Silver Night

Chapter 4: I Want The Truth [EC]

So I Can Accept My Fate...

"So, what's the deal with her," my brother, Henry asked.

Alice, Ness and I were sitting down on the white sofa. Henry leaned down by me on the sofa — arms crossed but relaxed. The sun fell. The sky was pink and purple. I was nervous, rubbing my hands. Ness was feeling chilled. Alice focused on me, her face straight and her eyes were curious 

"Tell me, Ozzi, if we see the same girl first. I am unsure if it is," asked Alice.

I breathed out, I breathed out. Alice tilted her head. "Yeah, she's ... she's got cognac-like, brown eyes ... alternating colors."

"Changing colors?"

Ness and Henry looked at me, confused.

I clarified that, "It looks golden in the light, but that's her natural eyes. What's wrong is that when I made her angry, her eye flashed red, the right one."

Her eyebrows went up. "Oh. Red?"

"Our red eyes" I wanted Alice to realize that this girl was really special.

"You're sure you didn't just see something," Alice questioned me, widening her eyes.

"I know what I've seen. We don't forget. But, she's human... she smells like one for sure, she smells sweet." 

Alice gently raised her hand. "Tell me a bit more."

"Something strange happened to me today. When she and I looked at each other, I got sucked into some kind of dimension. I saw the rest of my life flash before my eyes, but it was good and dangerous, and ... I saw a golden string coming out of me and her and the strings attached, and then I snapped out of it. What's that?"

Alice was blinking. "I don't know. Tell me, what about the vision of your angel? In my vision, I saw you talking about it in the cafeteria."

I nodded, lowering my eyes. "The angel has her face now. I saw myself standing in front of a house on the beach, holding the angel in my arms. Three children were playing in the sand. We were all smiling."

Jacob Black was coming in. He was smirking, looking at me, "Sounds to me you've imp..."

"Don't! Don't say that," I blurted and leapt out of the sofa. I started to pace the floor.

Jacob turned to Henry and pointed to me. He had been lost.

Henry smiled. "He's fighting it."

Jacob became even more puzzled. He faced Seth, who walked in as well. Seth even heard and shrugged. He did that, too, recently, after meeting one of my old friends who visited me. Not Astrid, someone else. 

"It's a difficult thing to do," Seth warned.

"You can't fight that," Jacob added.

I glared at them. "Watch me."

Jacob raised his hands, surrendering to my challenge, "Okay, but you're in a lifetime's fight."

""Truly, though, Ozzi..." Alice cut in. She said, "Uh... I believe in you, but I think you just found your mate, too."

I gasped! I ran over to cover her mouth. "No! Shh, no!"

She moved my hands away as Renesmee laughed. "What's wrong," asked Alice worriedly?

"She's a child, Alice!"

Jacob started laughing.

"Shush, you imprinted on a baby."

His smile faded, "Hey!"

I stared at them all. "Am I the only one who sees this as a problem!" I screamed, smothering my face in my hands, "I kissed the friggin child today! AHH HAAAHHH! AHHHH AAHHHH!!"

Someone patted my back. It was Alice, telling me, "No ... it's an issue ... but, we can't judge you either. Jacob imprinted on Renesmee when she was a baby. Edward met Bella at the same school. He was 107. Carlisle married Esme, whom he met while she was still younger than him. He's over 300 years old and she's not much older than Edward. Look, we've got to face what we are and we can't quantify who we are through age anymore. Sometimes, people like us... they're not for us. Rarely, our relationships end up much like Jacob's or Edward's. For you, you have both, someone you met young and someone you have im-." I scowled at her. Alice breathed out. "At least she's about to graduate with you, so she may be..."

"Please, don't." I walked away from Alice's hand.

Alice fiddled with her fingers. "Don't worry about Astrid. The many years she stole your happiness, you deserve to be given this happiness."

"Ha! You know why that's a lie." I sat down, limp on the farther side of the couch.

There was a dark past behind me, but it still haunted me to this day. After what I did, almost killing my brother and friends, I hated myself every day, I devoted myself to making my brother happy, and he knew that. My brother glared at me for mentioning it with a hint. Just he and Alice knew I was a f****d up criminal in the whole house. No one in the house was as sick or as f****d as I was. A lot of people like us called me a legend for it, but I saw the name as a symbol for a curse. I was also shocked that Edward hadn't find out about it; maybe, because of me. The type of person I was didn't deserve happiness, and with a kid? Please, spare me?

"It's not a lie. You've changed," Henry reassured me.

Alice grabbed my hand. "You're not addicted anymore."

"That's not enough." I stood up, walking towards the door. "I'm not enough. Not for happiness."

"Just... try," Alice shouted after me!?

"He'll come around." I heard my brother say last.

No, I won't. The next day, I wasn't going to school, I ran naked through the woods. Somewhere, after falling from a steep slope, I lost my shoes. Perhaps I swallowed it by mistake. There was a lot on my mind. I've been struggling for years to avoid allowing other people to rule me, as Astrid used to. Oh, then this came up. I've been preparing my life to move forward, only to give it to a child. Seriously? My genes kept screaming that I had deep feelings for her, that I shouldn't want to run away from her. It killed me! It really hurt being in the woods, far from school, from her. Yeah, that was dumb.

Somehow, I had to face Catalina, but should I say? Each time I get close to her, I behave like a total moron. It was totally out of my character! I made my way home and I quickly put on my clothes. Perhaps, going for a drive would be fine. Okay, I got into my car. I worried of things to say, how to apologize, and how I could even get those words out. Who was I with this girl? I felt like I was outcasting who I was, coming out of a shell. What if I wasn't behaving out of character, what if I was behaving on my own... my true self. This is Terrible! No, no, no. You've got time to find out. No, she isn't going to talk to you. Right? Right. Right...

Abruptly, I realized that I wasn't paying attention to the rode, so I ended up... in the school's parking lot. Damn it. 'Kay? Thinking has led the way I guess. I took a breath in. You got this. You can face her. It's okay. She's lovely. I got out of the car and stood by it. The sight of the school alarmed me because from here, I could smell her. Damn, she's been stuck too long in my brain. Stupid nose. I glanced at the time. ART CLASS! f**k. I can't avoid her! Oh, screw you fate. I closed the door to my car, and then I built the confidence to walk in. Joder, mi vida.

It was almost time for the Art class to end. I paced, wondering how I was going to talk to her. The bell was ringing. I posed quickly against the wall. No, this isn't normal. Okay, how about this one. Nope. Nope. This one, man. Yeeeah, my guy. I waited for a moment since other students came out first. Soon, I saw Catalina with her friends. They came out. Stunned, Catalina gaped at me. Crap! Crap! What do I say? What did I practice! Why didn't I bring flowers or something!? Why did she come to class today? Wait... Why did she come to class, knowing I was in there? I thought she wouldn't have wanted to or switched classes. Don't get you're hopes up. She may just have a passion for art. Yeah... yeah.

"You did know it was skip day, right," I reminded her, moreso because I wanted to know why she came. I walked toward her, confused. I looked at Catalina's friends and smiled. "Good afternoon, Ladies." It would be rude not to acknowledge them.

They smiled wide, giggled and said, "Hhheeeyyy! He-he." 

Ewww! Okay? I was just being nice.

Catalina shook her head, rolling her eyes. She looked at me. Oh, she's still pissed. She definitely came for art class only. "Sup. Anyway, if it's skip day then why didn't you wait until today to skip? Why did you do it yesterday?"

Why did I skip yesterday? We don't even have the last class together. But we were still in the same building, and she's so nice. I don't want to be a jerk to her anymore, plus... I lifted her head gently. She blushed. Honestly and gently, I said to her, "I simply couldn't sustain sitting next to your perfectly entrancing aura. I had to leave, or I'd steal you."

Her eye popped wide open. I lightly gasped at how cute she looked while she shook me off. "Stop doing that," she demanded!

I started to c***k up. Why was her eyes so hugh! And, aww, she has the reddest face when she blushes. It's just so friggin cute! She annoys me with how cute she is. It's not fair! She's just too cute when she's mad.

"Ugh! You're so fraudulent! I bet you victimize yourself, sometimes! I. Don't. Trust. You!"

I cupped my chin. Noticing a fold in her pocket, I swiftly took the wallet to play along. "Hm? Do I." I dangled it in her face.

Quickly, Catalina snatched the wallet. Her friends laughed. She gave them a quick, merciless glance, and then walked away. My smile faded away, but I was drawn to her. I had forgotten all that I was supposed to do. All I knew was that I wanted to follow her. She was storming away, so I had copied to catch up.

"Stop copying me, you jerk," she screamed at me!

I backed up, holding my hands high like a surrender. Whoa! She sounded like a man. How'd she get her baby voice that low? "Damn. You could be in the army with that attitude and body language."

Catalina rolled her eyes and turned around. She walked more calmly to stop me from copying. I'm sorry. Uh. What do I say? She looked back at least once. Still, upset. At first, I was going to whistle until... 

"So, you missed me that much, huh," she caught me, turning around to face me?

I shied away, backing up. s**t. Uh, play it off? "No," I lied. "I thought you did. I came to give you what you wanted."

"Wha-?" Swiftly, I pecked her on the lips... again! What the fu...! Stop!

I let her push me away. Catalina grimaced at me and pointed my face. She struggled to get the rage out of her. That's when I realized that her eyes were not mad at me. They weren't happy, but neither did they hate me. She blushed and walked away. I knew then that we were both right. It was strange to know that I missed her and she wanted to have another kiss. Perhaps, it was just a coincidence. Until I saw in her hand a painting of us kissing. It was a magnificent painting, sweeter than the last one I saw. Well, good then. I haven't completely ruined everything.

I rushed to walk alongside her. What made me smile was that she didn't hate me after all. I must have done something good. Whatever the heck that was. The air wasn't tense. She was calm with me. It was weird. She was supposed to be trying to strangle me, but her expression has relaxed. I didn't know what she felt. We were very quiet. The least I was able to do was be a gentleman and walk her to the car. The school day had finished. I could tell that she still had no trust in me, but that was better than hating me.

"You drive this vehicle," I asked? Although I knew she did, seeing it up close was strange. Ugh. It's such a slow car but Catalina is great at taking care of it. Nice radio. Fits don't have those. This was installed. It's epic for quality sound. Nice, a purist. She likes music raw.

"Yea." Catalina said, "Look, we are going to talk about this kissing situation, right now." 

I looked up at her. Okay. I'll listen. 

She said to me. "You have to stop this because we barely know each other. Also-And, trust me on this, all right? It's extremely dangerous to become involved with me. I can't say why, but that sort of thing isn't right. I mean, I'd rather be in love with someone who does it in return and never touch them than have empty kisses from a guy I don't know. So, can you just stop?"

Slowly, I leaned my head and mouthed, "dangerous." She's a human being. What, is she in a gang or something? Nah, if that's the case, she wouldn't have a lame car. I'm dangerous, too, though, so I won't ask her why. She doesn't trust me enough answer anyway. In addition, I hated being ugly to her. I'm supposed to respect her space. I sighed, then concurred, "I feel the same. You were... just an exception. Hatefully, lately, I can't seem to look away from you. You have a point, though. So, I'll respect that." Worried, knowing this might be the moment she could stop talking to me, I asked, "What are you proposing we do now? For us to... stay away from each other as much as possible — excluding our only class together, of course?"

"Yes, if it stops you from stealing my lips," she dared me. Her head was tilted, eyes were big.

Well, I understand that. I've been there, so I'm going to do as she asked, but... If we are destined to be around each other, then what can I do to put right this situation? I sighed and picked up my nail. I wasn't bored, just thinking about the right way I wouldn't have to lose a new friend. I spooked her, but what if I did something that was less scary? Fine, eh'm... I'll be a joke. I suggested, "How about a wager? Let's see how long we could last."

Catalina narrowed one of her eyes and her shoulders lowered. She chuckled, "Like, a game? You and these games!"

"Yeah," I responded, chuckling too.

She stared at me with big eyes, twisting her lips. I felt like I was staring at a puppy; she was so cute and small when she thinks. Her brows lowered. "Okay. What do you want in return if you win?"

So much. I was restraining my laughter so much it hurt. I uttered, "I want to continue pestering you... and you have to give me that painting of us kissing so I can wave it in your face." Actually, I'm not going to do that, but I wouldn't mind keeping that. There was a good hiding place where I could put it because it's so embarrassing for her. What? Well, I couldn't let her know that.

Catalina's lips were tightened and her eyes widened. What kind of face is that? She held the painting close to her chest, with the image facing towards her. She licked her lips, embarrassed, then asked, "Why do you like messing with me?"

Good question. Maybe because you're funny? Maybe it's the weird faces? Maybe because you make me... different. I shrugged. "I donno. I love the way you react to things. It interests me like an open book at an empty table."

Subtle, she rolled my eyes and let out a soft sigh. "Fine," she agreed. Wow. She gave this a chance. I'm glad. She gave me her requested reward, "Okay. So, if I win, you have to buy me food and give me some peace for the rest of the school year."

See? Too freaking nice. Ugh! It makes me sick. I leaned closer to her, for us to only see our eyes. I promise I will always be fair to you. She won't know this promise but that's okay. With a playful smile, I whispered, "Let the parlay begin."

When I reached home, I told Renesmee, Alice, Jacob and Henry about the deal. "Hey. It worked, at least, to mend the matter," They practically said to me. Sort of. I was going to take the time to clear my head and get rid of my feelings about the newbie. Yeah, she had been good, but she was taking over me. It wasn't her fault, so I had to hate her or something on my own. My genes still tried to lie to me and told me that I loved this stranger. It changed me, and I could not figure yet whether I would change for the better or whether I would change for the worse. What might she turn me into? To find out, it will be confusing and unbearable. I felt as though, I was the Badass in Distress trope. Was that okay? This split will be the ideal moment to hate her and test myself. So what if she was good, I'd like to know if she was safe to be around. Be safe or not be safe, that is the question.

I gave her space in October. We talked in the art class and joked, but I was still quiet, not to be a pest. Good thing I had enough self-control to do that, because my brain was screaming. For the most part, I was fine. We had been able to live our lives like we had before. During the Thanksgiving break, I managed to cook a great meal for my sister, Ness, and my brother, Henry. I ate with them. I hunted also with the Cullens during the break. They thought it was always strange for me to use a syringe to keep animals alive instead of feeding on them naturally. I would do both of them, preferring if the animals remained alive. I managed to get a lot of things done around the house but there was a boredom consuming me. t was as though my mind had relaxed, knowing I had kept a really good friend, but I had started to want more since then. I suppose it was the break, I didn't see her for a while. It doesn't matter. No matter. I'm not supposed to worry about her anyway, I thought to myself. I stared at the dark clouds for three days. What are they waiting for?

After school started again, I felt like I was almost jumping with joy. Ugh! Ugh. Ugh! The break was not sufficient! We've tried everything to avoid each other until the Art Class, but I think that might have turned into shyness. That day, we were at the art table instead of the easels. We'd been making art out of words, but I had been more interested in Catalina's sorry excuse for a horse. My chair was almost turned away from her. In return, I caught her glances at me. Why can't we stop doing that? She's adorable. Catalina giggled, her nose was a bit red again. How does she turn so red?

"Stop," I giggled again.

I grinned because she's contagious and murmured, "I can't. You're right next to me." 

Catalina shook her head but her smile was still there. "Ugh... If only art class counted as part of the bet, you would've lost."

I leaned closer toward her and whispered, "I'm too intelligent to have insisted art class be a part of this challenge. I know my limits." Plus, it wouldn't have made since to be art partners if we not communicate.

She leaned closer to me, which made me smile more. "I can tell," she mumbled back.

Chuckling, I could help but feel my heart jump. Also, that horse though.

"What?"

I straighten my posture. "You draw an ugly horse."

She rolled her eyes. Suddenly, she backed up to look at the horse. She stared at in disgust and then looked at me. "Oh! Hush! I'm not finished! Turn around and stop looking at me, you weirdo."

"Pifft," I turned away from her and placed my fist over my mouth to cover my laughter. I didn't want the teacher to catch us talking, because this time she wanted everyone to focus. The next few days were rough. We started looking at each other repeatedly. Whenever she looked into my eyes, I knew my heart skipped and she was the problem.I knew it would be hard for me to stay away from her, but I was pretty sure she could win. It pissed me off, man. I was missing her, as if I were dying inside. It was good that we were together in the Art Class. Who knew I was going to get a chance to learn how amazing she was. She was genuine, honest, and willing to accept. A great help to everyone, even though she wasn't a social butterfly. No, the kindest introvert I've ever met before. That's the one I gave my soul to, and I think I'm fine with that. Well, I wasn't sure yet.

December, Ness was definitely on Catalina's team. She started hanging out with her more, pranking or teasing me about Catalina, so I would brake. I just frowned. I wasn't going to let that girl control my emotions. Maybe it didn't help us to be in the same class every weekday. It was hard not to think about her. Slowly but surely, I noticed that it wasn't my genes that told me how I felt. Because of how great Catalina was as a person, it was easier to fall into the trap. I had to remind myself that I was the one who found her wonderful before the imp... impri. You get the point! I had to stop it. The whole situation pissed me off! I practically gave up my freedom forever, so judge me not if I... do something that's my choice one last time.

Later that night, I had gone to a club. The snow had risen, not too bad at all. The place was gross, but a very lively place with a bunch of horny people. I figured if I found one-night, I might not have been so buried in the trap after all. This wouldn't have been the first time I've been seduced and done the seducing thing. Both ways happened, as I talked to a brown-haired woman at the bar. We had gone to an Inn.

She wanted to kiss me, so I kept teasing her. This was deliberately at first, but then we lay back, ready to strip. I was feeling gross. No. No, no. Stop trying to kiss me, woman. Stop it. No, I don't want you to see my arms right now. My weapons are for someone else ... Wait. Wait? I sat up on the bed quickly and pulled my jacket back up.

The stranger rubbed my hips. "What's wrong? When you tease, you're so hot. Do some more, please."

"I'm sorry. I can't... I..." can't get up. That's awkward. It's awful. I covered my face. s**t, man. Oh, Dios mío, this is embarrassing.

"Tell me," she whispered in my ear.

"Okay." Quickly, I stood on my feet and started to nervously pace the floor. "I... have had an argument with my wife and..."

The one-night's smile dropped. "Wife!"

I nodded. "You see, she wanted to have kids and I wasn't sure if this serious thing would be right for us. And, then I caught her trying to get in injection from a medical paper instead of talking to me about it first... So, I was conflicted and I'm not ready and... I'm stupid. I know. I don't even know your name and this is awkward."

The person looked at me with a dull look. "Are you trying to tell me you can't get up but you're embarrassed to. You don't sound believable, except when you said this was awkward."

"What? No!" My voice cracked. Damn it.

"Then, prove it." She crossed her arms.

"Okay?" I grabbed my phone from the nightstand and called up my brother, Henry.

"Hey, little bro! What's up," he happily greeted.

I winced, because i knew he hated being the female for me. "Hey, babe. Did you get that injection yet for the baby? I was thinking, maybe the natural way is better."

The girl in front of me, her eyes became wide.

"What?" Henry paused. I knew he was pissed - eyes dull, I'm going to kill him thought, licking his teeth pissed. In a high pitched squeal, he shouted, "No!"

I freaked out, almost dropping the phone because he was so loud. Accidentally, I pressed the speaker button so my wife ended up sounding more like a man than a woman.

He was really good at the feminine sound. Hey. Woman can also have low-pitch voices. "Why the hell aren't you at home!? Ness and I were worried about you!"

"Ness? When did she get home?" I covered the phone to tell the one-nighter. "My sister. She's going to kill me." I released the phone.

"Don't worry about that, she's home at least. You better not be out too late. It's a serious talk," Henry told me.

Ooo, he had to say that. I'm going to get beat down for sure. "I'm coming home. I promise."

Henry's voice calmed down. "I missed you."

"I missed you too. I'm sorry."

In Henry's real voice, he said, "You better be."

I'm f*****g dead, bruh. The one-night got up from the bed. She hastened to get her clothes. I swiped my hair back and took a breath. She walked past me to grab her phone. She scowled at me.

"I'm sorr..."

SLAP!

The one-nighter's hand was throbbing and red. I gasped. She screamed, "Ow! Wow! What the hell!?"

I grabbed her hand to check it. "I'm sorry! I'm a bit hard-headed. Good thing you're hand is not broken. Right?"

She snatch her hand back. "Asshole! Get away from me!" Rushing, she left the room.

Pressing my lips together, I heavily breathed out through my nose. "I deserved that."

Since I was the only one fully dressed, I grabbed my phone and walked out of the room. I could see the girl putting on her mini dress from the steps, and get into an Uber. When did she call them for it to arrive so fast? The hell...? Well, that explained why she went to the bathroom earlier. She's done this type of thing before I presume. What the hell was I thinking. I haven't been that kind of person anyway. What the hell was wrong with me? Had I really gone mad to try to hate this new girl. I nearly damaged myself further. I'm not going to blame my genetics or Catalina. It was all me being a fool again. At least the last time I slept with a bunch of strangers, I knew that they were clean. Teh, man. Gross. I can't believe I almost did that. Well, thank you genes, you saved me. I took out a packet of Rothman Blue and a lighter. As soon as I tried to smoke, my nose hated a cigarette smell. I looked at it, my brows went down.

"Ew... What?" 

Cigarettes don't expire. So why do they smell so bad? The longer I stared, the longer I realized my body was practically warning me that if I smoked, Catalina wouldn't like it. I rolled my eyes. Are you kidding me? What am I going to censor my curse words now, or at least say less of them? I put the cigarette back in the box. What a waste of cash then. I rubbed my forehead. Chuckling, I thought about Catalina and the person I was becoming. She asked nothing but peace, and now I'm turning into a totally different person. As a creature, they're not affecting me anyway. I simply liked the smell. I set the box down, a big grin on my face. It is good then to leave them alone. I got up from the ground. I should have never tried a one-nighter. Abruptly, I felt a soft bump on the back of my hand. What the, uh...?

A drunk man was walking away from me, yelling, "You better... Better get-the-get-get that! You craaazy." He turned around and fell.

I rubbed the back of my head, realizing he meant the cigarette box. Did that guy just slap my head over a cigarette box? "The fuck."

I helped the poor guy to the room I was going to use. He could have it to rest. At least I got my money's worth. When I got home, I walked with my head down. Is this shame I feel? Yeah... It's been a long time since I felt that. It feels good actually. Wow. I open the door. SLAP! I hit my face on the door pane. 

I left my face on it and inhaled. Chuckling, I said, "Ow."

My brother moved my hair out my face to check on me. "Oops! Sorry! I didn't mean- I mean, you're in big trouble, boy."

I tilted my head toward him, forehead still on the pane. "I know, brother."

He was very worried about me. "Are you okay. I didn't mean to hit that hard."

"Nah, I deserve it." I waved my hand downwards.

"Should I kiss it?"

I jerked back. "What!? Ew! No!"

"Okay." Henry, as buff as he is, nearly as buff as Emmett, balled up like a little kid.

My brother may seem tough, he is and can be more brutal than I sometimes, but he is a huge softie. I sighed and hugged him. "It's okay."

He faced me. "Why did you make me do that? Alice was staring at me like I had a secret life she didn't know about."

I walked pass him to climb the stairway. "I tried a one-night. It didn't go well."

"Was the girl too clingy again," Henry asked?

"No."

"Did she want ties and whips?"

"No."

"Darn. You're good at that. Offered pegging?"

"No-what?" I narrowed my eyes at my brother behind me.

He shrugged. "Some girls like to be on top."

I lifted my hand up. "Stop." 

I walked out to the patio, leaning over the railing. Exhaling, I thought about what to do with my emotions. My brother had joined me. The breeze flew through the strands of my brother's and my hair. It's twilight. The stars shine, knowing nobody can control it. Is this really how I'm going to be from now on? Watch you have something I won't? Can I make the last free choice, at least?

"It's funny, Enriqué. I called it my savior tonight... but I'm still unsure."

"What do you mean?"

"This whole imprinting thing is hard. You know, I can't stop thinking about Catalina. Who would she want me to be? How do I present myself? How should my time be managed? What is it that she wants from me? What hurts is that she's not going to tell me, but I'm also scared to ask once this is over. I don't want to lose, but what if I get rid of my pride and white flag it. At this point, we've built a better friendship at school, but then I wonder... what if she still walks afterwards?" I inhaled. "Remember our mother and what I'd do as a kid for her?"

Henry's smile faded in upon his face."Yes."

I blinked, contemplating the entire situation. "What if that's exactly what I need? Focus. A focus. All those years of no one to take care of... I had done some stupid things on my own because I knew that you could take care of yourself. When I fight this, I do stupid things, but I want to be a better man, a better person, the first nice monster around her. That's what I grew up with, remember? The smile and optimism, she reminds me of our mother. She's the sun in a rainy town. Catalina and our mom are ... accepting people. What if I need someone like that... I need her to rob my attention, and to give me a reason to be responsible again. It's what I've always known, Riri. With someone like Catalina being the center of my focus, that might keep me grounded." I laughed at what I said, remembering what Jacob had told us. "I just realized imprinting isn't just the imprintee being your new gravity to hold you to earth; they keep you sane and more aware of the person you do and don't want to be. They keep you grounded up here too." I pointed at my head.

Intrigued, Henry drawled on, asking, "What the hell happened to you?"

"I couldn't... get up." I moved my index finger upward.

Henry laughed at me.

Joining him, I laughed, "I couldn't show my arms. I didn't want to be that kid anymore, playing in the sheets. I've never been one to pick up randos anyway. "Suddenly, I became sincere," I don't want to do anything that hurts Catalina, no matter how big or small. If we joke or say rude things, she'll give me permission, and I'm fine with that because we're friends. I even have better self-control than the first time we've met. I still don't know why I was acting that way. You guys are right... It doesn't have to be romantic, but I'm sane and happy as long as she is around. That's what matters. I'm going to be fine staying friends forever, stuck in a friend zone. Yeesh, but worth it. I don't know how painful it's going to be if she dies and I'm always stuck in misery morning. I think I lo-nope. Genetics! We're not having this discussion again." I laughed again, grabbing the long bang of my hair and wiping my face in it. Just why? "Funny. Now, I think it ... this time, it's my choice as to how I feel about imprinting and about her. I want to stay with her, all of me, all bare. No imprinting. I don't think a lot of people know that they have a say in it. I'm glad to be someone who's learned to do it now. Wow."

My brother patted my back. "I knew you'd come around, kind of, since it is your choice this time. Uh... but this is still a bit early. You're still stuck in this game, remember?

I banged my head on the rail. "I know... Damn it."

December arrived. I knew I was anxious. Impatient. I tried to play it off and maintain the façade. It was harder than before to stay away since I had finally accepted the truth. What was worse was Catalina, who could match my witty banter in class. She was a corny, though. It's too f*****g cute. I totally started to joke the same way. She could flirt a little better than me too but what I had found out was she doesn't even realize it. She got on my nerves sometimes too but this girl also made me sing in the shower. 

Anyway, because I was learning more about her, I learned that all my actions were not based on what she wanted at all. I was subconsciously preparing myself to be the person I had always longed to be and that I wanted to become for her. The way I acted in the beginning was ridiculous because I fought against my true self, the person I was before all the corruption. I was myself again. I realized I am free. I could have screwed that one-night, but I didn't want to. I wanted that book at that empty table more. It was open for me. That was why I couldn't stand the game anymore. What was I thinking!? Still, I hadn't known how to feel about Catalina. How could I further test how I felt if I truly liked or probably loved my friend? I don't want to make my final decision about all this until I knew for sure about my feelings. Was I ready to accept it when I find out that answer? 

One morning, I took care of the house before leaving school, mopped the floors and washed the dishes. Henry cooked that morning for Ness and I to eat. He joined us. At school, I couldn't wait for Art Class again. I was so anxious, on the edge of saying, "Screw it! I'll surrender." The only thing to stop me was the thought that if I did lose, would Catalina walk or stay? In the cafeteria, my fingers tapped the table while I read a book. Ness kept popping my hand.

After the fourth time, I looked up at her and dully said, "Ow."

"Oh, you don't feel pain! You just feel the effects afterwards. Now, stop doing that. We all know you can't stand this," Renesmee scowled.

I lay the book down. "Pain is the effect after getting hit."

She rolled her eyes and then pointed at me, "You know what I mean. You keep tap, tap, tapping. It's annoying."

Ugh. I went back to reading. "Teh, teenagers."

Renesmee argued with me, "You're older than me! Stop acting like a kid and go do something for her."

I marked and closed my book, then crossed my arms. "Oh, now age matters? Remember, you agreed that I can enjoy being a fake teenager, and you can too. Not to mention you're actually 8 years old. Second, kids have a lot more confidence than older people. So I can't understand you're mumbling. Besides... I don't know what you're talking about. I'm fine."

My brother smirked at me.

Renesmee frowned at me. "..."

I joked, "Oh! Quiet now, huh? Ugh! Teenagers."

Renesmee stuck her tongue at me.

Henry and I laughed. I said to her, "Sorry for the tapping, okay? Alright. You're right. It's just I can't stand this. It hurts to be away for this long. I suppose it's because I don't know what will happen once this is over or... if this will ever end. If it doesn't then, I'll have to do something before it gets too late and she walks."

"I don't think that's how destiny works, Ozzi," Ness reassured me. "Cati will have to be around you and it will be her choice just like you've finally chosen. Besides, she likes you too much to leave."

I rolled my eyes and leaned back. "Please, no more teasing. Don't get my hopes up only to let it fall and die."

"I'm not. You're a good friend. She told me last week, staring at you from across the room. It was funny because she stared at you for a while and then tried to play it off... like you do. I still think she won, though." Renesmee giggled afterwards.

To covered my face with the book because I started to blush. I got up and walked away from the table.

Renesmee laughed at me, "Where are you going!?"

"I'm done."

"My, god," Ness chuckled.

"I'll follow him. Go hang with Cat's friends." After that, Henry hurried beside me.

"Later!"

Henry and I walked to my class, his was on the same hallway. When Art Class began, the teacher had us change into all white suits for hand art. Catalina and I had a lot of fun with it. Soon, It got very messy because the class kept trying to play paint tag. We cleaned off in the school showers and put on our clothes. The bell rang. School was over. Back to the game. Ugh. Just why? Why couldn't something just happen for the game to end? Henry and Ness met me at the exit. Students crowded the parking lot. I looked up at the first rain drop falling onto my cheek. Well, let it rain then. It was light. The three of us walked to the car with our black umbrellas. We noticed that our whole family arrived. Nearly the entire Cullen family. Why are they here?

Rosalie Hale and Emmett Cullen leaned on the car. Alice and Jasper Hale held each other under the same umbrella. Edward and Bella, my foster parents to help Carlisle, were stand on opposite sides of their car. Jacob stood on the white line by them. 

"Hey. What's up?"

Rosalie pushed off the car. "We came because your friends called. They said they'll be coming during winter break."

I blinked, trying to think who would possible call my family. It surly wasn't Astrid. "Who?"

"Not Astrid." Emmett chuckled.

I shot him a deadpan look. Obviously. Inhaling, I guessed, "Ah, the friends you love so much, Rose."

"Yes." Rosalie smiled.

Henry chimed in, "Why was it so important that all of you came?"

"Because, Skuld had a vision and so did Alice," Edward answered, walking in front of his car with Bella.

I looked at my brother. "So, whatever the trouble, it's meant to happen."

He nodded, knowing I was right. "That sucks."

Jasper informed us, "We're here because there are others in the area. She said to stay and protect the lot until help comes or until the crowd leaves."

"Help? What help? Will the intruders attack here? Why," Henry inquired?

Bella shrugged, looking around. "We don't know but with us here, whoever it is should disappear."

"Do you see who might be lurking around," Alice requested. She had been concerned; her eyes hadn't searched in the woods, but for Catalina.

I understood her worry. The person I cared deeply about was still here. I looked at Catalina walking toward her car as she usually does around the same time, every day. With a motive to protect, I searched deep in the woods surrounding us. There were figures far from reach but I could make them out well. 

"Black Wolves. They are too far from here but leisurely approaching. By the time they come, everyone would have gone home... But, they're watching something."

"Ozario," Edward called to me. "Is there something you're hiding. I can see you are."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Or, is it that you're reading Alice and Jacob."

"Don't," he worriedly pleaded.

"I don't want to disrespect you with all my heart... but it's my choice, not yours."

Edward closed his mouth. CLAAAACK, Cr... Crr. Creeeeeee. All of us turned to the tree that was just hit by lightning. I looked down the shadow to see where it would land. s**t. Catalina! I jumped over the car and rushed toward her. She had her headphones in her ear so she could hear a thing. The calculation for physics ran through my head. I won't make it unless I... melted onto the ground, zipping through the cracks of the gravel. By the time I reach my friend, I had turned back into myself to let the tree knocked me into her the way I had planned. Swiftly, so she wouldn't the car, I comforted her fall. Then, I sat next to her. Damn. What a painful way to keep the game going. Ow. The largest branch on the tree swung toward us so I caught it. Get off. Catalina was staring at me in shock when I broke the branch off. That's what you get, you no good, dirty piece of... Is Catalina, okay?  I felt her staring but hadn't checked for scaring. The moment I looked at her, into her eyes, I immediately was sure she was fine. I don't know how but I felt it. I'm so glad she's okay.

She looked at the large branch, then back at me. The tree slightly rolled under my foot since I had to hold it back. Catalina softly gasped and started shivering. She wasn't afraid, I saw that in her but she was in shock. There was something in me to tell me to comfort her so I reached my hand towards her and in unison, she had done the same. Our hand latched onto each other. It stopped. The game stopped. Is this what the rain waited for? I gently tugged Catalina closed.

I rested my lips on her forehead and peacefully told her, "We lost."

The rain waited for the last test, to see how much I cared for Catalina. I would risk everything, the secret about what I was and my life. I didn't like Catalina, I loved her. It was good to know this time. It has been a month for me to figure it out. Was I ready to accept that? Yes. I can give my heart to someone this fun and good. I accept everything. This time I choose to have it all, the imprinting and my emotions because I don't want that to change and I lose her. My heart pounded heavily. It took a tree to make me realize and to bring us together. Wow. 

I hugged her, keeping her calm until I heard people calling for the police and for the ambulance. I looked at the car. Good. Her car is safe too. I did good with math. Yay. Eventually, I heard the sirens so I backed away from Catalina. She had a tear coming down but she was calmer. When the arms, hands, and machines pulled tree - and the moment Catalina blinked - I melted again, sliding beneath the tree and behind the crowd of people surrounding Catalina. After going back to normal, I zipped back to the Cullens on the other side of the lot. Alice tried to grab my arm but I started to walk with Catalina like a magnet as I watched her get into the ambulance.

"Ozzi." Alice offered, "She's going to Carlisle's hospital. You could try to visit her her there."

I nodded... "Sure."

I began to walk to my brother's car. Henry followed me, patting my back. Renesmee joined us. Henry had opened the door for Ness. Rosalie snatched my arm. Swiftly, I turned to her.

"What was that," Rose scowled? She let go of me. I looked at the ambulance leaving, then back at Rose. "We aren't about to go through another human situation, are we?"

Loving, I replied, "Rose, I understand this is life or death for us. If I have to move out for you to live your life in peace and for me to stay by her side, a human, then I will. I won't leave her alone in situations like this. She's my friend. Excuse me."

Rose's eyes grew. "What!?"

Turning to her, I confessed, "I... I Imprinted!"

The Cullens? Petrified...