Pairing: Jacob/Bella
Summary: The phone doesn't interrupt Bella and Jacob in chapter 18 of New Moon, and Rosalie doesn't tell Edward that Bella jumped. This scene might make more sense if you re-read pages 410 to the middle of 411 in New Moon, because it picks up right in the middle of that.
Rating: T
Spoilers?: Takes place during the middle of New moon, so I'd say yes.
Thanks to my beta sublimeardeur
My insides are turning inside out
Leaving my heart, my flaws all hanging out
What's so interesting about little ol' me
All I see inside is so ordinary.
-Ugly by Brie Larson
I had just flopped down on my bed when I heard a giggle beside me, coming from my old rocking chair. "So, you and the puppy?"
"Don't call him that," I snapped.
Alice laughed again, but her face turned serious as she said, "Bella, just... be careful okay? Even if he seems like he's still human doesn't mean that he is. You can get hurt."
"And vampires can't possibly hurt me?" I rolled my eyes. Edward had caused some serious damage.
Alice looked away quickly, seeming to understand my hidden message, but not before I saw regret shining in her eyes. "I didn't want to leave Bella. Edward and I fought, the worst fight in over 50 years. But in the end, it was his choice. We didn't have a say."
I smiled sadly. "I don't blame him. Not loving a mere human."
Alice looked at me sharply. "Is that what you think, Bella? That left because you were a 'mere human'?"
"That's not what I think, it's what I know. He told me he didn't want me anymore; that you all didn't want me."
Alice stood up, a look on her face I didn't understand: fury.
"I am going to murder him! Telling you vicious lies…" Alice stopped for a moment and looked at me. "He made me promise not to look, so I didn't, but now I find out he told you that we didn't want you?"
"I don't understand," I muttered.
"Bella. He was lying to you. We didn't leave because we didn't want you; we left because Edward didn't want to hurt you anymore. He thought our existence near you was putting you in danger."
I swallowed the lump in my throat. "So you still like me?" I whispered meekly.
Alice laughed. "Bella, I wouldn't have run all the way from Alaska if I didn't like you."
Relief washed through me. I had been a zombie for months because I had thought the Cullens hadn't wanted me. Now I knew the truth. They had left simply because they thought their presence was a danger to me.
I wanted to change the subject. Thinking about Edward too much still hurt. "I survived with vampires; I think I can handle a werewolf."
"Barely survived," Alice laughed. After a pause she said, "So, you have a date with Jacob tomorrow?"
"I thought you said you couldn't see werewolves?"
"I can't, but that doesn't mean I'm deaf. I knew the wolf wouldn't smell me because he was distracted by you." Alice smirked, causing me to blush.
"So, what should I wear when I go to La Push tomorrow?" I asked quickly, trying once again to change the subject. She let the subject drop for now.
Alice clucked her tongue at me and said, "Now, now. That's not very fair. You should have to suffer like every normal human girl."
"If you're going to be staying here for a while, the least you could do is help me," I grumbled. Alice was just sitting there, watching as I ran back and forth, franticly searching for something to wear.
Alice shook her head. "I told you, I can't see anything involving werewolves."
"Alice," I just about screamed, "You usually love playing dress doll with me. Just help me."
Alice sighed and got up off my bed. "I don't know why you're worried, Bella. You're only going to La Push. You can just wear jeans and a top. It's not like there's anything fancy to do there."
I glared at Alice's back. Sadly, she had a point.
After finally finding something appropriate to wear, jeans and a blue top that looked good against my pale (albino) skin, I arrived in La Push around 7:30 PM.
Billy was waiting at the door for me, having heard the unmistakable sound of my car.
"Bella," he greeted cheerily. "Jacob said you would be stopping by. He's out in the garage."
"Thanks Billy," I smiled at him.
"So, are you kids dating now?"
I turned away in embarrassment, but was blocked by a wall that hadn't been there before. I looked up into the face of Jacob. I smiled, feeling a blush creep over my face. I was saved from answering Billy's question, but it made me curious. I wasn't so sure myself; were we dating?
"Hey," I said shyly, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. Jacob leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. I guess that answered the question.
I heard Billy clear his throat behind us. "Be home at a reasonable hour," he said sternly. I could see the twinkle in his eyes as he said it, and I knew he really didn't care what time we got home. He was just happy Jake was happy.
Jacob rolled his eyes at his father, grabbed his keys, and pulled me out the door behind him.
"He's been so annoying today. When I told him we were going out tonight, he just about chocked with satisfaction."
It was my turn to roll my eyes. "I know! Charlie's been just the same, smiling at me and asking when I'll be seeing you again. He must have found out from Billy, because I certainly didn't tell him."
"They gossip like old women," he said, sighing. "So, what do you want to do?"
"Anything but cliff diving," I said with a shudder. I don't think I've ever been more terrified in my life. I still couldn't believe how selfish I'd been.
Jacob laughed at my comment, and put his arm around my shoulders. I snuggled deeper into his warmth, sighing into the biting wind.
We automatically started heading towards the beach, stopping to sit once we got to our tree. I sat close, trying to steal as much warmth as I could.
"Jacob," I said suddenly. "Can you promise me something?"
"Sure, sure. Anything Bella."
I took a deep breath. I had been thinking about Victoria, and the seemingly never ending threat posed by her. "I know you think hunting vampires is fun, which makes me question your mental health by the way, but promise me…Promise me you won't take any unnecessary risks." I squeezed my eyes tight, trying to fight the rising emotions in my body. I didn't want to freak him out by crying.
Jacob sighed, and buried his face in my hair. "I don't know why you worry so much. I told you, it's fun for us. Plus, we haven't lost any of the old knowledge. Give us a little more credit; we actually know what we're doing."
"But--"
Jacob ended whatever I was going to say by kissing me deeply. It was different than before; with Edward, he always had to be careful with me, his cold lips pressing chastely against mine, treating me like a porcelain doll. But with Jacob, there was nothing to hold us back. There was no fear that one wrong move would break me in half.
His warm lips felt good on mine, and I wrapped my hands around his neck, running my hand through his silky black hair.
I pulled away slightly to say, "You know, you can't just kiss me every time you want me to shut up."
Jacob pulled away and groaned. His eyes half closed, he leaned back against the tree. "Sure I can," he said, stretching his legs out in front of him.
I glowered at him for awhile, but, feeling cold again, I stretched out next to him. "You really are freakishly tall," I commented, comparing how tiny I looked next to his long legs and taut muscles.
Thunder sounded in the distance, startling me. I could now see the clouds that had gathered as we were kissing. I looked up at the threatening blackness, wondering at how fast a storm can move. As we started walking back, I prayed we could make it home before it started pouring.