Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.

It had been a week since Bella had tried to apologize to Jacob. He had sent the container with Billy on Sunday and Billy had told her that Jacob had scarfed the cookies down in less than ten minutes but hadn't said anything. She had waited patiently for him to make the next move so that she could apologize properly but he was still giving her the silent treatment.

Charlie and Billy had left the night before to go on a four day fishing trip with Harry and Quil's granddad so she knew that if she went to see Jacob that he would have to listen to her; if he was home that is. With her mind made up Bella got in her truck and set out for La Push. A light but steady rain started to fall as Bella turned onto the reservation making her turn on her low beams so that she could see better.

She saw Embry's car in the Black's front yard when she pulled up and she could hear music coming from the makeshift garage behind the house. She dodged puddles and was able to make it to the garage without slipping in mud. Embry was the one to notice her first as she stood at the door. He said something quietly to Jacob before turning to leave.

"See you later, Bella," Embry said politely as he passed her.

"Bye," she said over her shoulder.

"What are you doing here?" Jacob questioned, his back still to her, his shoulders tense.

"I came over so that I could apologize. What did you think the cookies were for?"

"I didn't realize that I supposed to say thank you," he said gripping the edge of the car that he was working on.

"No, but I would like a chance to explain," she explained with trepidation; she hadn't expected him to be so hostile.

He turned to face her finally, his arms folded over his chest, his face showing no emotion.

"Go on," he said after a few seconds of silence.

"You know that my dad had a lot of trouble with my mom over their custody agreement when we were younger, right?"

"Yeah," he said, shrugging his shoulders indifferently.

"What you didn't know was that she was pressuring him to give her full custody of me. A social worker came to the house and everything. We didn't tell you because we thought that you were too young to understand at the time. Thankfully my dad won the custody battle but it was still a really hard time for us," she said with a deep sigh.

"You were almost sent to live with your mom?"

"I was. I wasn't in the right mind set at the time and I let my friends from school be first priority because I saw them everyday and I could vent to Angela and Jessica when I couldn't tell you what was going on. I'm not proud of what I did and I am sorry," she said sincerely.

"What about when my mom died?" he asked quietly.

"I didn't think that you would want me there. We hadn't said more than two words to each other whenever we saw each other in over three years."

He was silent as he let what she had said sink in. She may have started the rift that tore them apart but he could have been the bigger person and tried to express how much she had hurt him. He couldn't believe that Renee would try to rip Bella away from the only home that she had ever known and take her away from the people who cared about her.

Renee would come to see her for three weeks in the summer and Bella usually spent Thanksgiving and Spring Break with her. From what his parents had told him over the years and from what he could remember of Renee she wasn't much of a mother.

"Aren't you going to say anything?" she asked, biting her bottom lip nervously.

"You still do that?" he asked, gesturing to her mouth.

"Nervous habit," she said, dragging a hand through her hair.

"I wish that you had told me sooner but I can understand. Things aren't going to magically go back to the way they were," he said with a sigh.

"I know," she said with a nod.

"But, if I see you in the hall at school, I promise that I won't ignore you. And I'll make more of an effort to be nice when I come over," he promised.

"You'll come to my house?" she asked hopefully.

"I don't really have a reason to avoid you anymore, now do I?" he asked with a easy smile.

"I guess not. I should go, Embry is probably around front, waiting for me to leave."

"You might be right. I never heard his car start up," he said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I see that I'm not the only one who hasn't kicked my nervous habit," she teased before walking away.

Sure enough, Embry was standing under the awning on the porch when Bella rounded the corner of the house. She waved, holding back the urge to roll her eyes in amusement. She hadn't spent a lot of time with Quil or Embry growing up but she knew enough to know that Embry was loyal to Jacob to a fault and that it wouldn't be easy to win him over.

Bella was almost to the La Push/Forks boundary line when she saw Seth with his sister, Leah and a guy she didn't know. It was raining harder and the three of them weren't dressed to be out in this weather. She leaned over to roll down the passenger window as the truck rolled to a stop.

"Get in," she called over the sound of rain pelting the roof.

"Are you sure?" Leah questioned.

"I'll give you a ride back."

"Thanks," Seth said, hoping in the back with the guy.

She turned the truck around with more than a little effort and made the slow decent back down the steep incline leading to La Push.

"Who's the guy?" Bella asked a couple of blocks from the Clearwater's.

"That's right, you've never met Sam," Leah realized.

Leah had mentioned him a lot in the past three years but Bella and Sam had ever been introduced. Bella rarely came out to La Push because she didn't want to encroach on Jacob's territory, now that they were working things out maybe she could come out more often. Leah invited Bella in and three drenched Quileutes went to change while Bella waited in the living room.

Sue came in while the three were still in the back of the house. She was surprised but happy to see Bella and invited her to stay for dinner.

"It's not very often that we have dinner together when it's not at your house."

"What can I do to help?"

"I'm going to tell you the same thing you always tell me: you are our guest, that means that you can sit back and relax. Seth!" she called.

"Yeah, Ma?" he called from the hall.

"Come and help me with dinner."

"Why can't Leah do it?" he whined.

"Because Sam is here," Sue explained.

Bella went back into the living room hearing Seth grumble about how Sam is considered part of the family since he is always there. Sam came into the living room first and sat in Harry's recliner, smiling politely. Bella smiled back, taking him in. He wasn't as tall as Jacob but he was more filled out. Leah described him as the 'strong, silent type' and Bella could see that Leah was right. He didn't look intimidating but she could tell that he didn't do well with people that he didn't know. Leah came into the room and plopped down next to Bella.

"You don't have to sit all the way over there. She's not going to hurt you," Leah said with a laugh.

"There isn't a paint ball gun hidden under the couch?" he questioned.

"Oh my God, you told him about that?" Bella asked, embarrassed.

"Of course I did," Leah said with a scoff.

Bella shook her head, heat creeping up her neck and her face. Shooting Seth in the junk with the paint ball gun had been an accident; she thought that the safety was on but it had somehow been switched back to the cocked position. Seth hadn't gone near Bella for weeks after it happened.

"I thought that we were never going to speak of that again," Seth said sullenly.

"He probably didn't know that. Give the guy some credit," Bella defended.

Sam moved to sit on the floor on Leah's other side. Leah put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently.

"It was an accident and she felt terrible after it happened. Bella, this is Sam. Sam, this is the only girl other than my mom who totally gets me."

"Clearly, there's something the matter with me," Bella joked.

"Oh, totally," Leah agreed.

"It's nice to finally meet you," Bella said politely.

"It's nice to meet the future Mrs. Seth Clearwater," he teased.

"Oh no, he still talks about that?"

"Not recently, it was Harry who brought it up."

"It would be nice though. What were you doing out here anyway?"

"I, um," she stumbled.

"Too embarrassed? Must have been a guy," Leah teased.

"IwenttoseeJake," she rambled.

"Jake?!" Leah said in surprise, her mouth slack.

"Honey, that's wonderful. I always hoped that the two of you would patch things up," Sue said from the kitchen.

"What's going on?" Sam asked, confused.

"There's a wrench in Seth's plan to marry Bells. We need a little girl time," Leah said before pulling Bella of the couch and back to her room.

Leah shut the door with a soft thump, giving her oldest friend a mock glare. Bella looked down at her hands, waiting for the onslaught of questions to come.

"How long has this been going on?"

"There's nothing going on. I went over to his house to explain things and apologize."

"And what did he say?"

"Not much, I don't know where I stand with him," Bella admitted, her hands rung together.

"I'm not going to lie to you, he wasn't in a good place after Sarah died. My mom would stay over to help the girls take care of of Billy for the first month or so. She said that Jake would wake up crying for you and his mom. I only found out because I stayed over one weekend because Seth was sick and mom had to take care of him."

"I had no idea," Bella said, swiping her eyes with a watery sigh.

"I wanted to tell you but my mom said that she was handling it and that you shouldn't be dragged into it."

"I want my best friend back," Bella said quietly with a sniffle.

"I know. You did the right thing by telling him the truth," Leah said, sitting next to Bella on the bed, pulling her into her arms.

Leah had played the neutral card about the whole Jacob/Bella situation like the rest of her family. She had been friends with Bella for over fifteen years and she had never been that close to Jacob, unlike Seth because of their age difference. This was a time that they would need help to repair their friendship and Leah and Seth were just the two people to do it.

XXXX

Bella missed school on Monday because Edward had been home that weekend and Charlie had been kind enough to allow her to miss school for Senior Ditch Day. Edward had issues with leaving and Bella didn't know what to say or do that she hadn't already tried.

They'd had a long talk Sunday about how his going away to school was a great opportunity for him and that he would have his choice of colleges to choose from.

"You'll apply to the same ones, won't you?"

"Within reason and if my dad can't afford it then I'll find one that he can close by," she promised.

She had never seen him like this. Where was the charming, charismatic guy who had left her less than two months ago? She had tried to keep his spirits up while he was away, even going so far as trying to initiate phone sex a couple of times but he had put a stop to it.

She lay on her bed with his head on her stomach, trying to get as much as she could out of their last hour together until Christmas. Her fingers sifted through his hair which he had chosen to grow out, at least it wasn't as long as it had been when they had first gotten together.

"You don't think that I'm acting crazy?" he asked, his voice a low rumble.

"No, I would think you were crazy if you were acting like everything is fine."

"I love you," he said, closing his eyes as she continued to play with his hair.

"I love you too."

"Alice mentioned that you were trying to mend your friendship with Jacob."

"My dad finally got me to listen to reason. I didn't want to leave for college with him still mad at me."

"Maybe I can finally meet him at Christmas."

"I'd like that," she said with a smile.

"I should go. Carlisle wants to be back early tonight."

He stood up, pulling her with him. She wrapped her arms around his neck as she smiled sadly up at him. He leaned down to press his lips to hers in a sweet, gentle kiss that was over before Bella was ready.

"I'll call you when I get in," he promised.

She brushed her lips to his one last time before letting go of him. He grabbed his jacket from her rocking chair and they walked down the stairs hand in hand. Carlisle was already outside so Edward hugged her tightly before walking down the stairs. Bella leaned against the doorjamb watching the person who mattered most to her drive away and she stayed there until Carlisle's car was out of sight. She shut the door, leaning against it as she got her emotions in check. Saying goodbye to Edward this time had been twice as hard as when he had left at the end of the summer.

XXXX

The week passed quickly and somehow Jessica had managed to talk Bella into going to the football game with her that Friday. Friday was the night that she stayed up late Skypeing with Edward, it was just as well because he had bowed out anyways claiming that he had a study group that wouldn't end until late. So Bella hadn't been able to find an excuse not to go to the game.

Jessica picked her up since she refused to ride in Bella's truck and they planned to grab dinner after the game. Angela stood behind the players bench with her camera hiding her face as she took picture after picture. Jessica found them seats halfway up and gave Bella the inside seat so that she wouldn't have to make a drink run before Ben and Eric showed up.

The game was starting when the guys finally showed up fifteen minutes later.

"Sorry, the line to get in is like a mile long. I got y'all something to drink to make up for it," Eric explained handing Jessica her coke and Bella her water.

"You haven't missed much. They haven't even kicked off yet," Jessica said, moving to the side so that Eric could sit in between her and Bella.

"Thanks," Bella said in gratitude as she opened her water.

She had been smart enough to braid her hair before she left the house because the wind was whipping the hair of every girl around her.

"Bella, will you braid my hair?" Jessica asked her.

"Sure."

Jessica sat in front of her and she made quick work of her hair. She smiled her thanks before moving back to their row. Bella had been surprised to see Eric and Ben getting along so well. Angela had had feelings for Eric before Ben and finally won her over. Granted, it hadn't taken much but Ben had been the one to finally win her heart since Eric hadn't seen Angela as anything other than a friend.

The game was tied at halftime when Angela made her way up to them. The girls talked while Eric went to find Mike and Tyler and talk to them about the game. Ben went to get them all something to drink, and the girls didn't realize that they were being watched from the field.

"What's up with you and Bella?" Quil asked taking his helmet off and shaking his hair to rid it of sweat.

"Nothing," Jacob said quickly.

"You're nicer to her now," Quil observed.

"I understand the situation better now," Jacob corrected.

"Are y'all friends?"

"I don't know."

"Do you want to be friends with her?"

"I guess," he said with a shrug.

"You need to talk to her to be able to do that."

"I talk to her!" Jacob said in defense.

"Saying 'hi, how are you' is not considered a real conversation," Quil said, giving him an even look.

Jacob rolled his eyes with a scoff as the coach called them back on the field. Mike Newton shoulder checked him as he passed but he was able to recover before anyone noticed. He heaved a sigh as he put his mouth guard in and adjusted his helmet before jogging to the bench.

He pushed Bella to the back of his mind. He would deal with Quil later, right now he had a game to win. The crowd cheered as the second half started.

In the stands Bella searched the line of players trying to find Jacob. She knew that he wore the number three because it was Russell Wilson's number but she couldn't see him. Finally she saw him at the end of the line furthest from her. Why did she even care? It wasn't they were that close; not yet anyway.

Jacob started down the field, looking over his shoulder every couple of seconds to make sure that he would be able to line up with the ball. He caught it, nearly stumbling at the ten yard line before being tackled from the right side. Once he was able to get up he felt Tyler Crawley put a hand on his shoulder and heard a muffled 'good catch' before getting back in formation

The ball was tossed to him by Mike and he spun around two opposing players before stepping into the end zone to make the score 27-21. The kicker kept the ball between the posts to give them an extra point and the crowd went wild.

Forks scored another touchdown made by Tyler but failed to win the extra point before the end of the game to bring the score to 34-21. Jacob and Quil met up with Embry and Quil's girlfriend, Claire before heading to the diner. By the time they got there there wasn't much room other than a booth in the back across from where Mike and Tyler sat with their friends, one of which included Bella.

"Nice touchdown tonight, Man," Tyler congratulated him.

"You too."

Jacob's eyes caught Bella's for a fraction of a second and she smiled in recognition. He nodded politely and Seth leaned over him to greet her. She shook her head, still smiling as she greeted him back.

Laughter and loud talking could be heard from Quil and Jacob's table as Mike and Tyler discussed crashing a party on First Beach.

"Do you wanna go? It could be fun," Jessica inquired.

"I have to be home in fifteen minutes. You should go, I'll call my dad and ask him to pick me up."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, go. Have fun," Bella said as she moved to let Jessica out of the booth.

Bella pulled out her phone only to realize that it was dead. She sighed in frustration as she looked over to the group next to her.

"Hey, Seth, can I borrow your phone? Mine's dead," she explained.

"Sure," he said passing it to Jacob who passed it to Bella.

"Your friends bailed on you?" Embry questioned.

"They wanted to go to a party on First Beach and I have to be home soon. I told my dad I'd be home before he left for work," she said dialing Charlie's number.

"Hold on. Jake or I can give you a ride," Quil offered.

"I don't think it's a good idea to offer someone up to do something without asking them first," Bella said sitting the phone down.

"He can give Embry and Seth a ride home then, even if it on the other side of the res."

"You don't mind?"

"I can give you a ride," Jacob spoke up.

"Man, I'll do it," Quil interjected.

"Aren't you lucky? You've got two boys fightin' over you," Cora teased as she placed Quil and Jacob's check on their table.

"I think Quil's girlfriend might have a problem with that."

"Then I suggest you take Jacob up on his offer."

"Time's a wastin'," Quil reminded her.

"Are you sure that you don't mind?" she asked Jacob.

"No. I need to talk to you about something anyway."

Bella gathered her stuff while Jacob paid his part of the bill. She followed him silently out to his car which he had recently finished.

"I didn't realize that you had your license yet."

"I got it last month," he said with a nod opening her door for her.

That was something that she had seen Billy do not only for Sarah but every woman he knew and he had taught Jacob to do the same thing. It was endearing even if had thrown her off for a second. He was quiet until they got to her house. Jacob parked behind Charlie's truck then turned to face her. She could see Charlie looking through the curtains of the front window and she waved him off.

"I was wondering if you could tutor me again," Jacob broached.

"You still need help in English?"

"Mr. Baum says my grammar is making him go prematurely gray and I am also need help in science," he said sheepishly.

"Well, I guess I can help. Why don't you come over Sunday? I tutor Seth in science on Sunday and Wednesday afternoons. Can you come by around two?"

"Sundays are fine but Wednesday are practice days. Can I come over after?"

"That's fine," she agreed with a nod.

"Thanks, I was one more C away from my dad pulling me off the team," he said gratefully.

"I should go inside. My dad's getting ready to leave," she said, gesturing to Charlie who was walking down the walkway.

Charlie waved as Jacob pulled out of the driveway before turning his attention to Bella.

"I thought that Jess was bringing you home."

"She had plans."

"What kind of plans?" he asked quirking an eyebrow in question.

"She went to First Beach with some of our friends."

"Did Newton go?"

"Yeah," she said with a shrug.

"Lets hope that he doesn't cause trouble like he did last time. I warned that kid to away from there," he said with a huff before getting into the cruiser.

"Be safe."

"Before I forget, Alice called for you about an hour ago. Said she tried your cell first."

"It's dead, I'll call her when I get in."

"Make sure to lock up before you go to bed."

"I always do, and I'll turn on the alarm."

"That's my girl," he praised before pulling out of the driveway.

Alice had been more than a little put off that Bella had chosen to go to a game the one night that she couldn't and probably wanted to grill her about what had or hadn't happen. The head cheerleader, Lauren had a habit of flirting with Jasper when Alice wasn't around. After assuring Alice that nothing had happened and that Jasper had opted out of going to the diner with the rest of the team Alice asked her if she'd had fun.

"It was okay. I was confused most of the time since I had no clue what was going on and Eric and Ben were no help."

"Did you go to the diner?"

"I did but everybody I was with either left early or went to a party on the beach."

"Who'd you get a ride with?"

"Jess picked me up but she wanted to go to that party so I found a ride home."

"With who?"

"Jacob."

"Jacob Turner? I didn't think you knew him well enough to let him give you a ride home."

"No, Alice, Jacob Black."

"Huh, interesting," she said with a click of her tongue.

"Not really. We're still getting to know each other all over again. I'll be tutoring him twice a week."

"I'll have to meet him if he's going to be friends with you," she said, dignified.

"Of course."

"Are you still teaching Sethie on Sundays?"

"I am, Jake will be here too."

"I'll come over," Alice announced.

"Just don't distract Seth like last time."

"He's my sweetheart."

They talked for a few more minutes before Bella's phone buzzed. It was Edward, texting her to tell her goodnight and that he would call her the next day when he woke up since he would be up half the night studying. She went to bed and never heard her phone buzz a second time when Billy left a voice mail thanking her for helping Jacob. Her sleep was peaceful for the first time since Edward left.