A/N: Welcome back, loves! You have no idea how happy I am to finally share this chapter with you!💞🦋

I swear I would've had it up sooner, but life threw obstacles in my way, including me coming unpleasantly close to having a panic attack last night. I'm doing okay now, but yesterday wasn't great for me.

In all honesty, I'm not sure if I'm going to keep posting my stories on AO3 for much longer. If or when I stop posting them there, you'll only be able to read them here, if they still interest you.

Anyway, enough of that. Without further ado, I hope you enjoy Chapter 6: Persuasive Pixie.💜

"My ears can hear and my mouth can speak. My spirit talks, I know my soul believes."-AURORA (from her song, "Running with the Wolves")

Emmett's POV

Where is she? The bell was going to ring soon, and she still wasn't here. Ellie didn't strike me as the type to be late for class. Students were filing in, but still no Ellie. I swear, if someone...

"Deep breaths, Laur, just like we practiced. I'm sure it'll be great. Just have fun, and let me know how it goes, alright?"

"Yeah, you're right, thanks Kenz," another voice said.

"Of course, anytime. I love you."

"Love you too, I'll talk to you later."

"Bye."

Less than a second later, Ellie walked in as the bell rang and smiled when she saw me. "Hey, Em," she greeted as she took her seat.

"How's it going, Shortstack?" I grinned.

"I'm alright," she shrugged.

"You think we'll be doing an experiment today? Maybe use a Bunsen burner or two?" I asked, nudging her arm.

"I doubt it, we'll most likely just be continuing notes from yesterday. Besides, I don't want to be on burner duty today," she shook her head.

"What, worried I'll blow something up?" I snickered.

"Is that even a question?" she retorted.

"Touché," I amended.

"Alright class, eyes up here," Ms. Mendoza called, turning on the projector. "Since it's Friday and we're all excited for the weekend, we'll finish up notes and you'll have the last half of class to yourselves. Just make sure you turn in your homework on the way out," she smiled, getting scattered cheers of approval from us.

"Told you," Ellie smirked as I took my notebook out.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I surrender," I chuckled, holding my hands up in defeat.

"Good choice," she commented. Man, I wish I could've met her sooner.

It was sort of like yesterday, but not quite. We took notes and drew some sketches in our notebooks, but it was clear something was bothering Kenzie.

Her heartbeat was all over the place, a few times I caught her bouncing her leg, and she kept pausing to take deep breaths. Not to mention how shaky her pencil was against the paper.

I tried to brush it off, but I would've been lying if I said I wasn't worried. I had to do something, so I lightly tapped the eraser of my pencil against her desk and she looked over at me. "Are you alright?" I asked quietly, not wanting to draw any unwanted attention our way.

She shook her head."No, not really." She set down her pen and rubbed at her forehead.

"Do you mind if I...?" I pointed to her notebook with my pencil.

"Oh, Em, you really don't have to-"

"I want to, as long as it's okay with you," I cut her off, smiling softly.

"Yeah, it's okay. Thank you," she nodded, sliding her book over.

I started copying the notes from the board into our notebooks, while she put her head down. I was relieved when her breathing evened out as she drifted off to sleep.

Ms. Mendoza briefly glanced our way and I mouthed, "After class." She gave a slight nod and went back to the presentation.

~ ~ ~ ~

Finally, class was coming to an end. Everyone started packing up their stuff and Ms. Mendoza stood up to collect the homework. I closed our notebooks and gently nudged Ellie's shoulder, but she didn't wake up. On the second try, she slowly sat up and stretched her arms. "Thanks again, Emmy," she smiled up at me. 'Emmy', it has a nice ring to it.

"No problem," I replied, as she packed up her bag and took out her homework. "Want me to turn these in?" I gestured between our papers.

"Oh, sure, thanks," she nodded, and I grabbed them, taking them to Ms. Mendoza. "Here you go, ma'am."

"Thank you, Emmett," she smiled, accepting the papers.

Ellie rushed up next to me, "Ms. Mendoza, I'm so sorry, I didn't realize I needed more sleep last night. I'll do better next class, I promise," she rambled.

"It's okay, Kenzie, I'm not upset with you. Yes, I want you to do well in your classes, but your well-being is more important. Take care of yourself first, alright?"

"Yes, ma'am," she nodded.

"Have a nice weekend," Ms. Mendoza told us, and Ellie took her leave.

I was about to follow, but Ms. Mendoza gestured for me to wait. Once the other kids were gone, she turned to me, "Thank you for watching over her. I always love to see my students look out for each other."

"Yeah, she makes it pretty easy, honestly," I answered.

"Of course, she trusts you." Seeing my shock, she shook her head, "My glasses help me see, but even if I was blind, the friendship between you would be impossible not to notice, Mr. Cullen."

Wow, I mean, yeah, Ellie's been really sweet, and becoming her friend has been awesome. I just didn't think earning her trust would happen overnight. "Thank you, Ms. Mendoza," I replied, not sure what else to say.

"Of course. You should go, you don't want to miss lunch," she nodded.

"Right, have a nice day," I finished.

"You too, dear," she agreed as I left.

~ ~ ~ ~

Alice's POV

"Alice, calm down, there's just a few more minutes before the bell rings," Rosalie sighed, fond exasperation weaving through her words.

"I know," I sighed, tapping my foot, and glancing at my watch.

"Did you see something?" she asked, concern shining in her eyes.

"Not exactly," I admitted, frowning.

"So, it wasn't a vision?" she continued quietly.

"More like a hunch," I explained.

"Does it have anything to do with what you did this morning?" she tilted her head at me, raising an eyebrow knowingly, and I shrugged my shoulders. "Oh, c'mon, you know exactly what I'm talking about. You asked Edward to go to the library early."

"So?"

"So, it was just a coincidence that Kenzie was working when he came in?"

I shook my head and laughed at her expression, "Who needs to calm down now?" I retorted with a grin.

"You've got satisfaction written all over your face, Alice, and I'm not adding to it," she sighed.

"I just don't want her to feel overwhelmed at lunch," I confessed.

"I know, and I'm sure she'll appreciate it," Rose nodded in understanding.

The bell chimed and I beamed, "It's time!"

~ ~ ~ ~

Kenzie's POV

Admittedly, when I left Chemistry, I definitely wasn't as aware of my surroundings as I should've been, especially considering the number of students rushing through the hallways on either side of me. I was caught up in my thoughts, thinking about Laurel's stressed rambling on the phone, Em's unwavering kindness, and my unexpected run-in with Edward earlier.

So, it was only fitting that when an arm looped around one of mine, I nearly jumped out of my skin, feeling like the final girl in a slasher movie. "Oh my–Ally, you scared the crap out of me!" I stammered, while she just giggled.

"Sorry, Ellie," she smiled, looking somewhat apologetic.

"If that's what sorry looks like, then I must be Dorothy Gale," I retorted, though I couldn't help but laugh too, as we headed toward the cafeteria.

As we made our way through the lunch line, I felt my nerves bubbling up again from the unwelcome pit in my stomach. Ally must've noticed I was clutching my lunch tray like a lifeline, and rubbed my shoulder comfortingly. "Hey, it's okay, I'll be right next to you. Emmett and Rose are already at our table, and since Jasper and Edward had Gym last, they'll still be awhile," she assured. "Lemonade, water, or soda?" she asked once we reached the drink section.

"Soda, please," I replied, getting a nod in response while she grabbed a soda and lemonade.

As we neared the table, my worries faded away. Sending a grin our way, Em stood up and carefully took my bag, resting it over the back of one of the chairs. I smiled in thanks as I sat down and Alice happily settled next to me. "Happy Friday," Rose greeted.

"Happy Friday to you too, Rosie," I replied.

"I thought Rosie was only for special occasions," she chuckled.

"Well, Fridays are usually pretty special, and it's my first time sitting with you guys here. I'd say that qualifies, right?" I shrugged sheepishly.

"You're right," Rosie nodded, a soft twinkle in her eyes.

It was strange, I hadn't known any of them for very long, yet they welcomed me with open arms, and I didn't feel out of place sitting with them. Em's playful teasing, Ally's joy-filled tangents about Art, and Rose's content aura as she sat back in her seat. It was nice.

"-so talented, the details are amazing. Right, Kenzie?"

Jolting back to reality, I almost choked on my soda. Once I cleared my throat, I spoke up, "Sorry, what were you saying?"

"You're talented, Kenzie, your art is incredible," she reiterated.

"Thanks, Ally. I mean, I wouldn't say it's that good, but-"

"Oh hush, you need to own your skill. Your drawing is beautiful," she retorted, nudging my shoulder.

"Okay, okay, it was a decent one," I surrendered, snickering at her stubborn nature.

"Much better," she smiled, her satisfaction shining through. Excitement joined in the mix when her eyes locked on something else. Wow, I wonder if she's Angel's long-lost sister.

Looking up, I found the source of her excitement, Edward Cullen and Jasper Hale. She stood up and I followed suit as she went over and greeted her brothers.

Alright Kenz, don't screw this up. "It's nice to meet you, officially," I greeted, turning to Edward since he was closer.

"It's nice to see you again too," he smiled, before sitting down between Alice and Emmett.

Okay, you're still alive. Please, let this go well. "Hi, I'm Mackenzie Forge, though you can call me Ellie or Kenzie if you like. It's a pleasure to meet you," I smiled, holding out my hand.

"Jasper Hale, and the pleasure is mine, Kenzie," he replied, gently shaking my hand with a smile. We sat down next to each other, though I swear as I took my seat, I saw an exchange between Ally, Em, Edward, and Rose. Is that money?

"What did we miss?" Edward asked.

"Nothing much, though Ellie nearly choked to death on her soda, thanks to Alice," Em chuckled, though there was a subtle undercurrent of worry, one I knew all too well as an older sister.

"Yeah, 'Death-By-Cola' isn't on my agenda for today, and I'm alright now," I added. He shot me a grin, appreciation clear in his eyes.

"Speaking of agendas, do you have any plans tonight?" Ally questioned, hope sparkling in her eyes as bright as sapphires.

"Not that I know of," I thought for a minute. "Nope, my schedule is clear," I confirmed.

"Then, do you want to come to our place after school?" she smiled.

"I would love to! I'll have to check with my dad first, but I'm sure he'll be alright with it," I nodded, surprised by the invitation.

My answer was met with varying degrees of joy; Em and Ally were beaming like there was no tomorrow, and Rosie was smiling softly. Edward was chuckling to himself, likely about Em and Ally's reactions, and Jasper had a content look spread across his features. Wow, Ally was right. I guess my first impressions are better than I thought.

"I'll let Carlisle and Esme know, they would love to meet you!" Alice grinned, taking out her phone and quickly shooting off a text.

I couldn't help but blush a little. "You told them about me?" I guessed.

"Of course, you're our best friend," Ally smiled, as if it was the obvious answer.

Best friend. Just ten letters. Two words that filled me with hope, joy, and peace all at once like I'd just had a big cup of hot chocolate. I'm their best friend.

~ ~ ~

A/N: And that was Chapter 6, I hope you enjoyed it! Ellie has finally met all of the Cullen/Hale kids! How about that?😊🧡🦋

🎶Featured Music: "Running with the Wolves" by AURORA.

Questions of the Day: 

Are you excited for Kenzie to meet Carlisle & Esme? 

What do you think Laurel was calling about?

What do you think Jasper's first impression of Kenzie was?

Stay tuned for future story updates, you might be getting an update for one of my other stories tonight, but it's still up in the air, so no promises!💙

Thank you for reading, and as always, votes & respectful comments are more than welcome! I love hearing your theories, insights, and thoughts on my stories.💞

~Love, Sunset