Ch. 1

A Chapter by Hotaru Miyuki

I woke up, from not sleeping very well last night. I just couldn't sleep and I don't know why. I'm not having any nightmares or any dreams at all. I peeked over at my alarm clock. It read 6:00 am. I groaned and put the pillow over my head. As I crushed my head, I thought about what I should be expecting today. Maybe school will get canceled and I could try to sleep.

I believe it was a couple of minutes later that I felt someone shaking me. I most of fallen back asleep. I rolled over to my side to see Alice leaning over me with a wide grin over her face. I got up and she moved back a step to give me some space.

I looked at her, as I rubbed my eyes which stung this morning. "Can I ask why you're here?"

Alice laughed with her jingling laugh. "Just came to wake you up. And also....Happy Birthday Lauren!"

I just stared at her, shoked, no, appaled. There was no way in hell that it could be my birthday. Could it? I rushed to my calander hanging on my wall. I would always cross out a day before I go to bed. Today was July 10. I am now 18 years old. I blinked i shock, with my mouth hanging over. This morning, I actually thought I had school.

"Um.....," was all I could say. I still in shock that I am now 18 years old. What was I going to do with myself for the rest of my life? Why am I even thinking this stupid idea? Must be age.

"Yep!" Alice chirped like a blue jay. "We have a surprise for you later on you know!!! Oops. Sorry. I didn't mean to say that. That's what surprises are for I guess. But then again, I don't want you having to worry too much like Bella does. She can be so naive also. But so are you. You know, it wouldn't really matter since your so oblivious to almost everything. I bet you don't even know-"

"Alice!" I hissed. I tried to keep quite so my dad doesn't hear from downstairs. He doesn't know that the Cullens are vampires and that sometimes they sneak in hear to see me. I took a deep breath. "Really Alice, I won't freak out like Bella does. I'll be fine. And thank you." I really love Alice but damn. Sometimes I can't hear myself think.

"Ok. Well I have to get back to Edward soon. I'll see you tonight then!" Alice was gone in a split second. I just stood there like an idiot. In fact, I'm kind of nervous for what Alice will do.

I took a quick shower and headed downstairs for breakfast. My dad, Steve was downstairs cooking breakfast, as I expected. I put a big grin on my face.

"Morning dad," I said as I sat down at out old kitchen table. The table was all scratched up and was rough if you skimmed your finger across it lightly. It tickles a bit.

My dad put a hot plate of pancakes in front of me and gave me a hug. "Happy Birthday Lauren," he said. He let go so I could eat.

As we ate, we talked for bit about what my plans for the day were. My dad is Charlie Swan's deputy. Charlie is Bella's father, who is my best friend. When I first moved here, things were a little strange as different events happened. I don't usually like to talk about it.

"Well, Bella and I were going to go out. Most likely in Port Angeles," I said.

"Oh okay. I hope you have a nice time," my dad said. Then he pulled out his wallet out of his police jacket and pulled out a $50 bill. He handed it to me and I took it from him with a smile wide across my face. He went to the door and put his boots on.

"You leaving so soon?" I asked surprised.

"Yeah. I'm so sorry. There was just a crime that happened this morning near the woods. A camper was found dead. The wierd thing is that the body is completly drained of blood."

When my dad said this, I shiver ran down my spine. I think I know what kind of death it was. I didn't want to say anything. "Really? I hope you catch them," I said. My voice came out shaky.

"Thanks. I'm going now." He left. I stood there for a second and I ran to the phone and dialed Alice's number right away. Luckly she answered on the second ring.

"Lauren? What's wrong?"

"Alice.... did you hear about the guy who was killed at the woods?" I was still shaking. It's not like it's coming to get me, whatever it was.

"I did. And yes we know what killed him. We just don't know who though. It's not a scent we regonize."

"Does Bella know?"

Alice sighed. "No. We were not going to say anything to her. We dom't want to freak her out. Right now, Edward is looking for the vampire."

I raised an eybrow. "Where?"

"He's somewhere near Canada last time I checked."

"Okay. I won't say anything to Bella. I don't want to be calming her down the whole time." I just want to have some fun with my best friend.

"Thanks. I'll see you later!" Alice hung up. I hung up the phone and ran upstairs to get my jacket. I had on a red shirt with black hearts with blue jeans. When coming downstairs, there was a knock on the door. I ran to the door, almost tripping and opened it.

Bella was there. Her long brown hair waved down to her back and her chocolate brown eyes were filled with excitment but held a secret. I looked at her spiciously but she hugged me.

"Happy Birthday Lauren!" she said. She let go and I smiled.

"Thanks. I'm ready so we can go now."

"Okay." I locked the door behind me and went to her old truck. As soon as I got my seatbelt on, Bella started the engine and started to drive.

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