~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~CHAPTER NINE~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Renesmee's POV

I stumbled my way up the stairs tripping a time or two.

Is it just me or have I grown clumsier ever since I switched diets? I don't feel as graceful, I thought. Although, I never was fully graceful to begin with, just I wasn't this clumsy either… I don't think.

I made my way into my room, closing the door behind me. I searched through my closet, thinking what I could possibly wear. I'm supposed to meet Michael's mom so what I wear feels important. Just that if we're going straight from his house to the bonfire, then I don't want to wear something that isn't suited for outdoors.

"Need help?" I jumped to the sound of Alice's voice. After she realized she startled me she threw in, "Sorry, Ness."

I turned around to look at Alice who smiled with much enthusiasm. "I would be glad to help!"

I'm starting to think my clumsiness and my less sensitive hearing is just me being too caught up in my thoughts because I should have at least heard my door open.

"Sure – I just can't find my sneakers anywhere." I mumbled as I got down on my hands and knees, searching every spot possible through my bedroom sized closet.

It was quiet while I continued my search... to quiet. I turned to look at Alice who stood perfectly still. She didn't look at me as she softly started to hum a tune.

Suspicion waved through me. "Alice, have you seen my sneakers?"

"What sneakers?" She asked, her eyes meeting mine.

Judging by her face you would really believe that she had no idea. I still wasn't convinced.

"The ones you don't like." I added, knowing it wasn't necessary because she knows exactly what ones I'm talking about. "You know what ones I'm talking about."

"Oh!" her face light up. "Those ones… I got rid of them."

"What? Why?" I should have seen that one coming.

"They were soaked! You know, from that one night." She shot. "Besides more of a reason to go shopping!"

I sighed. They're just shoes.

"Don't be mad." Alice said upsettingly. "They really were practically ruined!"

I know Alice was always looking for a reason to get rid of them and she now had found one. I smiled, not mad at all. I'm sure I will find another pair that I will like just as much.

"I'm not mad." I assured.

"Good!" She clapped both hands together. "Time to dress you up!"

It only took an hour to get ready. I told Alice to keep it simple and surprisingly she did. I glanced at myself in my full length mirror, wearing white shorts to the knees and a simple pale green silk blouse with the same color green sandals to match. I guess this is the simplest it can get when Alice is in charge. I didn't do anything to my hair; I just let my curls fall loosely in their natural way.

I hurried down the stairs. Of course Alice beat me. I'm not as fast as a vampire.

Emmett and my dad waited at the end. Emmett smiled hugely while worry lightly touched my dad's face as he forced a smile. Why would he be worried?

"I'm your father, I'm supposed to worry." He reached for my hand as I took my last two steps down the stairs. "You look so beautiful, sweetie."

I looked down at the wooden floor with a blush.

Out of nowhere I was in Emmett's arms as he grasped me tightly, giving me the ultimate bear hug as we all call it. "My little niece is all grown up!"

I giggled and Alice shouted angrily. "Emmett, put her down! Her hair – makeup – outfit!"

Emmett ignored her as he let out a booming laugh, feeling his stone body clutch me in an even tighter hug. I wrapped my arms around his neck tightly as I placed my head against his collarbone...

Then I suddenly felt like I couldn't breathe.

I touched his marble cheek, Can't breathe!

My dad snickered as I felt Emmett finally loosen me from the hug we shared.

"You're so much like your mother." Emmett smiled. "I don't have to miss the human side of her being I have you around."

"Yes, just like her mom." Alice agreed. "I just wish Ness liked shopping a little more."

Does Alice know that Rosalie and I are going shopping soon? She should see it in a vision. Although, I haven't made a decision just yet, but I'm sure if we do go Alice wouldn't dare to get left behind.

I glanced at my watch, six-thirty.

"Okay, well I need to get a move on." I announced.

Shoot, I left the Harley in the forest. I need to go get it.

"Jacob brought it back – here," I looked over at my dad who reached his hand out with car keys dangling off his fingers. "You aren't taking the motorcycle."

"Why?"

"I don't like the idea of you being on one of those things." He answered, shaking his head slightly. Probably has something to do with Emmett reminding him I'm something like my mom. "Trust me; you're too much like your mother." He smiled. "Emmett didn't have to remind me."

I sighed as I nodded, grabbing the keys. Who am I to argue?

Emmett held in laughter. "Oh man, this is going to be great!"

"What is?" I asked.

Emmett shook his head as he continued to hold in his laughs.

I don't have time for jokes right now. I need to get a move on.

When I stepped into the garage I wasn't sure what keys my dad had given me so I clicked the unlock button on the keyless entry that hung with the two keys and then heard the beep come from a car in the way back.

The Mercedes Guardian Aka – The Before Car as my dad calls it. I know the stories of this car, I remembered. Everyone bursts into laughter when talking about it and I finally caught what the joke was about a couple weeks ago. Disaster followed my mom once too many times and she was forced to use this car. Though my dad didn't mean for it to be a joke when getting it for her, but everyone else always found it funny… it ended up being a family joke. Now the joke is on me.

Ha-ha, very funny dad, I thought sarcastically.

Wow, they have to be kidding me. I'm not as bad as my mom was. I know it. Right now, I'm glad I don't have sensitive hearing because if I did I'm sure I would be hearing everyone rolling in laughter right about now. I thought about leaving the keys right here and then run to Michael's house... just that wouldn't be such a good idea. It would just make things weird and things are already weird enough between us, we don't need any more – shoot. Don't think about that right now.

I ran to the car unlocking it and quickly pulled out of the garage, forcing myself to think of other things like being introduced to Michael's mom, introducing Michael to the pack just while I knew my dad could be listening any moment.

I remembered the directions Michael had given me to his house. He seemed sure that I would get lost because "it's confusing to get to his house." I remember our whole five minute conversation from the first word to the last. I won't get lost.

I wish Michael could know me a little better. He knows there is something different about me, but he said he doesn't have to know as long as it would keep me here with him. Rosalie is right; won't he eventually figure out what I am? Or come close? That's what happened with my mom. Everything worked out between my mom and dad...

I shuddered, thinking of how things worked out. I don't care if Michael chose to be this. I would never allow it. Never. Even though I know it will be painful for me to watch him slowly age and eventually…

Sigh.

I try not to think of the future, just the present. Right now, the present has Michael here with me and he's happy and I'm happy. That's the most important thing – especially if Michael is happy. I don't have to be happy as long as he is then that's enough.

As soon as I made a left off the highway, I slammed on the gas pedal, enjoying the feeling of being slammed against the black leather seat, feeling the adrenaline rush through me as my stomach felt like it was flattening.

According to Michael, I have a ways to go down this road before running into Rainy Creek Rd, his road. I smiled, keeping both eyes on the road, paying very close attention. My dad will literally die when he searches through my mind and finds out the advantages I took of this car. So I get my fascination in cars from him. He can't blame me for testing the car out. I'm not as bad as him at least. I don't do it all the time. Besides, I heal fast. Something we discovered a few years ago.

After speeding down the road for some time I slowed down, searching for his street and the sign Rainy Creek Rd appeared a few minutes later so I turned onto his street slowly and then made a left on the eighth driveway. The driveway was a ways down, not as long as ours, but long enough.

A huge house came into view and I gasped to the surprise, wondering if I made a wrong turn. I'm sure I went the right way... only I wasn't expecting him to live in something like this. Its possibly bigger than our house. I would have never guessed that he lived in something this big, so him and his sister must've tried their hardest for it not to show. I can't blame them… I did the exact same thing.

The design of the house is very authentic and one of a kind. An elegant, beautiful building with detailed designed. Sharply pointed roofs, perched at the top, a brick chimney running along the left side, and the windows like illusionary glints with white trimming placed against the milky caramel colored house. A flower garden wrapped all around the house with all different colors and carefully trimmed. I was amazed.

I pulled up close to the oversized garage before I shut off the engine. That's when the nerves kicked in. I'm meeting his mom, great. Could I be any more nervous?

The sound of a heavy door opened and shut loudly causing me to look, finding Michael standing at the door, up on the front porch. I took in a deep breath, holding it for a moment and then let it out.

A smile pulled across my face as I didn't take my eyes away from him. He didn't smile back he looked a little confused, staring at me – no, not me, the car. I then remembered about the windows being tinted. I don't think he pictured me coming here in a Mercedes so I hurried to take my seatbelt off before climbing out of the vehicle.

"Renesmee?"

I locked up the car and shoved the keys in my pocket. "Yes, it's me."

I noticed Michael wearing a blue collared shirt with khaki pants as he walked down the steps of the porch and then came to me, giving me a long, tight hug.

"Mmm, I missed you." He whispered.

"I missed you too." I gently pulled him closer. "So much."

His lips brushed softly against mine and then pulled away, stroking my cheek.

"Come on, let's go." He said in a gentle voice, cupping my hand in his and then led me on the stone path, up the porch steps and then to the double wide doors as he opened the one for me.

The first thing I noticed was the white piano that sat against the left side of the wall. Huge squares of creamy colored tile filled the room with paintings hanging perfectly against the peach colored walls and two single book cases stood on each side of the dark wooded doublewide door that was several feet in front of us. The inside of the house was just as detailed as the outside.

Michael led me to the door, opening it for me, leading us into a huge living room that filled with the colors white and a light blue. Every piece of furniture in the living room was dark wood. More paintings hung on the walls and I noticed a couple pictures of him, his mom, and sister that sat on one of the end tables.

"Wait here." he said, leading me to the white sofa. I sat down, watching him disappear up the slightly curved stairway.

It took a few minutes before I heard tapping of heels walk down the stairs... then a woman appeared, looking the same as she did in the picture.

His mom.

She had bleached blonde hair that came to her chin and dark red lipstick, pale skin – darker than me. She wore a designer red suited top with black buttons going down the middle along with a long red skirt to go with it and black heels. Probably in her thirties, a lot younger than what I expected. I felt underdressed being in the same room as this woman. She's pretty. Mellison looks a lot like her mom unlike Michael who looks nothing like their mom, I thought.

"Oh my – Michael, is this her?" She asked her voice sounding like she could possibly be from New Jersey. A stunned look approached her face as Michael walked down the steps. "She's absolutely beautiful!"

I smiled, feeling a blush rise.

I stood to my feet as she hurried over to me, her heels making a fast tap, tap, tap, noise against the tile until she finally stopped in front of me, reaching out for my hand.

"Call me Susan and you're Ruh-nez-may, right?" she asked. I just nodded. "That's such a unique name. You know, Michael wouldn't allow us to meet until he was sure I could pronounce your name right."

Michael rolled his eyes. He smiled before he walked by my side, wrapping his arm around me.

"You wouldn't happen to be related to Dr. Carlisle Cullen?" Her question took me by surprise.

"Um – yeah," I answered. "why?"

"I have a friend that works with him over at the hospital." Susan explained. "When Michael told me you're last name being Cullen, I was curious... which it would explain why you're so beautiful."

"Thanks." I decided to try to change the subject. "I love your home, it's gorgeous."

Her full lips stretched out to a smile. "Thank you."

Michael and I sat down on the sofa while Susan sat down on the love-seat next to us. We stayed seated for about forty minutes before Michael and I chose to get a move on to the bonfire that probably had already started.

"Please, come by again soon." Susan advocated as we headed out the door. "We must have dinner or something next time."

"Okay, sounds nice."

I unlocked the Mercedes and then we climbed in.

"We can take your car if you want." I suggested.

He shook his head. "No, I want to see how this rides."

"You and my dad would get along great." I smiled as I stuck the key in the ignition, soon hearing it start up.

"I might be wrong… but is this car secured against bullets?" he asked, interested.

"Explosion and poisonous gas too." I quickly added.

Confusion drew on his face. "Why?"

"Over protective dad." I said, backing out and a few moments later we were driving away from his house.

"Speaking of overprotective… is your friend going to be there?"

"Jacob? Yeah." I answered, keeping my eyes on the long driveway as I lightly tapped on the gas pedal. "Him and other friends."

"Are they all huge like Jacob and that other one?"

I laughed at the edge to his voice. "Yeah, but don't worry, I'll protect you."

We talked the whole ride to La Push.

After parking and getting out of the car Michael and I walked over towards the fire. The whole pack isn't here, I realized. It was only Quil, Leah, Jared, Seth, Collin, Brandy, Corky, Colby and of course Jacob. As we got closer I saw Emily and Kim along with Colby's sister Kensea. Also, there were some younger boys who I never seen before. They all made a big circle, sitting around the fire laughing about something.

I stopped to turn to Michael and he stopped to, wondering why the sudden stop.

"Okay, I just wanted to warn you about something – please don't stare at Emily, okay?"

His one eyebrow lifted up. "Why?"

"Bear attack." I answered before I continued my way over to the fire, feeling Michael tightly squeeze my hand.

"Okay, I won't stare." He whispered.

I noticed someone else that I wasn't expecting to see here at all. My dad. He was the only one standing while everyone else sat. His head snapped over to look at me and then smiled.

Oh, no! What is he doing here? He must have came to scoop into Michael's thoughts. Ugh! Great, just great! How embarrassing!

Dad, no, please don't do this to me!

I watched him muffle laughter before composing his expression.

We finally reached the circle and Jacob's face light up with happiness as he jumped out of his seat to give me a hug. "Nessie, you made it!"

"Of course I made it." I let go of Michael's hand to return Jacob's hug and then pulled away, feeling Jacob kiss me on the head.

I reached for Michael's hand as my dad walked human pace towards us, a firm smile placed on his face as he spoke. "Hello, Michael."

Michael looked at me and then my dad. "You must be her brother?"

"Yes. I'm Edward." He introduced.

Okay brother, got it. I'm going to have to start getting use to calling my dad 'Edward' instead of 'dad' at least when I'm around Michael.

Is the rest of the family here? I asked.

My dad moved his head slightly left to right that was hardly noticeable, answering my question; no.

Good.

Michael reached out to shake my dad's hand and I immediately pulled him away, dragging him along with me, cutting through to circle to go sit down.

I noticed Jacob shoot a dirty glance at Michael two times after a few minutes of us being here. It was starting to make me mad – I just tried my hardest to brush it off. I don't think Michael noticed it… yet. But if Jacob keeps being so rude, I will say something, I thought.

We all were having a good time. Billy came about to tell us some stories, mainly for the younger kids that will be one day become transform. These are all stories I heard a million times before. I almost know them by heart…almost.

The fire crackled as sparks blew up in a sudden puffs of orange and blue up towards the sky while Jacob cooked some cheeseburgers on the grill. Then he started to hand them out – handing me the first one as he smiled brightly. "Here ya go, Ness."

I took a bite out of my burger and swallowed before taking another bite.

"So what do you guys think about kids?" my dad randomly asked.

I literally choked on my mouthful as I struggled to swallow, on top of that, dying from embarrassment. I felt my eyes about bulge out of my sockets as I looked at my dad whose eyes stayed on Michael. What on earth would make him ask such a question?

"Too young." Michael instantly answered.

"Really?" Dad questioned.

Cut it out, now! I demanded.

Michael appeared nervous, "Yeah – we're too young."

My dad didn't look convinced. Whatever is going on in Michael's mind caused my dad to ask such a question. Now I was suddenly curious what exactly is going through Michael's mind. Why can't I be the mind reader?

I felt a lot of eyes on me and I looked at the ground to avoid the stares as I felt my face turning red. I peeked over at Jacob, hoping he would help me through my embarrassment, but he looked completely heated as both of his fist clenched tightly at his sides. I noticed a burger squashed into his left hand as he continued to clench both fists.

"Jacob?" I spoke with concern.

He snapped out of it right away, loosening his fists.

My dad didn't say anymore, leaving it at that... thank goodness.

I suddenly felt someone tug on hand, about pulling me off my seat; Kensea. Her thin lips smiled widely on her tiny face as she still didn't let go of my one hand while she held a hotdog in her other. I got up, surprised to see her so close to me, smiling.

Kensea always seemed nice she just never bothered to go out of her way to be so close to me never mind tugging on my arm. But any excuse to getting away from this scene, so I got up still holding my burger as she led me away from the fire and I suddenly started to feel cold, but I ignored it, grateful to be away from the embarrassing moment.

We both walked along the shore as I felt the sand brush against my feet that made its way in my sandals.

"What was all that about?" I asked, studying her face features that placed beautifully on her russet colored skin. Button nose, high cheekbones, pinched chin. She's pretty. She isn't perfectly thin but she isn't fat, just really curvy. Her brother Colby and she look so much alike. You can really see a resemblance.

"I thought I would swish you away from embarrassment!" She smiled, as she wrapped her arm around my shoulder, still smiling widely.

I took a bite out of my burger I held as I nodded. "Thanks."

I turned to look over towards the fire, watching Jacob carefully. He didn't appear to be angry anymore, just upset. He has been so down a lot lately. He tells me that he's fine, that he isn't miserable… I keep thinking that maybe he's just lying, he has to be.

I swallowed before asking. "Do you know what's up with Jacob?"

"I don't know." She answered. "Why don't you ask him?"

I sighed, looking back at Kensea. "I did that already. He says it's nothing."

"Hmm, well maybe believe him?"

"I want to, but he's making it difficult with those looks he gives…"

The cool breeze flew past me, feeling it brush my curls wildly as I shivered.

"I would suggest asking the pack," She said. "Being they're constantly inside his head... just if Jacob isn't giving you any answers, they probably won't either."

Kensea is right. I never planned on asking the pack anyways. Then, something else came to my mind. My dad. He has to know what is going on with Jacob. He would tell me, right? I don't know why I never thought of it before.

I smiled. "My dad would probably tell me – I will ask him later or tomorrow."

"There you go!" she smiled, feeling her arm slide off of me.

Okay, so I feel a little better that I'm about to find out the truth of what's going on with Jacob. He's my best friend and whatever he's going through I will be sure to be there for him no matter what. I just wish I didn't have to go around asking others. I wish he would tell me himself.

We talked for a few more minutes, then I heard loud laughter coming from the fire so I instantly turned my head to see what all the commotion was all about. Where's dad? He's nowhere to be seen. Had he left already?

I watched Michael get up as he walked over hastily towards Kensea and I as an unease look drew over his face while he forced a smile.

"Where's my da – Edward?"

"Your Edward?" Michael laughed. "Your brother told me to tell you that he was starting to get tired so he went home to get some sleep."

I held in a laugh. Out of all the excuses my dad could give, he chooses that one.

Michael seemed to be very uncomfortable.

"What's the matter?" I asked, studying his expression.

He bit down on his lip before answering. "Your brother and…friends are… interesting…"

Oh no, what did they do to Michael? Is that the reason why my dad left the scene – like a hit and run?

"What do you mean?"

He forced a little laugh. "This might sound crazy…"

"What?" inpatients colored in my voice.

"I could swear your brother reads minds based on the questions he would ask me and the others – mainly Jacob would do things – I don't know." He shook his head confusingly. "Jacob would always happen to burn my food, just not everyone else's and… he would try to start a conversation with me but turn it into an argument."

I felt extremely angry what Michael was telling me.

"I leave for a few minutes and they pick on you!" I said angrily.

"Few minutes? You were gone for like thirty or forty minutes."

I felt horrible. It didn't feel that long. "Aw, Michael... I'm sorry."

He smiled, his smile I love. "You're forgiven."

I was to angry to smile back so I wrapped my arms around his neck reaching up for his lips and kissed him gently, feeling his hands set on both sides of my thighs. We kissed for a few moments until I realized I was being rude.

I pulled away and turned to look at Kensea who sat there awkwardly.

"Oh Michael – this is Kensea, Kensea this is Michael." I introduced, sliding my arms from around his neck. Then I grabbed hold of his hand, holding back on how angry I was feeling. Trying that is.

Kensea smiled. "Hi."

Michael smiled back. "Nice to meet you – you go to Forks High, don't you?"

She nodded.

I never knew Kensea went to our school, I never noticed her before. I always assumed she went to school at the rez.

Loud laughter echoed from the circle of people around the fire once again. Then I spotted Mellison and some other girl standing around as they were laughing along with everyone else.

"Why is your sister and—" I started to ask.

Michael cut me off. "Yeah, that's the reason why I came over here I thought I would warn you before you go over there and discover… your friend is telling my sister and her friend some stories about you when you were younger. I didn't know if that would bother you or not."

"Jacob, right?" I tried hiding the anger from my voice, but failed.

"Yeah…"

I gripped Michael's hand in mine, careful not to let my anger get the best of me and break his hand off as I stomped over towards the laughter. I soon noticed who the other girl was... Lexus Smith.

What the hell is up with Jacob? Why is he doing this to me? Does he hate me that much that he has to be mean to my boyfriend and try to embarrass me in front of my friends? Well, he's about to get it from me. I can literally kill him, I thought. If people weren't here I would take care of this right there in front of everyone, but I have to do this privately, between me and Jacob just in case I go overboard enough to terrify any human to death.

I let go of Michael's hand as I held my hands into tight fists at my sides, glaring at Jacob as I finally reached the circle of laughter. Jacob was still talking. I didn't even bother to listen what embarrassing story he was telling. I don't care. He could tell anyone anything about me. It's the fact that he was being rude to Michael for no apparent reason.

Jacob looked at me as he smiled. "Nessie, come sit."

"We need to talk." I said through my teeth.

I heard Leah growl to the tone of my voice.

"Did she just growl?" Michael whispered to me.

"No." I answered absently.

Jacob's smile faded. "What's the matter?"

I cut through the circle snatching Jacob by his wrist, dragging him towards the forest. He didn't object – he could easily pull away but he followed which was a smart choice because it wouldn't be a good idea to deal with this with humans in present.

I felt me shake with anger as I continued to drag him into the forest, feeling my grip get tighter and then when I was sure no one could see I ran full speed, deeper and deeper into the forest. I wanted to not only be sure no one could see, but could not hear either.

A clouded dark night, the clouded moon glistening behind the puffs of gray clouds that blanketed over the sky, the stars nonexistent. So quiet, the only thing I could hear was us running through the forest as the calm wind blew throughout my hair, dragging it swiftly behind as I felt my grip get even tighter.

"Ow, Ness." I heard Jacob say which I ignored him and then came to a stop as I let go of his wrist after slinging him into a huge mossy green tree, his back hitting against it with a thud.

Jacob wrapped his oversized hand around the wrist I had held that's now bloodshot red.

"You about crushed my wrist – good thing I heel fast." He joked, adding a little laugh as he rubbed his wrist gently.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm in no mood for jokes."

"I'm sorry." He apologized. "What's the matter?"

I closed my eyes, trying to control the anger I felt.

"Jacob, what the hell?" I yelled.

"Please, tell me what this is all about." He begged.

My hands closed into fists. "You know exactly what this is about!"

"No I don't – but being you think I do, tell me anyways."

"What is your problem with Michael?" I asked calmly, or tried to sound calmly. Then I opened my eyes. "Because I'm tired of it!"

His eyes darted away from me. "Nothing."

"Tell me!" I demanded.

"It's nothing, Ness. Is this why you dragged me out here?" He still didn't look at me, as he finally let go of his wrist.

If it isn't Michael then it has to be me. He's taking this out on Michael when this is really something to do with me. That's the only thing I can come up with. Rosalie said I was the one making Jacob miserable. Is this him getting back at me, for making him so miserable? Ugh, I don't care what it is; he needs to just tell me! I shouldn't have to be guessing!

"If I'm really making you so miserable, just tell me!" I shouted, taking a step closer to him.

He looked at me with sad eyes, shaking his head. "You aren't making me miserable, far from miserable – screw what Blondie said."

"Then what is it?"

He shook his head again. "Nothing."

More anger struck through me because of the one question that still isn't being answered. He still is beating around the bush and for Jacob to beat around the bush is big because he's usually always the one to speak what is on his mind.

"You must hate me." I blurted out.

"No!" he protested his eyes wide, looking down at me. "What would make you say that?"

"Well," I began. "If it isn't Michael and isn't me making you miserable then the only thing left is that you hate me!"

His eyebrows pushed together angrily as he let out a short forceful laugh. "God Ness, don't be stupid."

"So I'm stupid now?" I felt my shouting grow louder.

He glowered at me. "No – God, I'm sorry. You're far from stupid – Nessie, I love you."

"Don't suck up to me, Jacob." I warned. "It isn't going to get you anywhere!"

"I'm not sucking up. I really love you Ness, I do…"

I looked away from him, feeling tears of anger start to produce. I started to speak. Jacob cut me off before I had a chance to say anything. "I really love you. I would be nothing without you and I don't think you really know what you mean to me."

I still didn't look at him, still angry, now confused while I forced the angry tears back. What does this have to do with anything? Is this his way of distracting me from the real matter? If so, I can't let him go through with it.

"Ever since I laid eyes on yo –"he tried to continue.

"Jacob, shut up! I dragged you out here because I want answers to why you're being so rude, why you act the way you do towards Michael, why you're trying to embarrass me in front of my friends and why you're doing all of this to me!"

He sighed with a slight smile while he started to speak again and I could tell just by the look in his eyes that he was going to try to continue what he tried saying before that has no meaning to be said because he's clearly avoiding the answers I want.

"Stop, all I want is one simple answer." I demanded, not allowing him to speak. "Just tell me why are you doing this? Give me an answer!"

I forced myself to look at him, breathing in and out slowly, staying put as I controlled myself to not rip his head off for answers. The more he stalled it, the angrier I got.

"Tell me." I breathed, now allowing him to speak, hoping for him to give me a real answer this time.

"Because I love you –"

"No just – "

I instantly felt his hot breath brush against my face and then a fraction of a second later his lips crashed into mine, all happening so fast I wasn't even aware of what was happening until a moment later my lips started to move with his, his soft textured, burning lips. I felt his hands grip the back of my thighs, lifting me up forcefully while I straddled my legs, wrapping them around him as my hands traveled up the back of his neck, making their way in his hair.

Out of nowhere I felt us moving quickly and then feeling my back hit up against a tree, now pinned between Jacob and the tree trunk. I felt the bark scrap against my silk blouse while my lips never left his, no longer feeling angry with him. It all washed away. I felt something go along with this... something pulling me to him that made me hold him tighter and kiss him back. I couldn't believe that I was kissing Jacob Black.

Then I realized... I love him. I'm in love with Jacob.

He pulled away, our breaths ragged.

"You talk too much." He breathed and then kissed me quickly, pulling away to look at me.

I looked into his warm eyes as they intently looked into mine and then my legs that wrapped around him locked tighter, causing our bodies to press more tightly than I thought was possible. Then I felt his hands rub on my sides as I felt a smile spread across my face.

I've never realized this before… I really love Jacob. He's everything to me. I need him. I mean... I always felt that way, just this is different.

He slowly planted a kiss on my forehead, holding it there, letting his lips burn right through me and making my heart jump around.

"I love you." he whispered on my skin before he pressed his forehead to mine. "So, so much."

"I love you too."

It clicked. That's why he's the way he is around Michael. He loves me. He can't stand to see me with Michael or anyone else. Which reminds me…

Michael.

My one hand started to fiddle with the tips of Jacob's messy hair that sat along down past both sides of his face as my mind couldn't stop thinking about Michael. What have I done? Don't I love Michael? Of course I love Michael. That's why I'm with him. If I love him so much why am I here with Jacob like this?

This, right now, it's a mistake, isn't it? No – yes – I don't know.

"I love you." I said, hoping it would help me figure things out.

He smiled, cupping my face in his hands. "Ness, you know I love you too."

No. I can't do this to Michael. He doesn't deserve this, he doesn't at all.

"There's something..." he trailed off, closing his eyes shut."When I first laid eyes on you, nothing else mattered. Nothing made sense to me until you came along, giving me a reason to breathe, and a reason to continue my life. Nessie, I…"

He sighed, opening his eyes.

I knew what he was trying to say now.

"You… imprinted on me?"

Jacob slowly nodded.

Silence waved through us along with more confusion on my part.

As if I thought things couldn't get more complicated, Jacob tells me he imprinted on me. I thought back to Claire and Amy, how lucky I really thought they were and they really are. I never realized I have the exact same thing right in front of me – so Jacob always loved me since he first laid eyes on me? Why couldn't he have told me sooner? Why now? Why wait until I have a boyfriend?

Wait – how could I have not seen it myself? It should have been obvious to me.

I felt my legs loosen around him suddenly realizing Michael is probably still waiting at the bonfire. I have to take him home; I can't keep him waiting any longer. I can't. He's going to wonder where I am…

Jacob went to kiss me – I forced myself to turn my head, his lips landing on my right cheek. "Jake, I love you... but not like this." I whispered.

It was silent, I was afraid to look, afraid to know what damage I had done by my words. I'm not ready for this; I'm not ready for the drama this is all going to cause. This shouldn't have happened. I have a boyfriend, someone who doesn't deserve this one bit. Michael loves me, how on earth would he feel if he found out this had happen? How can he love me? I'm so horrible. Are things going to be weird between Jacob and me now? He imprinted on me and he finally told me… of course things are going to be weird. What about Michael… do I have to tell him about tonight?

I let out a sigh.

Michael… He loves me and I love him too... I think.

I slowly turned my head to look at Jacob, my best friend – instantly closing my eyes shut when seeing the image of his face from what I had just done to him, never wanting to see him like that again. Nothing but heartbreak and it's my entire fault. Wouldn't Michael be the same way though, wouldn't I have gotten a look something like that from Michael? Yes, I would have. Either way I end up hurting someone. I can't win.

I unwrapped my legs from around him as he pulled away slowly, feeling my back slide against the tree, a moment later my feet hitting the ground.

Then I opened my eyes to look at Jacob, the one I hurt, the one I chopped into pieces. He didn't look at me. He was way too quiet for it to be Jacob, my Jacob.

"Jake…" I whispered.

"Think about it." He said, glancing at me. "You love me Ness, I know you do. Just really think about it and then come find me."

I smiled, placing my hand on his bare chest. "You won't be hard to find, you practically live with me."

He shook his head sadly. "No, that would make things to easy to brush off – I'm staying with my dad. Maybe we need time apart."

"No." I shook my head, "No, Jacob – you don't have to do that."

He nodded. "I think I do…"

"You doing that won't change my mind."

A small smile flashed on his lips. "Sure, sure, whatever you say."

"Please don't..."

"I love you." His voice was almost inaudible.

My hand suddenly was against nothing, just air as Jacob disappeared and I felt like I was ready to cry. I felt the need to go after him, feeling that general pull between the two of us... I just forced myself to stay put.

I then felt cold and alone.

He won't be far, but it still feels like I lost him... like I lost my best friend.