Prologue

"First love is a little foolish and a lot of curiosity."

- George Bernard Shaw.

One of Renesmee Cullen's last memories of what she considers "childhood" is the night of Jacob's 20th birthday. That night was one of the few occasions when her parents let her spend time with the man she had known since birth without their watchful eye.

"20 entire years…" Renesmee said from her seat next to Jacob. "That's a long time."

"I used to say the same thing when I was a kid," he answered, unable to conceal the huge smile on his face.

Whether it was for the birthday party Renesmee's family had thrown him, or because she was next to him, she was not sure. "I'm not a kid," she argued, pursing her lips slightly. "I'm 12 years old."

Jacob looked at her amusedly. "You may look 12 years old, Nessie," he said, "but you are very much still a kid on the inside."

Renesmee pouted, and her mother approached her. "Renesmee," she said, "The party's over now. It's time for you to go to bed."

"Wait…" Renesmee started, shaking her arm out of her mother's grasp. "I haven't given my present to Jacob yet."

Bella Cullen sighed before regarding the two sitting on the couch with a smile. "Okay. But make it quick!"

Renesmee grinned, and tugged at Jacob's wrist. "Come on. I want to show you something."

Jacob found himself unable to decline, and let himself be taken away from the Cullens' living room. He followed Renesmee down the stairs and into the basement. "What is it?" he asked her.

"Sit down," she told him.

He found a chair that wasn't as dusty and sat down on it, then looked to her expectantly. Renesmee approached him, their faces finally level. She held the side of Jacob's face with her tiny hands and leaned forward and kissed him. For a moment, Jacob let himself be kissed. Then he pulled away. He was surprised when he saw the coy expression on Renesmee's face.

"Nessie…" he began, "This isn't right. You're just a child, and I'm 20 years old now. I can't kiss you."

"But you want to," was her response.

Jacob stared at her for a moment. He looked lost. Then he stood up. "Come on. Your mom wants you to go to bed now." He led her back up the stairs.

The next time they met, Renesmee waved at him, and Jacob turned his back.

Thus the years passed.