all Things Twilight belong to the awesome Stephenie Meyer

Chapter 3: Closer

Jacob picked me up from school as usual. It was never hard to find him because he always parked in the same spot-right up front. He was always so eager to be defiant. I could hear the principal mumbling in his office, especially when Jake had Seth move into the back seat with Anna. Just seeing one of them almost sent him over the edge. The man was a control freak.

I climbed in the seat next to Jacob and dropped my bag at my feet. The familiar weightlessness of being in his presence swept over me; I couldn't help but smile at him widely. I hated spending so much time away from him, but it made the small reunions all the better. His answering smile was just as wide as he picked up my hand and kissed my palm gently. Small ripples of happiness flowed through me as his lips touched the skin there. It was a miracle my heart didn't beat its way out of my body.

"Hi, Jake." Anna said sarcastically from the back seat. I could hear the giggle she was fighting as she watched our interaction. I could almost hear her shouting at me in her mind.

"Anna."

I turned in my seat and smiled at her, knowing that her sarcasm was in reference to Jacob not acknowledging her presence. She rolled her eyes and leaned into Seth, whose arms were already wrapped tightly around her waist. He smiled at me warmly.

Seth had always been a good friend of mine, and now technically he was my uncle. When Sue married Charlie it had brought on a whole other connection between our worlds. Everyone had been elated at the union. Well, almost everyone. Leah still wasn't happy about being related to vampires, no matter how indirectly it was. Seth, however, reveled in it. He often slapped Jacob on the shoulder telling him he was looking forward to being his uncle-in-law.

I moved back to face the front again, my hand still in Jacob's. He gave me another grin as he stared at me for slightly longer than necessary. My heart stuttered in response, tripping over itself as his warm eyes held me captive. I sighed trying to cover up my reaction. Jacob would never mention my reaction. I didn't want him too. Being acutely aware of the situation was circumstantial to what we were. In fact, it was who we were.

"I'm going to drop you off at Anna's, Seth. I'll pick you up later." Jake said, putting the car into drive. His eyes flickered up to the mirror. I looked around to Seth in the back seat trying to catch his response. To see what that look had been about.

"Sure." Seth mumbled.

His hand was already tracing small circles into the palm of Anna's hand, but his eyes were on the mirror. When he looked away, he kissed Anna's temple gently. That small display of intimacy sent a pang of jealously through me.

There was so much devotion there that I felt as though I was intruding, so I turned in my seat and looked out of the window in front of me. Every time I saw them together like that I couldn't help but wish for that for myself. I knew that I played the age card whenever I wanted something, but it really was pointless to fight what I was. The only thing the years reflected was my years on the planet. Everything else about me was equal to Jacob, if not older.

The car ride to Anna's was in silence. I was lost in my thoughts, trying to build my courage up to ask him for the one thing I wanted. Saying it out loud would make it a request and it almost made me feel guilty. Being his imprint meant he wanted to give me everything I asked for. Asking him would be like taking his free will away. He would do it to please me, not because it was what he wanted.

The only thing coming from the back seat was soft giggles and whispers. Jake and I exchanged glances a couple of times. They weren't doing anything other than whispering, but it made things a little uncomfortable in the silence. I was actually a little relieved when we pulled up at Anna's house. I made a mental note to never sit in the car with the two of them in the back seat without playing music.

"Call me later, Ness." Anna said leaning over the seat and kissing my cheek. "Later, Jake."

"See you later."

I watched quietly as Seth and Anna walked happily towards her house. Her parents had been receptive to Seth because he made Anna happier than she'd ever been. He was always so respectful towards them. This was Seth we were talking about after all. He was so sweet he could win anybody over. Anna's parents trusted them explicitly. There was no one invading her mind when she was unhappy or too happy. She told them as much as she wanted them to know and nothing more. A luxury I had never known.

Jacob started driving again towards my house. I looked over at him and wondered whether he'd forgotten our plans. My emotions must have been easy to read, because he looked at me from the corner of his eye and immediately felt the need to explain. I could see the concern in his face.

"I have strict instructions from Alice to take you home first." Jacob chuckled as he brushed a strand of my hair over my shoulder.

"Aw, Jake." I said playfully, relaxing in my seat. I tried to hide my relief behind feigned annoyance.

"I would say forget it, but the little thing is scary when she wants to be."

I giggled softly shaking my head. "No, you're just a pushover."

Jacob's mouth fell open at my comment making me laugh even harder. He seemed truly shocked at my slight against his dominance. Jacob pulled the car over to the side of the road and folded his arms across his chest in defiance of my statement.

His eyebrows were raised revealing his warm playful eyes. I bit my lip gently as I appraised him. If he wanted to be stubborn I was not the person to test. I was an imprint. A little begging and he would be putty in my capable hands. I knew I was being unfair, and I knew he would never be able to say no. I pushed my bottom lip out a little and leaned towards him, my eyes wide.

"Jake." My voice was soft and pleading. I hadn't noticed he was holding his breath until I leaned forward and traced my finger along his jaw. It came out with a whooshing sound and his shoulders slumped in defeat. I grinned at him and kissed his cheek gently.

"The truth hurts, honey." I sighed moving away from him.

Before I could get far his arms were around my waist pinning me to his broad chest. I could feel him shaking with laughter. I couldn't help but join in. It was the only time I ever used my power of persuasion over him. Mainly because it was the only time it didn't stifle me with guilt.

Jacob planted four consecutive kisses on the top of my head before releasing me. I slid back into my seat and smiled out the windshield, wondering if he would try and fight it again. It didn't take long.

"Come on, before Alice comes looking for us." Jacob laughed. He threw it into drive and pressed down on the gas, pushing us forward towards the small invisible turning that led to the house. I loved the drive home. The house was outside of town. Its driveway hidden by ferns and overgrown brush. The only indication that anyone lived there at all was the subtle tire tracks leading in and out of the trees.

I could almost tell you exactly what vehicle had passed over the small muddy border in the last hour. The tracks in the ground at the moment were too easy. The large tread of Emmett's four-by-four pick up was easy to distinguish. He'd sold his Jeep a couple of years ago. Rosalie had promised to do a lift on a truck if he bought one. So the large Dodge had been introduced to the garage.

The mud was splattered across the street from where they had pulled out. I'd forgotten about their hunting trip. It was almost time for the bears to come out of hibernation. It was Emmett's favorite season.

Jake drove us up the long forested drive towards the house. The stark contrast between the trees and large glass windows was almost art. It looked like a picture composed and layered for effect. The only difference being it was natural. It stood out that way because of its design. You could see the drive from the house perfectly, but from the car the view was obscured. It was one of the reasons we'd picked it.

Alice was sat waiting patiently on the balcony on the second floor. She looked elegant as always as the wind blew her short hair around her features. She stood from the swing that was hanging from one of the beams that held the roof above the balcony; her hands planted themselves on her small hips.

I took a deep breath and pushed open the door. "Hi, Aunt Alice."

Alice smiled and dropped her hands before she beckoned for me to come upstairs quickly. She couldn't even pretend to be upset with me.

Being around Alice was like running beside a hurricane. She was a force of nature. As much as I grumbled, I enjoyed spending time with her. Her happy demeanor always managed to rub off on me. You couldn't help but smile around the woman. Jasper, once you got him going, was just as fun. I could spend hours talking to him about history. He mostly knew the vampire history, but if you were lucky enough to get him talking about the civil war you had at least a three day conversation on your hands. He was so wise in so many ways. He was also a genius with computers.

Jacob chuckled lightly as he got out of the car behind me.

"I don't know what you're laughing about, Jacob Black, but I got you something to wear too. You will not be taking my niece out in those." She said pointing towards Jacob's jeans.

"Be nice." I said quickly, knowing that Alice shopping for him made him nervous. He was a very independent person and hated when my family tried to buy him things. Living on the reservation and being a part of the wolf pack didn't give him many options in the form of a career or college. He did well with the hand he was dealt and never complained once about the injustice of it all.

I mouthed the word 'sorry' before pulling him towards the house. I didn't mind my aunts glamorizing me, but I worried that it made Jacob uncomfortable; especially as it was putting so much emphasis on our relationship.

The word relationship bothered me as I thought about it. We were so much more than that, and it wasn't as though my family didn't know either. My mom had tried to attack him because of his imprinting on me. My dad, well, he'd pretty much been the one to calm things down after everyone found out.

Yet, because of my age they were acting as though it was wrong. That we should put off what I wanted until I was older. I loved my family dearly. They pretty much made up who I was as a person, but the one thing I wanted them to not interfere in was the one thing they did.

I knew tomorrow I would have to talk to someone about all of this. Someone other than Anna because all she could do is listen, which was helpful. But I needed someone with a little bit of influence- someone who would understand. I needed to talk to Alice.

"Really?" she called down the stairs.

"Really, what?" I asked letting go of Jake's hand.

I headed toward the large curving staircase that opened up to the second floor landing that held a theater projection television and theater seating; all at Uncle Emmett's insistence. No one complained. It was nice having a theater in your own home. It was personal, and we never had to hide what we were. There were no people shying away from you.

Alice stood in the doorway to her room holding a large cosmetic bag that she used just for me, her grin was wide. She'd obviously already seen my decision. At least she saw what would happen to her because of my decision. It was all very confusing.

"You know you're all foggy to me, but I see us shopping tomorrow."

"You really do hate surprises, don't you?" I laughed kissing the top of her spiky head. I had inherited some of my father's height, so I towered above Alice.

"Hate is a strong word." She laughed grabbing my hand and pulling me into her bathroom. She pushed me towards her vanity. A small smile dancing as she made up her mind. "Sit."

I sat in the plush stool that matched her vanity, and swirled the chair to face her. Automatically knowing where she'd want to start. Alice lifted a brush and lightly ran it across my eyelids. She worked for a little while, her touch was always feather light and it was almost relaxing to have her flitter around me like this. Finally, she threw the last brush into the cosmetics bag.

"You really do have the best of both worlds." She sighed. "You don't give me a lot to do. How do you improve on perfection?" She huffed gently, zipping up the bag that sat on the counter.

"I think you're biased. You're my aunt- you're supposed to say things like that." I laughed widening my eyes innocently.

Alice swung me around until I was facing the mirror, "Mirror, Nessie. Nessie, Mirror." She said wagging her finger between me and my reflection.

I stuck my tongue out at her before she started on my hair.

As always, Alice had the perfect ensemble for me to wear. The woman could dress a vagabond and make them look like a five star model. I looked in the mirror at myself. She always knew how to enhance the curves of my body. The clothes she gave me hugged my body in precisely the right places. The end product always made me look my physical age. I appreciated that because I would need all the help I could get if I was going to try and kiss Jacob tonight.

Alice raised her eyebrows at my lingering appraisal.

"Thanks, Aunt Alice." I grinned. Knowing exactly what she was waiting for. To Alice, her effort meant nothing without my approval.

"Okay, you don't want to keep Jake waiting, so go already." She laughed. I wrapped my arms around her and kissed the top of her head before heading to the door.

"Have fun."

"I will." I sang and disappeared from her room.

Downstairs Jacob sat on the couch. He was making polite conversation with Jasper who always hated interrupting Alice's girl time. Jacob and I were always so aware of one another so it didn't take him long to notice me walking down the stairs. His head turned in my direction slowly. His eyes widened and his broad lips spread into his familiar smile. I hadn't even noticed my parents in the room. My eyes were on Jacob.

Alice had given him a pair of designer jeans that seemed to fit him perfectly. With it he wore a button down shirt. I had never seen him dressed like this before, but I could definitely get used to it. As always, the color of the shirt Alice had picked out had enhanced his skin tone. Alice never did anything by halves and now I could appreciate why. He was even more handsome, not that I even believed that could be possible.

"Ahem," the unsubtle reminder came from my dad.

"Hi." I mumbled embarrassed that he'd heard every thought I'd just had. I tried to clear the thoughts in my mind before I made it worse.

"You look beautiful, Ness." My mom sang in her melodic voice. She danced gracefully towards me. I just grinned at her. She would have said that if I'd been in my normal jeans and t-shirt, but her sincerity was always genuine.

"Thanks mom." I said wrapping my arms tightly around her.

"Okay, make sure you have your phone with you, and here." My dad said handing a set of keys to Jacob. "It'll be faster and safer if you take one of our cars."

Jacob lifted his eyebrows and chuckled. "Don't suppose I'm lucky enough to drive the Vanquish twice in one lifetime?" He asked hopeful. Jacob had a way with cars. It was how he'd made his money. Dowling's in Forks was still charging ludicrous prices, so Jacob offered his services. He seemed to do quite well, although I wondered where he found the time.

My dad smiled genuinely and took the keys he'd given Jacob back, and went to retrieve the Vanquish keys. The Vanquish was my dad's pride and joy, and I was surprised he relinquished it so easily. I wasn't even aware Jacob had driven it before, I would have to make sure to ask him about that. Dad threw the keys at Jacob and winked.

"I'm trusting you to take care of my girls, Jacob." He laughed referring to me and his car.

"Edward . . ." Jacob trailed off into what I knew was a thought directed at my father. My dad smiled and nodded, then wrapped his arm around my mom's waist.

"I trust you, Jake."

"Okay." My mom sighed. I knew she hated that as much as I did. "Ness, be careful sweetheart, and have fun."

She kissed me on the forehead lightly before embracing me. She stepped away letting my father wrap his arms around me.

"Be careful, and call us if there are any problems." He held me at arm's length so he could show me how serious he was with his golden eyes.

"Dad, I'm with Jake. There won't be any problems." My dad chuckled lightly, kissing me on the forehead. He knew as well as I did how true that was. Jacob would never let anything touch me.

"Not too late, you have school tomorrow."

"Love you." I whispered, resting my head on his shoulder. I knew how hard this was for my parents. The nine years of my life had gone so quickly it hadn't given them the opportunity to baby me at all. They still felt as though they should be protective, even though physically I was older than the two of them.

"Love you too, kid. Go have fun." He whispered.

Jacob was more excited than I had seen him in a while, as we strolled into the garage. His eyes widened as he unlocked the Vanquish. Another smile warmed up his face as he stared at it with admiration. I couldn't help but giggle at the pure bliss that was dancing under his dark eyes. He moved to the passenger side and opened the door for me. It appeared he was taking this date thing seriously.

I slid into the car and relaxed into the soft leather, watching as Jacob moved around the car slowly. He slid in behind the wheel. He almost looked too big with his large frame. His hands ran over the steering wheel slowly feeling the supple leather under his large hands. He sighed in content before starting the engine, his eyes sliding closed as it purred to life beneath us.

"So, you've driven the Vanquish before?" I asked lightly, almost uninterested.

"Yeah, before you were born. It was the day your dad heard your thoughts." That was the only answer I got, the abrupt ending of the sentence told me he wouldn't say anything more on the subject so I let it go. Jacob backed out of the large garage slowly, before putting it in drive and taking off down the long driveway.

"So, where are we going?" I asked.

"Seattle."

"I know that." I sighed playfully, "But where in Seattle?"

"It's a surprise."

I raised my eyebrows, he'd put more planning into this than I'd imagined. His warm hand took mine and held it as he drove. There was a comfortable silence between us as the radio played gently in the background. I hummed along with the songs I knew as I watched Jacob enjoying his drive.

It was entertaining watching his face light up as he gassed it to go around slower moving traffic. His was adorable when he was giddy.

I watched as the sky grew darker and the trees thinned. We were getting close to Seattle; the trees were giving way to the sprawling of the city. I hadn't spent much time in Seattle, or any city for that matter, and it was almost exciting. The buildings crowded the spaces that would, in my small world, normally be inhabited by trees. The billboards and overstated lighting surrounded us on every side.

It was beautiful in its own way. The larger buildings jutted out from the horizon, their lights gently twinkling in the darkened sky. And there were so many people! I could smell every individual person as they crowded the streets of the city, giving me a sensory overload. Jacob felt my hand tense beneath his.

"Everything all right?"

I smiled. "It's been a while since I've been in a city as big as this. It's just taking a little bit of effort to get used to."

Jacob chuckled, and lifted my hand to kiss it gently. "If it gets too much tell me."

"I will." I promised.

Jacob navigated the city with ease. It was obvious he'd known where he was going, and I wondered when he'd found the time to do all of it. He turned off onto a street that was quieter than any we'd been on since entering the city. The trees and open spaces widened here, and I could see Lake Washington reflecting the light of the moon. The blue light danced on the gentle ripples of the darkened water. It was actually romantic.

Jacob pulled into a small parking lot that was attached to a park that sat on the banks of the lake. It was like a small piece of home in the middle of this sprawling city. The small sign that decorated the sidewalk ahead of us read 'Warren Magnuson Park'.

"A park?" I asked gently not wanting to offend him.

"Patience." He chuckled, pushing open his door so he could get out. I waited as patiently as I could for him to stroll around to my side of the car. He opened my door and offered me his hand, helping me step out. I looked around the almost deserted lot, still confused at what we were doing here.

He shut my door behind me and walked us to the back of the car opening the trunk. Inside there were blankets and a basket that I assumed was full of food. I couldn't help but grin at him.

"Who helped you?" I asked, smiling warmly.

"Alice and Esme." He chuckled.

He handed me a couple of blankets before pulling out the basket. He shut the trunk and set the alarm on the car before taking my hand and guiding me into the darkness. The night never bothered me because my vision enabled me to see in the darkness as clearly as I could see in the daylight.

We walked slowly towards the line of trees ahead of us. His hand gently squeezed mine as though he had something to say. I couldn't let him suffer so I gave him a nudge.

"Spit it out, Jake."

"Well, when you asked about the Vanquish earlier. There's more to that story."

"Okay." I smiled in encouragement.

"Well, your dad had heard your thoughts and I felt . . . trapped."

I knew why he struggled on that last word. During my Mom's pregnancy I had taken so much out of her. She was left weak and broken because of me. It had been hard for Jacob to watch. He rarely spoke about those times. I squeezed his hand, hoping it would encourage him to carry on.

"Well, your dad heard what was in my mind and gave me the keys. He gave me a little piece of freedom. I drove here to this park. I was looking for someone to imprint on." He laughed once humorlessly. "Seems stupid now, but I just wanted the pain to stop. I didn't want to care anymore."

I frowned. "I hate to think of you desperate like that. But I'm glad you didn't find anyone."

"This is going to sound ridiculous." he warned as we closed in on the trees. "But a girl approached me and started talking to me about the Vanquish. She was nice and all, but not what I wanted. Bringing you here is my way of showing this stupid place what I really wanted."

I giggled at his admission. It was silly, but it was also the most romantic thing I'd ever heard. Hearing something like that made this place all the more magical. It also made it important. From the way he'd spoken, I knew he'd never told anyone that story before. Not outright anyway.

I let him lead me into the small cluster of trees, not asking any more questions. I trusted him and I knew letting Alice take over the plans it would be meticulously orchestrated.

Yet, something did occur to me.

"You were planning on taking the Vanquish weren't you?"

He laughed warmly pulling me into his side. "Your dad offered, once he saw where I was going. He remembered the images from that day. Anyway, you know I can't say no to driving a fine piece of machinery like that."

"I'm impressed." I giggled. I wasn't aware Jacob was capable of such deviousness, or that he was this capable of romance. I almost cringed at the word, but not because it wasn't what I wanted. In fact, it was completely the opposite; it was exactly what I wanted. It was the fact that my family had helped orchestrate all of this that was a little disconcerting. Especially when I look at my motivation, my reasoning for wanting to get him alone. I could feel a small blush creep into my cheeks.

We walked a little way into the trees before I became aware of anything different. I instantly knew we were close when a warm glow cast shadows across the ground. The limbs of the trees stretched out and deformed as they danced in the flickering light.

My heart beat picked up with every step that brought us closer to the light, but the trees obscured my vision of what was creating it. I kept pace with Jacob as we walked forward. I was growing curious and impatient.

Finally, we stepped into a small area. It had obviously been recently cleared. The bracken and leaves had been swept to the side leaving the grass and dirt clear. Strung around the trees were cleverly made candle holders. They were clever because they blocked the wind from extinguishing their flames. They freely cast the warm glow across the cleared space, creating a warm and inviting look.

Jacob watched me silently as my eyes drank in the sight surrounding me. It was perfect. Nothing could have made this moment any better that it was right now.

"What did you do?" I gasped an elated smile crossing my lips.

"Alice told me you would appreciate this more than any restaurant." He said nervously.

"My aunt was right, Jacob, this is . . . Thank you."

Jacob pulled the blankets from my arms and spread them across the cleared ground. He dropped the basket on the corner of it before sinking down to lounge on the material. I knelt beside him, my eyes still scanning the trees surrounding us.

"How did you get all these lit before we arrived?"

Jacob grinned. "Embry offered. He wanted to get out of La Push for a while."

"Embry's here?" My voice went up an octave as I scanned the trees.

"No, he just came to light the candles. He and Quil had something planned in the city. Quil doesn't have Claire tonight."

"You have good friends, Jake."

"I do." He said thoughtfully. "But I would have found a way to do this even if I didn't. You're worth it, Ness. I want you to be happy."

"I am happy, Jake."

I lay myself down beside him and snuggled into his side. His warm arm wrapped around me, pulling me to him. My head came to rest on his shoulder. I inhaled the scent of him. It was my home, something as familiar to me as my own heartbeat. It brought a sense of comfort with it. I felt myself relax into him and his hand gently stroked up and down my arm, leaving a trail of prickly fire in its wake.

He was silent in his thoughtfulness. I listened to the steady rhythm of his heart, the calming inhales and exhales of his breath. It was so easy to just be near him. I let my hand rest on his chest and watched it rise and fall with each of his breaths. The shadows cast by the candles danced and flickered to their own melody. I felt so peaceful, so content.

"Ness,"

His voice sent a soft wave of vibrations through my hands, and I smiled lifting my head to look at him. His eyes were so warm in that one moment I almost lost myself in them. My heart took off in my chest as we just looked at one another.

"I love you." He whispered lifting his head to kiss my nose.

I smiled at him. "I love you, too, Jake."

He watched me for a while longer, and I could see a change passing behind his expressive eyes. They burned with a sudden intensity that caused my breath to catch in my throat. My heart began to hammer against my ribs, and my mind swirled with incoherence. His face moved until it was only inches from mine. I could feel his warm breath brushing against my skin. I froze, too afraid that any movement I made would change his mind from what he was about to do.

His warm, soft lips brushed against mine gently, but before I could even slide my eyes closed he was gone.

My eyes trained in on him immediately. His eyes were closed, a small crease formed on his forehead. I waited until he opened his eyes. They no longer burned, but they were full of confusion.

"Ness, I'm . . ."

I rolled onto my back and released the breath I had been holding. I didn't want him to apologize for kissing me, no matter how light and mercurial it had been. It hadn't been the deep, passion filled kiss I had been fantasizing about, but it was a kiss. Finally, not the platonic kind.

My actions had derailed his sentence before he could finish it. He rolled onto his side and watched me carefully. I closed my eyes and tried to remember the feeling of his lips on mine. It was so fleeting, so light. It was almost like it hadn't happened at all.

"Ness," I could hear the concern in his voice as he waited for me to look at him, but I couldn't open my eyes. I was lost in that one moment. I felt his warm hand cup my cheek, his thumb traced light patterns under my eyes. "Nessie, look at me."

I sighed and let my eyes slide open. I blinked quickly when I realized how close he was to me. His eyes were a different kind of intense now. They were filled with angst. They flickered between my lips and my eyes, full of indecision. His mouth twitched gently, the warm russet skin trembled slightly.

In that one moment, I realized he wanted to kiss me, just as much as I wanted him to kiss me. He was torn, his desires and his conscience pulling him in different directions. I tried to keep the smile from my lips as the realization took control of me. He did want me. I lifted my hand and placed against the hand of his that cupped my cheek.

"Jake."

"I know." He whispered. He closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against mine, my heart spluttered uncontrollably.

"Why?" I needed to know why he was not only fighting me, but why he was fighting himself.

"I just need a little more time."

"It's a kiss, Jacob."

"Ness . . ."

I didn't want this to ruin our night. I knew I was being demanding. I knew how difficult this was for him. I had been forced to see his perspective too many times by the people I loved the most. This was why I felt the need to talk to Alice. She would see my side as well as Jacob's. She was the most objective person I knew.

There was the hope that she would at least listen to my side. Listen to how I felt before she made her judgment. For now though I could see what this conversation was doing to Jacob. Seeing that pain in his eyes was not something I enjoyed.

I decided to change the subject, hoping that he would relax again and fall into the comfort I always felt with him so close to me. It would be painfully obvious what I was doing, but in that one moment it really didn't seem to matter.

"So, what did you bring to eat?" I asked hoping that he would take the bait and drop the awkward conversation. I gave him my brightest smile when his eyes finally slid open.

Jacob chuckled lightly, he sat us both up and pulled the basket towards us. He opened it slowly, his booming laughter filling the small space. I looked in and saw the perfect spread with all of our favorite foods.

"Esme." We both said at the same time, our laughter mingling together dispelling the awkwardness that had briefly taken control of us. The questions could wait. For now, I wanted to spend time with Jacob.

A/N: Song: Closer: Kings of Leon (Songs can be heard on my website, the link is on my prfile =])

Sorry I am posting so late, I had a major lapse of memory lol. i sometimes get lost in my head and forget things. At least it's still Sunday though, I hope I get points for that at least LOL.

I am so sad that I just read an official statement from Summit saying that Catherine Hardwicke will not be directing New Moon. I'm just not sure how it will all work out without her vision behind it. She's as big a fan as all of us, and I'm concerned that it just won't be the same! (Okay that was off topic sorry.)

As always thank you to Orioncat and Vicki for their awesomeness and willingness to talk Twilight till all hours of the morning. Thanks Jackie for all your Beta-ing. You totally rock, and Vicki, thank you for being such an encouragement.

Thanks for all the faves and alerts, and as always THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THE REVIEWERS . . . YOU GUYS ARE SO SWEET AND AWESOME . . . I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY . . . YOU GUYS REALLY DO ROCK!!!

SEE YOU ON WEDNESDAY - BIG HUGZ - L -