I know, I know, my updating schedule is horrid and I am sorry (blink, blink).

So, here are two chapters that you'll hopefully enjoy.

Thanks for reading and commenting.

All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended

Kim couldn't sleep that night. She kept listening for any strange sounds, half expecting Ricky Akuna to break into her room and finish what he'd started. The shadows in her room made her tremble, but lying in complete darkness with the curtains drawn was even worse. Would it always be like that? Would she always have to look over her shoulder? Was she supposed to report Ricky? Report what, exactly? That he had grabbed her arm? Would whoever she reported it to even take her seriously?

After tossing and turning for what seemed like hours, she got up and tiptoed to the window. Nothing. Not even a dog in the street. Only some wind and the humming of the ocean in the distance. And a light at her grandmother's house just across the street. Kim checked her phone. 01:37. What was her grandma doing at that hour?

Kim paced around her room for a while, occasionally taking a look out of the window, checking if the light went out at her grandma's, but it stayed on, stubbornly, as if it were inviting her over. 02:03. Kim huffed then grabbed her jacket and sneakers and quietly slipped out of the house.

The door to her grandma's house was unlocked, as always. Kim rolled her eyes.

"Grandma, you can't keep your door unlocked. It's not safe."

The old lady was sitting in the small kitchen, smoking a cigarette.

"And smoking is bad for you," Kim added.

"Everything is bad for you if you don't do it right. Freddie Mercury said it, even too much love will kill you every time. And I've never locked my door in La Push and I'm not planning to start. There's nothing to rob here and I'm no catch for rapists and perverts. Don't tell anyone, but I'm 75."

"But still- "

"If anyone is determined to come into this house, a locked door won't make them give up and walk away. Besides, the Quileute have always been protected by the Spirits. No need to fear, my girl."

"Why are you up so late, anyway?"

"I could ask you the same question."

"I couldn't sleep."

"Did anything happen?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"No."

"Fair enough. Do you want a cigarette?"

"Grandma!"

"Such a prude. Well, I don't have anything else to offer."

"Grandma, can I ask you a question?"

"You can ask but I might not know the answer."

"What do you know about Sam Uley?"

"Marie's kid? Not much. But I knew his father. Joshua used to be a ladies' man. I bet he still is. You know, the type of boy every girl wants but knows she can't have. Poor Marie thought she could change him. It lasted for a few years and then he was gone. They say the Call boy might be his son, too."

"Embry? Seriously?"

"I wouldn't be surprised, to tell you the truth. Joshua got around."

"Ok, whatever, but I was wondering about Sam…"

"Why? You like him?"

"No, grandma, I don't like every male I mention. Besides, he's engaged."

"So? He was as good as engaged to the Clearwater girl and look how that turned out. If you like him, I'm sure we can arrange something. His fiancé isn't so pretty anymore with those claw marks on her face."

"GRANDMA! That's a horrible thing to say!"

"Fine, fine. Why the sudden interest in Sam?"

"I don't know. Doesn't he seem… a bit strange?"

"All you young people seem strange to me. You have to be more specific."

"Well, I don't know. Like, he's always running around the forest. He's always the one to find anyone who gets lost around here. He's freakishly tall and strong. And he doesn't seem to be afraid of anything or anyone…A boy from my school says he's been staring at him and some other boys."

Her grandmother suddenly got serious, her eyes were focused and sharp.

"Who was he looking at?" she asked Kim.

"Jared Cameron and Paul Lahote. Yesterday, Paul and I met Sam and he… I don't know, he just looked at Paul for a very long moment. I don't know how to explain it, it was just strange."

"So, it's starting again," her grandmother whispered and put her hand over her forehead.

"What's starting? Is Sam going to do something to them?" Kim panicked.

"He isn't. Not of his own will, at least."

"What do you mean? Grandma? You're freaking me out. Should I warn them? Is Sam a bad guy?"

Her grandmother was quiet for a moment, lost in her own thoughts, then shook her head and finally looked at Kim.

"No, no, Sam's fine. Don't pay attention to me, I'm just mumbling nonsense. I'm an old woman way past her bedtime, and anyway, you shouldn't listen to most things I say," she gave a small smile, but Kim still felt uneasy. Could Paul be right? Could Sam be planning something? But, why would the council support him? And why would her grandma get so serious about it?

"Grandma, are you- "

"I'm going to bed, and you should, too. It's way too late to be up. And you know what they say, nothing good happens after midnight."

"But, wait- "

But her grandmother was already up, leaving the kitchen.

"Goodnight, Kimmie. Turn the light off on your way out."

Kim was left on her own, sitting at the red Formica table, more confused than ever.