Hooray for Twilight!
Jacob slowly emerged from the brush. He wore only some shorts. His hair was longer than I've ever seen. I decided not to breathe because the closer he got, the stronger the stench grew. I didn't want to think of him as "stink." He was my Jacob. I always took pleasure in knowing that neither Edward or Jacob smelled bad to me. I forgot about the natural instincts for vampires to dislike the smell of werewolves. Edward and I stood, he kept his arm around my shoulders. Jacob stopped about ten yards in front of us. I could tell he wasn't in a good mood. I was trying to decide if I should read Jacob's thoughts through Edward or not. I finally decided I didn't want any more surprises today. Jacob was not happy. He wanted to tear Edward to shreds because I smelled now. He also didn't like how I looked, too hard and cold. However, he was also torn because he wanted to talk to me. He still cared about me. It surprised him. It surprised me.
I turned to Edward and said "I would like to talk to Jacob, alone, please." Edward's jaw stiffened. I could see the muscles in his cheeks bulge as he flexed them. His arm squeezed tighter, then relaxed. He leaned down and kissed the top of my head, then whispered "I won't be far." He disappeared into the trees. I could see the tension in Jacobs body leave as soon as Edward was gone. He took a few steps closer, then wrinkled his nose and said "Man, Bella, you stink!" I started to laugh. "You don't smell so good yourself!" We were both laughing now. He took a few steps closer. "So how was it?" "Where have you been?" We spoke at the same time. "You first" he spoke a little harshly. I wasn't sure how much to tell him. "It went better than we thought. I haven't had one... mishap, yet." He looked doubtfully at me. "Yet?" I was trying to be realistic. According to everything I knew about young vampires, my case was certainly unique. We had no way of being 100 percent sure nothing like that would ever happen. He interrupted my thoughts. "So, you've been hunting? How is that?" I was surprised by his question. He wasn't judging me. It was like he really wanted to know about me. "It's fine, I guess. It came pretty naturally. I've tried a whole lot of different... animals. It quenches my thirst. Edward is a good teacher." He scowled when I said Edward's name. This time I took a step towards him. I saw his body move back, then return to its former spot.
"Your turn. Where have you been?" I asked. He didn't answer right away. "I had to leave. I couldn't be around. I might have done something that would have... ticked you off." He hung his head. "Did he tell you he sent me an invitation?" I answered "no, but I've seen in it in his mind and I know why he did it." Jacob's head jerked up, surprised by my response. "What do you mean, you've seen it in his mind? You can read minds too, now?" He looked torn between bewilderment and excitement. "No. Only Edward's. We are very in tune with each other." It was the truth. "So, he can finally read your mind, huh?" he asked almost smugly. "Actually, not all the time. It takes... special circumstances." I didn't feel like telling him all the details. I could see from the look of disgust on his face that he was thinking those special circumstances were intimate moments. I just smiled. Let him think what he wants.
"So, you didn't tell me, where did you go?" I pressed on. "I just ran. I thought a very great distance would sever the connection with the pack. At first I thought it worked, because I wasn't receiving any thoughts from anyone in the pack, but that was because they had no cause to transform since the blood...sorry, the Cullens had all left after the reception. It wasn't until Charlie got in the accident that Sam transformed to let me know. He also told me that Carlisle was back. I had to come back and find out if... you went through with it." I saw sadness in his eyes as he accepted the inevitable. I softly asked "would it make any difference to you if I told you I was happy?" He looked angry. "What do you think I am? An animal?" then he broke into a grin. "Bella, yeah, I'm... happy you're happy. I guess I have news for you too. Now, I don't want you to throw a jealous fit when I tell you, okay? It's a little late for that." I brought my hands to my mouth, to try and hide my shock and anticipation. I couldn't hold it back, I yelled "you've imprinted, haven't you?!" His grin was enough for me to know. I threw myself at him and hugged him tight. He turned his nose away from me, but he wrapped his arms around me at the same time. "I'm so happy for you. I'm so relieved. Do I know her?" He released me from his arms. I stepped back. "No, I met her while I was away. If anything, it will help me... get over... you." I was stunned.
My feelings were all over the place at this moment. I was happy for Jacob, but a small part of me wanted to be jealous. How immature. I wanted to know who she was, so I could judge if she was worthy of him. It was none of my business. I made my choice. I was happy with my choice. Why am I almost wanting to feel confused? I looked at Jacob. I felt small and immature next to him. "We've made our choices, Bella. Well, mine wasn't so much a choice, but I have accepted it. I'm glad I got to see your reaction when you found out. You seem... to still have some human traits. I'm glad. But like I said, it's too late." He sounded so wise as he spoke. Then he goes and jokes to make me more comfortable. I believed at this moment that we would both be fine. As I looked at him, I saw him tense up again. Edward must be approaching. I felt Edward's hand slide around my waist as he came to stand at my side. "Congratulations" he said to Jacob. Jacob grunted, then looked at the two of us. "Take care of her" Jacob said as he turned to leave. "Good bye Jacob," I said. "Be happy," I whispered under my breath. When he was gone, I turned to Edward and smiled. I felt peaceful. Edward's lips curled up into my favorite crooked smile, then he pressed them against mine. I was definitely happy with my choice.