AN: Thanks to my girls who reviewed last chapter, you're amazing!

To Lindsey, because she told me about this song way back when (thanks babe).

And to CatieLardin, my Beta who I love!


Chapter 3: Need

Etch this into my brain for me
Tell me, how it's supposed to be
Where everything will go
And how I'll be without you by my side

My hand searches for your hand
In a dark room
I can't find you
Help me
Are you looking for me?

Eve

I finished my phone call just as the bell rang. I glanced over at Bella who was still staring at me like I was crazy.

"Don't look at me like that," I stood, motioning for her to do the same "this will be good for us Bells."

She wrinkled her nose, something she'd always done when she wasn't fond of an idea, but was too much of a nice girl to say something.

"Sure Eve whatever you say." She stood, slinging her backpack over her shoulder. "It'll be good."

We walked together until she turned left and I turned right for our final classes of the day. Bella was off to Spanish and I was headed to Physics.

As I walked into the classroom I couldn't help but groan lightly at the scene that greeted me as I approached my lab station.

Though I was happy for Angela and Ben, I didn't exactly want to be constantly reminded of their happiness.

Even though Angela would never be caught in the middle of a make out session in the middle of a classroom, it was actually the small and gentle touches that got me.

No, they fucking killed me.

I awkwardly cleared my throat as I sat in my seat, pretending to look for something in my bag.

"Eve!" Angela pulled away quickly, shooting Ben a glance. "I have something to show you."

With a kiss on the cheek Ben was gone, leaving just us girls. Thank God.

She pulled out a thick black folder and opened to the back page. "Look at these." She eagerly pointed to the newest additions to her portfolio.

Like me, Angela was a huge lover of photography and was almost always carrying her camera with her.

She awaited my response as I flipped through some shots she had taken over break in the forest, snow covering everything in sight.

"They're amazing," I closed it and handed it back to her.

"Thanks. You know, you're always welcome to come with me to shoot. I miss that."

I cringed at her words.

She noticed.

"I'm sorry, that was stupid of me." She stammered. "Just know there's always an open invitation okay?"

I nodded, giving her a smile. One of the many things I liked about her was the fact that she didn't press for information or offer false sympathy.

She tried her best to keep things normal.

And god only knows I needed that.

Class started and, as always, I tried to consume my thoughts with equations and formulas.

Once that class was dismissed, I silently walked the halls to my last one of the day.

I have no idea what possessed me to take Italian, but the challenge proved to be somewhat of a lifesaver.

The harder the subject matter was, the more focused I became.

Unfortunately there were two downfalls when it came to this class.

And they just so happened to sit right in front of me.

Jessica and Laruen, two girls who I've known all my life, had been treating me like the plague since my sister moved into town.

I never understood their reasoning and I honestly didn't want to know.

If they were jealous of Bella then that only made them look like idiots.

Bella was my sister. She was family, so of course I was going to be spending more time with her when she moved in with me and dad.

Our living situation had always been rather simple thanks to our parents.

Neither Charlie nor Renee were complicated people, so when they decided to get divorced, the solution was rather simple when it came to what would happen to Bella and I.

It was agreed that I would live with dad while Bells moved with mom to Phoenix.

We would alternate summers and Christmas break, but that was about it.

As much as I loved seeing my mother, I was a total daddy's girl. He and I were so much alike, so those few weeks away weren't my idea of fun.

But when Bella was with us? Oh there was nothing better.

We did this for about ten years until, one afternoon almost two years ago, we got a call from Bella asking us if it would be okay if she came to live with us…permanently.

Dad was beyond thrilled at the thought of having both his daughters living with him again and so was I.

Bella and I started our sophomore year and were pretty inseparable after that.

That is until they breezed into town.

For weeks there was talk of the illusive Cullen's moving to Forks.

I had no real interest in them…until I laid my eyes on him.

I was a complete goner the second I sat beside Jasper Hale in my English class.

He was sweet, inhumanly gorgeous, and after a few weeks of giving me odd glares became the object of my obsession.

Bella was not so fortunate.

We didn't know it at the time, but both Edward and Jasper had a desire to kill us the first time they met us.

Fucking romantic isn't it?

Still, even after they opened up to us and confessed what they were, Bella and I still stuck around.

We were young and in-love.

More like stupid and full of lust.

After the Cullen's accepted us into their circle, they quickly became like a second family to us.

Dad of course was a bit skeptic of us dating these new boys, but there wasn't much he could do about it.

Things were great, until that tracker James rolled into town.

That's when all hell broke loose.

I suppose that should've been my first warning.

Vampires and humans don't really mesh well together.

After being on the run, Bella nearly being killed, I came to realize just how much I took my life for granted.

The night we came back from running I gave Jasper everything.

We had sex and I thought we'd be together forever.

Hell he even promised me that himself.

Fucking liar he turned out to be.

It was all perfect after that, until the night of our birthday.

Feeling myself drifting as our teacher droned on I couldn't help but think what would've happened that night at the party had Jasper attacked Bella.

If he killed her would I still love him?

If he attacked me instead would I still be with him right now?

If we both died that night what would they had done?

"I'd provoke the Volturi,"

I snapped my head up, looking around the room with wide eyes. No one noticed being as I sat in the back, but it still scared the shit out me.

I glanced around again, the sound of Jasper's voice floating in my head.

About to call myself insane, I realized that this was part of a conversation we had one time.

I don't know how we had gotten on the topic of death, but I somehow asked him what would it take for a vampire to die.

He ran through the not so long list of things, the last one being something about the Volturi. They were apparently some royal clan of vampires in Italy who ruled the vampire world.

It sounded like something out of a horror flick, but Jasper took it very seriously so I stopped making fun of him.

But now that he was gone I could do whatever the hell I wanted to.

If I really wanted to I could sleep with every guy who stares at my ass when they think I'm not looking.

But I won't.

Of course not, I'm still too wrapped up in Jasper to even think of doing such a thing.

Though he's long gone a part of me feels that being with another guy would be like cheating on him, turning back all that we shared and had together.

God, I was such a fucking sucker sometimes.

I remained focused as much as I possibly could without thinking about Jasper and all the what if questions.

None of it mattered anymore, so there was no reason for me to sit around and think about something that would never happen.

"And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what will be on your exam on Monday."

Oh, fuck. I looked around, everyone putting away their things, and sighed. Shit, I had done exactly what I wasn't supposed to do again!

I had drifted for far too long and now I had just missed the review for our upcoming test.

Fucking perfect, could this day get any worse?

"Hey Eve," I glanced up. Guess I spoke too soon. "Can we ask you something?"

I nodded, but continued walking towards the door.

Jessica and Lauren were right behind me. "So, Lauren and I were wondering if you wanted to come out with us this weekend."

I stopped, turning to look at the girls with a curious expression. "Are you serious?"

They laughed. "Of course silly, we miss our girl's night out. Remember those?

"Yea, that was a long time ago though." I don't think I had spent a night out with those two in almost two years.

Like I said, when they came into town everything and everyone sort of faded into the background.

"Well no time like the present, right?" Jessica eyed me with a hopeful expression in her eyes while Lauren twirled a lock of hair around her finger like she didn't really give a shit.

"I'll see. I have to talk to Bella about it." If I was going to go someplace you better believe I was going to be bringing my sister along. She needed a night out more than I did.

"We didn't say she could tag along," Lauren practically spat at me, rolling her eyes "I told you she wouldn't come Jess. She's still hung up on Jasper. I mean come on Eve, the guy left you four months ago. Shouldn't you, I don't know, get a life?"

Okay, now she was taking it too far.

"Look, you don't have a fucking clue what you're talking about alright? If you don't want my sister to join in your little love fest then you can count me out as well. I personally wouldn't want to sit around with you Lauren. It'd be such a waste of time."

I turned away from her so that I was only looking at Jessica. "Maybe one of these days you can come over and you can hang out with Bella and I. Maybe not today, but at some point we'll be ready. Would that be alright?"

"Sure Eve, just call me okay? I really miss hanging out with you."

I nodded, turning and exiting the class as fast I could. I could feel my hands shaking as I walked down the hall, avoiding the glares people were shooting my way.

I didn't care.

I didn't have time for them.

Bella was at her locker, slowly throwing books into her backpack by the time I got to her.

"What's with all the books Bells?" I asked, swapping the one I didn't need for the ones I did.

She shrugged one shoulder. "I need to stay busy all weekend."

"Right, guess that makes sense."

I didn't even know why I had asked her. I already knew the answer. It was always the same when it came to my sister.

I hated seeing her like this, a former shadow of herself.

"Ready?" I shut my locker and offered her my arm. She silently accepted it, looping hers through mine as we began walking towards the parking lot.

We have been like this since we were younger, especially when one of us was in need of moral or emotional support.

And the two minute walk to the car was extremely nerve-wracking to Bella. She hated it when people stared at her, making her the center of attention.

I tried not to let it get to me, but it was no walk in the park.

People could be cruel even when they weren't saying anything. They just looked at you.

Fuckers, they needed to get a life.

Was there honestly nothing more interesting than standing around and watching me and my sister zombie our way through life?

We reached the car just as a light sprinkle began to cover the ground. I sighed, watching as the water splashed on my baby.

Out of all the cars in this lot, I had to have the oldest one.

But mine probably ran way better than any of theirs.

We got in quickly, me starting the car as soon as Bella had her seatbelt on. I knew she didn't want to be here any longer than I did.

We were off, the sound of my engine purring as we made our way through town.

As we drove by our house, Bella glanced over at me. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

I waved a hand at her, turning the radio up a fraction so that it hummed softly in the background.

Bella, even though she wasn't fond of music, didn't say anything.

As long as it wasn't a love song she was okay with it.

Which is why Linkin Park was what we usually listened to. That and they were a band who I completely adored.

It didn't take long to reach our destination, the house being only ten minutes or so outside of town.

"Do you know where you're going?" Bella stared out the window, her eyes flickering around.

"I'm pretty sure." I hadn't been out here in almost two years, but I used to spend nearly every day here when I was younger.

God, what I wouldn't give to go back to those days when everything was so simple.

"There it is." I pointed out the small red house to the right of us as I pulled up and shut off the engine.

I was about to step out the car when I felt my sister's hand on mine.

"Are you sure he won't be mad that we're here?"

I gave her a knowing look. "Are you kidding me? Jake never gets mad."

"But what if he starts asking questions Eve? You remember that story he told us that day on the beach."

"Yea, and? Bella, I'm pretty sure the last thing on Jacob's mind is going to be our recent break-up."

"Are you sure?"

"I promise. Now come on." I nudged her and the two of us exited the car.

Walking up the ramp to Jacob's house brought back a lot of memories. I could practically hear dad and Billy laughing and arguing over baseball while Jacob and I ran around outside.

I knocked on the door, Bella and I standing there for a good two minutes before it slowly opened.

I smiled, looking down at Billy Black. I hadn't seen him in years and he was a sight for sore eyes.

"Well well, if it isn't the Swan girls." His wise eyes held excitement and what almost looked like relief when he saw us.

I instantly wrapped my arms around him. "I've missed you." I blurted, feeling like a complete idiot after.

He laughed, deep and throaty. "I'm still dancing Evelyn."

Bella wasn't as affectionate with Billy, the two of them not really knowing each other all that great.

"Is he home yet?"

Billy glanced outside almost like he was listening for something. "He should be here soon. Come in girls." He backed his wheelchair up and we followed him inside.

I never knew why Billy was in a wheelchair to be honest. Ever since I was kid I remember him in that chair. It never drained his spirit so I never thought much of it.

Crossing the living room, Bella and I sat on the couch as Billy initiated some small talk while we waited.

I glanced around the living room, not even remembering when the last time I was in this house. It hadn't changed all that much. In fact everything looked exactly the same.

Sure it was small, but it was charming and it felt like home.

This used to be my second home, me and dad almost always spending our weekends down here.

Billy asked us about school and Charlie, but was wise to not mention Jasper or Edward. He of course knew, Charlie and him being best friends, and I was thankful he didn't say anything. Billy used to get this weird look on his face when he mentioned the Cullen's and I didn't want to have to deal with that.

In the midst of talking, the front door swung open followed by a loud, deep voice floating from the entryway.

"In here Jake," Billy smiled at us "you have some visitors."

"Who the hell would be coming to see me…" the question trailed off as soon as he stepped foot in the room.

I glanced up and I could practically feel the air rushing out of my lungs the second my eyes met his.

I blinked twice, shaking my head as I tried to rid my mind of the thoughts that immediately ran through it when I saw him.

Things I should not be thinking about, a boy who had been one of my best friends until they showed up.

"I knew that car looked familiar. Shit, get over here Eve!" Jacob grinned at me, his arms awaiting me as I slowly stood up and walked over to him.

He pulled me in tightly, crushing my body to his as he held me there for a few seconds.

It felt amazing to be with him again, the pain dissipating a fraction.

I knew right then that this has been the right choice. That coming to see Jacob would be beneficial to me and Bella.

Bella, right, this was about her.

"Jake," I pulled away from him, his smile still in place "you remember Bella?"

Jacob

Staring down at the girl in front of me I couldn't believe it. It has been…well shit I don't even know how long since the last time I had seen Eve and her sister. And now they were sitting on my couch waiting for me.

I glanced over Eve's shoulder and found Bella sitting there, her brown eyes meeting mine.

I felt my smile drop when I took a good look at her. Bella had always been so full of life, but now she looked dead. She was pale, her eyes lifeless as she just stared at me.

That's when I remembered what had happened to them.

Those guys they had been dating, from one day to the next, got up and left them. They left Eve and Bella behind like they were garbage, like they didn't matter.

Fucking idiots, how could they do that to them?

Shit, they looked bad. I glanced down at Eve again, seeing that she had lost a lot of weight and there wasn't very much light in her eyes anymore.

This wasn't the girl who I had known all my life.

I ran my hands up and down Eve's for a second before heading over towards Bella, offering her a smile. "Bella," I sat down beside her, wrapping my arms around her before should could answer me back.

I held her tightly, too tightly apparently because she tensed after a minute or so.

"It's good to see you Jacob." She mustered a small smile, but there was no real happiness behind it. I felt my heart clench when I saw that.

It was clear that this break-up hit Bella ten times harder than it did Eve. I knew Eve; I knew that she was a strong girl, but Bella was a bit more fragile.

She was a compassionate and shy girl. No wonder this was taking a bigger toll on her than Eve.

Well, if they had come all the way here to see me, then I wasn't going to let them down.

If they wanted me, I'd attempt to build them back up.

They, after all, were my friends.

That and the fact that the second I saw Bella I felt that annoying flutter in my chest, I knew that I still had a thing for her.

Ever since she moved back here, I always held hope that she would come when Eve came to see me.

But once they came into their lives I barely saw them anymore.

And now they were both broken, they were beautifully broken.

"So," I turned around to look between the girls "what brings you lovely ladies to my neck of the woods?"

Eve sat down beside me, the three of us smashed together on the couch, and patted my arm lightly. "We're looking for some light Jake."

Her honesty came as no surprise. Eve had always been a very blunt and honest girl.

"Well you came to the right place." I snaked my arms out and wrapped them around each girl.

"Well I'll leave you three to catch up. It was good seeing you girls again." Dad waved at us before heading down towards his room.

After he was gone I glanced between the two girls. Eve was leaned back with her eyes closed and head on my arm, while Bella sat with her hands in her lap and a nervous look on her face.

These girls were like polar opposites of each other.

Even going through the exact same thing they seemed to be handling it very differently.

There was no doubt in my mind that each of them loved these guys beyond words, I had seen it firsthand that night I saw them at the prom.

Their love for them was unlike anything I had ever seen before. It was like they were fucking glued to their sides or some shit.

I always had a bad feeling about the Cullen's, and just looking at these two girls, I knew that I had been right in my assumptions.

They weren't good. They practically destroyed Eve and Bella.

Well, fuck, I couldn't let them fall deeper into their depression. I just couldn't.

I didn't have much experience with dating and break-ups, but I was going to try my damnedest to help them in any way they needed.

I looked between them again and thought about how I was going to about this.

Eve looked pretty messed up, but it was Bella's lifeless eyes that drew me in towards her.

She would need me the most.

"So Bella," I turned, moving my arm away from Eve "what do you feel like doing?"

She knit her brows, confusion written all over her beautiful face. "What…what do I want to do?" She seemed shocked that I was even talking to her.

"Yes, well both you girls?" I tried to save myself, make it seem like I wasn't favoring Bella over Eve. Not like I would need to. Eve wasn't that kind of girl and I doubt that she would be jealous, especially during a time like this.

I'm sure a relationship was the last thing on their minds.

So I would have to make sure that it would have to be the last thing on mine too.

The last thing I wanted to do was scare them off. I honestly don't think I could handle that.

I wanted to help them, not break them any more than they already were.

"Um, Jake, I don't know. I mean…well, this was Eve's idea. I just came with her because she's my ride."

I bit back my laugh. God, she was cute when she stammered. Even if she was pretty much telling me that she didn't exactly want to be here.

"Fucking hell Bella," Eve leaned forward and smacked her on the arm.

And for the first time since I'd been sitting here Bella cracked a genuine smile. It was small and lasted all but a moment, but it was still better than nothing.

"As hot as a catfight would be in my living room I don't think dad or Charlie would approve of that. So what do you girls say? Want to get some pizza and do some catching up?"

Bella's innocent eyes widened and Eve rolled hers at me.

Smirking, she gave me a knowing look. Well it was more of a silent request for something.

After a minute I finally understood what she meant.

"I mean, you girls can listen to everything I've been up to."

That seemed to placate them because they both were on their feet in an instant.

I guess they were more eager than I thought.

"Shall we?" I stood as well, Eve taking off towards the kitchen.

Leaving Bella and I alone in the living room I felt nervous all the sudden.

Shit, this was not a good thing.

I must really like this girl if, when the first time I see her in almost a year, I was acting like a complete fool around her.

I shook my head, clearing my mind of every Bella thought and fantasy.

She didn't need some guy chasing after her, not with everything she was going through.

I gave her what I hoped was a friendly and not perverted smile and held my arm out for her to take.

She took it after a second, slipping her pale arm through mine.

God, she felt good.

Fucking hell was right.

If I was going to do this I was going to have to get my priorities straight.

Bella was my friend, my very broken friend.

Not only that, but she was the sister of one of my best friends.

All in all, Bella was off limits in every romantic sense.

Which, shit, that was going to be easier said than done.

So what did you think lovers? Got some more background information, but more importantly we got some Jake!

Your review are love and always appreciated!