I watched Edward depart into the darkness of the forest, then stepped over to meet Jacob.
He spoke first. "I guess this is goodbye, huh?"
I tried to smile, but my face must have looked awkward as I was about to burst into tears. I wrapped my arms around him, once again feeling like I had just hit four feet in height. "You're my best friend, you know that, right? You always will be." I untangled myself and looked up at Jacob's face, now just grasping his arms.
He nodded. "I knew this would happen in the end. I mean, the hero always gets the girl, right?"
"Oh, Jake," I whispered, "You're a hero, too."
He scowled. "Not as good as him, obviously."
"You are just as good as Edward."
Jacob stared at me.
"If I wasn't destined to go marry a vampire, I would be all over you, Jacob Black." I paused. "I love you." That evoked the most confused look from him, I almost giggled. But this was no laughing matter.
I cleared my throat, "So, it's back to being mortal enemies now?"
He sighed. "You're really not going to change your mind, are you, Bella? You're really going to become… one of them."
"I have to, Jake. I have to be with him. You won't say anything about the treaty?"
Jacob winced, then bit his lip. "For you, no."
I forced myself to smile. "I will see you again."
"Bye, Bells." he said softly, "Miss you."
"Me, too." I choked out, watching him as he retreated back home.