Note: Sorry it took me a while to get this one up; school started back and getting settled in took a lot of time. I decided I have a whole lot of ideas for this one, so expect more soon. : )

PS - Thanks to all who reviewed!



And then there was Jacob. I looked at him through the tears welling up in my eyes, watching him shift from foot to foot. I sat down slowly on the stool behind me, folding my hands in my lap. I wasn't sure if I wanted Jacob to comfort me or leave me alone, so I let him stand by the door, looking uncomfortably at his shoes.

I was sure the Cullens were gone. At least Edward was, probably running as fast as he could to anywhere but this small church surrounded by trees. I let my head hang just a little more at the thought of Edward, probably wishing he'd never met me or my stupid blood.

I lifted my head then, remembering the pews full of guests still waiting to see me take Edward's hand in holy matrimony. I sighed, wiping the old tear stains from my cheeks, too scared to look into the mirror and see my ruined hair and make-up. I stood, walking slowly to the door, feeling Jacob's eyes on me with every step I took.

"Stay here, Jake," I said quietly, putting my hand on the knob. "I'll be back." Jacob shook his head, taking a step back to sit on the floral couch under the window. I pushed the door open quietly, taking a deep breath as the cold air hit my lungs. The little room I was in seemed safe compared to the rest of the church where anyone could see me. I walked purposefully down the hall that would lead me to the main chamber. I stopped again to take another deep breath before pushing aside the heavy old curtain that blocked the room from sight.

All the pews were empty, save for the very first pew where Charlie, Renee, and Angela sat in total silence. Charlie was wearing a nice suit he had agreed to purchase just for the occasion and Renee was dressed in a light pink, knee-length dress. Angela was still wearing her bride's maid dress, made exactly like Alice's.

I stepped into the room, my dress making more noise than my feet. Renee was the first to look up, laying a hand on both Charlie and Angela as I took another step toward them. But unlike I expected, Charlie was the first to stand and wrap his arms around me, holding me close and petting my deflating curls. I took a deep breath, smelling his cologne he only wore for special occasions and the familiar smell of our house. Renee placed her hands on my shoulders shortly after, not bothering to pull me away from Charlie, merely hugging me from behind. Her perfume and the smell of the beach calmed me, letting the words finally come out of my mouth.

"Where-," but Angela stepped forward then, smiling slightly but not touching me.

"Edward told us there was a slight problem, and the wedding would be canceled," she spoke softly, looking as if she were about to cry herself.

"I'm sorry, Bells," Charlie said into my hair, and suddenly I couldn't help it. I started to cry again, fresh tears ruining what little mascara hadn't already run down my cheeks.

"I know, honey," Renee cooed, running her fingers through my hair. "Just let it out."

And I did. On the shoulder of Charlie's jacket I poured out all my anguish and love for Edward. How much I hated myself for hurting him and the rest of the Cullens. That I knew I was never going to see him again, even if he did check on me from time to time. And that I was too foolish to hear what my heart had been telling for weeks until I'd finally seen Jake again.

"J-Jake," I stuttered between sobs, and to my surprise I felt a new set of arms wrap around me. These were strong, and warm, lifting me off the ground and cradling me to a hard chest.

"Take her home, Jacob," I heard Renee plead, her cool hand slipping from my arm as Jake exited the church. Then I was outside, the warm air hitting my bare skin and the soft mist falling into my face.

"Jake," I whispered, cracking my eyes only enough to see his face in the dim light.

"Bella," he weakly smiled back. "Just rest. You'll be home soon."

I felt the softness of a passenger seat before I succumbed to the exhaust and closed my eyes, hearing the roar of an engine and Jake's deep voice before I fell into a dreamless sleep.