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Beta/Pre-Readers: Mist and Dani

A/N: I hope you guys are enjoying the new version and for those who this is a first time read hope you like it as well. To those who have left such wonderful reviews, THANK YOU. It means everything to me when you let me know your reading and what you like about it. xoxo

Chpt. 11

JPOV:

"Are you okay? Do you need anything?" I asked when she walked out of Charlie's room wearing a semi relieved look on her face.

"I'm fine. I just...God that just scared me." Bella covered her face with the palms of her hands. I saw her body shake as the emotions she was feeling began to surface. She had been so brave in the room with her father and now that she was out of his sight she was falling apart.

"Shh...It's okay Bella." I pulled her in my arms. Her chest laid on my chest as she wept softly.

"I'm sorry." Bella lifted her head after weeping for a few minutes. I just smiled fondly at her. The girl was always apologizing for the simplest things.

"It's natural to feel shaken up. The doctor told me he would be okay in a few days. He had a close call with that head injury. I guess his head is tough as stone." I tried to lighten up the moment. I knew it had been terrifying for her see her father's head bandage up, his arm was in a cast and they had been concerned about possible internal bleeding when he first arrived. He had fallen down the side of a cliff and luckily had caught himself around a large boulder before he had pummeled off into the ocean beneath the cliff.

"He definitely has a hard head." Bella chuckled hoarsely as she step back and wiped her face.

"He's alot like my father." I slipped up. I saw Bella's weak smile turn into a concerned frown.

"Have you gone to see him yet?" Bella looked curiously at me.

"No." I knew it was useless to lie to her. Not that I wanted to anyhow. Bella was the one person I felt close enough that I could confide in besides Father Michael.

"Why not?" Bella gulped hard as she walk over to the waiting room area and sat down in a chair. Her eyes gazed over the chair across from her, inviting me to sit down and talk to her. I knew she partially wanted to discuss my relationship with old man to keep her mind off of how close she had came to loosing her own.

"Bella, my relationship with my dad is different than yours." I reminded her that unlike her bond with Charlie mine wasn't quite that close anymore. It hadn't been that way in sometime, if ever. My father was so wrap up in his feelings for my mother that he hardly paid much attention to me before her death. My sisters had always been granted his full attention. It use to make me so damn jealous but then I would remind myself just how close I was to my mother. Although the girls were also close to mom they all knew that I held a special spot in our mother's heart.

"How so? Your dad loves you just as much as mine does." Bella scoffed.

"I know that. I just...he...well, when mom died he pulled away even further from me. I can't explain it but we just sort of drifted apart. I thought he was just trying to manage being a single parent to a teenage son but then when I told him about my decision to go in the priesthood he went all ballistic on me. It was horrible Bella." I sighed heavily trying to push back the bitterness that often engulfed me when I recalled that day we argued nonstop.

"Jake, he was hurting. He probably felt like he was loosing you. You were all he had left. When you made the decision to go off and search for inner peace, it probably made him feel abandoned." Bella stated with conviction.

"How can you know that?" I stared curiously at her. Had she been out to my dad's and talked to him since I left? Were they closer now? I knew Charlie and my dad were best friends but that didn't mean my dad would confide his inner feelings to her. He was a very private man.

"I just do. Dad and him use to talk alot when you first left. He was pretty broken up. Dad revealed a little to me. I got upset when I learned that Billy was getting drunk all the time and didn't even want to leave his home." Bella explained.

I felt my stomach knot up. My dad sounded horrible. He hardly ever had a drink except when he watched the games. He wasn't the drunken type. He had to be terribly upset to drink himself in a stupor.

"I"m sure it was mostly about my mother. You know the world evolve around her in in his world." I reminded her.

"Some of it was about her but the other half wasn't. He really felt like he had screwed up somehow with you. I think he thought he had pushed you away."

"That's ridiculous. I mean...okay a little bit but that wasn't the reason I chose to follow this path."

"Maybe it wasn't the reason but it made it easier to leave." Bella pointed out a fact that was true and I couldn't deny it.

"You should go see him. Now." Bella stood up abruptly and took my hand, pulling me up.

"What? Now?" I felt my throat grow parch, a ton of bricks were tossing in my stomach at the thought of facing my father.

"Why not? You don't know how much time is left for you two to get past this." Bella's eyes scanned the hallway from where we had just walk out of.

"Bella, I understand you feared you nearly lost your dad today but I'm pretty sure my dad will out live us all." I tried to laugh and make light of it but it didn't come out so merrily.

"Jake. Stop putting it off. Go. Come on I will take you. If your afraid of him then I will protect you." Bella slip her hand in the crook of my arm and jerk hard. I was literally being pulled out of the hospital by her. For a girl who was no more than hundred and ten pounds soaking wet the girl had some major strength.

"This is wrong Bella." I argued as we step off the side walk toward her car.

"What? Come on quit being such a wus and deal with this. Don't you priests always tell us it's better to face our fears. Besides you have God in your corner. Even your father is afraid of the almighty." Bella laughed wickedly as she drug me to her car and shove me inside the passenger side.

"I'm not so sure about this Bella. Dad doesn't like for people to show up unexpectedly." I knew my argument was weak but I couldn't seem to express how scared I was to face the disappointment I knew would be on his face and in his heart when he saw me.

"Shut up Jake and relax. I will make something to eat. It always puts your dad in a good mood when he eats my cooking." Bella said.

"You cook for my dad?"

"When he comes over to Charlie's I cook for the both of them if I"m not too busy."

"Wow, every day I learn something new about you."

"Well, sweetie you've been gone a long time. There is so much more to the woman before you. You only knew the girl you left behind." Bella winked at me as she shove her foot on the accelerator and we made our way out to LaPush.

XXX

BPOV:

The drive hadn't taken us long and in order to keep to Jake's mind off of his fears I told him a little about my college experience. I had him laughing his ass off for the remainder of the trip. Once we made it to his father's house I saw the panic stricken look cross his face as he saw his childhood home. I knew he had to be thinking about his mother as well. The two of them had been so close. I had envied their closeness. Of course I knew I was lucky enough to have my dad in my life but it still irked me that Sarah would always have a place in Jake's hearts where as I had none.

I gave him a couple of minutes to regain his strength before I got out of the car and walked over to his door. When he stepped out I no longer saw the strong and courageous man that I had grown to know. No, instead I saw a young boy who trembled with fear. He wasn't scared that his father would somehow physically hurt him but we both knew how words were just as painful. He wanted so badly to get his father's approval and acceptance. I just hoped that Billy managed to be kind to him while I was there.

I didn't tell Jake how Billy had confided into my father how he had hated the way the church had robbed him of his son. It hurt Billy and his ego that his family name would cease to exist now that Jake had taken a vow of celibacy. He saw God as a thief. He not only stole his true love but his only son and there for he didn't want to go to a place to worship where all he felt was malice. Charlie saw his point of view but didn't agree with his resentment. He warned Billy that if he didn't let go of his anger toward God he might live to regret it someday.

I walked up to the front porch and softly tapped on the door. I could hear the sound of the television. A few seconds later the door opened and Billy looked startled to see me.

"How is he Bella? I got word that he was hurt." Billy cried out frantically.

"He is going to be fine." I realized he had heard about my father's condition.

"Oh man! I wanted to wring Collin's neck when he told me what happened." Billy growled.

"It's okay Billy. I brought someone with me. I hope that is okay." I pulled Jake over so that Billy could see who my visitor was. Jake and Billy locked eyes. I wasn't sure what to make of their silence.

Father and son. The two of them had so much in pain in their eyes. I knew that Billy wanted nothing more than to young his son but I also saw the familiar stubborn streak in his eyes.

"Wow. It's been what ten years?" Billy fumbled nervously with his hands.

"Yes." Jake spoke softly.

"Come in. Both of you." Billy push his chair out of the way so we could come inside.

"Billy, I thought I would make you guys something to eat. I'm starving." I rubbed my stomach.

I caught the look of panic from both of them.

"You two have alot to catch up on. I don't want to intrude on the reunion. OH, you should show him the albums. He has tons of pictures of his grandchildren." I saw Billy's smile finally make an appearance. Jake just stood there with his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes shooting daggers at me.

"Come on over here." Billy wave him over to the couch while he went in search of the albums.

"It will be okay." I whispered before make a swift departure to the kitchen. I kept one ear open while they shared a safe conversation about Rachel and Rebekkah's children. I could hear the pride in Billy's voice as he told Jake everything he could think of about the family that Jake had left behind.

I was happy to find enough ingredients to make a decent shephard pie and a side salad with rolls. When lunch was ready I called them into the kitchen. Jake didn't look as scared but I could still see that his heart was aching as he followed Billy into the kitchen.

I hoped that by the time lunch was over the two of them would come to realize how they needed to put their past behind them and start over with one another. I knew they had both shared some horrible words before Jake left for the ministry. I didn't know all the details but I got a good enough picture from Charlie to know that Jake had not left in good terms with his dad.

Lunch went turn the conversation over to me several times. I told them about the jobs I had done and a few more I had lined up. Billy was being pleasant enough until we suddenly found ourselves discussing my relationship with Paul. I was suddenly the one uncomfortable at the table. I didn't know why but it felt wrong to discuss Paul with these two men. I wasn't in love with Paul and I feared they would both see it. I knew that like Billy, Charlie had hopes I would settle down and give him a couple of grandchildren before he was buried.

"I heard that Paul and you were dating again. Charlie is hoping you will settle down this time." Billy winked at me. My heart lurch in my chest. Jake looked away and I wasn't sure if he was upset about the thought of me and Paul getting married or how his father was bringing up the subject of marriage and children.

"I don't know where Paul and I are headed but I hope to get married someday." I wasn't lying entirely about the subject. I did want to get married but when I did, I wanted it to be the forever kind of love.

"That's good. You know you're an amazing woman Bella and any man would be lucky to have you. I swear every time you cook for me I fall in love with you myself." He teased.

I couldn't help but laugh at him. I glanced over at Jake who wasn't laughing but I saw the amusement on his face.

"You know Jake I still have some of your old tools in my garage." Billy turned the subject in a different avenue, surprising both Jake and me.

"Oh really. I would have thought you would have sold them off by now." Jake stated casually.

"I thought about it honestly. I just...hoped that someday you might come home and have some use for them. Maybe you can sell them at the charity event." Billy suggested.

"How about we go see what you have out there still." Jake offered.

"Go on, I will clean up." I encouraged. I wanted them to spend some more time together. I didn't want to intrude on their private moment but I did like being close by in case Jake needed me.

"Are you sure?" Jake look at the counter wearily.

"Jake, I can clean up a few dishes. It won't take me long." I smiled warmly at him.

"Okay." Jake nodded at his father who seem to be staring at the both of us with a puzzled look on his face.

"Dad?"

"Oh, sure. Be back soon Bella."

After they left I proceeded to clean up. I was feeling rather pleased with myself for getting these two men together and hoped it helped Jake to resolve some of his conflicting feelings. Twenty minutes later I heard voices raised when I stepped outside to check on them. I could hear Billy's voice the loudest which made me nervous. Making my way to the garage quickly I walked into a squabble between them.

"It's not that simple dad. I just can't walk away. I made a vow. I love what I do. I understand your pain. I wish I could ease it somehow but I can't. You can't expect me to do everything you want me too." Jake cried out.

"Why not? Doesn't the bible tell you to listen to your parents." He shouted furiously.

"That's not fair. I'm a grown man Dad, not some teenage boy you can boss around." Jake rolled his eyes.

"Jake it's a waste. You're a good man. You could do something else for the church and still have a family too. Do you hate me that much that you would be the one who stops the Black family name from continuing?" Billy's voice crack as tears filled his eyes.

"Dad, you can't expect me to go out and produce children just because you want the family name to go. I told you already that I don't want children. I want to do something more valuable with my life than just raise a bunch of kids." Jake ran his hands through his hair as he fought back his frustration.

I knew I had to jump in and quick before worse things were said between them.

"Hey guys. Sorry to interrupt but I just got a call that Charlie is awake and wants to see me." I lied straight through my teeth.

"Oh. I have to go." Jake smiled bitterly at his father.

"I meant what I said Jake. You should come get this stuff and give it to someone who can use it. It's a waste here." Billy grumbled as he made his way past us. I saw the tears shimmering in his eyes as he made his way back into the house with out another word to either of us.

I grabbed Jake's hand and squeezed it. Turning his head he look at me and I saw his own eyes were brimming with unshed tears.

"It always comes back to children. He hates that I will be the last of the Black family name." Jake said. His voice was hoarse and rough. I didn't know what to say to that, so I just wrapped my arms around his chest and held him in my arms. I knew it wasn't much but it was what he had done for me earlier today and it had helped ease my pain.

"I'm sorry Jake. I really wanted you two to get along." I could hear his heart pumping madly.

"It's useless Bella. He will never understand why I feel the way I do or why I have to go against his wishes." Jake cupped my head in his hands. Leaning back I look up at him, for a moment I thought he was going to kiss me but instead his hands dropped from my head and he pulled me away from him.

"Take me home." He pleaded and then walked away.

I felt my heart shatter in a million pieces as I follow him out of the garage and to my car. It was clear that even Billy couldn't change Jake's mind about leaving the church and that made me realize how my love for him didn't stand a chance either.

XXX

JPOV:

I was restless and aggravated as we drove back to Forks. I just couldn't understand why my father had to ruin everything with his constant drive for me to have children.

We drove up to the front of Bella's house when I realized that I had been so deep in my thoughts and had ignored Bella the entire trip home.

"Why are we here?" I had expected her to drop me off at the church.

"Let's go inside for a few minutes." She smiled gently at me as she opened the garage and drove us inside.

"I don't think I can be good company Bella." I warned her as I got out of the car.

"I don't mind the silent treatment. Come in, you can help me with the cookies." Bella said as she made her way into the kitchen. I didn't argue. I just continue to do as she ask of me. It was starting to become a habit. Bella gave out orders and I followed them. I was definitely starting to act the role of a well trained boyfriend.

"Why are you making cookies?"

"I make them for Sue's book club once a month." Bella answered as she began to pull out the ingredients and a cook book.

"What kind are you making?"

Leaning against the counter I watched as she prepared everything and seem to move around the kitchen with such grace that you would've never known she was once a clumsy girl.

"Chocolate chip mint seems to be their favorites." Bella replied as she proceeded to measure the flour and fill the large mixing bowl.

"Sounds delicious."

"They are good. What are your favorites?"

"Mmm...I guess I'm still hooked on chocolate chip the most." I smiled as she turn to look at me with a puzzled look.

"What?"

"Chocolate chip. I thought your favorite was sugar cookies with butter cream icing." Bella snickered.

"I can't believe you remember that?" I was surprised she had remembered. My mother used to make them especially for me.

"Who do you think taught me to make cookies?" Bella laugh softly as her eyes shined.

"I keep forgetting how my mother touched so many other lives besides my own." I walk up to her and look down into the bowl. Taking my finger I dipped it in and suck the sugary sweetness.

"Not bad." I nodded with approval.

"Jacob Black, don't ever stick your finger in my batter again." Bella playfully scolded.

"Mmm...couldn't resist. Too tempting and tasty." My eyes widen as I found myself recalling another place that I had put my finger that had tasted just as good as the cookie batter.

"Can you reach down under there and pull out a couple of cookie sheets." Bella swatted my hand away when I attempted to take one more taste.

"You're no fun." I went in search of the cookie pans.

Pulling out a couple I took them to her. She handed me a spoon and then instructed me how to scoop up the dough and place it on the pan. It wasn't exactly hard to do and it was rather fun to bug her when I put the dough to close together.

"The cookies will cook into one giant cookie." Bella rolled her eyes.

"Sorry." I knew I was aggravating her and it was fun. I used to mess with her like this when she was a kid and I wasn't much older than her. Teasing Bella was a fun past time.

"Okay can you set the timer for ten minutes." She mumbled while putting the pans in the oven.

I grabbed the egg timer on the counter and set it.

"Now what we will do for the next ten minutes?"

"Well, you can help me clean up." Bella tossed a dish towel at me.

I reached for the bowl and pressed my fingers inside of it, stealing any bit of batter left.

"Seriously?" Bella snapped playfully. Reaching out for the flour she grabbed the bag but it slipped from her hands and hit the floor beside my foot. Flour flew into the air. I looked down and saw that my lower half was covered in it.

"Seriously?" I turned the word around at her as I gazed at her with a serious look.

She chewed on her lip for a moment nervously before kneeling down to pick it up.

I fell to my knees in front of her.

"You don't think you will get away with this so easily do you?" My voice remained cold but I was only playing with her. For a brief moment I saw fear flicker in her eyes. I was thrown by this reaction. Did she really think I was mad at her for this?

Grabbing a handful of flour I threw it at her, it landed all over her chest and face. She gasped in surprise.

"Oh no you didn't!" Bella cried out grabbing a handful and throwing it at me.

"Oh this is war!" I cried out with a laugh following it as we began to toss flour at one another, scooping it up from the floor.

We were laughing hysterically while we played like young kids instead of the two grown adults we were suppose to be acting like.

"Ow!" Bella threw her hands up in defeat as she squinted her right eye painfully.

"What's wrong?" I stopped by attack. She tried opening her eye but closed it shut.

"I think I got some in my eye." She answered.

I crawl up to her. I held her head still while I look at the injured eye.

"Open it up. I will blow it out." I offered.

"You might blow more in it." She argued.

"Don't be silly. Stop moving."

She finally open her eye just enough so I could blow softly in it. She winced. I hoped it helped and not made it worse.

"How was that?"

"I think you got it." Her eye lashes flicker a few times before she was able to keep both eyes open. I look into her eyes and she look into mine. We both began to smile at one another. It wasn't just the smile that warmed my heart. It was this simple moment I was sharing with her that made me feel so alive. Earlier in the day I had felt like crap. I was anxious and nervous and now here I was feeling like a young man who had no worries. Bella. Bella made me feel like this. Bella has this magical gift of reminding me of what it feels like to be just a man. No expectations, no responsibilities, no disappointments and most of all no judgement.

"Jake." Bella's voice was so soft I almost thought I imagined it. I watched as her tongue darted out licking, her silky smooth lips, her eyes turn a shade darker. I knew I was seeing desire growing in her eyes. My hands wouldn't move. I was still holding her face between them. Our lips were a mere few inches apart. I could kiss her and loose myself in her but what would it cost me afterwards? I wanted to stop these feelings and most of all I didn't want to confuse her but kneeling here with her this close was such a pure moment between us. How could I keep fighting this? She was so damn beautiful, even with flour covering her face. I wanted to taste her. I wanted to compare her to the delicious cookie dough.

"Bella...sweet...sweet..." My lips opened up as I leaned in closer to her. Closing my eyes I told myself that one kiss wouldn't kill me. One kiss would be just enough to ease this pain my body was suddenly being attacked with.

"WHAT the hell are you two doing?" A voice screeched from the door.