Merry Christmas! Please enjoy this chapter that I worked very hard on releasing it today as a gift!

The next day I woke up, and got ready for school. I heard a honk outside, which I found strange because I have been riding to school for a while now. I grabbed my book bag and went outside. I was surprised to see Jacob waiting for me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I wanted to take you to school," he said nervously.

"Since when?" I said raising my eyebrows.

"You know I always do," he sighed.

"Well since you wasted your time coming over here, I'll hop in. You don't have to take me to school you know," I told him while hopping in.

"I know. I've just been feeling protective of you," he said while squeezing the steering wheel. I knew something was off about home. He seemed more nervous.

"Is there something wrong?" I asked. Jacob must have been holding his breath because he let out a big sigh.

"Yesterday Paul smelled a vampire near your home. He tried to track its scent but they crossed the border.

"Oh, that explains why Paul wasn't in my room anymore..." I said.

"Yeah, we don't know who it was, but they wanted something to do with you," he said. My body shudder.

"Why me?" I groaned.

"I don't know, but I vow to keep you safe," he said. I nodded my head.

"I know you do," I whispered softly looking down at my hands.

"Hey hey, it's okay," he said while grabbing my hands. "We've been through worse," he told me.

"I know. I just can't help to be scared. I don't want to put anyone in danger because of me," I said thinking about last time everyone put their life on the line.

"I was born for this... literally. You don't have to worry about it," he said while bringing my hands up to his lips and kissing them softly. I felt the warmth rush down my arms. I didn't move my hands away, the sensation was addicting.

"That's a beautiful necklace. Who gave it to you?" Jacob asked.

"Oh, my mom did. Apparently dad wanted me to have it on my 18th birthday-OH!" I said realizing I had accidentally told Jacob about my birthday.

"Wait, today's your birthday?" Jacob asked shocked.

"It was yesterday," I murmured.

"That explains it..." he grunted.

"Explains what?" I asked confused.

"I saw Kyle outside your window. I thought he was just doing a grand display of affection. You told him about your birthday and not me?" He said hurt.

"Actually, he remembered," I said offended and pulled my hands away from him.

"Milly, I'm sorry-" He started.

"Forget it. I don't celebrate my birthday either way. It's not important," I said. Jacob frowned.

"It's important to me. You've been on this earth 18 years. We should celebrate it," he said.

"Honestly, it's okay. We can celebrate if I make it to 19." Jacob winced when I said that.

We got to the school before he could say anything else.

"I hope you don't mind, but I'll be on Milly duty again until we know what is going on," he said.

"Understood," I said before walking away.

"Hey Milly! I guess Jacob told you what happened?" Quil said while slamming into me.

"Hey hey! You're going to Kill me over here. Yes he told me," I said trying to find my balance.

"It's like you can't stay out of trouble," he joked.

"Ha-Ha!" I said fake laughing. "It's more like trouble just keep finding me," I said while rolling my eyes.

"We got you though. We won't let any vampire hurt your pretty little head," He said while patting my head. I frowned.

"Don't make me bite you," I warned.

"Hey Milly!" I heard my voice being called. I turned around to see Kyle.

"I'll see you later?" I told Quil and walked towards Kyle.

"Hey you," I smiled.

"Nice to see you this fine morning," he told me.

"The feeling is mutual," I laughed.

"Come on, let's get to class," he said said while putting his arms around my shoulder and leading me to class.

School went by as usual. During lunch I sat with Kyle and his friends.

"It's nice to have you back Milly. You were being a loner," Matthew joked.

"Well, I wasn't going to just sit here if a certain someone was mad at me," I answered.

Kyle shrugged his shoulder. "I was on a man period. It happens. Next time, just ignore me," he answered casually.

"Noted," I laughed.

"Hey guys," Jacob said sitting next to me.

"Now we're really back to normal," Betty said amused. My face got hot red. This was really an embarrassing situation.

"Hey Jacob," Matthew said making flirty eyes at him.

"Did I miss anything?" Jacob asked while taking a bite from his sandwich.

"Nothing really. Just glad to see everything back to normal," Kyle said normally. I was surprised by how cool he was acting.

"Yeah, for sure," Jacob said playing the part. I just sat quietly between them.

"So did you decide about going to the class trip?" Kyle asked me.

"I actually did. I decided to go," I stated.

"That's great. It's a last trip as high schoolers. We need to enjoy it," Betty said.

"How about you Jacob?" Matthew asked.

"Well, I wasn't going to go but maybe I'll change my mind," he said. I could see by the corner of my eye, Kyle rolling his eyes.

"It's Vancouver. Sounds pretty cool. Maybe we can do high schooler stuff like hide some liquor," I suggested.

"Milly!" Matthew shouted at me.

"What?" I asked innocently.

"That's like the best idea ever. We are totally planning this," he squeaked.

I could tell that Jacob disapproved of my idea because he went stiff.

"Hah, you're finally learning what it is like to have fun," Kyle teased me. I smirked at him.

"I've always been fun," I replied.

The bell rang and it was time to go to class. I got up and Jacob followed me.

"I'll see you around," Kyle said while waving at me. I waved back.

"I have to go do something, but wait for me in the parking lot after school. I won't be late," Jacob told me.

"Where you going? Something wrong?" I asked concerned.

"No, everything fine. Just forgot to tell Sam something and it has to do with patrol scheduling. I'll be back though," he reassured me.

"Oh, okay. No problem."

I watched Jacob leave the school and I continued my day.

After school, Jacob was waiting for me at the parking lot.

"Hey, did you resolve that issue?" I asked Jacob.

"Yeaupp, everything is taken cared of. Let me take you home, unless there is something else you need to do?" Jacob asked.

"No, just take me home," I told Jacob. Jacob nodded his head and started driving the direction to my house.

"So you want to see Vancouver?" Jacob asked me.

"I don't know. It seems like fun," I told him.

"Well, if you're going then I'll be there too. I want to make sure you're safe," he told me.

"You think anyone would follow me on a class trip?" I asked.

"Not sure but I won't risk anything happening to you," he said.

"Well thanks, I appreciate it. You don't have to go out of your way for me though," I told him. Jacob had arrived to my drive way and parked.

"I know I've fucked up bad with you and I don't know if you'll ever forgive me, but I need you to understand something. I will do ANYTHING for you. Nothing is out of my way when it comes to you," Jacob said looking at me intensely. I mistakenly looked into Jacob's deep brown eyes and melted in them.

"Oka-y," I breathed out. I pulled my eyes away from him trying to regain my composure. I opened the car door and jumped out of the car.

"Thank you," I shouted while running home. I slammed the door behind me trying to catch my breath. Jacob still had a strong effect on me. I walked upstairs and went into my room. I had a sunflower on my bed with a birthday card.

You deserve much more, and this only the start. Happy Birthday. -Jacob

I couldn't help but smile. I loved sunflowers. I went downstairs to grab a vase to put the sunflower in. The house was empty since mom and Aunt Jane worked until late today. I grabbed the vase and went back upstairs. I put the sunflower in the vase and put it on my computer desk.

"Was that what he needed to do?" I chuckled under my breath.

"No, it was all this as well," I heard Jacobs voice.

I turned around to see Jacob with balloons and a basket.

"You know you could have just knocked downstairs," I told him.

"I know but you have this bad habit of keeping this window open so I like to show you from time to time how dangerous it could be," he smirked. I rolled my eyes.

"You don't have to do this. I know you were feeling some type of way about Kyle showing up over here," I told him.

"Nonsense. This isn't about Kyle. It's about you," he said while putting the balloons on the corner of my bedroom. Jacob closed the window and pulled the curtain, darkening my room. He then put the basket on the floor and pulled out a candle and lighter. He turned it on and put it on my desk.

"Wow, way to set the mood. What's in the basket?" I asked raising my eyebrows.

"I kinda begged Emily to whip something together so we can share a meal together. I know things have been a little weird between us. I don't want to force you to do anything you don't want and I accept that you might need time away from me. I unfortunately can't give you space because besides the fact that there is something out there watching you, I myself can't help to be around you. I promise I won't be reactive and allow you to make your own decisions, even if it means being with Kyle," he told me.

I bit my lip nervously. What do I even say to that?

"Thanks you, Jacob. I appreciate it. Now what did the gracious Emily cook?" I said trying to lighten to mood.

"Beats me. Let's see," he said.

We sat on the floor and he opened the basket. Jacob pulled out apple cider, grilled cheese sandwiches, and cookies.

"Remember, it was last minute," Jacob said nervously. I couldn't help but to giggle.

"It's great, really," I said while biting into the grilled cheese.

"Grilled cheese is one of my favorites," I grinned. Jacob sat next to me and pulled me into a hug, kissing me on top of my head. I felt my face get hot.

"So why don't you celebrate your birthday?" He asked.

"No real reason. I never really liked parties based on me," I said.

"Seriously?" He asked.

"Yeah. It's just another life year," I told him.

"Well this year is different," Jacob said.

"How so?" I asked.

"You can celebrate everything that you've been able to overcome."

I shook my head no.

"I don't really want to celebrate that. Everything I have been able to overcome has been with a price," I said. Jacob looked at me questionably.

"I've survived rape which altered my personality as a whole. I survived a crazy vampire which opened a new level of scared that I didn't even knew existed in me. Finally, the only person who I came to believe would never hurt me unbelievably hurt me in both a physical and mental sense. I don't want to celebrate any of it. I just want to move on," I explained.

Jacob was undeniably hurt by my explanation.

"I'm sorry. Now I understand," he put his hand on top of mines and squeezed. I felt instantly consoled.

"It's fine. Like I said, I'm ready to move on," I said while opening the apple cider. I grabbed the little cups that Emily packed. "You want some?" I asked. He nodded his head yes. I poured him and I some and we sat in silence.

"I wish that you one day forgive me. I honestly didn't mean to hurt you. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I realize how stupid I was to let Bella's decision get to me. She will do whatever she wants whether I liked it or not. I should have accepted it as well and moved on with you. But you have to believe me when I say that I didn't leave because I was still in love with her. My heart will forever be yours. I left because the wolf on me cannot accept someone being turned into my natural enemy. Bella and I was close and it does affect me even now that turning her was a necessity. I'm a hot head and I know but I'm working on it because I love you and I don't want my anger to ruin us. I just want another chance for us."

Jacob grabbed my hands and pulled me tight against him. He stared deeply into my eyes and I felt myself melt. His mouth hungrily found mines and I allowed myself be taken over. His hands ran up and down my body and I grabbed his shirt, holding it tightly between my fingers. He pulled away and brushed his lips against my ears.

"I've missed you Milly, so much."

The hairs on the back of my neck stood. I didn't want him to stop.

"I've missed you too-" I pulled away from Jacob.

"But we can't do this right now, as much as I want too," I told him.

"Why? Is it me? Is it Kyle?" He asked.

"No. It's me. I need to find myself Jacob. I need to understand what I want without this imprint getting in the way. I love you too, so much that it hurts but I don't know if that's how I feel or it's what the imprint wants me to feel," I said.

Jacob frowned.

"Okay. I have to get going though. It's almost my time to run patrol," Jacob told me.

"Are you mad at me?" I asked.

"No. I will never be mad at you. I just want to keep you safe. I love you Milly, always remember that," he said before jumping out the window.

I sighed. This is getting more complicated than expected.