trying to convince me that going to Jennifer's party will be 'so good' for me! Gosh!" She said, shaking her head.

I bit my lip. "Do you want go?" I asked.

She didn't answer for a second.

"I mean, I don't know. I'd much rather be with you! I told her you and I had plans for tonight anyway." She said.

I didn't have much planned for tonight anyway. I thought we'd just stay in –right after kicking Seth and Embry out of the apartment for the night – and watch some movies whilst eating her pizza from the new pizza shop she wanted to try.

"It's okay. If you really want to go, I don't have a problem." I assured her.

She groaned, burying her head into my neck as she gripped my neck with her warm hands.

"Mmm! I don't know. Mmm…She wouldn't take no for an answer. I really feel bad for blowing off your plans for tonight. I promise I'll make it up to you." She assured me, showering kisses on my cheek.

I laughed.

"Will you come to the party with me?"

"A party filled with drunk, hormonal teenagers?" I probed. She giggled.

"You're probably right but if you ever change your mind, you'll know where to find me." She stated.

"Ooh! Such a formal invite, Ms. Cullen." I teased.

… …

Renesmee Cullen

As I approached Nahuel's house, I saw a beeline of cars parked on his driveway. I could hardly find any parking from where I was so I just resorted to parking on the lawn.

I could hear the loud, upbeat music being blasted from inside the house and kids screaming on top of their lungs. Man! This must be one crazy party. Jennifer really did establish one huge turnout.

I suddenly felt self-conscious about my being here. What am I doing here anyway if all I'll see is Jennifer rubbing all her success in my face? Damn did I wish Jake came with me, maybe I'll rub my boyfriend *coughs* her prey *coughs* in her face.

My self-esteem was slowly being beaten to the ground and I felt like I wasn't worthy to be in such a crowd.

I did the one thing almost all teenage girls do –which I never thought I'd do in a million years– and took a glance in the rearview mirror to see if I'm pretty enough for Jennifer's crowd.

I applied some pink lipstick on my lips and fixed up my straightened down bronze hair –that ran down my shoulders to my waist.

Nessie! You're being absolutely ridiculous! My conscience whispered to me.

I know I am but what are you? Ugh! Just stop, Ness! You're fine! You're just going to walk in, say hi to everybody and leave to your mate. Simple.

When I was sure I looked acceptable, I slipped out of my Camry and shut the door where the music blasted clamorously into my ear.

They're trying to take all of your dreams

But you can't allow it

'Coz baby whether you're high or low

Whether you're high or low

You've got to tip on the tightrope (tip on it)

T-t-tip on the tightrope (tip on it)

Baby, baby, baby whether you're high or low (high or low)

Baby, whether you're high or low (high or low)

You've got to tip on the tightrope (tip on it)

Now let me see you do the tightrope (tip on it)

I gasped, watching already drunken school kids running up the outside stairwell –one stumbling and laughing hysterically – and running into the house.

I glanced at my watch.

6:57pm.

Dang.

Am I too late?

Or am I too early?

I sighed as I began making my way over to the enormous Nahuel/Jennifer residence.

The moment I entered through the large double doors, I came across a massive crowd people, at least a thousand or more –all of which are losing their minds with red solo cups filled with beer or tequila in their grasp – all in one big congregation.

My eyes were wide and my mouth agape.

I was dumbfounded, literally dumbfounded. Is this a party or a rave? I know they're all in the same thing but…I'm so delirious.

"Ooh! Guys! She's here! Everybody quiet!" I heard Felicity squeal as she hopped onto the stage with a microphone in her grasp. The crowd soon lowered down when they saw me.

"To my best friend! One true friend at that. You deserve the best and more. This party is for you!" Felicity pointed her finger towards…

Me?

Was she talking about me?

I turned my head around to see if Jennifer was behind me or something.

"Yes you, Rens! I know you didn't want to make a big deal out of your birthday but I couldn't sleep knowing that my best friend didn't get the party she deserved so, happy belated…senior bash?" She said, trying to avoid the topic.

The gigantic crowd roared in cheers.

I inhaled a heavy breath.

"Nessie! Nessie! Nessie! Nessie!" The group of schoolmates all cheered, throwing their fists in the air and screaming on the top of their lungs.

Omigosh! This is not happening!

"And I couldn't have made this possible without the help and generosity of the hosts of this party, Nahuel and Jennifer." Felicity squealed, clapping her hands in the applause towards Nahuel who had been standing on the balcony, grinning at me with Jennifer by his side who had her eyes set on me –but not in the same joyous manner.

The crowd soon followed Felicity in cheering.

"Enjoy the party everybody! DJ turn up!" Felicity shrieked.

The DJ suddenly blasted the sickest beats of electro music and the entire crowd raged with it.

Felicity grinned as she ran to me.

"What do you think?" She asked. I opened my mouth. "On second thought, don't answer that." She stated, pulling my arm. "You need to get a drink."

When Felicity and I reached the bar, she spun around to grin at me.

"Cocktail?" She asked me.

"I can't believe you set this up? I can't believe you set me up! Is this why you wanted me to come to the party? So that I could find out that you're throwing me a party? One I specially asked you never to throw for me?" I asked in a disappointed, unimpressed tone.

She grinned, showcasing her white teeth. "You're welcome."

I rolled my eyes. Alice and Felicity will probably be the best of friends, I can surely tell.

"Thank you," I acknowledged, begrudgingly.

She smiled as she talked to the bartender, leaning against the bar table. Suddenly, I felt the familiar burning of the throat as my eyes were fixed on the vein sticking out on her neck, blood rushing through it.

My mouth was beginning to dry and I could feel my eyes beginning to feel prickly. It was like her blood was sending me on a trance, like it was compelling me to do whatever it desired…to follow it…to dance to it. It was as if it was singing to me.

I have never felt this way about anyone's blood…

I had never felt this way about any blood for that matter.

Another scent approaching us immediately pulled me out of fascination, causing some of the burning in my throat to simmer.

"The girl of the hour." Alex mentioned as she came over to us, a red cup in her hand.

"Don't remind me." I said, trying to avoid all the birthday wishes of everyone that passed by.

"I'll be right back." Felicity said to us before running away.

When the scent of her blood slowly felt distant, the burn in my throat subsided.

Oh goodness!

Don't you dare look back!

Just keep your eyes on me

I know you're holding back

Just shut up and dance with me

Alex poured herself something more to drink.

"You want some?" She asked.

I shook my head. "No. Thanks!"

"Good girl on your b-day?"

"That's the thing. It's not! And I'd rather not be a poster child for teenage drinking." I told her.

She snorted. "Yeah well, you ain't even a teenager yet." She whispered.

I frowned. "On second thought, I'll have that drink." I needed to drown my irritable sorrows in something and if alcohol can offer that, bring it on!

She laughed as she handed me her cup of whiskey. I took a swig and crinkled my nose as the stingy feeling of the drink travelled down my throat.

Alex laughed. "It's strong hey?"

I shook my head and handed the bottle back to her.

"Where's Rea?" I asked.

"Probably somewhere confessing her grossy love for Luke Fitzpatrick." Alex replied bluntly. My eyes widened and she nodded. "Yeah, I know. Gross."

"Rea likes someone in the school?" I asked.

She chuckled. "Yeah, apparently."

I sighed. "Good for her."

Alex noticed my uncomfortableness.

"Look. I know Felicity's crazy and on some serious Xanax or something but she means well. Give her some credit. No friend in the world would go to the ends of the earth to throw someone a party because they feel like they deserve it. I love you all to death but I wouldn't do that if y'all didn't want it but Felicity will really do anything to get a smile on your face no matter if you never asked for it." She said to me.

I smiled. As much as I didn't want this, it was nice to know that Felicity cared about us that much…I guess?

"I guess I better genuinely thank her."

"Don't forget to thank Nahuel because this was his idea." Alex said. "Hey, maybe I was wrong. Maybe Felicity is loyal after all."

I frowned. This party was Nahuel's idea?

Oh god! I should have known.

All those little gestures this morning…He was trying to hide the fact that the party was all for me?

"Renesmee," I heard Justin's voice reach my ears as he appeared out of the blue.

"Hey, Justin." I grinned widely but let it fall slightly when he pulled me by the waist and planted a kiss on my cheek before pulling away to chortle at me.

"Hope you're having a great night." He said.

I smiled slightly, nodding my head and staring at the ground awkwardly.

"Thank you," He said.

He smiled, glancing back at his sister before walking away.

I turned to her, eyebrows raised. She shrugged.

"You're screwed! You should have told him how you feel about him." She said. I sighed. "You're screwed."

"I don't feel anything for him though." I said.

"Maybe tonight's the night you make it known." She suggested. I rolled my eyes. "Jacob's not coming?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I hope." I replied.

I thought about what Alex said and came to the realization that she was right –however mental anguish I may undergo – and decided it was time to set the record straight.

"I'll be right back." I told Alex.

"Mmhm." She hummed.

I began trotting over to Justin working his way out of the crowd.

"Justin!" I called. He turned around. "Can I talk to you for a quick second?"

"Good. Yeah. Sure." He said as I pulled him aside.

I sighed as he and I stood face-to-face. It was not going to be easy breaking it down to him that I don't like him. He was such a sweetheart and I don't want to hurt him.

This is so hard.

"Okay…so uh…about you and me." I chuckled awkwardly, indicating the two of us. "It's been almost nine months since we broke up and I understand that maybe w-we were both hurt about it a-and had our different ways of dealing with it which could have led to some mixed feelings in the air and that could mean they were unresolved in some way…um…I guess what I'm trying to say is that. It's been a while and I have moved on from it. It's not that you won't don't have a special place in my heart because you do but…we were always meant to be just friends. You understand?" I stated, clearly not making the conversation any less awkward.

He shifted uncomfortably, his mouth agape as if to utter words but nothing came out.

"Look. It's not easy telling you how I feel because in no way did I ever want to hurt you but…I should be honest with you and not let you think that I still have feelings for you. I guess in some way, I thought you were what I wanted in a relationship but then I realized that I was completely wrong."

He furrowed, breathing in deeply.

"I mean no offense to you, there was nothing you ever did wrong…oh god! I am not making things any better." I said in utter discomfiture.

He chuckled nervously. "No. It's okay. I get it. You've moved on and I guess it was hard for me to accept that but I think now that we clarified everything I'll be –" He stopped himself.

I smiled sympathetically as I pressed my hand on his shoulder.

"You will eventually find that girl who will love you just as much as you love her. She is out there and I can say with full confidence that she'll be lucky to have you in her life." I assured him.

He mustered up a smile. "Thank you, Ness." He stated.

I grinned. "I'm gonna hug you now." I laughed as I reached out and drew him to me.

He reciprocated the embrace by pulling me close before we pulled apart quickly before things got awkward.

"See you around?" He probed.

I nodded my head. "See you around."

When he departed, I released a much needed sigh of relief.

That went better than I expected.

I began scanning the large room as the people went even crazier during the keg challenges, chanting and ululating as individuals took turns to keg-stand.

When my eyes landed onto the top of the balcony where I was met with Jennifer's piercingly green eyes shooting daggers at me. She took a sip of her drink, straight out of the bottle of whiskey, eyes on me for a little while longer before walking away.

I gritted my teeth together.

I began climbing up the endless staircase until I reached the top. As I caught the sight of Jennifer standing by herself, observing the entire crowd.

"Um…hi," I greeted. She didn't even bother to look at me. "I didn't think you'd risk your own party for this."

"I didn't. Thanks to my brother, this is all for you. Your majesty." She said sarcastically as she took a sip of her drink. I could tell she was a little drunk.

I didn't know hybrids could get drunk?

"Jennifer…I didn't ask for this –"

"No. No. Of course you didn't because of thy modesty that is Nessie. That's the thing. Everything comes your way even if you never asked for it. You're entitled to everything. You're treated as a princess. You have a family that loves you and spoils you. You have true friends. You've got a man who loves you in a way I've never seen a man love a woman and not to mention you've got my brother wrapped around your little finger." She attacked, taking a step forward.

"I don't feel entitled to anything."

"And you're a freaking saint. How do you do it? Little Miss Perfection?" She scoffed, giving me a survey.

"You know what? Forget it. I'm gonna grab some air. It's not even worth it. Have fun at your party!" She said, raising her bottle in the air before walking past me, bumping my shoulder slightly knocking me off balance for a second.

I watched as she descended the ancient mahogany enchanting staircases.

In a matter of seconds, I had a whole new perception of Jennifer that I never thought I saw in her. She always seemed confident and sweet and I'll admit, that freaked me out because she always seemed so different around me, she always gave me the cold shoulder but now I see why. She was insecure about herself. I don't know if it was the drinking or her actual feels but either way…I kind of felt sorry for her.

I sighed, gnawing my bottom lip nervously as I assessed the crowd having an absolute blast. I rolled my eyes as I spun around and began walking down the hallways, trying hard to ignore all the teenagers either making out or smoking as I grazed my eyes over the amazing paintings. Nahuel had ancient paintings all through his house but these were different. I haven't seen anything like them in my life.

They were beautiful.

I came across one of rooms of this giant building where the light shone brightly. I unwillingly found my legs waltz into the room.

My eyes were astonished.

This was an art room.

Similar to the one at the old Cullen house but the only difference is literally everything about it. It was huge, a lot more ethereal and alluring.

"You've come to my lair, mi carina." Nahuel's deep voice stated.

I flinched as the abruptness of his voice startled me. He chuckled cockily.

"I didn't mean to scare you." He stated as he took a sip of some really dark crimson liquid.

"What is this place?" I asked, scanning my surroundings. There were (un)finished paintings everywhere, paintings and sketches I'd think even Vincent van Gogh or the Leonardo DaVinci will be amazed by.

"My sanctuary." He said with a smile.

That's exactly what I said about my art room.

I snorted. "You made these?" I asked, gesturing to one painting of a stallion in the field.

He shrugged as he walked over to me. I could smell the strong cologne he had been wearing. It smelt like Armani.

He snatched the painting and handed it to me.

"I painted this a couple of years ago. There was a small ranch back in Brazil I liked to visit back in the late 1880s and I met this horse and it was immediately my muse." He said. I smiled.

"I drew this," He said, pointing to a painting of a tiger in the center of the plant and tree infested forest as the sun set in the background. "In the early 1900s when I came across this tiger while I was hunting. He put up a fight that one." He chuckled.

I smiled. It was certainly a gorgeous sight. It looked absolutely realistic, like the photo had just been taken with a camera let alone a paint.

"You're really good." I snorted, nodding my head in approval.

"You can take one or two if you'd like?" He suggested, smiling down at me.

I contemplated for a second before I realized I shouldn't exactly be influencing or should I say, 'playing with the guy's feelings' and surely if I took one…

Oh god!

"No thanks." I said, placing the frame back on the wall. "Look, Nahuel…"

"Before you say anything, I'd like to point out how absolutely breathtaking you look tonight, mi amor." He whispered.

"Thanks." I quickly said before sighing and running a hand through my hair in frustration.

"Hey, I didn't get a chance to give you your present on your birthday so…" He said, snatching a large velvet box from the counter and opening it up.

I gasped as I had my eyes fixed on the sparkly diamond-gold necklace that could probably blind a person clean. The necklet had to be at least seven carats from the look of it.

"You like diamonds, right?" He asked.

I scoffed. "I don't know what to say." Really I didn't. This was ridiculous. Why is he putting me in this tight corner? I need to tell you about my non-feelings for you dammit!

"You don't have to say anything. Just say you like it."

"I like it—but," I paused and then shook my head. "No! No! That's precisely what I want to talk to you about, Nahuel. Why are you doing this? Why did you throw this party for me? And now you're showering me with gifts like this? What do you want out of it?"

"I threw this party for you because I thought you'd like it. All your friends banning together to celebrate the day of your birth." He said, frowning as he shut the velvet box and placed it on the counter.

"Half –Not even half. Like a third of these people aren't even my friends, Nahuel. I didn't ask for this. I know it's a sweet gesture but I don't want to be the center of attention." I told him. "That's one thing you need to know about me."

He sighed. "Do you want something to drink?" He said, trying to deviate from the subject as he walked over to the counter and pulled out a blood bag.

"Um…no thanks!" I quickly said.

He nodded as he ripped off the top and poured it into his glass.

I watched as he squeezed every last drop of the human blood bag before throwing the transparent bag into the trashcan and taking a sip.

That's disgusting.

"I thought you changed your diet." I probed.

"Nah! It's not my thing. I don't want to deprive myself of something good if I'm not killing anybody." He said, licking his lips. "Are you sure you don't want taste? Not even a nibble?"

I didn't answer.

He shrugged. "Suit yourself."

I rolled my eyes. I grinded my teeth together.

"Nahuel –"

"Renesmee. I am fascinated by you." He said, placing his glass on the counter and took a step forward. "I am intrigued by the way you carry yourself, you're more mature and wise than any young woman I've met. Maybe it's because you're hybrid I don't know but your powers and wits make you so irresistible." He grinned confidently as he reached me.

I took a step back. "Nahuel. I'm with Jake and I love him."

"I know that. Why do you need to confirm it?" He sniggered.

"Because I don't think you got the concept clearly that I won't ever feel that way for you."

"And how do you know how I feel about you? I never told you." He said, moving in closer, causing me to take another step back.

I closed my fists together.

"You like me because I'm the only other female hybrid out there besides your sisters but that doesn't mean we're connected in other way. You're my friend and that's all you'll ever be. Thank you for party but I can't give you anything else." I said to him. He frowned, stopping. "Now please stop before I'll break our friendship right here and now. I don't want to do that because I owe you for saving my family's life but I don't owe you my heart." I said to him.

It was as if what I said hurt him to the core because I watched his buoyant expression begin to be swallowed up by anger and the minute he didn't move an inch of his body, I took that as sign to walk away.

I snickered as I walked out of the room and down the hallways where I soon began descending the stairs.

A lot of crazy things happened to night and I better leave before things get any crazier.

… …

A/N: The party isn't over just yet! There's going to be more craziness so stick around.

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