Thank you for the reviews last chapter, keep them coming! In this chapter we see more Bella and Jake along with Charlie and Billy.


Love's got a way of letting you know
when the time to hold on or time to let go, tells you so
It's the cold in the kiss, of looking away,
the say what you mean, well do you mean what you say?
I don't really know
It's time to reset, rethink, re position,
there's nothing wrong with me, it's just a condition
It's the science of love, fly when we fall, through it all,
we turn with the tide, cause we're free on the other side

There's nothing like starting over,
there's nothing like shedding a heartache,
writing a new page to say what you wanna say
There's nothing like a heart wide open,
that bittersweet comfort of knowing you
can let go and take the weight off your shoulders
There's nothing like starting over,
there's nothing like starting over, starting over

One is a lonely number,
it kind of makes you wonder
how starting back at zero can feel so nice,
but it feels just right

Cause there just ain't nothing like,
there's nothing like starting over,
there's nothing like shedding a heartache,
writing a new page to say what you wanna say
There's nothing like a heart wide open,
that bittersweet comfort of knowing you
can let go and take the weight off your shoulders

~Nothing Like Starting Over-Hunter Hayes


Once I came to my senses, I grabbed my groceries from the trunk before trudging inside.

"Dad?" I called as I opened the door while balancing groceries in my other hand.

"I'm in here, Bella!" Charlie said, bellowing. I found him in his make shift study, which was in reality a cramped closet. His glasses tipped over the bridge of his nose as he studied intently the papers in front of him.

"Dad, are you working?" I asked as I dropped the groceries on the kitchen table before walking in again.

"Yeah, sorry, force of habit," Charlie said, closing the file to meet my eyes. I realized that he must have spent his weekends while I was away nose deep in paper work. Guilt flooded me at the realization.

"You came home from being on duty last night," I said, reminding him. He put his hands behind his head and chuckled before he answered.

"Cops are never truly off duty," Charlie said with a huff. I considered his point for a moment before nodding.

"I'm guessing you went to the grocery store?" Charlie said, trying to change the subject.

"I went to the beach and then went grocery shopping," I answered.

"You're a beach fan, huh?" Charlie said, curiosity clear in his tone.

"Jacksonville definitely turned me into one," I admitted.

"Renee told me you paint now," Charlie commented. Blush covered my cheeks at his observation. Renee must have found the canvases littered across my room.

"I do," I said, my cheeks still flushed.

"I think it's great, Bells. It's about time a Swan had some artistic talent," he said teasingly.

"I guess so," I laughed.

"Are you sure you wanna cook dinner tonight? I feel bad," Charlie said as he opened his file again.

"I'm sure, I promised Jake my famous mac and cheese," I said with a laugh. Charlie's eyes grew wide as he realized I was making the acclaimed mac and cheese.

"I can't wait, Bells. It's great," Charlie said, clearly excited.

"Thanks, Dad. I'll let you get back to your work. I can get you lunch if you want," I offered.

"I had a sandwich earlier," Charlie said.

"It wasn't a meatball sub, was it?" I asked. I knew Charlie had a knack for choosing unhealthy foods. For as long as I could remember he was the king of junk food. I was surprised his arteries weren't clogged yet.

"Guilty as charged," Charlie confessed.

"Dad, I am so going grocery shopping for you. Have you gotten your cholesterol checked?" I asked, frustration evident in my tone.

"Yeah, the doc said it was a little high," Charlie answered.

"Dad! No more fast food for you," I said.

"Bells, stop worrying about your old man."

"I'd love to see you eat more cheeseburgers in your lifetime, Dad, but I don't think that will happen if you keep eating junk," I said, my frustration only growing.

"Fine, Bells. I'll eat healthier," Charlie said with a sigh.

"I'll go out later and make sure your fridge doesn't have anything potentially greasy in sight," I promised as I closed the study door before retreating to the kitchen. As I stared at the bags of groceries in front of me, I knew I had my work cut out for me.

Somehow I dished out Grandma Swan's old casserole recipe, the edges of the paper were tired and crinkled. As I assembled the ingredients, I heard my phone vibrate in my back pocket.

I slid my phone out with the hand I wasn't using.

To: Bella Swan

From: Jacob Black

Sorry I had to duck out on you early. I can't wait to see you tonight.

I smiled at Jake's thoughtfulness before I quickly replied.

To: Jacob Black

From: Bella Swan

No worries. I hope you come with an empty stomach, because there's a lot of food.

I slid my phone back into my back jean pocket before turning my attention towards cooking again. The casserole only took me minutes to prepare before I threw it in the oven to bake.

The mac and cheese was more laborious, partly because of the amount of cheese that needed to be grated. Once I grated the cheese, I cooked the pasta before throwing it all together in the oven.

Charlie resurfaced from the study sometime later. He sniffed the air before he grinned at me.

"Smells great, Bells." Charlie commented.

"Thanks, Dad," I smiled as I checked the casserole in the oven.

"It's good you made a lot of food, Billy always tells me how Jake's appetite has grown," Charlie said with a chuckle.

"It makes sense, I mean, have you seen him? He's huge!" I said before I shut the oven.

"He had a growth spurt, that's for sure. He really grew not too long after you left, he cut his hair and everything."

"I remember at prom he had really long hair," I said, flashing back to prom night. I remember Jake arriving in blue jeans and a tee shirt with his hair pulled back into a ponytail.

Now, his hair was short like most of his friends. Sam, Quil, and Seth all had their hair cut short almost to a buzz cut just like Jake.

"He's got a tattoo now," Charlie said.

"Really?" I asked. That was definitely a new development. Of course it made sense, since Jake was eighteen now. I scanned my memory and realized Sam, Quil, and Seth had matching tattoos on their bicep.

"Are Sam, Quil, and Seth related?" I questioned, before Charlie could reply to my other question.

"I'm not sure about their family tree. Maybe distantly, but their all friends. They're known as the bad guys on the reservation," Charlie said. Sometimes I thought Charlie resembled an old woman with the way he gossiped.

"Because they have tattoos and motor cycles?" I asked, holding back a laugh.

"That's part of it, but also because they all work at a mechanic's place at the edge of reservation land and Forks. They finished up GEDs or got their High School diploma, but nobody really goes to college there," Charlie said, shrugging.

"Every one is different," I shrugged. In Jacksonville, almost everyone I went to High School with was off to college. The High School I attended was well off. In La Push, from what Charlie told me, most people don't pursue a college degree.

"I didn't ask you in depth, but how's Jake? I heard from Billy you two really hit it off," Charlie asked, and I rolled my eyes.

"You and Billy gossip like two old women," I said, trying to conceal the blush heating my cheeks.

"I'm glad you're spending time with Jake. He's a good guy," Charlie commented. I agreed with Charlie's assessment; from what I observed Jake was a good man. Yes, he was eighteen, but he was already a man.

It was like he skipped the typical annoying High School hormonal boy and transformed into a man.

"He is, he's a good friend," I said, emphasizing the last word. Charlie seemed to catch my drift. I started chopping lettuce for the salads which earned a glare from Charlie.

As I began to put the lettuce in bowls, Jake and Billy opened the door.

"Hey!" Charlie greeted. Billy wheeled himself in while Jake walked behind him. Billy came in brandishing a case of beer which earned a grin from Charlie. During this whole exchange, Jake's eyes remained on me.

"Long time no see," I said with a chuckle. Jake smiled crookedly at me before he embraced me quickly. It still fascinated me how warm he was temperature wise compared to me.

"Yeah, I was starting to have separation anxiety," Jake teased.

"So Jake tells me you made your famous mac and cheese," Billy said, interjecting.

"I don't know about the famous part, but yes," I responded.

"It's famous around this house." Charlie said, defensively.

"She bought a lot of cheese this morning," Jake said, meeting my gaze for a moment.

"Well if it isn't full of cholesterol then it's not worth it," Billy said jokingly.

"What kind of beer is this?" Charlie asked Billy.

"I just got some local brewery's dark beer," Billy said, shrugging. Billy and Charlie walked off with the case in hand. I rolled my eyes, beer was Charlie's favorite. Billy and Charlie sat in the living room, beginning their own conversation.

Jake turned to me as I walked back behind the counter in the kitchen.

"It smells amazing in here," Jake said appreciatively.

"I'm glad to hear that," I smiled as I pushed back a few hairs from my face.

"Are you excited to start your second week of college?" Jake asked as he leaned up against the counter.

"I am, I know the workload is only going to get worse from here," I said, dreading the piles of paper and exams in my future.

"Yeah, but you can do it. You're a smart girl," Jake reminded.

"Thank you," I murmured, blush flooding my cheeks. When he saw the blood rush to my cheeks he grinned with a dimple exposed.

"So what's it like being back in Forks again?" Jake asked. I let my mind wander for a moment before answering. When I left Jacksonville and began the long drive to Forks I expected a breakdown.

I was fully prepared for a breakdown when I saw the 'Welcome to Forks' sign. However, when I passed the sign I didn't feel a tug or a rip in my heart open again. Instead, I felt like it was a fresh start.

A fresh start meant that I got to write the story this time, by me taking the reigns back.

"It's good," I said, simply.

"Is it weird at all?" Jake asked.

"I was expecting it to be harder than it actually was. He's not here anymore, and I get a brand new start," I explained. Forks was never the problem, it was simply a scape goat for the real problem.

Heartbreak was a cruel teacher. Heartbreak and my fear of hurting again made me keep my distance from Forks. I believed for a long time it was easier to stay away from Forks because I was able to avoid the pain.

Heartbreak followed me to Jacksonville, and distance wasn't the cure. Instead, time and love from my family and friends helped heal the wounds that marred my heart.

"People's memories don't fade so of course people around here still remember who I was two years ago. I know that girl isn't me, and I'm not here to prove that. I'm here to take back my happiness, and live again." I added.

When I was with Edward, my fear was aging. With every year, I would grow older than Edward.

Once he left, time became my ally. With time came healing and finding the true definition of love.

"It's a small town, so people gossip a lot. But it's great that you have that perspective now," Jake commented.

"Gossip doesn't bother me, they're just words," I shrugged.

"Moving from Jacksonville to Forks is still a big adjustment," Jake said as he traced the counter with his finger.

"Change is a good thing, sure I miss the sun. But I missed how green it is here, there aren't that many trees in Jacksonville. The rain isn't so bad either," I said. I used to view the rain as dismal and depressing.

With time, I grew an appreciation for the rain and cloudy weather.

"Really? The rain doesn't bother you?" Jake asked, with shock.

"Not really, it never rained in Jacksonville," I answered.

"That makes sense, it's a lot warmer down there."

"It's buggy, all the time," I complained, turning my lips downward to a frown.

"It's colder here," Jake agreed.

"But you wear cut offs and a tee shirt all the time," I observed.

"I don't get cold," Jake said, shrugging.

"You're freakishly warm, Jake. It's bizarre," I said.

"It's genetic," Jake said, the words sliding off his tongue easily. My mind wandered back to the oven as I thought how much longer the casserole and the mac and cheese needed.

"Crap!" I said, exclaiming as I struggled to find pan holders.

"Bella?" Jake called. I managed to put on oven mitts as I quickly grabbed the casserole out of the oven. Like the klutz I was, I managed to slide the side of my arm against the oven rack.

I bit back a hiss as I placed the casserole onto the stove before returning to the oven to grab the mac and cheese.

"Do you need any help?" Jake asked, still confused.

"No," I replied, somehow managing to reply in my haze. The sting from the burn began to increase as I returned to my senses.

"Bella?" Charlie called, hearing the commotion in the kitchen.

"I'm fine!" I said, finally snapping out of it. The side of my arm throbbed, but I ignored it as I searched for utensils. With relative ease I found spoons and a spatula for the casserole and the mac and cheese.

"Are you okay?" Jake asked, a tinge of worry in his tone.

"Yeah, sorry I just realized I almost burnt dinner," I admitted sheepishly.

"You didn't, but I think you got yourself pretty good," Jake noted, gesturing to the growing redness on my arm.

"Oh," I said, finally accessing the damage. I ran my arm underneath water from the faucet for a moment.

"How bad is it?" Jake questioned, anxiousness in his tone.

"Not too bad, it'll be fine," I assured him.

"You really hit it in there," Jake observed, worry in his tone.

"I'm fine, Jake I promise. Can you get the plates from the counter?" I asked. With slight hesitation, Jake grabbed the plates for me.

"How bad does it hurt?" Jake questioned. I let out a frustrated sigh, I was completely fine. It was a little burn from the oven and he was acting like I needed to be ushered off to the burn unit.

"Jake, I promise I'm fine," I chided.

"Dinner's ready!" I called. He looked me over for a minute before sighing; he clearly realized I was stubborn. I gave him an apologetic look as Charlie and Billy barreled into the kitchen.

Jake still looked tense as Billy and Charlie both grabbed plates.

"Is everything alright in here?" Charlie asked with hesitance.

"Yep!" I replied, mustering a smile.

"Bella got herself pretty good when she brought everything out of the oven," Jake said, and I threw him a glare.

"Are you okay?" Billy asked.

"I'm fine, Jake was a second away from bringing me to the burn unit," I said with a sigh. Charlie's eyes focused on my arm for a moment before he took a sharp intake of breath.

"Bells, that looks like a bad one," Charlie said, worry tinging his voice.

"I'm fine, let's have dinner," I suggested. Jake and Charlie looked at me as if I had grown three heads.

"Bella..." Jake started.

"Stop being a worry-wart, this mac and cheese and the casserole isn't going to eat itself," I said, interrupting him. Jake's shoulders dropped before he let out a defeated sigh.

"It looks great, Bella." Billy said, complimenting me. Charlie and Billy each began to fill their plates. Neither of them touched the salad, which I expected. Jake picked out a huge portion of food on his plate before taking a look at me before inserting a small amount of salad on his plate.

My lips turned upward into a smile as I realized he was trying to please me. I settled on a large salad and a small amount of casserole. As they all found seats at the kitchen table I fished in the fridge for a bottle of water.

As soon as I was seated they started to chow down. After the first mouthful, Jake looked over at me.

"Bella, this is amazing, best mac and cheese I've ever tasted," Jake said before he took another forkful.

"What did I tell you, Jake? Her cooking is awesome. I've missed it," Charlie said. I smiled before I took a forkful of salad into my mouth.

"She's a great cook. Bella, the casserole is delicious. Is it a recipe?" Billy asked curiously.

"Yeah, it's one of Grandma Swan's old ones," I answered before I took a swig of water.

"I would ask for the recipe but I'd probably burn it," Jake said with a laugh.

I chuckled before shaking my head, "well you can be my sous chef and I can show you the ropes."

"I'll do it if you let me teach you how to run," Jake said, compromising.

"I think I understand the basics, I think it's learning how to actually like it or not sound like a leaf blower while doing it," I said.

"Controlling your breathing comes with time, Bella. But if you run with someone, it sucks a little less," Jake explained. Considering the fact that my balance was already questionable, running was out of my skill-set.

Maybe Jake was right there was a possibility that with time I could actually grow to like running; running with someone could also ease my fear. The only part that concerned me was that it was embarrassing to run with someone, especially Jake.

Flashbacks of high school gym class when I ran the mile popped into my head.

"It would be very embarrassing," I laughed.

"Bells isn't exactly the most coordinated either, she's a bit of a ummm..." Charlie said, clearly scared to finish his thought.

"Klutz is the word he's looking for," I interjected.

"I'm a pretty good trainer and she can do it," Jake grinned. Jake's confidence in me resulted in my cheeks flushing scarlet for a moment.

"Jake has to stay in top physical shape," Billy agreed.

"Really? Are you on a sports team or something?" I asked curiously.

"My friends and I am protectors on the reservation," Jake explained.

"Like the police?" I said, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, sort of," Jake shrugged.

"Aren't you a little young?" I asked, pushing my eyebrows together. Jake was eighteen, he couldn't have had any formal training.

"We get started young," Jake replied. There was something strange about having a bunch of teenage boys serve as law enforcement. If Jake was protection as he called it, that meant that Sam, Paul, Seth, Quil, and Jared were all protection as well.

"I'll say," I said before I took another forkful.

"Bella, what are you planning on studying?" Billy asked, changing the subject.

"I'm thinking about English; I want to be a middle or high school teacher," I said, which earned a grin from Charlie.

"I don't remember you being a fan of kids," Billy noted.

"I wasn't," I said, taking a breath before continuing. When I dated Edward, children were completely out of the picture for me. I never imagined ever becoming a mother because I knew with Edward, I never could.

Children held no interest for me also because I was an only child.

"In Jacksonville, I tutored middle schoolers after school," I added.

"You liked it, huh?" Billy said.

"I did, I liked it more than I imagined I would," I said, nodding. When I worked with them, I found out my preconceptions of children were wrong. Children were curious, wanting to learn about the world around them, and hilarious.

I grew more patience after that experience.

"You'll be a great teacher, Bella," Jake said encouragingly. I flickered a glance in his direction before I beamed at him.

"Thank you," I said softly.

"You know Bella's an artist, too," Charlie boasted. I could feel my cheeks heat up like a tea kettle on a stove at his words. There wasn't a doubt in my mind I resembled a fire hydrant.

How did he know? Did Renee tell him?

"Dad..." I murmured.

"She is, she paints," Jake said. I wanted to slump in my chair.

"Oh really?" Billy asked, clearly surprised.

"She painted at First Beach," Jake said, nodding.

"She's great at it. Renee told me all about it," Charlie added. That explains it, Renee had spilled the beans. She must have found the canvases in my room.

"She's really good," Jake agreed. Lena's words echoed again in my head. Accept the compliment, allow others to see the good in you.

"Thank you," I said, almost too softly. The rest of dinner resulted in old stories recited by Billy and Charlie about mine and Jake's childhood days. When Charlie had custody of me for the summers, Jake and I were inseparable.

As Charlie and Billy recounted, the memories came flooding back to me. In the past, when I recalled moments most of them were painful causing me to breakdown. These memories were warmer and were actually welcome.

Once Charlie and Billy were finished they put their plates in the dishwasher before heading back to the living room; they left Jake and I alone in the kitchen.

"You're not used to compliments are you?" Jake asked curiously. I nearly dropped the plate I was holding in my hand. As I tried to maintain my composure, I bit my lip. Jake was more perceptive than I gave him credit for.

Although he didn't usually prod, he was curious. He was very careful about when he did ask questions. It completely blew my mind that Jake was able to pick that up from one dinner.

"I am," I said, my voice squeaking. I was a terrible liar, but maybe he would buy it. He pursed his lips before walking closer to me slowly. He stopped when we were a foot apart before staring directly into my eyes.

"Bella, you're a really bad liar," Jake said softly. My eyes traced the tiles on the floor as I collected my thoughts. He was right of course, I was a horrible liar. Renee used to tease me that I had a bad poker face.

"I'm getting better at it," I said, mustering a smile. Jake smiled a tight lipped smile before he shook his head.

"I bet you can tear yourself apart, can't you?" Jake asked, as his gaze met mine. I stared back at him, wanting my gaze to not falter.

"You're a lot better than you were probably, but you're still carrying your scars." Jake added.

"But I bet you reject compliments with a 'you're so sweet, but I'm not.'" Jake said, his voice gaining intensity.

"You're an amazing, smart, and beautiful woman, Bella. I wish you could see that," he said with a sigh.

"I do," I said softly. Two years ago I would easily knock that compliment down because I believed I wasn't enough. I saw myself as used, damaged goods permanently on the clearance aisle.

With time and Lena's guidance, I made a list every day of five things I like about myself. The first days were almost impossible, however Lena continued to push me.

"Can I show you something?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"Yes," Jake said, his eyebrows furrowing together.

"Hold on," I murmured. Let someone in, Bella. Let him in. Once I reached my bedroom, I found the journal I was looking for. With my heart pounding in my chest, I walked down the stairs to meet Jake where I left him.

"It's kinda dorky, but when I was in a bad place I started a journal. My friend, Lena, gave me this journal to write down five things I like about me," I said, clutching the journal.

I searched his eyes and face for any sign of fear. Instead, his expression was thoughtful as his gaze met mine.

"You're right, I was terrible at taking compliments. It's still a struggle of mine, but I'm getting better every day," I explained, a hesitant smile forming on my lips. Jake's lips turned upwards into a smile.

"Thank you for showing me, and it's not dorky I promise," Jake assured me.

"I'm not used to letting people in, but I'm going to let you in," I said with confidence.

"You're stronger than you give yourself credit for," Jake reminded me.

"You're really perceptive, I forget that sometimes," I said, shaking my head. Seconds later, I heard Jake's stomach groan loudly.

"Already hungry again?" I asked with amusement.

"Yeah, I have a huge appetite."

"And you have six pack, you suck," I muttered, swatting him playfully on the arm. The serious expression his face held erased as his impish smile spread across his lips.

"Sorry, Bells, I work out," Jake laughed.

"You eat enough food for six people," I said teasingly. Jake grinned cheekily as he shook his head.

"I have a fast metabolism," Jake said, shrugging.

"Like non-human," I said, correcting him. Jake winced for a second before continuing to meet my gaze. Although he only winced slightly, my eyes detected it. My eyes reached the numbers that lit up the clock.

"Do you have to leave soon?" Jake asked quietly.

"Yeah, I do," I said, with a sigh.

"Do you need any help bringing your bags down?" Jake questioned, and I shook my head. Jake was always sweet with offering to help at any opportunity he could.

"No, I'm fine, but thanks Jake. All I have is my backpack and a day bag," I said, as I began to cover the food that was left out.

"Are you going to come back every weekend?" Jake asked. My cheeks flamed scarlet as I processed his question.

"I'm hoping to come back most weekends. Part of the reason I'm going to U-dub is so I can reconnect with Charlie," I admitted as I put the casserole in the fridge. Jake helped me cover the mac and cheese before handing me the container to place in the fridge.

"That's good, Bella. Charlie will love that," Jake assured me.

"Yeah, I'm hoping to start fresh with him," I said.

"Bella, you know he doesn't hold what happened against you," Jake said, reminding me. My eyes flickered to the ground. Jake had managed to say my worst fear: Charlie not forgiving me, or wanting to move forward.

"You don't, do you?" Jake asked softly, his eyes growing tender.

"I'm just worried. I acted like such a...child," I said, crossing my arms around my chest.

"You were, you went through a bad break up. So what? You got back up, and that's what matters," Jake said compassionately.

"But I left him all alone just like Renee," I whispered. When I was driving across the country I constantly feared Charlie wouldn't forgive me because I left exactly like my mother had.

I saw when I lived in Forks how my mother's desertion impacted Charlie. I peered at the ground, scared to see what Jake's eyes held. It's good you opened up, it's good to let people in. A few years ago, I would have kept my gaze on the crisscrossed tiles on the floor. Instead, I met his gaze.

I wasn't expecting the tenderness in Jake's eyes, or the emotion held there.

"Bella," Jake whispered.

"You are not your mother, you are his daughter. You are his daughter who needed to lick her wounds, and get back on her feet again. And that's what you did," Jake said, brushing a few strands of my hair that fell in my face behind my ear.

At his words, which I could tell from the intensity in his tone that he meant every single one of them, a smile began to spread across my face. He was right, this was another moment of my insecurity which I had battled by myself for so long that managed to escape.

Charlie had already forgiven me, I didn't have to earn it. As I was standing there, I realized this weekend I'd spent in attempt to earn forgiveness from him. However, Charlie's forgiveness was already earned.

I didn't have to earn his forgiveness, he gave it out without second thought because of his love for me. He wasn't very affectionate, or vocal about his love. Instead, he let his actions speak.

His actions spoke those days when I cooped myself up in my room. Instead of forcing me to get up, he let me grieve. He wasn't ignoring me, he was allowing me to breathe by myself for a while.

His actions spoke again the night when I broke down telling him I wanted to move down to Jacksonville. I remember vividly he held me until I cried myself out before carrying me upstairs.

When I knocked on the door two years later, his actions spoke again by keeping the door open. Without thinking, I wrapped my arms around Jake's torso in an embrace to thank him.

Without missing a beat, Jake laid one arm around me while the other cradled my head against his chest. I could feel tears prick at my eyes, but none of them fell. Moments later, I emerged from his embrace.

"You okay?" Jake asked, taking a look at me up and down.

"Yes," I assured him with a soft smile.

"Thank you for that," I murmured.

"Anytime, Bella," Jake said, smiling cheekily at me. Before I could reply, Charlie and Billy walked in.

"Bells, are you gonna be okay driving back tonight?" Charlie asked, crossing his arms around his chest.

"Yeah, I'll be fine," I assured him.

"Are you all packed?" Charlie asked.

"Yeah, Jake helped me bring my bags out to the car," I answered. We small talked for a few more minutes before I told them I had to leave.

"Be safe, okay? Call me when you get back," Charlie said as he embraced me.

"I will, I left leftovers in the fridge which should last you a week," I told him. He grinned before he kissed my forehead.

"You're welcome anytime, Bells." Charlie said before he pulled back.

"I'll be back probably on Sunday for a little bit," I informed him. I turned to Billy and hugged him for a moment.

"It was great to see you, Bella. You've grown into a beautiful young lady. Don't be a stranger, okay? You're welcome anytime at my house, besides I'm sure Jake wouldn't mind the company," Billy said, winking at Jake.

"Dad..." Jake said, sighing.

"Thank you, Billy. It was great to see you, too. I will, don't worry," I said. Charlie and Billy waved before heading back inside the house which left Jake and me alone.

"It was great to get to know you more this weekend, Bella. Thank you for hanging out with me," Jake said as his gaze met mine.

"Thank you for everything, and for listening. I'll come and visit you soon," I assured him.

"Okay, I'm sure I'll start having Bella withdrawals," he teased. I punched his arm lightly.

"Text me when you get back to let me know you're safe," Jake added as he embraced me.

"I will," I assured him. He pressed a lingering kiss on my forehead before I pulled away from his embrace. He watched me as I pulled out of the driveway. I waved at him once more before I saw him in my rear view mirror.


Wow, that was a roller coaster. What did y'all think about Bella's realization about Charlie and her opening up to Jake? Let me know by leaving me a review. Until next time,

Princessinblues