It was nice to be alone, not to have to smile and look pleased; a relief to stare dejectedly out the window at the sheeting rain and let just a few tears escape.

Repeat one word of what I just said and I'll cheerfully beat you to death, Mike.

I know the exact date that I began writing Twilight, because it was also the first day of swim lessons for my kids. So I can say with certainty that it all started on June 2, 2003.

Are you still faint from the run? Or was it my kissing expertise?

I glanced, wide eyed, from Edward's grimace to Jacob's sneer.

Like everything in life, I just had to decide what to do with what I was given.

Jacob was a gift from the gods.