The Reunion

When I first woke, my brain struggled to reorient itself to my surroundings. The easiest thing to detect was the feel of Jake's flaming body wrapped around mine. I carefully extracted myself from his embrace and instantly felt colder without him. He was completely dead to the world and I stared at the calm expression on his sleeping face. He looked so young with his features relaxed and I ran my hand gently along the side of his face. I quickly dropped my hand when I realized that I had no right to touch him like that or be this close to him anymore. If I wanted to treat him like a friend, then I couldn't let him come and save me everytime I had a nightmare or got upset about something. I decided not to wake him from his peaceful dreams, since I knew the mess I'd caused in his consciousness.

I hoisted myself up from the mattress and hurried into the bathroom to take a shower. Maybe it was wrong to be rushing to leave him and get back to Edward, but I didn't let my guilt slow me as I hastily jumped under the water and worked shampoo through my hair. I heard the soft scuffling of Charlie moving around downstairs and wondered why he was still here since it was nearing almost eight in the morning. It was a Friday and I knew he usually left a little later on the last day of the week, but he was almost always out the door by 7:30 the latest. As I was washing out the conditioner, I started planning out my day.

I knew Edward would be at school or at least, I hoped he'd be. I tried to fight off the knot in my stomach. I would have to start trusting him again if I wanted this to work. Putting my faith in a small commitment like this might be a good way to ease myself in. Jacob said he would be back here this morning, so I dared to imagine he would pick me up and drive us to school. My heart swelled at the promise of returning to our routine from before he left. Could we really just pick up where we left off? I shook off the thought and just focused on the day ahead of me.

He would probably come to grab me around 8:30 am to ensure Charlie was gone, but that still only gave me about forty-five more minutes to get ready. I hurried out of the shower and wrapped myself in a towel before realizing my idiotic mistake.

I carefully tiptoed back into my room to grab some clothes, praying I wouldn't wake Jacob. I knew I shouldn't be dawdling, but a small, selfish part of me wanted to dress up since Edward would see me. I had been a complete mess from the moment he returned and this felt like an opportunity to prove I could hold my own and plus, what would be the harm in him finding me attractive? I picked out a pale pink sweater that clung to my shape a little more than I usually preferred and black skinny jeans I had found with Alice in Port Angeles ages ago. I was momentarily consumed with excitement at the thought of seeing her again. Surely the rest of the Cullens were back now too. All the more reason to dress in an 'Alice-approved' outfit.

Jake seemed to still be deeply asleep and I was nearly out the door with the clothes tucked under my arm when I walked right into the door frame with my shoulder. He shot up automatically and threw his arms out on the bed next to him as if to reach for me, "Bella!" My stomach writhed with guilt that even in his half-conscious state his first concern was me.

He quickly scanned the room when he felt that I was gone and drank in my half-naked figure practically hiding in the hallway. The wild, fearful look left his eyes, but a more shy, warm one replaced it when he no doubt noted my attire (or lack thereof). I felt my cheeks warm in response and I fumbled a little to ensure nothing was showing. Of course as some kind of karmic justice, Charlie heard his loud cry and jogged up the steps to see me in all of my toweled glory and a visibly stunned Jacob still lying in my bed. My cheeks were positively burning and I scrambled into the bathroom to throw on my clothes. I briefly debated hiding out until they both left, but ultimately decided against it and emerged to face them.

Charlie came over immediately and kissed my forehead, "There she is." I stared at his blatant affection in surprise and he just ruffled my wet hair in response. "I've really got to get going, but I wanted to make sure you were feeling better." His eyes tightened in the corners and I squeezed his shoulder gently in reassurance. The things I put my poor father through. I grimaced, knowing I would put him through worse in the days ahead. At some point, I needed to tell him that Edward had returned. I figured maybe he could help me come up with something, because I honestly had no idea what to say.

"Yeah, Dad. I am," he nodded at me and then shifted a little toward Jake who was still perched on my bed. "Don't be a stranger, Jake." His tone wasn't as friendly as the words would imply; it held an underlying warning and I immediately felt defensive of Jacob. I walked over and sat beside him, leaning lightly into his side. He looped an arm around me and responded with adamant conviction to both us, "I won't. I promise."

Charlie seemed content with his response and headed downstairs, grabbing a few things and then going out to the cruiser. He revved up the engine and left for work. Neither of us said anything for a bit, though Jake kept his arm against my side, reaching up to play with the wet curls that were beginning to form in my hair.

I didn't want to interrupt the nice moment, but I felt obligated to assuage him of the responsibility Charlie kept piling on him, "Please don't worry about what Charlie says. I'm sorry he guilted you this morning." Jake just shrugged easily and kissed my cheek.

"I like protecting you, Bells." My heart lurched in my chest at the simultaneous guilt and happiness that statement instilled in me. I was spared the burden of responding because we both heard the low purr of the Volvo pulling into my driveway. Jake pinched the bridge of his nose, squeezing his eyes shut, and sighed heavily. When he opened them, they were much darker than usual and I could see the indecision on his face. He seemed to reach some kind of resolution as he brought his mouth to my hair, directly over my ear.

He didn't say anything at first and I felt the blood pounding in my ears as my heart raced. He exhaled sharply, "I'll be here no matter what, but I'm still fighting for something more." I couldn't tell if it was the warmth of his breath or his words, but I shuddered in his arms and he grinned before releasing me.

I stood and headed downstairs, unable to verbalize any of the mush occurring in my brain. I turned on the faucet in the kitchen and threw some cold water on my face. I certainly couldn't go out to Edward like this. I stared fiercely at the kitchen backsplash and forced myself to calm down. The creak behind me made me whirl around to see Jacob not three feet from me. He was biting back a smirk and his eyes danced over mine, "Flustered?"

I pushed toward the front door before the effects of his comment could register on my face, purposefully bumping his shoulder as I brushed past and he laughed. "Goodbye, Jacob," I growled, slamming the door for good measure. I just heard his laughter become louder as I stomped to the Volvo. I threw open the passenger door and almost climbed into someone's lap. Someone reached out to grab my waist and place me back on my feet. When I looked up and saw her face, I let out a very uncharacteristic squeal, "Oh Alice! I missed you much!"

She squealed back and crushed me in her stony embrace. "Uh Alice," I whispered, breathless, and she lessened her hold marginally. I could feel the tears running down my face. I forgot how good it felt to be near her- my best friend, basically my sister. Edward cleared his throat and I gazed at his stunning face over her shoulder.

"Please don't smother her, Alice. I just got her back," he chided lightly. Alice grumbled a little, releasing me to jump in the backseat. I wanted to tell her she didn't need to switch spots, but I was so eager to sit next to Edward that I didn't care. I climbed into the front passenger seat and he immediately reached out to grab my hand and gently kissed my forehead. He spoke directly against my temple and my stomach flipped, "Good morning, my love."

"Mmm," I hummed happily. "It is now." I watched his whole frame tense and his hand gripped the steering wheel tightly just before I heard the loud rap on my window. I sighed and turned to see Jake's grin through the glass. I lowered it half-way and he leaned down into the door frame. I was beyond shocked when his first words were spoken to Edward.

"First off, thank you for calling me last night." I tried not to gape at his sincere tone and direct acknowledgement of Edward, who nodded politely. He shifted his gaze to me, smirking at my obvious reaction.

"Second, I wanted to remind you about Seth's party tonight. It's just at Sue's and all the guys will be there. Emily's really looking forward to seeing you." His voice was almost pleading and I realized he thought I was going to bail. I quickly put on a smile and tried to ease his nerves, "Of course I'm coming, Jake. Seven, right?" He nodded in confirmation and bit down on the smile spreading across his face.

He leaned back from the car and tapped the hood as Edward began to reverse. I turned back to him and watched the tension leave his body as we drove further away from my house, from Jacob.

"You called him last night?" He glanced at me and nodded, grimacing.

"You were distraught, Bella. Jacob seems more experienced in this area than I am. It was quite the education." I could see how that fact hurt him and I shifted closer, kissing his jaw.

"I'm sorry." I should have probably said more than that, but nothing came to mind and he dismissed it anyway.

"You have nothing to apologize for, love. I don't get to dictate how you cope." The sincerity was there in his words, but so was the bitter resentment. I might have been relieved it wasn't directed at me if I didn't know he held himself responsible.

"I suppose I shouldn't have it easy. I can handle a challenge." My eyes widened at his implication, but he said nothing further and we let the topic drop.

Alice piped up, "So you spend a lot of time on the reservation now?" I knew they both disapproved, but everyone would have to just adjust. If Jacob asked me to stay away from Edward, I'd immediately reject the concept so the same rules applied.

"Yeah, mostly just weekends with the guys. During the week, I'm only there at night." I couldn't shove the words back in my mouth fast enough and I hastily glanced in the mirror to see Alice's eyebrows fly up.

"Not- not like that. Billy and Charlie worked out a schedule and we alternate between the houses, since I have trouble sleeping." I hoped mentioning the endorsement from Billy and Charlie would help, but she just nodded slowly and I think it was more for my benefit.

"You know, Bella. Werewolves have a serious temper." Her mistrust was back and she wasn't hiding it this time. I mentally reviewed my run-ins with said werewolf temper and laughed aloud.

"Yes, I'm quite familiar with the hot-head mentality." She stared back at me in the mirror like I was crazy, but I shrugged.

"I've never really been in danger with them. They're just rambunctious boys." I didn't want to feel defensive about the werewolves but I knew they were harmless to me. Edward gave a quiet nose of dissent and squeezed my hand in his.

We were nearing school now and I heard the urgency in his voice, "Do you really think going tonight is a good idea? We can't protect you there and if something happens, I'll break the treaty and I-" He was almost rambling and I was grateful that he pulled into a parking spot, because I just grabbed his face and pulled it to mine.

He kissed me back, but the underlying fear was evident. I broke off and retained some air for a second before addressing him.

"I promise you I will be fine. It's certainly not the first time I've been there and it won't be the last. You just have to get used to it. Besides, it's Seth's birthday and he's my friend." He nodded, a little numbly, and pecked my lips again. He only pulled an inch away from my face and just stared at me for a minute, running his fingers along my neckline. I struggled to keep my breathing even and maintain his intense gaze.

Alice cleared her throat, twice, eventually just getting out and slamming the car door. Edward chuckled and the sound did things to my body. I felt energized and alive with him here, laughing and loving me.

"God, I missed you." I burrowed my face into his chest, embarrassed by the overwhelming truth of that statement. He was rigid for a moment, before winding his arms around me and planting kisses along my hairline.

"I know, my love. Never again."

We didn't move until the last warning bell for class sounded and I still let out a grumble. He laughed and put his arm around me, guiding us to our first class. Both of my classes prior to lunch, I had him with me and he never broke contact with me during that time. He even implored the guy who sat next to me in Trig to switch just so I'd stay at arms length and I certainly wasn't about to complain.

The only pitfall to our arrangement was my pathetic inability to focus on the material with his fingers constantly running along my spine, as he did all morning. I went to bring it up about halfway through our second class, about ready to burst at the seams, but he gave me a light smirk and pressed a little harder, reveling in my reactionary shiver. I glared at him and turned back to staring blankly at my work, but I could feel his amused eyes on mine the entire period.

When we walked into the lunch room, I grimaced at the dozens of eyes scrutinizing our every move. I didn't need vampiric hearing to pick up on the incessant gossip about the Cullens swirling around the cafeteria. Edward stood in line with me as I bought lunch and I gave him a questioning look when I saw his jaw clench.

He bent to whisper in my ear, "Mike Newton is contemplating coming over and asking about my hands on your waist." I saw his eyes darken in anger and maybe a little jealousy, as absurd as that was. I glanced at my typical table and sure enough, Mike's eyes were glued to us, specifically Edward's arm securely wrapped around my hip.

I had a spark of inspiration and abruptly attached my lips to his. I wasn't gentle or subtle, winding my hands into his hair and kissing him with all of the enthusiasm and frustration I'd built up from this morning. Edward was receptive, more than receptive, but I couldn't help the rush of pride I felt when he let out a pleasured gasp.

I decided I'd made my point and resurfaced to replenish my dwindling oxygen supply. He stared at me with lidded, dazed eyes and I laughed.

"I think we gave him something else to watch instead." I turned and grabbed my tray, hurrying toward the Cullen table to avoid seeing his expression. I didn't know where this newfound confidence came from, but I wanted the world to know he was mine. Mike Newton was a start.

I beamed at Emmett, Rosalie, and Jasper, seeing them for the first time. I sat down between Rose and Edward, with Alice on his other side and the boys across from me. It felt right to be there with them again. I was home, as Edward twined a hand in my hair and Alice discussed shopping plans this weekend with Rose.

Emmett broke my reverie with a scowl, "I don't even get a hug, Bells? Didn't you miss me at all?" I laughed at his feigned hurt expression.

"This is hardly the place, Emmett. I'll be by the house today or tomorrow for a proper reunion."

"And that little show over there in the lunch line was suitable?" I blushed furiously at his shit-eating grin and kicked him under the table. He pretended to groan and I just buried my face in Edward's shoulder as my face cooled.

He stiffened and I lifted my head to question him when Rosalie spoke, "Bella, why in the hell do you smell like a dog?"

I winced and placed a hand on Edward's chest when he growled at his sister. I knew I had nothing to be ashamed of, but somehow Edward's family knowing about my relationship with Jake made my stomach churn- certainly Rosalie, at least.

"Uh, that's probably my friend, Jacob. He's kind of a werewolf." I stared at the table, not able to meet her eye and heard Emmett's appreciative howl. I rolled my eyes and finally lifted them to glare at him again, but I was struck by the blatant disgust on Rosalie's face. I tried to rationalize that they were natural enemies and I shouldn't internalize her reaction, but then she twisted the knife.

"Huh, you work fast." I recoiled at her words, but couldn't bring myself to refute them. It didn't matter though, because Edward jumped out of his chair with a poorly concealed snarl, drawing eyes from nearby tables. Emmett leapt up too and moved in front of Rosalie, almost coming chest to chest with Edward. I frantically grabbed his hand and squeezed.

Jasper stood as well and wedged himself between them with a stern, "Not here." Emmett abandoned his stance much more readily and I knew it was mostly reflex to protect Rosalie, whether his heart was in it or not. Edward, however, was still rigid and his eyes were blazing as he stared at Rosalie's delicate smirk. My eyes flicked to Jasper's and he nodded in unspoken understanding, sending them both calming emotions.

Edward leaned down toward Rosalie's face and spoke so softly that I had to strain to hear it. "You don't have to like my choices or even respect them, but you will keep your opinions to yourself. And as it relates to Bella, if you speak to her that way ever again, I will destroy every piece of every precious car you own and burn the remnants in front of you." He stalked back to his chair beside me, ignoring her immediate hiss.

As the tension at the table slowly abated, I felt my cell buzz in my pocket. I flipped it open to see a text from Jake.

I'll pick you up at 6:30 tonight. Hope you wear something pretty ;)

I rolled my eyes at his juvenile attitude and tried to unravel the knots in my stomach. As much as I hated to admit it, things would not just go back to normal. I remembered clinging to that notion this morning, but I knew now that I couldn't ignore the changes from before he left. Between Rosalie, Jacob, Victoria and the host of other problems, I had to accept that Edward and I would not simply pick up where we left off. Maybe this would make us stronger in the long run, but I was still stuck on the complicated, dismal present.

My outlook brightened considerably when Edward's mouth brushed my ear, "You look absolutely delectable in this outfit by the way." Maybe things could still look up after all.

A/N: Bella saving Edward was a big development for her relationship with Rosalie in New Moon, so their bonding will go a lot slower in this version. Please let me know what you think!