CHAPTER 1
I teetered on the edge. My lips hovered over his skin, and I was utterly undecided. I could imagine how warm he would feel against my lips.

Could I do this? There was no doubt I felt strongly for Jacob; but only two hours ago I was jumping off a cliff just to hear Edward's voice. I couldn't start something new when I still clung desperately to him who left me behind. It was irrational, but I could feel it: things weren't over with Edward yet. But being in this small enclosed space with Jacob- feeling the weight of his hand in my hair- I felt a glimmer of a future. Sometimes it felt electric. There were moments when I laid back on the driftwood tree and imagined I could be absorbed into it, so as to never be apart from the freedom I felt there. Then I would realize I was supposed to be missing a big house in the forest, and piano music and icy hands, and I would feel guilty for forgetting for a moment. Edward haunted every happy memory I had with Jacob.

Maybe kissing Jacob would pull me back into the world of the living. The air was sucked out of my lungs as I was suddenly thrown back into my seat, the truck hurtling out of my driveway and down the road.

"What's happened?" I asked frantically when I caught my breath. I looked behind me, and saw a sleek silver car half hidden in the shrubs. I knew that car. Am I now seeing my hallucinations as well as hearing them?

"Vampire," Jacob spat, deftly shifting, urging the car faster.

"Victoria?" I asked, panicked. Was she trying to lure me in? Was I so desperate I'd fall for it- and I knoew- yes. Yes I was. If there was even a chance it was Edward I'd go back.

"Turn around," I commanded.

"Bella, are you insane? I'm not bringing you back there. I think one near-death experience is enough for today."

"It's Edward, isn't it? Turn the car arround!" I bellowed.

Jacob looked at me, torn. I could only imagine how I looked- half-drowned and determined.
"I swear, Jacob, I will jump out of this car if you don't turn it around right now." I began to fumble for the door handle. I needed to know why Edward was here. I needed to get the answers I never got.

"You're suicidal," Jacob mumbled, sounding very much like Sam, but he turned the truck around and pulled back in front of my house, cutting the engine. He got out and came around to my side before I had even managed to open the door.

"I'm going in first," he stated.

"You don't have to," I said. My initial anxiety had subsided and I was realizing how difficult I was making this for Jacob.

"I'm going in first," he repeated, allowing no arguments. "Even if you don't care, I'm committed to keeping you alive."

I reached out and took his hand, squeezed it and breathed, "Thank you." He was too good to me. His face only barely softened and he lightly squeezed it back and helped me out of the truck.
The front door was unlocked, of course, and Jacob slowly led the way in, keeping a secure grasp on my hand.

In an instant, Edward appeared before us in the kitchen.

He was beautiful. I stopped breathing for a moment as I took in his perfect features, realizing that my memory had copied him perfectly. After allowing my eyes to rest on every part of him, I noticed the pain in his face. I saw his eyes dart down to where my hand disappeared into Jacob's and a hint of surprise entered his dark eyes. Jacob growled, and I could see every muscle in his body tense, though he was careful to keep his grip on my hand gentle.

"You're alive," Edward breathed, barely loud enough for me to hear. I saw relief wash over his face. His eyes softened and he took a step toward me.

"Watch it," Jacob barked.

"Bella, who is this, and why does he smell like a..." Edward asked, and realization washed over his face.

"What are you doing here?" Jacob asked, teeth clenched.

"I came to see Bella," Edward answered coldly. He looked around Jacob, at me and his voice quietened as he explained, "Alice saw you jump off the cliff. Then you disappeared. I assumed the worst. Thank god, thank god, Bella..."

"Jacob saved me," I explained. Why didn't Alice see that? "Is Alice here, too?" I asked, hopefully.

"No, I insisted on coming alone. I wasn't planning on staying long. I just needed to know there was no mistake. Thank God there was."

"Well, now you've seen her. Mission accomplished. You can leave," Jacob growled.

"I'm not sure I can." Edward's eyes never left my face. I could see them wandering over it, memorizing every feature. My eyes were scanning his face, looking for some clue as to why he was here. Why would he care if I died?

"Bella, we need to talk."

"What could you possibly have to say to her?" There was venom in Jacob's voice.

"That's between her and me. Bella, there's so much to explain. I would have come back soon anyway. Please, can we talk. Alone?"

"No," Jacob answered for me.

"Jake, it's okay," I offered, gently putting my hand on his arm and beginning to move around him.

"Shouldn't I be here, to pick up the pieces when he leaves you shattered, again?" Jacob's voice was harsh, and I knew it was directed at Edward, not me.

"Shattered?" Edward repeated, panic filling his eyes again.

"It's nothing," I told him, wanting to comfort him.

"Like hell it's nothing!" Jacob bellowed. "What kind of hold does he have over you, Bells, that you'll just forget the past few months?" Edward's face was contorting in pain. A small, cruel smile flickered across Jacob's face.

"Jake, please. I need to hear this."

He stepped between us, blocking out Edward and said softly to me, "You're really sending me away?" I could see the hurt in his eyes.

"Not like that," I assured him. "But I need to hear him out. I'll call you soon. I promise."

"You're killing me, Bella," Jake said softly. "I'm coming back in an hour, whether you call me or not." It was a pointed threat for Edward's benefit. Then Jacob kissed my forehead and walked to the door. He turned around once to look at Edward. "You hurt her, I'll kill you," he promised.