Chapter 26:

Carlisle and Rosalie had disappeared in a flash, darting upstairs to the fridge Carlisle and I had put the blood into and began to debate if they should warm the blood up for Bella or not. I could feel myself feeling kind of queasy about the idea of this, but it was for Bella and if it worked, there was hope. There was finally a chance that maybe she could survive.

Edward, like me, stayed, holding Bella's hand. His face was dead again. He didn't seem to have the energy to keep up even that little hint of hope he'd had before. I didn't blame him after two weeks of being so lost and just waiting for her death. The two were staring into each other's eyes, but there was a seriousness about it, and I knew they were having a conversation.

James had backed away to move over to Jacob and the two were muttering to each other. No surprise they were conversing about the grossness of this situation. I didn't know if I'd be able to watch, that I agreed with, but if I left, Bella wouldn't exactly feel great about it. And if she felt embarrassed or self-conscious, she may not even give it a shot.

So I stayed.

Rosalie descended the stairs in a sharp breeze and I smelt the blood coming from behind her and up the stairs as she entered the kitchen and opened a cupboard door for the cups.

"Not clear, Rosalie," Edward murmured. He rolled his eyes. Bella looked curious, but Edward just shook his head at her as he glanced at me. I rose an eyebrow but he didn't answer me either. I was sure I was going to find out.

To be honest I was sort of holding on a thread here, this was so intense and so vulnerable of a moment. What if this didn't work?

I looked at Jacob to find he watching me again. I thought I'd have smiled but even he couldn't seem to make me feel very positive in this exact minute.

Rosalie blew back through the room and back up the stairs again but no one took any notice of her as Bella spoke.

"This was your idea?" Bella whispered, her voice rough as she strained to make it loud enough for Jacob to hear. I loved how she forgot he could hear mutters with no problem, it was amusing, but also nice. I could imagine Jake enjoyed it too. Jacob moved forwards as he spoke, glancing at me as he did. I saw Edward do the same and the same sort of enthusiasm blew through his eyes before disappearing again.

Of course. He knew about it. That was what he would have meant last night when he said I was 'adjusting'. And he was probably overjoyed beneath all the worry. Jake wasn't pinning for Bella anymore… right?

"Don't blame me for this one. Your vampire was just picking snide comments out of my head."

She smiled a little. "I didn't expect to see you again. Either of you." she looked at James who shrugged

"Yeah, me, either," Jacob said but he looked at me and Bella did the same, smiling slightly. I wonder, did Edward tell her?

"Edward told me what you had to do. I'm sorry." she said looking at James "You too Jay," Jacob rose an eyebrow as I smirked at the nickname. I nodded to Jake and he couldn't help but chuckle a little.

"S'okay. It was probably only a matter of time till I snapped over something Sam wanted me to do," Jacob replied.

"Plus, this is the right thing to do." I added and Jake rolled his eyes but couldn't help but smile. "Well, that's why he's here." I said to James

"Well you being adamant on staying plays a part." James assured and I shrugged

"And Seth," she whispered.

"He's actually happy to help."

"I hate causing you trouble."

Jake smiled and shrugged.

"It's alright." and he was looking at me now. Bella looked at me too a little surprised but I simply smiled and gave her a shrug.

"Are you sure you want to watch this?" Bella asked looking between the three of us.

"Hey, if the vampires who haven't hunted in weeks can stand the smell then I can manage." I assured "Plus how would it make you feel if I did leave?" she frowned

"I guess not good."

"Exactly. And if this works you're gonna be doing it often so no point in shying away like toddlers and… broccoli." I decided and she smiled at my metaphor as I looked at the boys. They were both staring at me before they nodded seeming to actually agree.

"'Sides, I don't really have anywhere else to go," Jacob told her. "The wolf thing is a lot less appealing since Leah joined up." James nodded in agreement and I rolled my eyes.

"Leah?" she gasped.

"You didn't tell her?" Jacob asked Edward. He just shrugged without moving his eyes from her face.

"She only got here this morning." I added glancing from Edward to Jake. Edward probably didn't see it as big news, at least not as it seemed like Bella did as she didn't take it so lightly. It looked like it was bad news to her.

"Why?" she breathed.

"To keep an eye on Seth." Jacob decided, keeping it short.

"But Leah hates us," she whispered.

"Leah's not going to bug anyone." I shot Jake an amused look as James seemed to disagree. "She's in my pack"— Jacob couldn't help but grimace at the words—"so she follows my lead."

I couldn't help but chuckle at the words.

Bella didn't look convinced.

"You're scared of Leah, but you're best buds with the psychopath blonde?"

There was a low hiss from the second floor and I smirked as I glanced at the celling slightly.

Bella however frowned at Jacob. "Don't. Rose... understands."

"Yeah," Jacob grunted. "She understands that you're gonna die and she doesn't care, s'long as she gets her mutant spawn out of the deal."

"Stop being a jerk, Jacob," she whispered.

Well it was true. And I knew Bella was wondering whether their new found friendship would survive also or not, she just didn't want to think about it yet.

Jacob smiled.

"You say that like it's possible."

"It is possible." I said and he looked at me "Just." I added and he shot me a playful look which I responded with a grin.

Bella tried not to smile back for a second, but she couldn't help it in the end; her chalky lips pulled up at the corners.

Carlisle and Rosalie reentered the room and moved to Bella's side in their quickened pace, Carlisle with a white plastic cup in his hands, a lid and a bendy straw with it. Well that explained Edward telling Rosalie to not get a clear cup. This way Bella wouldn't have to see what she was drinking, could make it easier.

Despite that I could smell the blood and by the way James and Jacob's noses wrinkled slightly I knew they could too.

Carlisle hesitated, the hand with the cup half-extended. Bella eyed it, looking scared again.

"We could try another method," Carlisle said quietly.

"No," Bella whispered. "No, I'll try this first. We don't have time…"

A normal person would think she realised she was dying, but of course Bella ran a hand over her stomach and was thinking more about the child's health than her own.

Bella reached out and took the cup from him. Her hand shook a little, and the sloshing from inside was made visible to all of us with sensitive ears. She tried to prop herself up on one elbow, but she could barely lift her head.

I moved around and helped Bella, putting my arms under her shoulders to prop her up, supporting her head while I was at it. I could see Rosalie had wanted to do it.

"You're hands are freezing, I doubt she needs that amongst everything." I said to her rationally and Rosalie eyed me before turning back to Bella, clearly backing down.

"Thanks," Bella whispered. Her eyes flickered around at us. Still aware enough to feel self-conscious. I knew she'd feel that.

"Don't mind them," Rosalie murmured.

Bella lifted the cup to her face and sniffed at the end of the straw. She flinched, and then made a face.

"Bella, sweetheart, we can find an easier way," Edward said, holding his hand out for the cup.

"Plug your nose," Rosalie suggested. She glared at Edward's hand like she might take a snap at it.

Be amusing if she did, might put her in her place for a bit when Edward turned around to return the favour.

"No, that's not it. It's just that it—" Bella sucked in a deep breath. "It smells good," she admitted in a tiny voice.

My face contorted quite a bit but I shook my head. I looked at James and he held the same look, Jacob however was trying to keep it from his face. And kinda failing. He was looking at me and I wondered if he was trying to ignore what was happening by concentrating on me.

I wonder if it was working?

"That's a good thing," Rosalie told Bella eagerly. "That means we're on the right track. Give it a try."

Bella shoved the straw between her lips, squeezed her eyes shut, and wrinkled her nose. She sipped at it for a second, and then moaned quietly with her eyes still closed.

Edward stepped forward towards her and he touched her face.

"Bella, love—"

"I'm okay," she whispered. She opened her eyes and stared up at him. Her expression was… apologetic. Pleading. Scared. "It tastes good, too."

I couldn't help but pull a face and she looked at me with a guilty smile. I thought.

"You know, that could be just because of how hungry you are…" I offered and she chuckled weakly.

"That's good," Rosalie repeated, still jazzed. "A good sign."

Edward just pressed his hand to her cheek, curling his fingers around the shape of her fragile bones.

Bella sighed and put her lips to the straw again. She took a real pull this time. The action wasn't as weak as everything else about her. Like some instinct was taking over.

"How's your stomach? Do you feel nauseated?" Carlisle asked.

Bella shook her head. "No, I don't feel sick," she whispered. "There's a first, eh?"

Rosalie beamed. "Excellent."

"I think it's a bit early for that, Rose," Carlisle murmured.

Bella gulped another mouthful of blood. Then she flashed a look at Edward. "Does this screw my total?" she whispered. "Or do we start counting after I'm a vampire?"

"No one is counting, Bella. In any case, no one died for this." He smiled a lifeless smile. "Your record is still clean."

"Of all the things to think about." I sighed. Of course I knew of the bet between Emmett and Jasper as to how many slip ups Bella would have in her first year as a newborn. Emmett had laughed about it while telling me.

"I'll explain later," Edward said, so low the words were just a breath. I looked at him confused and so did Bella

"What?" she whispered.

"Just talking to myself," he lied smoothly.

I huffed. He almost smiled.

Bella chugged a few more ounces, staring past us toward the window. Probably pretending we weren't here. That wouldn't surprise me.

Edward rolled his eyes and I looked at him confused before he suddenly even chuckled. I knew the shock was evident on my expression but Edward hadn't laughed in weeks, plus no one had said anything…

Must've been someone's thoughts.

Bella heard his chuckle and looked at him, half smiling at the humour in his face.

"Something funny?" she breathed.

"Jacob," he answered.

She looked over with another weary smile for Jake. "Jake's a crack-up," she agreed.

"Bada bing," he mumbled in weak rim-shot impression and I giggled. Everyone glanced at me as Jacob smiled, giving me a wink. I smiled back at him.

"He's not bad." Jams added and Jacob rolled his eyes before James punched his arm lightly. Jacob looked slightly annoyed but James only smirked, clearly enjoying it.

Bella smiled again before she took another sip. The straw drew air and make a loud sucking noise which I wasn't expecting.

"I did it," she said, sounding pleased. Her voice was clearer—rough, but not a whisper for the first time today. "If I keep this down, Carlisle, will you take the needles out of me?"

"As soon as possible," he promised. "Honestly, they aren't doing that much good where they are."

Rosalie patted Bella's forehead, and they exchanged a hopeful glance.

And anyone could see it—the cup full of human blood had made an immediate difference. Her colour was returning—there was a tiny hint of pink in her waxy cheeks. Already she didn't seem to need my support so much anymore. Her breathing was easier, and I would swear her heartbeat was stronger, more even.

"I don't know about you lot, but I think we should go another." I said and everyone looked at me surprised. "Look at her, everything's accelerated already." I said and even the ghost of hope had returned to Edward's eyes but this time, it wasn't a ghost of hope, it was hope.

"Would you like more?" Rosalie pressed.

Bella's shoulders slumped.

Edward flashed a glare at Rosalie before he spoke to Bella. "You don't have to drink more right away."

"Yeah, I know. But… I want to," she admitted glumly.

Rosalie pulled her thin, sharp fingers through Bella's lank hair. "You don't need to be embarrassed about that, Bella. Your body has cravings. We all understand that." Her tone was soothing at first, but then she added harshly, "Anyone who doesn't understand shouldn't be here."

A hiss passed through my teeth and everyone looked at me surprised, Jacob and James included as I glared at Rosalie. Bella's eyes were wide as she looked at me. To be honest, it was a surprise, usually I'd just roll my eyes or send her a glare… that was a rather excessive reaction…

"Get the hell over yourself Rosalie or I'll snap you in half." And I felt the heat in my eyes as I knew the gold had swallowed the blue like they did when my anger got too hard. Rosalie's eyes widened as everyone looked at me now slightly cautious. Edward was looking at Bella still in my arms but that was what had kept me from moving.

Carlisle took the cup from Bella's hand. "I'll be right back." He broke the tension and I reined the anger back in, my eyes cooling and the gold reducing back into their flecks. Bella was looking at me.

"Sorry Bella." I said and she simply shook her head before looking from me to Jacob who was looking at me with his signature smirk, clearly proud. I winked at him as James was smirking at me with his arms crossed but he rolled his eyes at the two of us. I poked my tongue out at my brother.

"Jake, you look awful," Bella suddenly croaked.

"Look who's talking."

"Seriously—when's the last time you slept?"

He was silent for a second as I looked at him also wondering the same thing.

"Huh. I'm not actually sure."

"Aw, Jake. Now I'm messing with your health, too. Don't be stupid." He looked angry for a minute as his jaw set while he grit his teeth.

"No she's right." I said and he looked at me "Why the hell haven't you slept?" I demanded. I was asleep for how long last night? Why didn't he sleep then? Probably worried about Sam but I didn't think he, James and Seth all needed to run.

"Get some rest, please," she went on. "There're a few beds upstairs—you're welcome to any of them."

"Not that you'd want to sleep in one with the smell…" I muttered

"Thanks, Bells, but I'd rather sleep on the ground. Away from the stench, you know."

She grimaced. "Right."

Carlisle was back then, and Bella reached out for the blood, absentminded, like she was thinking of something else. With the same distracted expression, she started sucking it down.

She really was looking better. She pulled herself forward and out of my arms, being careful of the tubes, and scooted into a sitting position. I watched her for a minute, checking incase she needed me to catch her but she was fine. She was steady and she almost seemed a little warmer too.

Taking deep breaths in between swallows, Bella finished the second cup quickly.

"How do you feel now?" Carlisle asked.
"Not sick. Sort of hungry... only I'm not sure if I'm hungry or thirsty, you know?"

"Carlisle, just look at her," Rosalie murmured, so smug she should have canary feathers on her lips. "This is obviously what her body wants. She should drink more."

"She's still human, Rosalie. She needs food, too. Let's give her a little while to see how this affects her, and then maybe we can try some food again. Does anything sound particularly good to you, Bella?"

"Eggs," she said immediately, and then she exchanged a look and a smile with Edward. His smile was brittle, but there was more life on his face than before.

"Oh yes please!" I agreed with a grin.

"Jacob," Edward murmured. "You really should sleep. As Bella said, you're certainly welcome to the accommodations here, though you'd probably be more comfortable outside. Don't worry about anything—I promise I'll find you if there's a need."

I looked up to see the boy's eyes seriously dropping and as though they weren't going to stay awake.

"Sure, sure," Jake mumbled.

"Jake," he looked at me "Can you please get some sleep?" I asked quietly and he looked at me while both Edward and James smirked. He nodded to me and I smiled.

"I wont let you miss anything." I said still smiling.

"You could always go with him." James smirked at me

"Sure, but that means you've gotta sit with Bella and keep her warm." I said in return

"I can do that." he shrugged grinning at me as I rolled my eyes. Bella smiled at James and he returned it, clearly not against the idea herself.

Strange seeing them so friendly after so long, but I guess even some friendships survive vampires and werewolves, enemies or not.

But it seems Jacob wasn't meant to sleep. We all turned to the trees as suddenly, two howls pierced through the still morning air and there was no mistaking the urgency of the tone. Sam's pack was coming.

James and Jake were both at the door in an instant, Jacob swearing before he launched himself off the porch.

"Wait Jake—" but he'd jumped off the porch and phased in the air, shredding his last pair of shorts. "Shit." I mumbled.

It seemed James had a little more sense as he shook his head from the fabric that floated to the ground and took off running to the trees to phase.

"Hey Esme!" I said and she came down the stairs to me "Do you think any of Emmett's clothes would fit Jacob?" I asked and she looked confused "He just shredded his only pair of shorts." I confessed staring at the pieces of fabric. Esme noticed it and she nodded

"I'll have a look."

"Thanks." I smiled as I moved to the door.

But I paused.

Would it be smart if I went? They wouldn't hurt me, they couldn't now I knew that, but would I be a help or a hindrance? I couldn't hear the wolves in their wolf form, I'd have no idea what was happening.

There was one thing I noticed though, with Jacob gone there was an emptiness and the feeling I'd had this morning when I woke up, the feeling that something was missing, was back. I hated that he was gone and the pull to go after him was there.

I turned to Edward who I knew was watching me. As I looked at him, I listened. I could hear James and Jacob running through the trees, James a little behind Jacob having stopped to phase.

"I can hear them." Edward admitted.

So I wasn't out of the loop then…

"I think you should stay Lex," Edward said and a small part of my brain noticed the nickname he used for the first time. "Jacob might not be able to concentrate with you there." Edward said.

And that I could agree with, plus, James was there and I trusted him and Leah to watch Jacob… and each other of course.

How about, I left if there was a serious confrontation? I nodded to myself and moved back into the room.