Birthdays and Mud Pies

Disclaimer: all characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer.

Chapter 7-Solutions

Jacob had spent a fraught night trying to sleep. He kept waking up calling out for Bells. It would then hit him that she was not going to be there every day and he would start off on another crying fit. In the end his mum stayed with him in his room and held him until he fell into an exhausted sleep. She was worried. Jacob had a huge capacity to love, he accepted everyone and walked around with a happy smile. But she had never seen him get so attached as he had to Bella. His reaction to their imminent separation was extreme. His mum pondered what to do late into the night.

In the Swan house things had been very subdued. Bells' dad tried to make light conversation over dinner about Bells impending return to Phoenix. But it was like she had shut down. The replies were there but there was no life behind them. Unlike Jacob Bells fell asleep early and did not move again until the morning light dawned. Her dad had stayed awake most of the night also, trying to work out what to do. He had never seen Bells get so close to another child in such a short space of time. She had always been a bit of loner thus far and it had lifted her dad's spirits to see her as happy as she had been the last week. He did not want to be the one responsible for ruining her happiness.

Jacob woke up early and crept out of his bed. He tiptoed over to his wardrobe and tried to open it without making a noise. He saw his little backpack on the floor. He picked it up and started to fill it with essentials. He put in his favourite stuffed bunny that he still clutched at night when he slept (although when Quil would tease him about it Jacob denied any knowledge). He included his best pyjamas and wandered into the bathroom to put in his toothbrush, he knew that you had to brush your teeth daily for two minutes because his mum had said so. He added a few other treasures and declared himself satisfied.

When the rest of the household eventually surfaced Jacob was sitting at the table waiting for breakfast. His mum looked him over carefully, he seemed calmer. Maybe he had accepted it after all. His dad ruffled his hair as he passed and called him a 'good little man.' The twins perched either side of him at the table and patted him on the back in sympathy. Eventually all that could be heard was the sound of chewing as they all settled down to breakfast.

At ten o'clock the sound of the police cruiser could be heard pulling in to the driveway. Jacob was the first one out the door his little legs pumping furiously in his eagerness to see Bells. She stood next to her dad clutching his hand. As soon as Jacob reached her he took her free hand and tried to pull her towards his hideout. Bells resisted and yanked her hand away.

Jacob looked at her in shock. He could see how pale she was. She was not happy. "Bells?" he questioned.

Bells ignored him and turned in towards her dad. "Can we go now dad please?" she mumbled.

Jacob stood there not understanding. His lower lip poked out in a familiar pout. The easy tears started to fall down his cheeks. Bells heard him sniffle and she chanced a glance at him. He was red in the face and upset. Her little Jacob was upset, the walls around Bells finally cracked and she started to vent the full force of her misery. Her own loud cries startled the grownups. Her dad tried to pick her up and comfort her but she pushed him away and this time she took Jacob's hand. They disappeared in the direction of the old garage.

Once inside Jacob led Bells towards the darkest corner of the hideout. He picked up his little backpack and showed it to her. "What's this for?" Bells asked curiously.

Jacob gave her his biggest beam, showing all his teeth. "I'm comin' wiv you Bells." He announced proudly.

Bells looked at him in confusion, "Really?"

Jacob nodded, "I live wiv you."

Bells thought this plan through. It could work. Jacob's mum and dad had the twins. That was two. If Jacob lived with her that would also be two. Bells could count very well. She liked the number two, it was an even number. Everyone would be happy. For the first time in hours Bells smiled. Problem solved!

Jacob brought out his bucket and spade. "Let's look for treasure."

Bells agreed enthusiastically and they ambled off to start the hunt.

A/N-What will happen now? Please review and tell me what you think.