A/N Skipping through time is in reflection of the title, Time Won't Let Me Go. We only have 3 chapters left after this one, still skipping. Sometimes shit happens in life as it's happening with these Characters. Just remember, this is a Jacob and Bella story, so hang in there and be brave for them.

Chapter 25

Bella

Edward and I helped on the decorating committee for prom. Then it just seemed fitting to attend together. We officially went out two weeks later. Wanting to continue spending time with him sneaked up on me, but when I took the leap, I fell fast.

He was a different type of guy, charming and sweet and nice looking. My heart felt safe. The world became a lot bigger when I got with him. For the first time, I felt like I had a boyfriend, doing all the normal boyfriend-girlfriend things that, until now, I didn't do. We went to concerts, plays, fancy restaurants, and his family included me on a lot of great trips. He played the piano incredibly. I loved watching him with his group whenever they had a gig somewhere.

When Jacob first came over to the house, after he came home, I literally lost my breath. I just as well have been thirteen again. He was more stunning than he'd ever been. He developed his body more. His striking facial features matured. Simply put, he'd grown into a man now. He made me aware of his continued interest almost immediately. Acknowledging the powerful attraction still lingering in me, I kept myself away from him, or I'd lose my senses again and ruin what Edward and I built over the months.

Out of the blue, it happened just as I feared it might. He captured me with his dark eyes, the eyes I'd always loved to gaze into. I sunk into them, turned to putty, and I kissed him. Being in his arms after everything that went on between us brought tears, tears over us not being together anymore, the hurt he caused, my weakness for him, and my lack of loyalty to Edward. I couldn't deny the fiery enjoyment I experienced sitting on his lap, feeling him up, practically letting him feel me up. Oh, my God, I was awful.

Answering an interrupting knock, my head still spinning, I opened the door stunned to see Edward standing there. A fearful and shame-ridden reflex tugged my fingers to my lips—probably, red and puffy—to hide the evidence. I dropped my hand as soon as I realized it. Get it together, stupid! "Edward!" I motioned with a wave of my hand, nervous and feeling like a slut, as I said, "Come in." I didn't know why he came back.

Relief flowed through me, noticing he didn't seem to notice the involuntary tell, my warm face, or anything else out of the ordinary when he glided through the entrance. "I forgot my wallet in your bedroom," he told me, as he looked in Jacob's direction.

Glancing over at Jacob, myself, who stood by the window with his eyes on me. I felt compelled to explain that Edward only helped me hang a shelf, for Pillow Fighter, actually.

"Hello there," Edward said to him, yanking me back to sanity.

Heart pounding, I jumped into the situation, and said, "Jake, this is my boyfriend Edward. Edward, this is Jake. He's a friend of the family." The way I referred to Jacob hurt my ears when I heard it.

"What's up," Jacob said, appearing calm and normal under the circumstances.

"Good to meet you, Jake."

"Hey ah, Bella, just tell Emmett I have his weight-lifting gloves. They came in handy today. He can find me at me Seth's."

I felt terrible about the transgression, and now I needed to do something about it. Troubled and unable to sleep, I called Jake at three o'clock in the morning, wondering if he'd be up. When he picked up the call, I guessed he couldn't sleep either. "Jake, it's me. I thought we should talk about what happened today."

"Yeah, I'm glad you called."

"I shouldn't have kissed you. In my defense, part of me will always love you, too, but I'm with Edward. Things are good between us. It was a mistake."

"I never expected you to drop everything when I came home. I just wanted you to hear me out. I know I hurt you. I wasn't in a good head space back then, but that's no excuse. I wish I could change it. I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am, to tell you how I felt and for you to think about us. If you give me another chance, Bella, I guarantee I'll never hurt you again. All I'm asking is for you to seriously think about us, Bella."

"I will. I promise." I hung up the phone, sad, for us.

I didn't know if getting back together would be the answer or if it would bring more pain. As strong as my feelings for Jacob still were after all this time, I felt afraid. I already went down that road, twice. I couldn't throw away a great relationship with Edward to try it again with Jacob. What if it didn't work? Edward would not hang around while I explored a situation with another guy, then come back if it didn't work out. I couldn't find trust for Jacob.

When I made my decision, I didn't even have the courage to speak with him face to face or over the phone. If he tried to convince me, I didn't know what I would do. I might crumble as usual. I sent a cowardice text instead.

I can't. I'm sorry.

He text back: I'll get out of your hair now.

Edward knew nothing of my history with Jacob. I didn't share it with him because those memories were mine alone. Being polite, he'd didn't pry when I told him I didn't want to discuss my previous bad relationship. He just told me it was fine.

I intended to talk to him about Jacob and what happened between us, after it happened, but I found I wasn't brave enough. I kept putting it off, time and time again. After choosing him, I didn't want to lose him over it. It only happened because it was Jacob. I wasn't a bad person, so I convinced myself to stop feeling guilty, and to let it go, because it would never happen again. I'd make sure of it.

Jacob left for Seattle soon after. He stopped coming to the house if or when he was around. Edward and I continued to grow our relationship.

Edward convinced me to apply to the University of Illinois in Chicago with Alice. He enrolled in the Chicago Academy for the Arts, to further his music. It seemed like a no brainer on graduation day when he suggested I live with him and Alice versus living in the dorms. Convincing my parents was an entirely different dilemma, though. It took weeks for me to get up the courage, and time was running out.

Renee sat across the kitchen table from me with a worried, leery expression as I continued to try to get her to see my points. "Look, Mom, I could spend money on a dorm room and a meal ticket each semester if that's what you want, but I know right now I won't be there. I'll be with him and Alice at their penthouse, so it'll be a waste of money. Money, we can't afford to waste. I'm 18. I don't need permission, but I don't want to lie to you guys about where I am and what I'm doing. So, I'd really love for you two to support my decision on this."

"Are you being safe?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Mom!" I responded in surprise, my face warming at the unexpected personal question.

"You're sitting here, telling me you're moving in with Edward, so are you being safe?"

She was right. I bit my lip then mumbled. "Of course, we are."

Her shoulders raised as she sighed in defeat. "I've already tried, and it doesn't sound like I'm going be able to convince you otherwise. I'm glad you came to me. I'll talk to your dad. It will help with the money situation when Jasper goes off to school next year... and I'll remind him we were just as young when we married and moved in together. Look how long we've lasted."

I grinned in relief and happiness. "I love you," I said, giving her a big hug of gratitude.

A few days later, she told me she convinced Dad. Charlie agreeing was a major accomplishment. Kudos to Renee. He seemed to like Edward, though. They knew I'd be safe and taken good care of in the big city of Chicago.

Ecstatic, I called Edward to give him the amazing news, squealing in excitement, "They both said yes!"

"Really?" he asked, "You don't know how relieved that makes me. You're moving in with me." I could hear the astonishment in his voice. I felt the same, barely believing it myself. "Do you want me to come over?"

"Um, I'm supposed to go to Port Angeles for dinner with the family." Emmett had finally come home from Colorado, halfway through the summer. Renee and Charlie went in early to shop. Seth and Jasper drove Emmett's truck to pick him up at the Ferry. I waited, because Leah was driving with me in Renee's car-my car now, since Renee bought a new one-after work. She had a summer job at the Dairy Queen.

"That's right. I forgot. We'll get together tomorrow then. I have a surprise for you," he said.

While on the phone with him, Leah called saying she had to work a double, because someone didn't show up. "That's fine," I told her. "Edward's on the other line. I'll bring him with me. He can take your place."

This way I wouldn't have to drive alone. We could have a family get together, and he and I could celebrate.

"I don't have to be afraid to see Charlie, do I?" His voice sounded worried.

"Don't be absurd." I chuckled at my use of one of his favorite phrases. "He wouldn't have said yes if he planned to treat you funny."

After he agreed, we realized we'd be late if he came to get me. His house was on the way, so I drove there and switched to his car. He grinned, his green eyes sparkling, as I climbed in with him. What? I asked. He dipped his hand into his shirt pocket and brought out a small velvet box, startling me. "You're crazy," I told him, holding onto a nervous smile.

"That I am, but it's not what you might think," he said, piquing my curiosity. I reached for the jewelry box. A white-gold pinky ring, nested inside. Intricate leaves touched one another into a band, dusted with little diamond shimmers. "I hope it fits. Alice tried it on. It's celebrating this special occasion."

I gulped. "It's beautiful. I love it. Thank you." I slipped it onto my pinky, then wound my arms around his neck to thank him properly.

We arrived at Emmett's favorite restaurant, Woodfire Steakhouse. The hostess led us to the Swan Party. Rounding a corner to the back area, I stopped short in my tracks when my eyes locked with Jacob's eyes, sitting at the table with the rest of the family. I accidentally jerked my hand away from Edward for I don't know why.

Gathering my composure, I glanced up at Edward. He had a wondering expression. Playing off the shock of seeing Jacob, I scratched my palm then reached for his hand again, continuing to the table.

Jacob had been out of sight, out of mind. I didn't consider Emmett might bring him, which was idiotic, because I should have known. Jacob lived in Seattle now with his sister while he attended the University of Washington, so I hadn't seen him since my indiscretion last summer.

To make matter's worse, the two open chairs, beside Renee, were across from Jacob and Seth. Making a quick decision, I planned to sit across from Jacob, so they didn't have to stare at each other, but Edward pulled back the chair next to Renee for me.

"Edward, have you ever met, Jacob?" She asked. It was an innocent question, but I got annoyed.

"I did," Edward told Renee then said to Jacob. "The friend of the family. Right?" I cringed inside, hearing the reduction in Jacob's status again, because of my slip-up and dishonesty.

"No, he's family," Renee corrected, smiling at Jacob.

"Good to see you again," Jacob said to Edward in a flat tone. I wondered if Edward and everyone at the table could feel the awkwardness of the moment, or if it was just me feeling awkward. Gazing around, the only one who appeared to recognize the difficult ambiance was Jasper. He gave me a sympathetic smile.

Charlie broke the silence, while everyone examined their menus, bringing up Jacob's repeat win at Nationals. "What's next on your agenda, Jacob?"

Jacob straitened in his chair. "Stay on top until the Olympic qualifying events and Olympics come around, in about a year."

"That's a good plan. I'm proud of you for staying focused on your dreams," Charlie told him.

"Thanks," Jacob said, our eyes meeting. I smiled at him. I was proud of him. I never got the chance to tell him, though.

We all ordered, and I passed the stack of menus to Mom for the waitress when she exclaimed, "That is gorgeous!" She caught my hand, lifting it up to see the ring.

I fought the urge to cover it with my other hand, forcing myself not to steal a glance at Jacob. I knew I hurt him when I didn't get back with him.

"It's a special gift," Edward explained, "I bought it for her in celebration of her coming to Chicago and staying with me."

Oh, my God! You don't need to tell the world! I didn't even get the chance to tell my brothers, yet, and I didn't want Jacob to know our business.

Charlie grunted. Renee reached out and patted him on the leg. Seth and Jasper swung their faces toward each other. I shot an angry look at Edward, because on the drive, he'd been worrying about seeing Charlie. I thought it would have been the last thing he'd want Charlie dwelling on during dinner. He shrugged off my glare. I turned to see Jacob. His head down, he focused on his phone.

It seemed like Emmett didn't hear Edward, because he showed no reaction, and a moment later he asked Edward about Forks' football season. They talked about it.

Jacob stood up and said to Charlie and Renee. "I forgot I had something else I needed to do." He reached in his pocket, bringing out some money. "I'll try to cancel my order but if I can't, this will cover it." It was a clear signal of his uncomfortableness. I wasn't the only one feeling it.

Emmett scrunched his face at Jacob. "We're going to The Rack after. Just sit down, we'll be out of here in no time."

Everyone at the table probably knew why Jacob wanted to leave but Edward. I wondered what Edward deduced from Emmett's remark.

Jacob stared at Emmett for a second then nodded and sat back down.

Emmett was my hero of the evening. He engaged Edward in football conversation then he'd switch to boxing for Jacob. He shared several funny football stories of his own with everyone. Occasionally, when he'd laugh, I thought I whiffed alcohol, thinking it might be the reason he talked so much. We made it through the dinner, and that was all that mattered.

Jasper

On our way to The Rack after surviving an uncomfortable family get together Bella unexpectedly brought Edward to, I felt happy. Nearly a year passed since me, Seth, Emmett, and Jake were all together. I drove Emmett's pickup, because he had been taking sips from a flask he'd taken out of his luggage, after we'd picked him up from the ferry. Seth rode shotgun, and Jacob and Emmett sat in the backseat.

During the drive, Jacob said, "I wish Bella wouldn't have brought that guy. I really can't stand him."

I expected no one to respond to him. A few minutes later, Emmett did, saying, "I know you don't want to hear this Jake, but Edward is a real decent guy."

If you knew he didn't want to hear it, why'd you say it? I glared at Emmett through the rear-view mirror. He didn't notice me.

Emmett and Edward were friends from football. We all had made friends with him by now, because he was around so much. Maybe Emmett just wanted Jake to get used to Edward being around us with Bella. I could have told Emmett that would never happen if he gave me the chance.

Jake huffed. "Yeah, you would say that, but she was off-limits to me though, huh?"

Seth and I glanced at each other. I made a "what's going on?" face at him. He shrugged an "I don't know" back.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Emmett asked, his tone heated.

Jake narrowed his eyes. "You know damn well what it means."

"Hey, if you've got something to say to me, say it."

Jacob stayed silent. I thought he would ignore Emmett. He was used to ignoring Emmett whenever Emmett got annoying. But then, he let out a course breath, and came straight out with, "If it wasn't for you back then. I'd be the one with her right now."

The atmosphere felt strained, one of the ugliest vibes I'd ever experienced. Jacob said what he wanted to say. I hoped it stopped there, but it didn't.

Emmett asked, "How do you figure? I don't know what you think I did or why it's my fault? I tell you what, though, there was a lot of other shit going on between you two." Seth shifted in his seat, gazing up at the roof-ceiling and sucking in a breath, tense. I wondered if he ever told Jake about him and Bella. "I know better than anyone in this truck why you aren't together," Emmett snapped.

I didn't know Emmett's meaning, but Jake sure did. "Shut the fuck up!" he commanded, a no-joke warning. Tensed jawed, his face pulsed in fury. I knew his look. It was the expression he got whenever someone gave him a good hard punch that rang his bell, dazing him. He'd get that expression as he leveled up, and you just knew it was all over for the other guy.

Taking a quick look over my shoulder at Emmett, I scowled, glaring for him to let it rest. But Emmett never could shut up. If he had a point to make, he would make it. That's just the way he'd always been, alcohol or no alcohol. He rolled his eyes at me then turning to Jake, he asked, "Or what, Jake? Don't forget... I can fight, too!"

I threw my head back. Holy Hell, Emmett! Nerves prickled up in me. I wondered the reason for Emmett's escalating words, alcohol, guilt, or both, as the image of them fighting flickered through my mind. Emmett was two-hundred pounds of line backing muscle who knew how to take and throw a punch, and Jake was Jake. Every fighter knew what that meant. He didn't have a wicked outside-of-the-ring fighting reputation for nothing.

I jumped when Seth shouted, "Shut up!" He turned to the back seat to face them. "Both of you! Knock it off and shut the hell up now!"

Glancing at Emmett in the review mirror, the anger-glossed expression he wore, told me he wouldn't stop. "Nah, Seth! He wants to blame someone." Seth stared straight ahead, his expression stone. "If he wants to blame somebody, he can blame himself." Then he looked over at Jake again. "You're not together, because you were too busy being with other girls. You were too busy fucking around, trying to knock somebody up!"

Me and Seth's heads snapped toward each other. We'd never heard that.

Jake's enraged face shattered into a mixture of hurt. He banged the side of his fist against the door and growled. "Stop the truck!"

I thought if I stopped, they might fight for sure. I kept on driving.

Through gritted teeth, Jake repeated, "I said. Stop. The. Truck!"

"Stop the truck, Jazz," Seth mumbled. "Let him out."

I pulled over in a business parking lot we had approached, reminding myself they were best friends. Emmett loved Jake. It was just a heated discussion between brothers. They wouldn't fight.

Jacob flew out of the rear door. He stomped to the back of the truck and stood behind it. A minute went by, and Emmett groaned, "Shit!" He jumped off too. Seth was about to hop out after them. I reached over and touched his arm, telling him to give them a second to talk it out. I could watch them from the mirror.

I rolled down the window, trying to hear what they were saying while I kept an eye on them. Then Seth started in with his own crap. "Jake's right. If Emmett wasn't such a bitch, back then. Jake and Bella probably would be together right now."

My temperature flared. He had no room to talk with the part he played in them not being together. "That's not true," I snapped, but I didn't really know.

"Hell yeah, it is," he spouted. "I was there!"

I wasn't there the day he was talking about, but I knew what went on, so I said, "Well, I was there back then. I seem to remember someone else who was always in their way."

The reality of the situation: I was the only one in our group not involved in keeping them apart. Leah had told me she didn't want them to get together either, at first, because of Seth. No, that's not a hundred percent true. Nobody had to tell me what was going on. I could feel it and see it by how people acted around each other. I could have helped Jake and Bella out in the beginning. Deep down, I was going for Seth. He was my best friend. I was just a kid back then. What did I know?

Seth's brow crumpled. He sneered at me from the corner of his eye. "Me and Jake worked that out."

I shrugged. "All right." If you say so...

It wasn't anybody's fault, really. Whatever Jake did to turn Bella against him so much, probably wasn't even his fault. When a person is as young, like we all were, then and now, how is anyone supposed to know who will be The One? I had a couple of girlfriends I thought I loved. It turned out I was wrong. But the fact that we were all here arguing about what happened between them, must have meant something.

When Emmett and Jake finished talking, they climbed back into the truck. "Back home?" I asked, I felt sure none of us would still be in the mood to hangout.

"The Rack," they both said in unison. We continued to the pool hall, driving in silence. Jacob stared out the side window and, in a low voice, he said, "For the record, I wasn't... what you said, Emmett... fucking around, wanting to be with someone else. Shit just happened. I was trying to make something out of my life, so I don't get stuck in La Push. I still am."

"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry for what I said, Jake. I didn't mean it."

Emmett later told me, back at home, when I asked about their conversation, Jake thought he wouldn't have gone away to school if he had got with Bella back then. He'd always loved her, and if he could do it all over, he would. Emmett mentioned he believed Jake, because he still held the same feelings for Rosalie, and they met, not as young as Jake and Bella, but still young.

I felt terrible for Jake. It was as if the whole universe was out of whack with the way their situation affected us all.

"Jacob's broke," Emmett said, frowning and shaking his head in worry, as he sat down on his bed to take his shoes off.