A/N: This is my first attempt at FanFiction so bare with me. I do not own anything. Everything is Stephenie Meyer's. I just used her wonderfully written characters to spin out some of my own ideas.
Chapter 1
Bella's POV
As Jacob leaned in to kiss me, with my back pressed against the kitchen counter, I was still undecided. Edward was gone. He had left me. Jacob kept coming back even though I repeatedly pushed him away. That had to mean something right? Jacob stopped just inches short of my lips and I felt my time running out. I had to make a decision. Do I keep my hope that Edward will return to me? Or do I give in and try to find love again. It would be easy to find that love in Jacob. I could see his feelings for me burning in his eyes as I looked at me. I could tell he wanted to kiss me but he was hesitanting and I couldn't blame him. I had shot him down so many times it was amazing that he kept trying. I loved Jacob. I really did but was it the kind of love that could turn into something more? Could I love him the way he loved me?
I have no idea how long we stood there, with his hand pressed against my cheek, our faces barely inches apart, staring into each other's eyes. His eyes reflected his deep emotions for me and I knew mine were betraying all the thoughts running through my mind.
I don't know what made me do it. Maybe I had subconsciencely made my choice but I felt myself leaning towards Jacob. My hand found its way to his that was placed upon my cheek. My eyes never leaving his. Our lips were almost touching now less than a hairspan apart.
I wanted this kiss. I wanted to taste him on my lips. This thought surprised me and excited me at the same time. I could do. It would be easy, effortless. I could fall in love with Jacob Black, my best friend. We were always meant to be together. Why hadn't I seen this before? Jacob had been trying to tell me all along. My eyes closed and I could feel my heart racing as I leaned in just slightly more to close the small distance between us.
That's when the phone rang.
Jacob groaned and reached around me to grab the phone, never taking his eyes off me. I was too lost in my thoughts to hear Jacob answer the phone. Suddenly he pulled back from me and a flash of anger crossed his face. What had caused that? I heard the anger in his voice as he told whoever was on the line that Charlie wasn't here. He was on his way to the funeral. Jacob hung up the phone and when he turned to me there was bitterness in his eyes.
"Who was that?"
Jacob's voice dripped like acid as he answered me, "Dr. Carlise Cullen."
Carlise had called? What did he want? Was everything okay? I was instantly angry that Jacob hadn't let me talk to him. Before I could overcome my anger and speak, Jacob turned to leave.
I ran after him and collided with him in the living room. He had stopped dead and was staring at Alice who was standing at the bottom of the stairs. A look of pain on her face. What was wrong?
"It's Edward. He's going to the Volturi."
My mind was racing but my body had shut down. I sunk onto the couch and tried to process what she had said. Edward had talked about the Volturi before. He had mentioned that if he had ever wanted to die he would ask them to kill him. That was the only reason he would have gone to the Volturi.
"Why?" I asked. I feared the answer.
"He thinks you're dead. He doesn't want to live if you aren't alive," Alice said.
It hit me then. It had been Edward on the phone, not Carlise. I couldn't blame Jacob. I could tell by his face that he was confused but angry. I couldn't be mad at him. He didn't know.
"Bella, we have to save him," Alice's voice broke through my thoughts.
"Yes." I jumped up from the couch and ran upstairs and began throwing clothes into a bag. I was just about done when I felt Jacob behind me.
"Don't go."
I could hear the sadness in his voice and I knew as soon as I turned around I would be able to see it on his face. I turned and looked into his eyes and was shocked at what I saw. There was no more anger. All that was left was sadness and love and a glimmer of hope. I didn't want to leave Jacob, not now after I had finally made up my mind to love him. There was no way I could stay though if there was anyway I could save Edward. I was torn but I knew what I had to do. I threw my arms around Jacob and buried my face in his chest. His arms snaked around me and he held me so tight I almost couldn't breathe.
"Take care of Charlie. I'll be back as soon as I can," I whispered into his chest before I let go. I didn't look back as I headed down the stairs and out the front door. I knew Jacob was following me but I didn't stop. I knew if I did I wouldn't be able to get in the car and I had to save Edward. Even if he had left me and didn't want me anymore I had to save him.
I climbed into Alice's car and finally turned to look back at Jacob. I rolled down the window to tell him I was sorry but he started talking before I could form the words. "Don't go Bella. Please, I'm begging you. Stay with me."
"Jacob, I'm sorry. I have to go. I have to save him. I'm sorry."
"Please Bella." His eyes were pleading with me not to leave him.
"I'll be back soon. Please, Jacob, I have to go." I placed my hand on his cheek and looked into his sad eyes. "I'll call you as soon as I'm back. I love you." Then I surprised even myself by placing a soft kiss on his lips. Before I could talk myself out of it, I pulled back my hand and told Alice to drive.