Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to these characters or the Twilight series. All belong to Stephenie Meyer.

Chapter 1

Miser of Their Memories

Jacob Black

It's been three weeks since the wedding. Three weeks in which Jacob Black has been trying to run away – again - from the pain that has been etched into his heart. He can't run away from that but he's too stubborn to care. He can't stop thinking about her even though he tries to avoid that on a constant basis. He hates himself for how things ended with Bella at the wedding. It could be the last time Jacob saw her alive and in those last moments he was dying to kill "the bloodsucker" and afraid to hurt her. He can't believe, doesn't want to believe, that "Bella and the leech are shacking up" together somewhere.

Life sucks, and then you die.
Yeah I should be so lucky.

The thoughts were bouncing around his skull like hornets and they were stinging him again and again. How will the family explain the disappearance of the newlyweds, plane crash? Would the leeches kill off a few innocent people for authenticity? What if in his attempt to 'get some' he kills her? Or he's unsuccessful in his attempt to turn her? What would the excuse be? A mugging gone wrong? A car accident, like my mom? Happens all the time! I could only hope he returns to Forks, so when I show up he can be within my reach. But would the whole family just up and leave without a trace? It would be tricky to find them but I have forever to look.

Jacob's reverie was interrupted by someone joining his thoughts.

Jake they aren't our enemies. Seth thought.

Shut up, kid! Just cause you've got some kind of sick hero worship thing going on with that bloodsucker, it doesn't change the law. They are our enemies. I don't care if you had fun fighting alongside Edward Cullen once upon a time.

Why does it matter, you're not even here? Seth asked.

You know I'll come back eventually. Jacob thought.

What are you going to do when Bella fights with them, Jacob? Huh? Seth demanded.

She's not Bella anymore.

You gonna be the one to take her down?

Jacob couldn't help but wince mentally and physically at the idea.

No you're not. So, what? You gonna make one of us do it? And then hold a grudge against whoever it is forever?

I wouldn't…

Sure you won't. You're not ready for this fight Jacob.

Great here comes another one. What's this one gonna say that I haven't heard already…

ENOUGH! Sam commanded without the Alpha authority.

Just get it over with Sam. Tell me 'I'm being unreasonable, stupid, suicidal…'.

I'm not here to argue with you Jake. Sam thought.

That's when Jacob saw it.

What was that Sam? Jacob growled.

Uh oh, Oh… I…I think I hear my mom um bye. Seth thoughts faded off as he phased back into human form.

The Previous Day

Charlie Swan

Another day has begun without his little girl, who is not so much a girl anymore. She's off on her honeymoon with Edward Cullen. He groaned at the idea and quickly pushed it away. Although he doesn't like the kid so much he takes a little comfort in knowing that Bella's happy and that Edward makes her happy.

Even though she lived with him for less than two years he had grown used to and thoroughly enjoyed her living with him. When she put her foot down when she was fourteen and insisted on meeting up in California for two weeks, it hurt him. He wasn't sure if they would ever spend more time than that together and that over time the time they shared together would probably lessen. When Bella brought up that she wanted to come live with him he was ecstatic. Now, he's going to miss her terribly.

Charlie could be out on the water fishing with Billy to pass the time. Except ever since Billy's son left again Charlie's been waiting to hear something – anything – from anyone about Jacob's whereabouts. Charlie is on call at all hours. He's put up signs all over town and in nearby cities. It bothers him how Billy can just brush it off and say "He's an adult, he can take care of himself." Charlie has watched Jacob grow up a lot and considers Jacob as the son he never had.

Deep down, he wishes that Bella would have wanted a life with Jacob.

Knock, knock.

Charlie was startled by the unexpected knock. When he got off the couch to make his way to the door and then opened it; he was shocked by who he saw.

Edward and Bella, he immediately realized that Bella looked as though she had been crying and Edward's expression was distressed.

"What's wrong, Bella? What happened?" Charlie said concerned with a twinge of an after thought he added, maybe I should get my gun

Bella didn't look at him or even in his direction. She had her arms crossed and the way she was carrying herself reminded Charlie of a time not so long ago.

"What did you do to her?" he yelled at Edward.

"Mr. Swan, we had an argument. We thought it would be best to… separate for the time being."

"Bella come inside." Edward put his hand against her back to lightly force her to walk. "Edward I'd like you to leave." Charlie exclaimed.

"Dad!" Bella cried but Edward only nodded and handed her bags to Charlie. He turned around and walked away.

Bella ran upstairs to her room.

Charlie was furious.

That night Charlie tried calling the Cullen's a few times without any answers. He called Billy to see if Jacob had come back and was unsurprised by the answer, "No." Charlie didn't feel like mentioning that Bella was back. With what happened between the two kids he didn't want to upset Billy.

Charlie hoped that Jacob would come back soon; he had helped her slightly last time maybe he could this time. He wondered if what had happened between the two of them the last few months would stop Jacob from being there for her. All Charlie knows is that he doesn't want a repeat of that.

Just after Bella's eighteenth birthday last year the Cullen's left for Los Angeles (or so the people on the outside of the Cullen's secret were lead to believe) without any prior notice. For a reason unknown to Charlie, Edward left Bella in the forest just outside the house. She was missing until the early morning hours because she 'got lost'. Charlie will forever be indebted toward all the members of the community who helped find his daughter, especially to Sam Uley who was the person who actually found her and brought her back home. She was exhausted and heartbroken. Edward never told her about Dr. Cullen getting a job offer he couldn't refuse and to this day that still puzzles Charlie. He was never able to get over what happened and now he wishes he done more to keep things from getting to this point.

Charlie tried calling the Cullen's one last time for the night and again there was no answer. Helpless and anxious he sat on the couch, sighed, and rested his head in his hands. Then he heard the door to Bella's room open. Bella walked down a few steps and looked like hell as Charlie got up to stand on the end of the stairs.

"Bells, you okay?" A slight grimace appeared when he called her 'Bells' and she sighed.

"Can you call Jake?" She said in a weak, scratchy voice that was caused by her cries.

"I'll try in the morning but honey, he… left again shortly after…" he stopped when he saw the pained look on her face and tried to head up to her but she had already ran into her room. He continued up the stairs and walked to her bedroom door. He heard her cries and felt completely powerless. He stood there contemplating what to do or say but cursed himself as he walked into his room.

Charlie didn't get much sleep. He could hear Bella as she cried herself to sleep. He wishes he could go back in to time to change something –anything- that caused all this pain for his little girl.

That morning Charlie waited for a decent hour to begin his calls. Charlie decided to call the Cullen's first, no answer. Then he tried the Black's, no answer there either. He called Sue Clearwater but she said she hadn't seen Billy since yesterday. Charlie knew that Billy must have been in La Push somewhere. He called a few numbers, with no luck, before calling Sam Uley.

Sam Uley

Sam had another night of patrolling the border of La Push. Ever since Jacob left, the guys have had to work a little harder and longer. Sam was constantly telling Jacob that things weren't going to end well for Bella and him but Jacob didn't listen. Sam unfortunately knew a situation like that. When he imprinted on Emily he was in a relationship with her cousin Leah Clearwater. Things became difficult with Leah and ever since Leah joined the pack – well let's just say things were much better before that.

The sound of Emily setting a cup of coffee on the table brought Sam out of his abstraction.

"Long night?" she asked.

"Yeah." He took a sip.

"You alright?" she asked sitting down.

Sam sighed "Just worried about Jake." He set the cup down.

"I'm sure he'll come around. He needs time. It's a lot for him to take in."

"I know. It's… he was in a fight the other day. He crossed paths with a blood drinker that almost killed him. Took him over a day to heal. He was lucky the thing was alone and was able to get rid of it or he would have been a goner. If I couldn't get into his head I would think he wanted to die. Maybe he does but he's good at hiding it. I don't know." He set his cup down to lean back and ran his hand through his hair,"It's just hard to watch."

Emily placed a hand on the hand he had on the table. He looked her in the eyes and smiled lightly.

They were startled when the phone rang. Sam got up to answer it.

"Sam Uley speaking..."

"Hello Sam. It's Charlie. I hope I didn't call you too early."

"No Charlie, I was up already." Sam started to wonder why he was calling. Could it be…? Emily came to stand next to Sam a wondering expression on her face.

"Have you seen Billy?" he asked.

"I talked to him on the phone last night. He was going to see the doctor this morning."

"Okay. Have you heard anything from Jacob?" Sam noticed that Charlie's voice turned to a whisper when he said the name.

"No I haven't."

Charlie sighed.

Sam swallowed. "Is something going on Charlie?"

"Well," he paused before he began whispering again. "It's Bella." Sam's blood began to boil. He knew that this was going to occur and that Bella wanted this to happen. He was never sure when or how he would feel about it, besides the obvious urge to attack. He was surprised that he wasn't sure who he wanted to attack.

He looked at Emily who was obviously concerned about the conversation. "Is Bella alright?" Emily set her hand on his arm that was holding the phone. He moved his free hand and placed it on her hand.

"You remember last year? When you found her in the woods?" he said still whispering. Sam was bewildered by the unexpected questions.

"Yeah?" Sam remembered that very clearly. He found Bella curled in a fetal position in the woods outside her house. She looked like someone died – like she was dying. The images still bother him to this day.

"Bella came home yesterday. Edward dropped her off. She's been crying and sleeping ever since… I don't know what to do." Sam mentally questioned, Crying? Sleeping in Charlie's house? Is… is she still human?

"I don't understand Charlie."

"Bella was asking for Jacob. Do you think you could come over? Maybe you can help… I don't know."

"Sure Charlie I'll be right there." Charlie hung up. Sam stood there for a moment, not sure what to think.

"Sam what happened? Is Bella…?" Emily asked as she took the phone from Sam to hang it up.

"I don't know. It seems she's still human but something happened. Charlie's comparing this to that day I found her." He looked at her. "I have to go to Charlie's, will you be okay?" She rolled her eyes and nodded. He kissed her face and scars gently before kissing her lips. "I love you." She smiled. "I love you too."

Sam hurried outside and ran into the trees. He undressed and phased, he was disappointed that Jacob wasn't phased – which was rare lately. Sam phased back and got dressed. He ran to his truck and began the drive.

When he got there Charlie was already at the door. Sam could only smell a faint trail of a lone vampire that was probably about a day old which would mean one thing, Bella was definitely still human.

Charlie thanked him for coming and asked Sam if he wanted coffee. Sam accepted and sat at the square table in the kitchen. Sam watched as Charlie leaned against the counter. He looked worn out and worried.

"What's going on?"

Charlie sighed. "Edward brought Bella home yesterday. They both looked upset – she was crying. He said 'they got in an argument, they're separating.' Bella ran in her room when I told Edward to leave. He just nodded, left. Later on Bella came out of her room asked me if I could call Jake. I said 'I'll try but sorry honey he ran away.'" He shook his head and sighed."The look on her face when I said that…killed me." He rubbed his hand against his forehead." I have clue what's going on. I've called the Cullen's 20-30 times, they're not answering. I don't think they've left. At least Dr. Cullen is still here since I haven't heard from anyone about the hospital being short a doctor. It pisses me off. I feel so powerless."

"Do you want me to try to talk to her? Figure this out?"

"If you don't mind? I just don't know when Jacob's coming back. You're his friend, maybe that'll be enough for her."

Sam nodded. He wasn't exactly sure what to do but he'd give it a try.

He walked upstairs and knocked on her door. He could hear her roll over in bed.

"Bella its Sam." He heard her sigh. He looked over his shoulder and realized Charlie turned a game on.

He spoke loud enough that he knew she would hear but not enough that Charlie would "Bella, I don't know for sure I'll be able to get Jake here and it'll be harder if I don't give him any answers."

He heard her get up but she wasn't walking toward the door. She shuffled through papers and wrote something down. He listened as she walked to the door. He expected her to open it but then heard something at his feet. He looked down to see a paper. He picked it up.

I'm alive and I'm getting divorced.
I will answer more questions when he gets here.

"I'm not sure where he's at and he doesn't either. It may take a few days, maybe weeks."

"Okay." Bella said from the other side of the door. Her voice was jarred.

Sam considered asking about the Cullen's – to see if they were leaving but thought better of it. "Is there anything else?"

"No."

Sam sighed as he put the note in his back pocket. He contemplated for a moment. "Bella, if he comes back I think it'd be best to be inconspicuous about it at first – try to keep him in La Push." He paused not sure if he should continue but it would make Emily happy, "Emily would like to see you. You're welcome to come by – if you want." When she didn't move or say anything he retreated downstairs.

Charlie looked at Sam with hope in his eyes. Sam said "I tried talking to her but she didn't say anything." It wasn't exactly a lie but Sam felt bad when he saw Charlie's expression become anxious.

Charlie sighed. "Thank you for coming - trying."

"No problem, Charlie."

They shook hands and Sam headed back home. He decided to talk to Emily before he said anything to Jacob. They sat down on their couch. She listened to the story.

"I would guess she had a change of heart. It's hard to know with Bella though." She sighed. "There are a lot of questions to be answered." Now she laughed softly, "Thank you for inviting her over." Sam kissed her before heading to the tree line in the back yard.

Sam phased to find Jacob arguing with Seth.

ENOUGH!

Just get it over with Sam. Tell me 'I'm being unreasonable, stupid, suicidal... Jacob thought disparagingly.

Sam interrupted I'm not here to argue with you Jake. Sam's mind went through what happened that day: Charlie's phone call, Bella's note, Charlie's anxious face.

What was that Sam? Jacob growled.

Uh oh, Oh… I…I think I hear my mom um bye. Seth thoughts faded off.

Look I have no idea what's going on here. You better get your ass back here soon.

Why should I exactly? Jacob was holding back hope.

I can't tell you what could be going on with Bella, but she's upset about something. I know you're history with her as of late hasn't been the healthiest but I think she needs you. Jacob suppressed the hope that was building so Sam continued. We have no way of knowing what the Cullen's are up to. We need all of our men just in case.

Jacob wasn't sure what to expect but if he could at least protect Bella from becoming one of them he would do it. Jacob pushed his paws faster than he ever has before. For the first time in weeks Sam saw hope and determination in Jacob that wasn't based on the natural instinct for self-preservation from their enemies.

R&R
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