AN: Guys, I have views from Ireland. IRELAND. I don’t think I’ve ever had views from there before!!! Anyway, sorry for the lack of posting. Finals week came, then I jumped right into a Maymester class. So, I’m basically taking an entire long semester class and shoving it into 3 weeks. I know, crazy. It’s kicking my butt!! I’m usually busy non stop and it’s only the first week! This is actually my first time to breath since Monday. I’m also starting a new job so I’m not sure how frequent my posts will be the next two weeks while I finish up this Maymester but I’ll do my best!!!

I take one more look at my hair in the mirror and smile. Mom took me out to get it cut yesterday for my eighteenth birthday. I check my make-up one last time before turning to the door. Before I step out I take a deep breath.

I’m not sure if I got the tattoo. I haven’t looked for it yet, and every time I change I close my eyes. I’m afraid to find out. I’m afraid to get it because I’m not a hero. I don’t fight well, I don’t have magic and I’m not strong or outgoing. Plus if I get it Gwen could be…dead. I shudder and move my mind off the thought. At the same time, I’m afraid to not get it. If I don’t get it, Gwen could be in more trouble with it. What if they’re just waiting for her to receive the tattoo and…I don’t know, harvest her power or something?

I hear feet crunch on the gravel outside and smile as all my worries wash away. Reamus. I throw my bedroom door open and rush out the front door. Reamus is walking up the drive way. As I emerge onto the porch he smiles at me.

“Hey birthday girl!” He says, catching me as I jump into his arms. “Love the new haircut.”

I let his scent wash over me as I kiss him. His arms keep my worries at bay. With him, it doesn’t matter if I have the tattoo or not. It doesn’t matter that I’m a vampire or missing a sister. It doesn’t matter if I’m not a hero. It doesn’t matter if I’m a Belle. As much as I love my family, I’m just not cut out for the hero role that all my ancestors seemed to take on.

“What are you thinking about?” He asks as he takes my hand, walking towards the house.

“The tattoo.” I reply as we step into the entryway.

“Hmmm, well, we could check now if you want.” He says, smiling at me.

“I don’t think I’m ready to check yet.” I tell him.

“Alright.” He rubs his thumb in circle on the back of my hand.

My mom smiles at us when we step into the living area. She’s bent over the stove, cooking something. My stomach rumbles at the smell of it. My mom was a great cook, and while I didn’t need to eat solid food for sustenance, I could still eat it for taste. She probably had some raw steaks in the fridge for her and me anyway.

“Hey you two.” She looks towards us.

Her eyes land on me and she gives me a smile.

“Hello Mrs. Belle.” Reamus says.

“Reamus, please, it’s been long enough. You can call me Autumn.” She laughs and moves to the fridge, rummaging through it.

“Sona and her parents should be over soon.” I tell her.

“Alright, so should your father and grandparents.” She turns back to the stove.

I take Reamus’s hand and we walk into the living room, sitting on the old couch. He pulls me close and we watch tv quietly. My mind goes back to the tattoo and I bite my lip. As scared as I am, I can’t wait any longer. I have to know.

“Come with me.” I say, standing.

Reamus gets up without question and follows me to my room. I shut the door behind us and look at him. He stands there, watching me but not saying anything.

“I have to know. We have to see if I have it.” I tell him.

“Alright.” He smile, reaching out and pulling me close. “Don’t be so nervous Ari. Whether you have it or not, your parents and I will still love you.”

I smile and give him a quick kiss before stepping back. “I know.” I whisper, slipping my jacket and vest off. I look at myself in the mirror and look to Reamus. Who shakes his head. Nothing yet. I pull my shirt up to reveal my back and stomach. Again, nothing.

“All that’s left are my legs.” I mutter, looking to Reamus to calm my nerves.

“Hey, it’ll be alright. I love you, no matter what.” He smiles, sitting back on my bed.

I smile at him and slide my pants off. I look down and turn for him. “Anything?” I ask softly, my stomach twisting in knots.

“Nope, nothing. You’re clean.” He says with a smile.

I let out a shout and jump to him. He pulls me close and laughs. I hear a knock on my door then it opens. My dad stands in the doorway, looking at us. He clears his throat.

“Oh, dad!” I say, jumping off Reamus.

Dad’s eyes look down at my legs and I blush. I forgot I didn’t have any pants on.

“Dad, it’s not what it looks like, I promise. I just-“ I begin.

My dad laughs and shakes his head. “Honey, your mom is home. I don’t have to worry about you two doing anything while she’s here.” He winks and shuts the door.

Reamus smiles at me as I pull on my pants, vest, and jacket again.

“Come on, let’s get out there and celebrate your birthday.” He says with a smile, standing and draping his arm around me.

“Okay.” I tangle my fingers with his and walk out.

“Happy birthday!” Everyone yells as we step into the living area.

I smile but all I can think about is how Gwen is definitely still alive since I didn’t get the tattoo. I’ll have to start working much harder now than ever before.We’re coming for you, sis, I think. Don’t give up.