DISCLAIMER: I DONT OWN ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS STORY; CHARACTERS OR OTHERWISE -THIS IS A RE-IMAGINATION OF AN EXISTING WORLD - EVERYTHING BELONGS TO A MRS STEPHENIE MEYER

***This is my very first fan fiction story and also my very first attempt at creative writing. I am in every sense an amateur and all comments, guidance, and constructive criticism are welcome***

"Wow… "Jacob's eyes grew twice the size and a smirk peeled across his face "I've gotta hand it to him, the guys got balls…that is so ridiculous you're 18! Does he think your stupid or something? Seriously he must not know you at all!" Jacob looked down at my face. It was a dead giveaway

"Oh my god you said yes didn't you? What the hell Bella?" he backed away from me. "Seriously? Who are you?"

He started shaking he stood up from the log and started walking away…talking rhetorically to himself. " This is exactly what I meant by not liking who you are when you're with Edward…it's like you're a stranger!" He started picking up rocks and throwing them off into the water forcefully.

"Bella! I kissed you! YOU LET ME! He's out there! You're here now! All engaged and everything!…wait" he paused mid-throw turned around and look at me "You are engaged right? You didn't run off and marry him did you?"

"No of course not!"

"Well I guess that's a plus" he continued lobbing the rock with much less ferocity " although at this point I'm realizing…it is not out of the realm of possibility" he muttered, more to himself than anything"

"Bella is this what you want?"

"No! Obviously"

"Well, what were you thinking?"

"He wants a commitment. If I was to be with him I would have to change, into …a vampire"

"Jesus Christ Bella…for the love of God… and let me guess..he won't change you till you're married"

" Pretty much"

" Wow… a real gentleman. Well isn't this just a modern-day fairy tale… no turning your girlfriend into a bloodthirsty monster until you've tied the knot….man oh man.. the pack is going to FLIP"

" They don't have to know"

" I wish we had that option Bella, but this is going to be hard to conceal. I don't get it, Bella. How are you so prepared to make all these sacrifices and then just drive down here one day and tell me you had a dream about me. You're in deeper than I thought Bella, like WAY deep."

" I'm sorry is this all too much for you now? Do you think I came to Forks expecting to fall for a vampire, then get dumped…then find out my best friend is actually a wolf and then have to decide my eternity before my 18th birthday"

"It's reassuring I've at least earned the role of cuddly best friend in this story…but I think I've heard this one before. You get over your cold feet or whatever it is you're going through…then some bird comes and lands on your shoulder and talks some sense into you and…and you end up happily ever after with Prince Charming"

"It's not like that.. and you know it"

" Bella I don't know what I know anymore"

"Jake I love you…i just love you. That's all. I'm not trying to confuse you. I'm not sure what it means but I need to tell you. Something is different. it's just really, really new."

Jake let out a defeated laugh and rubbed his brow in frustration "Well honestly Bella. You telling me you love me. It doesn't mean a whole lot to me until you tell Edward"

" Okay well, I'm not exactly about to leave him a voicemail saying "oh hey babe…hope you're enjoying your hunting trip oh! By the way…I'm in love with Jacob so I won't need a ride to school on Thursday"

" Okay well I'm not about to let you walk off this rez and out of my life"

" Well I guess we're at an impasse"

" Wanna grab some food?"

" Seriously Jake?"

" I don't know… you're confused…I'm frustrated. I miss you, you miss me. There isn't a whole lot we can do about it until Wednesday. So lets chill"

I thought about it for a moment. I could use a break from the intensity. A moment to reflect. Some time with Jacob that was a little less heated.

" Alright. I can "chill" " I responded mockingly with air quotes.

"When's the last time you had an oil change? Jacob asked, somewhat randomly

"When's the last time you changed it?" I answered his question with another question.

"Jesus Christ Bells it's a miracle that thing still runs." He caught himself before lecturing me about the importance of vehicular maintenance "How about I take a look under the hood"

" Can I study, while you work?"

" Sure…nerd" he retorted

"Cool," I responded slipping back into our casual and familiar jargon. " And don't act like you wouldn't be furious if I let someone else change my oil"

"I'm going to need you to cool it with the dirty talk Bella...this is a family show"

We got up from our log and walked back to Jake's. We walked hand in hand like back when we were friends. I was surprised how at ease I felt with him. One of my biggest fears with Jacob had always been that I worried if the dynamic of our relationship changed, things would somehow be different, our friendship would ultimately suffer. But the familiarity remained. Our conversations were comfortable and we still made each other laugh in the same way as we had before. It didn't take us long get back into our unique banter we shared, or to remember all of our inside jokes, or to get back into the rhythm of own specific humor that only we understood. I had no idea how much I missed it all until I had it back. It felt so good to laugh like this again. I hadn't laughed that way since…well since I was last with Jacob. When we were together I felt completely myself. I could say anything without a second thought and I never had to explain myself because somehow Jake just got it and vice versa like we knew the inner workings of each other's minds.

" Hey Bella, Some guys are having a fire tonight. Just some of my friends from the pack, and school. Do you wanna go? It's casual. I said I would go.. and if I bail…i'll hear about it for weeks. I mean don't get me wrong. I will bail. But I thought maybe you'd wanna go"

" I can't see why not… I hear there is this hottie out in La Push. Maybe he'll be there"

" I dunno… I hear he's hung up on some older girl"

"Too bad" I laughed and pinched Jacobs side.

When we got back to Jake's we pulled my truck into the garage where I sat in the front cab studying and Jake worked away under the hood. I had lied to Mike about my math woes, there was only one formula I had trouble with and it only took me about 15 minutes to master it. When I felt confident about my knowledge I closed my textbook. When I looked up I could see Jake working away to my left. Instead of getting out to join him I watched him intently. I loved watching Jake work; he was so methodical and focused. I admired how he looked when he worked out the problems in his head and subconsciously smiled when he figured it out. He seemed truly happy and at peace. I didn't want to interrupt him and besides I enjoyed watching him. It reminded me of when our friendship was new and young and we would spend hours in this garage together learning everything there was to know about each other. It seemed like a lifetime ago when I sat here with baby faced longhaired Jake. When Jake turned to face me his mature features almost startled me I had become so lost in my memories.

"How long have you been watching creep?" Jake laughed my face flushed

"Just long enough" I answered.

"Are you done? Or just taking a study break" he asked

"I'm done" I answered resting my chin on the open window.

"Excellent timing Swan"

"You're done?"

"Just about, Its almost like we knew what we were doing!"

"Almost" I smiled remembering that we didn't know what we were doing this was new ground for us.

Jake went back to work rolling beneath the truck on a dolly. I reached forward to switch on the radio. An old soul tune began filled the small garage

Jake let out an enthusiastic hum.

"Like this one?" I responded

"Oh yes ma'am'" He answered from below "Otis and I go way back" he retorted from beneath the truck. He pushed himself out wrench in hand, singing along to the tune.

"that's how strong my love is" he sang into his wrench, hamming it up for his audience of one.

He stood up and reached for my hand, still singing aloud to the words. He pulled me out of the truck by my hand and once I had two feet on the ground he spun me into his embrace and we began to slowly dance back and forth. It was different from the few times I danced with Edward. We had an element of authenticity I hadn't realized was missing until now. I wasn't self-conscious, or embarrassed. Jake and I were equally unqualified dancers, the music was poignant and we moved along to the rhythm with ease. Arm in arm he sang along quietly- off-key but pleasant while I leaned my head against his chest. I wish we could have stayed like that forever but it wasn't long before the melody changed.

"Bella, can I tell you something?" Jacob asked still resting his chin on my head and changing his pace to match the new song.

"Anything" I replied slightly taken aback by his seriousness

"Well I just wanted to run something past you since its something you don't know about me"

"What's up?" I asked stepping back to look him in the eyes. His tone was beginning to worry me.

"Tonight at the fire the guys are bringing some drinks, and I just don't know how you feel about it. I know your friends in Forks drink cause they were drinking last weekend but I've never really talked to you about it"

"Well, I must say I am relieved!" I answered as I sat back in the cab of the truck my feet hanging out the driver's side. "You worried me I thought you were terminally ill."

"Ha… no, just terminally wolf-like." He said leaning on the open door "Are you asking me if I know my friends drink or if I care that they drink?" I continued

"Both?"

"Well, I guess I know cause they talk about it. But I feel so removed from everything lately I've never had an opinion about it. I mean the Cullens don't drink cause it doesn't affect them and they're the only people I spend any time with other than Charlie, who I'm pretty sure Rainer considers a preferred customer. Why were you planning on drinking tonight?"

"Well I was…but if you don't feel comfortable with it I won't it's not that important to me."

"Hmm" I paused to process the new information. "How long have you been drinking?"

"Uhh, I don't know I've only done it a handful of times. It started when Embry realized he could walk into a liquor store and not get I.D.'d, I mean it's not like we get liquored up every weekend we just like to let loose sometimes have some fun."

"Man, I feel like an old prude"

"What? Why? It bothers you? It's cool we can do something else" Jake started backpedaling.

"No, it's not that at all. Just think about it- I'm 18 and I've never had so much as a drink, I've never been to a real party. I feel like I've missed out on the whole teenage experience."

"So you're okay with it?"

"Yeah, I don't have a problem with it. So I guess that means I am okay with it"

"Really?"

"I feel like you're a child confessing to their parents or something, I mean I am glad you asked me but did you think I was that straight edge"

"Well, I don't know. I just figured your Dad's chief of police, and you never suggested it or talked about it so I thought you might have a problem with it."

"Oh yeah... I kind of forgot about Charlie…and isn't it a Monday I mean don't you have school tomorrow?"

"Yeah it's the only night all the young guys are off patrol for a while, both Jared and Sam are on duty so they are out of our hair for the majority of the evening and as much as I hate to admit it I think Paul will be…distracted for the rest of the evening"

"Sam doesn't like it I take it?"

"I don't think he wants to have a problem with it but if anything ever happened it would be on his shoulders since he's the oldest he'll take the heat. Also, the pack is supposed to be a highly respected bunch of people and he doesn't want us to get a bad reputation."

"Hmm I see, what about Billy?"

"I don't know. I think he kind of knows and he would get mad if he caught me red-handed but I think he turns a blind eye …I don't think he was any different when he was my age."

"Oh …I can see that. Well, I certainly don't have a problem with you doing it but it's not like I can drive home if I do, and I have school tomorrow. "

"You mean you actually would have a few drinks tonight if not for the circumstances?"

"What are you trying to get me drunk and take advantage of me?" I laughed

"Psssh you wish…I just am pleasantly surprised!"

"Too bad" I concluded.

"Too bad!? No way! There is a way around this"

"Is that right?"

"Bella where there is a will there is away. I will figure something out"

He had that look about him again, the same look he has when fixing my truck.

"hmm I wonder is Eli's girlfriend is coming tonight?" he wondered aloud

"I don't know….wait who's Eli?" Jake ignored my question I could see in his mind racing over all the different possibilities.

"I bet she is… her name is Maggie…Do you know her she's a year younger than you, she goes to Forks High. She's probably driving cause she lives in Forks I'm sure she'd take you home, don't worry she's cool, she won't mind."

"What? wait Jake back-up, my Dad will wonder why I got a ride home"

"No need, Bella I tried my best but I screwed up your truck. The part I needed to replace was crap, I can't fix it until I get a chance to go to the parts shop and buy a new part and it's closed as of 10 minutes ago. This I such bad luck, you better call Charlie and tell him you're getting a ride home with Maggie."

"Jacob Black you are a genius"

"Like I always say 'when there's a will there's away," he said pointing up mockingly.

"Who is Eli anyways?"

"A guy at school. Not all of us are werewolves you know; I do have some normal friends."

"I know I know you just only ever seem to talk about the guys in the pack"

"Yeah, I suppose, or maybe that's the only time you pay attention, whenever Quil is involved."

"Oh please, here we go"

"Kay lets get some food I am freakin' starving."

"Mmm me too I said" as I hopped out of the truck.

Dinner wasn't too awkward. Paul was over since he and Rachel imprinted, he was a regular fixture at the Black household. Rachel was a little guarded, like a protective older sister. The initial shock of my joining the dinner party subsided quickly as Jacob made light of the situation with a few casual jokes. He broke the tension and the dinner was pleasant and full of laughter. Paul seemed like a different person; the rage that usually bubbled just beneath the surface seemed to be eased by Rachel's presence. She soothed him and his intense and abrasive persona was replaced by a more relaxed and almost fun-loving attitude. While I still hadn't quite figured out the whole imprinting business, Paul's transformation was evidence of its power.

After dinner I made the call to Charlie, he was so ecstatic that I was in La Push the alibi was barely necessary. I think Billy knew it was lie, but I think we can all agree there are things better left unsaid, especially when Charlie is involved.

When I got off the phone Jacob's excitement that our plan had worked was hardly concealed. His obvious eavesdropping from the kitchen was marked by a conspicuous pause in him doing the dishes. When I walked back in he was washing the same dish as when I had left. As I resumed my position as dish drier he winked at me and kissed me on the top of the head. A gesture that did not go unnoticed by Paul and Rachel who took it as their cue to head back to Paul's place. They said goodbye to Billy and made the trek home, leftovers in hand.

As we put away the dishes Jacob and I exchanged several playful glances. The kitchen scene in my dream had almost become a reality in less than 24 hours. Everything had changed so quickly but it felt right. Putting dishes away in Billy's kitchen felt normal, it felt human. It was becoming clear just how right my decision to come to La Push had been. An inner turmoil that had been building since Edward returned was being replaced by familiar feelings that I only ever had out in La Push.

I borrowed an old crew neck sweater from Billy it had some sort of fishing insignia on it but was too faded to read. Jake changed into some pants before we headed out. We stopped Quil's and then Embry's on the way to the lookout where we were meeting everyone. Upon seeing Embry he ran up, lifted me off the ground and spun me.

"BELLA! What gives?" He exclaimed in mock anger "You you hung up and didn't call back the other day"

Jake's expression suddenly changed "Bella!?" a look of shock and confusion replaced his perma-grin.

Embry gave me a wink and I decided to play along. "Oh Embry don't be so dramatic, I lost signal... I meant to call you back this week. I've just been so busy"

"Seriously. Embry...stop" Jake retorted.

"Oh you don't think just cause you two are "going through something" that the rest of us have to stop talking to Bella - Isn't that right Bella"

" Oh yeah, Jake…I mean Embry and I have really strong bond" I played along

"You're a real pain in my ass sometimes Embry you know that" Jake replied bitterly

"I can't believe you're so self-centered" spat Embry putting his arm around me playfully.

" Why?... Why are we doing this?" said Quil under his breath.

Quil and I listened while the arguing escalated between Embry and Jake, trying to find a moment to chime in and end the charade, yet simultaneously maintain a safe distance.

"Look what you've done now Bella," said Quil rolling his eyes at his friends.

"I swear, if you had just one minute inside Jake's head you'd reconsider"

"It was Embry's idea!" I said in defense

"You wouldn't even need a minute inside Embry's head to realize he's just a pretty face…Excuse me"

"Jesus Jake…Quil intervened grabbing at Jake's shoulder "you make it too damn easy...and Embry...Really? You've got to be the dumbest son of a …"

"I THINK what Quil is trying to say" I interrupted "Is that were messing with you Jake"

Jake looked embarrassed "I know that" he lied laughing sheepishly " I was just dishing it back"

Just as Embry was about to open his mouth to retaliate Quil elbowed him in the ribs and whispered, "Drop it"

Embry laughed and apologized to Jake as I jogged up beside him and grabbed his hand. I brought I up to my lips and kissed his hand briefly "sorry Jake" I whispered "I was just..." he cut me off. "It's okay Bells, I'm sorry spazzed like that" " I guess we've still got some wounds that need healing," I responded. "I just need a little time Bells" "that makes two of us," I said as I leaned in. " I least I have you here now. That's the best possible medicine" he reassured me as he lifted his arm and pulled me in close. I didn't mind Quil and Embry seeing our affection seeing as they would find out anyway, but as soon as we approached the crowd Jake and I both instinctively let go of each other and resumed our role as "just friends".