Edward ran for miles, until they were safely out earshot of the Cullen house. More importantly, he ran until he was sure there were no humans around. He knew Bella would be devastated if she slipped and killed someone in a fit of bloodlust.

He slowed and let Bella slip off of his back. He turned to face her and she watched him shyly, standing with her hands clasped in front of her.

"I don't think I've ever seen an anxious vampire before," he mused out loud. Bella smiled at his teasing but averted her eyes to the ground.

Edward took a step forward and closed the distance between them. When she still didn't look up he put a finger under her chin and gently raised her head. She watched his eyes darken when they locked on hers and his hand slid up from her chin to cup the side of her face.

"I thought I lost you," he said roughly, his brow furrowing. Edward reached up and held her face between his two hands. "I've never been more terrified in my life."

"It's okay," Bella whispered. She brought her hands up and let them rest on his wrists. "I'm okay."

"Are you okay?" he wondered. "Truly? You're so quiet."

Bella smiled. "Just getting used to everything. It all feels so different. It all feels so much more - everything is more intense." Her eyes flicked down to his lips and then back to his eyes.

Edward inclined his head and hesitated, then gently let his lips touch hers. His hands moved from the sides of her face down to her neck, where one stayed and pulled her closer to him. The other continued down her spine and settled on the small of her back.

Bella stayed perfectly still as Edward nibbled on her lips. Her kissed them so softly, so delicately, and her body hummed in response. She stayed that way until the urge to kiss him back was so strong that it consumed her.

Edward felt her lips part, just slightly, but enough that he could tilt her head back and deepen the kiss. It was more difficult now for him to remain gentle and Edward fought to stay in control.

Bella's unsteady breathing and her little sighs reminded him too much of what she sounded like when he was inside her, when they were locked together as one. Edward forced himself to gentle the kisses and pull away gradually. He would not rush her.

Edward remembered all too well how disoriented he was as a newborn vampire. Carlisle had been a wonderful teacher, but he had never changed anyone before Edward. Things could have been done to make his transition easier, and Edward fully intended to make life as easy as possible for Bella. He would be her rock, and would never ask anything of her that she wasn't fully willing to give. Now was not the time for him to give in to physical desires.

"You must be hungry," he said as he stepped back, regaining his composure.

Bella watched him curiously. "What's wrong? Why…why did you stop?"

"You don't want to eat?" Edward frowned. He was surprised that Bella didn't immediately want blood when she woke up. Rosalie and Emmett both needed it right away.

"I do," Bella acknowledged. She hesitated and he saw confusion in her eyes.

"What is it, Love?" he questioned. "Don't be anxious. You can ask me anything."

She still looked reluctant and Edward was unable to resist the impulse to touch her. He stepped closer and reached for her hand. He picked it up and kissed it, then gave it a gentle tug. She obligingly stepped forward and leaned into him, putting her head on his chest.

"Bella?" he asked, his voice now strained with concern.

Bella sighed and leaned back from him. She looked at him for a long time. He stood perfectly still and allowed her study him, knowing that she was looking at him with new eyes.

"I am hungry," Bella admitted, her voice husky. "But I want you more than I want blood."

She watched his amber eyes widen in shock and instantly felt as though she had been reprimanded. She quickly stepped away from him and felt a wave of self-consciousness spread over her. His look was enough to tell her she was doing something wrong.

She reached up and inconspicuously ran a hand over her face, checking to see if her cheeks had warmed in embarrassment even now.

"No blush," Edward said teasingly. She smiled again at being caught, sure now that she would have been blushing if possible. Edward watched her closely.

"You know I want you," he said more seriously. "I'm just…surprised that you don't need to feed."

"Well, I could," she said, trying to be helpful. "It's just not as bad as I thought it would be."

He cocked an eyebrow at that and snagged her hand again. "Why don't you watch me hunt, and we'll decide what to do from there."

"Oh!" she gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "You haven't fed! You never left me while I was changing! I'm so sorry!"

Edward chuckled and rolled his eyes. "I've had my mind on something just a bit more important. Besides, if I tried to take a bite out of you now, you could probably do some damage to me. So you're safe, even if I am hungry."

Bella considered this bit of information with excitement. She would never admit it to him but she was very eager to test her new strength out against Edward.

"Listen," he said quietly.

She pricked her ears but didn't have to concentrate very hard to hear the breathing of the animal. She could feel its strong heart beat and scent of its warm blood was tempting.

"Watch me," Edward instructed.

Bella stalked him through the woods, staying as close as she could without disturbing him. His lithe body was tight and prowled silently. Bella paused and stood still to watch him creep up on the unsuspecting elk, then drop on his haunches. He tensed, waiting, then pounced and attacked.

Bella felt a thrill of pride as she observed Edward feed. He was so powerful. That strong creature was hers. The pull in her stomach felt oddly like arousal, and she took a step towards him.

A noise to the right caught her attention and she cocked her head. Another elk, maybe three hundred yards away. Bella looked back at Edward, who had stilled and was now looking at her encouragingly. She smiled and gracefully sprinted towards her first quarry. It was surprisingly instinctual and she felt no guilt when she sprang on the animal. She was the hunter and it was her prey. It was the way of nature, it always had been and always would be.

When she finished she stood up and wiped her mouth. Edward was leaning against a tree and watching her. His expression was unreadable and Bella felt that swift pull of desire again.

"How did I do, professor?" she quipped. It worked and a small smile broke through his careful expression. A cool breeze swirled around them and Bella took a moment to sift through the different flavors it brought. Someone was grilling steaks, there was another herd of elk nearby, a bonfire was going on somewhere…and then, there was something else. Another creature but this one was infinitely more appealing.

"What is that?" Bella asked.

"Mountain lion," Edward smiled.

"Your favorite," she said lightly. He nodded his agreement. "Go get it."

"You'll enjoy it. Why don't you take this one?" he suggested.

Bella glanced in the direction of the lion but instead of moving towards it she looked back at Edward. He stood casually by the tree, his arms folded over his white t-shirt. His jeans were artfully faded and snug around his waist and hips. She felt a flash of irritation that he could resist her so easily, and she still had trouble focusing around him.

"I want to watch you," she said softly.

Edward's light eyes glimmered a shade darker at her throaty tone. She watched his eyes drop in a perusal of her body and she felt the familiar, aching throb begin.

"Let's go," he said coolly.

They reached the lion in under two minutes. Bella hung back so Edward could hunt and she could watch. He moved confidently and the way he tangled with the lion was almost seductive. The lion didn't give up easily and the two sleek bodies were all teeth and growls. When the erotic dance was finally finished, Edward crouched by his kill and a triumphant light glowed in his eyes. He beckoned for her to come closer.

Bella reached him and stood over him, unsure of what he expected from her. Edward wordlessly held out his hand and Bella placed hers in it. He pulled her to the ground next to him.

"Try it," he offered, his velvety voice smoothing over her.

The air between them crackled with electricity. Bella swallowed hard but it did little to soothe her dry, burning throat, so she bent and drank from Edward's conquest. He watched her for a moment and she was keenly aware of him. She grabbed his hand, without breaking her hold on the lion, and forced him next to her on the beast. Bella watched him as he lowered his mouth to the lion and drank deeply. Their eyes were locked on each other. She felt her breathing speed up. Between the two of them the lion was quickly drained.

Edward helped her to her feet and she stood close to him, looking up at his stunning face.

"Did you like it?" he asked huskily.

She nodded. Bella licked her lips and felt another surge of arousal shoot through her sensitive body. Their fronts were almost touching.

"And how do you feel now?" he asked. His voice was almost a whisper.

"I want you," Bella responded. "More than ever."

Edward growled deep in his throat just before he crushed his mouth to hers. He felt her eyes open in shock as he kissed her the way he had always wanted to. His lips moved possessively over hers, teasing her and testing and pleasing. He was rough but didn't hurt her, and gave himself to her completely. His mouth demanded the same back from her and Bella's shock quickly burned away into excitement. She needed more.

"Bella," Edward groaned. "You still manage to tease me."

Bella pulled her mouth from his and shoved him back roughly. Edward staggered and looked at her in astonishment. Bella grinned eagerly and approached him slowly, stalking him like she would a mountain lion.

His eyes glinted with excitement at this new game. Bella planted her hands on his shoulders and walked him backwards. Edward groaned as she slammed his back into a tree and then pressed her body forcefully against his.

Bella whimpered as his strong hands squeezed her ass. Edward lifted her up, keeping his hands squarely on her bottom, and Bella locked her legs securely around his waist. He grunted into her mouth when she rocked her hips against his.

She marveled at the changes in her body. Edward's hands, no longer freezing, felt like satin on her skin. Each touch reverberated throughout her entire body and soon she was burning with need.

The frantic impulse to touch his bare skin overwhelmed her and she tore at his shirt, kissing and licking anything she could reach. Edward sank to his knees, still holding on to her, and laid her gently on the forest floor. The ground was pleasantly cool under her back but did nothing to ease the fiery blaze inside of her.

Edward pressed hurried kisses on her jaw, her neck, down to the front of her shirt. He grabbed the hem to lift it over her head but Bella couldn't wait any longer and impatiently ripped down the front of it herself.

"They didn't put a bra on you," he said thickly.

Edward felt hard tug of longing as Bella stretched out before him topless. Her skin was paler than before but her nipples were still the same dusty pink. The taut buds sat atop her firm peaks and begged for his touch.

Bella gasped as he rubbed his smooth cheek gently against her responsive nipples. She arched her back, trying to get him to do more - something, anything.

"So beautiful," he whispered reverently. "You don't even know what you do to me."

"I do," she objected, out of breath. "You're doing it to me now!"

Edward chuckled and held her gaze as his tongue darted out and teased one stiffened nipple. Bella jumped and arched her back even more, trying to get it back to his mouth.

Edward continued to torment her until she reached down and rubbed his erection through his jeans. This time, it was he who jumped.

"Bella," he hissed. "Let me do this for you."

He took pity on her, though, and when she pulled her hand back he lowered his wet mouth onto one of her sensitive nipples. Bella cried out as he latched on and sucked hard, hollowing his cheeks out as he did. She dug her fingers into his hair and clenched her fist in it and Edward sucked harder. She writhed beneath him.

"Stop," she panted. "Stop, or I'll - "

"Yes," he whispered darkly. "I want you to."

"Not without you," Bella insisted.

Edward growled but continued, and as his mouth enthusiastically suckled her nipples, taking each one in turn, his hands skirted down to the waistband of her sweatpants.

"Take them off," Bella ordered.

Edward scowled up at her. "I'll be giving the orders today."

Bella scoffed. "I'm the strong one now, right?"

Edward laughed and kissed her briefly, then tore down her sweatpants. Bella sighed in relief and began working the zipper on his jeans. Edward discarded them quickly and Bella straddled him, her center aching for him. Edward's fingers bit into her skin as she sank down on top of him. He was still sitting up, so their torso were perfectly aligned and he devoured her mouth at the same moment he thrust inside of her.

Bella cried out sharply and he froze, afraid for a moment that he hurt her. He was so accustomed to being careful with her that the slightest hint of pain was too alarming.

"Again," Bella moaned.

Edward grasped her hips and slid her up his length and then slammed her back down. He started an easy rhythm and Bella was soon grinding down to meet his upward thrusts.

After a few minutes Bella forcibly pushed Edward's shoulders back so he was laying flat on the ground. She braced her arms on his shoulders and began riding him, rolling her hips as she did. He watched her with dark eyes, his hands gripping her thighs. They had never done this before and she was going purely on instinct.

She watched Edward's chest rise and fall and listened to his ragged breathing. His stomach muscles constricted visibly every time he slid all the way inside her. The power she had over him was heady. Bella moved her hips faster and closed her eyes in pleasure.

Edward stared up at Bella through a haze of lust. Her lips were puffy and red from their reckless kisses. Each time she rolled her hips, her breasts bounced so teasingly. Her eyes drifted shut and he enjoyed her entranced expression. He loosened the grip he had on her silky thighs and slid one hand to the juncture between her legs. She was rolling her hips impossibly fast and her breathing was uneven and shallow. Tiny whimpers came from her throat and he knew she was close. He rubbed her clit gently between his thumb and index finger and her eyes shot open.

Bella let out a strangled moan and rode him rigorously. He gritted his teeth and pinched her clit harder, and she came on top of him violently, her hips bucking involuntarily and her body shuddering. Bella was so lost in the pleasure he was giving her that she was barely coherent.

Edward held her tightly and rolled them so that Bella on her back beneath him. He was still inside of her, hard and throbbing. Bella opened her eyes and watched him with a dazed, drunken expression. He pulled all the way out and then rubbed her clit with the head of his cock. The undisguised pleasure on her face was the most erotic thing he had ever seen, and Edward plunged inside of her as deeply as he could.

His thrusts were hard and deep. Bella held his face to hers and smothered it with wet kisses as Edward pounded into her. Each time he entered her it was like a white hot burst of pleasure. She felt another tingle begin to sweep through her.

"Edward…" she whispered, deliriously. "Oh, I'm going to…again, oh!"

He groaned and forced himself to wait until he felt her walls clamp down on him again, and this time they milked his orgasm out of him. Bella writhed beneath him, moaning his name gloriously.

Edward buried his face in her hair and inhaled deeply. He could still feel tiny shudders running through Bella's body.

"Oh, Bella," he whispered. "How did I get this lucky? How did I find you?"

She kissed him as passionately as she could and they lay tangled in each other for hours, perfectly content. The forest was alive around them. Bella rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes, sighing.

"Happy sigh?" Edward asked hopefully.

"The happiest," she confirmed. "Nothing could ever be better than forever with you."

"Mmmm," he agreed, his chest rumbling pleasantly against her head.

He picked her hand up and laced their fingers together.

"You're still in trouble for running in front of a speeding SUV, though," he said lazily.

Bella laughed. "Is there anything I can do to lessen my punishment?"

"Well…you did rip up all of our clothing," he pointed out. "I think Emmett would really appreciate the sight of you walking inside the house topless."

"Yeah, right!" Bella exclaimed, laughing again. "Like you'd ever let that happen."

"You're right, I wouldn't," he agreed. Edward abruptly sobered. "I need to talk to him. He's still upset, and he just doesn't seem to get it. I owe him everything."

"And Alice," Bella added. "They both saved me."

"Well," Edward said, his frown audible in his voice. "Emmett shouldn't have even allowed you out of the house in the first place."

Bella rolled her eyes and they lapsed back into their comfortable silence. A few moments later Bella frowned and raised her head to look at Edward. "I really did ruin our shirts, didn't I? What are we going to do?"

"What did you just do?" Jasper asked in a puzzled voice. "Did you just throw away some of Bella's clothes? She hates it when you do that, you know."

"Oh, well now that's she a vampire I get to throw it all away," Alice said brightly. Jasper looked at her skeptically and she shrugged. "It's like an unwritten vampire rule. Just back me up on that, okay?"

Jasper laughed and shook his head. He patted the cushion next to him and Alice's face lit up. She bounded over to him and instead of jumping on the couch she jumped on his lap.

Jasper ran his hand through her silky black spikes and Alice closed her eyes in bliss. She loved when he played with her hair. He let his fingers work in until they reached her scalp and then began massaging gently.

"You did good, Alice," Jasper whispered, his voice warm and proud.

"Alice?" Carlisle called from the doorway. She opened her eyes. "When can we expect Edward and Bella back?"

Her eyes closed again and she smiled in pleasure. "Mmmm. About eighty-five seconds."

"Really," Carlisle mused. "Esme?"

Esme entered the room, glowing. "I heard."

Edward opened the front door and realized he couldn't wipe the ridiculous smile he was wearing off of his face. He rubbed his mouth but that didn't do anything. He held the door open for Bella, who didn't even try to hide her huge grin. She went around the room and gave hugs to everyone, and Esme kept doting on her.

Edward heard Jasper chuckle and he looked over at him, glaring. Jasper met his glare and shook with silent laughter. Edward bit back a growl.

Awww, Edward's all warm and fuzzy on the inside! He can't even stop smiling!

Edward picked up a pillow off of the couch and launched it at Jasper's head. He laughed even harder and tried to dodge the pillow but it hit Alice instead.

"Hey, come on, Edward!" she protested.

Jasper's eyes suddenly narrowed and he squinted at Edward.

"Is that my shirt?" he asked suspiciously.

Edward's expression of innocence was way too practiced, and Bella was basically blushing without the redness. Jasper noticed her that her human blush was always accompanied by a certain expression. Now the pink blush was gone but the expression wasn't.

"Those clothes that you brought out," he said, turning to Alice. "Were they mine?"

"Bella's wearing mine," she replied nonchalantly.

"Why?" he asked, perplexed.

"Come on, Jazz," Alice rolled her eyes. "They got down vampire style and Bella ripped all their clothes to shreds. I left them at the entrance to the woods."

"Alice!" Bella exclaimed, mortified. She looked at Carlisle and Esme but they were stifling laughter. Edward rubbed her back soothingly.

"I told you," he smiled. "No secrets in this family."

"Actually," Esme interjected with a smile. "We do have a new secret. Bella, Charlie thinks you and Edward eloped and are on a month-long honeymoon."

Bella sat back, stunned. She looked at Edward and he was smiling at her. "Oh…well…did he wonder why it took so long for me to tell him?"

"Alice left him a note…well, you left him a note the first night of your transformation. Charlie called here and I talked to him about it and said the next time we heard from Edward we would make sure you called him," Esme informed her.

"Okay," Bella nodded, working to keep her voice upbeat. No one here would see the wave of sadness Esme's news gave her. She wondered if she would ever see Charlie again. She turned to Edward and made sure her smile was big. "When do we leave?"

He looked at her knowingly and Bella pursed her lips. He knew her too well. She would never be able to hide anything from him. Those honeyed eyes cut through all of her defenses and saw what she always kept hidden.

"I thought," Edward said slowly. "Maybe we can hide out here, in Forks, for a few weeks and we'll see how it goes. So far it seems like Alice's vision was accurate. Most newborns would wanted to hunt much more before - "

He broke off and looked at her and this time Bella just covered her face in her hands. The family burst into laughter and Edward hugged her to his side. She turned and buried her face in his neck, and he could feel her smile against his skin. Edward grabbed her and pulled her onto his lap and pressed a kiss to her lips, not caring in the slightest that his family was watching.

"They really do look like us," Rosalie said in an impressed voice.

Bella broke out of Edward's embrace and spotted Rosalie and Emmett in the doorway, holding hands. Rosalie wore her usual disinterested expression and Emmett was watching Bella cautiously.

Bella got off the couch and walked towards them. She stood in front of Emmett and looked up at him, taking a deep breath before she began speaking. "Emmett…I owe you big time. Thank you. If you hadn't - "

"I know, I know," Emmett laughed. "I'm your favorite brother, ever."

Bella laughed, then grabbed his arm and tried again. "Really, Emmett, I know how hard - "

"Okay, okay," Emmett said hastily. "Let's just hug already."

Jasper smothered his laughter but Edward's filled the room. He followed Bella and stood at her side in front of Emmett.

"You saved my life," Edward said simply. "I owe you everything."

Emmett pointed at him seriously. "You remember that. You owe me everything. Next time I want to take out one of your cars, I don't want to hear any crap about it."

They stared at each other for a moment and used the privacy of Emmett's mind to their advantage. Edward listened and then cracked a smile. "Anytime, Emmett. Seriously. You know I love you."

They hugged and did the manly shoulder pat.

"Well," Carlisle said, standing up. "Welcome to the family, Bella."

"We couldn't ask for anything more in a daughter, or in a wife for Edward," Esme added.

"Hugs!" Alice squealed, and bounced off the couch. "Sister!"

Bella's heart swelled with so much happiness she didn't think it would fit inside of her. Edward's fingers grabbed hers and squeezed tight. The beautiful, shining faces smiling at her meant so much. Gentle Esme… wise Carlisle… beautiful Rosalie… protective Emmett… funny Jasper… and of course, lively Alice. It had all worked out. Everything she had ever hoped for, and more, had been given to her.

She laughed as they all took turns to hug her and congratulate Edward. After all of the hugs she realized that they were all watching her expectantly. Bella glanced around, wondering what was going on, and then looked at Edward. He had been waiting for her to look and smiled broadly when she finally did.

"Bella?" he smiled.

Bella narrowed her eyes and looked around suspiciously. She knew that smile. It was his sneaky I'm-up-to-something-probably-with-Alice's-help smile. She eyed Alice but she looked fairly innocent. Bella crossed her arms and turned back to Edward.

"So…you know I detest lying," Edward began seriously. "And we did tell Charlie that we eloped and went on our honeymoon. So I think it's only fair that we get married."

Bella felt her jaw drop and her eyes widened in surprise. "What?"

Edward was now grinning hugely. He dropped to a knee and pulled a tiny black case out of his pocket. He opened it carefully and then turned it so it was facing her.

"Isabella Marie Swan, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Edward asked softly.

His eyes glowed and Bella felt herself being dazzled. Edward sighed, knowing exactly what was happening. "Bella?"

"Oh!" she breathed. "Yes, of course, yes!"

Edward sighed, this time in relief, and pulled her down to his level for a hug. He held her tightly but released her quickly, and slid the antique engagement ring on her finger.

"It fits perfectly," Bella said in awe.

"That's because Alice measured your fingers while you were out," Emmett announced.

"Emmett!" Rosalie, Esme and Alice all screeched at the same time.

"What?!" he yelped innocently.

"Wait a minute," Bella said. "You knew? Who else knew about this?"

They all wore the same huge, sneaky smiles.

"Okay, who didn't know?" she asked, hands on hips.

"You didn't," Jasper laughed.

"I know how you feel about marriage. They were my back up plan," Edward said sheepishly. "They all thought they could get you to say yes if you ended up saying no."

Bella laughed despite herself, and wondered if it was possible for life to get any better. Edward reached for her hand again and he held it up to examine it with the engagement ring on it.

"I approve," he nodded, kissing each knuckle.

"Oh, I'm so relieved," she replied teasingly.

"So what would you like to do now, Mrs. Cullen?" he asked, arranging her arms around his neck.

Bella stood on her tip toes and kissed him thoroughly. The kiss continued until Emmett started throwing out catcalls, and Bella reluctantly stepped back.

"I want to go upstairs now," Bella whispered loudly. Emmett and Jasper cheered even louder and Esme tried to shush them. Edward grinned and picked her up, tossing her over his shoulder. Bella giggled and waved goodbye as Edward carried her out of the living room.

"Wait, Edward!" Alice called and ran after them.

"Bella?" she smiled, cocking her head to see Bella, who was still upside over Edward's shoulder. "I just wanted to let you know that I took care of the whole Jessica situation."

Edward laughed at what he saw in Alice's mind and continued up to his bedroom.

"What?" Bella asked. "Come on, Edward, tell me what it is!!"

"Later, but only if you're good," he teased.

Their banter continued long after they were out of sight. They disappeared into their own little world in Edward's bedroom. Soon their gentle teases become whispered vows of forever. Alice leaned against the hallway wall and savored the moment. Her home was warm with happiness and love.

Life had never been this good. She smiled and reflected over the past few months. Lots of good times, a couple bad ones. She had already seen that the future months would be even better. Despite the shimmering anticipation she felt over the surprises in her visions, for the moment, Alice was content to simply enjoy the present.

Forks High School

Monday morning

Jessica Stanley strode into her high school and shoved her sunglasses back on top of her head. She grinned at the group of Varsity basketball players and was momentarily disgruntled when they didn't return the gesture.

She tossed her hair back and kept walking. Her confidence wavered slightly when she got the same reaction from two more groups. In fact, it seemed like people were laughing at her. Jessica paused and ran her hands over the back of her skirt, making sure that nothing was stuck to her, and nothing was visible that wasn't supposed to be.

"Hey Jess!" Angela called.

Jessica paused and narrowed her eyes as Angela dashed up to her. Angela hadn't spoken to her since the Halloween party. She had done plenty of talking to Charlie, Swan, though. The Chief of Police had a nice long chat with her father and ensured that Jessica wouldn't be having any fun for a long, long time. Angela had caused her a lot of trouble, and as far as Jessica was concerned, she just wasn't worth it.

"I was wondering if maybe you could give us a few quotes about your experience," Angela asked earnestly. "I already took a bunch of photos and talked to the staff, but I think having some quotes directly from you would make a big difference.

"What are you talking about?" Jessica snapped.

Angela smiled. "Your little set up in the cafeteria. It's already got a spot in the yearbook, for sure. I want to try and get something for the school paper, though. It's really noble how you came forward."

Jessica shoved past her and stormed towards the cafeteria. During the morning it was the busiest place in the school. The students gathered for breakfast and gossip, and when the bell rang it doubled as a homeroom for everyone who had gym first period. She pushed open the double doors and ignored the crowds of students. Jessica immediately spotted a big table with balloons and a huge sign.

As Jessica got closer the students around her started cheering. She elbowed her way through the small crowd surrounding the table. Two nurses with clipboards were seated in front of her.

"What is this? What's going on?" she asked rudely.

One of the nurses raised an eyebrow, but gestured to the big yellow sign at the side of the table. "Isn't that your picture?"

The sign was fluorescent yellow and had black lettering. Underneath an 11 x 13 picture of her were the words "My Story." The body of the sign read:

"I've struggled with herpes for the past three years. It's a treatable disease and no one should have to suffer. Get tested here - free of charge - for herpes and all other STDs. If I've infected you, my Father has agreed to pay for all of your treatments. Just leave your name on the list up front."

"What's going on! Is this some kind of joke?" Jessica demanded angrily.

The nurses ignored her and continued talking to the students in front of them. Some of them looked genuinely interested in what the nurse was saying, but the huge bowls of free, neon-colored condoms seemed to be drawing a bigger crowd.

"Smile, Jess!" Angela called. Jessica whirled around and tried to snatch her camera away but the flash went off and Angela crowed. "That'll be perfect for the yearbook, thanks!"

Jessica snarled and fled the lunch room, cursing at the people who had the nerve to laugh at her. A hot pink condom bounced off her chest and fell to the ground and she let out an angry shriek. She whipped out her cell phone and it was connected before she even got to the front door.

"Daddy? We're moving. I'm never coming back here!"

il finito!! - the end!!

it's over... *tear*

so...let me just say thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read this story, and to double thank everyone who has reviewed me! i feel like i just started this story, and it's already been 6 weeks...and now it's over! you guys got me writing again, and for that i will be forever grateful! if i ever write a real book and get published, i will thank all of you guys in it for kicking my writing butt into shape =)

i took down the preview for my new story, Good & Evil, because now it's up and running. let me know what you thought, overall, of anticipation. my baby is all done...i totally didn't want it to end.

once again...YOU GUYS ROCK!

love always,

luna