Disclaimer: Nope, nothing has changed.

Check it out. After a year and a half my dad finally admitted that he was a fan of the movies. An Alice fan mind you. We were watching this movie and I pointed out that one of the characters

looked like her. Come to find out it was Ashley Green. My dad's answer was priceless. "The one with the short hair? She's not tiny enough!" I hadn't even mentioned who she was in

Twilight. I also walked into the living room the other day and he was watching Twilight. I always knew he was a fan.

Bella found herself at Jacobs on Wednsday night. Her dad had decided to go over for the game, and Bella decided to tag along. She figured it would be a nice surprise. Jake had been ecstatic when he saw her

come in behind her dad.

"Hey." he said, pulling her into his room.

"Hey."

"It's like you're psychic or something. I was about to call you."

"Why?"

"I have a science project due Friday. I haven't even started."

"You are such a slacker." she said as he handed her the paper that explained what he had to do.

He didn't even have any of the matierials he needed. They were at the store on the reservation a few minutes later. He was pulling her down an isle when they heard someone call their names. They both looked

up, but Jake steered them away.

"Was that..."

"Embry? Yeah."

"He looks like he's doing better."

"He's friends with Sam and his friends now."

"He seems like he still wants to be friends with you."

"I don't want anything to do with him." Jake said, shaking his head.

"Why?"

"Because he's changed. You saw him."

"So he cut his hair. And he got a tattoo. Was he always that muscular?"

"No. He was scrawny a couple of weeks ago. The muscles showed up over night."

"Don't be jealous." Bella said, teasing him.

"Do you see these guns? Does it look like I'm jealous?" he said, putting her hands on his arm to let her feel his biceps.

"You're right. He should be jealous of you." she said as her throat went dry.

She cleared her throat as they headed towards the register.

"Jacob. I haven't seen you in a while." the woman behind the register said.

"I've been busy." he said with a smile.

"Who is this?" she said, gesturing towards Bella.

"I'm Bella." Bella said with a smile.

"Really? I've heard about you."

"You have?" she asked, looking up at Jake.

"Not from me. This is Quil's mom."

"It's nice to meet you."

"You too." Mrs. Ateara said with a smile.

On the way back to Jake's Bella told him about the movie night she had planned with her friends.

"You can come if you want."

"That could be cool."

"Alright then." Bella said with a nod.

The rest of the night passed by too fast. Bella and Jake finished his project just as the game was ending. Charlie stood at the truck as Bella said goodbye to Jake.

"I'll come by and get you Friday after school."

"I can drive. I do have my learner's now."

"Yes, but you have to have an adult in the car."

"That's never stopped me before."

"You're lucky my dad gives you preferencial treatment."

"It pays to be friends with the Chief of police." he said, hugging her.

She held on for a few seconds before pulling away.

Jake stayed out in the yard, until the tailights from Charlie's cruiser were out of sight. Bella had invited him to the movies. Granted, her friends from school would be there. But it was something. He couldn't

explain why he wanted to spend all of his time with her. He thought of her every second of the day. She was the reason he paid more attention in school. The more he paid attention, the faster he got his

homework done. Which meant more time with Bella.

XXXXX

Jacob caught Mike staring at him as he talked with Bella. She was explaining to Mike that the rest of their friends had bailed. Mike walked over to him, giving him a hard look.

"Are you even old enough to see this movie?"

"Bella's buying my ticket." He was going to be nice to the guy, even if it killed him.

MIke let out an aggitated sigh as Bella walked up to them.

"You two ready?"

"Yeah." Jacob said, coming to stand beside her.

Mike looked like he was ready to pass out, so Bella gave him a worried look.

"I'm good, lets go." Mike said once the color started to come back to his face.

The previews were playing as the three of them took their seats. Bella sat in the middle to keep the boys seperated. She hadn't missed the death glares that the two of them threw at each other while in the

concession line. The two of them held out their hands palms up, just waiting for her to grab hold. Like that was really going to happen. She wasn't going to show preferencial treatment to Jacob in front of

Mike. She wasn't stupid. She knew Mike had had a crush on her since the moment he met her. She couldn't believe that Jake would be so blatant or obvious.

Why couldn't she just be friends with them? After eight months of dating Edward, she wasn't ready for someone else. She wanted to be single for a while. Her heart still ached every time she thought of him.

Which was thankfully becoming less and less with every passing day. The only time he made himself known was at night. He haunted her dreams. Every night it was the same. He always left, and she always

pleaded with him to come back. There was no one that she could talk to about it. Her dad understood, but he wasn't comfortable talking about Edward. He hadn't trusted him after what had happened in Arizona.

And Edward and Jacob had forced her to chose between the two of them. She would regret letting her heart get the better of her for the rest of her life.

Mike fidgited in his seat, making Bella look over at him. He had sweated through his sweatshirt, and his hair was stuck to his forehead.

"Are you okay?" Bella asked, getting his attention.

"I don't feel so good." Mike said before getting up and speed walking out of the theater.

"What a wimp. This isn't even scary." Jake said scoffing.

"I don't think it's the movie." Bella said, standing up.

She pushed open the door of the theater, seeing Mike walked into the bathroom at the end of the hall. Jake was right behind her, wondering what was going on.

"I think he might actually be sick."

"He's probably just doing it to get attention."

"Jake, would you stop? What is the matter with you?" she asked, glaring at him.

"Sorry. I'll go check on him." he said with a sigh.

"Thank you." Bella said, raking a hand through her hair.

She sat on the stairs leading up to the arcade with her head in her hands. Jake was beside her, leaning against the railing a few seconds later.

"He says he doesn't need someone holding his hand." Jake said, rolling his eyes.

"Thank you anyway."

"Stop thanking me."

"You won't hear it from him."

"I don't expect to."

"Are you okay? You look a little pale too."

"I probably caught the flu from somebody at school." he said with a sigh.

"I hope I don't catch it. At least you aren't throwing up."

"I've got an iron stomach. I can't remember the last time I threw up."

"Good to know." Bella said with a laugh.

Mike walked up to them a minute later. He looked like white as a sheet.

"Come on Mike, lets get you home." Bella said standing.

Bella didn't want either of them driving, so she drove the Rabbit with Mike in the back. Jake had been smart enough to ask for a pop corn bucket before they left. Mike had thrown up in it twice.

"I'm never going to be able to get that smell out of here." Jake said whining.

"Crack your window. I don't think he got any of it on the apolstry."

"I haven't." Mike said with a groan.

"I'm just lucky that I decided to go over to your house after school. And that I let you talk me into riding with you tonight. That way I won't be stuck in La Push for the night."

"I would have let you stay." Jake said with a sigh.

"I wouldn't have wanted to."

Bella pulled in front of Mike's house, got out, and pulled her seat forward. Mike slowly scooted forward, but couldn't get out. Bella hooked her arms under his armpits and pulled him the rest of the way out of the

car.

"Do you want me to help you up to the front door?" she said, looking him in the eye.

"Yeah." he said weakly.

"I'll help." Jake said opening his door.

Mike leaned more on Jake than Bella, and Bella was grateful for that. Jake didn't complain, as Mike practically draped himself on him as he tried to unlock the frontdoor.

"Give me the key Mike. I'll do it." Bella said, holding out her hand.

She hadn't needed to. Apparently they had woken up Mrs. Newton, and she opened the door before Bella could stick the key in.

"I think he might have the flu. He's thrown up a few times."

"Thanks for bringing him home Bella." she said, pulling Mike into the house.

"You're welcome." Bella called as she pulled the door shut.

"That was an experience."

"Thank you for helping me with him."

"You wouldn't have made it up the walkway with him by yourself." Jake said once they were back in the car.

The ride to La Push was quiet. Jake had rolled down his window, plus had reached over Bella to roll hers down. The frigid night air did nothing to cool his skin. Bella pulled the car around back, and Jake slowly

got out.

"Do you want me to wait until you get inside?"

"My dad's still up."

"What is he going to be able to do? Let me help you to the door at least."

"No need. I can help him." Quil said, coming out of the shadows.

"It's fine." Jacob said, unwrapping his arms from Bella.

"I'll call in the morning to check on you."

"Okay." Jake said with a nod.

Bella waited in her truck until she saw Jake's light turn out, and Quil walk out the front door. He waved as Bella started the truck. She rolled down the window and called his name. He made his way over to her

slowly.

"How is he?"

"It took me and Billy to get him into bed. Then he started complaining about sweating through his clothes. I had to hold him up, plus pull his shoes, pants and socks off. I've never seen him like this."

"Did he throw up when he got in? He'll feel better once he does."

"No he didn't. Billy wanted me to tell you stay away for a few days. Just in case you get it."

"I'm pretty sure that I'll get it. My friend that was with us has it. He threw up in the Rabbit."

"Well I shouldn't get much closer. I get sick really easy."

"I understand. I'll see you later."

"Bye Bella." He said with a smile.

Bella pulled out of the driveway, not being able to shake off the nagging feeling that something was seriously wrong with her best friend. She rolled down her window, letting the cold air cool her face. Her face

was already starting to feel hot. It wouldn't be long before she started feeling sick to her stomach. She would have to make sure to stay away from her dad when she got in. Her stomach was rolling when she

pulled up to the house. This had hit her fast. She felt like crap.

She slowly made her way up the stairs as he dad opened the door.

"Don't come near me." she said, using her arms to keep him away.

"Why?"

"I'm sick."

"Mrs. Newton called and told me you had brought Mike home. You've caught it already?"

"Yeah." she said, gripping the railing as she stood on the bottom step.

"Billy called. He cancelled our plans to go fishing. He had to take Jake to the Emergency Room."

"Jake's that bad?" Bella said, stopping halfway up the stairs.

"Apparently."

"Does he know what's wrong with him?"

"He doesn't think it's the flu. Other than that no."

"I'll call in the morning."

"That was one of the main reasons Billy called. He said he didn't want you calling until he called you. He said he'd call you as soon as he found out something."

"Okay." she said, going into the bathroom

"There's some flu medicine in the cabinet. Take some. I'll get more in the morning."

"Okay." she said opening the cabinet.

She went to lay down in her room, and that was the last thing she remembered.

XXXXX

"Bella?" Charlie asked, knocking on her door Monday morning.

Bella rolled over in bed, glad that she wasn't nauseous. Charlie opened the door sticking, his head in.

"I'm leaving. I wanted to check on you before I left."

"What time is it?"

"Almost eight."

"I'm gonna be late for school." Bella said, throwing her feet over the side of the bed.

"Stay home today. Just in case."

"I feel fine." Bella said, going through her closet.

"Like I said. Just in case."

"Are you sure?"

"That I want you to play hookie? Yeah. Just this once." he said, smiling at her.

"Okay." She said sitting back on her bed.

"Don't leave the house. Just in case you aren't a hundred percent."

"I won't."

"I'll call to check on you later." he said, entering the room.

He kissed her forehead before brushing a piece of hair from her forehead. He walked backwards out of the room. Bella heard the front door shut a minute later. She made her way downstairs and checked the

message board. Her dad had written a short message on the board. 'Call Billy, he called for you Saturday.' Bella was grateful that BIlly had kept his word. She dialed the number quickly as she

searched the refridgerator for something to eat.

"Black residence." Harry said, answering the phone.

"Hey Harry. Is Billy there?"

"Just a second Bella. Are you feeling better?"

"I am. Dad let me play hookey today."

"I can't say the same about Jake. Here's BIlly."

"Hey Bella." Billy said, getting on the phone.

"Hey. How is he?"

"He's really sick. We didn't get home from the ER until eight Saturday morning. You were the first person I called. Jake wouldn't be quiet until I did."

"Dad!" Jake said with a groan in the back ground.

"What does he have?"

"He has Mono."

"How did he get that?"

"He's not saying. Aparentely my boy's got a girl he doesn't want me knowing about."

"I do not!" Jake yelled from his room.

"I guess so. When can I come and see him?"

"I don't think it's a good idea that you come and see him. You can't catch it just by being in the same room. But I don't want to take any chances."

"There's a possibility that I already have it."

"How?" Billy asked, panicked.

"Don't worry, I'm not his secret girlfriend!" Bella said with a laugh.

"I wouldn't have minded." BIlly said with a laugh.

"He didn't have enough money for a drink Friday night. So we shared one. You can get Mono from sharing a drink can't you?"

"I'm pretty sure you can. If you start feeling bad again let me know."

"I will."

"I need to go. Jake's got a doctor's appointment in half an hour."

"Okay. Tell him I hope he feels better. And to call me when he feels up to it."

"I will."

Bella hung up, trying to push the phone call from her mind. She made a glass of milk then grabbed a Nutra Grain bar from the pantry. She was going to veg out in front of the TV. She never got to do that. Her

dad always had control over it. This is what she always did when she was sick when she lived with her mom. She was going to talk her dad about buying a TV for her room.

XXXXX

Jake sat on his front porch, seeing Embry walk through the trees. He hadn't talked to him in over three weeks. Sam had just left, and things were still new. It would be good to have one of his best friends to talk

to. He had tried to call Quil that afternoon, but he wouldn't come to the phone. Embry made his way across the plank and sat next to Jake on the porch.

"You okay?" Embry asked, sounding worried.

"Not really. It hasn't sunk in yet."

"It took me a few days for it to sink in. If it makes a difference I'm glad you were next. Quil isn't ready."

"You're right, he's not. He's terrified of Sam."

"He'll never listen to us."

"No. We'll just have to wait until he turns."

"How do you know he'll turn?"

"My dad says it's just a matter of time."

"How the hell did it happen to me? I'm not even officially Quiluete."

"I don't know." Jake said shaking his head.

"What are you going to do about Bella? Sam said Billy told him she won't stop calling."

"I don't know about that either. She's called twice today."

"Do you think she's suspicious?"

"No." Jake said, shaking his head again.

The two friends were quiet as Billy sat by the window. He had heard the conversation between them. Bella wasn't going to wait forever. Billy didn't like the idea of Jake just cutting her off the way he had done.

There was no reason for Jake to push her away. Just because he was different, didn't mean that Bella would see him in a different way. Sam had been the one to tell Jake to think before he made any rash

decisions. Sam was a smart guy. Billy had never had any problems with him. Sam had been the one to build the bridge in front yard. He had been saying that he would build a ramp for Billy whenever he was

ready. Now that Jake had phased, maybe Sam would feel more comfortable coming over.