Chapter 1

Today was my 21st birthday. Almost a two year cancer victim, 6 month hospital resident and the best friend of an IV tube stuck up my arm. No Cullen has shown up, worrying about me. But then again, what did I really expect if one of them showed up, sympathy? Their Pity? I was going in for testes when I received birthday mail that Jacob Black brought over.

"Feeling any better?" Jacob asked with a sympathetic smile.

"No, I feel like shit." I said groggy.

"You'll feel better soon." Jacob encouraged. I took the mail he had laid on the table that hovered over my hospital bed.

"Thanks for the mail." I said and opened one letter from Angela Weber.

Bella,

Happy 21st birthday. Hope you get better soon. I'll come visit in a few weeks when I get home for a quick break. Anyway, you'll get through it. A woman once told me I was a strong independent woman, and so are you. Happy Birthday, your friend, Angela Weber.

I smiled when she quoted me. Angela was always a good friend when it came to giving you words of encouragement

"Oh this is for you." Jacob smiled

"Thanks." I smiled as I took the box Jacob handed me. "Is this from you?" I asked with the little breath I had.

"Yes." Jacob nodded and brushed away a tear that had fallen. "Don't cry, just open it." Jacob smiled.

I took the bow off and stuck it on Jacob's head as a joke. I laughed as he looked up at it with a weird look. "So I look pretty?" Jacob joked.

"Stunning." I smiled. I lifted the lid and nestled into cotton was a promise bracelet with the word 'Bella' written across it. On the clasp it had a single charm on it. It was a wooden wolf. Carved into the side was the word, 'Hope'. I had Jacob tie it on and I read the card.

Forever you will be my best friend, caner or not. You're still my BBB (Best Bud Bella) we'll get through it together. Always yours on your 21st birthday, Jacob Black

I cleared my throat, "Thank you Jacob, it's beautiful." I said, my voice cracking in a few places.

"You're welcome." Jacob smiled and kissed my bald head.

"I'm going to get something from the cafeteria, did you want anything?" He asked.

"No thanks." I said and he left the room.

I looked through the rest of the mail, and I got coupons for different restaurants, a letter from Mike Newton, Jessica Stanley, and from Mom and Phil. Mom and Phil was flying in next week to check on me. Usually Phil stayed in Jacksonville and Mom came, but Phil found vacation time in his baseball schedule.

Dearest Bella,

Happy Birthday Darling, you are officially 21. Now you can num the pain with a little alcohol :) You'll get your gift next week when I see you. Hope you are doing well. You'll make it. You can get through anything. Just have a little faith, Love Mom and Phil.

I shut my eyes and prayed to whoever roamed the heavens, "Please let my mother's words are true. Lord help me to survive. Let my loved one be safe and healthy. Show me a sign. Dear God, just give me the strength and someone besides Jake to lean on." That was my daily prayer; I prayed it every day for the past year and a half.

"Miss. Swan, you have a visitor." Jenny the nurse smiled.

Behind her was a person I thought I would never see again. Ever.