Focused Madness

Focused Madness

Chapter 14



Fusedtwilight: Thanks to my beta animegirlkiki and thanks to Bee and everyone else who reviwed.




Fred P.O.V

"Bye, bye Fred-Fred," Matthew said giving me a hug.

"Take care bud," I said.

"You will come back promise?" he asked.

"Promise," I said.

It was the day after I came back. After Leah told me what happened with Bree I quickly left. All that hell we had gone through, it was only so some crazy bitch could avenge her mate, and poor Bree paid the ultimate price for Diego.

I was so mad; I knew I had to leave before I did something I would later regret. I spent the next three days cooling off. I cried a little, of course there were no tears. I haven't been able to cry since I was turned but when it felt like I should be crying my eyes burned. I figured it was a vampire thing. I was just grateful I didn't cry blood like the vampires from those Anne Rice books.

All those people who died, not just Bree but the others. Sure they were violent and dumber than a box of rocks but they were just pawns too. We all were, that bitch Victoria was going to let these Volturi people kill us.

How could Riley be so stupid? Did she not see she was using him? All of us?

All that violence and fear was for nothing. Was it not for my power I would be dead too probably. Those three days in the woods I felt so alone.

I was the survivor of a madwoman's nightmare. The only one left alive to bear the burden of what had happened. For the rest of my immortal life I would live with those days with the others. A private hell no one else could share with me.

What's worse is I should have taken her with me; I should have dragged her kicking and screaming. But I saw the determination in her eyes; I knew I could not stop her from going to him. But still I curse myself a fool for not trying to stop her.

I returned to apologize to Leah. I feared she would chase after me so I kept my power up in case. But we had a nice talk and I spent time with her and Matthew. While I taught him some card tricks I knew I heard Leah talking to these Cullens about me.

She talked to someone called Carlisle and he sounded pleased at the idea of meeting me.

The next day I was getting ready to leave and they were seeing me off.

"Good luck," Leah said.

"Thank you Leah, I owe you so much," I said.

She shrugged. "It was nothing. The Cullens can tell you more about your kind than I can."

I held out my hand and she took it. I was amazed by how hot she was. I could feel the heat coming off her skin by just being close to her. She was a very good looking girl despite her smell. Back when I was human I would not be able to look at a girl like her. I was the shy quiet type and the thought of me even talking to a beautiful lady made me ill.

Becoming a vampire did give me some back bone, that and the having to watch my back from a bunch of psychotic vampires.

"Be careful too, I have some friends down around the Quileute rez, it's called La Push so don't go anywhere near there," she said.

"I won't. I take it you would rather I not me reveal your location?" I asked.

"Not a soul. But remember, Edward can hear your thoughts, Jasper can sense and manipulate your emotions, Alice can see the future, Bella is immune to vamp powers and her daughter Nessie can show you her memories and thoughts with a touch."

"Would this Bella be immune to my power?" I asked.

"Well only vampire powers that attack the mind are useless against her…so, maybe, I am not sure how your power works. If it is just mental stuff it won't work."

"Good to know in case something goes wrong," I said.

"The Cullens aren't going to hurt you unless you hurt them," she said.

"Sorry, the only type of vampires I know about are the kind who want to kill me."

"No worry Fred-Fred, Cullens will help you become tame" Matthew said. "Tell them alls Matthew is missing them and being good."

"I will," I said.

I turned and headed for America, back to Washington. Once again throwing myself into the life of vampires, driven by the thirst for knowledge and understanding of myself and my nature. Hoping these people can give me back what Riley and Victoria stole from me, my life and my humanity.


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Leah P.O.V

Fred vanished leaving me and Matthew to our solitude.

"Will Fred-Fred be back?" Matthew asked.

"Sure, he just needs some answers is all," I said.

We walked back inside and I went to the kitchen and called the Cullens to tell them Fred was on his way.

"Hello Leah," Edward's smooth voice answered.

"He is on his way," I said.

"Hi Ed-Ed!" Matthew said loud enough for Edward to hear.

He chuckled. "Hello Matthew."

"Sorry for sending him your way, but he needs some help. After that shit Victoria started I figured he needs some good vampires to learn from," I said.

"Why Leah, that is the first time you have ever referred to us in a positive light," Edward said sounding amazed.

"Screw you leech," I said.

"Easy come, easy go," he sighed.

"Look out for his power, he is strong, made me so repulsed I couldn't move," I said.

"I know, poor Bree told me that much before she died. I am glad I can finally meet this man. I hope wherever she is she can rest knowing he will be taken care of."

"I hope he can succeed with the veggie vamp. He seems to really want to change his ways, but I have enough on my platter with Matthew to deal with a fledgling vampire."

"No problem Leah, you have gone above and beyond for us, this is the smallest of concessions we can offer for you," he said.

"Daddy, ask how Matthew is doing!" I heard Nessie say in the background.

"Me want to talk to Nessie," Matthew said.

I handed the phone to Matthew and he walked around the room waving his arms around as he talked to Nessie about Fred. I could hear her squealing on the other end, excited about the new guest on his way

I watched as he waved his arms around like the kid he was as he talked about how cool Fred was and how tall he was. She told him how everyone was doing and how much everyone missed him.

I smiled as I watched him talk to her; he talked so fast it was hard to catch what he was saying.

I was happy how happy he was. I know he had been missing the others since we got here. I know how he felt; I miss Seth and mom so much.

I miss the rez, I miss everyone. I miss the rain, I miss the cliffs, I miss the sound of the ocean, I miss running with the others on patrol.

All this time I wanted out, now I want back in.


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Fred P.O.V

I ran for four hours, only stopping to eat a deer I found on the way. As I made my way further south the weather began to change, becoming colder and wetter. I knew I was getting close.

I was really nervous. Usually I have to work to keep my power off but I didn't even try now. I just left it on automatic in case this meeting went south.

Leah may have painted a pretty picture of these Cullen's but I would rather be safe then sorry. For all I know they might decide to finish the job. I could not believe that a bunch of vampires could be that civil. Maybe it was my vamp instincts, maybe it was the time I spent with the other newborns, maybe it was just me being me and being afraid to meet new people.

Either way I did not bother to keep my power off.

I wanted to be ready, first sign of hostilities I was gone.

I had always been like that, from what fuzzy human memories I can recall I had been a scrawny little runt. The kind who is an easy target for the bullies. I never looked for trouble, it found me. No matter how hard I tried to avoid them people chose me to pick on.

Even in high school when I hit puberty and all those wonderful hormones gave me my wonderful growth spurt I was still the number one bully target. I never fought back. Never. In the movies the geek decides to stand up for himself and what he believes in and fights his tormentor and saves the day.

I never had the balls to fight. It just wasn't me. So I did the next best thing, since I could not be stronger than my tormentors I could be faster. Track helped with that. I wasn't into sports but I did love to run. Running made me feel free, invincible, untouchable. It helped keep me ahead of those jerks who thought it was fun to hunt me.

I never did a lot of things as a teenager. Most kids went to the movies, the roller rink, the arcade. I never went out much. I was the more, stay at home and study kind of kid. In other words I was a geek.

I studied and studied and studied some more, forsaking as much human contact as I could. My parents were the quiet and dull kind. I never regretted that, I was glad they were like me. Quiet, reserved, kept to themselves. We may have been boring, but we were happy and safe.

I do miss my parents. We did some fun things together. Camping, saw a few movies, going to church. Dull but perfect. God what I would have give to return to that. Quiet, boring, dull. My old life.

I wonder what mom and dad did when they could not find me? Did they think me dead? A victim of some insane murder? Well, they would be half right.

The only good thing about this life was the speed and the power. I could finally run away from it all, and I could make it so no one would come near me if I wished.

But is that what I had to look forward to? An eternity of wondering the world alone? What kind of life was this? I could turn someone I suppose, make a companion to help ease the loneliness. But I could not put someone through the fire of the venom, the pain of an immortal life.

I hope to God these people can help me. As a human I wanted to be alone, it was an idea that made me happy. But as a vampire it terrified me.

I caught the scent of an unknown vampire. It led deeper into Washington so I followed it. Soon more scents joined it, some were female, others male. It was as if they were leading me to them.

I remember Leah telling me one of them can see the future, maybe she saw me coming and decided to have them leave me a trail.

Soon I could see them. As I ran, following their scents I dodged the trees and as I moved I could see them far in the distance waiting for me.

There were five of them. I knew it was them, first they were dressed too nice to be just any wild vampire, second and most obvious they had yellow eyes. I figured out who was who from what Leah told me.

The blonde man with a kind smile must be Carlisle, the woman next to him with the rounded belly must be his wife Esme, the tall bronze haired one must be Edward, the second blonde with the scars must be Jasper. I was instantly wary of him, something about him, his scars. It screamed danger. I would not let him out of my sight.

The short pixie like girl next to him must be his wife Alice.

I noticed none of them were looking at me. Some looked to my side, some looked a little above me. No matter where they looked though they were not looking at me.

"Greetings Fred, my name is Carlisle Cullen," the first blonde said. I was right in my guess.

"Hello," I said politely.

"We are happy you came. Leah told us you seek enlightenment and knowledge," Carlisle said.

"I wish to know more about us. What we are, where we come from...and about Bree if you would," I said.

I saw the woman I guessed to be Esme get a sad look on her face. "We would be happy to tell you about her, but I am afraid-"

"I know she died...but I want to know anyway...I need to know...she was my...I guess we were friends," I said.

"She thought of you in the end," the tall bronze haired one said. "She requested that should we encounter you again we treat you with kindness."

"You must be Edward," I said.

"I am. In her final moments Bree thought of you Fred. She felt bad you would be alone in this world, ignorant to how dangerous our world really is. We would have spared her; we would have welcomed her into our family. But as it turns out..." he trailed off.

"I know some coven called the Volturi killed her, Leah told me that."

"Tell me Fred? Have you fed?" Carlisle asked.

"Yes, I had a deer on the way over," I said.

"We thought we could hunt before we head back. It would do us well, help us cut the cake so to speak," Esme spoke.

"Sure. Sounds nice," I said.


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Leah P.O.V

"Leah look what I can do!"

I looked up from my paper. Matthew stood in front of me. He was in only his shorts. He liked that. If he could help it he only wore a pair of shorts around the house. He always went barefoot unless we left the house together which was rare. With his tan skin, dark hair and habit for half-nakedness I was terribly reminded of the guys.

He leaned forward, placing both hands on the ground. Than he kicked his legs into the air, standing on only his hands. Then he pulled his left arm back so only his right kept him from falling, than to my amazement he dug his finger into the floor and soon was using his index finger to balance himself.

He looked at me and smiled. "Isn't it cool Leah?" he asked.

I smiled and clapped. "Very cool."

"Now watch this." he bent his elbow and pushed his arm forward, he flew in the air and landed on his feet. "Ta da's," he said.

I clapped some more. "That was amazing Matthew," I said.

"Matthew is practicing to make fun. Matthew see it on TV and wants to try it so he does. Can you do's that Leah?" he asked.

"Not with just one finger," I said.

It was true back in the old days the guys liked to show off their wolf agility and reflex's in human form. Me being a girl of course I was more flexible than them. I could do more cartwheels and summer salts than they could a fact I loved to rub in their faces.

Thinking of them made a pain of sadness run through me.

Matthew frowned and ran forward and jumped on my lap. He wrapped his arms around my neck, hugging me. "Don't be sad Leah," he said.

"I'm not sad," I said wrapping my arms around his middle.

"Lire. Me see you sad, what make you sad?"

"I'm missing my friends back home," I said.

"You mean Jake-Jake, Quil-Quil, Seth-Seth and Bry-Bry?" he asked.

Bry-Bry was his nickname for Embry. Since Em-Em was Emmett's name he decided to call embry Bry-Bry, much to his dissatisfaction.

"Yes, I also miss my home La Push. I miss the people who live there, I miss my mom Sue," I said.

"Leah...what is your mommy being like?" he asked.

I smiled. "I look a bit like her. My dad used to say I get my strength and stubbornness from her. We butt heads a lot, especially when I was growing up, but we love each other more than anything," I said.

It was true. I and my mom fought a lot when I hit my teen years. Poor dad was tuck in the middle of us, trying to be the peace keeper.

But no matter how hard we fought when the chips came down we were there for one another. When I had my first period it was mom who got me my necessities and explained how they worked and what was happening to me. When Sam and I first went out it was mom who listened to me talk for hours how cool and smart and funny he was. When Sam dumped me it was her who held me as I cried myself to sleep.

"Your daddy, what is he being like?" Matthew asked.

"He is gone," I said.

"You mean he is being dead?" he asked.

"Yeah. He was great though. Seth takes after him a lot. Dad was always making us laugh with his jokes and his silly antics. He was so kind and caring, the kind of guy who could listen to the sorrows of the world and never get tired of hearing about it."

"What happen?"

"Well when me and Seth first turned into wolves my dad saw us. He was having heart problems, he was an old man. He was a bit older than my mom and when he saw us phase...his heart had it's last shock."

He said nothing at first, he got this far away look in his face.

"Matthew killed his mommy too."

"What? Matthew I am sure she is alive," I lied. I already knew from Carlisle Matthew thought his mom might be alive. No one had the cruel intention of correcting him.

"I am not stupid Leah. Every time I mention mommy people get sad and change the subject. I know I killed her, I ripped my way out of her!"

He got up and went to the other end of the couch and sulked. He grabbed a pillow and gripped it tight, his mouth was firm in angry lines and his eyes blazed.

"Matthew, did you remember something?" I asked quietly.

"Maybe," he muttered.

I sighed. I reached for him and pulled him into my arms. I remember mom did this to Seth when he was young and would throw a hissy fit. It worked for Seth so I hoped it would work for him.

He didn't fight me, he still held on to his pillow and leaned into my embrace. "Matthew talk to me. Did you remember your mother?"

"...Yes. Before we left me remember some things about daddy and sisters. Me remember mommy. Me killed her so bad."

His voice broke and I could smell the salty smell of tears.

"It's not your fault Matthew," I said.

"But me killed her," he said.

"Matthew do you think Bella had an easy time carrying Nessie? She almost died giving birth to her."

"Really?" he asked.

"Yes. Bella was human at the time and everyday she would accidentally be hurt by her, every time Nessie kicked she would break her ribs, Bella had to drink blood herself as a human because Nessie was draining her of hers."

"What happened?"

"Well when it was time for Nessie to be born they had to cut open Bella's stomach to save her. Edward turned her into a vampire after they got her out to save her life and she almost didn't make it."

"Mommy," he whimpered.

"Matthew, it was not your fault. Hybrids like you and Nessie can't have a normal safe pregnancy, vampires aren't about life."

He turned to look at me, his sweet brown eyes filled with tears. "But why? Why would daddy let her suffer like that? What about Rosemary's mother? Seraphina's mother? All the mothers of my sisters? Why did daddy let them die? Why didn't he save them like Ed-Ed saved Bell-Bell?"

I knew the answer to that. The answer was Joham didn't give a damn about those poor women he used. They were just a means to an end as a way to make his master race. But Matthew didn't know that, he still thought his dad was the greatest. How can I tell him the truth? How can I tell him his father wasn't as great as he thought?

The answer for that was simple. I could not.

"I am sure he had his reasons. Maybe they had too great injuries for him to heal. The point is that your mother loved you enough to carry you to term, just like Nahuel's mother, just like Bella. Even when everyone tried to convince them they should kill their babies to save their lives they refused. That's what mothers do; they put their own lives before the lives of their children. She may have died painfully, but the love and hope she had for you overshadowed that and gave her the strength to give birth to you. All because she loved you."

He dropped the pillow and hugged me tight, He buried his head in the crook of my neck and I could feel his tears falling down my neck.

"I mi-miss my m-m-mo-mommy," he cried.

"I know, that's good though. You will always miss her because you love her and we miss the people we love when they are gone."

"Do you miss your daddy?" he asked.

"Every second of every day. Especially when I am afraid or uncertain. But I know that no matter where he is he is watching over me, keeping an eye out for me. Because even in death a parent looks after their children."

"Is mommy in heaven? Car-Car says good people go to heaven."

"Yes, she is in heaven now."

We sat there for a while, me holding him, him holding on to me. Both of us sharing the pain of losing a parent, both of us sharing the pain of losing a family, both of us sharing the pain of the knowledge we killed someone we loved.

"Leah, are we a family now?" he asked.

"Of course," I said.


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Fred P.O.V

I sat in Carlisle's office, looking at an age old portrait of the Volturi leaders. It was a beautiful piece; the artist had done a very good job capturing their inhuman beauty.

I had met all the Cullens now, Nessie was quick to ask me how Matthew was. She even showed me some images of her and him playing.

I had been talking to Carlisle for a few hours now, learning everything about our history, our biology, our culture, what little there was. I learned much from him, there was more to vampires than I thought.

I learned more about Bree's killers, the Volturi. I learned the rules and laws they made, I learned about each and every member and each power they possessed. I learned the names of the ones who killed her.

I learned of the other vampire covens, the Denali coven, the Irish coven, the Egyptian, the Amazon and many of the nomads who lived in this world.

I learned of the southern vampire wars and the genocide of the immortal children and the children of the moon.

So many things I learned, so many things I would have never guessed. I learned of Carlisle's personal history and the history of his family. I learned of the treaty he made with Leah's fellow wolves and the exact circumstance of her and Matthew leaving.

"So it turned out that Emily, her cousin and her ex's imprint slash fiancé was Matthew's siren and he almost killed her and now she is in hiding so he doesn't find them and kill Matthew?" I asked.

"Yes, we would be happy to hide him ourselves but due to the fact Jacob is imprinted on Nessie and he is the alpha of the other pack Leah does not want him to have to chose so she took it upon herself to take him and flee," he said.

I was really impressed with Leah. I already got the feeling she was a strong independent woman but I had no idea she had the strength to do such a thing. To run from one's home and life for the sake of another takes a lot of guts.

"Poor Leah, and Matthew. It's like life keeps on throwing him through a loop. First the Volturi kill his family and leave him amnesiac and crazy, than he meets you all and he has to flee for his life. At least he has Leah to take care of him," I said.

"I like to think there is a reason for everything. After all if they hadn't fled they wouldn't have met you and sent you our way," he said with a smile.

I smiled back. "Thank you sir. I know this is bad blood between us-"

"Call me Carlisle," he said, "and there is no bad blood between us Fred. Victoria is dead, her vengeance died with her. You were wise to leave the fight before it started. Though I think your gift may have made it difficult to fight you."

I had lowered my shield down so they could look at me better, but I didn't turn it all the way off. Old habits die hard.

"I am glad you bear no grudge against me for being made by her. I wish I hadn't been the only one that survived though," I said thinking of Bree.

"Yes, Bree would have made a fine addition to our coven. She showed remarkable restraint for a newborn, but once the Volturi make a decision for something they are impossible to stop."

"I understand, I don't think Bree would want you to get yourselves killed over her," I said.

"I think you will fit in well with our lifestyle Fred. You seem to be rather tame yourself despite your upbringing."

"I have always been the quiet, boring kind. I guess the venom made that strong as well," I said.

"Well while you are here you are more than welcome to share our home. In fact I believe Alice is already getting you some new clothes."

"That is not necessary," I said.

"Yes well when it comes to Alice and clothes it is best to just nod and say yes," he said with a humorous smile.

I smiled back and we continued to talk. It had been a long time since I talked with someone like Carlisle. We both had a love for knowledge. We talked about everything from biology, to history, to mathematics even. I was amazed at how cultured and refined he was.

I expected vampires to be nothing but blood thirsty and violent. But I had seen the darker side of vampire life. The Cullens were quickly proving themselves to be surprisingly human despite what was in their nature.

As we talked my thoughts once again turned to Bree. I was immensely touched she had thought of me in her final moments of life. That she asked these people to be kind to me if they ever met me, made me wish she could have lived. She would have fit in well with them.

I don't know anything about her past. But I figured she like the rest came from a bad back ground. I had moved to Seattle to go to College, having left my parents back in Canada to study in America.

It had been by chance I met Riley. I was walking on campus grounds, trying to figure out what to do. My roommate had a girl over and wanted some private time with her. I decided to take a walk to kill the time. It was a nice night out and I figured I should enjoy it.

I remember I took a seat on a bench under a street light. I stretched my limbs and spotted two people in the shadows, I could not see what they looked like, but they were close enough I could tell one was a girl and one was a boy. And I could tell they were looking right at me.

"Hello?" I called.

"Him?" the voice belonging to the male asked.

"He will do," the female said.

The male stepped forward into the light. That was the first time I met Riley. I remember how good looking he was, even for a kid. He looked like he was about my age, a college kid. I remembered how pale he was and how red his eyes were.

"What do you want?" I asked standing up. I was taller than he was by four inches.

Suddenly he was right in front of me, he was ten feet away and than in the blink of an eye he was right in front of me. I was so startled I fell back on the bench. He smelled me and his eyes darkened slightly.

"He smells really good," he said.

"Yes, he does. If we are lucky he will be special," the female said. She was still to far outside of the light for me to see.

"Please, can I try?" the man asked.

"No Riley, you are to young," the female said firmly.

Her voice was very girly. It reminded me of the blonde bubble gum cheerleaders at my old school.

"But his blood is soo-"

"Riley!" the female hissed.

Riley's teeth were bared at me and it was like he was fighting some deep inner battle.

"Right, sorry."

He backed away from me; his once red eyes were now black.

"Who are you people?" I asked.

I quickly looked around, seeing the biggest gaps between me and them, calculating the best routes to hide and run.

"You should go feed. I got him," the female said.

Riley blurred and was in front of the female "Sorry, his blood is the best I have smelled yet," he said.

I heard the sound like rocks tapping against one another. "It's okay, your still young. His blood appeals to me to, I hope I can stop. But it is good his blood smells good. It's a sign he might be gifted."

"Gifted? Really?" Riley sounded excited.

"Yes. Finally, after all the times I turned those other ones I finally get someone who might be useful."

"I am useful," Riley said sounding resentful.

"I didn't mean you." the strange rock hitting rock sound could be heard again. "You have done well Riley, no go treat yourself. I can handle him."

"Alright, you going to take him back to your place?"

"Yes, come back in three days to collect him."

Once again I heard the strange sound and Riley vanished. The woman leaned down and picked something up. "Now, lets get started shall we?"

The sound of something slicing through the air could be heard. At first I thought it was a bullet, than I realized it was the rock she had bent down to grab. Glass smashed and rained from the lamp post. Soon darkness enveloped me. I got up to run but something slammed into me, sending me back onto the bench.

Than I felt something sharp latch onto my neck. I tried to scream but she put her hand over my mouth. Her hand was hard and cold. A powerful burning sensation began to creep from my neck where she bit me.

I began to feel drowsy and the burning continued to spread, growing in intensity. I expected light to appear to illuminate her face. I expected there to be light because I felt like I was on fire, but there was no fire. Just darkness.

She got off me and I heard her sigh. "Damn thats good blood. You better be special or I will regret not finishing you off."

I can't remember to much of what happened after that. The only memory I had between the burning was of hearing the woman telling Riley he had to get me out now. She couldn't stand having me around her. Something about me disgusted her and she didn't want me anywhere near her.

That was the last thing I remember. The next thing was Riley dragging me through the woods. My throat burned, my senses seemed sharper.

"What?" I asked.

"Our maker has asked me to take you to base a little early. Something about you unsettles her," Riley said. He did not look at me as I talked.

"Maker?" I asked.

"Yes. You are a vampire now. Welcome to the family kid."

He stopped dragging me and led me to where the other newborns were hiding. As we walked he told me I was chosen to fight. He told me that sunlight would kill us like in the stories, he told me I would have to be careful not to be killed by the others. He told me a lot of things, many of them lies.

He introduced me to the other newborns. I remember the fear I felt when I saw so many vampires in such a small place. I remember the aggression and the snarls some of them gave me.

As soon as Riley left they began to circle around me, like sharks when they circle an injured fish. The semi-circle had a noticeable gap in the circle, like there were two opposing sides in the house. The two groups snarled and hissed at one another, dislike and deadly rage clear in their eyes. I fought the urge to bear my teeth and hiss at them all, fearing it would set them all on me. They wanted to kill one another fine by me.

Then Raoul and Kristie stepped forward from their groups. They told me I had a choice. Join one of them or die. It was that simple. You were either with Raoul or Kristie, there was no in-between.

I remember wishing they would all leave me alone, wishing they would all just go away and to my surprise they all stopped looking at me, many had disgusted looks on their faces like they saw something they didn't like. I heard hissing and growling, many had backed away from their groups, their eyes on the ground or to their leaders, wondering what was wrong.

"You know what, you take him Kristie," Raoul said.

"To hell with you, you take him, he's a freak," Kristie said.

No one ever bothered me much, there were times I saw someone heading for me or thought I felt someones gaze and I would wish them to go away and then they would get this look on their face and go away.

I could hear them talking about me, heard them whisper something was odd about me, unnatural, (that was a given) different. I heard them say how they could not look at me. In time as many were killed in little arguments or petty fights between the two groups new vampires were introduced. In time I learned to control this odd power I possessed, in time I learned to make it so strong no one dared look at me.

Soon the newborns began to think I was so ugly I could not be looked at. No one corrected them, what did it matter what others thought of me.

I remember when I first met Bree. She had been such a small little thing, she had just had her arm ripped off and had come running over in my direction for her life and her missing limb. I saw her make the face the others made when they got close but the desire to live helped her ignore it. As Jen came over to finish the job I pumped up the power on my gift and Jen would come nowhere near me.

Bree reattached her arm and stayed right where she was. I saw her glance at me, then quickly look away. She said nothing, I said nothing. Maybe she thought I did not notice her, maybe she thought I didn't care.

What Bree never knew was I always watched her. I didn't mind her much like the others. She was tamer compared to them, she never started fights or joined Raoul or Kristie. Riley learned what they did and made it clear that they were to kill no more newborns who didn't join them. Of course that didn't stop deaths from happening but now they happened less.

I always watched her though; she was still a vampire and could hurt me. I always watched her, and she never knew. Soon she realized no one came near me and started making it a regular practice to stay by me at all times. I knew it was unpleasant for her, but the desire to live kept the unpleasant feelings at bay.

After a while she would bring books she got from her nights out. I always wondered every time she left if she would return. Without my power to protect her how would she defend herself if one of the others decided to kill her? But I always felt releaf whenever she came back. While she was gone I would leave the books she left behind and found myself impressed by her taste in books.

I did not love her, she was to young for my tastes. But she was the closest thing I had to a friend in a long time.

"Fred?" Carlisle asked.

"Sorry, lost in thought," I said.

"I was saying what do you plan on doing with your life?" he asked.

"Well, not a whole lot I can do," I said.

"You can return to college. You are a bit older than the others so passing you off as a high schooler might be tricky, but if you return to college I am sure in a few years you can do it," he said.

"Then what? It's not like I can get a real job or anything," I said.

"I am a doctor, sometimes the others get jobs working at the human society or some other small job. I know Esme has worked at flower shops a few times."

"Well, I guess it would be nice to do something to kill time now that I am immortal," I said.

"You could stay with us. Or you could go live with our cousins in Denali. They just added a new member to their group not too long ago. They would be happy to have you. Plus Eleazar has the power to see our abilities; he might be able to help you learn more about it what you are capable of."

"Thanks, but I would prefer to be by myself for now. No offense, I just need some time to myself is all. I have always been a private person."

"I understand. You are welcome in our home any time Fred."

"Thank you Carlisle."


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Leah P.O.V

I was painting my toe nails when I heard a loud bang from upstairs.

"Shit!" I cursed.

I ran upstairs expecting to find anything but Matthew in the spare bedroom moving things around.

"Matthew what are you doing?" I asked.

Matthew was carrying the bed on his back, trying to get it through the door. "Me is taking bed out," he said.

"I see that, but why?" I asked.

"Me is getting Fred-Fred's room ready."

"Fred's room?" I asked.

"Yes, for when he comes back and lives with us."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," I said waving my arms, "who said anything about Fred living with us?" I asked.

"He said he would come back. He promised," Matthew said.

"Matthew I am sure he meant to visit not live with us," I said.

He dropped the bed and it hit the ground with a loud woomph. "But Leah where will Fred-Fred live?"

"He is a vampire Matthew, a lot of them prefer to live alone."

"But how can we make sure he will keep eating animals if we don't keep an eye on him? "he asked.

"He is not our responsibility Matthew," I said, trying to sound firm.

"Well it will be his guest room for when he visits."

"What will he use it for?"

"To stays in, duh."

"Matthew," I sighed.

"Please Leah, imagine how happys it makes him when he see what we dos for him. He be surpriseds we did this for hims," he said.

I could see that determined look in his eyes and I knew I was not going to be able to stop him from doing this. So I sighed.

"Fine but let's keep the bed, just because he doesn't sleep doesn't mean he can't lay on it. Later we'll go shopping for stuff to decorate this place. How does that sound?"

"Greats! Can we get balloons and confetti and posters and cakes and-"

"Easy. Let's not go overboard."


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Two months later

Fred P.O.V

I was leaving the Cullen's today.

The last two months I spent with them had been the most enjoyable of my undead life. My eyes were now yellow, I looked better with yellow eyes than red.

I had grown to trust them to the point I actually hugged them or shook their hands as I prepared to return to Priddis. I had already called to let Leah and Matthew know I was returning.

"Take care now Fred," Esme said as she hugged me.

"I will Esme," I said.

"Take care bro," Emmett said slamming his knuckles against mine.

Jacob shook my hand next. I met him a few days after I had arrived. He was weary of me at first but we got to know one another. He asked about Leah a lot, I could tell he was worried about her.

He handed me a stack of envelopes bound by string. "Can you give these to her? They are from her friends and family on the rez," he said.

I took them and put them in the pocket of my jacket. "I will."

We shook hands and I turned to Carlisle. "Thank you so much for everything sir- I mean Carlisle," I said.

I had gotten real close with Edward, Jasper and Carlisle. Jasper and Edward were like me. Quiet, thoughtful. Carlisle and I had a passion for learning, he became a teacher to me more than just about the ways of vampires. He helped me continue my education.

I liked Emmett well enough but he was a little too loud and boisterous for my liking.

Alice handed me my traveling bag which had all the clothes she had gotten me.

"It was our pleasure Fred. Don't be a stranger, visit us as much as you can," Carlisle said.

"I will, I will tell Leah you all said hi."

They waved good bye as I ran off. I had a new suit, new hair, which I could only style, not cut. New shoes, new clothes, new eyes. I could not wait to see the look on Leah and Matthew's face when they saw me.

I was full of hope now. Hope that I could live some semblance of a human life, like the Cullens.

"I am doing it Bree. I am getting my humanity back. I wish you could be here to, but I know you are in a better place. Thank you for being a friend to me, thank you for asking them to be nice to me. I promise I will live for the both of us."

My eyes slightly burned as I ran. I blinked and welcomed the burn. I thought my life was over, that I would be nothing more than a lonely blood sucker, doomed to live on the outskirts of civilization, preying on poor unfortunate humans.

I was wrong.


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Leah P.O.V

"Thanks for coming over Deccan," I said as I sat at the table.

"No problem," Deccan said.

Deccan was the son of one of my neighbors. He worked as a plumber and was under my sink fixing a leak.

"I tried it myself but I am not good at fixing sinks, or pipes, or drains. Plus I got a friend coming to visit so I wanted to get this fixed before he showed up."

He pulled his head out from the sink to look at me, his eyes filled with surprise and a little disappointment. "He?"

"Yes. His name is Fred, he is coming to visit," I said.

"Oh, visit, that's nice," he said.

I knew he was happier than he let on that Fred was just visiting. He seemed to be in a more cheerful mood after that.

"So, Leah. I was wondering since you been in Priddis for a while and after your friend leaves and all...maybe you would like to, maybe have a few drinks together."

Was Deccan asking me out? He was good looking enough. He was two years younger than me, was five foot eleven with dirty blonde hair and deep blue eyes. He was good looking. He was well fit. As he lay on his back his shirt rode up, giving me a good view of his abb's.

"Well...I would have to think about it. I have to find someone to babysit Matthew."

He quickly came out from under the sink. "I can get my sister to babysit, she needs the money," he said eagerly.

I smiled, finding humor in his eagerness. "I will think about it."

Just then the phone rang. "Oh damn, I will be right back." I got up and walked out of the kitchen to go answer it. Leaving Deccan alone.


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Matthew P.O.V

Me wait for Leah to leave room to answer the phone thing.

When she gone and talking on phone me strike. Me being silent so Deccan person not hear my come up upon him. I grab his foot and pull him out and he slid on the ground.

"What the-"

I jumped on his chest and put my hand over his mouth. "You are shutting up now!" I hissed at him.

Me focus power on him. Making him prone to suggestion, making him listen to reason.

"You do not want Leah, she is a friend, nothing mores. You will fix pipes and be on way. Leah does not interest you in that ways, she is off limits to you. You will not mention this to her at all, in fact when me leaves room you will forget this happened. But you will remember my words and you will follow them. Understand?"

He nodded, his eyes gone vacant. Me feel power wrapping around him, in him. Me get off him and quickly left before Leah return. Me leave room just in time because me hear Leah come back in room.

Me know if Leah is knowing what I did she would be mad at me's, but me's not like liking this guy coming here with his dark pink feelings for Leah. Only man allowed to feel dark pink feelings for her was big brother Nahuel. Me see him and Leah are being attracted to one another, big brother Nahuel only one allowed to think dark pink for her.

This not being the first time me have to make men back off from Leah. Not first time me use power to make them go away. Leah not know, or suspect, me can tell that much. But if she is ever finding out than me is being in much trouble.

But it for best. Leah not needing bunch of men sniffing around her. She have me and I being all she need.


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Leah P.O.V

"Sorry about that, my friend is on his way and should be here in a few hours," I said walking back into the kitchen.

Deccan was laying on the ground a vacant look in his eyes. "Deccan?" I asked.

He shook his head and blinked. "Oh sorry, must have dozed off."

He got up and rubbed his hands on his shirt. "Well the good news is I fixed your sink. Any thing else needs fixing give me a call."

"Thanks, hey about those drinks."

"Forget about them," he said.

"What?" I asked confused. He seemed to enjoy the idea of us getting drinks so much.

"I changed my mind. I don't think I could even get the time."

"Oh...okay," I shrugged.

"Well have a nice day Leah," he said shaking my hand and giving me a smile. He grabbed his box and I saw him out.

I closed the door and rubbed my head. What was it with the guys around here? One moment they act like they want to go out with me the next they don't. It's like...

"MATTHEW!" I screamed.


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Three hours later and Matthew sat on the couch, flinching at the glare I was giving him.

"You are sooooo grounded," I said.

"Sorry Leah, but they be-"

"Yes I know, they be thinking dark pink which means lust but that does not give you the right to go and mess with other peoples minds with your power we talked about this."

There was a knock on the door. "Fred-Fred!" Matthew screamed.

"Matthew get back here!" I said as he ran to the door.

I heard him open the door and greet Fred. I sighed and went stomping to the door. I turned the corner and stopped. There was Fred. And he looked fine. I mean before he was tall, light and handsome. But now he was in fresh new clothes and had nice golden eyes.

He held Matthew in his arms, like a father does when he comes home after a long day at work.

"Hello Leah, it is good to see you again," he said smiling at me.

Suddenly I wasn't so upset Matthew kept all those other men away.



Fusedtwilight: Ohhh, is Leah feeling something for freaky Fred? So now he is back, what have things been like since he has been gone and will he decide to stay with Leah and Matthew? Also poor Matthew has another memory of his past...and it WILL not be pleasant.