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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 day went by fairly quick. So far Bridget's more favorable teacher happens to be Mrs. Peterson, her creative writing teacher mainly because she did not force her to introduce herself to the class. She has taken many creative writing classes in the past, but this is one class she could never get tired of.

Now it was almost the end of the day, one more class left which so happens to be her new elective, introduction to woodworking. A part of her was actually looking forward to starting this class since she has never attempted woodworking before. Forks High did not have this option as an elective. Bridget has always been willing to try new things, mainly just to keep her occupied.

What else is she supposed to do with her long life span?

She managed to keep her head low and interact with as few people as possible. Lunch had been a different story. Not only did she talk to that sweet girl Kim, but she had run into Jared who she had met the other day on the beach as well as his friend who he introduced as Paul. For some unknown reason, Bridget couldn't stop thinking about that very bizarre interaction.

Jared was as kind as he was when she had first met him. Bridget even went as far as telling him that Kim was very sweet and to thank her again for being kind enough to invite her to sit with them. But during that conversation, it was hard to concentrate on Jared when all she could feel was the intense stare from the boy beside him.

Bridget will admit, she felt her heart skip a beat upon seeing him. He was very attractive. He was taller than her by a couple inches, but her wedges gave her some extra height over him. He shared Jared's copper tan skin and raven black hair, but that is where their similarities ended. Paul was a bit more muscular than Jared, shoulders were wider, and jawline was a bit more chiseled.

His eyes were the biggest difference she noticed. The locals of the reservation all had dark brown eyes, including Jared. But surprisingly, Paul's was much lighter. They were a softer, calmer brown and much more enticing. Bridget can't lie and say she didn't find herself memorized by them, because she was. It wasn't anything unusual. She finds herself attracted to a lot of men in the past.

But this... this was stranger. Normally because in the past, she can brush it off easily and focus on other things. But apparently not this time. It wasn't even the attraction she felt for him that kept her fixated on the man. It was the way he acted around her that really rattled her brain.

As hard as she tried, Bridget can't stop that scene from replaying in her head. Bridget normally doesn't think twice about meeting new people, knowing she isn't going to speak to them again or because she knows they won't be a part of her life long enough to remember them.

But this was different. Paul just seemed... surprised. He had gone completely still and then suddenly, he was violently shaking. Bridget actually found herself wondering if he was alright. She may be a self inflicted introvert but that doesn't mean she was heartless. He looked genuinely shaken from something and then really angry. Bridget can't help but think if it was something she had done.

Which is ridiculous. She knew she didn't do anything. She was minding her own business until she walked out and found the two of them standing there in front of the door. It made zero sense that she could have done anything to offend him. But he was clearly upset over something.

Bridget did her best to stop thinking about that encounter for the rest of the day but at times when she wasn't trying to get caught up to what the lessons were and getting herself situated, her mind wandered back to those haunting brown eyes. It was very weird. He was very weird.

Walking into the woodshop, the mess of saw dust and freshly cut wood hit her in the face suddenly, resulting in the blonde waving it out in order to see clearer and found herself trying to adjust her sight to the dimmer lighting. She felt a couple eyes on her as she went straight towards the teacher who was currently entranced in a magazine. He was an older man, most likely early fifties. He was so occupied with the magazine that he didn't notice Bridget standing there until she cleared her throat to gain his attention.

Beady gray eyes met blue and he squinted in confusion. "You're not in this class."

"I am actually. I just transferred today." Bridget explained, showing him her schedule as proof.

He glanced at the paper and hummed. "I swear no one tells me things anymore. You think knowing I was getting a new student would be valuable information to tell me."

"Well, it was kind of a last minute addition to my schedule this morning so I'm sure your roster will be updated soon."

Mr. Adams just shrugs, taking that as a solid reason before digging through his desk. "What's your name?"

"Bridget Clark, sir."

"Well, Bridget Clark. There will be none of this 'sir' business in my class. You can call me Mr. Adams or as most of the students prefer, Ace." He explains as he pulls out a folder and hands her a thin booklet. "Here. You are going to need to study this front to back. There is a safety test you need to take before you are permitted to touch any of the equipment in this room. Understood?"

Bridget took the book and gave a stiff nod. "Understood."

Mr. Adams just grumbles and scratches his stubble beard. "As for what to do with you today, everyone is already working on a project for this week. I guess you could shadow another student, watch how they work the tools and equipment in here. Have you ever worked with power tools?"

Bridget shook her head. "Only hand tools, but mainly to hammer or tighten something."

"Alright," he said raspily, standing up just as the second bell rang and everyone got to their normal tables. "Listen up! Eyes front!" The class all silenced themselves and turned to face the front of the class. "This here is our new transfer student. Brittany Clark."

"Uh, it's Bridget." The blonde corrected him and the scruffy man scratched his head.

"Right. Bridget Clark." He clears his throat. "I need one of you to volunteer to let her shadow one of you today until she takes the safety test and learns the ropes. Any takers?"

Pretty much every single hand shot up in the air and Bridget felt herself regretting her elective choice already. Mainly because she realized this class was mostly filled with boys and only one other girl. She mentally facepalmed as the immature boys grinned and looked a little too eager.

This was just perfect.

Mr. Adams seemed to realize the same thing and glowered at all of them before scanning the class and settled on the only other female in this class. "Briar. Thank you for volunteering."

Briar looked up from her sketch book with an annoyed glare. "I didn't volunteer."

"She can follow me, Ace." A random boy eagerly said, not taking his eyes off of her. Bridget found herself wanting to laugh. All men are very predictable. Mr. Adams' just ignored him and kept his gaze on the girl in the back.

"Well, you did now." Mr. Adams stated before turning back to Bridget. "Go take a seat with Briar. Remember, you are not permitted to touch any of the tools until you pass the test."

Bridget only nodded in understanding before making her way to the back table where Briar sat with only two other kids. Briar continued sketching in her book, not even bothering to make eye contact with Bridget nor did she react when the blonde took a seat beside her. By complete accident, Bridget saw a glimpse of what she was drawing and it was a flawless sketch of some boy she had never seen before.

Bridget immediately tore her eyes away and towards the front of the class just before Briar turned to her and almost caught her. She felt immediately guilty for invading this girl's privacy, no matter if it was accidental or not.

Mr. Adams took attendance and then immediately dismissed the class to get back to their projects. Briar stuffed her sketchbook into her back and went to get safety glasses as well as an apron. Bridget simply just followed the girl and got her own glasses and apron, Briar didn't even acknowledge her until she grabbed a wooden box from the cupboard. "Just keep up and don't touch anything, alright?"

Well, this girl is chipper.

"Of course. Pretend I'm not even here."

Briar glanced over towards the blonde and gave her attire a once over. "You do understand this class requires a look of standing and balance. Wearing heels will throw you off balance."

Bridget raised her brows in surprise, not sure why this girl has a serious attitude with her but she tried to ignore it. She understood the moody teen phase. She's been stuck as one for decades. "I've had a lot of practice. You shouldn't worry yourself about me."

Briar grabbed measuring tape from one of the drawers and Bridget did her best to stay out of her way as well as ignore the stares the other students in this class were giving her. Once Briar had what she needed, she headed back to the table and got to work on her measurement. After a couple seconds, she finally spoke. "Look, I don't mean to sound like a bitch. It's just you are the third girl to try woodshop and they always end up bailing because they are too scared of the powertools. You clearly look like someone who would prefer ballet or shopping instead of getting their hands dirty or chipped."

Bridget understood where she was coming from, but definitely did not appreciate the assumptions being made just because of what clothes and shoes she decided to wear. "I actually love shopping and I do enjoy ballet. I also am exceptional on the violin and I love to sing. I also love gardening and hiking and I even know my way around car engines. Not too crazy about sports but I do enjoy a game of darts and billiards. Archery is really fun too. I also like to knit, sew, and crochet. This sweater you see? Only took me three days to knit."

Bridget paused in her speech to look down at the dark haired female who was staring at her in pure shock. She just gave her a genuine smile. "I'm just trying to explain to you that I have many hobbies and I enjoy learning as many as I can. I am not afraid to get my hands dirty. You shouldn't judge someone based on their appearance."

Briar just stared at the blonde, a bit wide eyed and surprised by her little speech. After a few seconds went by, the dark haired female hummed and the corner of her lip curled into a smirk. "Understood. No wonder my mom likes you so much."

The blonde frowns in confusion. "Your mom?"

"She's the one who got you into this school."

It was Bridget's turn to be shocked, her eyebrows scrunched together before it hit her. "Martha's your mother?"

Briar started marking her measurements as she responded. "Is it really that big of a surprise?"

Bridget immediately shook her head. "No. Of course not. I just... Martha said her daughter was named Davie."

Briar simply cringed before sighing. "Yeah, that's my second name. Briar Davie Claw. My grandmother was one of those high maintenance types who thought the world revolved around her. She guilt tripped my mom into naming me after her, told her Davie was a stupid name. I honestly couldn't care less, they are both horrible names but Briar is a lesser of two evils, I guess. My parents are the only ones who are allowed to call me that."

That was understandable. It still surprised Bridget of the coincidence of getting partnered with Martha's daughter of all people.

"Well, both names sound lovely to me." Bridget admits, giving her a kind smile. Briar didn't respond, but didn't look as annoyed as she did earlier. Bridget finally turned her attention to the project. "So, may I ask what exactly you are making?"

"It will be a hanging plant stand." Briar explains, sliding the booklet she has open that shows the simple instructions. "I chose it because it wasn't something simple like a cutting board or bird feeder like a lot of the others are doing. Plus, I thought my mom would enjoy it since she loves plants."

Bridget couldn't help the smile that spread on her face as she does remember Martha mentioning on one of her rambling fits. "I think she will like that very much."

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Dear Alex,

𝐌𝐘 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐀𝐓 La Push High was to be expected when it comes to starting a new school. Overwhelming.

It never gets easier. Starting somewhere new, being the center of attention in every class. Constantly introducing yourself is very exhausting. Most of the time I wish for the time when I was on my own. I didn't torture myself by going to school. Just found jobs to occupy my time. Sure it was lonely and most of the time I was too depressed to get out of bed to go to work, but at least school was not in the picture.

It wasn't as bad as Forks High. Students at La Push seemed to gossip in silence and were a bit more respectful. I didn't have a bunch of girls coming up to me, trying to befriend me because I was the most approachable just so they could get information about Emmett, Jasper and Edward. I didn't get labeled as a bitch for refusing to acknowledge any of their questions.

Just not being associated with the Cullens was like a breath of fresh air after eight years. One I needed... desperately.

You actually won't believe this, but for a moment today, I thought about joining the choir. I know, right? Last time I was in the choir was 1928 when I was twelve years old and father forced me to quit because having to pick me up from rehearsals took too much time out of his busy schedule.

But I chickened out. Mainly because father's voice was in my head when he would yell at me to stop disturbing him when I would practice at home. But another reason is because it would mean putting myself out there. Actually having to talk to engage with the other students more than I already have to and I just don't think I can handle it...

"Wow, you really do come here a lot." A voice pulled her from her writing. The blonde already knew who it was without looking.

"Apparently you do too since we keep running into each other."

Bridget was off from work today so she thought it would be best to spend it anywhere else then at the house. She got here a little later than normal because she did spend some time at the local coffee shop studying for the safety test she has to take tomorrow, which wasn't that hard. Then, of course, she came to the beach, where she has been for a couple hours now. She spent the first hour admiring it from her car because it was raining, but once it cleared up, she grabbed her towel and a blanket and has been sitting out watching the waves since.

As Bridget shuts her journal to hide from prying eyes, not that she thought Sam would ever invade her privacy, she looks up at the man and gestured to the spot beside her. "Care to join?"

The invitation was out of character for her, but for some reason she found herself enjoying Sam's company in the short time she has known him. He reminded her of someone... someone she missed dearly. Plus, he was easy to talk to.

"Sure," is all he says, taking a seat down on her blanket. "So, what were you writing?"

"Oh, this?" She gestures to the pink journal. "It's just a journal. I have a lot of thoughts that I don't always know what to do with so I find it easier to write them down."

"Understandable." Sam admits, looking around at the very empty beach. It was only the two of them since it was just raining not too long ago. "I like it when it's like this. No one is around so it's easier to hear the waves crashing against the rocks."

Bridget found herself closing her eyes and listening to exactly that, a smile forming across her pink lips. "Yeah. I like that too. Very much."

The two enjoyed the peaceful breeze and seagulls chirping in silence for a few minutes before Sam was the first to break it. "How was your first day at La Push High?"

Bridget was surprised he even remembered that she started school on the reservation today. But then she remembered he and Jared are good friends so maybe he heard from him?

"Honestly?" She asked, actually wondering if he was genuinely curious or not. Sam nodded encouragingly and Bridget found herself doing something she hasn't done in a long time. She confided in someone other than her journal. "It wasn't the best, but it was better than Forks. I hate being the center of attention. It's one of my biggest insecurities. But I knew transferring schools in the middle of the year was not going to magically turn me invisible. The same curious stares. The same teachers getting me to introduce myself in front of class. It always overwhelms me. Being at Forks was worse because of the people I live with. It's easier now that I don't have them attached to my name."

"I've never been much of a people person myself. School was always a drag." Sam tries to make her feel better. Bridget only nodded in agreement and the two sat there in silence for a couple seconds before Sam finally spoke. "You mentioned staying with a family. Do you mind me asking what happened to yours?"

Bridget realized her wording was poor and she should have expected this question. She was used to this question, mainly because she always chose a different surname that didn't match the Cullen's so it always raised questions in every place she has lived in since staying with them. But the lies... they just never got easier to tell. Even if it was drilled into her brain by now.

"Umm, I'm emancipated. It was finalized two years ago. My parents kicked me out for reasons I'd rather not get into but a nice couple I met was generous enough to rent me a room in Alaska at their place. When a job opportunity came that required them to move here, they offered for me to join if I wanted. I didn't have anywhere to go and the job I had gotten at the time did not pay me enough to live on my own. So I joined them and here I am."

"Wow," Sam said, a bit taken back but recovered quickly as he cleared his throat. "I'm sorry you had to go through all of that."

Just like always, Bridget simply shrugs. "It was for the best."

Sam looked over at the blonde curiously. "Why would this family affect the way people treat you at school?"

"Everyone is just very nosy, but I've never met anyone more nosy than the kids at Forks High. Like me, the Cullens aren't exactly the most social and tend to keep to themselves. But most of the kids there are either too attractive to them or offended by their need to ignore everyone else that they-"

"Wait. Wait..." Sam interrupted, Bridget looking over to see he was now very stiff and his easy going expression has now hardened. "Did you just say the Cullens?"

Bridget noticed his sudden change in demeanor and was hesitant to even answer his question, but nodded anyway. "Yes."

Sam immediately stood and Bridget found herself on her feet as well as he ran a hand through his dark hair and turned to her. "Are you telling me you actually live with the Cullens?"

Bridget was so confused. "Do you know them or something?"

"Just answer the question." Sam practically growls. Bridget blinked at him in disbelief, not sure where this sudden anger was coming from. It was definitely anger and maybe... a little fear on his face?

"Yes. I live with the Cullens. I rent a room from them." Bridget simply explains, crossing her arms. "Why are you getting so upset?"

"I'm not upset. But I have to go." Sam didn't even give Bridget time to respond before he stormed away, leaving her there in complete astonishment.

She then begins to gather her stuff and walk to her car, mumbling to herself as she stomps to the vehicle. "That's what I get for going against my own damn rules and confiding in someone."

><><><

"𝐖𝐄 𝐆𝐎𝐓 𝐀 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐌." Are the first words out of Sam's mouth the moment he enters the house. Jared was sitting on the couch with Kim watching a movie and Emily was in the kitchen cooking dinner for tonight. Paul has been on patrol since he abruptly left school this afternoon and for good reason. Sam was almost grateful he wasn't here at the moment, knowing he is not going to handle the surprising news he had just discovered.

Paul had found his imprint today. Sam had to calm him down when he found him freaking out in the woods earlier today. He knew Paul detested the idea of imprints since the moment he learned about them. He thought they were ridiculous and absurd. He didn't want to be tight down to anyone. But Sam knew that his feelings towards the imprint went beyond his ego and pride. He knew Paul was afraid of rejection. He has had to deal with it from both his parents and even his uncle who had taken him in but kicked him out a few months ago after an incident that left Paul shaken.

Sam and Emily didn't hesitate when taking him in, because Paul was his brother and he would never abandon nor give up on him. But sometimes Sam thinks Paul doesn't believe it will last.

What made the whole imprint situation more interesting, it happened to be on the same girl Sam met and nearly attacked on the beach a couple weeks ago. Sam isn't sure what had come over him, but he knew her scent was off. At first, it smelled like a vampire, but as he got closer, it disappeared instantly. But her scent was still... off in a way. Jared and Paul had confirmed it as well.

There was something different about Bridget Clark and he wanted to find out what. That is why he approaches her whenever he sees her on the beach now. He was curious about her. But also, she was a friendly person, one he doesn't see often around here with people constantly judging and making up rumors that he is a part of some gang. He didn't really care about what they thought of him, but it was nice to be looked at without distaste or criticism.

But after talking to her on the beach and learning who she lives with... he knew he let his anger get a hold of him and hoped he didn't freak her out too much. Bridget is Paul's imprint, meaning she is now forever under their protection and is now a part of their pack whether she knows it or not. The fact that she lives with those leeches raises many serious questions.

"What's wrong?" Jared was the first to respond, sitting up straight, knowing the seriousness in his Alpha's tone. Kim mutes the television and Emily joins the three of them in the living room, standing beside her fiancé.

"I just had an interesting conversation with Bridget Clark at First Beach."

"The girl who gave us that voucher?" Emily inquired, to which Sam only nodded stiffly.

"Is she alright?" Jared questioned, a hint of alert and worry striking through him. When a wolf imprints, it affects the entire pack, especially the imprintee's well being. It is the same with Emily and Kim. The need to protect is even worse for the imprinter.

Sam didn't even hesitate to get straight to the point. "She lives with the Cullens."

Jared was on his feet instantly. "What do you mean she lives with the Cullens?"

"I mean exactly what I said."

Kim was on the end of the couch, looking between the twoo. "So Bridget lives with a bunch of vampires? How does that even work? Isn't she human?"

Jared shook his head. "She told you this? Like she actually said she is with them?"

"All she said was that she is apparently emancipated from her parents for reasons she did not want to get into and the two leaders offered her a room for rent back in Alaska before they came here and she has been staying with them since."

"Do you think she knows about them? Who- what they are?" Emily is the one to ask.

"She has too," Jared states. "There is no way in hell she lives with them and doesn't know the truth."

"Well, the Cullens don't hurt people, right? That's why you guys have the treaty?" Kim tries to shed some light by reminding all of them that important factor.

Sam shook his head. "None of that matters. Not if they plan on turning her into one of them."

Both Jared and Sam stared at one another, both thinking the same thing and how this situation can end very, very badly. Emily also became worried as she placed a gentle hand on her fiance's shoulder. "You think Bridget wants to become a vampire?"

"Why else would she be living with those bloodsuckers?" Jared snarled in anger.

Before anyone could respond, the sound of a door slamming behind them caused everyone to turn and see a shaking Paul standing in the living room, looking between his pack mates with fury beneath those brown eyes, clearly overhearing most of this situation. Sam knew immediately what was going to happen and pushed Emily behind him as a precaution.

"Paul!" He warned but Paul was already running out of the house and shifted once he stepped foot on the wet grass. Sam and Jared did not even waste time chasing after him, shifting and following him into the woods.

"Paul, stop!" Sam ordered through the mind link, but Paul was beyond reasoning. He knew where he was going. He was heading to the treaty line.

"I'm going to kill them all!" Paul repeated in his head over and over again. Jared got the advantage and dug his teeth into the neck of Paul's dark silver wolf. Paul reacted and snapped back, the two tumbling through the woods, vicious growls were enough to cause hikers to run for their lives.

"Get the fuck off of me!" Paul demanded but Jared was not backing down.

"We are not letting you break the damn treaty." Jared argued back, knocking into him again.

"Screw the damn treaty!" Paul roared loudly in his mind.

"Enough!" Sam ordered so loudly through the mind link that both of the other wolves had to submit. Jared got off of Paul and Paul snapped his enormously large teeth at him one more time before huffing out a breath. It was hard enough to ignore Sam's order earlier, but now he couldn't. He had to submit. He had no choice.

"You will not break the treaty, Paul! Not now and not ever! Unless they break it first, we respect our ancestors' decision."

Sam could hear all the different thoughts going through Paul's head. He went from fighting the imprint to needing to do whatever it takes to protect her. Sam knew Paul was stubborn and pigheaded and he would most likely do anything to avoid this bond, but there was no avoiding it. They are bound together for life, whether either one of them likes it or not.

"I fucking know that!" Paul snapped bitterly at his alpha, overhearing Sam's last thoughts. "But what if you guys are right? What if she wants to become one of them?"

Sam thought back to the beach and the way Bridget explained the situation. How she claimed it was easier starting school at a place where no one associated her with the family she lived with. She never referred to them as her family. Just a family she lives with. She seemed relieved to not have to be at the same school as them.

Sam let both Paul and Jared see the conversation they had on the beach. Jared was the first to understand. "She sounds happy to not be going to the same school as them."

Paul let out a deep growl. "That doesn't mean anything. She is still with them."

Sam took a couple steps towards his third, towering over him. "Bridget is her own person. I suggest admitting to the imprint soon and getting over your own fears. She is a part of our pack now whether she knows it or not. If she stays with them is entirely up to you. Don't screw it up."

    When Paul didn't respond, just molded over his words in his head, Sam turned around to leave but Jared stopped him. "Where are you going?"

    Sam didn't bother to stop, just kept running before he responded. "I need to go see the Elders. Jared make sure Paul doesn't do anything stupid."

    Sam blocked out both of their responses as he made his way to the Elders to inform them the latest news he had learned and hopefully they have some insight.

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Not an exciting chapter but cute nonetheless. Sam's relationship with Bridget is strictly sibling vibes.

I hope you guys enjoyed!