AN: Hi everyone, thanks for taking the time to read my very first fanfic :-) I'm planning this to have a fair few chapters so am trying to develop the storyline as much as I can. I hope you enjoy it, please leave a review whether you like it or not, I like to try and improve my work wherever I can :-)
Chapter 1
As Jacob gently stroked my cheek, I woke up, but didn't want to open my eyes. I was so comfortable, wrapped in his warm arms with the sun streaming through the window. I stretched and shifted my weight so that I was facing him, and finally opened my eyes.
"Morning," he whispered, and kissed my forehead.
"Back atcha," I smiled and wriggled further into his embrace.
I honestly couldn't believe how great my life was. I had a brilliant boyfriend, a great family, college wasn't killing me and my family was just round the corner. I honestly wished things would stay this way forever, and let's be honest – as a family of immortal beings, things weren't changing any time soon.
I jumped out of bed and went to the bathroom. I heard Jacob moving around and my mind wandered back to last night. It was my birthday yesterday, and my family, especially Aunt Alice, went slightly overboard on well, everything! Decorations, surprises, presents; it was all far too much, but I suppose a girl only turns 16 once in her life. Never mind that I looked about 20 – I had looked like this since I was about 10 in human years. I prodded and poked my face in the mirror and thought about how different I was from my classmates at Harvard. Vampires for parents and a shape-shifter for a boyfriend. If I'd put that on my entry essay I think the police would've been banging down my door to take me to the loony bin before you could say "But I don't drink human blood!".
I left the bathroom and found Jacob waiting on the bed for me. I flopped into his arms and he pulled me into one of his bear hugs that I loved so much. I never felt safer than when I was completely surrounded by him. It was amazing how much I loved him.
"Come on you, we're due at Grandma and Grandpa's soon, we better get it together." I squirmed out of his arms and went to get dressed.
*****
As we pulled up to the large house that my grandparents bought a year ago when our family relocated to Boston, I felt much better. Better than better, I thought, as my mind crept back to last night with Jacob. Although my body has been mature for a good 7 or 8 human years, Jacob never felt right about moving our relationship to the next level until I had enough 'life experience', as he put it. I was more than ready for where last night lead, and it honestly couldn't have been more perfect.
I must've had a really gooey look on my face, because Jacob turned my face to his and planted a soft but passionate kiss on my face.
"I love you Nessie," he said.
"I know. I love you more than you'll ever know," I smiled as I ran my hands through his hair.
"Come on, they're wondering why we're still in the car." Jacob ran round and opened my door for me. Ever the gentleman...
My Grandma, Esme, opened the door for me and was beaming from ear to ear.
"Hello again darling," she whispered as she hugged me. Everyone was home, as per usual. I went to say hi to my Mom and Dad, who were sat at the piano in the dining room. I thanked them again for my birthday present, a beautiful silver necklace with a pearl pendant. It was gorgeous.
As I hugged my Dad, he pulled me back, and his face took on a less loving look. Jacob had entered the room. He and my father got along much better now than they ever had done, but there was still some resentment on both sides.
My Mom however, still loved to see Jacob every day. She sprang up and hugged him.
"Did you have a good time last night Jacob?" Jacob looked at me with a smirk on his face as my Mom continued, "Alice plans the best parties, don't you think?"
"Sure sure Bella, I thought it was awesome." Jacob was still smirking at me, when my Dad spoke.
"So how do you feel about starting a new semester, everything all ready?"
"Yes Dad," I answered. "New books, stationery, all sorted."
"Great, I hope you'll study hard again this year", my Dad stated, eyebrows raised.
"Dad, quit it – I have all eternity to go to college!" I retorted.
"Yes love, but there's nothing like your first time, it's all the more special."
Jacob couldn't resist a snigger at this, and my Dad whirled on him in an instant, a low growl emitting from his chest. Jacob held his hands up as if to surrender, but he couldn't wipe the grin off his face. My Mom stepped between them.
"Stop it right now you two! Jacob and Renesmee are adults; they're perfectly capable of looking after themselves." She glared at each of them so hard – if looks could kill...
I pulled Jacob away and went to find the rest of my family. I really should thank Aunt Alice again for last night. My mind crept back again to when Jacob and I got home, and I shook my head, trying to concentrate on where I was.
"Where's Alice?" I asked my Mom.
"I think she's upstairs somewhere, I know I heard Jasper up there a few minutes ago," she replied.
I left Jacob with Mom and went to find my aunt. She was in her closet, and when she saw me she bounced with happiness.
"Ah Nessie, I knew you'd be up soon – look at what I have for you!" She spun around and rummaged through her vast collection of clothes and came back to me with a slinky grey dress.
"It'll be perfect for tonight."
She saw the quizzical look on my face and quantified.
"Jacob has just asked your father's permission to take you somewhere tonight. I won't tell you anymore, I don't want to spoil the surprise," she smiled.
I looked at the small amount of fabric she had placed in my hands. There was no way I could wear this, I would never feel comfortable!
"Trust me," Alice said. "Jacob will love you in this. And...", she whirled back to the clothes rack. "I got a wrap for you too. So you'll feel comfortable."
She knew me far too well. I grabbed the wrap too and turned to leave before she could see the flush rising in my cheeks.
"Thanks Aunt Alice!" I called behind me as I ran down the stairs. Where would Jacob be taking me that he managed to keep a complete secret?
I skidded to a halt at the bottom of the stairs. All of my family was staring back at me with large grins on their faces.
"What's wrong with you guys?" I asked them all. They just looked at each other and dispersed, off to different parts of the house, murmuring excuses as they went. Just Jacob was left at the door.
"Right then babe, let's head home. This lot seem a bit busy." He smiled over my shoulder, and I turned to see my Mom leaning against the banister, a knowing look on her face. My stomach churned with nerves. I turned back to Jacob and he took my hand, leading me out the door and back to the car.
