Believe It or Not

This Chapter was Inspired by, Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis

Escape – Enrique Iglesias

I watched as all the blood in Bella's face drew away after she had heard my words. My jaw clenched with worry of what was going through her head. She was just standing there, staring into my eyes, like a statue.

"Bella, say something, please," I begged. "You're scaring me."

Speaking seemed to have broken her free of the zombie like state she had been frozen in. Bella started shaking nervously as her lips pulled together, pursing. I could sense she was searching for words to speak with but couldn't find any. Her mouth opened to speak but nothing came out at first.

"Jake, no, no, you can't! No!" Bella was shaking hard as she sat back against a log behind her and rested her head in her hands. I hadn't ever seen her so pale before. I knew she understood what imprinting meant. She knew what it was, too. "I can't control it Bella," I murmured, sitting down beside her. "It's been like this since I turned – since I saw you in the meadow. . ." I shook my head, thinking how messed up this was. To my surprise, I suddenly felt Bella lean into my side and heard her sigh. Slowly I wrapped my arms around her, wanting to do nothing but comfort her.

"I know you can't control it. . . I can see it now. I knew from the second it happen after you explained to me what it was. Just . . . I thought, after, I had asked you that day in the shed, when you said you hadn't imprinted on anyone, I thought I had read you wrong. But I was stupid to think that. I did know; I just didn't want to admit it. . . Why haven't you told me before?" She lifted her head up and gazed into my eyes.

"I didn't want you to feel obligated to be with me because of it."

Bella looked away nodding, though stayed leaning into my side. Her hands rested in her lap as her eyes closed. "I'd never feel obligated to be with you Jake. Never. But I'm scared. . . If Edward comes back; I'll be in his arms. It's not like he's coming back though. If he wanted me, he'd be here now. But he isn't, so, I guess we don't have to worry. . ."

My eyes closed too as I took in a deep and silent breath to calm myself down after hearing that. I knew she still loved him. But after he had left again, I thought maybe something had been changed by that. I thought maybe she would stay with me this time. I guess I had been stupid thinking that for even a second. Of course she would go running back to him. She had that many times before. Why would now be any different?

I felt Bella relax in my arms and lean into my chest. I smiled down upon her and brushed my hand down her soft, creamy skinned cheek. I leaned back against the log a little but kept my arms around her, my hands covering her own.

"Bella, I love you, I always have and always will, but . . ." I trailed off, shaking my head.

"But?" she whispered, looking up to my face in wonder, fear and doubt.

My hold around Bella loosened. "I don't know what to say Bella. You just told me everything I need to know – that he's not around – but, if he does come back, and you stay with him, I can't be around anymore." I didn't know what else to say. I didn't want Bella to think I was abandoning her too, and again, but my words were the truth. I couldn't stay here and see him with her, knowing it should be me protecting her with my own life when he wants to take it away and turn her into the very thing I hated the most.

Bella rose to her feet, standing over me like I was the child and she was the parent about to tell the child off for something they had done. When I looked up to her face, I could see the tears seeping down her cheeks again and her index finger pointing at me. Now I really did feel like the bad kid. . . "Edward isn't here! You have nothing to worry about. No Jacob! You're not leaving me again! It's killing me. Promise me you won't leave again! This is your home. You belong here. I want you here. I want you to stay!" Her hand lifted to wipe the tears away from under her eyes and cheeks. I hadn't seen Bella so emotional before. I knew her to be emotional, but not like this. It worried me.

I looked at her with hurt eyes. It hurt to know just how much I had hurt her just by leaving. I thought by leaving I would have taken all the pain away when I left. I thought by being here I was hurting her, but leaving had only made things worse for the both of us. I should have known better than think she would be better off with me out in her life. The further away from each other we were, the more we hurt to have each other back. But I hadn't thought it would be possible for Bella to want me, to miss and love me, when she already had and loved him.

Once again, I found myself not knowing what to say. Never before had I not known what to say so many times in the same day. It was typical of Bella, making me act differently to how I usually am.

I didn't know what to say, because I hadn't promised Rachel I wouldn't leave – my own sister, even when she begged me, but this was different. I loved Bella more than my own life. But I didn't want to make a promise I couldn't keep, and I knew I couldn't keep this promise.

I stood and re-wrapped my arms around Bella. Using my index finger, I wiped away her tears. "Bella, I've already told you. I'm only here for a couple of days. I got to go back and finish things off in New York. Skyla doesn't know where I am. She'll start freaking out if I don't come back soon. I will be back after that, though." That was only the half-truth. I didn't know if I would be back to stay permanently. I would only stay, though, if Bella chose me. I was sure she knew that too.

Bells shook her head and gulped. "No, you won't come back. You promised me that I could count on you to be there, you'd never let me down and you broke that promise Jacob. You and me, we're already together right now. Don't go back. Don't go. You won't come back, I know you won't," she chocked through tears.

I sighed. She knew me too well. "That's why I don't want to make any more promises I can't keep, Bella," I whispered huskily. I just held her in my arms as she stared up into my eyes. I took in a deep breath to keep myself calm and listened to her heart beating in her chest and against my body. I felt amazing to feel it against me again. . . I didn't think I would ever hear it beating again, let alone feel it. I never thought I would see Bella alive again either. She was alive and in my arms, for now, and that's all that mattered at the time.

I sighed, knowing no matter what I said, Bella wouldn't believe it unless I proved her wrong – which I knew wouldn't be easy. I sighed once more and looked away from her. I understood the things she was saying and why Bella was saying them. It was going to take a lot more than just words to bring back the trust I once had in her, too. Did I trust Bella? No, I didn't, and I was probably stupid for even thinking of trying to trust her again. That's just how much I love her.

When I looked back to her, I noticed more tears running down her cheeks. It physically hurt to see those tears, knowing I was the one who had made them. It hurt to see her in pain and fearful. I knew Bella was scared of the imprint. I was too. . . I didn't understand why though. Maybe it was the thought and knowing she was meant to be mine and that might not happen. I knew she still loved him, but I loved her more than he loved her or she loves him. I'd loved Bella before the imprint, even. It was true love I had for her. It was just some wolfy thing to keep the genes of our tribe and the wolves going on to the next generation. . . I knew it was true love. I hadn't ever fallen for any girl I'd ever seen, other than Bella.

"If you don't believe that I'll come back, then, come back to New York with me. I'll have to come back then. Bella," I paused, running my hand down the side of her face again, wiping away the tears down her warm cheeks. Her eyes were red from crying and looked tired. "Don't cry," I whispered, leaning closer to her. "It hurts me to see you like this."

She nodded and murmured, "Alright. I'll go back with you, but I need to talk to Charlie first." I hadn't heard a word she spoken. . .

My hand ran down her cheek once more as I stared into her eyes – her beautiful milk chocolate eyes. . . Before I knew what was happening or what was happening, my body took over my mind. I felt my lips press against Bella's in a heated and warm kiss which made my heart feel warmer than it had in a very long time. I felt and sensed Bella was hesitant at first, probably from shock, like I was, but then, she actually leaned into my body and mouth. I felt her arm wrap around my neck and her hand on the back of my head, her fingers going through my hair.

I snapped out of it, pulling away out of shock of my abrupt actions. I hadn't meant to do that. I really hadn't. "Bella, I – I'm sorry. I don't know what just came over me." My words were quick and breathless as I spoke. I shook my head, trying to believe it myself. I hadn't ever done that before. I took a step back from her, biting my lip. How had that just happened without my realising it first? I then realised it was my inner wolf that had done it. He wanted Bella. He was trying to reach out to her and make her see it.

I felt Bella's hand run lightly across my wrists. I was staring down at the ground until then. When I met her gaze, she smiled slightly. There seemed to be more colour in her face than there was ten minutes ago. Had I done that, to her? Just by kissing her?

"No, please don't be sorry Jake," she said softly. I could feel her eyes were actually holding mine for once. My body felt like it had gone into a trance like state. Looking into Bella's eyes, I could tell, she had enjoyed that kiss. "I don't mind you kissing me," she ended it with.

I stared at her in shock once more. I had been ready to duck from one of her punches like last time I had kissed her without asking, but she honestly meant what she had said. She really didn't mind. Maybe she had changed her mind after all. . . Maybe the kiss had done it.

I watched as she licked her lips. I felt a light redness come to my cheeks and tried to fight off a cocky smile coming to my feature. I was sure she, of all people, would notice I was trying to fight it. I couldn't resist licking my own lips at that point. Strawberry. Suddenly I sensed how intensely Bella was holding my gaze. The air had turned thick between us. My hands from around her waist slipped up to her jaw where they stayed. I wanted to kiss her again. The last one had been too fast for my liking. I craved to feel her lips upon my own once more, and to taste that sweet fruit flavour in my mouth again. It was like every fibre in my body needed it to live.

I felt her arms wrap around my neck as my lips brushed against hers softly and slowly, testing to make sure I wasn't reading her wrong, but I hadn't. She stood up on her tippy-toes and gripped my neck slightly. I smiled mentally and deepened the kiss. It was the opposite of how I had kissed her years ago on top of the mountain.

This kiss was soft, slow and innocent for what I felt for her. I had no need or want, to be rough and passionate like I had back then. Bella knew how strongly I felt for her now. I was just happy standing here with Bella, feeling and tasting her on my lips like she was my own.

I pushed her a few steps back against the old red wooden door of my shed without breaking the connection between us. I licked her lower lip in temptation, smirking against her mouth as Bella pulled my body closer to her own and parted my lips. I breathed in her strawberry scent and sighed contently. She was so sweet it was taking everything in my being to control myself around her. She held me tightly, tighter than I ever thought or imagined she would. I could sense she wanted this more than anything. It was just the two of us now. It was easy as breathing – how it always should have been.

When I pulled away, I held her gaze and pecked her lips softly, lingering slightly, savouring the moment. I loved moments like these and the feeling of Bella's mouth against my own. It felt like we were made for one and other. She was perfect in my eyes . . . everything was perfect.

It felt like hours before I pulled away, but at the same time, not long enough. I could kiss Bella day and night and never get sick of it. I loved her too much to ever get sick of kissing or loving her. I needed her more than I needed air.

Suddenly her words of agreeing to go back to New York with me hit my head hard. It hadn't registered in my brain she had answered til that moment. I smirked, keeping her pinned against the shed and my body. "Alright," I whispered and kissed her again. My smile turned from cocky to sweet, feeling things I'd never felt before.

"What's New York like? I'll have to think of a good reason to why I want to leave with you. Will you come over tomorrow when I ask Charlie?"

I felt all the joy and highness of the kiss flood out of my heart and then be replaced with fear and regret. I couldn't see Charlie. He would have too many hard questions to throw in my direction, and none of them I would be able to answer without giving away the truth, and the truth would no doubt land me in jail. I knew no doubt Bella would see what I was thinking and feeling as she still stared into my eyes. We could both read each other like books, at times.

I took a step back and bit my lip nervously, staring at the ground near the shed. After a long hesitant and silent moment, I looked up to Bella's eyes. "Sure," I smiled half-heartedly, hoping she hadn't noticed the difference in the way I was acting. "For some reason, I already get the feeling he doesn't like New York," I chuckled, trying and hoping I had covered up any thoughts of her thinking I was hiding something, for hesitating to answer her question. I didn't want Bella to find out those things yet.

I saw her bite her lower lip, knowing that was a habit she had, showed when she was nervous. What was she nervous about? "Okay, I guess I better get home to Charlie and start cooking dinner," she murmured with a small smile. Bella turned and headed towards her truck and then stopped and turned around back in my direction. "Welcome home again Jake," she spoke softly and then got into the driver's seat and was turning on the engine of the old truck. I was surprised the rust bucket still ran with the same loud engine roaring to life. I thought maybe it would be louder now it was even older. . .

My hand's gripped slightly at my sides with thinking of her leaving my side so soon. Two years had been by far too many without seeing or hearing from Bella. I had missed her more than I ever thought I would.

I thought fast, and without thinking things through fully first. I ran up to her truck's window and said, "Do you have to? I've missed you so much. Have dinner here if you want." I had forgotten completely about the reasons to why I didn't want to see Charlie. I was just thinking about Bella.

Her hand came out the rolled down window and went to where my used-to-be-long-hair would have been falling over my shoulders. I hadn't realised what she was doing at first and then I remembered she liked my hair longer, like it used to before I had phased. I had to say it was longer than what it was when I left, but it wasn't as long as it used to be. Her hand then touched my chest, over my heart. I looked down to her hand and then back up to her face and smiled.

"Are you sure it's okay for us to have dinner here? I'll have to call Charlie."

"Of course it is." I couldn't remember the last time we had had dinner together. Then, I remembered Charlie existed. . . I could also see with how Bella was speaking, she was wondering about something, as though she doubted something. I knew I really hadn't gotten away with how I had answered her. I sighed slightly.

I smiled widely with seeing Bella opening the door of her truck and jumping out, closing it behind her and then looked up at my face. I never thought I would be so glad to see such a simple scene of Bella getting out of her truck. It meant everything to me.

"Are you okay? You looked like you weren't sure about talking to Charlie about going back to New York with me."

As her gaze met mine, I bit my lip and quickly skipping her question of being okay. "It wasn't anything to do with that, Bella," I half scoffed nervously, trying not to sound like I was in fact nervous and covered my true voice up.

"Then what does it have to do with Jake?" she looked up at my face with curious eyes. There was one thing about Bella I both hated and admired – she never let up on things. I knew there was no getting out of this once she picked up on it. . .

I winced hearing her direct question. I knew there were no loopholes with direct questions and I couldn't get out of it without lying and I hated lying to Bella. I sighed. "I got into some . . . trouble in New York." I knew I was really in for it now. I knew Rach was going to be hard enough to handle, but Bella. . . this was going to be a billion times worse.

She stared into my eyes, deeply with concern. "Jake, what happened? What did you do? Tell me I want to know. It can't be that bad. You didn't do something stupid, did you?"

If you only knew, Bella, I thought. I had been holding her hand in my own until she yanked it back and started questioning me. I had been feeling somewhat calmer and relaxed holding it. Without her touch, my hands gripped into fists at my side and my body started shaking slightly with thinking of all the stupid things I had done over the years. I knew now how immature I had been and couldn't believe it. "That appends on how bad you think getting into fights, having fake IDs, stealing, drinking, fighting vampires, and been arrested for processing an illegal substances is. I've done too many stupid things over the years Bella," I murmured without looking at her. Now I felt really guilty for all the things I had done. I looked up at her after a moment, not sure what her reaction was going to be.

I shook my head, stepping back against the wall of my shed, looking up at the darkening sky. I could tell rain was well on its way, but it was the least of my worries. I was scared now, that Bella wouldn't love me as much because of all the stupid things I had done. I really did wish she didn't know about this stuff, but I knew sooner or later it would have to come out and the sooner was the better.

I watched her carefully, wondering what she was thinking. I knew Bella would know it wasn't like me to go looking for trouble. I just hoped she understood. But I knew when I saw her eyes once again misting with tears, she didn't understand – not helping I hadn't told her why I had done those things.

"DRUGS JACOB! What has gotten into you? Fighting with vampires? Are you trying to get yourself killed so I would never see you again?" she shouted and started shaking her head. "You don't love me Jacob. You wouldn't do those things to yourself if you loved me." Bella spun around and headed back towards her truck.

My hand slowly brushed along her wrist, trying to get her to believe everything was fine. But she turned away too quickly. I didn't have a chance to say anything before she turned away and headed towards her truck. I could sense and feel the emotions she was feeling and could relate to them easily.

My hands turned to tight fists again. She wasn't even going to let me explain! Did she think I just did all those things for no reason? I growled at myself and took off running after Bella, grabbing her wrist and stopping her from going any further. "Tell me why you want to turn your back right now Bella!" I half shouted, though in a calm-ish tone. Bella half turned around with tears in her glaring dark eyes. I could tell by the look on her face she wasn't going to answer. "I know why Bella, because I've been there! You want to escape the pain and fear don't you? So did I Bella. I fought vampires to protect people. I took drugs, drank and partied to keep the pain off my mind. I wasn't trying to kill myself Bella. I just wanted to forget the pain, that's it." I breathed heavy after speaking. I held Bella's gaze the whole time. I could see fear in them, but there wasn't just fear now, but anger too. I couldn't blame her. "I know the things I did were stupid Bella, but I don't know where I'd be now if I hadn't done them. I was scared of phasing in case I didn't shift back. I didn't know what to think, feel or say, so I got in trouble to take the fear and pain away." I didn't know if going into detail would help things or not. I just wanted her to know and understand what I was feeling and why I had done those things in the first place.

I could tell Bella didn't want to look at me at that moment, but she did anyway. "What you speak of love Jacob, I don't understand. If anything happens to you Jacob, it would break me. I called off the wedding for you Jacob Black! You! I can't live without you. You didn't need any of that to take the pain away. What you needed . . . was back in Forks. It was me!" She blinked through tears and stared at my face. "Jacob, the pain you felt, it wasn't just your pain. It was mine too. I remember how the imprint works, what we were told around the campfire that night before the fight with the newborns. You feel what I feel."

I listened to Bella's words closely. She was right, somewhat. I shook my head, trying to remember I had to stay calm around her, but it was easier thought than done. "I know what I needed Bella, and I know what I need now – I need you to be mine. It hurt to see you with him, after everything we had been through after what he had done. It still hurts to think back. I needed you to take the pain away, but I couldn't depend on you being there when you were with him." Every word I had spoken was true. "If that were true Bella, then why don't you understand why I needed to escape from it all? All I wanted was to feel numb and blank. I didn't want to think or feel. The things I took – take – stopped the phasing and the painful memories . . . if it didn't stop the phasing and pain, I'd be a real wolf now Bella. I wouldn't have shifted back. I was afraid of shifting for months because I knew what would happen. I was lost Bella, I – I still am."

She shook her head, taking a few steps towards where I stood. "You shouldn't have left in the first place Jake. We could have been together and happy all this time after I had called off the wedding."

Bella's words stung, but then I reminded myself she wouldn't have called off the wedding if I hadn't left, at least, I didn't think so. I didn't think Bella would have realised if I hadn't left in the first place. . . I sighed, shaking my head and took a step closer to her, wrapping my arms around her tightly and brought her into my chest. I just needed to feel Bella against my body there and then, to know this wasn't one of those dreams I awoke from gasping for air and dripping in sweat. My hand brushed the back of hers. She looked up to my face and wrapped her arms around my sides, resting her face on my chest.

"I'm here now. That's all that matters, but Bella, I can't help but think you wouldn't have called off the wedding if I hadn't left," I murmured huskily, looking down to her, holding her gaze. "I'm sorry, but that is how I feel."

All I got in response was the feeling of Bella nodding her head against my chest and her arms wrap around my back, with her hold tightening along with it. I placed a kiss on her forehead and brushed my hand down her cheek. It felt so nice to be holding Bella in my arms – someone I truly loved, instead of some stranger in New York or someone like Skyla, who I was only friends with.

After only a few minutes of standing there in silence, holding one and other, I began to smell the sweet and fresh scent of rain and then it began to fall upon us. Bella took a step back to look up at my face. She had been crying again. I could tell by the glassy look in her eyes.

"Are you still going to stay?" I asked in a faint tone, hoping for a yes. But instead of speaking, Bella swallowed hard and nodded. She was lost for words. I could sense it.

I took her hand and led us inside in the warmth and dryness of the house. Bella's arms wrapped around her body as she headed over to the couch and curled up in the corner, beside the arm rest. She was slightly cold and wet; I could tell by the way she hugged herself so tightly and the darker colours on her clothes from the rain. Taking a few steps, I sat back in the couch and wrapped my arms around Bella again, taking a deep breath in of her strong, heavenly scent. I instantly relaxed and felt her curl into my side with her hand resting on my chest.

"You're so warm," she whispered lightly, closing her eyes slowly and rested her head on her hand. "I've felt so cold since you left."

I hadn't realised it until now, but I had felt cold too, without Bella. I looked down to her, stroking the length of her arm. "Me too Bella," I whispered.

Her eyes met mine. "I love you Jacob," she whispered, fisting my shirt. "I'm sorry for not seeing that soon enough. I'm sorry I've hurt and used you so much. You deserve better than that. I'm so sorry Jake," she cried, leaning into my side so I couldn't see her face.

My arm around her shoulders tightened as my index finger ran down the side of her face. I knew I was probably stupid in thinking I would never be hurt by Bella again, but at that moment, I really didn't care what pain I would end up facing. "I love you too Bella, more than my own life. But please stop crying. I hate seeing you upset and sad. It kills me to see you like this, Bells." I slipped down in the chair so I was looking up at her face. I smiled slightly and touched her chin so she would open her eyes and look at me. She wiped her eyes and cheeks with the backs of her hands and nodded, wrapping her arms around my neck, tightly.

"I don't know how you keep forgiving me with how much I put you through Jake," she sobbed into my shirt, trying to stop the tears. I kissed her cheek and ran my hands up and down her back, not saying a word because I only felt like I would say the wrong thing.

It was hard to forget the pain, but that is just how much I loved Bella. She meant the whole world and more to me. Without her, I wouldn't have a world to live in. She was my heart, my air, my life, my being, my world, my universe. My all. . . I couldn't live without her.

"I guess, I better call Charlie," Bella murmured and sat up, leaning over the side of the arm rest to the phone sitting on the old wooden coffee table. It looked like Rachel had been doing some updating in technology since I had left. The phone was new. It was about time someone updated things around the place.

When Charlie picked up the phone, he could tell Bella was upset though she didn't admit it and Charlie stopped asking. Dad was already there with Charlie, watching the game. He was wondering where Bella had gotten to and sounded more than pleased when she told him about having dinner at my place. The only thing was now; I had to find enough food for the six of us. No doubt Rachel was going to be home at any minute with Paul on her tail.

Bella smiled lightly as she hung up the phone and settled back in my arms. I stroked her cheek, looking down at her face and smiled. It felt so right, sitting like this, together in one and others arms. I hadn't felt anything that seemed so right before. It was like, Bella was where she meant to be and I was where I was meant to be.

"This feels so right," Bella murmured abruptly. She glanced up at my face as I smiled. "You read my mind," I replied in a soft tone. She smiled back and leaned up to kiss me again. It felt like flames of lightning went through the two of us this time. My hands rested on either side of Bella's waist. Her hands steadied herself on my shoulders as she kissed me slowly. We both jumped hearing the door go. Looking up, I turned red to see who it was.

"Whoops, sorry for 'CB' man," Paul grinned, heading straight into the kitchen with Rachel coming in behind him. My eyes narrowed in confusion of what he meant by 'CB.'

I looked at Bella whose cheeks were redder than mine. She shook her, not sure either. Rachel was rolling her eyes at Paul.

"What does CB, mean?" I leaned over the side of the couch to see Paul in the kitchen with a ham sandwich in his hand, two mouthfuls taken out of it already. He grinned. "Cockblocked."

My face flushed even redder than before as my eyes rolled – I should have known. Bella was trying not to laugh by putting her hands over her mouth. "Yeah I don't think that was going to happen, Paul," I murmured.

"What? Can't get it up Black?" I could tell that grin had grown all the more by his tone of voice. Bella burst out laughing – and here was thinking I couldn't be any more redder after the last comment, but I had been wrong. My face felt hotter than I'd ever felt it before. . . I would have said something if it wasn't for Bella being there. She didn't need to know that part of my life in New York just yet.

"Leave him alone," Rachel scowled, hitting Paul over the shoulder.

"I will, when dinner is here. Speaking of, when is that going to be?"

"Is that all you think about?" I questioned, leaning against the couch again.

"Hmm, apart from, sex, sex, sex, and more sex, pretty much," Paul answered casually, grabbing something else from the fridge. My eyes rolled again, thinking I should have known. Bella giggled at my expression, which made a smirk come over my face. I liked seeing her laugh and giggle; it made me happy to see she was happy.

Glancing over at Rachel's face, I saw she too was slightly red and shaking her head. "I'm putting it on now, Paul," she said in a deep and annoyed tone.

"Still old same perverted Paul I see. Not much has changed around here after all." I looked over at Rach again and saw her grabbing some things from the fridge to cook with.

I smirked at Bella and took her hand in mine, leading us outside onto the veranda. I took her out back where no one would see us. It was still raining, but thankfully the veranda was sheltered.

"What are we doing out here, Jake?" Bella whispered, knowing Paul may have been able to hear us.

I brushed my lips lightly over hers. "That," I said huskily in her ear, smirking crookedly as she looked me in the eye. I felt her arms wound around my neck and her finger tips graze the skin of my neck, threading through my hair. I growled playfully as I felt Bella's lips on mine again. She smiled, giggling as I lifted her up in my arms, sitting her on the railing of the veranda with my arms wrapped around her back. Her hands rested against my chest and felt her shaky lips connect to mine again. I could sense she was smiling, even know I couldn't see or feel it.

She was slightly hesitant with taking the lead. My hands slipped up her back and to either side of her jaw where I felt her legs wrap around my waist. I was slightly taken aback, wondering if she was just trying to keep her balance on the railing or hinting to take it to the next step. I gazed into her eyes as she smiled. I thought I saw her eyes darken slightly, and I knew I had seen it when I felt her hand lightly brush along the skin of my stomach, above my jeans. I shuddered, not expecting it. I was in shock in a way. I didn't think she would be up to this stage yet.

"Bella . . ." I breathed huskily, looking down at her, searching her face and eyes. Reaching up, her hand brushed along the side of my face and she kissed me again, slow and passionate. We both jumped with hearing, "Dinners ready, whoops. I'm sorry." It was Rachel, this time. I felt my cheeks flush as Bella jumped down from the raining.

"It's okay Rachel," I murmured, looking away and rubbing the back of my neck. I could see from the corner of my eye Bella was smiling slightly.

"Can I talk to you for a second, alone?"

"Uh sure, I guess." Bella looked up at my face. "Go inside, I'll be right in."

"Okay," she nodded and passed Rachel in the kitchen. Rach came outside and closed the door behind her so no one would hear.

"What are you doing Jacob?" she hissed quietly. I looked at her in disbelief. I didn't feel like this was Rach I was talking to anymore. She usually understood me.

"What do you mean, what am I doing?" I half snapped.

"Please don't tell me you really think she won't hurt you again, Jacob! Please don't tell me you're that naïve."

My eyes narrowed as I felt a strong shudder come over me. "It's my life Rachel, whether you like it or not, I love Bella and I'll keep fighting for her. You don't know the truth, so stay out of it," I growled and walked inside.

I could see from the corner of my eye, Rachel was shaking her head. I didn't care what she or anyone said or thought, I loved Bella, and she was the only who knew the full truth.

When I walked out into the lounge room, I saw dad and Charlie sitting in the couch. Perfect. . . I really needed Charlie's questions coming out when I was already upset with Rachel. I really thought she would be glad that Bella had finally chosen me, but, maybe she was right. In a way, I didn't believe this was real – I didn't believe Bella had fully chosen me. I thought and felt like I was second best. She was only choosing me because he wasn't here.I just hoped that wasn't the case, and I knew only time would tell. In the meantime, I wouldn't let anyone pull me away from her. I loved Bella too much to let others beliefs pull me away now.

"Welcome back home Jacob," Charlie said as I broke of the dazed state of staring at the back of the couch.

"Uh, thanks Charlie."

"You okay, son?"

"Yeah thanks, was just thinking of something." I gave him a half-hearted smile as Bella came over and hugged me tightly. Rachel then came out of the kitchen with dinner in her hands. Paul followed her with more.

"Dinners ready," she announced with a genuine smile, setting the plates of roast beef, salad and vegetables down on the table and placed a knife and fork neatly on either side of the plates. It felt like years since I had seen this scene, in fact, it had been years. Between my running off to New York; and Rachel moving away for school . . . I had really missed this, more than I ever thought I would.

Hey guys,

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Wasn't able to upload it when I had it written and ready as the site was down. As always thank you so much for all you're wonderful feedback, I love hearing and I cannot wait to hear more from you all.

Have a great weekend!

- Sky x