Everything belongs to Stephanie Meyers.

CHAPTER 26 - MORALS

Alice took Bella back to our house, while Carlisle and I headed to Jacob's to check on him. Keeping with our human façade, Bella had to make her way home before Charlie began to get suspicious. As far as he knew, she was shopping for the day with Alice and she would have to pretend that really happened.

Charlie was at Billy's when we arrived there. Tension filled the air when Carlisle and I entered the house. Charlie wondered want was going on, there was never any love lost between the two groups, and the entire town knew about this. Coming to Billy's aide to take care of his badly hurt son, we were acting as if we were old friends. Yes, Charlie had his suspicions, but his concern rested more with Jacob, at that moment.

He had looked directly at my eyes a couple of times, and I'll admit hiding my anguish was difficult. He wanted to know when and how things had changed for Jacob and me. After the argument we had at his house, he was having trouble accepting that we were suddenly friends.

The wolves had carried Jacob into his room, where Carlisle went right to work on him. He had several breaks, and unfortunately they were beginning to heal to fast. That left Carlisle with no choice but to re-break them and set them properly. He started trying to put Jacob to sleep, which became very difficult. His body temperature ran so hot it was burning off the morphine faster than we could give it. It took a couple of attempts to get the right amount.

Finally, Charlie had left for home, setting us all more at ease. With him around everyone was on guard about the events of the day.

Tensions ran extremely high as Carlisle and I broke Jacob's bones. The whole process was distressing to the other wolves. It went against their very nature to have us hurting one of their pack. It didn't matter that it was for Jacob's well-being. Tension aside, their behavior was very impressive. Sam's admiration for Carlisle had grown and was extremely pleasing. He trusted him.

My concern lay with Jacob, at that moment. He was badly injured and responsibility washed over me. Any hatred I had for him this morning had shifted, it was now uneasiness, feeling as though one of my brothers was lying in pain. We needed to do everything we could to help him, I wanted him to get better. I would accept no other result. I knew Bella would never forgive if anything happened to him, never mind the fact I would never forgive myself.

When Jacob was brought home, he was typical Jacob, cursing and cussing loudly. Now, he was unconscious and looking very much broken. It was amazing how child like he was when he was sleeping, I'd forgotten he was just a mere child. My anger with him was diminishing after all the help he provided today. Although, his motives were to save Bella, the fact that he was able to put aside a centuries worth of fighting was extraordinary. The way we were able to work together today brought respect and admiration where anger and hate had once resided.

Another thing that happened today that was Charlie's unexpected change of heart. Before Charlie left for home, his thoughts regarding me were actually pleasant. He was pleased with my reaction to Jacob being hurt, the concern I was showing impressed him. When Charlie saw us last, we were at each other's throats, ready and willing to fight right there on Charlie's property. Of course, Charlie blamed me for the entire incident, it was easier for him… he liked Jacob. But, seeing me here today, concern running threw me, he went away with a respectable opinion of me. Something unexpected, but nice.

Once Carlisle was done setting Jacob's bones, he gave Billy specific orders to follow concerning the medications. Billy's opinion, too, had changed on this day. Seeing the anxiety Carlisle had for his son was surprising to Billy, something he never quite thought probable. And, I had to admit that I never thought feasible, either. Carlisle on the other hand, always had possibility in his mind. He always thought anything were possible if thought out and worked on properly.

What a significant day this had turned out to be. Everyone gained perspective even with the differences between us. The wolves no longer saw us as the bloodsucking vampires they once had. And, we no longer saw the wolves as the repulsive dogs we thought they were. The atmosphere had changed to one of shared anxiety, everyone worried about Jacob's recovery.

Leaving Billy's little house, it astonished me that the wolves fit in that tiny living room. It was overflowing with people when it was time for us to return home. Even though, my family was okay, we needed to make certain that everyone was comfortable with all that had taken place today.

My biggest worry remained with Bella. She had a very trying day and I knew she would be sick with worry for Jacob. But, being part of my family always came with expectations, things that had to be done to keep up appearances. She had to play along with the façade that she and Alice had a shopping trip together. I wanted to return home to ensure that she was able to maintain her side of the charade.

Entering the house Emmett, Rosalie and Jasper were gathered in the living room discussing the events of the day. Jasper –the military man –was recalling small mistakes everyone had made. He always second-guessed himself. Even though, today was successful for us, he saw the mistakes made as he attempted to help everyone. He blamed himself for Jacob's injuries. Knowing he hadn't asked the wolves their numbers sooner, had he done that, Jacob won't have been hurt.

"Jasper, it's not your fault. You couldn't know, you couldn't have seen," I assured him.

"Edward, its number one. To count and make sure we got them all, should have been my number one priority. Forgetting that, someone ended up hurt because of my failures," Jasper explained.

Entering through the kitchen, Alice spoke up.

"No, this was entirely my fault. My failure to see how many there would actually be was my fault. You didn't know for certain how many there were. I'm also sorry I didn't see what happened on the mountain, Edward. I don't know how I missed that," Alice wondered, annoyed.

"With everything that was going on, to watch for everything was impossible, Alice. There was no way you could see everything with the holes in your sight due to the wolves. Nobody expected you to be perfect, but thanks to the information you did manage to see, because of you, casualties were prevented. Jacob will heal and we lost no one. We should be relieved about that, no chastising ourselves for things that were out of our control," Carlisle stated.

"But, Carlisle, we can learn from the events today. Be stronger if anything were to happen like this again," Jasper offered.

"Hopefully, nothing like this will ever happen again. I prefer not to think about having to do this again. Everyone should be happy that we are all still here, that injuries were minimal and that it's over," Carlisle insisted.

"Carlisle's right. We need to be happy that everyone is okay. Thank you all for your help with this situation, I know that you didn't have to do all that you have, and I appreciate it more than you'll ever know," I interjected.

"Yes, we did have to do that, Edward. When someone threatens anyone in this family, they will have to face the entire family. We'll always be there for you, no matter what," Esme explained.

"Thank you," I replied.

"Besides, that was the most fun I've had in a long time," Emmett piped up.

Everyone laughed easing some of the tension in the room. Turning to Alice, there was some information I needed.

"How was Bella?" I asked Alice.

"She was concerned, but she did as she was requested. Don't worry Edward, she knows how important appearances are," Alice explained.

"I'm not worried about that, Alice. It was a very long day for her, she must be beside herself with everything that happened," I quickly retorted, concern strong in my voice.

"She's strong Edward, she'll be all right," Carlisle assured me.

"It's not just the events of today that have me concerned. A lot happened up on that mountain last night and today that has me more concerned than anything. She has to make a decision and it's one I wish she didn't have to make," I explained.

"Whatever she decides, Edward. I'm certain you will be able to deal with her choice. And, never forget that we are here for you, and always will be," Carlisle offered.

"I know, but it's nice to hear anyway." I returned.

"If it helps, I have to go and check on Jacob again, would you like to come? Filling your mind with other things may help," Carlisle asked.

"Sure, it can't hurt. I wanted to talk to Jacob anyway."

With that we left the house. Keeping up our human charade we drove down to La Push. What an odd feeling driving there after all these years of being banned from the place. Some of the people seeing us on the reservation gave us weird looks, but not one said anything as we drove through the small streets.

Arriving at Billy's, it was still a full house. Getting out of the car Sam meet us on the porch.

"Dr. Carlisle," he greeted, Carlisle with his hand extended. "Edward," he turned to shake my hand. Another odd feeling overwhelmed me as I shook his hand.

"How is Jacob doing?" I asked.

"He seems to be in a bit of pain still," Sam answered, as we made our way into the house.

"I'll have to adjust his morphine. Perhaps he needs a little more," Carlisle offered, as we made our way to Jacob's room.

"Hey, Doc," Jacob said.

"Hello, Jacob, how are you doing?" Carlisle asked.

"I'm okay. A little bit of pain, but nothing I can't handle," He answered.

"Well, there's no reason to be in pain Jacob. We can take care of that," Carlisle said.

"I know, but I don't want to sleep all the time. When can I shift again?"

"Jacob, it'll be a while, you need to heal. Shifting will delay the healing process, you must not do that," Carlisle told him.

"Fine. Whatever," he replied, glumly.

Carlisle gave Jacob another shot of morphine and then began leaving the room.

"I'll see you soon, Jacob. Take care," Carlisle said.

"See ya, Doc. Thanks," Jacob returned.

Staying behind I needed to talk to Jacob alone.

"So, how are you really doing?" I asked.

Several thoughts were running through Jacob's mind. Mostly about what had happened at the camp this morning. He wondered when I was going to try to hurt him. How little he knew about me.

"Fine, it's a bit painful, but I'll be fine," he answered, coldly.

"That was really stupid, what you did. You should've waited for help," I said.

"Whatever, you would've done the same thing," he hissed.

"You're probably right, anyways that's not why I came here," I answered.

"Why did you come then?" he asked, curiosity lacing his tone.

"I came to say thank you. Thank you, for all that you did, and no matter what happens after this, I wanted you to know I appreciated everything you did," I explained.

"I didn't do it for you," he spat.

"I know, but I still appreciate your help."

"How is Bella?" he asked, hesitantly.

"I'm not sure, I haven't seen her since we left the clearing. According to Alice she's okay. She's home with Charlie right now," I told him.

"Shouldn't you be with her?" he asked angered.

"I would be, but she had to be home with Charlie. You know that she has to pretend that she was with Alice this weekend. We can't let things go, she has to keep up the façade," I explained. "We all do."

You see the problem with your way of life. It's a lie, it's all a lie. She wouldn't have to live a lie with me. He thought in his head.

"She would live a lie with you Jacob. She couldn't tell anyone who you are either, no different than me. You have to live in secrecy as much as I do," I hissed back. "Anyways I didn't want to get into all this, I just wanted to say thank you," I offered.

"Well, you have," he looked me in the eye. "You can go now," he turned his head to the pillow.

Taking that as my cue to leave, I turned for the door.

"One more thing blood… I mean, Edward," I turned to look at him. "Regardless of what I heard this morning… I'm not giving up… I'm still fighting you," Jacob contended.

"I would expect nothing less… dog. Get better soon… it's no fun fighting someone who's down," I said with a laugh, then turned and walked out the door.

Knowing at that moment I knew Jacob would be all right. That eased my mind, for the last thing I wanted was something happening to him over this. It would have been all my fault and I couldn't live with that. Walking out into the living room where everyone was waiting was another strange feeling. Everyone turned to look at me when I entered and thoughts were swirling the room.

So many questions lingered the minds of these wolves. Wanting to know everything from what went on in there and what would happen now? How long would this treaty last? How long were they expected to tolerate us?

The only thoughts that didn't bother me, was again, from the young boy who had earned a high place on my list of people I admired. There weren't many on this list, but he sat at the top after everything he and I experienced today, leaving me with the feeling that Seth and I could be friends. Uncertain, how that would be possible, I knew we'd find a way, there was no doubting that.

"Are we ready to go, Edward?" Carlisle asked.

"Sure," I answered.

"Thank you, Carlisle, for taking care of Jacob," Billy offered, as he rolled to the door.

"No, thank all of you for your help today. This is the least I can do," Carlisle turned to shake Billy's hand. "I'll come back tomorrow to check his progress."

With that we were out the door, walking to the car.

"That was just strange," I said, as I got in.

"Not strange, Edward. It's nice that we can get along," Carlisle answered.

"Don't get too excited, I'm sure it won't last long," I offered, with a half-smile.

"We'll see."

Carlisle was so optimistic. Peace was his middle name, which was pretty ironic considering what he was. For someone who was living a damned life, you'd never know it from his actions. He never considered us damned for who we were. He believed we would have redemption if we lived the right way. I had a hard time believing that, but I was working on it.

Arriving home, I was torn between being mortal enemies with the wolves and knowing what they had done for us today. I understood that they were protecting their people probably more than they were us, but having them showing up and co-operate with us was astonishing. How do we return to normal? How do we just go back to the way things were? I was filled with uncertainty as the admiration I now had for the wolves was taken up residency with in me. Thanks in part to them… Bella would be safe. How would I forget that?

Arriving in the house everything seemed to return to normal. There was no longer a threat hanging over us, and everyone seemed to be rejoicing. Emmett was on cloud nine, he hadn't had that much excitement in a long time. Rosalie was just glad it was over and we were all safe. Alice and Jasper continued to analysis the day's event. Esme was in her room awaiting Carlisle's return. He went right up to be with her. I on the other hand, went to sit with Emmett on the couch.

"What are you watching?" I asked.

"Nothing much. I'm too pumped to watch anything," Emmett answered. "How come you're here?"

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Why aren't you with Bella?" Emmett prompted.

"You know why, she has to put on a show for Charlie," I replied, bitterly.

"I'm sure it's all right to go over there now," he said.

"I wouldn't just yet," Alice piped in.

"Why?" I asked.

"She disappeared about thirty minutes ago. I'm quite sure she's not home yet," Alice offered.

"Oh… Thanks, Alice. I'll wait," I said.

"Are you okay with that, Edward?" Emmett asked.

"Of course I am, he's her friend. Of course, she'd want to see him when he's hurt," I snapped, a little more harshly than I intended.

"Okay… Okay, I was just asking," Emmett said.

"Sorry," I said, as I stood to leave.

"Where you going?" Emmett questioned.

"To my room, listen to music or something. See you later," I said, as I headed for the stairs.

"See ya," Emmett spoke out.

Walking into my room, I flipped on the stereo and went to stretch out on the bed. The events of the day were running through my mind. What happened at the campsite this morning was at the forefront of my thoughts. Seeing the image of him kissing her, or should I say, her kissing him back plagued my mind. Was she wrong? Did she love him more than she realized? Without being in her mind I wasn't convinced, there was no way to be confident.

I suppose I shouldn't dwell on this, Bella will make her choice, and there was nothing I could do until she did. Knowing that she was over at his house was excruciating, but realizing that this would be settled once and for all set my mind at ease… for the moment.

Of course, my selfish side was rattling around, wondering when I was heading down there to get her back. He wanted me to fight for her, and as much as I desired to, I couldn't. I had to allow her the choice, on her own with no influence from me, it was what I had to do for her.

So for now, I would do what I have done with most of my time since meeting her… wait. Wait to see what she would do? Wait to see what would become of my relationship with Bella? Wait to see if my world would change in the next few hours. Waiting would be hard, but I would endure it, for her I would endure anything.

After a very long day, it was assumed that we were in for a very long night. Depending on what went on at Jacob's, Bella was in for a long night, this I was a certainty. As the CD that was playing came to a halt, Alice burst into my room.

There were no words spoken as I watched her vision. She saw Bella, pulled over on the side of the road crying. Alice looked at me.

"Hurry Edward," was all she said.

"Thanks."

With that I was down the stairs and out the front door. She was hurt, she was in pain and I couldn't tell what had happened, all I could make out was that it was bad. Running through the forest I was going as fast as I could, anxiety flooding me.

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