Jacob POV

I drove Bella home. She didn't look well. I didn't expect any more from her seeing as that she had jumped off a cliff, nearly drown, and learned that our good friend Harry Clearwater had died of a heart attack. I needed to get her into her own house, and her own bed. She nearly collapsed from fatigue when I lifted her from the couch, in my too-small living room. I can't understand why she hadn't slept while she was there. It looked as though she was thinking about something, contemplating an idea very hard in her head. As I lifted her into the truck, I could see her mind working again. Her eyes got tight and the dip between them scrunched up. I wanted to laugh, but the events of today had taken that ability away from me.

As I held her, I couldn't help but feel relief and comfort. She was here in my arms, alive. Nothing in the world could have prepared me for the scorching pain I felt, when I heard her scream and leap off the cliff to her doom. I couldn't breathe, thinking that she might not make it out alive. This thought alone is what kept me fighting, and pushing through the black waves, that forced me farther into the swells. I would not let her drown, knowing I was responsible. I had vowed to myself once that I would never let any pain come to her, and I was determined to keep that promise.

I had gotten her to the beach, but she was unconscious and my heart froze. She was unresponsive when I pulled her up into my arms and swam with her to the shore. I didn't know if she had broken anything, if she was paralyzed, or if there was any kind of internal damage. It was Bella after all. Her clumsiness often led to her injuries. I couldn't help the need I felt to scold her. What was she thinking? Jumping into a raging hurricane? Why hadn't she just waited for me?

As I laid her down into the damp sand, her hair sprawled out across her face, I could hear the faint heartbeat beneath her drenched clothes. I kept waiting for her to wake up, and as I waited my own heart seemed to falter. Those were the hardest three minutes of my life, but then she woke up.

The sweet pink returned to her cheeks, and her eyes fluttered open. She was weak and groggy, but I couldn't help feel elation at the sight of my love, Bella, alive. I had taken her back to the house, laid her on the couch, as I sat on the floor by her head. When Billy had come home with the news of Harry, Bella was brought to tears. I was just as upset, but tried to stay strong for my father. Billy suggested that I take her to see Charlie, because he would undoubtedly need her support.

I was brought back to the moment. My arm was across Bella's shoulder; her hair was wet and tangled. She looked like she hadn't slept in days, and she looked more pale than ever. As the truck slowed, and I rounded the corner to her house, she looked up at me. I could see indecision in her eyes, and I wanted, desperately, to know what she was thinking about. If only she knew how much I loved her. I wish she would stop being so modest and realize, that I would do anything for her. No matter what she asked, I would gladly do it if it meant she could be happy. These last months had been great. My best friend had been thrown back into my life, under the worst conditions, but still. She had come to me, broken and weak. I know that she had gradually improved since the first day she came to bring me the bikes, but she hadn't fully recovered. Our adventures together had brought so much perspective, and made me realize how much I wanted her, needed her, and that there was no turning back. Not now.

Bella POV

I stumbled into the house. I hadn't been getting much sleep lately and my cliff-diving stint had not made my fatigue lessen. Jacob had been a real hero today. I know that if he had not jumped into the water to save me, I would not be here right now. While lying on the couch at Jacob's, my mind had wandered to Romeo and Juliet. I had thought endlessly about Paris. How his character played such a crucial role in the play, but how Juliet had not given him the time of day. I knew that in an alternate universe, where Romeo had left Juliet, that she would probably end up with Paris. Her parents approved of Paris, he was capable of making her happy, and she could find no reason to refuse. If her prince was gone, could she settle for the alternate? Was I Juliet in this lifetime? My Romeo had left me here, with this gaping hole in my chest. Paris had stepped in, to help put the pieces of my life back together, and I was thankful.

Maybe I was thinking too much into this. It scared me that I compared myself to Juliet. I could never amount to her strength and poise. But the other character, the gallant Romeo did remind me of someone… someone who could not be mentioned easily. I could not bear the thought of his perfect face, or his velvet voice, especially since I had jumped off a cliff to feel their presence around me.

The car ride with Jacob passed faster than I would have liked. I wanted to thank him for all that he had done for me today. I wanted to hug him, to make sure that he was ok after hearing about Harry. I wanted to, no, needed to do these things, but I kept getting distracted. I was thinking about Romeo leaving, Juliet crying, and Paris trying to keep her from falling to pieces. Now I could see how Jacob was my Paris, and that was frightening.

When the truck stopped, I realized that Jacob kept his arm around me, keeping me warm and protected. I could feel the heat radiating from his chest and it kept me whole. When I was this close to him, I didn't hurt quite as badly to think about him. I couldn't even bring myself to say his name, even in my head. How pathetic. I wanted to hate him, to curse his name, but I couldn't. I still loved him, and I knew that I would love him forever.

I looked up at Jake who was removing my seat belt and his own. I looked deep into his eyes and he caught my glance. I thought more about Paris. He really did love her didn't he? But he didn't know that she didn't feel the same way. That's what was different about Jacob. He loved me, but he knew that I didn't feel the same way. I had made my feelings about him very clear. I knew it hurt him, but it was the truth. As I looked into his eyes I could see the love that he was radiating from his big brown eyes. I could also see the confusion, as he tried to analyze the expression on my face. I must have looked silly, staring into his eyes while thinking about Paris and his rejection by Juliet.

"Bella?" Jacob whispered, so as not to shock me. I was instantly brought out of my trance, and I looked away from his eyes.

"Yeah, Jake?"

"What are you thinking about? It looks like you are concentrating really hard."

How did he know me so well? He could take one look at me and already know what I was feeling. I really hated how I could never hide my emotions from him, but at the same time it made me feel comforted.

"Its nothing, really. I'm just zoning out I guess. Don't read too much into it." With that, I opened the door and popped out. I hadn't realized how weak I felt until I stood.

I was out of the car now, my feet moving in the direction of the house, without my body registering the movement. Jake slammed the truck door and hopped lightly to catch up with me.

"Hey, Bells! Wait up." He called to me, but I didn't turn around.

"I'll see you later Jake. I need to get some sleep."I responded, my body reaching the porch. I fumbled with my keys, and tried to focus on getting them in the door. My vision was blurring the longer I stood. I know I would collapse as soon as I reached my bed, I was so close.

"Here, let me help you with that." He brushed my hand lightly to take the keys. He swiftly put a triangular silver one into the slot and turned. The door swung open. It was dark inside and I was not about to fumble around for the light switch. I would most likely trip and hurt myself.

"Bells, you look like you are about to fall over. Can you make it up the stairs by yourself?"

"Mmm." I grumbled.

"Ok, here we go."

He swung one arm under my knees and the other behind my back. Then swiftly, he glided up the stairs to my room.

"Jake, this really isn't necessary. I can walk ya know."

"I don't want you falling and breaking your neck. Its a very real possibility, since you are so accident prone and all."

"Shut up! You worry too much."

He just chuckled at me.

He smiled. Before I knew it I was on my bed. Jacob took off my shoes and pulled my comforter over my limp body. I closed my eyes.

"Thanks Jake."

I felt Jacob's warm breath brush across my face as he whispered

"Sleep tight, Bells. I love you." Then he kissed my forehead and left the room.

Jacob POV

I couldn't keep my mind off of Bella. I wanted to be in the house in case she woke up and needed anything. I camped out downstairs in Charlie's worn out recliner chair. I was there for about an hour before I heard the distant sound of Sam calling out to me. I could leave for an hour without anything happening, hopefully. I would go until Sam told me what he needed to, and then I could come back here and be with Bella.

I darted out the back door, pausing before I reached the edge of the forest. I stripped my clothes, leaving them in a pile next to the house. I couldn't waist another pair of perfectly good clothes. As soon as I was naked, I started running, and then I burst, phasing into my wolf form. My paws clipped the ground beneath me as I picked up speed. The smell of the trees and the moss made me feel at home. It wasn't long before I heard Sam's thoughts enter my head.

Jacob, I'm rounding up the pack. I need to speak to all of you. His voice was strong and authoritative, but there was sadness behind it.

What's wrong Sam? Is it the bloodsucker? Has something happened? I sounded tenser than I should have. I didn't need to be worried. I knew we could take her.

No, we haven't picked up her trail since before the- incident with Bella. I just needed to talk about tomorrow. It's going to be a hard day for all of us, and I want to make sure we are all on the same page.

Then other voices chimed in. Embry and Quil filed in behind me as I entered the clearing and saw Sam there, sitting tall.

Jake is Bella ok? We heard what happened. Embry sounded genuinely concerned for her. I let the memories of her looking lifeless on the beach slip through. I could see the faces turn down as they felt the pain and horror that I had experienced.

Jake, man, I'm so sorry. Quil sighed

Me too. Sam added, she is lucky you got to her so fast. Without you, I'm not sure what would have happened.

Yeah I thought. I didn't even want to imagine what could have happened. So, Sam, what did you need to say?

I wanted to confirm the patrol schedule... Just then Paul and Jared joined us.

What did we miss? Jared called as he slowly got to the clearing

I was saying that Harry's funeral is tomorrow. As you know, that vampire Victoria has been extremely close lately…

I let out a deep set growl without even thinking, and dug my claws deeper into the soil beneath me.

Calm down Jake, we'll get her. Now, Leah and Seth are both needed at the service, and I know all of you would like to be there for Sue, and pay your respects to Harry

We all hung our heads in his memory.

We can all take shifts, checking the grounds. Jake, I know that this will be hard for you. I know you loved Harry, but you will also want Bella to be protected. Each of you are going to alternate, in one hour shifts. Pairs of you will run the perimeter and keep a look out for the scent, while the rest will be with Sue, Leah, and Seth at the church.

How far away was her scent when we lost her? Paul inquired

20 miles, but she keeps running circles in the area, trying to confuse us. Jared answered.

Embry and I can scout out the scent first. We'll stay around Bella's and make sure she doesn't come by. Then we can circle the rest of the reservation, maybe checking farther into the forest for new tracks. Quil suggested his voice sure and strong.

Yeah, of coarse. We want Bella safe, as much as you do Jake. Embry thought.

I don't think anyone cares for Bella as much as Jake does though… not even that leech—

I kicked Paul in the side before he utter the name I despised more than I hated the bloodsucker himself. It made me sick, just hearing the name, of the asshole that broke Bella. My sweet, darling Bella, that looked so peaceful when she slept. God I wish I was with her now…

Jake! Focus. We need you here with us. You can take the shift after Quil and Embry, I'll join you. Then Paul and Jared can follow directly after. I need you all on task today. Pay attention to everything around you. It's a hard day for all of us, but we need to be strong for the Clearwaters and for Bella.

We all nodded, as his Alpha commands set in.

Um, guys, I think I have an idea. Embry squeaked.

Yes, what is it? Sam bellowed

We should have a bonfire, down on First Beach tonight, to celebrate the wonderful life of Harry Clearwater. Everyone is invited. It'll cheer everyone up, and I think that Harry would have wanted to see everyone having a good time.

That's a terrific idea Embry. Get everyone together, we can meet at 8. Now go home, get some sleep, and I'll see you all at the service tomorrow.

One by one the voices subsided and the wolves disappeared into the trees. Now Sam and I were the only ones left.

How are you holding up Jake?

Not so well. I think I should go back to Charlie's and check on Bella.

You need to get some sleep. You look exhausted and it would be disrespectful for you to fall asleep in the middle of the service.

Yeah, I will, I promise. I just need to check on Bella first.

Alright, go. See you in the morning.

I ran fast back to Charlie's house which was close by. I phased quickly and found my clothes by the back door. I slipped them on and walked into the house. It was quiet, but Charlie's cruiser was in the driveway. He was probably asleep.

I crept up to Bella's room and quietly opened the door. She was sound asleep. She was face down in the pillow, her hair was sprawled across the sheets and her blankets were on the floor. I reached down for them and tucked her back in. I then settled down in her big chair, and watched her sleep. I would have watched longer, but my eyes pulled me into a deep sleep. My dreams were blissful and filled with images of Bella warm in my arms. I never thought that I could ever feel this way about a girl. I had even been led to use adjectives like blissful and jaunty. I felt like a lovesick Romeo, wooing my woman, trying to bring her close to me. Although all my efforts had not successfully took, I knew that one day she would wake up and realize that she has loved me all along, and when this happened, I would officially be the happiest man on Earth.

I left early in the morning to go home and get some real sleep. I couldn't focus on my REM, when I could just open my eyes and revel in Bella's beauty. She really did look amazing when she slept. Even when her hair was in knots, and she slept in funny twisted positions, she always looked angelic.

I wanted to surprise her. I knew she couldn't be feeling good from the recent events. She would have to go back to school on Monday. I knew how much she disliked school. It must be hard for her to go back to a place that was so filled with memories of that leech. On top of that, she had told me about her friends. She was convinced that they had turned on her. Silly Bella. Always thinking that the world is out to get her. If she had learned anything in the time she spends with me, it would be that she can't let people intimidate her. She is stronger than that.

It was decided. I would go to school and visit her. I would see what these friends of hers were up to and I could see her at the same time. I had never seen school Bella, only outside of school Bella. It would be interesting to see what she was like.