A/N; This chapter is dedicated to the lives lost in my family. To my Uncle Neil; You were the best Uncle. We love you dearly, and you will be sorely missed. I will miss your teasing, and your booming laughter. Please watch over me. I love you. To My Aunt's Dad, who is also my cousin's grandfather; Though I had only met you once, you were very kind and gentle. We grieve for your family's loss. Watch over your grandchildren, and I will do everything I can to guide them too. Rest In Peace, the both of you.

In this chapter, you may need a tissue or two. I have put all my sorrow and grief into this one chapter. So please have a box of tissues on standby.

Thank you.

Bella.
J.P.O.V.

Today I woke up no different than what I had since Billy died. But today, was significant. In less than five hours, Billy, my father, would be given a memorial service, and then buried. I would no longer see his smiling face. I would no longer hear the teasing, but somehow always serious voice of his. I would no longer feel like me. I would have no place to actually call a family home. The only one's left, were Rach and I.

I looked up to see what I was in the mirror. I was a teenager. I usually smiled, but somehow it had disappeared, along with my fathers. My eyes were red, from past sleepless nights, and from crying. I was weakened by everything that had happened. I no longer looked like me. The only one who was keeping me together for all this time was Bella.

She was there for me, whenever I needed her. It was wrong of me, but I was leaning on her to stand on this earth. Everyday, she tried her hardest to make me smile, and make me feel the tiniest bit better. It worked for short periods of time. She was my own personal miracle, and I felt so selfish. It felt wrong now, to keep such an angel by my side. But I couldn't let her go. I loved her too much.

I put my head in my hands. I was broken into pieces. Billy, Bella, my smiles, my care-free attitude and my heart…They would all be left behind when I passed the borders within three days. It's all I had left. These three days, would be like living the three last days of my life. How would I do it? How would I survive without something I needed? It seemed so impossible… It hurt just to think about it. I sighed sadly to myself. Three more days; Just three more days. That was what my mind was practically singing insanely, with each tick of the clock.

I stood up, and opened the window. It was raining, like any other typical day here. It suited my mood today, and what was about to happen. A lot of people were coming to Billy's funeral. He was loved dearly. Everyone would miss him. I winced slightly, just thinking about it. The world now didn't seem right, without Billy in it.

I walked into the bathroom, and took a long shower, still thinking about everything. With myself cleaned up, I quickly ate a pop-tart, and then decided to get ready. Alice, though annoying as she was, she had a lovely and kind personality. She had gotten a suitable outfit for me to wear for today's service. I was just about to button up the shirt, when I heard the door bell ring. I glanced at the time. 7am? It was a little early for visitors, I thought numbly. I walked to the door slowly, and opened it. Standing in front of me was a pale little girl, who looked very familiar. Already dressed in black, she looked lovely, but devastated. Bella gave me a massive hug, and I hugged her back, burying my face in her hair.

''Hey there…'' I greeted her, quietly. Her big brown eyes locked onto mine, instead of asking how I was feeling. She stood on her toes, and pecked my cheek. I half-smiled at her, as I lead her inside.

She sat in my bed, as I pulled on my jacket. She just watched me, without saying a word. Soon enough, a frown appeared on her face. I sat beside her, and pulled her onto my lap. She snuggled in closer to me.

''What's wrong?'' I asked. She frowned deeper. ''It's just…'' she sighed, and looked out the window.

''Bella?'' I held her face in my hands, and turned her towards me. ''Tell me. You know you can tell me anything.'' She sighed again, only more sadly than the last.

''I…well…Jake. You're here. But you're not. I know it might not make any sense, but I think you understand me well enough.'' I nodded slightly.

''Why do you know me so well?'' I mumbled quietly, playing with a strand of her hair. She smiled slightly.

''You're always going to be my open book.''

''Great. No hiding anything from you then.'' I teased lightly.

''Mhm… '' she looked into my eyes again. ''Jake… you're reminding me… of me. I've been through this twice, but in a different situation.'' I winced, knowing I caused it at least once. But she wouldn't have that. Her arms around me tightened. ''I don't want you to go through this Jake. It hurts so much. You're in so much pain, but you won't say a word about it. No matter how hard you try to hide it, no matter how hard you're going to try and cover it up, it doesn't change the fact that it isn't there. You have to stop it before…'' I knew where she was headed, and covered her mouth before she could say anymore.

''Do you think I could ever do that to you?'' I asked her, my eyes burning into hers, so she knew I was serious. A tear drop leaked out of her eye, and she buried her face in my chest. ''You silly girl. Remember, I promised you that I'd never hurt you. Though I might have broken it a couple of times, you know me Bells. I always try and fix it up. No matter what. If I did that to you, I'd never be able to forgive myself, and knowing you,'' I frowned, ''you'd follow me no sooner. And I could never risk that…''

Bella nodded under my chin. ''Of course I would.''

I sighed. ''Come on sweetheart. We might as well get to the place a little early, before people start arriving.''

We both got up, but Bella stopped me before I could walk any further. She straightened up my tie, and ruffled my hair slightly. She kissed my jaw bone, and I took her hand in mine. ''We're in this together, Jake. No matter what.''

I nodded, and squeezed her hand. I stopped before I walked out the door, and turned slightly to see my, now empty house. I imagined Billy, who would be in the kitchen now looking for snacks to eat…Then he'd go to the TV, whack it so it would turn on, and sit down. No sooner than that, the house would have been filled with his loud snores. I felt something nudge me, and I shook my head.

''I'm okay.'' I mumbled.

''I know, now lets go.'' And so I stepped outside my home. Without Billy, but with an angel holding my hand. And we were in this together.

B.P.O.V.

We drove silently to the Morgue. But I held Jake's hand tightly in mine and wouldn't let go until it was forcefully let go. I sighed. That wouldn't be long now. I tried to stretch out time as much as I could with this. 3 more days. 72 more hours. 4320 more minutes. Until he officially left. I sniffled quietly, trying to concentrate on something else. Jake lifted our hands up, and stroked my cheek with the back of his hand.

I smiled slightly in return. When I spoke to Jake this morning… about how he was becoming more like what I had been before, I made a promise to myself. I promised that no matter what, I WOULD get Jake back. I would try my best to get him smiling. I knew my chances were slim, but if he left without a smile on his face, the image would be burnt into my mind for eternity. An image that would never erase.

We came to a stop, and we both stepped out of the car. Jake took my hand quickly, like he was scared to let go. I didn't blame him. Slowly we walked up to the building. We asked the front desk where Billy's funeral would be, and she was kind enough to take us there.

I glanced up to Jake worried. He had tears in his eyes. Down the isle, lay his dead fathers body. Still. Unmoving. And at peace. I wrapped my arms around him, as he held onto my tightly. This was going to be such a hard day… for everyone. As time passed, people started arriving. Everyone came and greeted Jake first, and gave him their deepest sympathies. Soon the whole place was filled.

It was around 11 when everyone had arrived. Edward and his family were here too. I was kind of surprised when I saw Dr. Cullens face appear, followed by Esme and Edward. I gave Jake a look, and he shrugged, replying ''The doc was the one who told me, and tried saving Billy. And well, the kid'', he said, looking at Edward. ''He's not that bad.'' Jacob added glumly.

''I'm sorry for your loss Jacob. My family and I give our deepest sympathies and condolences. If there's anything we can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask.'' Carlisle said, giving Jake a hug.

Jake nodded. ''Thank you for trying to save him do- Dr. Cullen. It means a lot to me and my family.''

Carlisle nodded, and took his seat with Esme. Edward stayed with us, along with Rose, Ally, Brit, Lauren, Dan, Nick and a few of our other friends. Rach was here too, though she was sitting down, staring at Billy. We all gave her a massive hug when she arrived. She practically collapsed in tears, and all of us felt her sorrow.

When everyone was seated and silent, the priest came out and spoke.

''Today, we are here to mourn a most tragic loss. Billy Ephraim Black was an important, well mannered man. He was a father to two wonderful children, Jacob and Rachel, but was counted as a fatherly figure to countless others.

He was a man you could find smiling no matter what the circumstance, or hear his booming laughter from outside his own household. He was one of the most wisest people on this earth. Teaching lessons to us, telling his stories passed down from generation to generation. He would never forget them. He took pride in who he was, and he took pride in his ancestors.

Billy also had a very large heart. Though he would not say it as much, he cared for the ones he loved, protected them with everything he had if they needed him, and would fight to the death for them too. He would lie occasionally to tease us, but would speak the truth when needed. He loved to joke around, to see his family laugh and smile. That was what he was like.

Billy was an honorable man. Now that he has gone from our lives, we can truly see what an affect he left on us. With each one of us lays a mark left by him. Either by meeting him, by being friends with him, been helped… He was always there for us, and he will never leave us. He will stay with us, no matter what. Inside of us, remains Billy Black. A true figure of a loving father, a caring, protective friend, and a kind, wise man.

Now, we must bow our heads in prayer, as we wish this man peace.''

Everyone's head bowed. I heard sobs come from everywhere. Even my own, mixed with Jacobs quiet ones. I prayed that Billy would be at peace, but that he would watch over Jake, and guide him when he became lost. I wanted him to be happy.

''May he rest in peace.'' The priest ended his session. Jake then stood up, and Rach went with him, both of them red eyed and sniffling as they went. Jake cleared his throat, and began to speak.

''Thank you all for coming. My family and I really do appreciate the support and offerings we've gotten from everyone today.'' He paused to take a deep breath, and then continued. ''My dad was always there for us. No matter what we were going through, or what had happened, he stood by us. Rach and I remember the day mom died. I was so small then, and I asked for her almost every single night. He didn't cry in front of me though. He loved us so much, and he loved mom too. He'd always say to me, whenever I asked, that she was always here. Watching over me, and making sure I didn't have nightmares…And now their both…gone…''

Jacob started tearing up, but Rach saved him by speaking then. ''Dad would always encourage us to do what we wanted. He was like that, you know? And we always tried to make him proud. He worked so hard for us…'' Rach's voice began to tremble. ''And we worked just as hard for him. He was like that with everyone. He'd always help if anyone asked for it, and he was always there at the times when we needed someone to be there for us.'' Behind me, I heard Renee break out into a sob, and I thought I heard Charlie start crying too. Rose and Ally were sniffling quietly. No sooner had they started to cry, that I felt my own tears start to pour out.

''It's like he said before.'' Jake spoke. ''He's not really gone. Someone like dad just can't be. He's always here watching over us, and protecting us too… like always…'' He took his sisters hand, and they both spoke in unison. ''We love you dad…''

They came back down, and sat in their seats. Jacob wrapped his arms around me, and I buried myself in him, and cried. I cried, because I knew he was crying too. Everyone was. Rose and Ally were hugging Rach, trying to comfort her. Then the priest came up again.

''This service has now commenced. If you would like to give you last wishes to Billy, then please do so. Thank you for attending.''

Soon enough a line formed at Billy's casket. The tears had not gone from anyone's eyes yet, and I doubted they would leave anytime soon. Everyone left flowers at Billy's side, ranging from white to red. They all murmured their last goodbyes to him, some even bursting to tears as they saw their friend lying there.

Rose, Ally and I all went together. We lay our three roses where everyone had placed theirs. ''Billy…''I choked out.

''You were always joking around with us…'' Rose began.

''We could always count on you… you even chauffeured us on our first shopping trip…'' Ally sniffled.

''We're never going to forget you…and I promise I'll look after Jake too…'' I mumbled quietly, placing my hand on his. It still felt smooth and strong, like it always did. And that had set me off. The tears that were already pouring out of my eyes, somehow managed to double. I half ran back to my seat and put my face in my hands, bringing my knees up. Rose and Ally were on either side of me, crying in unison.

I didn't realize how much time had passed. It felt like a blur. Jake was at the door, thanking everyone again as they left. Edward came to check on me before he left, but I tried convincing him that I was okay. He worried too much about me… but I didn't blame him.

Soon enough, everyone had left. Ally and Rose had left with Renee, Charlie, Jazz and Em. I told Renee that I'd stay at Jake's tonight, and she had agreed. Standing by himself at the door, he stared outside into the rain. I placed my hand in his.

''We should go…'' I said quietly. He nodded, and sighed. He turned around, looking at Billy's body. He sighed, and turned to leave.

''We're in this together.'' I whispered, a tear sliding down my cheek.

''Always and forever.'' He replied, wiping it away.

And we left, leaving Billy to finally rest in peace.

Thank you for reading this chapter.

I'm sorry it took so long to write. The funeral services were held this week.

A big thank you goes to everyone who's supported me and been there for me.

Please review. I promise the next chapter won't take so long to write.

Until next time.

Much love

Bella.

xox