Dinner was sweet and simple. Charlie didn't eat out much except for the odd visit to the diner, so taking her to the family restaurant in the center of town was a rare treat. Just as rare was having his undivided attention for such a lengthy period. They usually ate dinner in front of the television, or he wolfed it down at the kitchen table in only a few minutes, his mind already preoccupied with thoughts of his patrol for the night. And so they chatted pleasantly about this and that between mouthfuls of fried chicken, a spot of gravy sticking to his mustache as he smiled at her from across the table. It made her heart ache.

The bittersweet atmosphere came to a screeching halt-along with Charlie's cruiser-upon their arrival home. Two additional police cars were waiting for them, their lights still flashing blue and red against the white paint of the house. His bushy eyebrows knit, he quickly put it into park and swung the door open.

"Stay in here while I talk to them."

Disregarding his wishes, she scrambled out of the car and followed towards his coworker, who was busy scribbling something onto a notepad.

"Richard," he called sharply. "What the hell is going on here?"

"Got a call from the house next door about a burglar about a half hour ago. She says she saw a man climbing through your window. We came over to check the house, but there's no sign of him."

Charlie's eyes grew wide as saucers. He instinctively pawed at his side in search of his revolver, which was still inside the house. After glancing down to confirm what his hand had told him, his face began to turn red.

"Which window?"

"Second story. The one by the maple tree. The lady said he scaled the damn thing to get in."

Bella's heart slammed into her mouth. The color drained from her face, and seemed to have migrated to Charlie's, who was rapidly turning from red to purple.

No. No no no no no. Please no-

"That's my daughter's room!" He paced back and forth like a lion in a cage, rubbing his hand over his chin. "How the hell could-" Then he stopped. His head whipped around to face his unusually pale daughter, who was on the verge of hyperventilating. "The lock! You left it unlocked!"

"I-it was so hot this afternoon," she said, tripping over her words as she tried not to panic. "I was trying to let a breeze in. I must have forgotten to latch it. I'm sorry." Her voice cracked as tears began to well up in her eyes.

Charlie snapped out of his ballooning fury and hugged her, his face etched with guilt and his arms wrapped around her as completely as possible, as if to shield her from this would-be assailant. Bella heard footsteps crunching in the gravel behind her as someone approached.

"Just got the statement from the housekeeper," said the rough voice.

"Did you get a description?"

"Yep. It was still light out enough that she could get the basics." There was a rustling of papers. "Uh...Here we go. He was a big guy, definitely over six feet, and muscular. Let's see...short black hair, some kind of tattoo on the shoulder….Said he looked like an indian."

She could have thrown up right then and there, spurred on by the pure terror pumping through her veins. Of course Jake wasn't having second thoughts. He came for her, like she knew he would, but she was gone. Everything was in jeopardy, and now he was in danger as well. That's when she began openly weeping.

"Shhh, it's alright, baby," Charlie whispered. "We're going to take care of this. It's okay."

He mistook her crumbling for cowering, which would keep her from giving away the game. However, she feared that it would only fan the flames of her father's ire. She needed to straighten up, and fast.

"Rich, I want eyes over by La Push now," he commanded to his subordinate.

"Got it, Chief."

She pushed herself away, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

"No, Dad. Please," she sniffed. "It's alright. Let's just just lock up the house. There's no way he'll come back."

"Absolutely not. He was in your room, Bella. Can you imagine what would have happened if you were in that house by yourself? This wasn't just some burglar. A real one would have just come in from the ground floor. He knew a young girl lived there." He squinted at her as he spoke. "He wasn't breaking in because he wanted to play Barbies with you."

"Dad-"

"-Is the house clear?" he asked the other officer, completely ignoring her interjection.

"Yes, Chief." He nodded.

"Good. Bella, I want you to go upstairs right now and pack yourself a bag."

"What?!"

"I'm calling the Cullens. I need to get this sorted out, but I'm not leaving here. You're going to stay with Edward's parents tonight where I know you'll be safe."

"Dad, no!" she pleaded. "It's alright! Please, just calm down-"

"Move it, Isabella," he growled.

Seeing that she was overruled no matter what, her mouth snapped shut, and she fled, stomping up the stairs with no regard for her balance or coordination. She slammed the door shut and braced herself against it, her eyes darting frantically around the room.

"What do I do?" she breathed. "What do I do?"

She shook her head and tried to get ahold of herself, but her mind was racing. Her eyes landed on her open closet. She snatched her suitcase out and tossed it open onto the bed. She had no idea when she'd be returning, if at all. It wasn't out of the realm of reason that Charlie would keep her at the Cullen's until the wedding, or until they found Jacob, God forbid. She needed to be prepared for anything.

Hands trembling, she grabbed everything she could think of: clothes, shoes, books, her bathroom kit. Then she began ransacking her desk drawers in search of her checkbook, which she promptly stuffed into the inside pocket, along with her letters from Jacob, a photograph of her parents, and her charm bracelet. She had to sit on the lid in order to close it, but she managed to latch it without any more resistance. After tossing it onto the passenger seat, she gathered what fortitude she had left to focus on the road.

Where was Jacob? Was he at the shop? Was he home? Was he safe? Did he know someone saw him? What was going to happen if they found him?

She was so overwhelmed by it all that she nearly missed the turn into the driveway, where Esme and Carlisle were waiting for her. She threw her arms around Bella, practically in hysterics and peppering her with questions until her weary husband pried her off. It took a few minutes before she was brought back to earth, and she showed Bella to Rose's old room, where they had made up the bed for her.

Times like these brought an eerie kind of clarity. Mrs. Cullen was, by all accounts, a handful, and always operating at a level that was far too taxing for Bella to handle on a regular basis. And yet, she was undoubtedly a kind lady who loved her family above all else. It made the undercurrent of pain that wound through her all the more difficult to watch. She hoped that better things would come to Esme someday.

"Edward was on his way home for the weekend when your father called," Carlisle said gently as he set her suitcase onto the bright white carpet. "He'll be arriving soon." Bella nodded, mentally tallying just how many more ways the night could possibly become more fraught than it already was.

"Do you need anything?" Esme asked. "Is there something I can get you?"

"No, thank you," she replied, but soon thought better of it. "Actually, could I please use your phone?"

"Of course, of course." Esme ushered her out of the room and through their perpetually spotless living room. "It's in the little nook by the pantry." She had to tell Jacob. If she could catch him in time, then he could lay low and wait for the immediate danger to subside. That was the plan, or the closest to a plan that she could assemble as her body continued to shiver. They were going to have to do this off the cuff, and the idea terrified her.

Please, please pick up.

"Yeah?" Leah's flat, unvarnished voice answered. Thank God she was still at the shop. Bella quickly peeked into the living room, where Mrs. Cullen was puttering about.

"Hi, Mrs. Newton? It's Bella. I'm sorry for calling so late."

"...Bella? It's Leah. You called the garage."

"Mhmmm that's right," she replied. "I just wanted to let you know I'll need to come into work late tomorrow. I know Mike was looking for me, but something came up."

There was only a low electrical hum coming from the other end.

"What's going on?" she asked, her voice dropping an octave. "Is someone listening?"

"Well you see, we had a bit of a scare." Bella was trying to brighten her voice, just enough to ward off suspicion, but it trembled. "A burglar broke into my bedroom while we were out, and now I'm staying the night with my fiance's parents while the police are out looking for him." She paused as if to listen. "Yes, they got a description. They think he was from La Push." Leah cursed loudly, making her wince and pull the receiver away, hoping that nobody had heard it as well. She looked over nervously again, but they were as she left them.

"I need to warn him! They aren't supposed to be able to do anything on our land. They're not even supposed to come here. Not like that's ever stopped them before." The final words were filled with acid.

"Yes, of course. Oh, would you mind passing on a message to Mike?"

"Is this about what I think it's about?"

"if you could let him know that I'm all ready for that meeting at the shop. I know the date wasn't set in stone yet, but I'm ready. I was thinking we could have it at twelve." A long silence floated between them. She wasn't sure how much Leah knew, or if she would even go along with this insanity. At the very least, she knew that Jacob would be out of harm's way.

"Shit," Leah breathed, barely audible. "It's really happening, isn't it?"

"Yeah."

Bella gulped. The facade slipped as another hit of adrenaline entered her bloodstream. It was only a matter of time before they found him, and she didn't know what would happen once they did. Rather, she didn't want to think about what would happen if they did. She righted herself.

"I'm going to do everything I can. Just...be careful, alright? Don't do anything stupid."

"Thank you so much, Mrs. Newton. I-" She hovered over the word, unsure how to properly convey her feelings. "I really appreciate it." That would just have to do.

"Yeah. I'll see you."

Bella hung up and leaned her forehead against the blue floral wallpaper. Her knees were threatening to give out underneath her, if not for the panic, then for the crushing sadness that seemed to spring forth from it, like weeds from cracks in the sidewalk. This wasn't how she wanted this to go. There should have been more planning and forethought, a chance to get all her ducks in a row before she severed so many ties at once, probably forever. There would be no goodbye for Alice, for Angela, for all the school friends who had been in her orbit for years. Gone, with no explanation but the one Edward or Charlie were willing to give. And Charlie. It was his future with her that was the most uncertain. What would happen after his eruption, once the lava cooled? They may never speak again. Tears pooled in her eyes at the thought that tonight could have been the last one she spent with her father.

There would be time to mourn later, perhaps even a lifetime of it. The truth was that there was never going to be a 'right time' for this. No amount of careful packing or curtain calls were going to hide the taste of this very bitter pill. She knew what she was getting into. This was what she wanted, what she needed, what her heart had been crying out for since God knows when, and she would have it. She would have her freedom. She would have Jacob. But everything comes at a cost. Sooner or later, everyone had to decide how they would pursue their happiness and security, and how much they were willing to give up for one or the other. How much happiness did security cost? What was the exchange rate, and was the value inflated? The possibilities clawed at her, but deep down, in the marrow of her bones, she knew:

This was the price. He was worth it.

"Outside, Black. Now."

He had to admit that Sam and Paul's dramatic arrival at his house startled him. Mentally skimming through his memory of the last few days, he could find nothing that would warrant this.

"Only if you say 'pretty please.'"

"I'm not playing with you, Jacob," Sam replied, stone-faced but eyes burning. His eyes flickered to something over Jake's shoulder, and Paul's expression immediately softened.

"Jake? Is everything alright?" Rachel had drifted into the living room, draped in a blanket, concerned, but too drowsy to be alarmed.

Dammit.

"It's fine, Rach. Just the guys stopping by. We'll keep it down." He shot a pointed look at the pair, daring them to drag anyone else into it. Luckily for him, they were on the same page in that regard. He followed them to the little shed that served as a makeshift garage for his bike and his father's car. The wait was apparently too much for Paul.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" he hissed. "Running around-"

"Paul," Sam warned with a glare. "Jacob, we know what you've been up to, and it's going to stop right now."

"Oh? What exactly am I doing?" Sam was unamused by his feigned ignorance.

"This was supposed to be over and done with. I thought you were smarter than this. I thought you'd finally grown up and gotten a brain in your head, but then I hear you've been seeing that girl again. What the hell are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking that this is none of your goddamn business," he growled. "Y'know Sam, I would have thought you'd know better than to stick your nose in someone else's...affairs." It had the desired effect. He looked as if he'd been slapped before settling into a resentful scowl.

"You asked for it when you started bringing her here!" Paul spat. Sam seemed to have lost the will to contain him. "That was bad enough, but then you went to her house! In broad daylight!" Something icy slid down Jacob's spine.

"You've been watching me? Are you fucking serious?"

"You gave us no choice." There was a storm brewing under Sam's voice. "We let you have your fun. We let you play house with that girl, thinking you'd get it all out of your system, but now I see that it was much more serious than we thought."

"She has a name," Jacob said with indignation, crossing his arms over his chest.

"We know her name, idiot! Do you?" His eyebrows knit, searching both of their faces for whatever punchline he was missing.

"Bella Swan. That name ring a bell for you?" Paul's voice was thick with condescension. Jake closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. Of course. There was no way that wasn't going to come back to haunt him.

"You knew," said Sam. He could see shock developing in the ridges of his forehead, the twist of his mouth that slowly turned to disgust. "You knew her dad was a cop, and you did it anyways? What the fuck is wrong with you? Do you have any idea what would happen if he found out? Do you?"

There was no rebuttal. This fact had not escaped him. The problem was that Bella was safe. She had always been an oasis amidst the pain and drudgery of his life, an unlikely refuge where nothing bad could happen. There was no resisting the temptation to soak it all in, and now he had become so delirious that he could ignore the inherent danger of what he was doing. They might have been assholes, but he couldn't argue against the basic sentiment.

"You're going to end it. Now."

"You're wasting your breath."

"Oh, I forgot; It's all about you and what you want. To hell with everyone else. I knew you were selfish Jacob, but this is a new low." Anger swiftly began boiling up inside him. The careful control he had held himself to shattered.

"'Selfish'? Are you fucking kidding me?" he roared. "Who stepped up to provide for the family when my mom died and my dad couldn't work anymore? When you threw Leah to the curb, who was it that kept her away from the cliffs? Who picked up the pieces every time you decided to twist that knife? Who looked after our little brothers? Who taught Seth when you jumped ship because you couldn't face him after what you did?" Now livid, he stabbed a finger into Sam's chest.

"I have spent most of my life putting everything aside so I could take care of everybody else, and I am so. Fucking. Tired. Nobody, including the two of you, has ever given a shit about what I wanted, or if I was happy. It was all about towing the line with you, always doing what I was told, or else. But Bella cares. She's the only one who does, and the only person who doesn't want me to be anything other than what I am. So don't you dare call me selfish!" he spat. "You should be so lucky to have someone like that." Speechless. Good. He had no desire to hear another ignorant assessment of himself from either of them.

"But don't worry," he continued with a sardonic smile. "I won't be your problem for much longer."

"What does that mean?" Sam asked carefully.

"It means shut your traps and go home." He turned on his heel and made his way back to the house. "I'm going to fix this, and then everyone will be happy. Now get off my property." And he swung the door shut, making the frame quiver from the impact.

His hands balled into fists as he leaned against the door. He wished he could say that he expected better from them, but that wasn't the case. It felt like petty squabbling and making each other miserable were the only traditions anyone kept up with anymore. He knew he'd messed up where her father was concerned. That wasn't up for debate. If everything went according to plan, it wouldn't matter. He would be gone. No one would be there to complicate their lives any longer.

The shrill ring of the telephone made him grit his teeth. He dragged himself to the phone and yanked it off the hook, all the while pondering why he was so popular tonight.

"Hello?"

"It's me," Leah replied in her rough alto. "Can you talk?"

"What is it with everyone wanting to talk to me all of a sudden?" he grumbled.

"Can you talk or not?" she huffed. "It's important." He massaged his temples and vowed to let his earlier encounter go for the time being.

"Yeah, sure."

"Good. I just talked to Bella and-" He leapt at the name like a dog for a bone.

"-When? Was she there? How lo-" She cut him off.

"-Jake, if there ever was a time for you to shut the hell up and listen, it's now. Can you manage that?" She waited for more of his clumsy interrogation, and then continued. "Bella called the shop just a minute ago. Someone saw you coming out of her bedroom, and now the cops are out looking for you."

A harsh curse hissed through his teeth. His mouth went dry as his imagination took a dark turn.

"Is-is she okay?" he asked, bracing himself against the wall.

"She's fine, as far as I can tell. She's at the fiance's house."

"Did she say anything else? Did she tell you to call me or-" Too many panicked thoughts at once began to leak out, and he couldn't stop himself.

"-Black, I swear to God, if you don't shut-"

"Sorry," he muttered. She heaved a weary sigh.

"She wanted me to tell you that tonight's the night. She wants you to meet her at the garage at midnight."

Tonight. He knew that the day would come eventually, and he prayed for it to come faster, yet it felt like it was never actually going to happen, always at least a day or two out of reach. Now it was real. It was time for any remaining doubts or fears he might have had to be laid to rest. He waited for her to continue.

"...Is there more?"

"Nope, that's it," said Leah. "She wasn't alone. There wasn't much she could say to begin with. She sounded...spooked."

"Yeah, I'm feeling pretty fucking spooked myself," he added dryly. "Sam and Paul were at my house not ten minutes ago."

"What for?"

"To tear me a new asshole. Apparently they were keeping an eye on me and figured out what was going on." He shifted about, debating whether or not to include that other tidbit of information, lest Leah come down on him like a hammer as well. In the spirit of the evening, he decided to throw it all to the wind and relay Sam's discovery to her.

"WHAT?" she exploded. He winced from the jab to his eardrum. "She's Charlie Swan's kid?"

"I...guess?"

"Shit, I should have known. Of all the gin joints…"

"You had a run-in with him before?" She gave a short laugh.

"Yeah. You have, too. You might have been too young to remember. Dad worked on his car a couple times," she continued. "Piece of shit kept breaking down on the west end of the highway."

A series of images faded into the forefront of his mind. They were hazy, just faceless figures like department store mannequins. So many of those days blurred together, most of them spent playing tag with his cousins or kicking a ball around in the grass.

One swift kick sent the ball flying and ricocheted off of Jared's head, making Jacob and Leah burst into hysterics before it launched out into the unknown. His head whipped around in search of it, his long, loose hair catching over his eyes, but someone else had found it first. Their laughter came to a halt, until unfamiliar, squeaky giggles were the only sound.

She had long brown hair adorned with a large pink bow that was hanging on for dear life, and two symmetrical stripes of dirt on her dress where she had been wiping her hands. A wide grin revealed a missing front tooth. She wasn't from here.

"Whatcha playin'?" she asked. He wanted to answer, but a tall figure approached, dressed in dark gray slacks with a buttoned shirt and a hat, and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Alright, kiddo. Let's go pay before your mother drives off without us." She looked at her father and frowned.

"But Daddy…"

"No 'but's.'" The moment his back was turned, she stuck out her tongue at him. With another toothy smile, she tossed the ball back to Jacob and ran after her father.

"Bye!"

"The guy had a dark green Plymouth and-"

"-and a mustache," he said quietly.

Leah didn't reply.

"You need to get a move on, Jake." Her husky voice was becoming unsteady. "Remember: Midnight."

He wandered back to his room in a daze. All this time, he'd known that he was waiting for something, that there was another shoe about to drop, but he didn't know what, where, or when. Once, he might have thought that it was leaving the reservation, or maybe some sign would come from above and fall into his lap. But there were no aligning stars. It was her. It was always her.

He threw everything he could think of into a bag, digging through drawers and under his bed for anything he might have forgotten, anything he might need. Lastly, he picked up the framed photograph by his bed, and after a long, hard look into his mother's eyes, stuffed it in between his shirts. He glanced at the clock. There was still time. Now came the part he had been dreading. He knocked softly on the door.

"Hey, Rachel?"

He stuck his head in cautiously. As soon as she saw him, she hoisted herself up on her elbows, eyes wide, her long braid lying about her waist. She knew there was something amiss. Rachel always had an uncanny sense for these things.

"What is it?" Chewing on the inside of his cheek, he searched for the words, and all of them sounded inadequate. He crossed the room to her bed and sat down on the edge.

"Did something happen with Sam?" she asked.

"Not exactly." He paused, struggling to find the words or even say them at all. "I have to go." Slowly, her expression crumbled. He hugged her to his chest, his shirt stained with her tears. His own wouldn't join them, if he could help it.

"Something's happened. It's not safe for me to be here anymore," he whispered. "I have to put as many miles between me and the rez as I can." She pulled away with an unfathomable look in her eyes. His poor sister. He hated himself for doing this to her again, and to his father, but hopefully this way, he would live to see them again someday.

"When?"

"Tonight. As soon as I can." She choked on a tiny sob, making him reach out to squeeze her hand. "But you're going to be okay, Rach. I promise. I have money saved for you and Dad under the loose board by my dresser." It wasn't long before his face began to mirror her own. He sniffed, forcing down the hard knot in his throat.

"It's enough to last you for a while, and then I'm going to send you as much as I can. You're going to be okay. I promise; Everything is going to be fine. His voice cracked on the last word. She began to dissolve, and he clutched her tightly again. "You're going to be okay."

"But what about you?"

"Me?" he chuckled weakly. "I'm going to be okay, too."

With that, he kissed her cheek and left for his father's room with far too much to tell him in so little time. And then, he would be off. Back to where it all started.

"Bella, darling! I'm so glad you're safe."

She could barely breathe in Edward's smothering grip, clearly an inherited trait. Once he was confident she wasn't going anywhere, his arms loosened, and he rested his cheek on her head. It was wrong, and it was for the wrong reasons, but it felt nice to be held. She needed something, anything, to settle her nerves. She had already accepted a nightcap from Carlisle, which warmed her bones and loosened the tension in her shoulders. It was no miracle worker, though.

"It's alright, Edward," she murmured soothingly. "I'm fine." He pulled away, assessing his future bride for damage, though she wasn't sure what he was expecting to find. With a soft smile, he kissed her temple.

"Do you want to turn in? You must be exhausted." She shook her head.

"I don't think I'll be able to fall asleep. My mind is too...all over the place. Do you think we could watch tv for a little while?"

This was the last night she was going to spend at his side, the last time she held his hand or listened to him idly humming to himself, and it hurt. In a perfect world, she could keep everyone. She would have never been forced to choose. There would be no choice between having this dear friend and having the love of her life, or between honesty and family. She sat on the sofa next to him, curled up into his shoulder, pretending to watch toothpaste ads and news bulletins and memorizing everything she could. His steady breathing, his crisp blue shirt, the warmth of his fingertips as he traced the side of her arm. He began to doze off, and with some gentle prodding, relented and led her to the rooms in the back of the house. He stopped at her door. He was so serene, so oblivious to what the next morning would bring, and it broke her heart. Reaching onto her tiptoes, she cupped his face in her hands, and guided him into the last kiss they would ever share. His tender expression tugged at her heartstrings.

"Goodnight, darling," he whispered. "I love you."

"I love you too, Edward."

But not enough.

Dad,

I wish that I could have left Forks on better terms, or less dramatic ones at least, but I know you. I wish I could honestly tell you that I'm sorry for leaving, or that I'm sorry for hiding so much from you, but I'm not. Maybe you thought you were protecting me by controlling me for all these years, but as you like to remind me, I am my mother's child. Deep down, I think you know my marriage would have ended just like yours.

Call off the search. He wasn't a burglar, and he had no intention of harming me. I am begging you not to drag innocent people into this. You might decide to never speak to me again, but just know that if you don't leave the reservation alone, I will definitely never speak to you again. Please don't make me do that. For once, just trust me.

I love you, Dad. I hope that I can come back to see you someday.

Love,

Bella

My Darling Edward,

There aren't enough words, or enough paper, to adequately explain myself to you, so this will have to do. By the time you read this, I will be long gone. I'm not sure where I'm going, or when I will arrive, but please rest assured that I am safe. This entire situation is my fault, and every step I'm taking is of my own free will to clean up this mess that I've created, once and for all.

It pains me to admit that I have not been honest with you, and while that may seem obvious from the fact that you're even reading this, I promise that you do not know the full extent of my dishonesty. It started with me, and ended, unfortunately, with you. It's only right that you know the truth.

I have been dishonest since I arrived in Forks. At first, it was because I knew I couldn't be the same girl in Washington that I was in Florida. I didn't wear skirts or lipstick or do my hair. I smoked cigarettes and swore and hung out in mixed neighborhoods with my divorcee mother who openly prayed that her daughter would never marry. I came to Forks because I wanted to go to college and be independent, not knowing who I would have to be once I got here.

It started out small, giving up little things and censoring myself to please my dad, then to make friends, and eventually, under Alice's advice, to get your attention. Before I knew it, I couldn't recognize the girl in the mirror. I became tangled in the web I spun to make everyone happy, everyone except myself, trapped by the knowledge that being true to myself would mean losing it all.

Last summer, I met someone who I couldn't lie to, someone who saw right through me. I had no choice but to be honest, even when I probably shouldn't have, but nothing changed. He liked me exactly as I was. At that point, there was no going back. It was clear to me just how deep in it I was, and how unhappy the years of lies had made me. I finally saw just how far I had strayed from the path I wanted to be on.

About nine months ago, he disappeared. He was presumed dead, and I couldn't find the strength to take the mask off for good, so I hid. I've never been so hopelessly lost in my life, and in a moment of weakness, I let you put me back together. It was a mistake, and a cruel one. I am deeply ashamed of myself for taking advantage of your love.

I want to be crystal-clear: My love for you was always real. I believe that your love for me was too, but the person you loved was never me. I never allowed you to see who I really was. I never gave you the chance to decide because I knew that I was not and could not be the person you wanted, the person you deserve. You want a pretty household with a wife and children to greet you when you come home. You want someone to protect and provide for. Time has shown me that's just not something that I can give you. If I went ahead as this other version of myself, I would slowly tear us apart, just as my parents did before me. You were walking into a trap that I never intended to set, and for that, I can never be sorry enough.

I won't ask for your forgiveness. I don't deserve it. You are, without a doubt, too good a person for me. It is my deepest wish that you will find exactly what you are looking for and have the life you dreamed about. With me gone, I think you will.

All my love,

Bella

She crept into Edward's room, barely breathing at all to keep from waking him. He was out cold, his own chest barely rising or falling. So peaceful, so innocent. Counting down the days to what would have been the happiest day of his life, were it not for her. A hard lump rose in her throat. After only a few moments spent gazing at his blank visage, temptation overtook her, and she leaned down to place an airy kiss on his forehead. Even that was almost too much to bear. Gently placing the sealed envelope on his bedside table and topping it with her ring, she turned, tears filling her eyes, and fled.

The roads were dark and slick with the misty rain that had engulfed the peninsula in only the last few hours. Harder to be seen, but also harder to see. It took every ounce of brain power she had left to pay attention and get there in one piece. Otherwise, it was eerily quiet, which only served to heighten her jitters. Just as before, her truck seemed to find its way back to the Black & Clearwater auto shop. When she shut the car off, it was pitch black but for the lamp in the office window, calling to her like a lighthouse. She jiggled the rusted door knob until it swung open.

Jacob suddenly quit pacing and spun around, the worry that tainted his jet eyes suddenly melting away into a wide grin. She ran to him, jumping into his arms and letting him squeeze her as tightly as he wanted. Short, hasty kisses. Whispered apologies and reassurances. Too many emotions swirling so tightly together in a panicked vortex that they could not pick one apart from the others.

I've got sunshine on a cloudy day

When it's cold outside I've got the month of May

Well I guess you'd say

What can make me feel this way?

My girl

Talkin' 'bout my girl

"You two should get going," Leah interrupted from her spot against the wall. There was a low, almost mournful color to her voice that Bella recognized, one she had heard once before. "I don't know how many of them are out there." Breathless, the pair broke apart.

"I called in a fake tip to the station," she replied, swallowing thickly. "They should all be heading east right now." An approving smile curled up the side of Leah's face.

"Your girl's smart."

Bella watched her careful features try to hold their ground. She didn't want to cry either. There had been far too many tears shed, too many goodbyes that could have been the last. She seized Leah into an embrace that would have to last for a long, long time. But this wasn't the end.

I've got so much honey the bees envy me

I've got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees

Well I guess you'd say

What can make me feel this way?

My girl

Talkin' 'bout my girl

"Leah, I don't know how I can ever thank you enough." Her lower lip trembled. "You've done so much for me. For us."

"Just take good care of him," she sniffed, gently pulling away.

"Always."

"And you too, Black," she added sternly. "You be good to her, or I might have to track you down and poison you. You got it?"

"I promise." His smile was beginning to crack. He guided Leah into a hug, her knuckles almost white as she squeezed around his waist.

"You be good to yourself too, Lee," he murmured. "Don't let the bastards keep you down." She inhaled sharply, trying to maintain her composure before replying.

"Never."

This wasn't forever. Someday, when things were easier, safer, happier, they would return. They would feel the cool Washington mist again, smell the salt air of the pebbled beaches that sent them crashing together. Maybe, with time, they could mend the bridges they had to burn to get here. Maybe someday they would be able to show everyone the love they'd fought so long and hard for. People's hearts could change, if you let them. Someday, she would introduce them all to the real Bella Swan. Until then, they would trust the road to lead them somewhere that they could start anew. Somewhere that they could walk together in open air and sunshine.

I don't need no money, fortune, or fame

I've got all the riches baby one man can claim

I guess you'd say

What can make me feel this way?

My girl

Talkin' 'bout my girl

They slid into the truck, shaking, smiling, wiping tears from each other's cheeks. Her heart began to pound as she started the engine, staring at the open road before them. Jacob took her hand in his, slowly caressing it with his thumb. Like magic, she caught her breath again, and the pounding stilled. No matter what happened, they would have each other. Better things were waiting for them over the horizon.

"Hey, Bells?" he murmured.

"Yeah?"

"You ready?"

"No, but I'm gonna do it anyways."

"That's my girl."

A/N: Thank you so much for reading, everyone! This was the longest, most involved writing project I've ever done. I'm glad I can finally put it all to bed. I am strongly considering writing an epilogue for these two if there's interest.

I really appreciate everyone's support and feedback this last year. I couldn't have made it to the end without y'all.

UPDATE: One of my friends found my FFN/Ao3 account, so if I never finish this fic, it's because I've gone into witness protection