Bella's Last Christmas Wish

Disclaimer: All characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer

A/N

This chapter is a little long but I'm setting the scene for what's to come. Thank you all for reading and please , please review I need the encouragement to keep working on this story! Enjoy… I hope!

Chapter 28

"Do you think I need more cheese on this Emily?" I called across the kitchen. Emily came over to where I was standing with a large bowl of cheese in my hand.

"No that looks wonderful Bella I'd forgotten how awesome your lasagne smells and looks". She smiled.

"Great!" I replied "Then that's supper sorted for later. It will be like old times again with the pack in your kitchen Emily. I'm hoping" I added "That you will be baking more of those enormous muffins you are so famous for!"

"Of course! laughed Emily "I was up early making those but, Sam snaffled a couple before disappearing on patrol this morning so I'm going to have to make at least a dozen more this afternoon to keep the wolves at bay" Rolling her eyes as she spoke. Kim, Rachel and I chuckled in response. It felt good to all be together again. I was glad Jacob had asked me to make peace with Emily.

"Bella come taste this chilli" called Rachel "Do you think it needs more garlic?" I wandered over to where she was cooking tasting the sauce on the spoon she held out. "Mmmm that's really nice and rich but yes I think a little more garlic would do the trick".

"We've run out girls!" Emily sighed, standing in front of her enormous fridge. I was definitely suffering from fridge envy. One day I'll have one of those in our home. Oh get me I thought "our" home. I really could not wait until Jacob and I had a place of our own but it wasn't going to be anytime soon that's for sure.

"I can go to the shop and buy some" I volunteered. I needed some air the kitchen was hot and stuffy

"I'll come too." said Rachel. Good I thought as I needed to talk to her about wolves and my theory about contraception.

A few minutes later we drove up to the Rez shop. As I climbed down from the truck I missed my footing and landed with a thump on my hands and knees in the gravel. "Are you ok Bella?" cried Rachel who rushed to my side.

"Yeah" I replied "Town klutz, remember?"

Rachel just smiled in return rolling her eyes as she spoke. "Come on let's get you upright" I looked down at my knee which was stinging. Damn I'd grazed it and both palms of my hands were grazed too, little bits of gravel embedded in the wounds. "Here" said Rachel "Use this antiseptic wipe to clean your knee and hands. Let's get the garlic and get back to Emily's we can clean you up better there."

We walked into the shop as old Quil came out from the back to greet us. I immediately dropped my eyes to the ground not wanting to see the usual look of disapproval for me reflected in his eyes.

"Good afternoon ladies". He smiled. "Nice to see you home again Rachel. How are you Bella?"

I glanced up at him surprised that he had even acknowledged me "I'm …umm…very well" I managed to stutter a blush flaming on my cheeks.

"Taking care of yourself I hope?" He queried, before leaning forward and whispering in my ear "I understand from Emily congratulations are in order" then he gave me a paper bag "My famous herbal tea. Come and see me soon Bella I would like to speak with you". He smiled again at me.

"Thank you Mr Atera" I managed to reply "this is kind of you". He patted my hand.

"Call me Old Quill Bella" He laughed "Everyone else does"

I nodded before moving away with Rachel to where the jars of garlic were displayed. "Are you ok?" She whispered "You are looking very hot and bothered"

"Just embarrassed as usual Rachel" I groaned "Last time I saw Quill Senior.." I paused "Well let's say he had not forgiven me for the Cullen business".

"Ahh I see" She winced "But now as Jacob's mate and pregnant with his baby, there's not a lot he can say is there?" She looked thoughtful then giggled "I bet he and Dad have had a complete melt down about Paul and me too". She blew out a long breath, a frown forming on her pretty face "The Lahote's have never been popular on the Rez, what with the way Joshua treated Paul's Mother. There was an uncomfortable silence. We both knew Paul's childhood had been hard.

"Umm.. about Paul…" I sighed "Can I speak to you like…. woman to woman? Rachel raised an eye brow then frowned a little more "If it's about his womanising…. well I know all about his past" She muttered defensively, her chin jutting out "But Sam and Paul both assured me the imprint will take care of all that and he has promised himself". Her eyes narrowed "Besides I'd cut his balls off myself if he tried to two time me!"

I blushed in response as I imagined an irate Rachel chasing a wolf with a knife. Paul had definitely met his match. "Oh Rachel I would never have said a word and no it's not that it's…well ..umm.." I stuttered I took a deep breath then went for it "I thought I had better mention wolves and contraception well…it…" She watched her eyes wide in surprise before she said:

"I've had my shot late last year …. We're covered its fine. Thanks for asking but I didn't think that its anyone else's concern or would have to be common knowledge Bella". Her dark eyes flashed as she showed she felt I had crossed the line.

"No it's not that" I muttered. I took another deep breath "Look Jacob and I well we think it doesn't seem to work well when you're how can I put it ….dating a wolf?" I smiled at her, my cheeks flaming.

Her eyes widened a little "You mean their little swimmers are magical too? She gasped. I nodded as she continued "Oh God …..that's all I need" She looked thoughtful for a minute "Actually I'm late as it happens but, I thought it was due to all the fuss of staying here and the imprint and Paul and …God…PAUL … I haven't been able to leave the man alone.. …" she looked at the ground embarrassed. "I'm surprised he has the energy to crawl out the door let alone run patrol every day…"she took a deep breath and swallowed thickly "Its ...it's..like I'm desperate for him all the time you know? .she looked up at me for understanding and I nodded quickly. "Believe me I know" I sighed "It's the imprint and well the sex part…..well… it sort of seals the deal" I winced at her "Ensures you are his mate.. Let's the pack know that you've been claimed"

"Jeez Dad's gonna go mad …Jake …well let's not even go there. .." Rachel closed her eyes for a few seconds. "I'd better get a test Bella though I suspect it's too late to close the stable door now the damn horse has bolted!" I nodded at her I knew that particular feeling only too well. Something inside me said that it was too late and yet another imprint was pregnant.

I picked up my handbag from the floor to pay and felt a little vibration. Oh no I thought, it was my cell. I'd left it on vibrate only from last night and forgot to change the ringer this morning. I quickly checked it "God Rachel we are in deep shit" I moaned.

"Never thought I'd hear you say shit Bella or even mention the word sex" Rachel laughed "Why what's wrong?"

"Check your phone" I asked her.

"Can't it's in the truck why? Rachel replied starting to look worried as she took in the expression on my face.

It's the Pack Emergency text, like when we are under an imminent threat to the Rez. We should have been at Emily's 20 minutes ago!" I sighed "I've got 20 missed calls and texts ..Jacob will be going nuts and…" But I didn't finish what I was saying as two crazed looking guys crashed through the shop door banging it hard against the wall

"Fuck" Whispered Rachel "Lahote looks super pissed"

I couldn't answer my focus was on the equally super pissed Jacob barely holding it together staring menacingly at me. "I've just got to pay for this" I managed to squeak waving the jar of garlic in the air. A deep growl erupted from Jacob. Thankfully we were the only ones in the shop.

"Pay later" Called out Old Quill who I suspected just wanted us all out of the shop before there was an explosion of fur and teeth. Rachel and I scuttled for the door but before I got any further I was whisked into the air and carried outside to the truck. Jacob said nothing his arms were shaking as he pushed me down into the truck seat and fastened the seat belt around me. God he was furious, it was rolling off him in waves. His eyes were almost lupine in shape and he was losing control to his wolf who was just below the surface…. I could see it.

He eyes ran a quick inventory of my body. He growled loudly again when he saw my hands grazed from the fall, and then as his gaze fell upon my weeping knee he whined. Jacob slammed the truck door with such force the whole truck shook. He took off running towards the forest on my left and barely made it before phasing; shreds of clothing filled the air.

I closed my eyes and took a deep shuddering breath as I realised I had stopped breathing. When I opened them again I caught Rachel's eye as she turned towards me looking a little shocked by the commotion. She too had been strapped into the seat in the back of the cab along with me and a still very pissed off Lahote was in the driving seat.

"Fuck Bella!" He snapped "Jake nearly lost it in there big time. What the hell were you two doing ignoring the texts and calls? He demanded.

"We…we didn't…do it on purpose" I stuttered "…I ..We" Too late I choked back on a sob. "I felt the waves of hurt hitting me hard and I knew why. As our relationship had intensified, so had the effect of the imprint. I could feel it painfully pulling indicating Jacob was really, really angry and hurt. Seeing my face Rachel sprang to my defence.

"Come on Paul" She whined "All this fuss for just a practice, there's no danger here on the Rez and there's no need to treat us like babies either, we can belt ourselves into car seats you know"

Paul turned to look at her he was furious "You did not know that for sure, It might have been the real thing and not a practice drill Rachel" He growled loudly. "Your safety is paramount! Don't you get it yet? I worry about your safety and happiness all the fucking time and the imprint just makes it a thousand times worse". He started the engine and skidded out of the small car park heading for Sam's.

Rachel wisely decided to say nothing but I could see she was really pissed off. I looked down at my hands twisted into my T shirt and worried my bottom lip with my teeth. I could still feel Jacob's anger and hurt mixing with my own emotions. I knew Rachel had got off lightly compared to the telling off I was going to receive. That is if he managed to phase back sometime soon. As Alpha's mate I was supposed to lead the others….. Fat chance of that happening anytime soon.

The atmosphere was tense inside Emily's kitchen. The pack was gathered but, there was no sign of Jacob. I shakily sat down on stool and Emily handed me some herbal tea. "Drink" She soothed "You look dreadful Bella, do you feel ok coz you are paler than usual?"

"Bella fell in the car park at Quils" Sighed Rachel who was being held in a tight hug by Paul. "She's grazed her hands and her left knee". All eyes in the room looked at my knee. I felt a blush rising and I chewed my bottom lip to the point of almost making it bleed.

"That looks sore" said Emily "Come with me Bella to the bathroom we need to clean the grit out of it". I followed her meekly not saying a word looking down so as to not catch the eye of anyone else. Emily bathed the grazes then applied some antiseptic gel. "I think you should go and lie down Bella, you really don't look too good to me and we don't want to take chances with the baby, it's still early days". I nodded my agreement I felt exhausted and the tension with Jacob earlier had not helped.

I lay down on the bed in the guest room and tried to relax. There was a gentle tap at the door when it opened Rachel poked her head round. "Emily sent this" Rachel quietly walked over to the bed and placed a hot cup of tea on the night stand. "You ok?" She whispered "Need anything?"

"No" I replied "Has he come back?"

She shook her head sadly "Paul says he will be back soon, he's just running the tension off" Rachel smiled a little "My little brother could always throw a bit of a hissy fit". I said nothing but thought he's not that little anymore, in fact he was huge and when he was pissed he was, I hated to admit to myself…scary.

"Ok Bella" She whispered "I'll leave you alone Emily is right you look tired." Rachel left the room closing the door quietly behind her. I turned my face to the wall and had a little cry. It sounds weak but I just needed the release from the swirling emotions in my mind. I knew I had really upset Jacob and I knew it was because he loved me but right now I needed him here with me. I frowned to myself as the tears continued to fall, everyone else had their mate and it looked like Rachel had been forgiven for the slow response this afternoon.The tears picked up in pace …everyone but me was sat in that kitchen hugging their mate! Was this Jacob's way of punishing me? I rolled over onto my back and stared up at the ceiling wiping my eyes. I've done nothing to deserve punishment I thought defiantly, let him stew on his own then! I sniffed to myself as my eyelids felt heavy and I drifted off to sleep.

The light outside was fading when I awoke. I had not slept for long about an hour at the most and I felt a little disorientated. I got up and wandered out to the kitchen. All the imprints were sat cosy with their mate's. I looked at Emily hopefully but she shook her head. I sighed still no sign of Jake. "Come and sit". She instructed turning to make me some tea and placing a plate of huge muffins in front of me. I stared at them I didn't have any appetite.

Sam smiled and winked "He'll be back Bella don't worry" he said and right on cue the door opened and in walked Jacob. I looked at him and smiled but my face fell, he still looked annoyed. He ignored everyone in the room as he approached me and pulled me up into a strong embrace. "Need you" he growled "Even if I'm still pissed" he added. I melted into his hot embrace. I needed to feel him, smell him. "Sorry" I whispered as I looked up at him.

His face softened slightly and a small smile was pulling at the corners of his mouth "I'm going to take you home for a while" He growled. He looked around the room as he announced "We will come back for supper and talk later" I caught Emily's eye and mouthed "Sorry" to her as I had promised to stay and help her with the supper. Emily mouthed "No worries" in reply then smiled before saying out loud "I have Kim and Rachel we'll be fine see you both later".

Back at the Black's house Jacob said nothing as he carried me past a surprised looking Billy who was watching TV and into his room kicking the door shut with his foot. He immediately started to kiss me, pulling at my clothing at the same time. "Need you" He whispered into my ear "Need to be in you …have you smelling of me… sorry…" as his mouth placed hot open kisses on my neck. "My wolf… we need to ensure you are safe Bella" He groaned loudly as my hand pressed against the bulge straining inside his cut offs.

"Hey" I whispered in return "Never be sorry about needing to make love to me. I love you Jacob Black ….wolf and all". I moaned loudly as he placed small gentle kisses upon each scrapped palm of my hands…."what am I going to do with you?" he sighed "You can't even visit the shop without hurting yourself" He picked me up and laid me on the bed leaning down to kiss the graze on my knee. "So beautiful" he growled. I pulled his face towards me and tightened my grip into his jet black hair at the nape of his neck. I kissed him hard on his lips and he deepened the kiss in return. I lightly bit his full lower lip and he growled in response opening his mouth for me to plunder. He tasted so musky and sweet. .

He worked his way down my all too willing body placing hot open mouthed kisses as he went. In response I started to groan loudly then stopped abruptly remembering Billy was sitting just outside the room. At that exact time the sound on the TV turned up loudly. I giggled slightly embarrassed and Jacob smiled against the skin of my thigh "Seem's like Billy's heard enough" he whispered. I could feel the blush rising up my neck and onto my cheeks .Somehow God only knows how but I was going to have to keep the noise down. There was no way I could stop now I had to have him and soon!

As Jacob settled himself in between my thighs and began licking at that sweet spot another loud moan escaped my lips "Shh… Bella" he whispered "Looks like I'm going to have to stifle those cries" he laughed as he placed his mouth over mine effectively swallowing the noise I made as he slipped into me. As he picked up the rhythm and speed I clung onto his body like a woman possessed digging my nails into his back which made him growl into my mouth. I could feel my climax building and by now I would be screaming his name. I was literally holding my breath as we came together as noiselessly as we could manage. Jake lifted his head from my neck and burst out laughing I followed his lead.

"Jeez Bella" he said "We have got to get a place of our own and soon I don't think I can manage that every night. I miss your screams of passion" he teased as he kissed me deeply.

"By the way am I forgiven?" I smiled up at him. He looked at me directly into my eyes almost making me cross eyed as I gazed back

"Almost "he replied as he kissed me on the end of my nose "But please don't do that again Bella I nearly lost it with worry back there. We all need to take things far more seriously now, we need to prepare". He gently rolled himself off me and pulled me into his side. We lay there quiet for a few moments whilst he slowly stroked my thigh. The silence was comforting and the smell of Jacob was lulling me towards sleep.

"Come on" I whispered in his ear "I need to shower then we really should go back to Sam's you must be starving"

He turned to look at me "Do you really need a shower?" He asked "If you do I'm just going to have to mark you again. I want every wolf to know you are mine" He smirked.

Well in that case I giggled I need a shower and pulling away I got up and ran for the door.

I sat on the bed brushing my hair whilst Jacob finished up in the shower. I smiled to myself I had managed to shower but Jake had joined me and well one thing led to another and I was "marked" again. I giggled to myself contentedly. I loved him so much even when he's mad at me. I sighed I felt so loved and above all protected. I was brought out of my love fest when my cell rang loudly! I quickly glanced at the caller ID "Hi Angela!" I cried "Good to hear from you!".

"Oh Bella!" she squealed "Is it true…. are you home for good?"

I laughed "Yes it's true and I see the Forks gossips are alive and kicking.

Angela laughed back "Hmm" She said "Jessica Stanley's Mom seems to be the main culprit"

"I'm actually living on the Rez in La Push" I continued

"I heard about Edward…" she replied in a more serious tone

"Happens" I mumbled "But it's a long story. On a more positive note I have met someone else" I gushed.

"Who?" she squealed "Do tell I'm intrigued"

"Do you remember Jacob Black?"

"The gorgeous Quileute guy? How could anyone forget him?" she chuckled "Or his friends for that matter. What do they feed those boys? I saw a few of them in town the other day…gorgeous doesn't quite cover it" she sighed again.

"Well Jake and I we're together" I laughed

"Lucky you!" She squealed again

"What about Ben and you?" I enquired "How's it going?" the line went a little quiet for a few moments.

"That's all over Bella. We broke up just after your wedding". There was a pause "Ben felt that he needed to concentrate in college and well a girlfriend did not figure in his plans". Angela sounded wistful as she spoke.

"Oh I'm sorry to hear that" I said quietly "You guys seemed so good together"

There was another pause then Angela spoke again "Yeah so did I …If I'm honest Bella I'm still getting over it. I mean I thought we were solid. We were even going to go to the college in Port Angeles and live together. As it is he's in another State altogether. He applied ages ago and never said a word about it"

"Oh Angela I'm sorry" I sighed. Angela didn't deserve that I thought to myself.

"It happens as you say Bella" Then she laughed a little to cover how she was truly feeling. "Look" she went on "I would love to see you again may be for coffee and soon?"

It was then I had a wonderful idea, one of my famous epiphanies'. "What about tomorrow Angela could you meet me at my dad's house in Forks?"

"Yes of course what time?" She asked

"Let's say about 10am?"I replied

"Ok I'll pick up some fresh coffees on the way. Great! See you tomorrow Bella" Angela laughed her mood seemed to have brightened somewhat.

I put my cell down. It would be wonderful to see Angela. I missed her calm personality and her good solid advice. She was a friend I would love to have back in my life. I was looking forward to tomorrow and I also intended to persuade her to come to the beach party…she needed cheering up. Spend some quality time with her gorgeous Quileute boys. I was sure they would spoil her rotten. I laughed to myself pleased with my little plan

Later that night as I lay in bed with Jacob I persuaded him to let me go to Forks. He had eventually relented on the condition one of the pack went with me. He would have come himself but he needed to meet with the council. I could live with that little condition so I willingly agreed.

The next morning came around all too quickly. I awoke and almost immediately ran from the bed for my usual "date" with the toilet. We were starting to become really good friends as I noisily heaved up very little from my poor stomach. Jacob quietly stood behind me holding my hair back from my face and rubbing little circles on my back.

"Damn Bella that's just not right are you sure you are ok? He fretted

I stood and splashed water on my sweaty face "Yep it's all ok it's just what happens when you are pregnant it's all perfectly normal" I replied

Jacob did not look too convinced "Maybe you should go see the Doctor again or maybe Sue, you know make sure?"

I sighed if he was this concerned now I thought to myself heaven help me when it comes to the birth. He'll most likely phase in the room and rip the medical staff apart! I smiled at that cheery thought.

"You do look a little better" he smiled at me "Come on Lets go get some breakfast". Unfortunately with that thought I quickly stuck my head back over the toilet and retched again.

It was approaching 10am as I drove along the road and parked outside Charlie's house. It seemed ages since I had been here but in reality it was just a few months but such a lot had happened it just felt like it. I got out of the truck with Embry as Angela pulled up. She got out just as Embry turned and waved to us both before jogging off down the road, looking like he was leaving when I knew he would be out the back under cover of the forest.

"Wow" said Angela holding two paper cups of coffee in her hands "He's gorgeous Bella" and she watched him till he jogged out of sight.

"Oh that's just Embry" I replied trying to sound a little bored "Yeah he's one of Jacobs's friends"

"Tell me he hasn't got a girlfriend!" laughed Angela "Not that I have any hope of getting a guy like that" she sighed

"Don't be daft Angela!" I replied "You are gorgeous yourself and if a guy can't see that well then he's not good enough for you!" I snapped. We looked at each other and laughed as I put the key in the lock and opened the front door.

Angela placed the coffee cups down on the kitchen table and opened her large bag "I have some muffins as well she smiled. I got a plate out of the cupboard and took the muffins out of the bag placing them on the plate.

"How are you Bella?" she asked her eyes narrowed knowingly "There's something different about you or is it you are just happy and in love?"

"Both!" I replied "I'm very happy and head over heels in love"

"I'm so glad" she sighed You deserve it Bella after everything you have been through"

You don't know the half of it I thought but maybe another time. "Yes" I sighed back "Leaving Edward was hard but it was the right thing to do. We just weren't right for each other and well" I blushed "I should never have married him because my heart belonged to another". Angela looked shocked for a moment. I had forgotten her father was the Minister who had married us and marriage was a serious step. I rushed to repair any damage.

"That is…" I stuttered "I didn't realise it until it was too late. I was just swept along by Edward and his family… you remember how persuasive they could be? I looked at her hoping she would not get up and leave.

Angela looked at me for a few seconds then smiled "Yes I remember thinking you seemed spaced out on the day whilst Alice seemed to be in very much in control" she sighed again.

I winced at the memory "Yes it was more her wedding than mine" I quietly replied. Angela reached out and grabbed my hand. "We all make mistakes Bella don't be harsh on yourself. I was never sure if I even liked the Cullen's myself". She looked serious for a moment "I think we were all blinded by their beauty and never really got to know them properly". Gosh I thought to myself Angela could be so astute

I nodded my head "I think you are right there "I sighed "Hey enough of the Cullen's they are in the past" I smiled "I have some news to share"

Angela perked up in her seat a smile back on her face "Tell me now this very minute! She squealed

"I'm pregnant Angela" I said. I watched as her mouth dropped open making a soft popping sound. She jumped up and grabbed me in a hug "Oh Bella I'm so happy for you" she squealed I loved Angela even more at that moment she never judged!

We sat sipping our coffee and gossiped even more. It was good to spend some girlie time with Angela. The conversation slipped to our graduation party. "I'm sure I have a photo upstairs" I laughed "I'll just go and get it." I reached the top of the stairs and opened my old bedroom door. As it swung back my hand flew to cover my mouth the sight before me was shocking. Someone had completely trashed my room. The mattress was thrown onto the floor, drawers had been opened and clothing strewn across the room. Pictures had been ripped off the wall and smashed. Who would do such a thing I wondered my mind in a panic.

Then it struck me there was no sign of forced entry. I ran to the window and opening it screamed out Embry's name. He came charging out of the forest and across the lawn. Within moments he was by my side. He growled loudly nostril's flaring "Vampire….. Bella get out of this house now! "He shouted. I ran down the stairs almost tripping and falling in my haste, Embry holding me up from behind. Angela came running out from the kitchen hearing all the commotion.

"Bella are you ok I heard you scream" she looked at Embry who was visibly shaking trying to hold the desire to phase. "What's going on?

"No time to explain Angela "I replied. Embry had the front door open and he was looking up and down the street "Quick" he yelled "Run to Angela's car" We followed him as quick as we could "Get to the Rez I'll follow in your truck" he called out.

As we pulled away I caught sight of Embry running to the forest I knew he was phasing to let the pack know. I reached for my cell and sent a text to Jacob by now he would have felt my distress. We were just outside the town limits when we were flagged down by Paul "Its ok Angela pull over I know him". I said.

Paul practically wrenched the car door off its hinges "Get in the back!" he ordered Angela who willingly complied fear on her face.

"Paul please.." I said "Calm down a little for Angela's sake at least she hardly knows you" The tension was rolling off Paul in waves and his wolf was very near the surface.

"Calm down Bella?" he roared in response shaking his head and with that he drove like a mad man all the way to the Rez. Angela was a white as a sheet when she got out of the car in fact I was convinced she was about to pass out. Embry thought the same as he stepped up behind to catch her. Lucky he did because in the next moment she fainted.

Embry laid Angela very carefully on Emily's sofa. I stroked her forehead. She was not out for long and her eyelashes started to flutter. She opened her big green eyes looking confused

"Hey" I said "It's ok Angela…. we are all ok.. sorry if you got frightened back there" Mentally I was cursing Lahote.

She sat up slightly "Where…where am I?" she asked fear and confusion on her pretty face

"On the Rez" I quietly replied "In the house of a very good friend of mine… Emily Uley."

"Oh" was all she managed to say as Embry appeared with a glass of cold water. Angela reached out gratefully "Thanks" she said as she looked up at Embry taking the glass from him

"My pleasure" he replied as he looked down at her "Jeez!" he exclaimed as his breath whooshed out and he crumpled down onto the floor with a thud.

"Oh..I…what's…what's… happening?" cried Angela" I feel really weird and the worlds spinning" she looked like she was about to faint again.

I studied them both for a moment then my mouth opened in shock. If I didn't know any better I thought Embry has just imprinted on Angela! I smiled to myself this was turning out to be a good day after all! But then I remembered my room just as Jacob came crashing through the open door…