I don't own Twilight. I also don't own the book, This book will change your life. I am writing a little bit of a different version of it, though. I appreciate the reads, even if you don't review. This book takes place during Eclipse by the way, and is an AU to it.

Six.

The book had been interesting, but had yet to show me something that stood out.

"Are we there yet?" Jacob asked. I could hear the whine in his voice.

"Are we where? Jake, I told you, this trip isn't about a destination, it's for the journey."

Edward laughed. "Bella, he's got a point. Where exactly are we going? This trip has to have some stops – for you guys, at least."

"I could use a bite to eat…" Jake's voice trailed off. He was sitting in the backseat so I couldn't see the look on his face when I took Edward's hand in mine. He had talked to Sam, who was only ever eager to agree that we all go together. Everyone determined as ever to keep me the fragile little human.

"Alright, fine. Edward, you don't mind, right?"

"Of course, I don't, you have your needs and I have mine." I was then reminded that he hadn't fed in a while.

"Do you…"

"I'll do it while you guys get your food."

I nodded. I didn't know if he was ready to bark orders at me about safety, or if he was truly being quiet to keep me complacent.

"Bella, it's okay." His voice was low, softer than the usual velvet that I heard.

"What?" I fidgeted with the edge of my platinum shirt.

"It's okay to want to be by yourself sometimes, I do get it. I just…I want to know that you still care, that you still want me after everything that happened," he sighed.

"Of course, I want you! Even after all that, I want you!"

"Then what is this about? Why the sudden departure? You weren't even answering the phone when Alice called." He seemed tense, his voice was terse and it unnerved me.

"Edward, I'm going to do this because I need it, not just for me – but for you too."

He didn't say anything so I continued.

"It's just, we spend every waking hour together. And I thought I should prove to you that I can really be with you in a healthier way. I mean, we both know this last year hasn't been good for either of us, relationship wise. I was really sick without you," I paused to look at him, then continued, "I don't think it's good to be so dependent."

"You're just saying that because of your mother," he relaxed back into the driver seat.

"No, really, I'm not."

"Well, if we spend everyday together, and that's too much for you, then maybe…maybe I should let you go." He thought for a minute. "I'm still not sure about Victoria though. And the Volturi will come looking for us soon."

I looked at him. Jake had stopped fiddling with the map that he had gotten out – apparently when I wasn't looking.

"Say what?" Jake asked.

"Really?" I gawked.

"Look, I don't want to be that guy, Bella. I don't want to be the guy that holds you back." He turned and drove over to the side of the highway. "So, if you need me to go, tell me."

"I…" The words I were fishing for wouldn't come up. "I want you with me," I said, looking him fully in the face. It was true. After everything, after Heaven and Hell and all it had put the two of us through, I realized I did want Edward there beside me. Because maybe it could be a trip that helped him let go of some things too.

We would have to work through the problems, but together. Otherwise, I would just be running away – and I refused to do what he had tried to do to me back on my birthday.

"Well, I'm already here, and I'm coming even if he doesn't, whether you want me or not." Jake's input was final. And I knew, there was never a point in arguing with him.

I sighed. Maybe…maybe this trip would help all three of us. "Okay," I relented, and Jake gave me a grin.

Edward shook his head. "Bella, I mean it. If you really need to do this yourself, I'm okay with that."

"Edward, I think you need to come."

"Why?"

"Because you will maybe make some discoveries for yourself. I don't want to be that girl either. So, you're coming with us. It's going to be good for all of us, just as Alice said."

"Right. Well, never bet against Alice."

"So seriously, where are we going?" Jake spoke up. He unfolded the map and looked at it again.

Before I could answer, he said, "And I mean restaurant wise, I'm still hungry."

We stopped at this little café just outside Spokane. It was called Cottage Café and Jake ranted and raved about the hash browns. Apparently, he liked breakfast food at any time during the day.

Well, he liked food. He was a werewolf, after all.

Edward had promised to stay close enough, but I knew he needed to give into his senses, so I told him to hunt for as long as he needed. I ended up taking the book inside with me.

Day 1: Eat dessert first.

"Okay, a little and subtle change," I thought. When the waiter came, I asked what they were.

As the he listed them off to me, Jake gave me a look.

"What?"

"You never eat dessert first."

"Well, it's a new day, is it not?"

He laughed. "Sure, sure."

I ordered the Apple Pie, and when it came, I devoured it before Jake was even done with his food.

"Damn, girl!"

I smirked. But it made me full, so I pushed my plate back handed over my card when the waiter came back. Jake was kind enough to leave the tip. We walked back to the Volvo just in time to see Edward making his way out of the trees. He looked a little disheveled hair wise, but then he always did. He had been smart enough to change his clothes.

"She ate dessert first," Jake said to Edward as he opened my car door for me.

Edward raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, that's extreme, Bella."

I huffed. "If I want this to work, I have to take baby steps."

He smiled. "Okay, well, now what?"

I flipped through the book again, deciding it would be worthwhile to skip somedays. We only had so much time, after all.

Day 4: Dance like no one is watching.

"It's time to hit the clubs, gentlemen."