Best Friends

By Angelikyte Alexiel

Disclaimer: See Part One; I do not own Twilight or any related articles [characters, storylines, etc.]

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The next day at lunch, I found my stomach churning as I made my way to the lunch table. In a way, it helped that the sun had come out, and the Cullens had decided to start their 'camping trip' a day early. In reality, they were going hunting until sometime tomorrow; just in time for me to come back from the dreaded test drive with Jacob – and most likely Jessica, too. I sat down beside Angela and waited for the moment I could spit out the invitation.

"So," Jessica started, taking a sip of her soda, "The Cullens aren't here today. Does that mean…?"

I shook my head. "No," I replied, "Jacob's not coming by today. He's in the garage finishing the final touches on his car."

Jessica was intrigued. "He builds cars?" she asked, leaning over the table. "That is so cool!"

I restrained myself from thinking of something terrible to say. "Yeah," I replied; "In fact, he wanted me to ask you and Angela if you would be interested in coming with us for the test drive." I couldn't believe I had said it. I wasn't sure how Angela fit in to the equation, but at least I could have her with me for support.

Angela smiled over to Jessica while Jessica squeeled in delight. "Seriously?!" she exclaimed, "That is so. Cool! What time does he want us there? Ooh, and you have got to come over first and help me pick out something to wear! I totally want him to notice me."

I tried to ignore her last comment. "Well, he's an early riser." I said nonchalant, hoping an early time would put a damper on the plan. "He was planning on meeting at his place around 9 tomorrow."

"In the MORNING?" Jessica exclaimed. "Wow, well at least I know he's good for a breakfast date…so I'll pick up Angela and meet you at your place around 8.30, right?"

I decided to just go with the flow by then; anything to keep my cool. "Sure." I replied, "I'll be ready."

Jessica let out a final squeal before launching in to colors and styles of clothing. She was convinced that she had to wear just the right outfit for the test drive. I did my best to drown her out, nod here and there, and try to eat at least some of my lunch even though, once again, I had no appetite for it. I was grateful when the bell rang. For the rest of the day, all I could do was try not to dread what was coming the next morning. I wasn't looking forward to it, but I couldn't bring myself to let Jacob and Jessica go alone. So I found myself leading Jessica the next morning, Angela quietly sitting beside her as I showed her the way to get to the Black homestead on the La Push reservation. When we arrived, Jacob stepped outside, his hair freshly washed, wearing a crisp white t-shirt. He smiled his bright smile as we all got out of our cars, and I could hear Jessica trying not to hyperventilate. I held back a sigh. This was going to be a long drive.

"Hiya Bells!" Jacob exclaimed, hugging me with less force than usual. He let go all too soon and turned his attention to Jessica, looking slightly confused as he caught sight of Angela, too. "So, Bells, are you going to introduce me to your friends?"

"Yeah." I replied quickly, trying to hold my own attention as I made the introductions. "Jake, this is Jessica Stanley and Angela Weber. They go to Forks High with me. Jessica, Angela, this is my friend Jacob Black."

Angela smiled politely and offered a quiet hello while Jessica stepped forward and held out her hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you." She said, already starting to work her charm. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Oh?" Jacob said inquisitively; "You have? Only the good parts, I hope." Jessica's face flushed and a squeaky giggle escaped her throat as Jake took her hand and kissed it. I had never witnessed such chivalry in my best friend before, and felt heat rising in my cheeks once more. I tried to fight it off quickly.

"So, are we ready, then?" Jake asked, looking at the three of us before winking at Jessica. "Why don't you ride shotgun, Jess?"

Again, a high-pitched giggle escaped her, and I found it harder to fight back the anger. I finally had a name to the heat that rose uncontrollably inside of me. It didn't seem fair, though. Why was I angry that Jake was flirting with someone when I had Edward? I remembered my promise from the night before and sighed. I would keep it when the time was right.

So we all climbed into the car, Jessica in the front passenger seat, and waited for Jacob to start the engine. He hesitated, smiling.

"This is the moment of truth." He said proudly, turning his attention to the starter before turning the key. The car groaned for a brief moment as the engine turned and started. Jessica cheered while Angela clapped.

"Am I a genius or what?" Jacob said rhetorically, putting the car into gear so we could start the ride.

We drove for a while through the reservation, passing the humble stores and driving down the roads in the woods. It was a scenic trip; not meant to really go anywhere, but kept interesting enough so there wouldn't be any reason to fall asleep before the trip ended. Jessica kept the charm going by constantly complimenting Jacob's mechanical skills, seeming interested in hearing about the process of repairing the car, and asking about the reservation. If I hadn't known her to be as flirtatious as I did, I would have thought she was genuinely interested in everything Jacob said, but knowing her already, I felt like I couldn't trust her. I seethed as I watched her tracing the back of Jake's hand as it sat on the gear shift, and it only got worse as he looked at her and smiled.

It felt like an eternity before we stopped and pulled over at a gas station a few miles from the main road. I scrambled out of the car, muttering something about being thirsty as I made my escape inside the convenience store. I needed air, and there was nowhere else to get it. As I looked through the glass of the cooler doors in search of a drink that I didn't really need, I heard footsteps approaching. I whirled around to find that Angela had followed me in.

"Are you okay, Bella?" she asked quietly. I sighed and nodded, returning my attention to the cooler.

"If it's something you want to talk about, I'll listen, okay?" she offered, smiling slightly. She waited for my nod before making her way to the snack aisle, grabbing a pack of crackers. I snatched a soda and paid at the counter before following her out the door to the car, where Jake and Jessica were already sitting and waiting for us. They were laughing as we approached the doors, sharing some sort of secret. I could feel heat rushing back into my cheeks, but slipping into the car quickly, I turned my attention to my soda in hopes that it would distract me. No one but Angela seemed to notice.

Fortunately, the car ride back to Jake's house didn't seem to take nearly as long. We arrived in his driveway before I even knew it, and I once again scrambled out of the car like a person missing the ground. Angela got out and stood beside me, while Jessica got out and skipped her way over to Jacob's door.

"So, that was fun." She said, her voice holding that same smoky tone I recognized from our conversation the other day. She traced her fingers up and down Jacob's arm, and I found myself looking away as I pretended to search for an outdoor trash can that didn't exist.

"Glad you enjoyed yourself." Jacob replied flirtatiously, and things suddenly went quiet. I turned my attention to the two as Angela passed me to make her way to Jessica's car, only to see Jessica kissing Jacob. Or was it the other way around? Either way, it was enough for me to be fed up with it. I made a beeline for my truck, slamming the door with more force than necessary before fumbling for my keys. Jacob looked over at me curiously while Jessica remained oblivious, tapping Jake on the nose before prancing to her car to take Angela home. I tried to get my keys and drive off before she could, but found her honking at me as she drove away. I growled as I finally managed to get keys in hand, putting them in the ignition. Just as I went to turn them, I felt a hand cover mine, and looked up to see Jacob giving me a concerned look.

"Bella, what's wrong?" he asked, and I couldn't decide if I should be upset with him or myself.

"I'm fine, Jake." I replied bluntly, trying to turn the keys in the ignition. Jacob brushed my hand away from them and took the keys out, holding them in his hand.

"No, you're not." He insisted. I glared at him.

"Why does it matter?" I replied, frustrated; "Now give me my keys, Jacob Black."

"Not until you tell me what's been bothering you." He replied stubbornly. "Bella, you're my best friend. What could you possibly tell me that wouldn't matter?"

I growled and tried to snatch the keys away, only for him to hold them out further than I could reach. I fell over into his lap instead. Irritated, I easily gave up and sat in my seat, defeated. "It's just that; I don't know…I can't handle this."

"Handle what?" he asked, genuinely concerned. He now waited for me to explain myself, and I knew it would do no good trying to back out of it now.

"This!" I exclaimed, trying to stay as calm as possible, but finding the words rushing out like a dam that had just burst. "I can't stand seeing you flirting with other girls, or hearing about other girls who are attracted to you, and I just…I don't want to lose you, Jake."

The sunshine smile I was so used to seeing suddenly appeared, brighter than ever before. I was immediately crushed in the tightest of embraces, and realized that there was no way to breathe.

"Jake…" I groaned, trying to push away from him to regain some air.

"Oh, Bella, I've wanted to tell you for so long!" he cried, loosening me enough to let me gasp for breath. I coughed and sputtered as I caught my breath, and he looked at me funny. The first word that popped in my head to describe it was 'adoringly'.

"Tell me what, Jake?" I choked out as I slowly regained my voice. This was all getting so confusing.

"I love you, Bella." He said, gazing at me with stars in his eyes. "I've wanted to tell you for a long time now, but I didn't think you would feel the same way. And then, when you started dating that leech, I was positive that you never would…"

"What?!" I exclaimed. Did it really seem like I had just confessed my love for him? I had to admit to myself, I loved Jacob Black, but there was still Edward. As I thought of Edward, I felt lost without him by my side. There wasn't a day that went by without me thinking about him, wanting to be near him, wanting to be his forever. I thought of our conversation the other night.

I love you.

I love you, too. But do you love him, too?

I hadn't answered, but deep down, we both knew the answer.

"Jake…" I started, taking a deep breath. "I love you, too."

His smile beamed mercilessly, and I felt his too hot hand brush against my cheek. "I'm sorry I was making you jealous." He said, admitting to his tricks. "I just wanted to see if there was any possibility you could be…"

"Jake, I love you, too." I repeated, looking him in the eye; "But I love you like family. I don't ever want to lose you, but I can't honestly tell you that I'm in love with you because, well, I'm in love with Edward, and nothing can change that."

Jacob's smile disappeared. "You…aren't in love with me?" he echoed, confused. "But you just said you love me, too. I'm in love with you, Bella Swan." His eyes pleaded with mine as he fought for the reassurance I knew he wanted to hear. But I couldn't lie to him.

"I love you, Jake." I repeated, "And I don't want to lose you. But I'm in love with Edward, and I know I always will be."

Jake frowned. "Then why were you so jealous of that girl today? You wouldn't be jealous if you didn't have feelings for me. You can't explain that away."

As he spoke, I found the answer coming to me like air to my lungs. "I was angry to see how you acted with her because I knew she wasn't really interested in the things you were interested in. She wasn't good enough for you, Jake. She just wanted to use you. You deserve better."

"Who are you to tell me who is and isn't good for me?" Jake snapped, and I felt myself shrink slightly. "I know what's best for me, Bella. You are." His hands cupped my face and I felt him begin to pull me closer.

"I've wanted this for almost as long as I can remember…" he said harshly, and despite my struggles, he managed to pull me even closer to him, meeting me halfway as our lips crashed against each other. His kisses were hot and desperate, feisty in a way I was not used to. I fought against him, but he held me still, kissing me roughly. It felt wrong; it was like kissing a brother, and I continued to struggle until I realized he was too strong for me to win. I stopped moving and waited for him to pull away on his own, which only took a moment longer, even though it felt like forever. He looked in my eyes as he declared boldly; "You know that was special; don't try denying it."

I didn't. I slapped him instead.

Jake merely laughed, and I growled at him, using the opportunity to retrieve my keys from him. "Get. Out. Of. My. Truck. NOW."

Jake continued laughing and even reached out to tuck a few strands of my hair behind my ear. "Don't be ridiculous, Bella. I know you felt the same thing I did."

"If you felt like you were kissing your sister, then we did." I snapped at him. "Now get out of my car, Jacob Black, or so help me, I'll make you get out."

Jacob actually looked a little hurt, but he slid out of the bucket seat, and closed the door; hanging in the window frame. "It didn't really feel like that to you, did it Bells?" he asked meekly; "It couldn't have…could it?"

"It did." I replied; "Now back up so I can leave. I'm not about to run your ridiculously large feet over trying to go home."

Jake cracked a weak smile. "You'll change your mind." He insisted, stepping back. "And when you do, I'll be here waiting. I love you, Bella."

"Good bye." I replied, turning the engine and shifting into gear as I made my getaway. I couldn't believe what had just happened. The nerve! And to think I started it by telling Jacob how I had felt. But there was no doubt in my mind. I couldn't wait to get home. I knew there would be someone waiting for me when I arrived.

Sure enough, as I pulled up in the driveway, I caught a faint glimpse of Edward peering out my bedroom window. I clawed my way out of the truck, dashed in the house, stormed up the stairs, and quickly shut myself in my room before Charlie even had a chance to say hello. I could hear him follow me up the stairs, so I didn't say anything to Edward as I waited for the knock on my door.

"Bells? Is everything okay?" Charlie asked from outside the door.

"Yeah." I replied, still upset. "I'm fine."

"Jake called for you."

"I'm not talking to him."

Charlie paused. "Well, I'll tell him you'll call him later." He said quietly, making his way down the stairs.

Edward walked up behind me and put his arms around my waist. "Are you okay, love?" he asked calmly.

I huffed. "Better now that I'm away from that place." I snapped. I could feel Edward tense slightly around me.

"Did that mutt hurt you?" he growled slightly; pulling me into a more protective hold as I turned to face him.

"No." I replied, "He just tried to kiss me."

Edward tensed even more than before my previous statement. "He tried to what?!" he echoed; miraculously keeping his voice low enough for Charlie not to hear him.

"Well, I guess 'tried' is the wrong word for it." I admitted. "He kissed me."

Edward seemed hesitant to press me for details. "And?" he asked quietly, seemingly waiting for something I couldn't pinpoint.

"And I slapped him." I replied, "But he didn't even flinch!"

Now Edward tried to hold back a chuckle. I glared at him and he sighed. "I'm sorry, Bella, but you're upset because you slapped him and it didn't hurt him? You must have forgotten that he's a werewolf, love."

I sighed and walked over to my bed, grabbing a pillow and tossing it on the floor. "I guess I should have known better." I admitted, "But still, I wish it had at least made an impression. Something."

I could hear the phone ringing again downstairs and growled. Edward merely chuckled softly and sat down beside me, pulling me into his lap. I curled into him instinctively and buried my face in his neck as he held me gently.

"Edward?" I murmured.

"Yes, Bella?" he said gently.

"I love you."

"And I love you."

As we sat there together, wrapped up in each other, I knew that there was never any doubt. I would always be in love with Edward Cullen, until whatever ends we may meet. And, while I was angry with Jacob then, I knew that he would always have a place in my heart, too, and while I never wanted to lose him, that he could never take the place that Edward did in my life. I just hoped that he would be there for me, too; the way I wanted to be there for him. Jacob Black was my best friend, and no matter what, to me he always would be.

End

So that's it! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I was driven to write it! Hopefully I'm getting back into the right frame of mind for writing! It's been so long, and I feel so rusty! Until next time!