Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer still owns Twilight. And I really don't think I will be getting it for Christmas.
A/N: okay, this is definitely not my best chapter. Sorry, but I had to write it. Anyway, read and review : )

CHAPTER 7

Edward drove me to the boundary line where Jacob was meeting us. Today, Edward's speed was slow...er; he still wasn't very keen on me hanging out with werewolves, but he trusted me enough. I assumed he wanted more time with me before Jacob's party.

As we came to the line, I spotted Jacob's car – and Jake resting against the bonnet. He was still growing so fast; it was hard to miss him. Edward let out a barely audible sigh before he put the brakes on and stopped the car. I turned and gave him a reassuring smile.

"Don't be too long. I still have plans for us, don't forget." He said.

"I promise I won't be long. I will stay maybe an hour at the most. And I have the phone, so I will call you when Jake drops me off. Don't worry too much," I replied, hoping that he really wouldn't worry about me.

"Okay, call me whenever you are ready. I'll be here. I love you."

"I love you more," I vowed, before kissing him on the lips and getting out the car. I noticed Jacob's mouth was turned down; it looked as if he was frowning. Oh well, time to change that.

"Happy birthday, Jake!" I said, a little louder than necessary. He smiled and pulled me into a hug.

"Gee, thanks Bells! I'm so glad you could come today. It really does mean a lot to me," he said, opening the passenger door for me. I smiled too, getting in and putting my seatbelt on.

It was a short and quiet drive; Jacob put the radio on, and eventually started singing. He sounded happy, and I took comfort from that. At least he wasn't hurting because of me.

When we pulled up to the little red house, I only noticed one car. I thought this was meant to be a party – with people. And then it clicked. Werewolves would not have driven. That was dumb of me. When we walked in, numerous greetings came from the front room at once.

"Hey, Bella."

"Hiya guys! Jakey, happy birthday bro!"

"Jacob, 'bout time! Hey Bella.

Before I could say hello back, Jacob's hand was pulling me into the tiny kitchen. He seemed impatient. Right; his present!

I sighed, and handed him the box. It was wrapped in paper and ribbon, so it took longer than he liked to open it; not that it actually took him long.

When he pulled the paper and ribbons off, he stared at the box with a confused face. The Nike symbol seemed to surprise him. Before the box was opened, Jacob looked back up to me and spoke.

"Bella? What...wait...huh?" he said unintelligibly

"Well, I remembered hearing Embry and Quil saying how Billy couldn't afford to buy you more shoes because you kept ripping them. So, I went shopping with Alice," he shivered, "and I saw these. I put a fair investment in them too...meaning I don't want to see them ripped up too!" I said in a playful tone – I really did mean it though.

Jake nodded, smiling. "Thanks. I do need a decent pair of shoes, and I promise it won't rip them...pinky promise," he said, batting his eyelashes and holding up his pinky finger. I intertwined my pinky with his, but pulled it away quickly, not wanting to lead him on.

He smiled and sat back down. He took his shoes off – man, did they smell – and put on the Nikes. Wanting to show off his shoes, he walked into the front room; dragging me with him.

"Woah! Jake, where'd ya get them? They are awesome," Seth yelled, jumping up and then bending down to get a better look at them.

"Bells gave them to me. Pretty cool, huh?"

Everyone nodded in agreement. I looked over to Sam and Emily; it had been so long since I'd seen Emily, I had missed her cooking and spending time watching how she cared for the pack.

Emily moved over and patted the seat next to her. I walked over a sat down, giving her a thank you smile.

"So, Bella. How has life been? Still running around with the vampires, I see," she said with a mocking smile and laugh. I giggled quietly with her; but instead of speaking, I just nodded.

The rest of the 'party' went by quickly. We spent most of the time talking and listening to music – we would have eaten, but the boys ate all the food before I came. I couldn't be angry though; Emily had cooked, so it was bound to go fast.

I looked at the clock and I saw that it was 5.30 P.M. I should get going; I wasn't sure what Edward had planned, so I didn't know how much time he would need.

I stood up and Jake got up too. I walked to the kitchen and pulled out the phone, knowing I had company.

"Bella? You…you're not going already are you?" Jacob asked, with a sad look on his face.

I walked over to him and took his hand. "I'm sorry Jake, but I really need to go and study. I just need to call Edward and then I will walk to the boundary line; it's not that far, right? But don't worry; I will visit as soon as I can, yeah?"

"Oh…well, okay. But you won't walk – not with that bloodsucker on the loose. I will drive you there," he said, sternly.

"No, Jake. I'm not gonna take you away from your party; stay and have fun. Really, I'll be fine!"

I didn't wait for an answer. I walked across the room, dialling Edward's number as I moved. I placed the phone to my ear and before the first ring even finished, there was an answer.

"Bella?" Edward answered, sounding anxious yet relieved.

"Hey, Edward. Um, do you want to meet me at the line in about twenty minutes? I'll meet you there," I said, worried that he wouldn't let me walk.

"Sure. But, wait. Why twenty minutes? It only takes five minutes to get from his house to the boundary," I hadn't missed the snarl that went with the word 'his'.

"Well, um. I need to say goodbye to everybody still, - lots of people here…and…well…um –"

"Bella, it's not going to take you that long to say goodbye. Is something wrong with the car; do you need to use a slower one? – I know how fast a Rabbit can go."

"No, I'm not getting Jake to drop me off – I don't want to take him away from his own birthday party."

"Oh, okay. Well, who's dropping you off?"

Shit! I could hear the door of the Volvo close on the other end, while Edward waited for me to answer.

"Um, Emily is going to drop me off," Jacob cocked his head to the side and gave me a bemused look.

"Alright, then. Well I'll see you in about twenty minutes. I love you."

"Love you, too. Cya."

I flipped the phone closed and walked past Jake to go into the front room for goodbyes.

"Emily. Could I talk to you quickly?" She nodded and walked over to me. There really was no use in me asking her privately, everyone would hear anyway.

"What do you need, Bella?" Emily asked quietly.

"Could you possibly drop me off at the boundary line? It's just that I don't want to take Jake away from the party."

She nodded simply before going to get the keys from Sam. At least now I wouldn't have to walk, Jake and Edward won't be angry that I walked, and I wouldn't need to see Edward or Jacob in pain from the sight of me being with the other.

I said my goodbyes, leaving Jake to last. He pulled me into a big hug, crushing me, but eventually he let go and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

The ride to the boundary was quiet. Emily wasn't really a conversational person, I had figured out.

When we finally got to the line, I said a quick goodbye and thanks to Emily before jumping out the car and running over to Edward. I turned back to Emily and waved quickly as I ran.

I tripped over something, but two ice-cold arms caught me, pulling me into a hug. I felt Edward's face fall into my hair and I heard him breathe in my scent. Then he opened his mouth, preparing to speak.

"I've missed you, so, so much."

A/N: like I said, this is NOT my best and definitely NOT my favourite chapter. But I had to put it in there. Anyway, the next chapter will be Bella and Edward YAY!

And I just wanted to say a few thankyous. Firstly to Jacqui () who helps me with my stories SO much! And she came up with the gift idea too : ). Love you Jacqui, happy birthday too.
Secondly, the users who offered me ideas for this chapter:
Sparkling Fangs69
tdelozier
Emse ROX
Thanks for the ideas, sorry I didn't really use them. They were still really good.

Alright, thanks for reading and reviews would be the best Christmas present : )
Love Elyse xx