Chapter 7 – Emotional

Edward's POV

"Edward, just leave already. Sulking around the house and ruining everybody else's day isn't going to make anybody happy," Alice muttered under her breath, from her computer. I looked up at her, my hand under my chin as I contemplated my choices. "You know she's going to, anyways. Just get it over with. I'm not any happier about her smelling like werewolf ass than you are." Sometimes I couldn't laugh at my sister's sense of humor.

Against my better judgment, I took her advice and went to my car in the garage.

"God, finally! I was beginning to think I'd have to get Emmett to punk you before you would leave," Rosalie gloated from under her car. I tossed a sneer at her that she couldn't see and then slipped into the front seat of my car. She was at my window the next second.

"Edward," she said, tapping on the glass. I started the car and went to open the garage but couldn't find my door opener. I glanced at Rose and saw it in her slender fingers. I let out an irritated breath before pressing the button to roll the window down. She pulled the clicker out of my reach and I waited for her to speak.

"I don't agree with you and Bella. I don't agree with turning her into a vampire. I don't like her, I think I hate her, in fact," she commented, turning the clicker over in her hand.

"Point, Rose?"

"The point is, Eddie, that I DO agree that every girl deserves happiness. And if you take away a girl's happiness, all you'll have is misery. Or a broken heart," she said, looking down at me. I tried not to break her eye contact, but her stare was too intense. I glanced at my steering wheel before looking back at her. She clicked the garage door open and then handed it to me, taking a step back.

"Don't fuck up," she said and I peeled backwards out of the garage. I left the window down as I drove to Bella's. The events of the night before played in my head, over and over again. I glanced to the backseat and saw the battery of her huge ugly truck on the floor. I gritted my teeth, focusing back on the road. I couldn't stand the thought of her denying me again. When she pushed me out of her room, demanded that I leave, I felt some type of feral clawed monster rip open inside of me. Would she have demanded Jacob leave her room?

No, but then again, Black hadn't taken the battery out of her truck.

As I pulled up to her house, I parked my car on the street and dragged the battery out of the back seat. I walked over to her truck and put it back in. A glance to the driveway showed Charlie had already left for work. I went to the front door but it was locked. I tried the back, same there. I grumbled, reduced to climbing a tree once more.

I pulled on the window a little but it wouldn't budge and I bit back a growl, deep in my throat. Her curtains were pulled shut, too. I took a seat on the branch of the tree and knocked politely on the window.

After about a minute of listening to bumbling around inside her room (and I'm sure I heard a chair fall over), her petite face showed through the window. She still looked irritated. That face was not one I wanted to see much longer. She stared at me for about another minute before she sighed and unlocked it. I stepped forward as she opened the window but she shook her head. Her little chin stuck out in defiance. I could feel the need to possess running through me.

"What do you want?" she asked. I'm sure my mouth fell open a little, but I recovered. Quickly.

"You can go see that ridiculous mutt," I gritted, frustration mixing in with my other emotions. I saw her mouth slacken as she watched me. I didn't know how much longer I could stand her acting like she was in control of letting me inside her house. She finally took a step back and I swung into her room.

"What changed?" she asked. Again, with the questions. She'd always had too many. I turned away from her to shut the window.

"Isn't it enough that I'll let you go see him?" I asked.

"I'm going for another battery with Charlie when he gets back from work at 2. You can't keep me from Jacob forever," she said and I closed my eyes for a moment.

"How right you are," I mumbled under my breath, opening my eyes to glance out her window.

"What did you say?" she asked and I turned around to face her.

"I know I can't keep you from going to see him," I said. Her face was caught at an awkward look of confusion.

"What? You had Alice check for you?" she asked, laughing a little. I looked to her bed, avoiding her eyes. "Oh my God, you had Alice look?!"

"I didn't have to ask her! I came home last night and she ran down the stairs, yelling at me for what I'd done to make you so persistent to see those flea bags-"

"I can't believe you guys! Those are my friends, Edward. Stop talking about them like that," she said. I rolled my eyes.

"And you think they call us anything better behind our backs? Even to our face," I said. Apparently, I'd only pushed her further. Her eyes were aflame. I tried to regroup.

"Listen, I didn't come here to fight. I got kicked out of my happy household of couples because I was sulking. Can't we just get past this?" I asked, reaching out for her hands. Luckily, she didn't hold a grudge very long. After about two seconds of looking me up and down, she rolled her eyes and put her hands in mine.

I pulled them up and kissed her knuckles before pulling her closer to me.

"I put the battery back in your car," I said softly, rubbing two fingers over her shoulder. She was caught between being tense and trying to relax.

"Well… Thanks. You saved me eighty bucks," she said and I tried not to laugh. She caught on and laughed also.

Perfect, I thought. Now, she'll go to the idiot's front door and he'll get to be the bad guy and turn her away. She'll be hurt, and miserable, and when she comes back, I'll be here to comfort her. With Black's hatred of vampires, he could never overcome her decision to stay with me. He would never want her around him or his pack. I grinned as I kissed Bella's forehead.

Bella's POV

By the time Edward had left, it was already ten. That left me here in my truck, driving to La Push, two hours later. I was jumpy, glancing around me all the time. I couldn't believe that Alice was keeping such a close watch on me. I didn't know if I could handle her and Edward knowing every move I made. I let out a deep breath I didn't know I was holding once I crossed the line into La Push.

It was another minute before I pulled up in front of Jake's house. As I got out, I saw two guys walking towards the house. I paused long enough to see who they were before turning around and jogging up the stairs. Jogging up stairs works better when you're coordinated. I ended up eating floor.

"What are you doing here, Bella?" Paul asked from behind me. I sighed as I flipped over and got to my feet. Thanks for the concern, guys.

"I'm here to see Jacob," I said, sticking my chin out for the second time today, in an attempt at seeming brave.

"Well he doesn't want to see you. You should just leave," Jared said, stepping up onto the porch. I stepped backwards, feeling for the door handle to the screen behind me.

"You know, I'd really like to talk to him about that, if you don't mind," I said, and yanked the screen open. Paul caught my wrist and pulled me back out of the house but the attention had been drawn. Billy came rolling out onto the porch as I was getting pushed down the stairs.

"Boys, let me handle this," Billy said. I felt a warm sense of appreciation for the man. I tried to pull my wrist from Paul's grip, as it was starting to make me hot. He was either warmer than the other werewolves, or he just got hotter when he was angry. Finally, he let me go and I craddled my hand to my chest.

"Later, Bell-a," Jared said, walking after Paul. I sighed as I turned back to Billy and gave a weak shrug.

"Can I see Jake?" I asked, stepping back up onto the porch.

"He's not in, Bella," he said. I raised my eye brow before looking past him. I'd heard that before.

"Sorry again, Billy, but I really need to see him now," I said, barging past him. I went into Jake's room but he was nowhere to be found. I looked behind me, feeling an embarrassed blush come over my cheeks. I could only imagine what he was thinking. Oh, this is what I sent Paul and Jared away for?

"Sorry, Billy. You've tried that one before," I said. He chuckled and I felt the blush deepen.

"And never again, shall I, Bella," he said, holding his hand over his heart, like he was taking an oath. I smiled a little and he backed out of the hallway. I followed him into the living room.

"Where is he?" I asked, feeling very odd in my green dress and leggings. I guess I hadn't really thought everything through. Not only would Jake see me like this, Billy and the pack would too. Billy turned to look at me.

"I honestly don't know. We could go over to Sam and Emily's, if you're up for it?" he asked, indicating to her dress. I blushed again.

"I just need to talk to Jake. Oh, and if you could call my dad later on today and tell him I was here, blushing up a storm," I said. Billy chuckled again. He opened his hand towards the front door and I walked over to it. He followed me out and then we went over to Sam's.

Turns out Sam wasn't home either. I started losing hope when I saw Emily come out of the kitchen.

"Well hello, Bella. I haven't seen you in these parts lately," she said, smiling lightly at me before glancing at Billy. I saw him shrug out of the corner of my eye.

"Got any of those gigantic muffins around, Em? I'll be in the living room," he said, rolling away. She smiled at me again before disappearing into the kitchen. She came back a minute later and deposited a muffin into my hands.

"Can you give that to the old man? Then come back, and I'll get you something," she said. It wasn't one of those open ended offers. Her voice literally said, "Come back." I tried not to let panic sweep through me. I took the muffin to Billy and then returned. Emily was sitting at the table with a small plate of food ready for me. I sat down across from her.

"You know none of the pack is too happy you're here?" she asked and I crossed my feet under the table, looking down into my palms. "Paul and Jared told me. And you know Paul."

"Yeah, I know. And I'm starting to get the hint I'm not supposed to be here, yeah," I said.

"Well you can't blame them. You chose a vampire over your friendship with Jacob, Bella. Now don't get me wrong, I understand love is thicker than friendship for most girls," Emily said. I wanted to stop her, tell her I didn't want to have this conversation. But she always commanded this great air of respect. Maybe it was the effect of dating the alpha wolf. "Just don't play with Jacob, Bella. He was so devastated when you left for Italy. I don't want to see him like that again."

I cleared my throat, forcing my eyes up to hers. It was so hard, staring into the face that was scarred by a werewolf's love. That wasn't what made it so difficult though. It was having to lie to everyone. It was lying, everything was a lie, because she still didn't know what the truth was.

"Jake knows I love Edward and I won't leave him. I just want my best friend back. I'm not going to mess with his emotions," I said, finally gaining enough courage to lie straight to her face. Emily gave a half hearted smile.

"We shall see-" she started, but was interrupted by a yell from outside.

"Sam's coming back up! Hide the vamp chick!" Jared yelled and I tried not to roll my eyes. Emily got to her feet.

"A bunch of hungry werewolves are about to come home. Someone has to make sure they're fed," she stated and then smiled before heading to the kitchen. "See you around, Bella." I got to my feet then and made my way as quickly as possible to Billy. If everyone was coming over, I sure as hell didn't want to be sitting at their table with no one to speak for me.

Sam stepped inside the front door just as I was coming up to it and I took a step back to let him in. He looked at me for a moment, up and down. I felt raw, like I was being judged. Maybe my body language was being read, like how Edward read minds. I heard Billy rolling over to us and was glad for the distraction. I looked away. I could still feel Sam's gaze on me.

"Ah, Billy. He went back to check on you, old man," Sam said, addressing Billy and shutting me out of the conversation completely. He passed me without a word and went into the kitchen to see Emily. I tried not to let it sting, the way he ignored me. I knew how the whole pack felt about my loyalty to the Cullen's. Their reactions should be no surprise.

"Should I push you back, Billy?" I asked, shifting awkwardly. Not only was I in a land that hated me, I was in a house full of people who hated me, in a dress that I didn't fit in correctly. The understatement of the century for how I felt was awkward.

Billy smiled at me and then rolled past me. I followed him out of the house and then took over the pushing.

"Just give the pack some time, Bella. I don't like vampires much, but I know your intentions are good," Billy said over his shoulder. I glanced out at the ocean and tried not to remember walking around on the beach with Jacob, when things were simple.

"I just wish I could keep my boyfriend, and my best friend, you know? Normal people don't have this type of problem," I said, glancing at Billy. He let out a hearty laugh and I stared at him now.

"Bella, if you think all girls get to hang out with their boyfriends and male best friends, you're living in a fantasy," he said.

"Or a nightmare, with all the supernatural creatures running around here," I said, looking back out at the ocean. Billy nodded in agreement.

"Could very well all be a nightmare," he said and I tried not to let his words bother me as I looked up to the Black house.

And my heart stopped as I saw Jacob leaning over the porch railing. He was shirtless, like always. And he was wearing pants that still seemed wet. His hair was getting longer, the perfect length now. It didn't appear bristle like any more. His eyes were dark and penetrating. He was staring straight at me and I felt my mouth go dry. I refused to look lower than his face any more. I rolled Billy up to the front porch and then he went inside without a word.

Jacob's POV

I parted with Embry on the beach. Everyone was meeting up at Sam's place for dinner. No one could resist Emily's cooking. But I was still too uptight about the jump into the water to enjoy it, so I made my way home. I walked the beach, glancing around at the different scenery surrounding me. It was only a matter of minutes before I got home.

I opened the door and I could smell her. Bella had been here. I could smell her scent. Being a wolf was great for that kind of thing. She always smelled like berries, with a slight scent of something else. It was something I couldn't pin point. But it always helped me distinguish her scent from anything else. I made my way to my bedroom.

"Bella, what are you do-" I started, but she wasn't there. I took in a deep breath and I smelled her still. She had been here too. Where was she now? I glanced around the rest of my house but there wasn't a sign of anyone, not even my dad.

I walked out onto the porch and did a quick scan of the area but to no avail. I let it go, deciding she probably went home once I hadn't come back. It was about 1:30 and she probably had to rush home to satisfy her blood sucker. I leaned on the porch railing and looked out at the ocean. I barely had time to think any more about the jump from the cliff before I heard voices. I looked towards Emily and Sam's place and saw Bella pushing my dad.

No, I take that back. I saw Bella. Bella and only Bella. Even though she was behind my dad's wheelchair, I knew I wanted to see more. Her hair was straight, and flowing in the breeze that drifted on the shore. Was it pulled back? She was wearing make up? And her outfit… She was wearing an entrancing dark green. I'd never seen a more beautiful color on her.

They got closer. And I suddenly stopped focusing on her outfit. She was pushing my dad up the ramp to the porch. She was coming even closer. And I spotted the splotch on her neck. I saw the brief and faded bite marks. It hadn't broken skin, but it had been very close. I couldn't control myself. The astonishment I had felt at seeing her dressed like she was disappeared as rage overcame me. My dad went inside. I looked Bella up and down once more before I turned on my heel to follow my dad.

"Jake, wait!" she cried, and I felt her hand grab my wrist. I shook. I couldn't help it. I was nearly convulsing. I didn't know if I could keep the anger inside. "I need to talk to you," I heard her say. I bit on my tongue, trying to keep calm. Especially with her so close to me, I couldn't lose it now.

"Talk to me, about what's on your neck," I gritted out. My voice sounded gruff, and irritated. I wished it would go away. But the image of her neck flashed in front of me again and I closed my eyes against it. As soon as I spoke, she let go of my wrist.

"I-… I just wanted to see if we could talk about us," she said. "Our friendship," she clarified. I tilted my head back a little, trying to keep calm. Cool, so she still wanted to think of us as completely just friends. Awesome. I turned to face her and my eyes went straight to where her hand was now hiding her neck.

"Why aren't you a vampire yet?" I asked, backing away from her and reaching for the porch railing. I dug my fingers into it, needing something to keep me grounded. She looked as if she was thinking. Thinking deeply. She ran her hands through her hair, knocking out the little rubber band that had been holding the front back. She turned away from me and I found it easier to keep calm now. Talking. Talking helped. She turned back to face me, looking lost and confused. Almost on the verge of tears.

"I didn't want to be," she said. I could feel my whole façade crumple beneath me. Those were probably the only words she could have said to get me to completely forget about shifting. Well, I could think of a few others too, but this was the most extraordinary statement she could make. She gave a little shrug as I watched her. I let go of the guard rail.

"What do you mean, you didn't want to be?" I asked, taking a step toward her. I could swear my heart was beating faster than a frightened rabbit's.

"I don't want to be a vampire. At least, not lately. Not if it keeps me from you. My werewolf, my best friend," she said and I felt like I could jump up and down like a giddy kid. I restrained myself though. I settled on a scowl as I walked closer to her.

"What's this, then?" I asked, feeling jealousy take its course through my veins as I ran my fingertips over her now exposed neck. She reached up and touched it. Our fingers brushed and I felt a spark of heat shoot through my arm. I might have jumped her if she hadn't spoken.

"Edward got out of control when he found out I wanted to come see you. Then he pulled the battery out of my car. I would have been here yesterday, but I couldn't. Jake, he wouldn't let me-" she finished and I couldn't handle the scratches, the breaks in her voice. I stepped forward and pulled her into my arms, hugging her tightly. Her hands came up my back and squeezed me. I felt her shudder and I rested my cheek on top of her head.

"It's ok, Bella. We'll talk about it later. It's ok now," I whispered, smelling her scent mingle all over me. We would talk about this later. I was angry at her, but right now she needed me. I couldn't turn her away. But this was in no way over.

A/N: Your wishes are my command! What did you guys think, hm? I want a BUNCH of reviews, and I'll have their WHOLE meeting up by… tomorrow? Am I writing at too fast of a pace, or do you guys like so many updates? Let me know, I lovem my reviews!

And if I owned Twilight, Jacob would hide in my closet and give me sweet kisses every night. I'd be his friggin Bella, let me tell you.