Hey everyone! I wanted to leave a quick note that I hope you will read. I'm sorry that I haven't updated in a month. I'm normally not one for excuses- but I had finals and 4 research papers to write! Then, the charger cord for my laptop fried and I have been without my poor baby for a week. But I'm back now and will try to get back on the regular schedule of updating weekly.

I wanted to dedicate this chapter to a fan that personally wrote me and inspired me to write another chapter- redrosie90… Without them, this chapter wouldn't have been finished so quickly!

Remember- I love my reviewers and I would love to hear your personal thoughts. Also, I'd like to encourage any of you to write me. I promise to try my best to reply to all of you.

Hope you like- Oh- I added a book cover- what do you guys think?

Chapter 12

Are We There Yet?

The rest of the week and a half went by in a blur. I tried to convince myself that I didn't really want to kill Kiera last week; but who was I kidding? She was quickly becoming one of my most favorite people in the world; so naturally, I couldn't help but feel guilty for thirsting for her blood. But even after all of that, I couldn't help but feel that we were always destined to be friends. Both of us had literally spent all day at the hospital together. I was surprised how quickly I had gotten into a new everyday routine. I'd wake up, get ready, drive to the hospital, talk with Kiera, make my rounds in different departments, have lunch with David and Kiera, make some more rounds, and take a break with Kiera. Then, later we'd get off work and Kiera and I would ride to Jake's together. In so many ways Kiera reminded me of Seth; except she was entirely feminine. Now, I couldn't imagine him with anyone else. It's like they had been made for each other. Every evening we had cooked dinner for our wolves and spent the rest of the night talking and enjoying our company together. Seth and Kiera would often sneak out to the beach and go "walking." But, I doubt much walking was involved considering all the juicy details Kiera would tell me the next day.

I hated to admit it -but they were definitely moving at a faster rate than me and Jake… much faster. They had already made love, and many times. At first I was shocked about how quickly Seth moved; but Kiera said it was her that pushed for it. She enjoyed how eager he was to please her and, in turn, she was to him. From what she told me- she had been his first-but he quickly worked up to being the best lover she ever had. I couldn't imagine her being so promiscuous. Over the weekend I finally got up the nerve to ask her how many men she had been with… she hung her head and blushed before peeking out from behind the shield of her radiant red hair and said, "three… including Seth."

Apparently, one had been a "high school sweetheart," and the second came from a two year relationship that ended a few years ago. I couldn't help but wonder what Seth thought about that… but I doubt I'd ever be brave enough to ask him.

While Kiera and Seth had been taking their "walks" together- Jake and I were planning our cruise. I literally couldn't wait. It was just one day away. There would be so much to do while we were on the boat that we'd often argue about what we'd spend our days doing. He hadn't brought up our nights, and often avoided me bringing it up. Every time things started to heat up between us, he'd find different ways to distract me or insist that we watch a movie. I'm quite sure that if it were possible, I'd have "blue balls." Whatever I had to do to take things to the next level between us on the cruise I was going to do.

Kiera was shyly but openly giving me sex advice. I appreciated it immensely. It was easy to talk to her, and it was a lot better than talking to my mom or the other imprints.

The most surprising thing that had happened the past two weeks is something I didn't expect… another friend that I adored seeing as often as I could- Mr. Howard… or Chuck as he wants me to call him. He was probably the highlight of my day. David was a bit aggravated with me when he found out that I had been sneaking him food from the cafeteria and from home; but I didn't care. He was at death's door- did it really matter if he wanted some fried chicken or a greasy hamburger? We shared many memories together and I honestly loved seeing him light up every day that I walked into his room.

But now, as I lay here in my room, there is only one thing that I have on my mind- thoughts about the cruise. Lately, I have begun to really hate being alone at night, especially now that I've spent so much time in Jacob's arms. So here I was- bound and determined to keep my mind preoccupied, and the cruise was a perfect distraction. Thoughts of being fully alone, no obligations, no hospital, no repair shop, no other wolves or vampires, no responsibilities… just me and my wolf… it kept me in a perfect dream-state.

The sound of my mother walking towards my room brought my attention out of the clouds and into reality. I quickly debated whether or not to pretend to be asleep. She been insistent with her "sex talks" lately and I wasn't in the mood to hear the word "condom" come out of her mouth ever again.

"Ness, are you awake?" She asked poking her head into the half opened door.

Sighing heavily, I shifted down my blankets as I sat up before saying "Yes." I couldn't help but look at my clock before looking back at my mom. Great it was 3am and I doubted sleep would be anywhere in sight.

"You're dad wanted me to see if you and Jacob were all ready to go on your trip."

"Oh, I haven't really packed or anything… and I seriously doubt Jake has either." I said before laughing with my mom and the thought of Jake packing at the last minute like we both knew he would.

"Well that is what I thought, so I was wondering if you wanted to go shopping tomorrow… or today rather, instead of going to the hospital."

"Today?" I repeated.

"Yeah," She replied stepping closer into my room. The smile on her face was nothing but sincere when she added, "And maybe we can get Jake some stuff too."

"Ummm," I said thinking to myself. I didn't really like the thought of not going to the hospital tomorrow; but it wasn't like I hadn't worked my butt off for the past two weeks. Not to mention my mom and I hadn't spent any real time together in months. Maybe a good shopping day was in store… and maybe I can get some lingerie while I'm at it… I wonder if Jake could resist lingerie the same way he's resisted me these last few weeks. "Alright," I said before watching my mother's face light up with joy. "It's a date." I added, returning her smile.

"Great, it's supposed to rain all day in Seattle tomorrow- so we can go there if you want."

"Seattle sounds good then." I said before failing to fight the urge to yawn.

"Well I will let you get some rest. We'll leave out about 9… is that okay?"

"Yep,"

"Okay, night sweetie," She said heading towards the door.

"Night mom," I responded as I laid myself back down under the covers. I watched as she disappeared and before I could let any more distracting thoughts of Jacob enter my mind I focused on my need to sleep. Most people could fall asleep listening to nature, or even the lulling sound of the television… but for me… it was the comforting sound of my never-sleeping family that always did the trick.

The overpowering smell of Starbucks honed in my attention as I was tiredly walking through downtown Seattle with mom and Aunt Rose. I really should have gotten much more sleep than I had before trying to keep up with two vampires while shopping.

"Mom," I called out from behind them- annoyed with their ever-increasing pace… or was I just getting slower?

"Hmmm?" She replied turning around.

"Coffee," I said drooping my head for a more dramatic effect. "Please." I added.

She made a face of disgust before smiling at me. "Alright, Rose and I will wait over there where those tables are." She said pointing towards an outside bistro area.

" 'Kay," I replied already walking with more vigor into the inviting and comforting smell of the coffee house.

While inside I quickly ordered my favorite Frappuccino- French Vanilla with extra caramel drizzle before taking no time at all to drain it like a mountain lion. Smiling at the though, I sighed wistfully at the comfy looking couch by the roaring fire as I ignored the impending pain of a brain freeze.

Walking back out in the dreary environment that allowed my family to live as humanly as they wanted, I quickly spotted a cleverly placed trash bin. Lightly tossing the empty cup in the trash I turned quickly to where my mom said she would be before running smack-dab into someone.

The instant pressure of a man rebounding off of me flooded my senses. It wasn't something you could ever plan on happening, the natural reactions of instincts. I had quickly reached out for him, but I was already too late. As if in slow motion, he was flung backwards several feet before colliding with the ground with an abrupt, wet smack. Making a face that one makes when they see an impending accident occur, I made my way towards the blonde, un-averting male that had ran into me. Being made of part stone- I was, of course, okay, it was him I was worried about. Unfortunately, he wasn't the only thing that had went flying after impact…with him went the five shopping bags I was carrying were now strewn around on the dirty, wet, downtown sidewalks.

"Are you okay?" I asked as I encroached closer on him.

"Ummm," He said focusing his pale blue eyes on me. "Yeah, I think so." He added looking at me a little funny. "Do I know you?"

"I don't think so." I replied, mirroring his strange expression with one of my own. "Can I help you up?" I asked reaching out my arm to him. His face did remind me of someone but I couldn't think of where exactly I had seen him before.

"Thanks," He responded grabbing my hand with his. I helped him up before watching him try to wipe his wet pants with his even wetter hands. "Sorry I ran into you, are you okay?"

"I'm fine; I was more worried about you." I admitted as we began picking up my shopping bags off the ground. Luckily nothing had gotten wet or damaged, except for some jeans I got for Jake and a pair of sunglasses- that unfortunately went straight into the trash with my cup.

"Everyone alright?" My mom asked from behind me.

"Yep," I replied turning around towards her, "I think so at least… I will need to get a new pair of sunglasses though." I joked as I looked back over my shoulder at the man I had bumped into moments before. I was instantly brought up short when I noticed that his eyes weren't on me at all- but completely focused on my mom. With his mouth hung open as if from shock, I turned completely around before asking, "Are you sure you are ok?"

"Bella?" He asked with surprised tone.

Before I could even think to respond, my mom replied shockingly, "Mike?"

Mike? I thought…Who in the hell is Mike, and why is he hugging my mom right now? Why is she hugging him for that matter? I stepped back a bit and hoped that she would notice the "OH MY GOD" expression I was giving her right now but she was too caught up in the moment.

"How've you been?" He asked quickly before saying, "It's been forever."

"It has been forever," My mom agreed. "I've been good… great actually. What about you?"

"Not too bad," He responded with a smile that I'm quite certain my dad wouldn't have liked very much. "You haven't changed one bit! You look…amazing."

"How do you two know each other?" I asked- politely throwing myself in the conversation and quickly averting his thoughts of my un-aging mother, golden-eyed mother.

"Oh," My mom said as if she just realized my presence, "Ness, this is Mike Newton- a guy I went to high school with. Mike this is my daughter, Renesmee." I instantly remembered the name. His name periodically showing up under pictures in an old scrapbook my mom kept in our cottage.

"Daughter?" He choked out before focusing his eyes on me. If I hadn't looked so much like her, I'm sure he wouldn't have believed it.

"Yes," I reiterated before reaching out a greeting hand towards him. "It's nice to meet you, Mike."

"You too, Renesmee," He responded courteously before looking back at my mom. "So…" He took a deep breath in before asking, "How's Edward?"

"He's great." My mom replied with a smile. If she were able to blush- she'd be doing so right now. "We are about to celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary in a few months."

"17? Wow, has it been that long?" He asked rubbing a thoughtful hand through his dampened hair.

"Yeah, crazy right?"

"Very! I mean it seemed just like yesterday that Jess and I went to your wedding."

"I know… how is Jessica?" My mom asked noting Mike's ringed finger. I quickly remembered Jessica's name along with the stories my mom told me when I was younger.

"Good, she's at home with the kids."

"Kids?" My mom repeated with disbelief, "That's great, how many?"

"Three" Mike said as he took a deep, exhausted breath in. "Mikey just turned five, Anna will be four next month, and baby Katie is almost a year."

"Sound like you have your hands full." My mom replied.

"To say the least," He responded with meaningful sigh. "Jess is always at school, so I'm normally at home with the kids."

"School?" My mom asked.

"Yeah, she's an English professor at Washington State University."

"Really?" My mom face mirrored admiration and understanding, "That sounds just like Jess."

"Yeah, she loves it. My dad opened up a Newton's Outfitter here in Seattle so I work there sometimes… when I have the time that is. What are you and Edward up to these days?" He asked.

At first, I was trying to figure out exactly what she was going to tell him. I mean, my dad could literally run the world with all his skillfulness and knowledge. My mom wasn't without her skills either. While I was growing up she got a Master's degree in Literature, which, like Jessica, suited her perfectly. She often tutored the wolves but never really made a career out of it. My dad, on the other hand, spent several years as an Internal Medicine Doctor. He stopped a few years ago and began studying archeology and hieroglyphics.

"Well," She began as I held my breath waiting for her response. "Edward became a doctor and I got my degree in Literature. But… I just spend most of my time tutoring or being a mom to a teenager." She said directing her eyes towards me.

I couldn't imagine a more perfect answer coming from my mom. She was never really good a lying and nothing she said was really a lie.

"I can't believe it's been 17 years." Mike said after a thoughtful moment and a few unbelieving glances in my direction. For almost a solid minute my mom and Mike stared at each other in admiration, memories visibly flashing in their eyes. "Well, I hate to cut this reunion short but I gotta get home."

"Well tell Jess I said hello, it was really good seeing you Mike."

"I will- and you too." Mike said before adding, "Oh, I'm sure Jess will want to talk to you, can I get your number?" He asked. Even though I thought it a little inappropriate to ask a married woman for her number, Mike really didn't seem to have any ill-intentions.

As I vaguely listened to the conversation in-front of me, I couldn't help but think about the youth my mother gave up to have me. A never ending argument between my parents before I came along, I began to understand why my dad always wanted my mother to experience everything humanly possible before she was changed.

"You ready to go?" My mom asked, jerking me back into reality. I looked around and realized that Mike was already gone and out of sight.

"Uh, yeah." I said a little surprised that I didn't realize Mike's departure.

"Great, there is a swimsuit shop over here I thought you'd might like to check out."

I looked over at the direction she was pointing and watched Aunt Rose disappear in the rotating door of the entryway. The excitement that Mike Newton had brought by running into me and reminiscing with my mom had worn off and the exhaustion had taken its place once more.

I spent the rest of the day in numerous shops and boutiques. My family never had to worry about money, but I still felt bad for the totals I caught a glimpse of on each receipt. I hope Jake likes everything… considering I bought him an entire new wardrobe. I got myself a lot too; many new bra and panty sets. I never really cared before about them matching. Now, with Jake seeing them… I'm kind of wanting to impress. I'm quite sure that the sheer, black baby doll lingerie set with a soft pink bow in the front might just do that. I was quite taken back with a lot of the choices they had to offer for lingerie; they may have just been a little to risqué for my taste, but, I did get a few other lace camisoles, and really cute corset that I could pull off with a pair of skinny jeans any day of the week.

I had to sneak these purchases of course. Aunt Rose saw me eyeing the seductive section and took my mom up the escalator to buy something for "Esme;" I definitely need to pay her back for that one.

When we got home, I bolted up stairs and started packing. It's taken hours so far. Dad came in a told me I need to cut the five suitcases down to two or three at the most. Was he kidding? I just starting packing five, I still had more to go. Alice came in asking if she could help but I didn't want her to see all the lingerie. I mean, how embarrassing would that be?

One of my large suitcases was filled with shoes alone; so, I would have to figure out a way to pack all of my outfits and underwear into two suitcases. I sighed heavily, looking at the hurricane-like wreck that was my room. Grandma would kill me if she saw it.

I walked over and flung open the first suitcase that I had packed and began rethinking some of the outfits. I'd been hearing anxious footsteps around my door since I had gotten home, so I began tuning out the various members of my family stopping by. Were they concerned that I'd die or something? Or were they worried that Jake would steal my virtue and I'd come back knocked up? HA! He wouldn't need to steal something I'd be so willing to give. Laughing at the thought, I began tossing clothes from my suitcase onto the other heaps of clothing on the floor.

"Wow," A familiar, warm voice came from my doorway. I smiled before turning around to see the man I love looking back at me. "I've never seen a Cullen so messy." He joked.

A chuckle left me before I replied, "That's because I'm only part Cullen."

"Ah," Jake said as he took a big, deliberate step over a mound of garments. "Are you 'bout finished packing?"

"Oh…" I said looking around exhaustedly, "that would be a big, fat NO!" I said with a teasing expression. "What about you, have you packed yet?"

"What do you think?" He asked.

"Honestly?" I questioned as I sat down cleverly in between the cloth piles.

"Yeah," He said back before sitting down on my chaise lounge.

"No," I replied throwing a pink tee at him. I crinkled up my nose when he caught it with a speed that mimicked my father; a little disappointed that my projectile missed its target.

"You'd be right," He said flinging the shirt back at me. I dodged it just in time for it to fly by my head and land on the bed.

"Well good!" I said standing up quickly. "I got a few things you'd need to pack anyways." I said hopping over obstacles to get to my closet.

"Your mom said it was more than a few," He replied with the same voice he uses when I change the channel from sports to some random "chick show."

I stuck my head back out of the closet and teasingly stuck my tongue out at him before disappearing momentarily and reappearing with six huge bags of clothes latched around my wrists.

"Dear God," He said jumping up to help me. Even though I really didn't need his help, I let him be the gentleman he wanted to be. "I thought your mom was exaggerating. Is all of this for me?"

"Yep," I answered placing the bags I had around the chaise lounge where he was once seated. "Try some stuff on for me." I said, looking for an excuse to have him look at the clothes. I made sure to take all the price tags off… if he knew how much everything cost he would have said that I could have donated to something more worthy.

"What? Ness you have to be joking." He said looking down at me with a raised, unbelieving brow.

"No I'm not joking. I want to make sure you like everything and that it fits before we go packing it." Ha… he can't argue with logic.

"I'm not really the modeling type." He said sitting down, completely uninterested in where this was headed.

"Are you kidding me?" I said placing myself in front of him with my hands on my hips. "Jacob Black, you are the most beautiful man I've ever seen in my entire life. Male models would kill to look like you." I said taking a step closer. I rubbed my hand on his muscular bicep before saying, "Kill to have your body." I hadn't meant for my tone to lower as I said all of this but it had. The pure appreciation that I had for him-inside and out- was…well, for lack of a better term, turning me on.

Sensing my change of emotions, Jake's eyes darted towards my open door before looking back at me. The raw sensuality that took over his features was completely enticing as his eyes trailed up and down my body. Feeling drawn in like an unsuspecting trout, I closed my eyes and leaned towards him- not knowing if he'd draw back like he had been or caress me in this small way.

I felt a shockwave shoot through me as his soft lips instantly engulfed mine. I hadn't anticipated that he would be so quick and fierce with response. He'd been holding back on me for almost two weeks and there really was no stopping instant pleasure and excitement that overtook me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling at him. The need to be closer to him was as suffocating as the act itself. I never wanted to be separate from him again. I never wanted to spend another lonesome night tangled up in my blankets and not the beautiful creature before me. The sound of his heartbeat increasing thrummed in my ears, as did the seductive growl in his chest. I took a deep breath in as he began pulling me down on top of him, hungry with the same need that I felt. I methodically positioned myself on his lap, carefully straddling his legs.

This time, I hadn't waited for him to increase the kiss as I always had before; with his lips halfway parted I took no time at all tasting him. The feeling of his tongue gliding along mine had quickly reminded me how much I had been missing. The taste of him was only a sweet, torturous, reminder of how easily he affected me. Breaking our kiss, I began trailing kisses all over his neck, being sure to lightly suck on certain parts of his sensitive skin. I hated to admit it, but I was taking advantage of this moment. It had been the first time in weeks that he'd let me take it any further than holding his hand and a few quick kisses… and now I was taking all he'd give me. Working my way up to his ear, I nipped lightly on the lobe before breathing hotly into his delicate ear; having learned that it was one place on his body that always would give me the response I wanted.

"Ness," He exhaled.

"Hmm?" I hummed in his ear before tracing the outside of his ear with my tongue. The feeling of his arousal began pressing against me. I rocked my hips back and forth slowly, appreciating his growing, masculine length. His hands grabbed my hips stilling them instantly. I knew I was pushing his resolve to an unhealthy level- but I couldn't stop myself. Knowing that he would stop me at any moment only made me want to get as much as I could before I had to let go. The tension radiating from his body only fueled me to continue, but as his grip on my hips grew harsher, I craned my neck back to look at him. The fiery look in his eyes told me just how turned on he was; how keeping me at bay all this time had indeed been a true struggle.

At that moment, I inhaled a sigh of defeat… it really wasn't fair to push him this far. I released my hold from around his neck and looked down, silently raising my white flag of surrender.

"Look at me," His husky voice ordered. There was something in his tone that I had never heard before, something bordering on the infinite line of pain and pleasure. A questionable look took over my face as I once again glanced up at him; his eyes instantly locking onto mine. Instead of pulling me off him like I thought he would, he slowly pushed my hips backward, before bring them forward once more. A familiar warmth filled me as we continued to look at one another. There was something so sexy about this moment that I knew I would never be able to find the words to ever explain it; watching each other while he fervently raked me across him over and over.

"Jake," I moaned as he repeated the motion again. This time, I arched my back-which allowed the force of the sensual caress to increase.

"Do you have any idea what you are doing to me?" He said with a soft pressurized thrust of his hips; his arousal growing harder against me.

"Only a little," I said with a teasing smile before biting my lip from the stimulating pleasure he was bringing me.

The groan that left his chest completely undid me… almost as much as the roughly cleared throat coming from the door.

I looked at the doorway quickly enough to catch a particular uncle with the biggest "I gotcha" grin I've ever seen.

"Not saving anything for the cruise are you guys?" He said with his booming laughter. Heat flooded my face as I instinctively threw myself off of Jacob's lap.

"We were just kissing," I explained…completely and utterly horrified. I knew my face was at least six shades of red.

"Kissing, hmm?" Emmett said as he stepped into my room. "From my view…"

"Emmett," Jacob interrupted with a warning tone.

Emmett's eyes quickly focused onto Jake's before a huge smile refitted his features. "Hey kid," He began, "If I had to wait as long as you have…."

"Emmett!" I shouted, stopping him from continuing. I know I was mature way beyond my years, but I couldn't help slamming my foot down on the ground as I yelled at him.

"What?" He asked with a sincere shrug of his shoulders. Did have any idea how mortifying this was? What a question… Yes… of course he did!

"I'm not above throwing you off my balcony." I said with a seriousness that made him laugh once more.

"You and what army?" Emmett teased, stepping closer to me as if to challenge.

Jacob stood up meticulously and placed himself in front of me with his arms crossed protectively over his chest. "Me for starters, then I'll let her have a go at your hide." He replied with a tone that left us wondering if he was joking or serious.

Emmett's deep laughter again roared in the air around us before playfully punching Jake in the shoulder. Jake barely moved from the interaction. If he would have been all human, I'm quite sure he would have been tossed across the room.

"I'll guess I'll leave you two to your… "packing." My uncle said with finger quotes. His smile was incredulous as he left my room as quietly as he came; my face still burning from the humiliating exchange. I covered my face impulsively before burying myself in Jake's back. The instant laughter that coiled through his body didn't comfort me. I felt him turn around as hugged me comfortingly into his chest.

"Ness," he said trying to hold back his laughter that I heard underlining his words. "Why are you so embarrassed, Em's heard us before."

"I know," I replied with a muffled voice into his shirt. I looked up at him before saying, "But, he hadn't ever seen anything. And now that he has… so will my dad."

Jake's eyes widened a bit at my revelation. I could tell from his reaction that he hadn't really thought about that. He inadvertently readjusted his gaze on my door, probably expecting to see my father to come bursting in like a mad man.

"Maybe we should really get to packing..." I said, trying to elevate the growing anxious presence that began filling the room.

Jake took in a measured breath in before focusing his gaze on all the bags of clothing I got him.

"Have you changed your mind?" I asked measuring his glance.

"No, I still want to go," He said as he carefully placed himself back on the chaise; his eyes still nervously looking at the door.

"No, I mean about modeling for me a bit." I said before giving him a pleading expression that he rarely could deny.

He sighed heavily before regrettably agreeing, "Fine." He grabbed one of the bags and began rummaging through it; pulling various articles of clothing out and placed them all on chaise next to him. As he got to the end of one bag and a curious look took over his features.

"What is it?"

"Please tell me you didn't buy these." Jake said hoisting up a pair of muddy denim jeans.

"Oh," I remembered, "Some guy ran into me while we were shopping today. Unfortunately, some bags got knocked out of my hands..." I explained.

"A guy ran into you?" He asked before looking me up and down in an entirely different way than I normally liked. "Are you okay?"

My brow furrowed instantly… was he joking, did he forget I'm part vampire? "I'm fine, I was more worried about him honestly. He was the one that landed flat on his back … turns out my mom knew him. It was kinda weird."

"Knew him, what do you mean?" He asked still clutching the dirty jeans.

"I mean, she knew him… when she was human. She went to high school with him or something."

"What was his name?" Jake asked with an unusual curiosity.

"Mike Newton."

Jake's facial expression changed once he heard Mike's name. A mixture of different emotions passed over him very quickly. First acknowledgement, reminiscence, and then he finally settled on humor.

"Do you know him?" I asked, just as curious he had been moments before.

"Yeah," he laughed, "I remember him. His dad owns a sporting goods store in Forks. It's kind of a long story but we all went to the movies one night with your mom…" He shook his head before adding amusingly, "Such a pansy."

"What?" I asked, confusion filtering through my mind.

"Nothing," He replied, looking down with a humorous grin on his face. I felt my brows shift downward. I really didn't like not knowing things…especially things where Jacob was involved.

"Why do I always feel out of the loop where you and my mother are concerned?" I asked out loud, but more to myself than him.

"It was ages ago… not even important enough to mention. Actually," He began, "I believe that was the night I transformed."

"Transformed?" I repeated with a questioning tone.

"Well, phased… for the first time." He explained.

I grew very quiet as I watched certain memories change his handsome features. I tried to visualize him back then… as a shorted, thinner, and weaker human; but the vision quickly shifted back into him as he was now. It was hard to imagine him before I came along. Was it selfish feeling this way? I could imagine my dad as a teenage boy from a different era… my mom in her ballerina dress, dancing clumsily around at Grandma Renee's legs… and hell, I could even imagine Carlisle working alongside the Volturi… but Jake? It was hard to imagine that we existed separately.

"What is it?" He asked, bringing me out of my thoughts.

"Nothing," I mimicked his phrase from before with a teasing smile.

"Touché," He said standing up, with several articles of clothing over his forearm. "Where can I change?"

"In the closet if you want… or my bathroom," I said pointing at the bathroom door. A warm smile spread on my features as he walked by me, exaggerating his steps around the hurdles of clothing. I dropped my voice very low before softly saying, "Or… you can change right here… in front of me." The sensuality that lingered in my tone was quickly recognized. Jacob stopped instantly before measuring me with a sultry glance; the muscles in his jaw clenched tightly against his bronze skin.

"Or," He began taking another step closer to me, no longer caring about the delicate clothing under his feet. The look in his told me exactly what he wanted as he said "You can join me in the bathroom. I've been wanting to get you…"

"How's the packing coming?" My dad's voice broke through Jacob's seductive whisper.

"Just trying on some clothes," Jake said, quickly turning away from me and towards the bathroom. Laughter slipped from my lips as I got a rare glimpse of Jacob blushing when he disappeared into my bathroom. He gave me a hooded glance as he swiftly shut the door behind him. Could he be any more adorable?

"What about you?" My dad asked, "You don't look like you have accomplished anything since I last saw you. Well, except…" My eyes flew to his instantly. I waited for him to say it… say something about the little make out session I'm quite sure he saw in Emmett's head. Or about hushed words Jacob and I shared a mere moments ago… but he said nothing… the look from my eyes must have stopped him. I couldn't wait to come home from the cruise and be able to go to my new home… my new, very private, non-intrusive home. The one my mom, Esme, and Aunt Alice had been working on for weeks. I haven't seen it yet, but anywhere was better than here right now.

"I'll be ready in a couple hours." I assured, changing the subject and hopefully the course of his mind. I turned around, not really able to look at him anymore. I'm not sure if it was shame or frustration, but I began folding the scattered clothing that lingered on my bed.

"Nessie," He said from behind me, his silent footfall barely audible to my ears as he came closer.

"Hmmm?"

"I…" He began softly as I cringed. I felt where this conversation was headed… I closed my eyes in rigid disgust. "I just want to make sure you are…" He continued grabbing my arm for me to turn and look at him. Sighing heavily, I turned around before he resumed "I just want to make sure you are going to have a good time… but not… too good of a time."

Wincing again, I shifted uneasily, not able to fight the need to close my eyes once more. It was hard to look at my dad when he was talking about sex… ewww. "I… I don't even know how to reply to that." I said, plopping down dramatically on my bed.

"Renesmee… I know your mom has talked to you about it, but."

"You are right!" I interrupted, "She has already had this talk with me… and I don't intend on hearing it again… I get it, ok?" I snapped. He didn't respond, just shook his head at me as if he were aggravated. "Listen…I'm sorry for the way that came out. It's just that, well, I'm an adult… I've heard the safe sex, no sex, abstinence talk before; many times… especially over the last couple of days. I understand your worries, mom's worries, and even Jake's worries, but my life is my life… everything I do is my choice."

"Can't you at least lie to me?" He replied with a little humor. I watched as my father looked down at me like he'd never see me again this way… as his little girl.

"Do you really want me to lie to you?" I asked.

"No," He said with gentle "Edward" smile as he sat down next to me. "I just want you to be happy… always."

"I am happy dad."

"I know," He replied before adding, "I see how happy Jacob makes you. It reminds me of…"

"Please don't say it reminds you of mom." I interjected.

"Well it does." He said, nudging me with his shoulder. "I guess Jake has that kind of effect on the women I love the most."

"I guess so." I said nudging him back.

"I'm going to miss you, Ness."

"I'm only going to be gone for a few days." I reminded.

"I know… but then you are moving into your new place and I'm guessing" He said as he pulled me close to his side, "That I'm going to be seeing less and less of you." I rested my head on his shoulder as he hugged me lightly.

"I promise to visit as often as possible." I replied as I hugged him back. I felt him place a fatherly kiss on the top of my head and I hugged tighter. In this moment I felt like I would return from the cruise as a new woman. That this was the last moment that I would be daddy's little girl. "I love you dad."

"And I you, Ness," He said before standing up. "I'll let you get to it."

" 'Kay." I sighed, looking around at all the clothing… Man, I had a long way to go. I listened as my father made his way downstairs and began talking to the other members of my family. Listening to their conversations was as calming as the soft tide kissing the sand.

"Hey… You okay?" Jake asked from the bathroom doorway.

"Yeah," I said before realizing he was wearing his clothes and not the new ones. "I wanted you to try your new clothes on!"

"I did," He smiled. "I had a few minutes in there, ya know?"

"Oh… sorry about that."

"It's ok. I understand."

"Thanks for understanding."

"Sure, sure." He replied before adding. "Everything fit, I'll just throw it all in a suitcase and pack a little more at home. We gotta get you packed… Although, I'm pretty sure you should have started last week."

"Okay, Okay…I don't need you on my case, too. You haven't even started packing yet. Isn't that a little pot calling the kettle…"

"Jacob Black?" He cut in with an awful joke.

"That was so lame."

"Ouch!" He said clutching at his chest, feigning hurt.

"How about we take a quick break, grab a snack or something?"

"No…C'mon," He said picking me up off the bed. I quickly wrapped my arms around his neck as my legs draped over his forearm "The faster we start, the faster we'll get done."

"Fine…" I said sluggishly. This day had been entirely too exhausting

"Just think." He began clutching me tighter to his chest, "Tomorrow we board the ship that will take us…"

"Away?" I interrupted dreamingly.

"Yes… away." He said placing a soft, gentle kiss on my lips.

Hey- hoped you all liked… the cruise finally here- tune in for the next chapter! ;)