Sunshine

Bella's POV

It had been almost a year now since... since Edward had left me. I had heard nothing from them, not one phone call, letter or email. Nothing. I had finally been able to stop mourning the loss of my dearest family, my future had been wiped away as soon as that possible future had been created. However, that doesn't mean I don't think about them, everyday I think about what could have been, a day without thinking of the Cullens are few and far between...

'What are you thinking about, honey?' I stiffened infinitesimally as I recalled how Edward would always ask the same question, in frustration usually rather than....I had to stop thinking of him. What was the point in thinking of him?! He was gone. I rolled over in the sand and smiled, 'Just stuff... hey shall we get an ice cream?'

Jacob smiled back at me then quickly and agilely jumped up; he reached down and swept me up in his great, toned arms. I grimaced at the thought of what we must look like, a great muscular god next to an incredibly plain, fragile porcelain girl who was so ridiculously over the top accident prone. I knew what they thought, why was he going out with her?! He reached down and kissed me gently on the lips, pulling me out from my thoughts, and then he ran off ahead laughing his head off. I ran after Jacob, rugby tackling him to the ground, or at least what I imagined this would entail. I leaned down and kissed him passionately, whispering in his ear 'Two can play at that game!' I quickly stood up and running off to the ice cream van, giggling hysterically all the while.


I had just finished making some carbonara and was serving it on some plates when Charlie plodded into the house in his heavy hiking boots.

'Bella? Where are you?' Charlie called.

'I'm here Dad! In the kitchen, dinners ready!' Charlie walked in smiling, obviously pleased with tonight's meal choice. He quickly tucked in to the meal and I sat next to him and day dreamed... He soon devoured everything on his plate and looked up to me; I could tell he was preparing for a great discussion of some sort. 'Yes Dad? What is it?'

'I was just wondering whether you've chosen which University you are going to yet. I mean you got the grades, they all offered you a place! All you have to do now is choose!'

I knew time was running out, I had to choose otherwise all my places would evaporate like water, I had been accepted by the University of Alaska Southeast, Dartmouth and three other universities. I had chosen all the universities for one reason that even I tried to ignore a lot of the time. Even though I had stopped missing Edward, I couldn't always disguise the fact that I thought of him, often, probably too often. All the Universities were in areas with a high rainfall and a minimal annual number of days with the sun. It is true I could not give up on any link possible to connect myself to him.

But these days I was getting better, I had a sun that shone over me: Jacob, he lifted the gloom off my head and prevented the onslaught of rain to push me under again into my great depression that had cost me as well as time, my friends from Forks High School, only Angela had stood by me solidly caring for me and supporting me. She may not have known what to say to comfort me, neither did I for that matter, but she was there. Always. I had lost Jessica, freaked her out really to be quite honest, Lauren, well she never was my friend so that wasn't any great loss. Most of the guys had been startled and alarmed by my behaviour but Mike... Mike had been by my side too, irritatingly so. I swear I could see his tail wagging and whenever I said I was going to walk to Biology he practically leapt up at me on his hind legs. I imagined him as a puppy wanting, no needing attention. I chuckled, breaking out of my reverie and looked up at my Dad who was watching me expectantly for an answer.

'Oh! Ermm, I was thinking of Dartmouth, has the most interesting course and the least distance to travel! Only 1,869 miles!'

Charlie just laughed, 'You really need to look at a map Bella! 1,869 miles is further than you think, it will take you well over a day to get there! At least you've made your choice though. I'm pleased; Dartmouth has a very good reputation.'

'Ok Dad, well I'm going round to Jacob's now, so I'll probably get in late, see you in the morning yer?'

'Ok Bells, have a great evening!'


I ran down the driveway then suddenly tripped on my laces and flew forwards, crashing into my truck. It knocked all the air out from my lungs, I prayed I wouldn't get any serious bruising; my body was so easily marked by any tumble. I breathed in and out then got into my truck. I began driving up to La Push easily, the roads now etched deeply into my mind with the thousands of times I had driven up here. I remembered the first time I had met Jacob, nearly two years ago now, he had changed so much it was incomprehensible, amazing. I was one of few that knew how and why...

My truck stuttered and then conked out just as I rolled up to the Black's house, making a great racket to announce my arrival even though it wasn't necessary, you could hear me coming a mile away with this truck!

I hopped out the truck into Jacobs waiting arms and was grasped into a deathly tight hug.

'Umm... Jacob...air! Need... to... breathe!!!' He released me quickly and chuckled as I gulped down mouthfuls of air till I was able to breathe normally again.

'Bella, I have something special planned for tonight! You're gonna love it! Come on! Follow me...' He grabbed my tiny hand up in his huge bear-like hand and pulled me forward, we walked to the beach over the shingles and pebbles, past our beloved driftwood tree, onwards and onwards. We were practically at the end of the coastline that we could walk on when he announced, 'Over here! Come on, in here!'

I looked to where he pointed, a tiny glowing cave, hidden away behind bushes and driftwood, pushing them aside he stepped through into the cave with me by his side. It was like a secret spy hang out, you could see the whole beach and anyone likely to creep up on would be unsuccessful at catching you off guard.

I loved it immediately and as I looked around and adjusted my eyes I noticed why it was so light, Jacob had lit candles all around, laid out a blanket and there was a large array of food, it was so endearing, who knew he was such a classic romantic?! I looked up at Jacob's face; he seemed incredibly earnest as if he was trying incredibly to please me. I stood on my toes, gripping on to his shoulders and kissed him, 'I love you!'


Jacob's POV

This evening had gone swimmingly well so far, I was pleased, nothing would ruin this for me. This was destiny. I knew it.

I rolled onto my side to look at Bella. I knew I had to say it now. I needed to get it out and stop delaying it... otherwise I would lose my nerve. I pulled Bella up with me and moved so that we were directly opposite each other. She was breath-taking, beautiful and I was honoured to be in her presence, I was totally infatuated with her.

She looked at me speculatively, intrigued with why I looked so serious and nervous all of a sudden. I heaved in a breath and began...

'Bella, you know I've always been here for you. I want to be here for you. Help you, look after you, care for you. Love you. Because I do, I love you Bella Marie Swan and nothing is ever gonna change that, I'll always be here for you.' She gasped and I smiled in response.

'Marry me, Bella.'


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