Jake and I lay in our meadow, his arms around me and my head on his chest. My fingertips trace circles on his chest; his hand that's not around me runs through my hair. The sun is shining, a rare occasion in the spring in Forks, and we've been laying in our meadow, on a quilt, for the past three hours. Occasionally making out, but mostly just dozing.

I turn my head so my chin is on his chest, and I look up at him. His tan skin is glowing in the sunlight, his black hair appearing shiny. He feels my gaze on him and his eyes flutter open. "What?" he questions quietly, amusement in his squinting eyes.

"Nothing," I smile, "you just look so perfect."

He chuckles, shaking his head. "You are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

"Liar." I grin, not able to stop the blush rising to my cheeks. Honestly though, how can even say that? Has he seen my family? They're perfect.

Jake props himself up on an elbow, pulling my face to his. His lips press against mine, as he ignores my comment. He knows I don't believe or accept half of his compliments. He doesn't want to argue.

Jake lets himself fall back, pulling me on top of him as we deepen the kiss. Our mouths move perfectly in sync as his hands lower from my hair to my hips and my own hands tangle into his hair. He pulls me closer until our bodies are as close as physically possible. The moment is so utterly perfect I want nothing more than to stay like this forever.

But I feel the need to stop, to catch my breath, reminding me of my inadequate partially human lungs. I pull away, sufficiently irritated with myself. I push myself upward, pulling Jake with me. We both gasp for breath, our arms still wrapped around each other and our faces only inches apart. "It sucks, doesn't it?" I whisper into the short space between our lips. "Having to breathe, I mean."

He chuckles, closing the space between our mouths in a long, thoughtful kiss. "A freaking waste of time is what it is," he agrees with an amused smile.

The sun is beginning to set, the air getting crisper. Wind begins to pick up and, knowing it'll only get worse and that I didn't bring a coat, we decide to head back to the house. I feel a dull ache in the front of my head and silently pray that it's not the start of a migraine. I get those once in a while.

It's a three-mile walk back to the main house, where I've been staying until my parents get home from their three-day hunting trip with extended family in Denali. They'll probably back late tonight. "Are you running patrol tonight?" I ask Jake as we walk hand in hand through the forest that we both know inside and out. I already know the answer, I'm just somehow hoping that I'm wrong.

"Yeah," he sighs, disappointment evident in his voice. "Not tomorrow night, though."

"Okay. It's a date." I say decidedly, kissing him on the cheek.

"Was that an invitation or a request for one?"

"Neither. It was a fact. I'm simply letting you know that you have a date tomorrow night." I informed him, pretending to be serious.

"Oh yeah?" He plays along, "With who? Is she hot?"

I stop walking and stand on my tiptoes in front of him. I pull him into a long, gentle kiss, and as we pull apart I say, "Eh, I guess she's alright." I skip ahead, hearing him chuckle behind me.

The big house comes into view soon enough, but the sun's already down when we walk up the drive. The garage door is open and we walk through, just before a light drizzle starts in the dusk behind us.

"We're home!" I call out an unnecessary volume as we enter the expansive dining room and kitchen.

"Hi sweetheart," Esme flutters into the kitchen, her caramel hair tied up in a loose knot. She's wearing what I quickly recognize as Rosalie's jeans, which they frequently share. Jeans are among the few clothing items Alice lets us wear more than once.

Esme quickly embraces Jake, and then me, asking, "What have you guys been up to?"

Jake and I look at each other sharply. "Oh, you know," I say quickly "just hanging." There was no way I'm telling my grandmother that we spent all day causally making out.

Esme smiles and opens her mouth to continue but Emmett- followed by Jasper-bursts into the room, interrupting her. Suspicion and amusement are thick in his tone. "You two were 'just hanging' out in the woods, for four hours?"

I nod, adding in small voice, "We also went hunting."

His booming laugh fills the house. "Sounds innocent enough, right Jazz?" he grins wider, nudging Jasper with his elbow. "But I think our baby niece had a little more fun this afternoon than Eddie would approve of."

Blood rushes to my cheeks, causing Emmett and Jasper to chuckle. Alice comes to save me, dancing into the kitchen; a vase of yellow roses in her hand. She smacks Emmett in the back of the head as she places her vase on the counter. "Oh, leave them alone."

"She knows I'm just teasing," Emmett grins, winking at me. "but Edward won't be." He finishes, ignoring my glare.

I lace my fingers through Jacob's, towing him behind me as I walk into the living room. I collapse onto the couch, suddenly exhausted. The pain in my temples is strong now, and I close my eyes, resting my head on Jake's shoulder as he talks and argues with Emmett about whatever football game is on.

At some point I must have dozed off, because now Jake is gently pulling hair from my face, saying that he's got to go run patrol, and he'll be back in the morning. I nod, only half awake, and he pecks me on the lips before leaving.

I sit up once the front door closes to be greeted by a steady throbbing in my head. I look around: Jasper and Alice sit to my left, watching whatever's on TV. Esme sits in the loveseat across the room, reading a magazine. I pull my phone out of my back pocket and press the home button. Nine thirty-five.

"I'm going to take a shower and going to bed," I announce, standing. I stood too fast and the room spins around me, my vision partially covered by black spots. I rub my eyes with my hands, fighting off dizziness.

"You okay there, Ness?" Alice inquires, having witnessed my unusual episode.

"Yeah, fine." I lie. My head is killing me.

I move up the stairs at an inhumanly fast pace, feeling bizarrely winded by the time I reach the top. I shower quickly, trying to fade out the pain in my head.

I climb into my bed, in my Dad's old room, knowing he and Mom will probably be home late and take me home. "Goodnight," I say at only a slightly higher volume than talking regularly. Several 'goodnights' are called from downstairs in response.

I send a goodnight text to Jake, not expecting a response until morning. He always crashes right after patrol, and he sleeps like the dead. My last thought before I fall asleep is hoping that my migraine is gone by morning.

I open my eyes to a light grey ceiling, still in my Dad's old room. My parents must not be home yet. It's only six A.M.

I sit up and stretch. Shit. Still got that headache. My arms feel almost sore as I pull them above my head. I feel off. I'm a little cold when I pull the covers off, feeling like a winter chill has seeped into my bones.

My whole body aches as I pull myself out of bed. I check my phone. One text from Mom, saying they'll be home around eight.

I shower quickly with very hot water, trying to warm my skin and loosen up my muscles. The second I turn the silver handle to the off position, I'm freezing. I can hear blood pounding in my head. And I hurt. Every movement makes my muscles ache. My whole body just hurts. What is wrong with me?

Is this what being sick feels like? No, I don't get sick. I'm a freaking vampire. I'm fully matured, but I've only been alive for eight years, and I've never felt less than perfect until now. Immortal beings do not get flus. They just don't.

I don't bother drying or even brushing my long, curly hair. I just pull the tangled bronze tendrils to the top of my head and tie them into a messy bun. Shivering, I pull on black leggings and a long-sleeved black thermal t-shirt. Still cold, I tug on sweats over the leggings and a hoodie over the t-shirt.

Skin freezing and muscles aching, I drag myself down the first flight of stairs. I glance at the wall clock on the way down. Seven A.M. Jesus Christ I'm moving slowly. Getting dressed alone must have taken half an hour.

I'm actually tempted to pause for a rest on the second floor, but push on to the next stairway. I'm being stupid, right? There's no reason that walking down the stairs should make me feel as shitty as I do.

I reach the bottom of the stairs, where Jasper is suddenly standing in front of me. "Morning Ness. It took you ages to get down here," He half smiles, but it disappears as he studies my face. "You feeling okay, darlin'? You look exhausted."

"Yeah, just tired." He doesn't seem to believe me, and he reaches up to the stair I'm on and presses his hand to my forehead. He frowns. "Rose," he calls over his shoulder to Rosalie, who I could see walking in the hallway. She turns immediately into the kitchen, dashing over to us. My head is still pounding and I want nothing more than to go lay on the couch, but I stand still. "Rose," he says again, "feel her skin."

My aunt, who is more like a second mother, follows Jasper's words immediately, placing a cool hand on my cheek. She her beautiful features twist into a worried frown.. "Oh baby, you're burning up! You don't look so good."

I'm about to answer when I feel another set of hands on my cheeks. "Ness, sweetheart, you're so hot. Are you feeling okay?" Esme asks as Jasper backs up to let her in. By now Alice has appeared beside Jasper, worry staining her features. Emmett stands behind Rose, looking confused. Great. Thanks, Jazz.

"I feel fine, can I please just go lie down? I'm really tired."

"Sure, sweetheart, come on." Esme guides me to the couch, and by the time we get there Rosalie has produced a thermometer. Ugh, why? I feel so unbelievably shitty and irritated, but I let them stick the thing in my mouth.

While we're waiting for the stupid thing to beep, the front door suddenly opens, and Jacob bounds in. "Morning. When are Bella and Ed—" he stops, taking in the tension in the room. "What happened?" He sees the people hovering around me and the thermometer in my mouth and he races to me. "What's wrong?" he demands, urgently. I would have told him, but the freaking thing is in my mouth.

No one answers him because the thermometer beeps, and Esme pulls it out of my mouth. She says nothing, but looks mildly horrified. How soothing.

She shows Rose, who says, "Should I call Carlisle?"

"What?" Jacob demands again, this time simultaneously with Alice, and Esme tilts the thermometer for my family to see. Mom and Dad burst through the front door suddenly, knowing something's wrong. Well, at least Dad does.

"What's wrong?" Dad asks, calmly. Well, calmly, compared to Mom who rushes to my side, pressing the back of her hand to my face, saying, "What's the matter baby? Are you okay? You feel hot. How do you feel?"

"I'm fine, Mom."

Esme cuts in, "Remind me, what's her regular temperature?"

"104." Mom, Dad, and Jake say immediately.

Rosalie winces like an overly concerned mother. "She's at 107 right now."

All eyes look down to me. "I feel fine, really." I assure them, trying to sound more energetic than I feel. "I'm just tired. I'd really like to go home." I say mostly to my parents, whose concerned eyes look to each other.

Mom frowns, "Maybe we should call Carlisle…"

"Don't bother him," I shake my head, "I distinctly remember than he has a hospital board meeting until eleven. I'll be okay." I look at Jacob, whose eyes are already focused on me. I look away from him; I don't want him to see the weariness in my eyes. Mom looks unsure and anxious. Dad, help me out here.

He does, saying, "We can take care of her, love. Let's just take her home and get her to bed. It's probably just a virus. She is half-human, after all."

Mom opens her mouth to respond, but I suddenly feel a knife twisting in my abdomen. I stand abruptly from the couch, feeling all eyes on me. I make a beeline to the bathroom down the hallway, a hand over my mouth; I move faster than I thought I would be able to. In the same motion, I push the door partially shut behind me and lift the toilet seat.

Falling to my knees, I promptly empty the contents of stomach into the bleach-scented white porcelain bowl. Which –fabulously –happens to be blood from our hunting trip last night. I stare in shock at the crimson pool directly below me, only vaguely aware of the bathroom door opening and familiar, warm hands tucking stray curls behind my ear.

I hold my position, on my knees in front of the toilet, not daring to move. Jacob rubs my back in slow circles as my stomach twists again. My hands grip the ceramic bowl tightly as more blood is forced out of my body.

When I think it's over I sit back on my heels. I take a deep, shaky breath, trying not to cry. Shaking, I pull my knees up to my chest. Jake stands straight, taking a step to flush the toilet as I lean against the bathtub behind me.

I look up him miserably; his face is an even mixture of sympathy and concern, his eyes hold fear. "Well," he tries to lighten the mood, "you probably want to stay away from elk for a while, huh? That's okay, we can go up to the Canadian border next time." He doesn't bother asking if I'm okay, he knows I'll lie. He does ask suddenly, "Are you cold?" probably because my teeth are chattering uncontrollably. I just nod.

There's a gentle tapping at the door half-open door and Mom pushes it open. "Ness, baby? Are you okay?"

"Give me a sec," I knowing she'll hear me. I stand shakily with one of Jacob's arms around my waist, keeping me balanced. Mom hands me a Dixie cup of mouthwash, which I take gratefully, needing the taste of stale blood out of my mouth.

She also holds out a glass of water, which I'm quick to reject. She almost looks like she's going to fight me on it, but doesn't. "Jake," I look up at him. "I'm freezing." That's what I mean to say, but it comes out like I have a severe stuttering problem, my teeth are chattering so badly.

He gets it though, and puts his hands on my waist, gently lifting me into a firm embrace. My arms wrap around his neck tightly and my legs around his waist. I bury my face is neck, feeling instantly warmer. "I got you," he says lowly in my ear as I tremble, rubbing my back with his hands as he carries me into the living room.

I don't lift my head as I listen to the conversations around me. Rose and Esme are strongly supporting calling Carlisle. Dad please, can I just go home? Dad argues that he and Mom can take care of me, and I should be at home.

"Carlisle gets off work in a few hours, we'll send him over as soon as we can. Call if you need anything, okay?" Esme hugs us all as we say goodbye. Well, my parents and Jake do. I keep my head on Jacob's shoulder and my arms tightly around his neck.

They don't want to run me to the cottage, so Dad goes ahead and Mom drives Jake and I. Jake holds me the whole way, rubbing my back as I shiver violently. Mom talks mindlessly about their trip, trying to distract herself for the five mile drive.

Dad beats us there of course, and he's holding the door when we walk up the pathway. Jake sits on the couch and I untangle myself from him to sit on his lap. "How do you feel?" he murmurs in my ear.

"Shitty." I mumble back, honestly. His lips press to my forehead as he wraps his arms around my shivering torso.

Dad appears in front of us, thermometer in hand. He holds it inches from my mouth and says, "Open."

"Why?" I groan. "I just did this."

"I know, baby. One more time."

I obey; irritated, knowing this will not likely be the last time. I just want to sleep, for God's sake.

I wait patiently until it beeps, and then I pull it out of my mouth. Or I try to, but Dad beats me. Mom peaks over his shoulder. They share a look. "What is it?" Jacob asks the question I don't feel up to verbalizing.

"108.6," Dad winces, like saying the number is physically painful. "We have to get it down, now."

"What do we do, Edward?" Mom's voice breaks, sounding scared.

"Well, for starters, Ness has to get away from Jacob. His heat isn't helping."

"I'm freezing, Dad." My teeth slam into each other, emphasizing my point.

"I know, sweetheart. It's because your temperature is so high. You have to get cooler to feel warmer. Trust me." He holds a hand out, trying to help me up.

I look back to Jacob, not wanting to leave him. "It's okay, Ness. He's right. I'm not going anywhere, I'll stay here and help out." He smiles reassuringly. He's amazing. I nod and let Dad pull me up.

The second I'm not touching Jacob the shivering becomes uncontrollable. "Are you wearing layers?" Dad asks in an are-you-serious kind of voice. Yeah, sorry. I was freezing my ass off. "Jake help me get these off of her," They move around me carefully, pulling off the sweats and sweatshirt off of my petite, trembling figure. Dad lets me leave on the leggings and t-shirt, though.

And I don't care how old I am, I will never be too old to let my daddy carry me to bed. I wrap my arms around his neck and he carries me down the hall as if I'm a small child. Mom pulled the covers back and he laid me gently, pulling one blanket over my freezing body.

They debate on making me take some kind of medicine; Mom thinks I should, Dad argues that there isn't any amount they could give me that my body wouldn't burn off within half an hour.

Even with the pounding in my head and chattering of my teeth, I manage to fall asleep with Mom holding me, which she insists upon because her cold temperature will bring my fever down. Yeah, okay, whatever. As long as she's happy.

I don't want her to worry; I don't want anyone to worry. I'll be fine, right?