She'd come round because she couldn't cope with all the wedding plans. She hadn't called first- she knew she wouldn't need to. Jacob would always be there for her, whatever happened.
It had been raining when she'd arrived. Her hair was plastered to her head, and her white summer dress was soaked so that Jacob could see her pale skin beneath. She'd looked at him then, like he was the only one who could help her, like he was her saviour.
"Jake, I-" Bella began, and would've continued but Jacob locked his arms tightly around her, pulling her tight against him and bringing the door after them. He screwed his nose up at the faint smell of vampire which still clung to her, and kissed her gently on the head. Like a friend would.
"What do you need, Bells?" Jacob led Bella through to sit on the worn settee.
Bella grinned, "Dry clothes and a towel?" Jacob nodded.
"You can have a shower as well. Anything else? Food?"
"How about a place to stay tonight?"
Jacob was struck dumb at this, and then he nodded, swallowing his eagerness to jump up and yell 'Of course! Stay, Bella! You never have to leave here!"
"Thanks Jake," Bella smiled softly.
****
Having taken a t-shirt and trousers which belonged to the pre-phasing Jacob, Bella grabbed a towel and went to take a shower leaving Jacob sprawled across his bed, alone with his thoughts.
Jacob wasn't surprised that he was thinking about Bella, how much he loved her. He always had, ever since they'd played together when they were younger and Bella had come to visit Charlie.
She'd always had her hair tied with brightly coloured bands, normally mismatched because Charlie didn't get it, and her clothes were always impractically pale colours which showed the dirt when they went exploring. Jacob loved exploring with Bella. Even though she was older, he was the leader. Where he led, she followed. Without question. When they got older, Bella's clothes were more practical and they spent more time lounging outside talking, reading and drawing. One day, when Bella was 11, they were sat on the riverbank skipping stones when Jacob had looked at Bella with a cheeky smile and said 'I love you Bella and I'm going to marry you one day.' Bella had looked at him with a knowing look and said 'I know Jake.'
Even at his young age, he noticed she'd avoided the question. 'Do you love me?' he'd asked. Bella had shrugged nonchalantly, 'Yeh.' 'Bella!' Jacob had wailed. 'Ok, Jacob, make me love you.' She'd folded her arms across her non-existent chest, 'get into the water and say it.'
'But Bella! It's cold! And dad told me not to!' Jacob had bit his lip, torn between loyalties.
'Do it and I promise to marry you when we're older.'
That was all it took for Jacob to clamber into the river and declare his love once again for Bella. She was, and always would be, his. It was worth getting grounded for that.
Bella stumbled in from her shower, looking uncomfortable in Jacob's clothes, and perched on the edge of the bed.
"Don't you want to sit with me," he teased. Bella stuck her tongue out and shuffled to sit next to him.
"Thanks Jacob." She smiled.
Jacob looked at her face, and smiled himself at the way it had lit up with that smile.
"That's more like it, Bella," he grinned again, "Remember when we were kids? You were 11, and made me climb in the water to prove I loved you."
Bella giggled, "Yes! Oh god, sorry Jake. Charlie gave me hell when I got home!"
"Remember what else happened?" Jacob asked softly, tracing circles on the duvet.
Bella shook her head, and looked blankly up at him.
"You promised to marry me." He tried to sound like he didn't care, but Bella saw the flash of pain in his eyes.
"We were kids, Jake," she shrugged, "And kids play silly games."
"So you take your promise back?" Jacob asked lightly, trying to make his tone teasing.
"Jake, I was a kid." She stroked his cheek lightly, "I'm sorry."
He shrugged, "Doesn't bother me. Just wondered if it was a crime to be serially engaged." He swung himself off the bed, "I'll sleep out there, you have my bed. Night Bells."
"Night Jake." She watched as he walked to the door, "Jake?"
"Yeh?" he asked, without turning.
"I do love you, you know." With that she climbed under his duvet and curled up. Jacob nodded to himself as he stood by the door.
