(A/N: Hi I'm Carly! This is my first fan fic, so please be kind! I'm writing from Bella's perspective. Disclaimer: Unfortunately I do not own Twilight or any of the characters. I wish I was wittier.)


Charlie once told me that sometimes you had to learn to love what's best for you. Sometimes what's best for you isn't your first choice. Sometimes it's not a choice at all. I'd never thought that being with Jacob would be a choice, but he made me happy, right? Well.. less sad, anyways. Besides, what is love, really, than just a good friend? Jacob was my best friend, and he loved me. Edward wasn't coming back; I knew that. It was time I faced it. He didn't want you, remember?, I reminded myself.

"So?"

"Oh, um, yeah. Friday, great," I replied, smiling more for his sake than mine.

Jacob had been trying to get me out to dinner ever since we started working on the bikes. We both enjoyed each others' company, of course he'd rather it be somewhere with dimmer lighting and soft music playing in the background. I always knew Jacob's intentions. He never wanted to be just friends, and I'd been selfishly taking advantage of that. A simple dinner was the least I could do.

"La Bella Italia?"

"No! Not.. really into Italian," I tried to cover. I couldn't go back there, not with Jacob.

"Alright..." Jacob answered, obviously noting my apparent aversion to the diner. He scratched his head, trying to thinkof more potential restaurants off the top of his head. "The Crab House in Port Angeles?" He offered.

"Seafood. Food that stares back at you. I'll have to pass."

"Well gosh, Bells. No wonder you're so skinny," he joked, nudging my arm.

Food just wasn't appealing to me lately. Or romantic comedies. Or music. I suppose I'd lost a pound or two since Edward left, but I didn't think it was enough for anyone to notice. I suddenly felt extremely self conscious. Lowering my head, I tucked my hair behind my ear.

"We can go to Taqueria Santanna," I tried to help. "Mexican." I knew it wasn't exactly the most romantic restaurant, but it was something new, somewhere Edward and I'd never gone before.

I could tell Jacob was deliberating whether arguing for a fancier dinner spot was worth it or not.

"Er yeah sure."

I exhaled, relieved that he let it go. Honestly, I really wasn't ready to go on a full blown date with Jacob. It'd been six long months since Edward left me, but he was still constantly in the back of my mind. Jacob made my days better, yes, but I couldn't escape the guilt, that pointless, dysfunctional guilt that I was cheating on Edward. But he left me. This was what he wanted.


The restaurant was small and cramped. I had to admit, I didn't put much effort into my appearance. I was aware that most girls would normally wear their Sunday best in this situation, but Jacob knew I wasn't the frilly type. Instead, I wore jeans and white long sleeved shirt. My hair was damp from the rain outside and uncooperative strands stuck to my shoulder and neck. Jacob, on the other hand, looked beautiful. It was amazing how much he'd grown in such a short period of time. His clothes always used to just hang there on him, serving no purpose other than to keep him decent. Now, they seemed to cling to him, flattering his new physique. He wore a pressed blue button down shirt, half his hair pulled back immaculately into an elastic. When he smiled, his teeth contrasted wonderfully with his russet skin. Jacob was sweet, funny, and extremely handsome. So what was wrong?

"Jacob, I-"

"Yes?" He interrupted.

"I... was wondering when we'd be able to test out the bikes. They're almost done, right?"

Jacob's face sunk. I could see he clearly was expecting more romantic small talk. He quickly recovered with a sharp inhale and pleasant smile.

"Just a few last minute touches. You never did explain your sudden interest in them.

I shrugged and thought for a while. Eventually I broke the silence with, "I know you said something about a motorcycle, and with your garage.. I figured it would give us something to do." I cleared my throat, obviously uncomfortable with my answer. I reached for my glass of water and suddenly felt it slip from my hands. Smashing against the wooden table, the glass shattered, slicing my palm and spilling the remnants on Jacob.

I gasped, clenching my bleeding hand, "Ouch!" I hissed through my teeth trying to alleviate the pain. I could smell the coppery odor saturating the air beneath my nose. The scent made me woozy, but passing out was the last thing I needed right now. I wish I could be as suave as...

Jacob instantly rose from his seat, not without a soaked shirt.

"Sorry, Jake. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he scoffed. "Are you bleeding?"

I opened my hand, examining the damage. My blood started to pool in my palm. I could feel my stomach churning and I forced my eyes away from the cut.

"Sorry," I answered, biting my lip.

Jacob looked at me like I was insane. He took my cut hand gently to get a better look at it.

"There's some glass in there, Bells. We should probably run up to the hospital," Jacob sternly suggested. He wrapped my hand in a cloth napkin and quickly paid for the bill.

The hospital. It figures I couldn't end a date without it ending in a waiting room. The florescent lights blinded me after sitting in that dark, crowded building. I glanced over at Jacob, but his eyes seemed fine, despite the intense worry and disappointment that painted them. All he wanted was a decent, normal date with me. I was angry at myself for being unable to grant him that. So was it wrong that I actually felt relieved? Jacob was a catch, so why was I so willing to leave that close setting? I was still broken, and I was beginning to think I couldn't ever be fixed. Taking yet another deep breath, I stared at my shoes.

"Isabella Swan, we're ready for you."

I lifted myself from the stiff chair and began walking towards the nurse who was ready to escort me. Quickly, I turned around to Jacob again. "Bikes tomorrow?" The corner of his mouth turned up slightly in a scolding grin and he shook his head at me as I turned and followed the nurse. Oh well, it'd been a while since I'd had stitches anyway.