"It's only nine-thirty Renesmee. Calm down!" laughed Edward. He looked over his shoulder at her as they drove towards the darkened horizon of the pacific north-west coast, towards La Push, towards Jacob. She sat in the backseat of his car, her leg pulsing, her hands shaking.She was so nervous.

She forced deep breaths in an attempt to calm herself.

"Sorry, I know it's early. I'm just so…"

Bella cut in, "Nervous? We hadn't noticed," she laughed as she rolled her eyes. "Relax Ren, he's going to be just as nervous as you are. He phoned me about twenty times just to check you're still coming."

"Really?"

"Yes. Really." Bella turned around in her seat to face Renesmee, "you don't have to be nervous. Be yourself. And don't run away- again!"

They pulled into the street where the party was, and parked across the road. The heavy base was pounding out the open doorway. Kids were moving in and out of the house onto the porch, some with cans of beer in their hands.

As the trio approached the house, Renesmee let Bella and Edward lead, hiding behind them. They weaved their way around the people dancing in the living room. Leaving their coats and bags in a bedroom they headed towards the kitchen in the rear of the house.

"Well! Where have you been all of my life?" came a voice from behind her as she felt an arm wind around her waist, the hand brushing over her hip, a little lower than just a friendly hello. She squirmed to the side attempting to graciously pull her way out of the stranger's grip.

"Renesmee, meet Quil. Quil, get your dirty paws of my friend," Bella chided as she reached in for a hug, effectively getting Renesmee out of his embrace.

He shook Edwards hand as he eyed Renesmee up and down. "Hi, I'm Quil . Quil Ateara." He puffed his chest out and gave her what she guessed was his version of 'bedroom eyes'.

In spite of his wandering hands, she found the boy amusing and Ness help but mimic his stance, saying. "Hi, I'm Renesmee Mason… and haven't I been in heaven for most of your life, didn't I just fall from there or something?"

"Ouch, a body and a brain, I like her already," he smiled, winking at Bella while cocking his head to Renesmee. "You looking for Jake? I just saw him in here a few minutes ago." He pointed to the front of the house. "The drinks are on the porch, feel free to have whatever you like. We got Leah Uley to get us some beer and even a few bottles of spirits for later. God that girl is cool!"

They made their way back round through the living area, weaving through clusters of people turning their bodies to the beat of the music, detouring to grab their jackets. As they approached the front door, Renesmee could hear a familiar laugh outside. Her heart skipped a beat and the quiet flutter of butterflies in her stomach took off into a fully-fledged migration of a Monarch. Jacob! She nearly pushed past Bella as they approached the door but held herself in check.

Edward shot a glance over his shoulder at her, laughter in his eyes. "Calm Down. You look like you're gunna be sick all over the floor." She just glared at her friend's partner with an incredulous look, her cheeks flushing.

"Jake!" called Bella as she walked outside.

"Bells, you're here! I didn't see you come in," he reached down to hug her. Jake had been hovering outside in the cold of the porch waiting for her to arrive.

"We just got here. Renesmee just had the pleasure of meeting Quil."

At the mention of her name, his eyes shot up, looking behind his friend, searching for the face of the girl he had been thinking about non-stop for the past few weeks. Renesmee poked her head around the corner, her eyes honing in on his. As their eyes met, the nervousness and anxiety she had been feeling melted away, replaced instead with a grounding sense of completeness. Her soul recognised his.

Jacob's eyes drank in her appearance. Her creamy skin was flawless against the dark of her jacket. Her hair fell in ringlets over the fury hood pushed behind her. He watched as her tense face transformed to sureness and serenity. She smiled at him. Her eyes lit by the happiness that shone from within her. He felt the connection to her, the pull she had. His soul recognised hers.

"Hey," he said, everyone else forgotten.

"Hey yourself." Renesmee bit into her inner cheek, stepping over the threshold closer to Jacob.

"I'm glad you came." He brushed his hand over her arm.

"I wish I'd been able to come earlier," she said, her voice soft in the cold night air.

"Well, you're here now, that's what counts."

He was once again struck by how naturally beautiful she was, no heavy make-up, her glossy hair falling over her statuesque shoulders.

Jacob was snapped out of his trance by a tanned arm punching him in the shoulder. "Jackey boy. Where's the Vitamin R?"

"OH, hey Paul. In the red cooler, I think," he replied, forced back into reality. Jacob looked around him, remembering that Edward and Bella were still out on the porch with them. "Did you guys get a drink?" he asked as he walked over to the coolers, opening the lid. "I don't think we need to shut the lids, it's like fifteen degrees out here tonight. That should keep the drinks cold enough." He pulled out a soda handing it to Bella. He knew his friend too well to ask her. "What'd you like Edward?"

Edward replied, leaning over the box. "Let me see. I'll just have a Rainer."

Jake took one more out for himself and turned to Renesmee. "What about you Ness?"

"Um, no beer. I might just wait a bit. I'll have a sip of someone else's later."

She immediately worried that it might be rude not to have a drink at a party. She didn't want him thinking her square. "Oh, on second thoughts, is there a cruiser or something in there?"

"Don't feel like you have to drink, Renesmee. There's plenty of other stuff in here." He rummaged around the other box pulling out a bottle of orange juice. "What about this?"

"Okay then, thanks," she smiled as he handed it to her, his fingers brushing along hers. Jake took a swig from his bottle as he watched her open hers and drink. Her lips moulded themselves to the rim as she tilted her head back. He eyed the movement over her throat as she swallowed down the liquid. Who would have thought drinking some juice could be so dam sexy?

He cleared his throat trying to clear his head too. "Want to go for a walk?"

She smiled, she seemed shy and unsure of herself tonight. "That would be nice," she said chewing on her bottom lip nervously. "We should have talked weeks ago, I'm sorry," she gushed, her apology heavy in her green eyes. "Let me just get my bag."

They left their drinks on the window sill as she ducked back into the house and quickly grabbed her satchel.

Bella stopped her before she could rush out the doorway, pulling her in to a light hug. "Have fun!" she sang into Renesmee's ear. Renesmee searched through her bag looking for her gloves, then decided against it. She was hoping Jacob would hold her hand and she wanted to feel his skin on hers. She settled for her scarf as she wound it around her neckline, did up her jacket and lifted her hood.

"Are you warm enough?" asked Jacob as he took her by the hand to lead her down the street. His hand was warm around hers, he laced their fingers together as he drew circles on her palm with his thumb. The sensation tickled, her nerve endings heightened by his nearness.

"Plenty warm, thank you," she smiled. Her heart was pounding so hard, she wondered if he could hear it. Suddenly, she remembered the Christmas gift she had for him, and now that she was thinking about it, it was like it was burning a hole in her satchel as it pressed against her leg.

Deciding it was a good way to start up a conversation, she jumped straight in with it. "How was your Christmas?"

"It was good," he shrugged, not saying that most of it was spent missing her. "One of my sisters are home for the holidays, so it was nice for it to not just be me and my dad."

They continued to walk on, hand in hand in silence. "Did you get any good stuff for Christmas?" she asked as she noticed the brown suede jacket he was wearing. "I helped Bella pick out that jacket," she rubbed her free arm down his.

"You did? That must be why I actually like it."

He leaned in towards her, his hand up to his mouth to indicate a secret. "Don't tell her, but, let's just say she doesn't always get the most useful gifts."

She sniggered in understanding, "I know what you mean. I got an exercise DVD this year. I mean it's great, but I kind of have a pretty ramped up exercise program already. I have a coach that yells at me at training 4 times a week and I do drills, and weights, and Pilates, and a hell of a lot of running in between. I think I should be the one in the DVD."

He laughed at her candour, his belly shaking. He used the back of his hand to wipe a joyful tear away. She squeezed his hand as she shyly admitted, "I don't want to make you uncomfortable Jake, but, I got you something little for Christmas too."

He smiled, lighting up his entire face. "I did too. But I left it back at my place," he lifted his chin motioning down the long street. "It's only another block down, let's go there now."

They walked side by side, the air crisp in his lungs. The cloud cover was thin enough to allow the moon to cast an ethereal glow over the pair, illuminating the road. He wound his arm around her shoulder pulling her in under him. Their footsteps synchronised, tapping out a rhythm of their feelings.

As they approached his house, he suddenly felt nervous once again. He was bringing this girl home. He couldn't remember if he'd left his room a mess. He hoped it wasn't too embarrassing. At least the bed was made. Jacob swallowed hard, his mouth dry. He released her shoulders and took back her hand as he motioned towards the little red house his mother and father had made into a home.

"This is it. My dad's gone over to the Clearwater's with Charlie. And… I don't know where my sister is tonight?" The couple entered the dark house. Jacob dropped her hand as he moved quietly through the darkness. Renesmee paused in the doorway, removing her jacket as a lamp next to the couch switched on, illuminating the room.

The house was simply furnished with an earthy, natural feel. On the walls hung some paintings, traditional weavings and wood carvings. The mantle was scattered with photos in frames. Renesmee made a mental note to herself to inspect the pictures before she left. The house was tidy and clean, yet still with a much lived-in feel to it.

Jake took her by the hand as he led her through the hall, past the dine-in kitchen. "This is my room." He paused before he opened the door, "Sorry if it's messy."

He walked into his bedroom, flicking on the light and picking up a few stray clothes scattered on the floor as she followed behind.

It was a small room; the bed sat predominantly in the centre. Her eyes scanned across his private space. The desk was littered with papers and a few dirty dishes, his wardrobe had draws haphazardly left open, clothes spilling over and onto the floor. There were posters and paintings on the far wall; Native American and Karate inspired alike. Renesmee felt she had a quick snapshot into the man she was hoping to know better.

"Sit if you want," he said, pointing to the bed as he searched for her gift.

Renesmee unwound her bag from across her torso and placed it on the bed as she plopped down. "It's not messy at all," she assured.

Her eyes continued to scan around the room, feeling the privilege of being invited into this man's inner sanctum. Her gaze settled on the back of his bedroom door. She let out a laugh as she saw the faded poster stuck to the back. "Nice!" she chuckled. "You're a tennis fan hey? What is it with guys and Anna Kournikova? "

He stood bolt upright and rushed over to the door, tearing the poster down. "I'm sorry. I can't believe you saw that. It's been there since I was like, twelve."

"Jake don't worry! It's pretty normal. Even I have to admit, she did have an amazing body."

She stood, taking the rumpled paper from his hands. "Don't pull it down on my account." She smoothed out the creases and attempted to tack it back up on the door.

Even through his embarrassment, Jake took the time to watch as she reached up, pressing at the corners of the poster. The gracefulness of her long arms was evident through the form fitting scoop necked shirt she wore. It was an emerald green shirt, Jacob though about how nice it looked against her skin and hair, he'd seen that green before, it was the same green as her eyes.

He couldn't stop staring at her taut stomach and full breast as she stretched towards the door, his eyes raked over the way the jeans she had on moulded to the curve of her ass. "What can I say?" he said, sitting on his bed to watch her some more. "I like the athletic type."

Oblivious to his overture, Renesmee walked back to the bed and sat down next to him, their knees touching.

"Speaking of athletic. I want to give you your Christmas present." She turned to shuffle through her bag, handing him a humbly wrapped gift in brown paper with a gold ribbon around it. "Here," she whispered. "Merry Christmas, even if it is a week late."

He carefully unwrapped the paper. Inside he found a collection of three things; a gift card for a fuel station; a USB attached to a lanyard; and a grey sweat shirt with a big purple W and the words Washington across the front. "The weekend of the 14th I have an invitational meet in Seattle. I thought you might like to come up for the weekend. Watch me compete on the Friday night and the Saturday. Then we can spend Sunday together."

She met his eye and noted a flash of primitive heat bubble up into the dark deep brown, until his gaze flicked down to the plastic card she then held up. "This is for gas to get you there. And this," she said wrapping the brown and cream lanyard around her knuckles, "is for you to listen to on the way. So I can show you some of the music I like." She shrugged taking the cap off and back on again.

Next she held up the pullover against her chest, "and this is for you to wear when you cheer us on. GO TEAM!" She mockingly punched the air like a dork.

He laughed as he took the hoodie from her. Removing his own jacket, he pulled the sweater over his head. His eyes met her, a warmness in his gaze, "It fits well. Thank you, Ness."

Then Jacob reached over, unwinding the lanyard and USB from her hand. He held the creamy binding up, reading aloud, "Wild Turkey— Give em the bird." Jake raised and eye at her, smiling.

"What?" she smiled, nervous.

"Nothing," he grinned, his voice lifting though mumbled lips as he held back a chuckle. "It's just… you don't strike me as a bourbon kind of girl." He gave her a smug smile, laughing at her expense.

"I'm not," she giggled, slapping him lightly on the arm. "I got it free at a music festival where I was playing in the orchestra, it was ages ago. I don't drink soda let alone Whisky." Ness shifted on the bed pressing her knee into Jacob's thigh. "Just listen to the music on the drive. Ignore my choice of lanyard." Renesmee's face flushed a hot pink.

"All right then," he smiled, bunching up the material and taking off the cap. He'd made fun of her enough. "I'll put it on now." There was so much of this woman he wanted to know better. He was eager for her to share this part of herself with him.

"No!" she cringed, "I'm too embarrassed. You might laugh at some of them, I have some pretty old-school tastes. I don't want to hear if you laugh," she burbled.

She combed her hands through her hair, twisting a curl around her fingers, settling her nerves, "I loved all the songs you put on mine, by the way."

Forgetting his raillery for the moment, Jake looked at her, puzzled. "What songs?"

Ness shook her head, "The playlist of classical stuff you made me. Didn't you post it to me?"

Jacob was slowly shaking his head back and forth. "I have never made a playlist of classical songs, in-my-life."

A cold shiver spread through her. "I wonder who did then. That's weird."

"Bella probably did put it there. Maybe Edward sent it," he said, suggesting the obvious alternative.

She nodded, "Yeah. Maybe." She paused. "If anyone knows classical it's the Piano Man, Ed."

They sat in companionable silence, both lost in their own thoughts. Renesmee began thinking about the invitation she had just given him and started to worry. Was it too forward? What was that look about? Did he even want to see her again? He seemed to be comfortable with her now, but she didn't want to presume. "So, you'll come to Seattle that weekend?"

Jake looked over to her, a cheeky glint in his eye. He tucked his lips between his teeth trying to supress a smile. "What?" she asked.

"That's a special weekend," he said, his tongue stretched to his back teeth, making his smile sexy as hell. "Do you know why?"

She just looked at him with brows raised, she had no idea what he was talking about. "I don't know. It's the Seattle Indoor Invitational?" she guessed, lamely.

He laughed, bouncing a little on the mattress edge, enjoying his little game. "No, I mean it's a special weekend for me." Ness just sat on the side of his bed, shaking her head in blankness. "That's my birthday!" he announced in a flourish.

"What? On the 14th?" she asked.

He nodded.

"Jake, I can't ask you to leave your family on your birthday. You can come another time. It's okay," she offered, wishing she'd known that little titbit of information in advance.

"What? No!" he said, his head shaking. "Of course I want to come. I'll expect cake though." He made a grunt as if he hated the look of his bedroom. "As if I'd stay here in sleepy hollow rather than see you in the big city," his smile was broad, his eyes bright in the artificial light of his room.

Ness spotted her gaze over his features, she was flattered that he'd choose to spend his birthday with her. She didn't want to read too much into in, but she was hopeful.

If he wanted cake, he was getting cake. "What type do you like?"

He replied quickly, as if the answer was obvious, "Chocolate."

Ness pulled a face, shaking her head apologetically, "No. I can't do chocolate. I've given it up as motivation to do well this season."

Jake took pause, inkling his head towards Renesmee further. "Really? Does that work?"

"I don't know? I've never done it before. Coach has us all doing it."

"Well then, in that case," he reached up and wound his fingers through her long red brown hair. The mood in the room shifting palpably. "How about that red velvet cake everyone talks about. I'd like to try that."

She swallowed hard, the feeling of him touching her hair sent shivers over her. Man… she had it bad.

"Red velvet. Leave it with me," she squeaked as he continued to feel the soft silk texture of her curls.

"Can I do something?" he asked, separating a long lock of her hair and leaning into her. He brought the ringlet to his nose and inhaled slowly and deeply. She watched as his chest expanded, filling himself with her fragrance. The gesture sent another warm little shiver through her. "What is that smell?" he asked, as he brought his hand to her face, cupping her cheek with his fingers. "I haven't been able to get that smell out of my head for weeks. It's really nice."

She looked into his eyes, her eyes darting back and forth between his. "It's probably the lavender shampoo I use. My home town is famous for its lavender farms."

"I officially like lavender," he said, leaning in closer.

Their lips hovered millimetres from the other as they both hitched their breath. She could feel the fiery heat radiating off him, the smell of his cologne sunk into her chest and set her butterfly's alight. She'd been waiting to be able kiss him again for so very long.

He scanned over the soft, smoothness of her face, tracing with his eyes the play of freckles across her nose. His hand scooped around her jaw as he pulled her in infinitesimally closer, until his lips met hers in a soft, overdue kiss.

His mouth moulded around hers as he pulled her body towards his. She opened her mouth and kissed him back. She draped her arms over his wide shoulders as his hand wondered down her side, settling into her waist. They sat sitting side by side on his bed for several minutes, lips and tongues winding into one.

Eventually, they came up for air with arms intertwined and foreheads resting on each other's. She closed her eyes as she listened to his breathing, the small rumble in his chest sent shivers through her. She wanted to be with him so badly, but she needed to know if he really was free to return the affection. "Jake," she panted gently, "sorry… to break the mood, but... I… I have to be sure." She looked up to him, the still unsaid question in her eyes.

He knew what she was asking nonetheless. "Renesmee, I told her it was over that day on the beach. I wish you'd waited for me to come back to the fire. She wasn't home that morning, I couldn't find her before then, I did it as soon as I saw her. I know what it might have looked like, but you have to believe me. There's no games. I'm not playing you. From now on it's just you and me. If...if that's what you want," he added hesitantly.

Mollified, she smiled, nodding, "yeah, that's… that's what I want."

A flush of relief washed over both of them.

"So, can I call you my girlfriend now?"

She laughed at his endearing impetuousness, "yes, if you want," she said shyly. "You can even put it on Facebook if you like," she teased, though secretly thrilled.

"Then can I give my girlfriend her Christmas present?" he asked as he turned away, reaching for the package behind him. It was wrapped in bright paper with little Christmas trees all over it. The tape haphazardly stuck across the seams. He gave the small bundle to her and she opened the paper and found two items, one a small wooden carving of a bird.

He leaned in to her, their temples pressed together. "It's a robin," he explained as she felt the smoothness of the wood.

Sitting back, she brought it closer to her face and inspected the detail of the feathers. Renesmee turned it around in her hands reading the initials 'J.B.' engraved on the underside. "You made this?" she asked surprised and touched.

He nodded his assent. "Do you like it?" He had spent the majority of this past week creating the little bird for her.

"Do I like it? Do I like it? Jake, I love it. You really made this yourself?" She couldn't stop looking at it. "This is amazing. You made me a Robin!" She held the little figurine in her hand, closing her fingers around it, bringing it to her chest. "Thank you. It's perfect."

"Don't forget the other thing," he said as he reached into the wrapping paper grabbing it out.

"Here," he said, as he reached for her hand and brought her wrist closer so to tie a woven band around it. She inspected the band. It was made of brown leather with red and cream threads woven with intricate patterns of chevrons and star burst. There was a smoothed creamy bead in the centre that she ran her hands over. "It's whale bone," he explained as she circled the bead with her finger and thumb.

"Did you make this too?" she asked incredulously.

He shrugged, attempting to down play his skills, "I carved the bone and did some of the weaving. I got my sister to help me with it. She's good at that stuff, my mom taught my sisters. I made a matching one for myself too," he added, as he pulled it out from behind him. He placed his band around his wrist resting his arm on her leg.

She tied the chord into a tight knot, then took his hand in hers, holding up both their arms. She pressed her forearm to his so that the bands were aligned. "We match," he said. It seemed as though a very long woven cord was interlaced in a figure of eight pattern, binding them together.

"I like that," she agreed. Renesmee reached her arm around his neck, "I love my gifts. Thank you Jake," she whispered as she kissed him sweetly.

He pulled her close to his chest, tucking her in under his arm as she rested her head on him. "Merry Christmas Ness."

They sat embraced in Jacob's bedroom until the clock in the lounge chimed, alerting them to the time. "Wow, it's already eleven, we'd better get back, we've missed most of the party." As they stood unfolding themselves from each other, Jake pulled Renesmee in by her waist. Their bodies pressing against one another and he kissed her again, hot and warm his mouth pressing down on her.

She moaned into his mouth as she felt the evidence of his excitement pressing into her hip. He angled his hips away from her creating a small space between. Ren ran her hands over the rolling muscles of his back and pulled his pelvis back in against her. "Another time," she whispered into his mouth as she then allowed the contact to be broken. He smiled, as he helped her into her jacket, his hands brushed over her neck as he lifted her hair of her shoulders.

"A guy could get used to this." He turned her around and did up the buttons on her front, the back of his knuckles brushing over her breasts through the material. She felt her skin scorch wherever he touched her even through the fabric.

"A girl could get used to this too."

They walked arm in arm back to the party, making idle chatter on the way. The night had turned decidedly colder, puffs of white smoke stemmed from their heated breath. The smell of snow lingered in the air. Only quiet music could be heard from the house now, sounds of laughter and hollering was what was mostly heard. Feeling suddenly light and more carefree than she had in a long time Ness picked up their drink from where they'd left them earlier. "Do you think there's anything around that I can add in this?" she asked holding up her half empty juice bottle as she handed him his can.

"Um?" he said looking around the table next to them, it was littered with bottles and cans. "Are you sure? I though you said you don't drink. Don't you have to be like, healthy or something?" he said, a worried frown starting across his brow.

"I said I don't drink bourbon; I didn't say anything about rum!" she said picking up the half empty bottle of coconut rum.

"This should taste good," she said as she poured the clear liquid into the half empty juice bottle, filling it to the brim. "It's New Year's Eve, Jake, I have to let loose sometimes. Even if it is just once a year," she mollified, lifting her bottle up to his and clinking the plastic to the aluminium. "Cheers!" she said as she took a strong sip.

They entered the main living area of the house to find the group of teenagers sitting around the lounge, arms and legs hanging over the couch, couples sitting comfortably in each other arms. Shots of sprits were lined up on the coffee table. A pungent, herbal, sweet smell in the air. Bella and Edward relaxing together in the loveseat, Jake stepped through the crowed pulling Renesmee along so they could sit at their friend's feet.

"Hey Jake, you can get on this one too," said Quill, as the couple got comfortable. He exchanged a knowing look with his friend before continuing. "I never, ever stole the vanilla essence from my mum's pantry to drink."

Picking up on the game instantly, Jacob picked up one of the shot glasses and threw it back. So did Quill and also another native boy Renesmee hadn't met yet, the trio laughing together. Jake leaned into Renesmee's ear as he pointed to the boy she didn't know. "That's my best friend Embry. I'll introduce you guys properly later on."

"I've got a good one," called Bella, her voice slurred by the alcohol she'd already consumed. "I've never ever, ever, ever been caught making out in the back seat of a car." She laughed as she took two shots off the table handing one to Edward, clinking their glasses together and drinking, along with several other people in the room.

Renesmee's eyes perused the faces, flicking over may unfamiliar faces until she stopped on a face she did know. As she took another long slug of her drink, Ren could practically taste the bile rising in her throat as she saw the familiar, pretty face of Aponi sitting up on the other sofa, like a queen. Her feet were resting on the boy she had met earlier, Paul. Their eyes met across the room and the look Aponi gave her sent a prickle over her spine. She squinted across the room at Jacob, but he seemed to have not yet seen his former girlfriend. Renesmee took Jacob's beer and emptied what was left of it.

A few more never-ever's went around as Renesmee watched the girl. Aponi also continued to eyeball Ness, her long manicured nails dancing around the rim of her glass like a witch around her cauldron. Each new glance earnt Renesmee a spiteful smirk from Aponi, and with each new smirk Renesmee gulped down more of her drink. Finally, the evil Sorceress gave Ren an unkind wink, snickering as she shifted off the couch. Her legs stretched out long, spreading in a scissor like motion of Paul's lap in an overtly sexual display as she leaned in towards the coffee table, filling up all the now empty shot glasses. Her low cut top fell forward giving every one opposite her, including Jake, an eyeful of her perky tits.

She sat back down and shot another nasty look at Renesmee. "I never ever," she started, still smirking at Ren, "gave or got, a blow job in the back seat of a car." She looked straight at Jacob as she flicked her tongue into the clear liquid like a snake, "or the front seat."

There was drunken laughter as several of the boys and a few of the girls drank. Renesmee look up at Jacob to see him glaring at Aponi with what could almost be described as hatred. His teeth were working, the muscles in his jaw undulating up and down.

"What Jakie," Aponi smirked, "you're not gunna drink to that? I know I did." The double meaning wasn't lost on Renesmee. "What? Your new little grille's not worldly enough for this game? She hasn't had a single drink yet."

"Fuck off Aponi, who invited you anyway?" he spat at her.

Jacob leaned into Renesmee, pulling her closer to him. "Sorry you had to hear that, it's not true— for the record. She's been giving me a hard time ever since I broke up with her and I think now she's seen me with you, she's gunna ramp it up a notch."

Renesmee pushed down the initial feeling of jealousy and insecurity, instead finding her inner bitch. The combination of rum and beer making it all the simpler. "Don't worry, two can play at that game, just I won't play dirty… much," Ren said, bristling at the girls attempt to embarrass them. She'd done nothing to this Aponi, and all Jake had ever done was quietly break off from their failed relationship. Aponi seemed to have it out for them, but she didn't know Renesmee, and she'd have another thing coming if she thought she could ridicule her or her man like that.

Ren came up onto her knees, raising her voice so to be heard, "I've got a few," she sneered, twisting the shot class between her fingers. "I've never ever been in a cat fight." She lifted her glass as if to cheer Aponi and drank. Jake sniggered under his breath giving her a slight pat on the backside.

"What about, I've never ever been in a fight were I've broken someone's nose." She threw back another shot, her head already swimming. "Or jaw," she added as she threw back a third one. The threat of violence was thinly veiled.

Renesmee could feel the effect of the vodka as it burned her throat and mixed with her rum filled, but otherwise empty stomach. It worked quickly, giving her the mettle to continue her little verbal rampage.

She put her hand up, interrupting the next person. She glared at Aponi, her head buzzing. "I never ever had to go to hospital for a heroin overdose." She drank again… adding, "at the age of ten," her fingers spastic as she attempted some type of gangster symbol.

Bella leaned over her chair reaching down to place a hand on Renesmee's shoulder. "Red Robin," she hushed, "that's enough." Renesmee shook off the hand, she was angry and she wanted to vent her rage at the audacious girl.

Renesmee was always so tightly wound, so controlled, that, as soon as the tension was released from the rubber band of her alter ego, it recoiled back with a sharp sting.

By now, everyone in the room was aware of the play between the two girls. People were looking down, not wanting to make eye contact, the uncomfortable tension was palpable. Aponi continued to look at Renesmee with a glare that screamed she wasn't worthy of breathing the same air as her. As she drunkenly overshared her most sordid life details with everyone in the room, the truth was, deep down inside, Renesmee didn't really think she was worthy either.

Once she had started to recall and share all her most hated memories, it was too late to stop. Like a bull at a gate, she was off on her tirade. The only problem was… she was hurting herself the most.

Ness lined up three more shots in front of her. "I never ever had a drug dealer as a dad." She drank. "Or, how about… I never ever had a drug addict as a mum?" She shook her head tipping back another vodka. "Even better, a dad who was beaten to death, while in jail, for dealing drugs. The trifecta!" Renesmee kneeled over to the low table, her hands behind her back as she placed her mouth around the shot glass. She lifted it only with her lips, tipping the liquid down her throat, trickles of vodka spilling in a zig-zag over her jaw.

Jacob was taken aback from Renesmee's outburst, she had always been generally so reserved and disciplined, so controlled. He recalled his first impressions of her as she'd rejected him all those months ago… Maybe she was too controlled. There were no handbrakes for when she lost it.

Jacob took the glass from her mouth. "Ness, stop." He stood up, pulling her up with him. "Come on babe," he prompted as he led her away from the circle, through to the kitchen.

He helped her as she sat up on to the counter, his hands cupping over her jaw. "What was that about?" he asked, a concerned yet exasperated tone in his voice. "That was full on. I thought you didn't tell people about your childhood?"

She hung her face in her hands, her head was swimming, she couldn't think straight. As quickly as he ire had been raised, Renesmee found her self-control and remorse and humiliation washed in.

"Oh, I don't," she cried. "I've made such a fucking fool of myself. Stupid insecurities," she looked up at Jacob.

She started to cry then, uncontrolled, drunken tears. He held her for several minutes, letting the pent up emotions be rung out.

"Hang on a sec," he said as he stepped to the sink and filled a glass with water. Wiping her face on a paper napkin by the stove, she took the offered glass. Renesmee tipped the glass back, empting the water in three of four gulps. It only took a moment for her to feel her stomach begin to churn.

"Oh Jake, I feel sick." she moaned, as she hopped down off the bench, stumbling.

Jacob held her firmly by the waist as he directed her to the bathroom. She emptied the content of her stomach in to the bowl. "It's better you're getting it out. You just had seven hard shots in less than twenty minutes, you know?" He held her hair back as she continued to heave. When she was done, she crawled over to the basin and washed her face. She used her finger and some toothpaste to Clayton's brush her teeth. Embarrassed, contrite and still a quite drunk, she leant against the sink and began to slowly slide down the vanity until her backside smacked to the floor.

"Better?" he asked scooting over to sit next to her on the cool tiles.

"A little. It might take some time for my pride and reputation to recover though." She moaned, recalling all that she had said. "I don't know what got in to me?"

"Aponi. She brings out the worst in people. And half a bottle of rum mixed in with seven vodkas will make the most hardened alcoholics a little mouthy." They both laughed at his attempt to lighten the situation.

She leaned her head on his shoulder as he rubbed her arm. "Some first date hey?" she added rhetorically.

They sat in the bathroom as they heard the partiers begin the count down for the New Year. As the calls and cheers ran out through the night, Jacob and Renesmee shared a quiet kiss. "Happy new year," he said.

"Bonne Annèe. I think this year is defiantly going to be a good one," she reflected, leaning in for a longer more passionate kiss.

"With you Ness, every day is going to be better that the next."

They rubbed noses and then he kissed her with lust and desire, pouring his soul into the embrace.

They were abruptly interrupted by a knock at the door. "Come on you love birds," Came a call from the half ajar door. "I think you've had enough public displays for one night." Embry stuck his head through the door. "Hey, that was some speech you gave back there. Remind me to never piss you off, eh?" Renesmee felt her cheeks burn with mortification. Jake stood up and waked to the door shaking his friends hand.

"Happy new year, you horse's ass. I want you to meet Renesmee. Properly."

"Hi," she waved as she used the toilet to hoist herself to standing.

Still swaying on her feet she grabbed at Jacob for support. "I'm so sorry about all that," she motioned to the main room. "I really don't normally drink. And I'm definitely not that much of a bitch. I'm so embarrassed. What a first impression to make."

"Don't worry about it. It was good to see Aponi get beaten at her own game for once." He turned to look at Jake, "Will you get out of here though, I dying for a piss."

"Alright, alright. We're going." The couple made their way back out. The crowd was clearing a space around the lounges making the dance floor larger. The music was up now. Throngs of people were bouncing to the techno beats pumping out of the stereo. There were couples scattered around, hidden in dark corners making out.

Ness was scanning the room; half of her was looking for Jake's ex so she could finish what she'd started, the other, the more dominant and sober side was hoping to avoid a confrontation with Aponi altogether. Ren needn't have worried, it looked like Aponi had left already.

She found Bella and Edward standing by the door way, Edward helping Bella with her coat. "You guys leaving?" she asked.

Bella turned to her friend. "Are you alright? I've never seen you drink so much, Ren." She held her friend by the shoulders looking her straight. "And I never knew you took drugs? I thought you hated the stuff?"

"It wasn't on purpose Bella. If you heard, I was ten. I had seen my parents using enough times. I ate the stuff. It was foul." She said as her face contorted in to a pained revulsion. Jacob came to Renesmee's side and folded a protective arm around her. "Thankfully, I had made my way outside the house before I collapsed, otherwise, I doubt anyone would have found me. My mother was too high to have noticed." A bitterness entered her voice. She looked down at the scuff marks on her worn boots. They were her favourites. "That was the last time I saw mom actually. I went to live with Grand'Mere Sophie after that. Mom died only a few months later... So yeah, I do hate the stuff." She ran her fingers through her hair, ruffling it up. "Agh, I don't want to talk about this now."

"Okay. If you want to come home with us we're leaving now," Bella said. Renesmee felt Jacobs's warm strong arm holding her close. She leaned into his support, turning to him she asked., "can I crash with you tonight?"

He wound his other arm around her. Her head sinking into his chest. "Of course. You want to go home now?" she nodded her affirmative as she pressed her palms into his abs.

"Okay." Bella broke in, kissing them both on the cheek. "Happy new year. See you tomorrow," she smiled as she left.

Renesmee and Jacob walked back to the Black house, along the freezing, deserted streets of La Push. The snow that had threatened earlier began to lightly tumble down around them. The couple drew closer for warmth as the quiet wind was quiet but freezing wind gripped around them. Renesmee staggered while Jacob half carried her until they reached the warmth of the house. The smell of warm bees-wax smell enveloped the girl. She was tired, so tired. Tired from the long day. Tired from the effects of the alcohol and the cold. Tired of struggling with her inner-demons. Tired of being alone.

Even in her intoxicated state she wondered if Jacob expected more from her as they entered his room. She sat down onto his soft bed and began to unzip her boots. She removed her socks and began to massage the warmth back into them. Jacob rummaged in his draws pulling out a t-shirt and cotton boxer shorts. He brought them up to his nose, smelling them. "They're clean if you want to wear them," he offered as he passed the bundle to her. "I'll let you get changed. I'll be back in a minute," he said as he exited, closing the door behind him.

She shed her clothes, leaving them on the floor where they fell and threw on Jacobs's shirt and shorts. The room was spinning and she had to brace her legs on the end of the bed to stop from falling over. She caught her reflection in his wardrobe mirror, her mascara had run and her hair was frizzing from the melted snow, Jakes clothes swam on her, she rolled the sleeves up and crawled into the bed. There was a soft knock on the door. "You decent?"

"Yeah," she called back. He entered, balancing two big glasses of water and an Aspirin in his hand. He walked around to the other side of the bed, placing the glasses on the side table. The other glass he held out to her.

"My sister's always swear by Aspirin before you go to bed. I don't know if it works, but it can't hurt." She took the tablet and glass from him. She threw the tablet into her mouth and greedily drank the cool fresh water down.

He pointed to the second glass, "this is if you wake up thirsty in the night."

"Thankyou."

He crawled over her to search under the other pillow and pulled out a white t-shirt. He sat on the edge of the mattress and pulled his shirt off from the back the way men do. Renesmee couldn't help but stare at his sculpted muscles. They were the muscles of everyday hard work, not manufactured in a gym. He pulled his long jet black hair out from its tie as it sat across his broad shoulders. She sat up and crawled over to him kneeling on the bed she pressed her body against his back. She scooped his hair away and kissed him behind the ear. He half turned and ran his hand up her thigh.

She leaned over him from behind and ran her hands over his biceps and down his chest. "Do you realise how fucking beautiful you are?" she purred, a huskiness in her throat. "Can I show you?" she hummed, running her tongue over her dry lips.

He pulled her around so she was sitting sideways in his lap and he kissed her deeply, tasting the alcohol still on her breath. She responded by running her hands through his hair. Her hips were rolled as she pressed her backside into his crouch.

Jacob broke the kiss. "You are an amazing woman. Do you know that?" he continued not waiting for a reply. He half carried her to the pillow, "But you are amazingly drunk, and I won't let you do something you might regret in the morning," and he pulled the covers over them both. "Let's just sleep."

In a deep, back corner of her mind, the part that was still sober, she felt the immediate relief of his refusal. She knew she wasn't quite ready to take her fledgling relationship with Jake to that level yet. And when she did, she wanted to be able to remember it the next day. She snuggled up to him, running her smooth leg up and down his. Her fingers drifting up and down his abs. "Yeah, you want to sleep with me alright!" He seized her drifting hand as it hovered at his waistband.

"Ness," he warned, his voice deep.

"I know, I know. I'm just teasing," she giggled in a silly way. "I like this anyway." She rested her head on that delicious hollow where his chest met his arms. Her hand fanned across his chest, her fingers skimming long his collarbone.

He wound his arm around her and kissed the top of her head. "Night my little birdy."

"Goodnight Jake. Happy new year." She closed her eyes, marvelling at the feel of his muscles under her hands.

It was only minutes later that Jacob heard Renesmee's breath relax into the regular flow of slumber. He allowed himself to run his hand along her side. He felt the curve of her hips and the dip of her waist. His hand slowly slipped upwards and he stroked the swell of the side of her breast. He resisted the urge to reach his hand around to feel the fullness of her in his hand. Instead, his hand brushed over the softness of her cheek. He closed his eyes and drifted into a sleep submerged with dreams of a beautiful woman who transformed into a bird, soaring on the thermals of a mountain.

Finally! They're together. It's a slow start. But things will heat up. (Eventually) Thank you for all the great reviews. They really do make my day... and they keep me motivated to keep on writing and posting new chapters.

I hope this clears up some more of Nessie's issues too! I know some of you were trying to figure her out.

I thought Id better add I don't condone under age drinking. Just remember that here in Australia, the drinking age is 18. So it's perfectly legal (and very common) to consume alcohol at a NYE partly! Just never in excess and not in response to a boyfriends slutty ex. ha :-)

Cheers M