Disclaimer: I do NOT own Twilight.

Author's note: Today, I am horribly bored and am going to keep writing until I run into a block, so I hope to get at least one more chapter up after this one. If not, then I will have some coming in the near future. I'm so sorry for how slow this is going, everyone. And, review.. PLEASE! This chapter is much shorter, but it's more of a 'fill-in' chapter until Bella and Jacob's 'talk'. Don't worry, he's not going to make her chose in the next chapter, because then that would just end my story. There will be more Jacob.

Please tell me if I'm butchering the characters too much.

Thank you.

-------------------------------------------

Chapter Three

I don't know what time I fell asleep, but I woke up to see my alarm clock reading 11:32am. I really had slept later than I normally did, but I was still falling back into my old routines. Just as the last bits of sleep were wearing off of me and I was drifting back towards full consciousness, I heard Edward's soothing voice in my ear.

I didn't have to look, or even move, to know he was behind me, granite arms wrapped around my waist in a secure hold. When I had opened my eyes and adjusted to the gloomy atmosphere outside, I relaxed slightly and welcomed his cool embrace once again.

"Mm.. Morning." I mummured groggily, my back still to him as I snuggled into his marbled chest.

"Morning. Did you sleep well?" Edward asked quietly; I could feel his lips against my hair.

"Actually, I did.."

"Must have, because you didn't say anything at all.." He sounded disappointed.

This was odd. Quickly, I turned over in his arms and faced him; his expression was blank.

"I.. I didn't?"

"Nope. Not a word."

"Hmm.." I pondered this for awhile, but what internally grateful that I didn't say anything. All of my dreams last night had centered around my visit with Jacob, which was today. I still hadn't found the proper way to tell Edward. Truth be told, I didn't want to tell him at all. I knew how he would react, and that wasn't what I wanted to happen.

First, he would growl. And then after that was finished, he would beg me not to go and try his hardest to persuade me. I knew it would work, but I had to stand my ground. I had to tell him now, because I was supposed to meet Jacob in a little over an hour; around 1pm. I already knew that the day was going to start decending downhill.

"Edward," I started slowly, avoiding his ocher eyes.

"Yes, Bella?" His voice was genuinely concerned, while still confused about my actions at the moment.

"I," How was I supposed to tell him I was going to see Jacob, his enemy? Words couldn't explain it properly, so I just did it to my best ability, "I've got to see Jacob at 1." The minute the words came out, I winced and waited for his reaction.

A low growl resided from deep within Edward's chest the moment he heard 'Jacob',"You're not going." His voice was stern, and his eyes had darkened.

"Edward," I sighed, shaking my head and sitting up, only to stand soon after. He mimmicked my movements and was on the opposite side of the bed.

"I have to go. I already promised him I would. Besides, maybe I can get something worked out about all of this. I haven't seen him since," Here, I paused with another sigh,"The motorcycle incident with Charlie. But, Edward, I need to go." It was true. I hadn't seen Jacob in quite awhile, and a part of me was glad that I would get to see him. But, then there was another part which was dreading this entire thing. I would get to see my best friend, though I didn't know how he felt towards me anymore. When Edward had been gone, Jacob was my best friend, my sanctuary, my safe harbor.. He was the one who helped me cope and get through the lonely months. I couldn't just abandon him. Could I?

"Bella. I don't trust him. I don't want you anywhere near him unless someone else is around." Edward replied through clenched teeth.

"I have to go alone." Was my only reply before I quickly looked away, afraid of what the next words out of his mouth would be.

My thoughts were proven correct.

"Bella, please don't go. I don't want to lose you." That was exactly what he replied with, his eyes taking a rather defeated look and his voice pleadingly soft. I nearly broke down right there, but forced myself to hold true.

"I'll be okay, Edward. I promise nothing will happen. Please, just let me do this for once. I won't be gone long.." Now, I was the one pleading in return. Looking up at him through dark lashes, I could make out his expression easily; hurt.

"Please. Don't be hurt. I'll be fine. He just wants to talk about everything that's happening.." I reassured him, stepping carefully and slowly around the bed and coming to stand at his side. Softly I kissed his cheek and then lowered myself back to my original height.

Edward looked at me then and I could tell he didn't like this. But what had I honestly been expecting? For him to come dancing up to me and say that was all fine and he'd make brownies for us? No, I didn't think it would be that simple.

"If he hurts you..." Edward didn't need to finish his sentence, for I knew what was coming and cut him off hastily.

"He won't. I'll be fine. If I'm gone more than a half hour, come and get me. We'll be just in the front yard. Okay?"

Crestfallen, defeated, and horribly irritable about the whole ordeal, Edward nodded grimly. "Fine. I love you, Bella."

"I love you, too." Was my reply before standing on my tiptoes and allowing my lips to meet his. The corners of his mouth turned up in a smile when I pulled away. I was glad that his 'happy spirits' were back, because then I didn't have much to worry about. At least, I didn't have anything to worry about on Edward's part.

Jacob's was a whole different story, but I didn't know that. Yet.