I don't know what happened, but I completely shut down for a few days as far as this story goes. (too much pressure) I was worried, I'd lost my muse, but after five days, it returned. This is a rather lengthy update, and it sets the stage for some big turning points in the story.

Copyright disclaimer: Twilight is the sole property of Stephanie Meyer

Chapter 25

She softly tapped on the door, hoping it was okay to come by unannounced. The smile on the old woman's face when she saw her let her know it was.

"Come in, Isabella. I've been missing you. I wasn't sure when I'd see you again." Kelsee invited her inside.

She put on the tea that Bella enjoyed.

"What brings you out this way?"

"Oh, I was going to help Seth do some more painting in a couple of hours, so I thought I'd stop by. You, don't mind do you?"

"No, come by anytime. I don't get many visitors other than Jacob."

When she mentioned his name, Bella's heart ached, it had been a week now. There had been no contact. The only thing she did know for certain was that many nights, he was outside Charlie's house in the woods. Paul had told her that much.

"Well, how are you now? Better, I hope. I hate that you were injured."

"You mean by Jake's crazy imprint?" She didn't think Kelsee needed reminding what she'd set in motion, but it made her feel a tiny bit better to say that.

Kelsee sighed heavily. "So sorry, dear. Any way I can make it better?"

"No."

"Are you taking care of yourself?"

"What do you mean?"

"Isabella, I'm beginning to think you've never taken the time to get to know yourself. What do you want out of life? Do you have goals you're working towards? What do you like to do, that doesn't involve doing for someone else?"

"I don't know, I still want to teach. I like taking care of my Dad."

"Tell the truth, since you've been back, how many of your decisions revolved around what would please someone else?"

She was going to have to think about that question a little longer. It was a tough one. She most definitely didn't feel like she was selfless by any means or she would have never gotten in such a mess with both Jacob and Seth. It was true, much of her life revolved around other people. It started at a very young age when she had to pick up the slack for Renee. When she lived with Charlie, she spent a lot of time taking care of him ignoring the fact that he lived most of his life alone. He managed all those years without her, but it made he feel useful to cook for him and clean his house. This time around, she was certain there was some guilt involved as well.

"I can tell you're thinking about what I said, which is good. I want you to be happy and you're not completely there, are you?"

No, Bella wasn't but she wasn't exactly sad either. Her emotions were definitely confusing her and Kelsee was making it worse since she questioned her. She took deep breath and let it out. "I'm going to try what you said." They spent a little more time talking about what was going on in Bella's life.

Kelsee gave her a hug on the way out, "Smile, dear, your smile is very beautiful and I hardly ever see it."

Bella forced a smile for her ancient relative and headed back to her truck.

Once Kelsee closed the rickety door, she turned back and something caught her eye. She'd never noticed it before but off the the back left side of the shack, there appeared to be a pathway. It was more like beaten down grass that had been traveled across repeatedly. It was her understanding, Kelsee rarely left the shack, someone brought her the few supplies she needed. This path, though, Bella suspected, was made by Kelsee, and she wanted to know where it led. Kelsee would notice she didn't drive away, but maybe it wouldn't matter to her. She'd be quick, she was too curious to leave without seeing where that trail disappeared to in the woods.

Bella followed it and it was quite unlevel and very obstructed with branches at times. She wondered how the old woman made it down in one piece. Bella could hear water in the distance, slow running water. She made it to the end in maybe a half a mile or so and immediately realized where she must be. This was Kelsee's and Kiyiya's private place, it was where he imprinted on her. No wonder she risked the rugged trek, this was all she had left other than memories. Bella felt like she had trespassed on a sacred site and that she shouldn't be there. She had one last look and was about to turn and head back the way she'd came, when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

Bella jumped and let out a startled scream.

"Jake, dammit, why'd you sneak up on me like that?" She stepped back and avoided looking at him.

"Why are you out here alone?"

"Um, I was visiting Kelsee and I...I went for a walk. What? Are you following me?"

"No, but you know that one of us watches over you. It happened to be me this morning. You shouldn't be out here in the woods alone."

"I'm not alone since you obviously followed me."

"I was pretty far back giving you privacy with Kelsee. I only came to investigate a few minutes ago."

Bella had the urge to get out of that particular spot with him as soon as possible. She turned on her heels and started walking back without saying another word to him.

"Wait, Bells," he followed her.

Of course, she stumbled and he caught her around her waist. "Slow down, before you hurt yourself."

She jerked from him not liking the way her body responded to his touch and she ran smack dab into a hanging limb. It sliced her skin above her left eyebrow, but she kept walking.

"You're being idiotic, Bells. Are you really that determined to get away from me? Now look what you've done, you're bleeding. Turn around and let me see."

She kept pushing through even though her head stung like a bitch, "I'm fine, it's just a scratch." She knew she was almost at the end of the trail, which meant she could soon be in the sanctuary of her truck. That's all she had to do was get there, not turn around and then she could go to Seth's. Everything would be fine once she got to his house. She reached in her pocket readying her keys for her escape. It was too soon to be alone with Jacob, especially when she felt so vulnerable being in the spot where Kelsee and Kiyiya imprinted.

He snatched the keys right out of her hand before she had the chance to open her mouth and protest. Then he turned her around so he could see the damage to her face.

"Come inside, I'm sure Kelsee has something we can clean that up with."

"No, please no Jacob. I don't want to go back inside. Give me my damn keys and let me go. I'll take care of it when I get to Seth's."

His face wrinkled when she mentioned going to Seth's. He took a hold of her arm, and drug her to the truck. He opened the door and told her to sit. "Don't move, I'll be right back."

How could she go anywhere, he still had her keys. Jacob was inside Kelsee's for only a few minutes and then he came back with some sort of white cloth in his hands.

He opened the door as wide as it would go and stepped inside til his legs were almost touching hers. He put the cloth on her cut.

"Ow," she yelled, "That burns really bad."

"Good, now hold still." He blotted the rag on her and then pulled it away to survey the damage and then put it back. It didn't sting as bad as the first time, but it was still uncomfortable. "Damn woman, do you know how stubborn you are?"

She didn't answer. In fact, she didn't even look at him. She held her eyes tightly shut as long as he was in such close proximity to her.

"Bella, open your eyes. I swear, I never would have believed you could act this bratty."

She opened them after that insult. "I'm not being a brat. Why couldn't you have left me alone?"

He broke out in a grin after her question.

"Why are you smiling?" she asked.

He smiled even bigger and started to laugh a little.

"Stop it, Jake. You're a big jerk."

Then he really started laughing.

She pushed his hand away and turned her legs around to get in position to drive away.

He held up her keys, "Don't you need these?"

She reached out to grab them, but he hid them behind his back.

"Dammit, Jake...I need to leave, give me my keys."

"Nope, not til I make sure you're fine to drive."

"Of course I am, it's only a scratch."

He held up a closed fist in front of her and asked "How many fingers am I holding up?"

"None, you idiot, give me my keys."

"I'll give em to you, but you have to answer one question for me."

"What?"

"Why are you so mad at me?"

"I...I, I'm not. I just want me keys."

"Oh, well, here," he placed the keys in her palm, but he kept his hand over them long enough for her to feel his heat burn around them. She should have pulled back, but she didn't and finally he lifted his hand and stepped away from her door. "Bye Bells, see you next week at Sue's. Have a nice afternoon." He jogged off in the woods and it took her another minute to figure out what she was supposed to be doing. Oh yeah, she was late for her paint date with Seth. She left right after that and drove to his house. The drive was too short and she hadn't cleared her mind yet. She hoped she wouldn't be distracted at Seth's.

"Bella, what happened?" was the first thing out of his mouth.

Her head, she'd already forgotten. "Oh, I ran into a branch outside of Kelsee's. It's no big deal."

He took her to his bathroom and let her see for herself. Of course, it was worse than she'd imagined. It would leave a scar most likely.

Seth cleaned the scrape again. He told her they didn't have to paint if she wasn't up to it.

"No, of course not. It doesn't even hurt."

"Come here, I've got something to show you."

He walked her back into the living room. She'd been whisked by so quickly back to the bathroom, she didn't notice before.

"You got a sofa!" she was so excited because it wasn't a black leather one, it was soft, velvety, dark brown one. It was the one she wanted by never admitted to him.

"How'd you?" he cut her off.

"Leah." She had mentioned it to her, hadn't she?

"Oh well, Seth you didn't have to just cuz I liked this one."

"No, I figured you'd be here with me a lot, so..." he lifted his eyebrows a couple a times. He was so cute. "Come on, sit with me. Tell me what you think?" He pulled her down with him and the couch was just as comfy as it looked.

"I love it."

"Good."

She threw her arms around him and gave him a kiss. He pulled her up on his lap, "We can stay here and forget the painting as far as I'm concerned."

"Or we can get the painting done and then relax together later."

"Kitchen and dining room. How long do you think it'll take?" Seth informed her.

"Not long at all. Then I'll make us some dinner and we can chill."

"I don't have TV yet," he whispered to her.

"Then we'll have to find other entertainment," she gave him one more smacking kiss before she headed out to the truck to get her bag. She'd brought some old clothes this time.

They painted for a little less than two hours. Bella started some dinner while Seth got cleaned up. She had helped him stock his kitchen a few days before, so she had everything she needed to make them some spaghetti which was quick and easy. She decided to clean up next after painting and cooking. They had a nice dinner standing at the kitchen counter. Chairs were next on the agenda, maybe a couple of barstools. Seth insisted she go stretch out on the sofa while he cleaned up the kitchen. She felt like patting herself on the back. She hadn't let the encounter with Jacob alter her mood at all. Once she got to Seth's, she'd let it go and enjoyed his company. They had been pretty playful with one another the whole afternoon, but when he came to join her on the couch, he looked pretty serious.

"Something wrong?"

"No, but I think we should talk about something first."

"Okay," she adjusted her body to turn towards him and she pulled her legs up underneath her. "What is it?"

"Bella, I wanted to apologize for some of the outbursts I've had recently, some of the things I've said to you."

"Seth, I thought we were past all that. It was a difficult time for both of us, but we started over. You don't have to keep apologizing."

"No, I think I do. Not many people are aware of this, but I'm like Leah a little more than I'd like to admit. We both lash out, when we're afraid. You'll never get my sister to admit she's afraid, but I will. I admit it, I was really afraid of losing you."

"Seth," she reached out for his hand.

"It could have easily gone the other way, you could have chosen to stick it out and wait for Jacob." He grabbed on to her hand and linked their fingers together. He looked earnestly into her eyes, "I'm not blind, Bella. You had feelings for him, and I know they haven't all disappeared, but I can tell you care about me as well."

"I do, Seth, I really do."

"Ever since, my Dad, I've put a protective barrier around myself. I guess that's why I never really dated. I didn't want to ever experience loss like that again, but I wasn't truly experiencing life that way. It wasn't til you that I opened myself up, and I couldn't handle the way it was going at times. That's why, this time I mean it, I'm willing to take it slow. I've pushed you and I've tried to rush this relationship. We don't have to do that. I know that now, and I want you to know I'm content with how it is now."

She was so happy to hear his confession. She felt like she needed to accelerate their relationship to somehow prove to him she was over Jacob. It was keeping her insides knotted up, but hearing that he knew she was still dealing with those feelings took some pressure off. She didn't have to prove herself to him. Instead of starting some kind of steamy make out session, because they were all alone, they ended up cuddling on the soft cushions together. They talked about everything imaginable: the pack, Bella's job, their parents' weird relationship, who were Leah's secret friends and if they should make New Year's resolutions. Bella knew she shouldn't make any given her track record, but Seth said he had few. Every once in awhile they'd stop talking a little while and would share some kisses. It ended up being the calmest she'd felt in months. It was reminiscent of when she first started hanging out with him. After hours of talking, she must have relaxed enough that she fell asleep.

Bella briefly stirred to notice the slightest hint of light coming through the window. She closed her eyes back and snuggled back into the warmth next to her. Warmth? Her eyes opened wide that time. What was so warm in her bed? She pulled her hand out of the covers and started to feel around. That wasn't the fabric of her comforter. She wasn't at home in her room. She was in Seth's house still. Of course, she didn't remember driving home the night before, only laying on the sofa with Seth. He must have sensed she was awake because he pulled her closer.

"Seth," she whispered.

"Huh," he breathed on the back of her neck.

"I'm in bed with you," she stated the obvious.

"I know, I put you here."

"When?"

"When you fell asleep with me on the couch."

"Seth, what about Charlie?"

"I called him, it's fine."

She finally got the courage to face him, he looked exactly the same in the mornings...flawless, but she knew she didn't and he was seeing for the first time that way.

His hand went up in her unruly hair, "This is cute." he patted the puff down a little. She covered her face in embarrassment.

"No, I'm serious, you look adorable, Bella. I could get use to waking up to you," he leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. "The cut looks better too."

She relaxed a little, but still was a little confused. "I can't believe I stayed over, and my Dad knows."

"Bella, we're adults. You're going to have to start acting your age, you aren't a teenager any longer."

"I know, but still..."

"Well, we only slept if you feel the need to give Charlie a play by play."

"No, that'll make it even more humiliating. I'll sound like I'm lying."

"Well, it's the truth."

"I know, but no matter what I say, it'll come out wrong."

"Do you want me to drive you home?"

"No, that's okay. Thanks for last night, it was a good night, even if I feel asleep on you."

"You can fall asleep with me anytime you want," and he smiled and that thought caused a stirring in her belly.

She ducked her head into his chest and blushed.

It was true, she needed to grow up. He helped her with her bag and walked her to her truck. He seemed happier than he'd been in awhile and they hadn't even done anything, physical at least. She knew when she left that morning, it was probably the first of many nights she'd stay in the little cottage which finally made her smile.

Charlie was very laid back about the sleep over. He didn't make a big deal about it most likely because he was just as embarrassed as she was about discussing anything that private with her. He looked at her eye, but shook his head and said, "Never mind, I don't want to know."

Over the next few days, she'd stayed alone for the most part. The area finally had it's first large snow, and Seth and Charlie had both been busy with the minor emergencies that brought. There were a few fender benders and a couple of wellness checks on the elderly, nothing major, typical Forks. However, a few days before Christmas, a couple of hikers were reported missing, which made her apprehensive. Seth, assured her from what he could tell, it was simply a case of underestimating the snow accumulations. Hopefully, they were smart enough to find shelter. He let Jacob know just in case something else was involved.

Paul had called her the night before and asked if he could stop by. She informed him she'd be baking cookies to which he quickly responded, "I'll definitely be there."

"They're for Christmas, not all for you."

He showed up early, that day. She was still on her laptop going over her recipes. He jumped in her bed and made himself cozy like he always did. She'd forgotten Charlie was still there, when he stopped by her room to say, "Goodbye." He rolled his eyes when he saw Paul sitting next to her.

"Hi Chief," Paul waved to Charlie.

"Hmph," was the only noise he made and then he left them alone.

"He's really softened up to me, don't you think?"

"Are you blind? He didn't even speak, he still hates you."

"Ouch, hate, that's such a harsh word. Are you sure it's hate?"

"Yep, I'm sure."

"So, hummingbird, we haven't seen much of each other in the past week."

"I know, were you counting the days?"

"Me? Hell no, I...I, what made you ask that?"

She giggled. "Relax, bro...I'm only kidding. We've both been busy, I guess," was her excuse.

"Yeah, well tell it to me straight, sister," she guessed he was going to keep with her sibling theme. "How's your life gotten better since you went Jake-free?"

She grimaced. Leave it to him to spoil the fun. She shrugged.

"It's better, right?"

"I guess."

"He's acting strange," he added.

"How's that?"

"Well, he's not being pissy which is out of character and you must be pretty proud of yourself for getting him to rescind his order."

"Wait, what? Do you mean the alpha order?" she couldn't believe it.

"Yep, we had a meeting and we're all still advised, but he can longer in good conscience order us to do so. Like he has a good conscience," Paul quipped.

"Wow, he said he wouldn't," Jacob could be so mysterious, she thought.

"Well, he did and little Seth couldn't hide his excitement. It was written all over his face."

"Shut up, me and Seth aren't even having sex and you know it."

"Yeah, but he must think that you're thinking about it since you started taking those pills."

She gagged on the water she'd just sipped out of the bottle. "How do you know about my pills? That's none of your business. I didn't tell anyone about those."

He pointed to his nose, which she hated every time he did that.

"Really, is there anything you can't smell?" Did she want the answer to that?

"Nope," he took an extra long, deep inhale.

"Stop it!" she yelled.

"Why?"

"Because I don't want you smelling me."

"I can't help it, sometimes you put off some really fucking sweet pheromones. I'm a man, they affect me."

"No, I don't," she was arguing with him for the sake of argument.

"How would you know? Yes, you do sweetheart and I'm not too proud to admit they make me aroused."

She looked at him. He had one of her pillows over his lap. He wasn't serious, he was messing with her. He thought it was funny to make her cheeks get red and see her flustered.

"You can check if that's what you're wondering."

"Ugh, you're sick, I'm going downstairs to bake, you can leave."

He followed in her footsteps. "Why would I leave? I'm here to help."

"You mean get in my way, more like it." She started to push his lip back in, but she remembered where that would direct his thoughts so she put her hand back to her side. "Alright, you can stay, but you've been warned."

"I'll do whatever you tell me, hummingbird."

"First off, no more discussions about my scents. Just because you can tell if Emily's on her period or Sue's menopausal or I'm ovulating, doesn't mean you should broadcast it."

"For a second, you were about to make me retch, but then you said that big word, that means ripe, doesn't it?" He smirked at her and she realized she'd walked right into that one. She took a step back and he took a step forward. Did he always have a devilish gleam in his eyes and why was it so appealing? She shouldn't be like those random women he made swoon, but she felt weak in the knees when he looked at her like that. She was soon backed against the counter and he put a hand on either side, but still kept himself off her. She knew he still messing with her, but the quickest way to get him to stop was with a weapon. She felt behind her and grabbed the only thing she felt. She held up the plastic spatula and threatened him, "Back up, I'm not afraid to use this."

He held up both hands in surrender, "You got me there, no telling what kind of damage you might do with that." He cupped his hands over his zipper, worrying about protecting that before anything else. They both had a good laugh after that and she ended up really appreciating the fact he'd come by to help. Once she finally made him understand the difference between tablespoon and teaspoon, they worked together pretty good. It was nice to have a strong stirrer who didn't tire out. Some of the cookie dough was thick. She was able to accomplish a lot more baking than she'd set out to do. Of course, after each batch cooled, she'd reward him with a warm cookie. Before she knew it, she had dozens of various batches of Christmas cookies to share at Sue's get together.

"Why do you love to tease me so much?" she asked as they were putting all the cookies in containers.

"Because you make it too damn easy, I can't resist."

"So you were joking earlier, about you know?"

He grabbed one more cookie and shoved the entire thing in his mouth silencing his answer, but he winked and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He had to head out for patrol, so she didn't ask again, never getting the answer she wanted.

She went upstairs to clean up and soak in a hot bath. She caught her reflection in the bathroom mirror before sitting in the tub. Her cheeks were flushed and her hair had a fine dusting of flour. "You like it," she said to herself. It was an true confession. She'd blended in most of her life and never felt special in any way. Even when Edward noticed her, she constantly worried it was a fluke and she was undeserving. Of course, she was correct because he finally dumped her. This thing that had been going on with Jake, Seth and Paul, was confusing at best, but they all had paid her a lot of attention. She was sitting in the steamy water and she could admit it, she liked it; no she loved it. It felt nice and she was sure in some weird, twisted way, she'd used all of them. It didn't lessen the fact, her love for Seth and Jake was real, but maybe if she would have not gotten hooked on the attention so early on, she could have been more decisive and not hurt all of them in the process. Where did Paul fit in this? She loved spending time with him, even when he was pushing her buttons. Speaking of, how was he so good at that? She knew the friendship annoyed Seth, but she wasn't about to give it up unless something happened that changed her mind. She rationalized that she was as good for Paul as he was for her. That was the last thought she had before she dunked her head under the water. It was time to wash all that over-thinking down the drain.

Christmas Eve was very cold and snowy. Seth came to get Bella and Charlie because his truck was better at navigating the roads which were not too bad considering the weather. She had all her gifts boxed up except Paul's wouldn't fit.

"What's in this big one?" Seth asked her.

"It's for Paul."

"You're joking?"

"No," he had a strange look on his face. "Come on, Seth. I wanted to do something nice for him. You know his family never did."

"Probably not, but if he's getting the biggest gift, we're never going to hear the end of it."

"What else is new? So, he rubs it in a little, you're still my guy, so it shouldn't matter."

Seth shrugged, she could tell he wasn't completely convinced, "I guess not."

Charlie repeated the question when they all climbed in the cab, "What's in the that big box, Bells?"

"It's a telescope for Paul."

He and Seth united, "A what?"

"You heard me. Paul likes astronomy."

"I can't believe you spent that kind of money on that miscreant," Charlie added.

"Dad, he's a decent man and he's my friend. Are you ever going to attempt to be a little nicer?"

Charlie grumbled under his breath. She glanced out the corner of her eye. Surely, Seth wasn't jealous, but he did seem to be gripping the steering wheel extra tight and his jaw was clinched. Maybe it was because of the weather. She slid her arm onto his thigh and gave him a squeeze. His face softened and he had a hint of a smile. She was relieved because she certainly didn't want him to start the night out jealous.

The Clearwater's house was packed. Sam and Emily weren't there and neither were Jacob and Nadia. She knew Nadia wasn't welcome, but she thought Jake might have dropped by already. Bella made herself useful right away and helped Sue in the kitchen. Leah had already picked up Bella's contribution to the feast that morning. It didn't take long once the food was set out, for everyone to get their fill. Everyone was sitting around Sue's living room having a good time. It was the first time Bella had seen Quil so laid back. He wasn't with Claire and he seemed very relaxed.

Most everyone started to get ready to leave after a few hours. Only Paul stayed with them. The rest of the pack had left, and Jacob never came by. Bella went off to the side with Seth so they could exchange gifts. He opened her five gifts for him. He laughed at her Regular Show blanket, but she'd also gotten him a nice one to match the new sofa. She got him a few things for his kitchen and a framed picture of them for his room.

"Sorry, I only have one for you." He pulled a tiny wrapped gift out of his pocket. Her first thought was, Oh my God, it's a tiny box. It's not a ring, it's not a ring, chanted in the back of her mind. It didn't calm her down though, her hands were shaking when she started to unwrap the gift.

"Calm down, Bella. It's not a ring," he knew her pretty well.

She opened the little box and by that time all eyes were on her including Jacob Black, who had slipped in unnoticed a few minutes before. Inside, there was a necklace with a bright blue flower pendant. Seth smiled because he could tell how much she loved the necklace. He told her the card went along with it, but she should open that when she got home, so that she could concentrate on the meaning of the story.

"Do you like it?"

"Of course, it's beautiful and now you have me intrigued, I can't wait to read the story that accompanies the necklace." She gave him a kiss on the cheek. When she looked around the room again, Jacob had disappeared.

Paul came up behind her, "Can I give you yours from me tomorrow?"

"Sure, but I have yours with me. I kinda want everyone to see you open it."

"Sounds fine with me, hummingbird."

"Seth went to get it for me."

Paul was all smiles when he saw the large box. Bella saw Jake had come back in the room for the unveiling. She walked with Paul to the center of the room. He tore into the paper rather quickly to reveal the hidden prize.

"No fucking way." He looked at Bella and she bounced on the balls of her feet. His excitement was contagious.

Before she could respond any further, he scooped her up off the floor in a giant bear hug. He spun them both around, but still didn't put her feet back on the ground. He continued to hold her in the air. He looked around at the spectators, "See...I told you two dumbasses, she liked me best!"

"Paul," she chastised him.

"Seth, I'm gonna kiss your girl."

"Lahote," Seth warned.

"He's joking, Seth," but before she could insist that he put her down, he did it. He kissed her full on the mouth with his hot lips and because she was talking, her lips weren't even fully closed. Of course, he didn't make it linger, it was quick, but it completely caught her off guard. It had the same affect on everyone else in the room, they all looked to be in complete shock except for Leah. She was in the corner laughing her ass off at the uncomfortable moment. Bella couldn't believe Paul had done such a thing in front of Seth, Jake, and her father. Oh, poor Charlie, he looked horrified.

"Put me down," she lifted her flattened palm to him once again, but he grabbed her wrist as he sat her feet firmly on the floor.

"Not so fast, Bella...remember what I told you about that, but it was a nice touch to make them think you didn't enjoy that as much as I know you did," he whispered to her. A lot of good it did for him to whisper, half the room heard him loud and clear. She smoothed out her clothes and hair, and tried to regain her dignity. Seth didn't look as mad as she thought he might, but she scurried over to him to make sure he wasn't going to get into with Paul later.

"What'd I tell you, honey?"

"He was just excited, Seth and he likes being an ass, you know that? You aren't mad, are you?"

"Naw, but you need to be firm with him Bella or one day he might get so excited he tries to hump your leg. I told you he's just like a stray dog."

She playfully slapped at his shoulder, "Seth."

He gave her a hug and kissed her forehead, "I'm not kissing your mouth to you get rid of Lahote's germs."

She saw Jake still hanging around. It was kind of sad, he wasn't talking to anyone. She wondered if she had conjured him up in her mind. Everyone walked by him like he was invisible. He motioned to her with his head towards the hallway and then he headed that way.

"Um Seth, would it be alright if I say something to Jacob? He and I already..."

Seth stopped her, "Yeah, I know."

"You do?" What did Seth know?

"Yes, Jake and I had a talk. He asked if it was okay, he already had a Christmas present for you. It's alright. Go to my Mom's study, I understand."

Bella was constantly learning more and more about them all. Just when she thought, she had them figured out, they did something completely unexpected. They all seemed to know her better than she knew herself, which was quite exasperating.

"Hey Jake," she said to him because he had his back to the door.

He turned around. "Hi Bells, Merry Christmas. Looks like you've been having a fun night."

"Oh yeah, Paul. He has no manners."

"Uh huh," Jacob was holding back what he really thought about what had happened. She could tell.

"Did you get some food, Jake?"

"Yeah, I made a plate and tried a few of your cookies," he winked at her.

"How'd you know I made them?"

"I just did."

"Oh, well, you can take some home if you want."

She pulled the gift from behind her back. "I had these done awhile back. I hope it's okay, but I still want you to have them."

He took the bag from her and pulled out the retouched beach picture. He smiled, "I remember that day."

"No you don't, look how small we were. How could you?"

"Nope, I remember. I never forget the really important moments and that was the day I knew you were special, like no other girl I'd ever met."

His words spoke directly to her heart. She'd blocked out so much of her childhood, but Jacob was confident he remembered and she believed him now. He pulled out the next one.

"Wow, our first pic on the cliffs. This is really awesome, it's a piece of art, not just a cellphone picture. I'm impressed." The photo place had done an amazing job on it. The colors had all been enhanced, it almost resembled an oil painting. "Thanks, Bells."

So much had transpired, since that day they took the picture. She'd gone back and forth wondering if it was right to give him that, but she knew she wanted to be able to look back and she thought he might too.

He also pulled out a small package out of his pocket. It was wrapped in green tissue paper. "Here's what I made you," he sat the paper in her palm.

She carefully unwrapped it and revealed a tightly woven leather bracelet with the most intricately carved, wooden wolf hanging from the center of the bracelet. "You made this?" She rubbed the wolf between her fingers. How could those large hands make something so tiny and detailed?

"Yes, it's a skill passed on to me from Dad. I don't do it very much now a days, but I really wanted you to have it."

"Oh Jake, it's so beautiful, thank you. I'll always treasure it."

"Can I put it on your wrist?"

"Sure," she handed the bracelet back to him and extended her hand. He wrapped it around her, she could feel him trembling a little or maybe it was her. It took a couple of times before he got the clasp to lock and he rubbed his finger over the spot one last time before letting her hand go. His hand then went to her eyebrow.

"That healed up quick. I don't think it'll leave a scar."

"No, it was much better the next day, thanks for helping out with it. I'm sorry I was such a spaz that day. I just wasn't ready to see you alone yet, if I'm being honest."

"And you are now?" He was standing close, too close. No, she wasn't, but she didn't voice it. She stepped back and made the excuse, she needed to get back and see if Charlie was ready to leave.

He touched the blue flower on her necklace. "The Loyal Sweetheart, I guess it fits."

"What? Seth said there's a story. Is that what it's called?"

He shook his head.

"Jacob, are you okay?"

"Are you?"

"I'm trying to be, I guess."

"Well, I'm not even trying and I don't care."

"Jake..."

"Bells, don't tell me how to cope and I'll do you the same courtesy."

Her eyes fell to the floor. She was stupid to think two weeks would have made much of a difference. "I should go, Charlie's probably anxious to get home." Getting out of Sue's cramped office was the only way she was going to keep her emotions intact.

"Sure, Sure, I'm heading out too." He followed her back into the living room. Leah and Seth were laughing about an inside joke. Charlie was helping Sue clean up. Paul had his nose stuck in his instruction book for his telescope. Jacob looked like he was headed straight for the door, when Charlie made an announcement. "Hold on everyone, I have one more gift tonight."

"What, Dad? " she didn't know what he was talking about.

"It's for you, Bells."

"Me, I thought you and I were giving gifts at home in the morning?"

"Well, I thought everyone would enjoy seeing you get this one. Have a seat, it's a good one."

Paul and Seth ended up sitting on either side of her and Jacob stopped near the door, he hadn't left after all.

Charlie pulled an envelope out from under the tree. Sue looked like she knew what was up, but no one else did. Bella carefully tore one end off the card. She pulled out what she immediately recognized as a ticket. It was a plane ticket.

"Dad, you got me a ticket to go see Mom, oh my god! Wait, two days from now? I'm going to Florida in two days!" She screamed. She hadn't realized how homesick she was for Renee and Phil, but she truly was. They had been her rocks for many years and no matter how many hundreds of faults, Renee had, she did miss her.

"Take you time kiddo, there's more. Of course, the rest was your Mom's idea. I don't much about that literature stuff." Bella dug deeper in the envelope, she pulled out another kind of ticket. It was to a Jane Austen event. Bella had heard of these, she'd researched them before, but one had never come close to home.

"Oh wow! I love it, this is amazing." She, Charlie, and Sue seemed to be the only ones in the room that appreciated what a wonderful gift her Mom and Dad had put together for her, because when she looked around, she noticed Seth, Jacob and Paul looked like they'd been gutted. None of them looked happy for her.

"That's round trip, right?" Paul was the first to ask.

"Of course. I leave the 27th and come back Jan. 2nd."

She turned to Seth, "Did you know about this?"

"No, not at all," he forced a smile.

"You look disappointed, it's only a week, Seth. You had to know eventually, I'd go visit my Mom. I haven't seen her in over 4 months."

"No, I'm happy for you Bella. I'll miss you though."

"Actually, it's only six days," she reminded him.

She heard the front door shut after that and Jacob was no longer hanging around.

Bella forgot all about the brooding pair beside her and ran to throw her arms around Charlie's neck. "Thanks so much, this was such a surprise, and I hate surprises but you did good, Dad. This is great!"

She was exhausted that night when she climbed into bed, but her thoughts bounced around for a little while. If it hadn't been for the unexpected trip back to Florida, she might have spent more time focusing on how her talk with Jacob went. It was evident that they'd both given each other a remembrance, even if no amount of time or space would ever allow her to forget.

~ Thanks so much my loyal and faithful readers.