Things were finally back on track and Bella was well-set for her Senior year. Mike Newton had secured a part time job for her at his parent's store. At first they were unsure about taking her on but she soon proved her worth.

Friday nights were established father-daughter nights, leaving the rest of the weekend for La Push and Jake.

Mostly they hung out in Jake's garage, accompanied sometimes by Quil and Embry. She loved to see them goofing around. It was all so innocent.

That is, until she overheard them ribbing Jake about her being his girlfriend. It was eye-opening as before that moment, she had thought them friends – best friends – at most. But when Jake didn't argue the point, she knew things would have to change.

XxX

"Do you like me?"

Jake dropped the tool he was using and looked up from his crouch.

His cheeks were blushing. "Of course I like you Bells. Who wouldn't?"

She rolled her eyes at his evasiveness. "I'm not talking in the friendly way Jake."

He moved to his feet, his hand scratching his neck. A nervous habit. "Bells I…"

She decided to take pity on him. "I heard Quil and Embry the other day."

He looked down at the floor.

"It's okay. I think I like you too."

Jake's smile filled the whole garage.

XxX

With the new clarification, Bella and Jake were slowly getting to know each other, building on the attraction. She learned Jake was very tactile and fond of endearments.

It felt good.

Jake learned that she didn't like to spend any more money than was strictly necessary. Which was good because he was broke! He earned small bits fixing cars for folk around the Rez but there was never enough for what he really needed.

Billy's disability cheques barely made the necessities but Jake was savvy in his own way. He'd often scourge tipping sites to get what he needed, dragging Bella along when she was available. Sometimes Quil and Embry joined them, which made them even fonder of her. She wasn't the type to make a guy ditch his buds as soon as they became an item.

The four were often seen out and life was as close to perfect.

Then, after Christmas, Embry disappeared.