Summary: Jacob's thoughts on the day of Edward and Bella's wedding.

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August thirteenth.

Today, Bella, my beautiful Bella, was going to marry that bloodsucker. The thing is, she's already one of them. I heard her screams through the transformation, and watched how the two sisters fawned over her while that leech ran his fingers through her hair. Although I haven't spoken to her since a month before her transformation, I thought about her everyday. I loved her. And I truly believed I would never love another. No one can replace Bella. My Bella...

I stayed hidden in the forest as I watched their wedding, able to see every detail with my unhuman eyesight. She had become a little taller, leaner, her movements graceful. Yet in my eyes, she was still the same: clumsy, blushing Bella Swan. But it was their fault that Bella could no longer blush, her body empty of blood, her heart never able to beat again. A wave of anger hit me when I knew that I couldn't hold her in my arms, but I calmed myself. It was physically impossible for there to ever be a Bella and I again. Her race was my natural enemy, her scent made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I would never risk hurting her. Perhaps she was better off without me. But where would that leave me? I shoved the question aside.

Once again, I looked back on the wedding scene. She looked gorgeous, in a simple, elegant white gown. Her long, silky hair was swept up and a sparkling tiara rested on the crown of her head. I let out a whimper in my transformed state, as Edward stepped out of nowhere, taking her hand. She smiled, and my heart fluttered. I only wish that she would smile for me. The girl pixie of a bloodsucker bounced up and down, flashing a wide smile. Ugh. They disgusted me. But... Bella never would. No matter what she became, I would never be repulsed by her. For who can be horrified by Bella? She was so gentle, so kind, I couldn't imagine her as a bloodsucker.

I saw the father of their clan walk up to them, saw Charlie follow and squeeze Bella in a hug. Her eyes darkened for a moment as she sniffed in his scent, but Carlisle's calming hand rubbed her arm, and they became topaz again. Then the ceremony began. Bella's mother sniffed and clung onto her fiance's hand, eyes brimming with tears. As Carlisle began to speak, I saw Bella's head shift in my direction, as if she caught my scent. Her eyes seemed to penetrated mine, and her expression softened. I almost moaned with grief.

I saw her lips form the heart-wrenching words. "I do."

I couldn't make sense of anything. My heart shattered into a million pieces at these two little words. I turned around and ran, letting out a lone howl, not caring who or what heard me.

Bella... she would never be mine. I felt the hot tears spill over my eyes, felt the branches cut into me as I ran. But those cuts were nothing compared to the pain in my heart. The ache, the longing... I can feel my heart ripping at the seams... and yet, underneath the layers of excruciating pain, there was a small bubble of hope and joy. To see Bella happier than I can ever make her, happier than she can ever be around me, it was a good feeling, even though I could not share it, even though the happiness did not include me, I was content for Bella. If she could find her peace, perhaps I could find mine. Perhaps fate had a different destiny for me.

As the hope filled me, and I calmed, the pain numbed and my head was clear again. I allowed a small smile.

"Thank you, Isabella Swan."

Fin.