Twilight and it's characters are property of Stephenie Meyer

Sorry for the wait but I wrote a couple of drafts of this chapter before I was satisfied. FYI I decided to make Jacob and Leah the same age as Bella in this story. I would love to hear what you think so review pretty please.

Chapter 1

Jacob and I held on to each other for dear life and we were inconsolable. Our sobs seemed never ending and our fathers looked close to tears themselves while Renee just looked at us in contempt.

"This is getting ridiculous Bella we need to go now." She said trying to pull me away from Jacob but that only made us tighten our grip on each other. She finally managed to separate us and she threw me over her shoulder while picking up the last of our luggage.

"Daddy please I don't want to go! I want to stay here with you, please don't let her take me! Daddy! Daddy!" I called out to him as she carried me towards the door and he could no longer hold back his tears. It was the first and only time I've seen my father cry and it made my heart ache even more. I grabbed a hold of the door frame as we stepped through the threshold and Jacob's little feet took off after us but Billy stopped him before he could get far. Renee pinched my bottom effectively making me release the door frame and she stepped through it taking me away from everything and everyone I loved.

"Bella! Bella wake up!" I was jolted awake from the terrible memory and it took me a minute to focus and remember where I was and what was going on. "You were screaming for Charlie did you have a nightmare?"

"Something like that."

"Are you alright?"

"I'm okay, it was just a bad dream." One that actually happened I thought to myself.

"Well try to go back to sleep we still have a few hours before we have to get back on the road." She said and settled back into her bed as her cell phone started to ring. "Oh shit it's your mother."

"Answer it and put it on speaker." I instructed. She obviously knew we were together so there was no sense in avoiding her calls.

"Hi Aunt Renee."

"Don't hi Aunt me where is my daughter Amber?" She looked at me and I nodded my head letting her know she could tell the truth. It was bad enough I put her in this situation I wasn't going to ask her to lie for me too even though I knew my cousin would do anything for me.

"She's with me."

"Bring her home, now."

"I can't do that."

"I will come over there and get her myself."

"We're not even in Phoenix anymore and I don't think I'd send her back to you even if we were." There was silence for awhile and we thought she'd hung up until she decided to speak again.

"If you take her to Forks I will have you arrested for kidnapping and custodial interference."

"Are you sure you want to go there? You're the one interfering with her summer visitation with her father."

"Bella? I know you're listening, why are you doing this?"

"I think you already know the answer to that Mom."

"What did you do to Phil? He says you attacked him to get out of the house."

"Would you listen to yourself? How could you even believe that a teenage girl who barely weights 115lbs soaking wet could attack a 6'2 300lbs grown man? You're a selfish bitch and you wonder why your daughter doesn't want to live with you anymore?" Amber ranted and hung up before things got really heated. It was impossible for me to fall asleep after that so I lay awake reliving the happy memories I had of Forks. Jake and I running on the beach hand in hand. Charlie tucking me in at night and reading me a story. Me in the Black's kitchen with Sarah getting cooking lessons while Billy taught Jake how to carve wood. Billy and Charlie taking us fishing and the bonfires at La Push. Jake and I sitting in his garage for hours with our lips glued together the summer after we shared our first kiss. Forks is where I belong and I couldn't wait to get back there.

"You're insane Bells." Jacob said to me as I was taking off my socks and shoes. The water was calling to me and I couldn't resist going for a swim. It would be no fun alone so I came up with the perfect plan to get him to join me.

"Call me what you want but I know you want to come with me." I teased while picking up a pile of sand and throwing it at him and it landed in his long silky hair. I laughed and took off running and of course he was right behind me.

"You're so going to pay for that." He said picking me up and dunking me under the water. We played around in the Pacific getting soaked until I felt something brush against my leg.

"Shark!" I screamed running out of the water. Once I made it back to shore I saw Jacob hadn't moved from his position but he was hunched over in laughter.

"That is not funny Jacob Black!" I pouted when he finally stopped laughing and joined me on the beach. He looked at me and the amusement instantly left his face. In its place was an intense glare that I never seen before and it made my heart speed up and butterflies started fluttering in my stomach. I was used to him looking at me with affection and admiration but this was something entirely different. When I looked down at myself I suddenly realized what was going on. I was wearing a white t-shirt which was now completely transparent giving him a perfect view of my newly formed breast. My cheeks flushed red with embarrassment and my arms immediately crossed over my chest in an attempt to cover myself.

"You never have to hide yourself from me Bells, you're beautiful." He said reaching out for my arms and dropping them to my sides. He leaned in and placed his lips to mine and my body tingled with unfamiliar sensations. It was by far the best moment of my life.

"You haven't said anything in hours, are you okay over there Bella?" Amber's voice brought me to the present.

"I'm fine, just thinking." I sighed.

"About him?" She glanced over at me and I nodded. "You're in love with him aren't you?"

"I've always loved Jacob." I answered quietly. Even at my young age I knew there was a difference between loving someone and being in love with them. Jacob and I have always shared a special bond but it's changed in nature as we matured and I knew there was more than friendly feelings there now but I just wasn't sure if we were in love. I've tried dating boys in Phoenix but none of them made me feel the way Jacob did and all I could think about was his kiss.

"I can tell by the way you talk about him that you're more than friends now."

"Yeah Renee saw it too, she never liked how close we are. She said she wasn't going to send me this year because they couldn't afford it but I think she was just trying to keep me away from him and Dad." I knew I was right and the thought made me angry. "I hate her."

"Now Bella I don't agree with her actions but she is still your mother and hate is such a strong word."

"I know." I admitted. "But I'm so upset with her right now Amber, and for her to imply that I did something to Phil when he was the one feeling me up infuriates me."

"Me too." She said leaving me alone in my thoughts again and I continued to relive the past.

We were sitting in Charlie's living room playing Nintendo when the phone rang. Charlie went to answer it and I saw the color drain from his face as he listened intently.

"What about Billy, how is he?" I heard him ask. "Tell him I'm sorry and not to worry Jake will stay here with us." Hearing his name finally forced his attention from the video game and he too looked over at my father wondering what was going on. He talked to the mysterious caller for a moment longer before hanging up and looking at us with sorrow in his eyes. He walked over to us and knelt in front of Jacob.

"Charlie what's wrong?"

"I'm so sorry Jake." He started and paused trying to find the right words. "There's been an accident. You're parents were on their way here to pick you up when a drunk driver slammed into their car." His voice became thick with emotion as he spoke his next words. "Sarah didn't make it she was killed instantly. I am so sorry son." Charlie pulled Jacob into a hug and when he released him he still hadn't spoken. It took a minute for his words to sink in but once they did Jake let out a heart wrenching wail and collapsed to the floor in tears. I was crying by now as well. Sarah was like another mother to me and I couldn't believe she was gone but I had to pull myself together for Jacob. I wrapped my arms around him and he cried on my shoulder.

That wasn't a pleasant memory but it did strengthen our bond and I was glad I was able to be there for him when it happened. It's been six years now but it hadn't gotten any easier and I knew he still missed his mother. It took Billy a long time to adjust to living his life in a wheelchair and even struggled with depression but with Charlie and Jacob's help he was back to being himself in no time. I looked at the highway signs as we zoomed past them.

"Where are we now Amber?"

"We're actually making good time. We crossed the Washington State border about two and a half hours ago and we're about 350 miles away from Forks."

"That's because you drive like a bat out of hell." She was always going at least 20 miles above the speed limit whatever it happened to be at the time.

"The sooner we get there the better. I don't want to have to spend another night in a crappy motel."

"We're lucky we haven't gotten pulled over."

"And if we did I'd just bat my lashes and flirt and make him forget what a speeding ticket is."

"What if it's a female cop?"

"I'll just have to hope she's a lesbian." She said and I couldn't help but laugh. I loved my cousin dearly and would miss her when she returned to Phoenix. I let out a yawn feeling fatigue creep up on me and I closed my eyes drifting off to sleep.

The summer was over and it was my last night in Forks. Just like every year I dreaded going back to Phoenix and couldn't sleep. I glanced at the clock and it was already after midnight.

"You awake in there?" I heard Charlie's voice outside my door.

"Yeah, come on in." I told him and he opened the door and peaked his head in.

"You alright honey?"

"Not really." I told him honestly and he stepped inside and sat next to me on the bed. He knew me well enough to know what was wrong so he didn't need to ask. He just pulled me into a comforting hug and we sat like that for awhile.

"I don't want to go Daddy." I sounded like a toddler again and I looked up at him with sad eyes.

"I know sweetheart, I don't want you to go either."

"Why did you let her take me Daddy? Why didn't you fight for me?" He looked pained at my line of questioning.

"I tried Bells, I really did but the court gave her custody and there was nothing I could do." I nodded knowing it was the truth. "While you're gone just remember how much I love you and everything will be okay."

"Okay Daddy, I love you too." He kissed my forehead before getting up and heading back to his bedroom.

"Good night." He said before closing the door and I settled under the covers waiting for him to fall asleep. It was an annual tradition for Jake to sneak into my room on my last night and it was impossible for me to fall asleep without him. Both of our fathers knew about it because Jake was always lying next to me in the morning but they didn't mind because they knew it was innocent. About an hour later I heard Charlie's snores coming from his room and there was a soft knock on the front door. I went to let Jacob in and without a word we went up to my room and climbed in the bed settling in under the blanket. I snuggled into his warmth and succumb to a peaceful sleep.

This time I was awakened by the feeling of being picked up and carried out of the car. I opened my eyes and stared into the identical brown eyes of my father.

"Dad!" I threw my arms around him in glee and kissed his cheek.

"Welcome home Bells." He chuckled sitting me down now that I was awake. I took in my surroundings and deeply inhaled the fresh air. I could smell the ocean and everything was so lush green and alive and I knew I was indeed home.

"Where is he Dad, where's Jacob?"

"I'm right here." He said stepping out of the house and the smile that I loved so much was wide on his face.

"Jacob!" I ran into his waiting arms and knew there was nowhere else I'd rather be.

"Hey Bella." He buried his face in my hair taking in my scent. His lips were calling to me but we had an audience so I restrained myself.

"I've missed you." I whispered in his ear snuggling deeper into his embrace.

"I've missed you too." He whispered back and Charlie cleared his throat and we untangled ourselves from each other. Once we separated I was finally able to take him in and boy has he changed a lot in a year. He was at least 6'4 now and his beautiful long silky hair was gone showing his prominent cheek bones. The boyish roundness had disappeared from his face and he was all toned muscle. My Jacob was turning into a man. And quite a handsome one at that.

"What are you doing here, were you visiting Charlie?" I asked since Charlie didn't know I was coming.

"Actually Amber here called me when you guys were getting close and I went to pick him up knowing he'd want to be here." Charlie explained. In my excitement I'd almost forgot Amber was here! Being away from them nine months out of the year made me miss them tremendously and it was easy to get caught up in our little reunion.

"Jake I'd like to introduce you to my favorite cousin Amber." He walked over to shake her hand but she surprised him by pulling him into a hug. I would've been jealous if she wasn't my cousin and six years old than us.

"Anyone who's so close to Bella deserves more than a handshake."

"Are you sure you two aren't sisters?" Jacob asked looking between us.

"She's gets her looks from me, sorry Charlie." Amber teased and we all laughed as we went inside. I immediately had to relieve my bladder before it burst and took the opportunity to freshen up before joining them in the living room.

"Now do you want to explain to me why Amber had to drive you here and why I didn't know you were coming? I've been calling the house in Phoenix but no one's been answering." I felt a lump form in my throat.

"I asked Amber to bring me because Mom wasn't going to let me come this year." Anger flashed in Charlie's eyes.

"She can't do that! I'll drag her ass back to court so fast it'll make her head spin." I didn't like seeing my father angry even though him getting custody of me is exactly what I wanted.

"Relax Dad I'm here aren't I?"

"Yeah but you shouldn't have had to run off with Amber and make your own way to get here."

"I'm not going back to Phoenix." He looked confused, happy, and then worried by my words.

"As much as I would like that sweetheart you have to go back or I'll be in big trouble with the court."

"No Dad you don't understand, I can't go back there."

"What happened?" He looked at me in concern and I knew it was time to tell him what I've been keeping from him all these years.

"I haven't been honest with you about everything."

"What do you mean?"

"When you would ask me how my life in Phoenix was and I'd tell you everything was fine, well I lied."

"Tell me."

"You know from experience she isn't easy to live with and things only got worse when we left. There was hardly any food or money and sometimes we went hungry for days. We would stay in bug and rodent infested houses with creepy people and I was afraid to go to sleep at night. I was glad when she found a job and we got our own place but she would blow all the money and almost got us evicted until I started making sure the bills got paid. I had to the one who cooked the meals and made sure we kept food in the house or we would've continued to starve. I missed a lot of school because I would be up all night with her while she threw up all her liquor. She drank a lot and it made her violent, she even gave me a couple of black eyes." I could see the rage on Jacob and Charlie's faces but they didn't interrupt. Amber already knew all this but it still upset her to hear it. "Things got a lot better when she first met Phil until he started showing his true colors. I knew he was a pervert by the way he would look at me-"

"What did he do to you?" Charlie could no longer keep quiet and he was so upset he had a murderous look in his eyes.

"A few days ago he grabbed me and started touching me." They knew what I meant and I didn't want to elaborate. "I got away from him and that's when I went to Amber and asked her to bring me here."

"God damn it!" Charlie bellowed and his voice was so loud it made the three of us jump. "I told them. I told that family court judge that she wasn't fit to raise you alone but the system always favors the mother. You should've told me Bells."

"I didn't know how, and I didn't want to cause any more trouble."

"I'm so sorry Bella, I feel like I've failed you. I should've fought harder for you."

"It's okay Dad it's not your fault. Just please don't make me go back there."

"Don't worry sweetheart you aren't going anywhere." He pulled me into his arms again and the dam burst. I couldn't hold back my tears and I cried until there was nothing left.

"You didn't tell me how gorgeous he was." Amber said as she was helping me put my things away. Charlie and Jake were planted in front of the TV watching a game. We planned to go to La Push once I was settled in and I was looking forward to seeing my friends Quil, Embry, Leah and her little brother Seth.

"Yeah he is beautiful isn't he? He's grown a lot since I saw him last."

"The way you two are together, I've never seen that before."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know how to describe it but he looks at you like you're the sun, moon and the stars all wrapped into one. And you look at him the exact same way." The blood rushed to my cheeks and I wished I didn't blush so much, it always gave me away. I turned to see the topic of our conversation standing in the doorway and I wondered how long he had been there.

"I'll leave you two alone." Amber said noticing us stare at each other.

"I'm your best friend, why didn't you tell me?" He asked coming over to me. He sounded hurt I would do anything for him not to feel that way.

"I knew you'd be worried about me."

"Don't I have the right to worry about you? I love you." It was music to my ears.

"I love you too Jake and of course you can worry about me but that doesn't mean I want you too. I'm here to stay so let's not talk about that right now."

"Okay." He agreed.

"When did you get so tall and-" I looked at him and the word sexy instantly came to mind. "Muscular." He laughed and I couldn't believe I didn't notice how deep his voice had gotten. His baritone sent shivers up and down my spine.

"I had a major growth spurt since the last time you were here."

"Obviously."

"Me and the guys started working out too. It's a good way to burn off my excess energy." That's not the only benefit I thought to myself. "I'm not the only one who's grown, these have gotten a lot curvier." He said placing his hands on my hips. The energy between us was electric and I thought I would combust if he didn't kiss me. Finally he put his soft lips on mine and he tasted magnificent. We soon got lost in the kiss and somehow ended up on my bed. I just had to see his body so I broke the kiss momentarily to pull his shirt over his head and marveled at the perfection before me. Our lips moved together like they were made for each other and I couldn't keep my hands off of him. His hands were all over my body as well and I let out a joyful squeal when he squeezed my ass. He let his hands linger there as we continued to kiss but I suddenly felt a presence behind me. Amber had just come upstairs and her eyes were wide.

"Charlie's right behind me." She warned us and we jumped off the bed and Jacob had to quickly throw his shirt on. As Charlie came into the doorway Jacob turned his back to us and positioned himself to make it look as if he were looking out the window. Charlie glanced at us and continued on to his bedroom and I let out a sigh of relief. I was grateful for Amber because I didn't know how Charlie would've reacted to finding me making out with a shirtless Jacob and I didn't want to find out. And thank God he thought fast and turned before Charlie saw the thick erection I felt poking against me.

"Thanks Amber."

"No problem, you two be careful alright." She gave us a knowing smirk making us both blush before she walked away.