-1A/N: I got a bunch of reviews saying 'no! We need more chapters! Argh!' Hate to disappoint people but this was only a prequel so we all know how it's going to end. So, sorry, but this is the last chapter.

20th May 2011

Cassie Blake (age 15)

The bus pulled up at a stop. I was staring intently at a photo I'd dug out of the shoebox. Buddy whined, jerking me back into reality. I tucked the photo into my bag and patted Buddy's head. He placed his front paws on my knees. I absentmindedly stroked him, resting my head against the bus window.

"Fork's bus station!" shouted the driver. I grabbed my rucksack from the seat next to me, pulled gently on the leads wrapped around my wrist and headed to the door.

"Hey are you sure you want this place kid? It's a bit of a dead end" the bus driver asked. I nodded, almost bouncing up and down with excitement. I was here. I was safe.

"Yeah, this is it. Thanks" I disembarked quickly before the driver could try and be helpful anymore. I waited for the bus to leave before doing anything else. A quick glance around confirmed the driver's comment. It was a dead end. I remembered it from my few visits up here. Nothing had changed.

I sat on a nearby bench and unclipped the dogs. They were wagging their tails, glad to be off the cramped bus that we'd been riding for hours. I knew that my next step needed to be to go to Bella's house. Problem was, I couldn't remember where it was. It had been years since I'd last been here. For all I knew, Charlie had moved.

"You okay?" asked a voice. I looked up to see a car, the driver a boy with blonde hair, gelled into careful spikes. He was watching me, waiting expectantly for me to speak.

"I'm fine. I was wondering…do you know where Isabella Swan lives?" I asked. I figured that in a town this small, it was likely that he knew where she lived.

"Bella? Yeah, of course. I know everyone. Do you need a ride to her place?" no way. I did not trust guys anymore. The more innocent they looked, the more evil they were. No way was I taking a lift from him!

"No, I like walking. I just need directions"

"You sure? It's on my way"

"I just got off a bus for the first time in ages, I need to stretch my legs" I lied. The boy shrugged and gave me directions.

"Thank" I waited for him to drive off but he didn't.

"What's your name anyway?"

"Cassie Blake. You?"

"Mike Newton. Are you a friend of Bella's?"

"I'm her cousin"

"Wow, I didn't know she had a cousin"

"We're not super close" I wanted to hit this boy or run but I knew I couldn't. I took a deep breath and forced myself to remain calm.

"You're from…England?"

"Yeah"

"Cool. What type of weather do you get over there?" I groaned internally. Why couldn't this guy just take a hint and leave? Did I have to spell it out to him?

"The same you get anywhere. Rain, sun, clouds. The usual" he stared at me blankly, not understanding my humour. I sighed and stood up.

"It was nice to meet you but I've got to go"

"Oh yeah. Probably see you around sometime" he smiled and drove off. I waited until he was out of sight before muttering to myself "Well he is really annoying" I turned to where her dogs were sitting patiently.

"Come on Buddy, Scarlett. We've got to get moving" I whistled and they fell into step behind me.

"When we get to Bella's house, she'll be really pleased to see you and we can have something nice to eat" so far, they'd only eaten a hot dog I bought at a gas station on the way up. Scarlett barked happily and Buddy wagged his tail.

It didn't take long to find the house described by Mike Newton. There was a truck parked in the driveway but no one answered the door when I rang. So I sat on the doorstep to wait.

Scarlett woofed impatiently at me. I stroked her soft fur.

"It's okay girl. She'll be here soon. I hope"

A car pulled up in the drive. I could hear laughter. I squinted into the darkness. Bella was here. Show time!

A/N: That's all folks. If you haven't already, go read Hunter and The hound which is the sequel, followed by Time Is running out.