Rating: T/M

Genre: Supernatural Angst

Pairing: Jake/ Bella

Disclaimer (for fanfiction): All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Summary: Sometimes love is not enough.

Prompt: 'Good-bye'

Word-Count: 729

A/N: As you know I'm not a Jake 'n Bells shipper but I believe they deserve a chance.

"You know she didn't mean it, honey."

They'd returned from another Friday night Pack dinner and, as usual, it had been the same tedious affair.

Why they needed to meet weekly, she'd never know. But to refuse would cause distress to the Alpha's mate and make things unnecessary complicated for Jake.

Bella gave a snort. "I know very well what she meant. Please, let's not talk about this. We'll only argue."

He watched her head for their bedroom, her back slumped and her soul distant.

XxX

The men were watching the game, leaving the women in the kitchen, having coffee and gossiping. It was always the same.

Emily would blabber on about how great Sam was. Kim was more restrained and Bella, well, she always tried to brush it off.

It was the first time that Emily would not be swayed by Bella's casualness.

"What is it Bella, you sound completely fed-up."

Bella shrugged. "I'm just tired. It's been a long week."

Emily gave a pout. "Well, that's what you get when you do all that overtime. You should tell them 'no'."

Bella's smile bordered on a smirk. "Jake and I are planning a trip. I'll take whatever hours I can get."

Emily had no interest in travelling and didn't understand why Bella should want to 'get away'. She was happy in La Push and thought that everyone else should be.

"I don't see why you like to travel Bella. You can't get anything from it."

Really? What about life experience? Meeting new people? Enjoying life?

"You should focus your energy on Jake. He barely gets to see you as it is!"

Maybe because we spend all our spare time here?

"Then again, you're not an imprint so maybe that's why you can live the life you do?"

With that, she rose and said, "Let's go see our guys."

Kim shot her an apologetic look and reached back for Bella's hand.

XxX

The air was cool as she sat on the porch, a cooling mug of coffee in her hands. She heard Jake stumble through the doorway.

"Bells come to bed. It's freezing!"

He dragged her inside, unaware of the emotions bubbling inside.

"Jake, we need to talk."

He knew what was coming. He'd turned a blind eye, not wanting to admit that their relationship was failing. He felt her work was to blame. For months, Bella had been grafting away, only to be passed over for promotion, time after time.

Yes, they offered her the work but not the salary. They were draining her dry and she refused to admit that it was killing her.

He, on the other hand, had been going from strength to strength with his garage. He'd take on Embry and Quil and they were even looking to expand the business.

Bella was always supportive and to celebrate, they went on trips, choosing all-inclusive to accommodate Jake's appetite. Which made for expensive getaways.

"I love you Jake, I really do. But I need to get out of La Push. I'm handing in my notice next week, and then I'm flying to Europe. I'm not asking you to wait for me."

"What will you do?"

"I don't really know. I'm going to see what Europe has to offer me."

Jake laughed. "You really haven't planned this, have you?"

She shook her head, the weight leaving her shoulders.

XxX

"This is as far as you can go."

Jake took Bella's face in his hands, committing every inch to memory. "I'll always love you Bella." He paused. "I'll never regret our time together."

"Me neither. I chose to be with you because I would rather have you for a while than never have you at all. Be happy Jake."

She held her tears until she reached the departure gates.

XxX

Bella's name was rarely mentioned after that. The Pack missed her. She'd been confidante and friend but her presence disturbed their Alpha's mate. She didn't understand how the wolves could be so fond of a selfish creature that wasn't even an imprint!

Only one other was visibly affected as Jake by Bella's absence. He'd kept his distance, not wanting to interfere whilst she'd been so happy.

Besides, she didn't need him so the pain was manageable.

Now, all he could do was hope she'd return one day and see fit to accept him, as she had Jake.