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Bella woke the next morning to the sound of snoring drifting up the stairs. Despite sneaking in after Charlie had gone to work and the progression of their relationship, Jacob had chosen the couch. Bella didn't doubt that it was out of respect for Charlie (and maybe a little fear that he'd show up at home), and she couldn't help but smile at the goodness of the young man she loved so much. Knowing she had to return to school seemed surreal after the intense weekend they had shared. Despite her body aches and throbbing head, she found herself humming happily as she showered and readied for school. She woke Jacob when she was finished, asking if he'd eaten. "Of course you have," she said sarcastically as he only smiled in return. She snagged a granola bar and a bottle of water for her breakfast, consuming them quickly. She gave Jacob a long kiss and bright smile before he walked her to her truck.
"You'll be here at the house today?" She asked him.
"Until you get home," he said, nodding. "Then Embry will be here."
"You should tell him to bring some clothes," Bella offered, "He can pretend to drop by and have supper with us."
"The Cullens want to meet later tonight," Jacob sighed. "So the pack can meet Jasper and go over what he knows about newborns."
"I'm going," Bella said decidedly. They were already here. She was going to see them all soon enough, anyway.
"No way, Bells. It's not safe," Jacob complained. One look at her face had him faltering, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. She glared at him angrily.
"Yes, because you know I take kindly to being told what to do," she said sarcastically, climbing into the cab and rolling down the window. Jacob leaned in to kiss her forehead, knowing he'd lost the battle already.
"Aren't you worried about seeing him?" Jacob asked her softly. "Last night you were pretty adamant about keeping him away from you." He shut the door for her.
"I thought about it for a while, actually," Bella said sadly. "I think maybe I just need to go full band-aid. Rip it off and get it over with, you know? I'm sure I'll see him eventually."
"Might give you some closure, too," Jacob said softly. She gaped in shock and chuckled.
"I didn't expect that," she said.
"If making peace with him helps you stop being so sad and afraid, honey…" Jacob said. He reached in to cup her cheek lovingly. She stared at him in wonder. He was constantly surprising her, her Jacob.
"I love you," Bella said.
"Ditto," Jacob said, grinning. Bella turned the ignition as Jacob turned to walk away. The truck sputtered and choked, dying. Bella sat back, suspicious. She turned the key again, only to hear a soft clicking noise. Jacob walked over quickly and opened the door to pop the hood.
"I think your alternator is toast, honey," Jacob said. "Shit. Anyone you can call for a ride? The bike is faster than the Rabbit, but by the time I could get home to get it and back, you'd already be late. Plus, I'd have to wait for one of the guys to show up. I can't leave you here by yourself."
"I could call one of the Cullens, I suppose," she said nervously. "I bet Alice would pick me up."
Jacob sighed. "And so it begins," he chuckled nervously, leaning under the hood.
"I could call Mike," Bella said.
Jacob harrumphed. "Call the pixie."
Bella huffed anxiously, her hand shaking slightly as she pulled out her phone. She'd long deleted the old numbers but there was one she remembered too well.
"Hello?"
"H-hi," she stuttered.
"Bella?" he asked excitedly. "Oh, Bella, how are you, love?" She flinched.
God, his voice was as musical as it had ever been.
Jacob froze for a moment. Bella thought she heard him growl.
"I-Im, okay," Her hand shook and she fumbled the phone for a moment. She took a deep, frustrated breath before placing the phone back to her ear. "Can I talk to Alice? Or Rose?" she asked quickly. Her heart was racing nervously.
"Is something wrong?" he asked. "You sound distressed."
Yeah, distressed, Bella thought and rolled her eyes. She felt like someone was trying to sit on her chest.
"It's my truck. The alternator went out, we think. Jacob is working on it already but I don't have a ride. I was hoping one of the girls could give me a lift."
"Unfortunately, I am the only one currently at the house. The rest of the family went out," Edward said smoothly.
They must be hunting before meeting up with the pack, she thought. Edward had always preferred eating alone.
"Oh," was all she could say. She turned toward Jacob. "I could try Angela, I suppose," she said.
"Bella, I can come to get you," Edward offered.
"I… I don't think that's the best idea," Bella said nervously. Jacob glared silently, beckoning Bella to follow him into the house. "Hold on a moment," she said into the phone before asking Jacob, "What are we doing?"
"I'm going to call Sam to bring my car and tools," Jacob said.
"I can bring a toolbox as well," Edward offered.
Jacob hesitated, contemplating. "I hate this shit," he mouthed, frustrated.
"I imagine the faster things can be done, the better," Edward said patiently. "You're already going to be late."
"You could skip," Jacob said smiling.
"I have testing prep today," Bella countered. "I think I'm just going to walk," she said. "First period isn't a big deal and I can get a note from Charlie tomorrow. I have to be there for my second class." She chewed her bottom lip.
"Bella, don't be silly. I know Forks isn't exactly huge, but it's a long walk for you. Twice as far for Jacob when you shouldn't be alone," Edward said with his usual finality. "I'll be there in a few minutes." The call ended abruptly and she huffed in frustration.
"I see he still likes to take charge," Jacob growled.
"Yeah, that hasn't changed," Bella said bitterly. "I don't know if I'm okay with this, Jake," she said.
"Bells, I don't know if I could handle riding along. It would be a real problem if I phased in that little ass Volvo," Jacob said.
It was then that Bella realized Jake was trembling as much as she was. She rushed to him and threw her arms around him. He embraced her back tightly, kissing the top of her head. Jacob looked up when he heard the crunch of gravel as a car pulled into the drive.
"Well, you said you wanted to get it over with," Jacob said sarcastically. They held hands tightly as they exited the house and approached the car.
Bella's breath hitched as the door opened and Edward stepped out of the car. She felt her heart jump and swallowed guiltily, knowing Jacob and Edward would both hear it, too. Edward pulled a toolbox out of the trunk and sat it on the ground in front of her truck.
"I called Rose," he said. Bella's heart jumped again at the beautiful sound. "I told her about the truck," he continued. "She sounded excited about helping fix it if you don't mind, Jacob."
"I'm pretty sure I can get it, but thanks anyway," Jacob said carefully.
"That's too bad. She has wanted to get her hands on Bella's truck for a long time." Edward said, sounding genuinely disappointed.
"Couldn't hurt, I suppose," Jacob said. "I am kind of interested to see what Blondie knows." Edward walked over to Jacob and held his hand out politely. It certainly wasn't their first time meeting, but Edward had never attempted to be very friendly to Jacob in the past. Jacob hesitated before reaching out to return the handshake and was startled by the icy grip.
"Yes, we feel cold to humans, too. More so to your kind," Edward said, reading Jacob's thoughts. Jacob gaped at him for a moment.
"Wow, Bells, how did you put up with that?" Jacob joked.
"He - Edward can't read my mind, Jake," Bella said. She blushed when Edward smiled at her brilliantly.
"Wow," Jacob said, surprised. "Of all the things you failed to mention," he chuckled.
"She is the one exception I have met," Edward admitted, turning his attention back to Jacob.
"I'm sure that was part of the attraction," Jacob snarked. "She's a real pandora's box." He winked at Bella, smirking. She flushed brilliantly. Edward retained his smile but it was no longer genuine.
"Okay, if we're doing this, I need to go," she spat nervously and Jacob chuckled. She made it a point to walk up to Jacob and give him a peck on the cheek. "Love you," she said softly.
"I'll see you after school," he said firmly. "Have fun with your test prep. Don't get a paper cut," he joked and Bella gasped. Edward lifted an eyebrow in question and walked to the car.
"See you later, Jacob," he called nonchalantly as he shut the door.
"What was that about?" Jacob asked suspiciously.
Bella sighed. "I'll tell you about it later. It's literally a story about a papercut." Bella flushed again. Jacob laughed and pulled her into a quick hug.
"Of course it is," he said and walked back to her truck. She walked hastily to the car and climbed in. Pulling on her seatbelt, she leaned back and squeezed her eyes shut.
"Something wrong?" Edward asked as he took off.
"Nope," she lied nervously. "I just remember how you drive."
Edward barked out a laugh. As they neared the school, he sighed heavily. The sweet scent of his breath filled the car and hit her. It was intoxicating. Her heartbeat sped up again as her stomach churned. She thought of Jacob, wondering what he must be feeling knowing she was currently with a man she loved that also craved her blood.
"Bella," Edward said and she swallowed nervously. They were parked at the front door. God, he still drives like a maniac. She reached to unbuckle her seatbelt and Edward grabbed her hand. She flinched at his cold touch.
"I hope we'll get a chance to talk, soon," he said sadly. "I owe you so many things. An apology. An explanation." He forced another small smile, staring at her hand in his own. She pulled her hand from his as calmly as she could manage and opened the door.
"I'm n-not ready for that," she stammered quickly.
"You truly are afraid of me now, aren't you?" he asked her sadly.
"I don't know the answer to that anymore," she whispered shakily, glancing toward the school, "but, I can't do this right now."
"Well, when you are ready, then," He said softly. She looked back into his face and felt her heart shatter. He appeared positively anguished as she took in the shadows around his topaz eyes and his even paler-than-normal coloring.
"When I'm ready," she repeated, unsure if it was something she'd ever be. Her chest throbbed as she climbed out of the car. "Thank you for the ride," she said. She raced into the school and away from her first love as if her life depended on it. Once inside, she ducked into a bathroom and cried.

After a few minutes of blindly sobbing in a stall, Bella attempted to straighten herself up as the bathroom door squeaked open. "Bella?" A soft voice called out. She heard the click of shoes on the concrete floor. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Bella said but her voice cracked. "Why aren't you in class?" Bella slowly exited the stall and moved to the sink. She splashed some cold water on her face and patted it dry with a paper towel.
"Hall pass," Angela said. "I saw you duck in here crying. Are you fighting with Jacob?" She smiled at Bella sympathetically.
"No, no," Bella said quickly. "I just have a lot going on. My truck broke down this morning and I had to find a ride. Jake is working on it now."
"Doesn't he have school?" Angela asked.
"No, he had to drop out for a while," Bella complained. She hesitated, wanting desperately to confide in her sweet friend. "Edward drove me to school," she blurted out. Angela gasped in surprise.
"They're back? Jake was okay with that?" Angela asked her. "Are you okay?"
"I will be," Bella said. "No, neither of us were really okay with it but it was a kindness and Edward insisted."
"Of course he did," Angela said sarcastically. "So how was it, seeing Edward again?" Bella bit her lip anxiously.
"You flinched," Angela said quietly. "You still flinch when anyone says his name, including yourself. I'm sorry I haven't paid more attention. I knew he messed you up, Bella, but I didn't realize you were afraid of him, too." Angela's eyes shone with tears as she shook her head angrily.
"Is it that obvious?" Bella asked defeatedly. "I don't even know when it happened. I used to trust him and now…"
"What did he do, Bella? Is this why you wouldn't tell me when Charlie was home?" Angela asked her. Bella shook her head no.
"He only ever hurt me on purpose when he dumped me and left me in the woods. I know people think there was physical abuse, but there wasn't. Honestly, he was very loving, even though he was controlling. He says he wants to talk with me. Apologize."
"I don't know, Bella. That kind of sounds like an abused woman's speech to me." Angela said suspiciously.
"I'm more afraid of how he makes me feel because I can't control it. Jake sees it, you know? I know it hurts him and I hate it. I'm afraid he'll dump me again and I don't know if I can handle that." Bella admitted.
"Again?" Angela asked.
"He already tried once. It's a long story but we're okay now," Bella mumbled.
Angela huffed. "How are things progressing with you and Jacob otherwise?" she asked.
Bella blushed and laughed. "P-pretty good," she stammered. "Honestly, we're closer than ever. He's really wonderful."
"Yeah? Is he good in bed?" Angela teased and then gasped as Bella flushed again, smiling.
"Bella Swan," Angela exclaimed. "I was joking."
Bella chuckled. "He's really beautiful, Ange. I love him so much. I didn't know it was possible to love two people so intensely at once."
"Hmmm," Angela said, smirking. "Well, I definitely think you should choose Jacob," she said.
"I already have," Bella said firmly. "As long as he'll have me."
"Jesus, Bella, you sound like you're talking forever here," Angela said.
Bella chuckled again. "You remember you're a preacher's daughter, don't you?"
Angela sighed. "I won't tell him if you don't," she said and walked Bella to the main office, blowing her a kiss as she headed back towards class.

The secretary was waiting happily for her. Apparently, someone had called in as Charlie, telling them Bella would be late. While it would save her the hassle of a note, it also unnerved her. How many times could Edward have done that very same thing and disappeared with her forever? How many times had he fought the urge to do that very thing? How ignorant had it been to assume he wouldn't kidnap and turn her just because he'd kept from her having done that very thing to other women before her? She still knew he was more than capable of it, the proof in the very existence of his victims. Most baffling of all was that she had once wanted him to change her. He'd vehemently refused, horrified at the mere suggestion. None of it made any sense. Bella attempted to concentrate on her work as best as she could, but her head swam with anxiety. Despite his picture-perfect politeness this morning, she knew full well what kind of arrogance lay behind that facade. He'd been sizing Jacob up, and his boldness about wanting to speak to her only told her that he still believed he had a chance to earn her forgiveness. While Jacob towered over Edward, Edward's granite strength was not equally matched with Jacob in power. Bella had witnessed Edward toss a few hundred pounds like it weighed an ounce. She prayed they wouldn't ever need to come to blows. She'd leave them both before they killed each other over her, she determined. She would always sacrifice herself for the greater good.
By lunchtime, Bella's aches and pains had increased. Not sleeping enough was wearing down her immune system, she was sure. Back at the office, she was able to get the okay to leave for home, forgetting that her truck wasn't waiting for her outside. Charlie still had another couple of hours left at work. As she pulled out her phone to dial, a silver Volvo turned into the parking lot. Bella groaned inwardly as it pulled to a stop beside her. She opened the door and eyed Edward suspiciously.
"Alice," he said simply, tapping the side of his head. Bella rolled her eyes and anxiously climbed into the car.
"Feeling unwell?" he asked her sweetly.
"Yeah, you could say that," she mumbled, leaving her eyes shut again as he drove. "Why didn't Alice come for me?" she asked.
"She said she didn't think that you'd be up for her particular sort of exuberance today," he chuckled. Bella couldn't help but grin.
"Tell her I said thank you," she said softly and he chuckled.
"I called Emmett to let Jacob know you're coming home early," he said.
"Oh?" She looked up at him in surprise.
He cocked an eyebrow at her. "Believe it or not, Bella, I have the utmost respect for your relationship."
Bella scoffed. "Do you honestly think I don't remember you better than that? Or that with what I know now, that I should truly have any reason to trust you?" She eyed him warily.
"You have every right not to trust me, Bella. In fact, if you remember correctly, I advised you not to from the very beginning," he said tensely.
"Why did you put shit under my floorboards, Edward?" Bella asked. "Why did you hide my shit and your fucking coat under my floorboards?"
"So, I guess this means you're ready for this conversation," he sneered, pulling up in front of her house. Edward had always disliked her use of crude language. Jacob stood over one side of her truck as Rosalie stood on an upside-down milk crate reaching into the other side. Bella shook her head.
"I just want to know that one thing right now," she said, making eye contact with Jacob through the windshield. Her heartbeat sped up. The drive to be next to him tore at her chest. Emmett glanced over with a wide smile for her. He glanced at Edward suspiciously and Edward scoffed.
"You know, that whole silent communication thing is still frustrating," she snipped.
"He's warning me not to upset you. Something about ripping off my arm and beating me with it," Edward said flatly, earning a genuine laugh. Emmett winked at Bella and turned his attention back to Rose's bent-over backside, wagging his eyebrows.
"Miscreant," Edward mumbled, smirking.
"Can we finish this conversation?" Bella asked. "Why did you hide that shit?"
"Because I promised you I would make it as if I'd never existed," he said. "Your scent was on everything and I knew that missing you would drive me mad if I kept them. I didn't have the heart to destroy them and decided they would be safest with you, if only out of sight."
"Ugh!" she yelled angrily, catching Emmett's attention. He crossed his arms over his chest and glared at his brother.
"That's the problem, Edward," Bella said heatedly, ignoring Emmett's stare. "That was always our problem. You decided things for me. For every aspect of our relationship, everything had to be your decision. From the very beginning, your feelings were a priority, not mine. You didn't even allow me the opportunity to grieve in the company of my own possessions. You had no right..." Bella's voice was rising. Her body ached and her head spun. She recognized it, then.
Him. It was the smell of him.
Bella's eyes widened with fright and she threw open the door to the Volvo.
"You motherfucker," she spat at Edward angrily. In a flash, he was out of the car, standing next to her, concerned.
"What did you do?" Jacob yelled, stomping over and glaring at Edward, who appeared genuinely confused.
"I have no idea," Edward said earnestly, holding his hands up in peace.
"Were you in my fucking room this morning?" She asked him, glaring.
Jacob snarled, "Come again?"
"That's what -"
"Shut up," Rosalie said, slapping a grease-covered hand over Emmett's mouth.
"This is not fucking funny," Bella snapped. "I woke up feeling like shit today. Lightheaded, dizzy, achy. I figured it was mostly lack of sleep. But I felt it in the car again this morning after being around your scent. It just happened again."
"Bella, what are you talking about?" He asked, still confused.
"I know you purposely spent time with me to make me addicted to your scent, Edward. It is literally triggering symptoms of withdrawal for me now, isn't it?" She asked him angrily.
"Sounds pretty damn plausible," Rose said, shooting Edward a hateful glance.
"I honestly don't know how to answer that," Edward said. "Anyone else who has gotten attached to my scent has been turned," he said.
"Were you in her room this morning or not?" Jacob yelled, trembling. Bella leaned into him, placing her hand on his abdomen. He stared silently into her eyes until the trembling began to calm down. She wound her other arm behind his back, embracing him with her cheek pressed against his chest.
The others watched curiously, surprised at how quickly Jacob had reeled his emotions back. "I haven't stepped foot in Bella's house since the day I left, and that's a fact," Edward said. "With all the stress and lack of sleep," Edward shot Jacob an angry glance, "she could be getting ill." Bella rolled her eyes.
"Bella, I hate to tell you this, but this truck was messed up on purpose," Rose said. "Jacob and I have been working on it all morning. I know it's logical to suspect Edward, but Emmett and I would know his scent. We wouldn't hide that from you."
"No way, sis," Emmett said in agreement. "This was someone else altogether. It's not even the same as the one that was in your house the other night."
"I'm sure it is amusing for you, Jacob," Edward said acidly, catching the other's attention. "Knowing my actions have turned everyone I hold dear against me is quite comical for me as well."
"You really need to stay out of my head," Jacob snarled. "I promise you, there's plenty you'll wish you hadn't seen if you keep that shit up."
"Can we knock down the testosterone around here and figure out what the fuck is going on?" Rose snapped. She held her hand out to Bella, who ignored the grease and clamped onto it eagerly. Edward looked at them in surprise as they walked toward the house hand in hand.
"Weird isn't it?" Jacob said, walking back to the truck.
"So weird," Edward agreed.

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