"Dad…….can I have the keys?" I asked, unleashing the power of my eyes (which are an exact copy of my mother's) on my father. "I really want to go to see Jake, he hardly ever comes down now, since he's gone to college." Technically, I couldn't drive, I was really only seven years old, but physically I was fully grown.

"Renesmee" My mother called from the kitchen, she spent a lot of time there ever since Nahuel came to live with us. She loves cooking for me and my best friend. Nahuel is more like me than the rest of my family. We are both half vampire, and half human. He really understands what it feels like to not fit in perfectly with either side of your heritage. "I know you miss Jake, and I know he misses you, but he has to work on his schooling. And anyways, your dinner is done."

"Coming" I heard Nahuel call from upstairs.

"Hurry up Nahuel, you slowpoke" I laughed. Of course he ran as quickly down the stairs as he could manage and picked me up, placing my bottom on his shoulder. I laughed as he grunted, placing me back on the floor.

"Hey, what's so funny?" asked my dad walking into the kitchen.

"As if you don't know" my mom laughed, he walked behind her and hugged her waist, I always loved seeing them together, I hoped I would find someone to hug me and love me they way my father loved my mother. I had thought that maybe Jake and I would be more than friends, but he was never around. School is his life now, it is sad, because I remember a time when I was his life. I remember how, when I was little he watched my sleep and promised me he'd always protect me.

At least I still have Nahuel. He is my very best friend, and with that I know he'd be there for me when I need protecting, even if just protecting me from my feelings. Nahuel is the best listener I'd ever met.

"I'm a good listener" chirped my father.

"Evesdropper!" I exclaimed, blushing as I remembered that my father heard ever thought that passed through my mind! "Dad! You're a JERK!" I ran into the other room, blushing all the way. I peeked around the corner and I saw the silent exchange between my mom and dad. She concentrated and gave him her thoughts, he chuckled and she rolled her eyes. Dad walked into the room I was hiding in and gave me his "Innocent" half smile.

"I'm sorry I upset you Renesmee, it's a curse I must carry, plus, I cannot control mine like you can control yours" he lifted his eyebrows making me laugh. It's true. I had learned to only show images to people through contact when I wished it, so now I could touch people without giving them my precious memories. Then my thoughts lead to one night……long ago. I stopped right there waiting for my face to turn apple red, my cheeks didn't disappoint me. Dad's eyebrows crept higher, but he just shook his head and walked away, but not before kissing my forehead and whispering "my girl". I was relieved when Nahuel brought two plates into the room and we both sat on the couch.

"So, what were you thinking about that you were so embarrassed about Ness?" asked Nahuel. He loving it when I caused a scene, he always told me he loved the excitement of living in a coven this large.

"Well, I was thinking about Jake…….and you. I don't know why I got so embarrassed. I was just thinking about how you are there for me when Jake isn't. It's hardly fair, but I still resent Jake for going away. I miss him a lot" I said, looking into my bowl of rice and beef with steamed broccoli. Yum, I love Chinese food.

"I get it, he was always there. Then he was just gone. It wasn't fair for him to leave without at least telling you, the way he just disappeared. But I get why he did it too. He didn't want to make you think he was saying goodbye. Saying goodbye would've been as hard for him as it would've been for you. And anyway, it's only for two more years, then he'll be back" explained Nahuel. I had never thought of it that way, would it have been very different if Jake had told me he was going? He would still be gone. I would just have missed him that much longer. I put my head on Nahuel's shoulder. He sighed and laid his head on mine.

"Yeah I guess. Hey, I can't believe Mom made Chinese today. Yum, right?" I asked as I lifted my head and shoveled another spoonful in my mouth. It was nothing compared to my favorite, Polar Bear, but Chinese food was right up there.

"Yeah, Bella, you're an amazing cook!" said Nahuel. I heard a laugh and my mom called a "thank you" from the computer room upstairs. I giggled, Nahuel and nearly everyone else in the house joined in the laughter. After a minute everything was quite again and I continued eating. "And any way Renesmee, I'll always be there for you. That I can promise. I gave him a quick hug, he always knew exactly what I needed to hear.

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