Hey guys! It's been much too long, and I'll skip all my excuses and just let you get to reading. It's June now, a fairly short time skip. My ramblings will be at the bottom of the page.

I rolled over on the floor, running my hands through the carpet. Rebel was playing on the bed, bouncing and rolling over. As to say it, we were both really, really bored. I sighed, sitting up and pulling my boots on.

"Come on, let's go outside." I said, walking out of my room. I stood at the top of the steps, taking a deep breath.

Just ask to go outside, it's not that big of a deal. I told myself, scratching my wrists. It's not that big of a deal. It's really not that big of a deal. They're not going to yell at you- maybe.

This is the worst thing, being afraid of asking for anything. Like, ever. I took another deep breath, then shook my head. I was about to turn around when I heard someone clear their throat.

"Hey Cassie." It was Edward. I turned my head, hands behind my back. "Why don't you take Rebel on a walk? There's not much going on around here, it's kinda boring."

Thank goodness, at least I don't have to ask. I nodded, offering him a small smile that ended up more of a grimace.

Hey, I tried.

When I got outside, I headed right into the woods. Rebel likes them more, I like them more, it's a win win situation. He bolted off ahead of me, then came running back, gone again, back again. I smiled, patting his head.

"I know, it's nicer here, isn't it?"

I've been with the Cullens for a few months now, and I've been trying so hard to settle in. School still isn't my strong suit, neither is talking or interacting with people in general. I'm trying, I really am. It's just hard. There are some things that scare me still. A lot of things, really.

I got used to noise pretty quickly, but can't help but flinch when someone raises their hand or suddenly moves. Somebody bumped me in the halls a few days ago and I had to go home because I was shaking for hours afterwards.

There's good days and bad days. I haven't talked to many people, really. They sure try to talk to me though. It's hard to get around it, really. But I do my best. At avoiding them.

I've gotten a little closer to Alice, she's one of my favorites out of everyone, really. She's hard not to like. Alice is always showing me new things and getting me out of the house and into the city.

I like Jasper, too. He's quiet and careful, I'm quiet and careful. It's a good match.

I feel that Rosalie doesn't like me. Whenever we're in the same room together, she just stares at me with the same, pretentious look that's always on her face. She kinda scares me, to be honest.

Emmett terrifies me. There's no getting around it, he's just scary. Like, really scary. The combination of very large, rambunctious, and loud is terrible. It's just way too much for me.

Edward, honestly, kinda creeps me out. He's nice and quiet, charming even, but he's kinda creepy.

Esme is super nice and she's not bad, but I'm really not used to how much she cares. I've gotten used to her, though.

Carlisle and I haven't had anymore that 4, short conversations. I don't know a lot about him, but he works a lot, usually he's gone when I leave for school and in his office when I get back, then gone again when I go to bed.

They all know basically everything, mental and physical health wise, so I get treated like glass sometimes. But I guess it's because they just want me to settle. I don't know if I ever will, really. I'm trying. I really am.

But for now, I'm safe. I keep telling myself that. That I'm safe and everything will turn out alright. After all that time, it will be alright.

"Rebel!" I yelled, picking up a stick from the trail. I heard his thundering paws before I saw him, and then he flew by me, rounding back and jumping for the stick. I laughed, throwing it into the brush and continued walking. I don't know how long I walked with him, but we made it deep, deep into the woods.

Then the terrain changed. I noticed a change in the breeze, and a change in the dirt. It became sandy and the wind had a salty tang. I heard water, waves crashing onto rock.

This time, he came running back with wet paws and seaweed in his mouth.

"Were you in the water? Where's the water? Show me the water!" I said excitedly, getting him to run off again. To follow, I had to run. Isn't really a good idea for a person who is terrible at running in the woods, but I somehow made it through without dying. I fell a few times. Well, a lot of times. The last time I fell, it was into sand rather than leaves and dirt. I stood up, brushing off the debris stuck to my jacket, pulling leaves out of my hair.

Even though it was June, it was only about 70 degrees and the wind whipping off the cool waters caused a chill to run down my spine. In Minnesota, it was usually in the humid high 70s or low 80s by now. Definitely a lot warmer there. I spotted Rebel jumping around at the shore, running into the water until a wave came, running away from the foamy swell.

I smiled fondly at him, walking up to the water, just far enough away to not get wet. I never really learned how to swim, as I never had the chance to. I don't think I even own a swimsuit, or ever have. This water looked dark and ominous, large waves out far with caps of white. Doesn't look appealing at all. Very intimidating, actually. But the dog looked to be having a great time. Good for him. I was kinda cold. I gazed out at the murky pool, watching the angry swells disperse back to nothingness as the shore. For a moment, I forgot we were lost. Until I heard loud voices coming from across the beach. I couldn't hear them talking, but they seemed to be rambunctious and intimidating.

Then Rebel caught sight of them and froze, eyes locking. I hastily called him back to be, thankful for his great recall.

"Don't be obvious, I don't want them to come over here." I told him. A growl rose in his throat as he caught my tension, and I pulled him back farther. wishing I had brought a leash.

"Don't do that either. Just leave them alone."

I pulled him to a flat rock, sitting down and keeping him beside me. I could wait out for them to leave, or just walk by. Then figure out how I was getting back home.

He whimpered, tail brushing the rock in feathery, swish like motions.

"Fine, but don't bring them back to me." I said, letting him bound over to them, barking happily. His tongue lolled out of his mouth, kicking up sand with his large paws. He walked down the beach with them, getting closer and closer to my spot. By now I could easily hear their conversation, but I didn't know what they were talking about. I really didn't care. I pried my eyes away from them, not wanting to get caught staring. That would draw attention.

As usual, I did my best to not make eye contact or move as they got ever so close to me. But I couldn't turn into myself and disappear, like I wanted to. Rebel rushed over to me, licking my cheek and sitting by me, eyes still on the three boys.

"No- please don't-" I whispered to myself, slightly panicked.

"Hey- This your dog?" The tallest one asked, approaching me. I nodded silently, averting my eyes slightly.

"Cool. He's gorgeous, what's his name?"

"R-Rebel." I stammered, blushing in embarrassment. I looked at my shoes, creating piles in the sand.

"You're gorgeous, what's your name?" One of the others said, a sleazy smile hanging from his lips. I shift awkwardly, leaning back. Trying to distance myself from him without being obvious. I really don't have the guts to say what I want, so I stick with scooting away.

"Dude, really?" One of the other guys said, smacking his arm. He shook his head in disapproval, scoffing.

"Sorry 'bout him, I'm Seth Clearwater." Seth cut in, sticking out his hand. For a few moments I stared at it, then I reached out, giving it a weak shake.

"I'm Cassie Madi-" I began, then stuttered. "Cullen. Cassie Cullen."

Two of the guys smiles faded from their faces, then they made up some excuse to leave, then awkwardly shuffled away. I frowned in disheartenment, glancing up to Seth, then averting my eyes away quickly. Seth didn't even seem to move, let alone seem disturbed by my name whatsoever.

"D-Did I do anything?" I asked carefully, not wanting to stir up anything.

Seth shrugged, hands in his pants pockets. He glanced back at the kids walking off, who turned back periodically, as if they were expecting Seth to follow in suit. But he didn't, he stayed right with me.

"Naw, they're just taking some things too seriously. The name 'Cullen' doesn't rest well here on the rez. Honestly, they just believe their parents too much."

I nodded, looking at him awkwardly before clearing my throat. We had basically nothing to talk about.

"So- uh… where are you from?" Seth asked. "The Cullens all adopt their kids, right? And you don't look like them at all."

I nodded, which I seem to do a lot. "Yeah, I moved in a month or so ago."

"Is it weird? Being adopted?" He asked. I prayed to whoever was watching that he didn't pry.

"Uh- yeah? I don't really know, I don't know what's normal-" I stammered, breaking off at the end. He noticed my discomfort, and I watched his shoulders drop a little.

"At least your family chose you, am I right?" He joked. "That's when you know they like you." His brown eyes lit up, a small laugh leaving his mouth.

I smiled awkwardly, letting a chuckle out. "Yeah…" You could feel the awkwardness in the air. "What- what did you mean that I don't look like them at all? Have you even met them?" I asked.

If it wasn't even more possible, it got more awkward. "Well- my tribe has some, uh… legends? Yeah, that. And, supposedly, our ancestors have some ancient feud with the Cullen name."

"But, all of the Cullen's are adopted. The only true blooded Cullen is Carlisle." I said.

Seth quickly moved his hands up in defense, making me flinch back a little.

"Sorry, sorry. I know it's weird, but it's something everyone on the Rez has been raised on and the legends say they aren't safe to be around. They called them the Cold Ones."

Well, they are pretty cold. But that still doesn't make any sense whatsoever.

Seth saw the confusion on my face and sighed. "I'm not supposed to tell an outsider, but since you live with them, I guess you deserve to know. Come over and sit with me and I'll tell you about it."

I went and sat with him, and he launched into a long story about tribes and shapeshifters and women stabbing themselves. But he told them with so much emotion, I couldn't help but train my eyes on him, watching the movement of his hands and his body language.

"And that, Cassie, is the long, extended version." Seth ended with, looking at me expectantly. So many things were running through my head, connecting pieces together.

"Wow." I whispered, gazing at him.

He smiled, laughing. "I know, right? Amazing. And a little far-fetched and ridiculous. But that, is the story of my people." He looked so proud to say it, but everything that was going through my mind now was completely unfocused on that.

"Cassie? Earth to Cassandra-"

I jumped out of my stupor, looking back at him. "What?"

"I've been asking you if you wanted to come back to my place for a little while, if you could."

I really didn't want to disappoint him, but I really had to be getting home.

"Sorry, but I have to get back. But I could give you my number?" I offered, taking out my phone. I opened a contact, and labeled it Seth. He would be my eighth.

I really didn't have any friends.

"Sure, here, put yours in my phone and I'll put mine in yours."

We traded phones, and I plugged my number in, then decided to take a picture for the contact photo. I guess it looked nice, so I left it. Then we traded phones again, and I pocketed mine.

"I'll text you!" He said excitedly. I cracked a small smile, turning to leave.

"I'll see you around, Seth."

I rushed home, managing to not pass any of the Cullens as I ran silently up the stairs with Rebel beside me, and firmly closed my door behind me. I changed into sweatpants, pulling my hair out of my face. I really need a haircut.

I climbed into bed, pulling my laptop into my lap and opening a search engine. I typed in, 'Cold One'

Hey! I hope you liked this chapter, and a life update from me. My leg is all good in the hood, and my life is clicking back together again, finally. A gift from god, I'd love to call it. Stuff is calm, mostly. But I am not promising when the next chapter will be up, but this one ended obviously where Cassie is learning a few things that were going to be hidden from her.