She Will Be Loved

"Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, dear Quinn, happy birthday to you!" The large family sang together, the designated mother of them, Esme Cullen, setting down a small circular cake fit for one, the number 18 lit up atop the dessert.

"Make a wish, Quinn." Edward told her.

The brunette moved a few strands of her hair out of the way and placed them behind her ear. She racked her brain for something good to wish for and then let the air that was held captive in her lungs escape through her lips, ultimately extinguishing the two small flames. Everyone clapped and hugged her lovingly, saying their own happy birthday to her personally.

Alice handed Quinn a fork, her usual mischievous smile playing her small pink lips, and everyone waited for her to take the first bite. Quinn sunk the metal utensil into the fluffy cake and then put a small bite into her mouth.

Flavor washed over her taste buds. She tasted the rich vanilla from the white frosting, the sweet bits of Pineapple, and then the Oreo Cookies and Cream ice cream. It sounded like a bit of a weird combination to anyone, but for Quinn, it worked out just fine.

Quinn smiled and then took the fork out of her mouth, swallowing the food before turning to her adoptive mother. "It's delicious, Esme. Thank you so much for making it."

"Oh, you're welcome, sweetie," Esme cooed, hugging the brunette affectionately. "I'm just so glad that you like it!"

"I don't see why I wouldn't, you're an amazing cook."

Esme thanked Quinn and then went off blushing, wondering which recipes she should try out next aloud. Carlisle then approached her, taking the next hug and smiling down at his adopted daughter.

"Happy eighteenth birthday, Quinn."

"Thank you, Carlisle, for everything you've done."

He smiled down at her and shook his head. "I was more than happy to bring you into my family thirteen years ago, Quinn."

"Birthday girl!" Emmett cried, tackling Quinn and engulfing her in a hug. "Happy birthday, kid. I'm afraid that I still got a few years on you, though." He teased, rustling her hair messily in the process. "C'mon outside, we've still gotta show you your birthday gift."

Emmett then lifted Quinn up and over his shoulder, though she didn't kick or squeal in surprise like she usually did. It was her birthday, and she didn't want to ruin it with her silly complaints. Besides, he was just being his usual self.

"Close your eyes!" He ordered, and she complied easily. She was lifted off his shoulder and then set gently on the ground.

"Okay... open your eyes!" Alice squealed excitedly.

Quinn's eyes fluttered open and before her sat a brand new silver and sleek Audi A4 sitting pretty right before her eyes. Quinn gasped in surprise, covering her mouth that was agape with her hand. Slowly, it began to form into a smile.

"This... this is mine...?" She softly questioned.

"Happy birthday!" Alice screamed, hugging her sister for what felt like the umpteenth time that night.

"Happy Birthday, Quinn." Rosalie smiled sincerely.

"Best wishes," Jasper added.

Quinn thanked her brothers and sisters before they rushed her to the new car, urging her to try it out and take it for a spin. She kindly disagreed, saying that she was tired and sleepy and would retire to her room.

"I'll try it out tomorrow, Emmett."

"But then you have to deal with traffic!"

"Well, I don't exactly have your fast reflexes you know, I'm only human."

"Ahh, you fun sucker!"

Quinn rolled her eyes at him and retreated back into the house, climbing a flight of stairs and entering her room where she soon flopped onto the only bed in the house. She got comfortable on the comforter and then looked at a small picture that resided upon the nightstand. It was of her and her late mother.

I miss you mom, but you're in a better place...

Quinn Hurley then dozed off, falling into a sweet dream of fiction, knowing quite well that once she awoke she would be thrown back into a cruel reality. One she wished she did not have to live in.