Since her birthday it felt like maybe things between Paloma and her family head settled in a place of normalcy, but there was still an undeniable tension among them. The murders were only increasing, the trail of bodies getting closer and closer to Forks. It was a matter of time before the vampire army arrived, that was something that they could not ignore. 

Luciana had been tense all morning, and the fact that she had yet to speak a single word to Paloma the entire care ride to school was unsettling. 

"I've been thinking," Luciana said softly just as Paloma reached for the handle. It was impossible to not notice how conflicted her sister seemed. Like Luciana knew she would regret the words as soon as she said them. Instantly Paloma worried fearing for the worst, it was impossible not to considering the circumstances that they found themselves in. "about what that wolf boy said."

The worry Paloma felt instantly turned into confusion at the realization that she was talking about Paul. It had already been a couple of weeks since Paul visited them at the house and as far as Paloma knew he hadn't attempted to approach them again. 

"What about it?"

Luciana bit her lip thoughtfully as she turned in her seat to fully face Paloma. "We're in over our heads. This vampire army... we should just leave it to the Cullens and the wolves to deal with."

Paloma couldn't help but feel surprised, but Luciana always was the rational one. Of course she would see reason where their father and Emiliano did not. "What are saying?"

"I think it's time we leave Forks." Her sister stated firmly, any uncertainty she had before was gone. Luciana truly believed that this was the best decision, but oddly enough the idea didn't bring the amount of joy that Paloma had expected. 

Leaving Forks was all she had wanted since they arrived, and she couldn't believe that she was hesitating now. "Really?"

Luciana nodded the determination in her eyes finally snapping Paloma back to some semblance of reality. "What do you think?"

Paloma smiled realizing that leaving was finally a real option now. She didn't know what had changed her sister's mind so suddenly, but it didn't matter. All that mattered was that she had. "When are we leaving?"

Her sister returned her smile, a look of relief  on her face as she did as she look Paloma's hand. "I still need to talk to dad and Emiliano, but I'm sure I can convince them."

If there was anyone that could convince their stubborn father and brother to do anything it was Luciana. They all knew that Luciana was the level headed one, and they always tended to follow her lead. There was no doubt in Paloma's mind that they would all be leaving Forks as soon as Luciana set the date.

"We'll talk about it at home. Emiliano is going to pick you up later." Luciana ordered signaling that end of the conversation, but it looked like there was a weight that had been lifted from her shoulders. 

"I'll see you at home then." Paloma said unable to wipe the smile off her face as she stepped out of the car. She couldn't help but feel like there had been a weight lifted off her shoulders too. 

She could still feel the slight smile on her lips as she began to cross the parking lot, but before she could she spotted Paul near his motorcycle. For a moment Paloma thought that he might be here to talk to her again, but his eyes were following Luciana as she pulled out of the parking lot and disappeared down the road. 

It was pathetic really and Paloma just hated that he was practically stalking her sister. And she began to wonder just how many times he had done this and she had simply not noticed him before. Any but of joy that she had felt moments ago disappeared as she walked to where he was standing. 

When Paul realized that Paloma was headed his way he seemed just annoyed to see her as she was to see him. 

"You know this is starting to get really creepy." Paloma said as she put her hand in her coat pockets feeling like fingers were about to freeze. "Luciana is never going to want anything from you. You should just move on." 

"That's not how it works and you know it." Paul stated looking surprisingly frustrated or maybe it was panic. Paloma wanted to question it but she wasn't sure if she even wanted to know what was going through Paul's mind, she had enough going on in her own mind. "Help me."

Paloma almost wanted to laugh not sure if he was joking or not. But from the serious look on his face it was obvious that he was either desperate or had lost his mind completely. The problem was that she couldn't really judge Paul too harshly when she was just like him. Wanting someone that she shouldn't and could never really be with. Yet, he had that hope that it was possible. That something could be done. 

"I thought you wanted us to leave Forks?" Paloma asked instead knowing that she could never help him. She knew her sister all too well to know that what Paul wanted was impossible. 

Paul placed his hand on his chest like the idea physically pained him. "Are you...leaving Forks?"

"Not that I know of." She lied not sure why she felt the need to. Was it simply because it wasn't any of his business or did she want to save him from any pain that he could feel. Although she was annoyed by Paul, she also couldn't deny that she sympathized. "Luci isn't all that great. You'll get over her fast."

It was a lie of course. Luciana was undeniably one of the best people that Paloma knew. And she knew that Paul couldn't just break whatever connection he had with Luciana, but she wanted him to get used to the fact that it was never going to happen anymore. Now that they were undoubtedly going to be leaving it was just something that Paul would have to come to terms with. 

"Have you seen her smile?"

Paloma felt her eyes widen is surprise, for the first time realizing the intensity of what imprinting was. "Describe it to me again."

"What?" 

"What imprinting feels like." Paloma clarified feeling like she needed to hear it more clearly from him. Although she read about imprinting there was something about the concept that was hard to wrap her mind around. Especially because there were times Paul seemed like an entirely different person, granted she didn't know him very well. Not really, but that was a yearning and desperation in his eyes. Like if he couldn't have Luciana it would completely tear him apart. "Is it like love at first sight?"

"It's not like love at first sight. It's more like..." He began pausing as he tried to find the right words. "gravity moves when you see her, suddenly it's not the earth holding you here anymore. She does. And nothing matter more than her. And you would do anything for her, be anything for her."

Paloma couldn't help but feel a little speechless. Paul really had no choice in imprinting on Luciana, so was it even really love when he had not choice in the matter? Though she supposed that love worked in the same way, it wasn't a choice. "And if she rejects you?"

"It's hard to reject that kind of devotion. Don't you think?" Paul replied confidently like he had no doubt in his mind that it wouldn't happen to him. 

But Paul didn't know Luciana like Paloma did. Luciana could resist that kind of devotion, she would completely crush Paul's heart without so much as a second thought. But even Paloma couldn't deny that the idea of someone being entirely devoted to you, did sound appealing. 

Before she could even think of a reply she heard the bell ring from across the parking lot. She couldn't help but feel relieved that she didn't have to give him an answer. "I have to go."

Turning away quickly Paloma practically ran across the parking lot into the school. She wasn't sure why Paul's words had effected her the way that they had. They were words that stayed with her the entire day at school. Paloma's mind kept wondering off in class trying to imagine having the kind of devotion that Paul had described. It didn't feel entirely possible, after all what Paul was describing was a supernatural connection. 

She also had to deal with the disappointment of not seeing Edward. He was missing school more often, she knew it was because he and the rest of the Cullen's were getting ready for the vampire army that would be arriving any day now. But even then she wanted to see him, to tell him about what Luciana had told her. Edward had wanted her to not be involved with everything that was happening, now he was also going to get exactly what he wanted. 

Soon she would leave Forks. She just didn't know what it would mean for them?

Paloma always knew that they had no real future, and she had been okay with that reality. But now she couldn't help but wish that they had more time. 

"Is everything okay?" Saira asked as they walked down the hall, and Paloma hadn't realized that she had been acting any different than normal. Especially enough for Saira to notice when she was dealing with losing Kennedy, although Saira wanted to pretend that nothing happened she wasn't the same. "I know you have that secret about you and Edward, but this feels different." 

Paloma stopped at her locker as she looked back at Saira who seemed genuinely concerned. "Everything fine. I guess I just feel a little behind on all my homework."

"You do know that you can talk to me right?" She questioned and Paloma desperately wished for that to be true. But the truth was that she couldn't tell Saira about everything that was happening.

Paloma smiled feeling like the worst kind of person possible. She hated lies and the fact that all she was doing was lying was slowly driving her insane. "I know." 

"Well, I have and ASB meeting. I'll see you tomorrow." Saira said before she turned away and walked down the hall. It was obvious that she was upset, but Paloma didn't feel ready to tell her what was really on her mind. 

Paloma watched as Saira turned the corner wondering if her family did end up moving away if she would still be friends with Saira. Truthfully she had never kept contact with any of her friends from her previous schools, Paloma didn't see much value it. At any new school Paloma always made sure that she never got too attached to anyone, knowing that they were always going to be temporary. 

But the idea of never talking to Saira just didn't sit right. 

Closing her locker Paloma began to walk down towards the parking lot, Emiliano was probably already waiting for her and he always had little patience when it came to picking her up. Not to mention that he was always in a bad mood after hunting. 

Before Paloma could push the school doors open a familiar piano melody echoed through the mostly empty school hallway. 

It took her a moment to recognize the music, but when she did she couldn't help but smile a little. It was the piano melody that Edward had played for her a couple of months ago in the music room, it already felt like so long ago but it was also the first time that they had really connected. And the music become a sort of siren song as Paloma slowly began walking towards the music room knowing that it was Edward that was playing the song for her. 

Paloma stopped in front of the music room unable to deny her anticipation as she opened the door. Edward was sitting with his back to her playing the piano, and she couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by the sight of him. He was heartbreakingly beautiful and there was part of her that just couldn't imagine not drinking in his beauty again. Not that she would ever tell him just how beautiful he was, he heard it enough every single day at school as all the girls whispered it down the halls.

Closing the door behind her Paloma walked towards him, but Edward didn't acknowledge her presence until she was standing beside him. It was only then that he stopped playing and stood up. He took a moment to study her before smiling. 

"What are you doing?" Paloma questioned returning his smile, and she couldn't help but feel like they were the only two people that existed in that moment. It was nice feeling like they didn't have to sneak around and hide because this moment was entirely theirs. 

Edward reached forward placing a hand on her cheek, and she couldn't help but shiver a little at his cold touch as it sent goosebumps throughout her body. "I just had to see you."

They were simple words but they had her heart beating rapidly in her chest as he leaned down to kiss her. Paloma couldn't help but wish that he was human. It would all be so much easier if he was, but she also couldn't deny how exhilarating it was being with him and knowing what he was. It was almost like it fueled her desire for him even more.

And she couldn't help but wonder how someone who wasn't living could make her feel so alive. With Edward it felt as if she was caught between heaven and hell. Knowing that being with him could very well damn her and yet there was nothing sweeter than being consumed by the sin. In that moment she felt what Paul had described. That feeling that it was Edward that in some way was keeping her grounded. That he was all that mattered. 

His kiss was as gentle as always while also feeling like he would devour her if he could. Paloma couldn't help but wonder if there was still a part of him that did want that. 

Edward suddenly pulled away but by then it had been entirely too late as the door to the music room opened.

Then everything seemed to shatter around her in an instant when she met her brother's eyes.