Summary: Bella Swan thought her world had ended when her ex-boyfriend, Edward Cullen, left her with no warning. She thought she was broken beyond repair, finding solace only in her friendship with Jacob Black. Jacob clearly wants to be more than friends, and Bella begins to wonder if she can be what Jacob needs. A coming to age story where Bella moves on, grows up, and becomes an independent person.

Takes place midway through New Moon. Alice rushes back to forks after having a vision of Bella cliff diving, only she didn't tell her family where she was going. Rose doesn't tell Edward, and Edward doesn't go to the Voltari to commit suicide (because let's face it, that's really messed up and creepy on so many levels). Bella and Jacob are exactly how they are in chapter 16 of New Moon: Jacob's in love with Bella, and Bella is toying with the idea of being with Jacob romantically, while desperately trying to deny that she is extremely attracted to Jake. I know this has been done a million times before, but this is my take on how the series should have gone.

A little background on me, I am not a huge Twilight fan overall – I have a lot of issues with a major themes throughout the entire series (Edward sneaking into Bella's room, Bella feeling like she doesn't deserve Edward and that she's lesser, Edward and Bela's entire relationship being extremely dependent, Edward saying he'd kill himself after Bella dies, imprinting on children/babies, Jacob's forcing Bella to kiss him/kissing her without her permission, Jake's manipulation of Bella even if he was right, and don't get me started on Renesmee). HOWEVER, I really enjoyed the relationship between Jacob and Bella in New Moon. It was still a little too dependent for my liking, but they are teenagers and frankly Bella is an extremely dependent person. I really did like the story of a deep, real friendship blossoming into a loving and sweet relationship. I personally think that if Edward didn't come back, that's where their relationship was headed.

I find Bella's "I'll never get over Edward" perspective actually very real for a 18-year-old girl, but I find it unrealistic that she would NEVER get over him. I think Jacob was exactly what she needed to get over him, and Meyer laid down the beginning foundation for that particular storyline. So, I'd like to explore that aspect. This is a love story, but it cannot be all Jacob and Bella, so it will include other friends, life aspirations, and general coming of age content.

Sorry for the super long intro, but I would absolutely love your feedback!

"Well, run along now. Go tell Sam that the scary monsters aren't coming to get you." I couldn't keep the annoyance out of my tone, despite how calm Jacob looked.

"Okay." Jacob said. Apparently, he had completed his mission. He knew that Alice was the only Cullen in town and the others were not coming back. He could return to the pack with this information. He didn't say goodbye or offer his customary good-natured smile. It felt wrong, letting him leave like that. I thought about stopping him, but it was too late. He had already left the kitchen. I waited to hear the front door close, but it never came.

I slumped down, putting my head in my hands. The tears came without warning. How had everything become such a mess? The thought of Jacob being mad at me hurt. But it wasn't fair. I shouldn't have to choose between Alice and Jake. Why couldn't they both be my friend?

"Bella…" Jacob asked. His voice was tight, and his forehead was scrunched together. He noticed my tears right away; it wasn't like I could do anything to hide them.

He crossed the room quickly, stopping to stand directly in front of me. He lowered his head so that our eyes were almost of the same level, resting his head against mine.

"I did it again, didn't I?" He asked, and I felt rather than heard his sigh.

"Did what?" My voice didn't come out strong and assured, but instead was more a cracked whisper.

"Broke my promise. Sorry." I looked into his eyes, seeing his remorse. "I knew how you felt about them. It shouldn't have taken me surprise like that." He still looked repulsed by the idea that I could care about the Cullens, but his face was softer. I wanted to explain that Alice was a good person, that she was my friend, but I didn't want to fight. I was so tired of fighting with Jacob.

"Its okay. I'm sorry, too." I said, leaning into him a little. I expected him to pull me in for one of his big bear hugs, but he didn't. His forehead was still pressed against mine, our bodies almost touching but not quite. My hands had come up to his chest, expecting to be pulled against his body. His hands remained at his side.

"Let's not worry about it, okay? She's just visiting, right? She'll leave and things will go back to normal."

"Can't I be friends with you both at the same time?" I couldn't hide the pain in voice. I knew by the anguish I saw in his eyes that he had heard how much he was hurting me.

Despite the recognition and his promises, his response still came exactly how I expected. "No, I don't think you can."

Tears threatened to leave my eyes, and I tried to blink them back. I didn't want to ask, I really didn't, but I had to know the answer. "But you'll wait, right? You'll still be my friend, even though I love Alice, too?" I stared at his shoes, too afraid to look him in the eye. I braced myself, for his answer.

Jacob paused for a long second before answering. I took in a deep breath and held it, certain I was going to be hate his answer. "Yeah, I'll always be your friend," he said, his voice gruff. "No matter what."

"Promise?" I could hear the desperation in my own voice, but I didn't care. I needed Jake.

"Promise." His voice was gruff again, as he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a warm hug. "I'll miss you. Every minute. I really hope she leaves soon." He whispered. His face had an expression I couldn't – or really wouldn't – recognize, tender and… something else. I would miss him, too, except I didn't hope Alice would leave soon.

"It really doesn't have to be that way, Jake."

I felt his sigh before I heard it. "Yes, it really does, Bella. You… love her. So, I'd better not get anywhere near her. I'm not sure that I'm even tempered enough to handle that. Sam would be mad if I broke the treaty, and you probably wouldn't like it if I killed your friend." I squirmed away from him, recoiling from the thought of Jacob and Alice fighting. No matter who won that fight, I would lose someone incredibly important to me. Jacob tightened his grip, pulling me closer to him. "There's no point in avoiding the truth. Its just the way things are, Bells."

"Well, I don't like the way things are." I snapped.

Jacob freed one arm from behind my back so that he could cup my chin, forcing me to look at him. "Yeah. It was easier when we were both human, wasn't it?" He asked. His tone was wistful and his face sad. I knew my face mirrored his.

We stared at each other for a long moment. His hand smoldered against my skin. I didn't want to say goodbye now, no matter for how short a time. I knew he felt the same. Neither one of us looked away, and his expression began to change. He released me, lifting his other hand to brush his fingertips along my check, trailing them down my jaw. I could feel his fingers tremble – though no longer in anger. He pressed his palm against my cheek, so that my face was trapped between his burning hands.

"Bella," he whispered, his eyes still locked on mine.

I froze, unable to move forward, yet unable to move away. I hadn't made this decision yet. If I rejected him now, there would definitely be consequences. I knew my actions, despite what Jacob repeatedly assured me, confused Jake. I couldn't stand being away from him, and I was going to miss him terribly. We both wished for something, though I wondered if perhaps his wishes were about to become true.

I couldn't pull away, couldn't risk losing my Jacob. But he wasn't my Jacob. He could be, though. I had always known that he'd be more than willing. I stared at him, as he started to lean in. I shooed the feeling of betrayal out of my mind. I wasn't betraying anyone, I reminded myself. Edward was gone and he wasn't coming back. Besides, I liked holding his hand and I loved the feeling of his arms wrapped around me. Maybe I would like kissing him, too. It certainly wasn't like I didn't find him attractive. For all that I pretended not to notice, Jacob was really quite good looking. He wasn't the boy I had met last year, and Charlie was definitely right when he said he was old for his age.

I closed my eyes, deciding in an instant that I was going to let him kiss me. He paused for a second before our lips touched, as if to confirm that I wanted him to. Then his lips touched mine.

It was nothing like I had expected. It was soft and gentle and warm. Something inside me shifted, and I forgot all about feeling any guilt and betrayal. I only felt Jacob. My hands went to his hair, playing with the short hairs at the base of his neck. For a second, I had forgotten that he had cut his hair; I had expected to run my fingers through the length of it. My hand trailed down his neck, as if it were there and rest on his shoulders. I realized I liked how broad his shoulders were and the feel of his well-defined muscles under my fingertips.

His lips left mine, but he did not release me from his grip. His hands still cradled my face and his head rested against mine. I opened my eyes to find him staring at me, a grin forming on his lips. He looked like the old Jacob, my Jacob, and I smiled back.

"Bella." He sighed my name. "I have to go. Jared and Embry are waiting." His smile drooped a little.

"I don't want you to." I said quietly. He smiled at that and leaned down to kiss me again. This kiss was short - just a peck - before he disentangled himself from me.

"If I don't go now, I'll never leave." He kissed my forehead. "I have to get back to the funeral. Call me when she leaves."

Later, when Alice returned, she asked me about Jacob. At first, I didn't want to talk about because I wasn't sure how I felt. Somehow, I found myself confiding in Alice. I realized how much I missed having a girl best friend.

"Jacob makes me feel whole again. After…" I paused, swallowing hard, but forcing myself to say it anyways. "Edward and the rest of you left, I didn't do well. But Jacob makes me laugh and smile."

"He's a werewolf." Alice deadpanned. "Honestly, Bella, why must you seek out monsters? Why couldn't you find a normal boy?"

"Like who?" I asked before narrowing my eyes. "And I swear, if you suggest Mike Newton…"

"Bella. A young werewolf can be extremely dangerous!" Alice snapped.

"More dangerous than a group of vampires?" I shot back. I immediately regretted saying, but Alice didn't react. She just studied me.

"And who is this werewolf to you?" Alice asked. "I know you heard Charlie and I talking this morning. You know what he thinks - that you and Jacob could be something more. You said he was your best friend, but when you describe him, it sounds more than friendly." Her tone wasn't accusing, but there was an edge to it that hadn't been there before.

"Its complicated." I whispered. Even I wasn't sure what it was, so how could I possibly explain it?

"Its not, not really. Do you have romantic feelings for Jacob Black?" Alice demanded.

"I didn't think I did." I paused, not sure how to explain what had happened earlier. I had flirted with the idea of starting a romantic relationship with Jake only yesterday. My rational made sense to me at the time. I wasn't going to fall in love with anyone else, and I wanted to make Jacob happy because he made me happy.

I just hadn't expected to enjoy the kiss so much. I hadn't expected it to be so sweet and gentle either. But his lips had been soft and warm and had ignited something in me. Something that I had thought had died when Edward left. I wasn't sure what we were, as the lines always seem to blur where Jacob was concerned.

"But?" Alice asked, breaking me out of reverie.

"He kissed me." I said, blinking slowly. "It was different than I expected."

"What did you expect?"

"I thought that he'd like it more than I would." I finally stammered. I could feel my face heating up.

"So, you liked it more than him?" Alice asked slowly, cocking her head and studying me. Her gaze was so intense I had to turn away. I wasn't sure what answer she was looking for, but she was clearly searching for something.

"I didn't mean it like that. I just liked it more than I expected." I breathed, feeling like I was somehow betraying her.

Alice studied me for a long minute speaking. "I don't like that he's a werewolf, but I think we have bigger problems. I didn't see Victoria make a decision to seek you out. That worries me."

"Because of Jake and his friends?" I asked.

"Most likely." Alice nodded. "I didn't tell anyone but Jasper that I was coming originally, but while Jacob was here, I called Carlisle."

My head shot up and hope spread through my body followed by guilt. If the Cullens came back would I be able to see Jake? Would he want to see me? "Okay…" I wanted her to finish the sentence. My heart swelled with hope, even though I knew that seeing Edward – really seeing him – would only make the wounds in my chest fester even further. Especially when he left again.

"We feel responsible. James would have never attacked you, if it weren't for us. Victoria is hunting you now because of us. We want to neutralize Victoria once and for all." Alice said softly.

"I don't know how the pack is going to feel about that." I said, but I was secretly really grateful. Despite their confidence, I wasn't convinced that the wolves could take on Victoria by themselves.

"Do you think that the pack would be open to meeting? Carlisle was pretty set on setting something up."

"I'll call Jake in the morning and ask." I promised, though I felt like I already knew where the conversation was going to go.

"Charlie's home." Alice said, effectively ending our conversation. Alice quickly put in a movie, which I didn't even bother to watch. I was thinking about Jacob. My thoughts were all jumbled. On one hand, I couldn't stop thinking about our kiss. I thought of the way Jacob's lips had felt against mine, the way my body had responded. It had been instant and wonderful. Even with Edward, it hadn't been like that. Kissing Edward had been addicting, overwhelming all of my senses. It stole all of my breath and left me gasping for air. Kissing Jacob was different. My whole body buzzed with his touch, craving more. I had leaned into him, pulling him closer and closer. It was a soft kiss, and yet I felt something stirring inside of me that I didn't know existed, even with Edward. It was a want or need… or something. I shook my head. Rationally I knew what it was: lust. I blushed just thinking about it.

On the other hand, I felt like I was betraying my love for Edward. I knew what I had with Edward had been once in a lifetime, the kind of love that people dream about. It had been real, at least for me. He may have decided he no longer wanted me, but I knew there was no changing my mind. I would love him for the end of my days.

I thought of Romeo and Paris again. I realized it wasn't fair to compare Jacob to Paris. Still, the idea lingered in my head. Edward was gone, and Jacob wanted me. He didn't care that I was broken beyond repair. Jacob wanted me. He was warm and kind. He knew me better than anyone, and I felt a deeper connection to him than I did to anyone else. And kissing him had been surprisingly wonderful.

The movie ended and I couldn't recall a single scene. I headed up to bed, dreading the call I would have to make in the morning.

I called Jake first thing in the morning. I hoped Billy would pick up if only to prolong the inevitable conversation.

"Hello?" Jacob's husky voice said. His voice was low and raspy, and I realized I must have woken him up.

"Jake." I said in a rushed voice. "Did I wake you? I'm sorry. I can call back later."

"No," He said, and I could hear his smile. "I can talk."

"Okay…" I stalled. I didn't want to have this conversation.

I could hear the hopefulness is Jake's voice. I knew he'd thought about our kiss just as much as I had, if not even more. Jake was excited and happy that we kissed, and I knew what I was about to say was going to ruin his good mood. I wished things were different. That's all I felt like I was doing lately, wishing that things were different.

"Look, Bella, we don't have to talk about it. I know I probably shouldn't have kissed you last night, and I know you're not ready. That's okay. I really don't mind waiting."

I waited too long to reply, unsure of what to say. Jacob, as usual, was being incredibly understanding. He didn't want to rush me, even after I had kissed him. How could I say what I had to say now?

My silence was clearly getting to him. He kept talking, losing some of the confidence he had previously. "Not that I didn't like or want the kiss, but I understand if you don't want to repeat it. I'm not trying to pressure you or…"

"Jake!" I quickly interrupted. "I liked the kiss." I kept my voice quiet, even though I knew that Alice could hear me even from the other room.

"You did?" He asked. I could picture his wide smile in my head. I knew that this was only encouraging Jacob, but I couldn't lie to him.

"Yes. I'm not sure I'm ready for anything, but… I don't regret that I kissed you back." My voice was barely a whisper but knew Jacob had heard me.

"That's okay, Bells. I can wait until you're ready." He said until. Not if. He sounded so confident, so sure. If only I could feel the same way. This would all be easier if I could be sure that this was the right decision.

"Jake, I have to ask you something. I know you aren't going to like it. I am sorry, okay?" I could hear the weariness in my own voice.

There was a brief pause. "Yes?" He asked.

I have no idea what he thought I was going to ask, but I knew it wasn't what I was about to say. "Alice said that… the Cullens feel responsible for Victoria hunting me. She asked if Sam would be open to meeting with Carlisle."

His reaction was immediate. "You told me that only Alice had returned!" His anger was white hot, I could feel it even through the phone.

"She is!" I insisted. "But she asked about Victoria and called Carlisle while you were at my house."

"Are they coming here?" He demanded.

"Yes." I deadpanned.

He swore. "All of them?" I knew what he was really asking: was Edward coming back?

"I didn't ask." I said quietly.

"You didn't?" He sounded genuinely surprised.

"No." I could hear a waiver in my voice, and I had no doubt that Jake had heard it to.

"Tell them not to come." Jacob begged. "We can handle the redheaded leech. We don't need their help, Bella."

"I told Alice that you wouldn't want their help, but she won't listen." I said, trying to remain calm.

"What happen when he returns, Bella? Am I supposed to be calm around him? Am I supposed to pretend that I don't know what he did to you?" His anger had returned.

"Jake. Calm down." I said quickly. "I honestly don't know if he's coming back. I didn't ask. I didn't want to know." I knew Jake would know I was lying, but I said it anyways. I just needed him to calm down.

"You know you're a horrible liar, Bella." Jake said. His voice no longer sounded angry. It sounded dejected and hurt.

I let him collect himself, trying to keep my thoughts off of Edward as the silence quickly settled in. I knew what Jake was thinking, and I honestly couldn't blame him. Things had been looking up. We had kissed. Edward coming back would ruin that. I had no delusions; I knew Edward wouldn't want me back. But seeing him, not being able to be with him, would kill me. When he inevitably left again – something I knew would happen sooner rather than later – I would be shattered all over again.

"Bella… I want you with me when they come back." It wasn't a question, but it also wasn't a demand. "I know its going to be hard for you, and I know that Alice is your friend, but I won't be able to keep my head if I don't think you're safe."

"Okay."

"Okay?" He repeated. "Okay. I'll go tell Sam and then I'm coming to pick you up after. When will they be here?"

Alice appeared in the kitchen doorway. "Two hours." She said in her sweet voice.

Jacob swore again.

AN: Reviews are always appreciated!