CHAPTER FORTY - ONE

(BPOV)

Jacob had spent most of the day with me and though he didn't carry on much conversation, just his warm presence was more than enough for me to be happy. I watched his movements, noticing how he would stare blankly at the photos on Charlie's fridge, as if he were trying to place exactly who was captured in each moment. He took hold of one from the far left of the fridge door and I smiled hopefully as he drew the photo near. I could plainly see the confusion and frustration in his gaze when he tossed the photo down on the table in agitation. I finished up the dishes from breakfast and wandered over to him as he let out a defeated sigh. His jaw flexed and his hands now balled into fists when he plopped down at the kitchen table, placing his head in his hands.

I placed a reassuring hand on his arm and he jumped from the small contact, his gaze remorseful when it met mine.

"This is Billy." I sighed to him, taking the old picture in my free hand. I couldn't help the small smile that formed on my lips from seeing the wide grins plastered on both Charlie and Billy's face when the photo was taken. It was nearly two decades old and they had both been on a fishing trip at the time.

"Billy...-?" Jacob repeated after me, his expression lost now.

"Yes. Billy is your father."

He stared at me as if I had said an outright lie to him and it made my blood run cold to see not an ounce of recognition in his eyes upon hearing the name.

I placed the photo in front of him again, pointing to it and attempting to somehow make this click for him.

"Billy Black. He is your dad, and Charlie Swan... right here- He is my dad. They've been the best of friends for years now. Long before we were even thought of."

"Your dad?" Jacob replied in question, just as the front door opened and Charlie himself walked in.

I startled, nearly tripping over myself at his sudden arrival home. I had lost track of time completely, not noting that it was already just after noon.

Charlie placed his coat and badge down as he approached us, his gaze narrowing at my less than appropriate choice of outfit. I was wearing one of Jacobs over sized shirts, and nothing else. He had left it for me to sleep in weeks ago because it smelled like him. I had kept it hidden from Charlie in my dresser till now.

"Um- Bella-... a word please?" Charlie asked, staring angrily at a wide eyed Jacob, who appeared to be frozen in place behind me.

I quickly kissed him on the cheek before meeting Charlie in the living room, his reddened face telling me I was beginning to push my luck with him.

"Dad, I know-"

"You're half dressed!" He huffed, raising his hand and gesturing to my attire. "You know... There are some rules I expect you to keep around here, Bella."

His tone was becoming angry and I worried that Jacob would run before I could calm Charlie down.

"It's not- what you think-"

"Don't give me that, Bella. I was young too! I know that the two of you are having sex!"

His bluntness made me go mute, my eyes widening and my skin prickling with nervousness as he continued on.

"You and Jacob are not children anymore and I know what goes with a relationship. I'd be an absolute idiot to think you haven't already crossed that line with him. But I don't appreciate you flaunting it in my face. Or in this house!"

I jumped at his tone, seeing his brown eyes suddenly narrow at a fixed point behind me.

"Jacob- come here. No sense in lurking around the corner. Just come in here!"

My heart lodged in my throat from his request and I saw the fear in Jacobs gaze as he approached us, his steps slow and unsure. I reached for his hand and felt the tremors start to take hold. He closed his eyes and squeezed my hand tight, his breathing becoming ragged when Charlie further addressed him.

"Look son- You know I'm glad you're with Bella, but like I told her just now... There are some rules to be respected. Alright?"

Jacob nodded to him in silent reply, sucking in a steadying breath and glancing over to me briefly.

"Alright, well I'm glad we got that settled. I'm beat Bella. I need some rest. It was a long shift at the station. I think Jake should head on home now."

Charlie didn't turn back as he headed for the stairs, trudging up over them and soon retreating to his room for some much needed sleep.

"I'm sorry. He's not usually like that. He loves you-"

"No." Jacob replied, his gaze remaining confused.

"Yes he does. Charlie has always cared for you. You just can't remember right now. Trust me."

"I do trust you. Am I supposed to leave now?" He asked, pulling me in closer to him.

"I think we should leave together. Head over to the Res... To your house. Where Billy is."

"My father?"

"Yes..." I replied, saddened that he didn't know the man who loved him more than his own life itself.

"You won't leave will you? Once we get there? I don't want you to leave, Bella."

"I'm not leaving. I'll stay with you. As long as you want me to. Maybe seeing your home will help you remember something."

"Maybe..." He replied, leaning down closer to me. "What if it doesn't?" What if I never remember?"

"You will. I believe in you, Jacob."

The drive over to the Reservation was silent and Jacob seemed truly afraid once the little red house came in sight. I was relieved to see Sam and Embry waiting by the front steps with a clearly shaken Billy by their side.

My eyes loomed with tears when I parked and shut off the engine, seeing Jacob struggle to clam his tremors now.

"It's okay...-" I assured him when his eyes locked with mine.

"Who are they?"

"Sam... and Embry."

Jacob nodded and stared at Billy long and hard, trying to pull a memory forth, but he soon sighed in frustration.

"That's my dad."

"Yes." I replied, taking hold of his hand as we walked toward Sam.

"How are you feeling?" Sam asked, extending a hand to Jacob.

"I don't know." Jacob honestly replied.

"Billy knows what happened after you came to yesterday. We explained it all to him the best we could, bro. He's scared for you, but he's dealing with it. Paul and Leah have been here with him all morning. They've been watching over him to be sure he's okay."

"That was really nice of them to stay like that." I replied, feeling Jacobs hand tighten in mine.

"That's what family is for." Sam replied, shooting Jacob a meaningful glance.

Billy looked as pale as I'd ever seen him. His eyes were red rimmed and glossy and he appeared as if he hadn't slept a wink in weeks. Dark circles had formed under his eyes from his lack of sleep and it worried me greatly for him.

Tears streamed down his face the moment he laid eyes on Jacob and my heart broke for him.

"Jacob..." Billy sighed. "I've missed you."

I saw Jacob nod but his eyes were void of any recognition for Billy as he stared back at him.

"Are you hungry?" Leah asked us, trying to break the awkward silence now.

"Sure..." Jacob replied, placing his arm around my shoulders as we sat down on Billy's small couch.

"I'll go make something." Leah offered.

"You can't cook!" Paul barked. "Let Bella help you at least."

"Shut up, Paul." Leah bit out as she stormed out into the kitchen.

I followed after her, feeling Jacob resist in letting me go when I rose up from the couch.

"I'll be right back."

All Billy had in the fridge was sandwich meat and Leah was quick to dig out the mayo and bread, here tone small when she spoke to me.

"He looks... afraid."

"He is." I replied, making the first sandwich.

"I've never seen him look that way."

"Me neither."

"Sam told me you left him a message about Jacob showing up at your house. We were all relieved when he shared the news with us early this morning before patrol run. He came to you... on his own, Bella. That counts for something, right?"

"I sure hope so. He remembers me, Leah. He remembers what we were... what we had before...-"

"That's more than enough right now."

I nodded, seeing her plate the many sandwiches and turn my way.

"Sam has taken over for now. He wants Jacob to have as much time as he needs to get better. To heal. We all do, Bella. If anyone can bring him back... it's you. What the two of you share is something that defies the odds. He'll come back."

I smiled to her, feeling my eyes sting with tears as she pulled me into a small hug, her words giving me a sense of renewed hope.