Chapter 1:

"So you're basically sending me away?" I said, my eyes digging into my father's. I was searching for one logical reason he would be sending me to the Black's house all of a sudden.

Maybe he's drunk? No. High? Nope not that either.

"That's the last thing I'm trying to do Taylor. I need some time to get my life sorted out. I haven't been a very good father to you since your mother died." He said, trying to explain himself.

"And you think this is going to make you a better father? Sending me to the Black's house? How does that help anything?" I yelled. He already had my suitcase all ready to go on top of my bed. I couldn't believe he was just sending me away after all I had been through. My mom had died only died fourth months ago and I barely got back to my normal self.

"I'll be able to get a job and pay off all the debts we have. It'll only be for a while." His voice still sounded calm even though I had been yelling. I sighed frustratedly and pinched the bridge of my nose. It wasn't that I didn't like the Blacks. I loved them; they were like my second family. I just didn't like the fact that it seemed like I was such a burden on my dad that he had to send me away.

"Why do I have to be away for you to do that?" I asked incredulously.

"Who would take care of you while I'm away? I can't just leave you alone!" I could see that he was as frustrated as I was now. His cheeks were flushing a bright red color and his eyes looked like they would pop out of his sockets any moment.

"Yeah you can. I'm sixteen for crying out loud! I can take care of myself! I don't have to be such a burden on you, if you'd just trust me." I said trying my best to lower my voice, but I failed miserably.

"Says the girl who was suicidal for three months." He retorted back at me. I huffed and grabbed a picture frame; then I threw it at him, missing his head by an inch, and it shattered against the wall. I knew I shouldn't have done it, but that comment hit a little too close to home.

He looked at the broken, picture frame of our family then back at me. "You're going to Billy Black's house. End of discussion." His voice fell flat and he left my room without giving me a chance to protest. I stood there for a moment, contemplating whether I should protest or give in. My gaze fell on the broken picture frame. The picture was from the time my mom was alive. I looked at her smiling face and sighed. Give In.

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The car drive was a quiet one. I was too frustrated to talk and looked out the window. Ironically, it was raining. But, surprisingly, the rain calmed me down and made me actually think about the situation. It would be good to see Jacob again, since I haven't seen him since my mom's funeral. I had pushed him away; not wanting to see anyone was part of my depressive time. He wrote tons of letters and dropped them off at my house, but I never read them.

Some best friend I was…

I sighed and tried to push away my thoughts. We finally arrived at the Black's house and I could see Jacob sitting on the porch when we pulled up to the house. I got out of my dad's 1997 Toyota Camry and was greeted by Billy Black and Jacob.

"Hey Tay!" Jacob smiled and gave me a big hug. I startled myself when I laughed and hugged him back. It was the first time I had actually felt any happiness in months. "Hey Jake." I said with a smile. It was as if his presence just had that power to change my whole mood.

I pulled away and took a look at him. He hadn't changed much. He still had his long raven-black hair and his eyes still had that spark that I had began to miss. By the look on his face, I knew he could tell I changed. I was a lot skinnier than before and I grew out my auburn brown hair, exactly how my mom use to like it.

"You look good Tay." He said with a warm smile. I nodded, "Thanks."

I said hello to his dad and then it was time to say goodbye to mine. I got my suitcase out of the trunk and simply said, "Bye." No hug. No kiss on the cheek. Just "Bye." The three of us watched as he drove away then walked inside the house.

"Jake be a gentleman and show Taylor to her room." Billy said rolling to the living room in his wheelchair. Jake nodded and smiled at me. "C'mon." He said.

I followed him to one of his sister's old room. The room had a nice shade of blue walls, and a queen-sized bed. It looked prepared, as if they were expecting me for a while.

I wonder how long this was planned for…

"Well this is it." Jake said, plopping my suitcase on top of the bed. "Thanks Jake. I appreciate it." And I really did. Neither of them had to let me stay with them, and it only seemed fair that I don't complain all the time.

"No problem, Tay. You're like family to us." He said with a bright smile. I started realizing how much I missed Jake. His smile and attitude was contagious. I smiled back and sat on the edge of my bed. Jake took this as his clue to take his leave. "I'll see you in a bit." He said as he left the room. One thing I love about Jake, he knew when and when not to give me space.

A/N: So that's the first chapter. I hope you liked it. This does take place before Twilight actually starts, but don't worry, we'll see Bella and the Cullens soon enough. Anyway, please review and I'll try to update as soon as possible.