I did think of changing seats for a little while. Through all the bodies I could see Bella sitting in the booth, in front of the windows near the entrance. She was staring at something on the wall almost the entire time – when I looked anyway. A few times she twitched her head towards the window, almost as if she was resisting the urge to turn around. I could easily see something was bothering her; it was obvious by her face expression as well as her actions. I was surprised her father didn't notice, but he was enjoying himself socializing with members of other tables. Bella looked lonely.

I considered joining her, but what would I have said? Hey Bella. I was just watching you from over there. Every time I looked at you, you seemed depressed. Is there something wrong? She might find it kind of creepy that I was noticing her anguish. It wasn't like I watched her all the time. Usually she was very happy, but that was at school while she was with Edward. Could Edward be the problem? He'd kissed her before the ceremony, but she had been bothered by something then too.

Suddenly I wondered if Jacob Black was part of the problem.

When Bella had come over to my house to help me with my graduation announcements – my hand was still recovering – we'd talked about Edward's reaction to Jacob. Bella had said she and Jacob were like family; she couldn't abandon him, but Edward had been acting in a way, indicating that he was jealous. Bella didn't want to believe it, but I had seen enough of Jessica's envy to easily recognize it. Edward may be more handsome and mysterious than your average person, but he was only human so he was going to react like any boyfriend would. Competitive. Jacob was a more threatening opponent then Mike, Eric and Tyler had been I was sure. And Bella hadn't been anywhere near as close to them as she is with Jacob Black.

I'd changed the subject after that; I didn't want to intrude. It had been a nice afternoon though. I'd enjoyed our conversations. Bella and I had always been friends, but have never been really close. We are both too shy to progress very far on the friendship scale. However, that afternoon, it had seemed like we'd truly bonded. I enjoyed her company and now I cared about her more than before. This made me more observant than usual.

I was sure Bella liked me too, but right now she was caught up in her life. The worry lines in her forehead showed how much she was dealing with, and although it was none of my business, I couldn't help but be filled with concern for her. Bella's charms had enchanted many citizens of Forks, not to mention at least one of La Push.

My inner conflicts had my eyes constantly swiveling to look in Bella's direction, and for at least ten minutes I attempted without much success to cease this reaction. In the end I finally decided to just let her be; she would come to me if she wanted my help. Only then, once I had made this decision, could I fully enjoy this occasion with my family and friends.

***

After an average meal, we left the Lodge, passing Bella on our way out. She was pulling her burger into pieces. I forced myself not to dwell on her behaviour; she would sort it out, whatever she was worrying about. She didn't need my help, otherwise she would ask for it.

Ben's family left. He was coming to pick me up in just over half an hour. The twins were restless on the drive home so Mum was cooing the whole way. Once we got home, I started getting ready for the graduation party at the Cullen's house. I changed my clothes and let my hair down. I was both excited and nervous. On the one hand, I didn't have much experience with partying. I certainly didn't have the confidence to dance and mingle. On the other hand, it was probably my last chance to see my fellow high school students - graduates now. The other cause of the anticipation, was that nobody, other than Bella of course, had been inside the Cullen's home. Everybody was looking forward to finally seeing the mystery house with their own eyes. It was impossible not to be excited.

The doorbell rang. I hurried downstairs, kicking toys aside on the way, to answer it. My parents were amusing the twins in the living room and it was usually my responsibility to answer the phone and door. In this case I was very happy to oblige. A smile spread across my whole face when I saw Ben waiting with a matching grin.

"I know it's not prom or anything, but…" He revealed the rose he'd been holding behind his back.

I gasped, throwing my arms around his neck and hugging him tightly before he even had the chance to hand it to me. He chuckled and reached up to stroke my hair. "You look beautiful." He pulled my face down so he could kiss me.

I felt unbalanced when we came up for air. He held out the rose and I took it, blushing slightly. "Thank you."

"I love you," he replied.

I wrapped my arms around him again. "I love you too." I never wanted to let go.