"Flight 904 to Jacksonville is now boarding."

I jumped to my feet as I heard the announcement boom across the airport. I rocked back and forth on the balls of my feet anxiously. Meanwhile, Jacob took his time as he pulled himself out of the surprisingly comfortable chair in the waiting area. I grabbed his hand and pulled impatiently.

"Come on. You can be lazy on the plane."

He slung his carry-on bag over his shoulder and followed behind me. I hurried toward the boarding station and snatched the tickets out of my purse.

"Geez Bells. You're awfully jumpy." Jacob commented as we made our way onto the plane. "See, this is why they don't allow children to have caffeine."

"Shut up. I'm just really excited. I haven't seen my mom in forever."

When Charlie gave me the tickets for Christmas, I was practically jumping up and down in excitement.I realize that I'm probably the only teenager on the planet to get so happy at the prospect of seeing her mom. Renée was really more like my sister than my mom, which isn't as bad as it sounds. She really is a good mom, but she was always a little flighty. I think she liked to think she was still in her 20's. Which is probably the reason we're so close; I always was mature for my age.

When I called her on Christmas to tell her I was coming to visit soon, I could tell she was just as excited as I was. I could actually hear her jumping up and down as she squealed. I smiled at the amusing mental image. Sometimes we were a lot alike.

We found our seats near the back of the plane and Jake gestured for me to go ahead and to take the window seat.

"What a gentleman," I teased.

"Hey, don't sound so surprised. I always do gentlemanly things."

I laughed but didn't dispute his words. It was true; Jacob was the perfect gentleman…when called for.

We settled into our seats and I pulled a book out of my purse while Jacob watched the in flight movie. After a few chapters I became bored with my book and stowed it back into my purse. I shifted in my seat and studied Jacob's face as he stared straight ahead at the small movie screen. He had a far off look in his eyes.I could tell his attention wasn't on the movie. I rested my hand on his thigh; he looked over at me and pulled off his headphones.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I'm just kind of nervous," he admitted sheepishly.

Without thinking I let out a short laugh. He frowned at my reaction.

"Why is that funny?"

"Sorry, it's just I've never known you to be nervous about anything. The thought that my mom would be the first, of all people, to evoke that reaction in you is kind of amusing."

He rolled his eyes, but he wasn't mad. "Wouldn't you be nervous if you were meeting my mom for the first time?"

"Yes," I answered without pause. "But I'm not nearly as confident as you are."

After thinking about what I said for some time, I broke the comfortable silence between us. "I wish I could have met your mom. Now I mean, as your girlfriend."

I was surprised at the turn our conversation had taken. Jacob very rarely talked about his mom. It was too hard for him. On one of the few occasions he did talk about her he told me, as tears glistened in his eyes, there were times where he could barely remember her. It broke my heart to see him hurting like that. Especially because there was nothing I could do to truly help him.

"Me too," he answered wistfully, the sadness touching his eyes.

"She would be so proud of the man you've become." Even if I didn't remember her, I knew this without a shadow of a doubt. I turned his face toward mine, softly kissing his lips. "And my mom is going to love you as much as I do. Trust me."

"Thanks Bells. You always know what to say to make me feel better."

"Good. I'm glad. You do the same for me."

I squeezed his hand in what I hoped was a reassuring gesture. Jacob went back to watching the movie so I decided to join him.

"Bella!" my mom shrieked as soon as she saw me. She was waving her arms and bouncing away, doing perfect justice to the scene I imagined in my head earlier.

I picked up my pace and she threw her arms around me, holding me tight once I was within her reach.

"I missed you baby."

"I missed you too mom." She released me, and I took Jacob's hand. He was standing beside me, watching the interaction between us with interest. "Mom, this is Jacob Black."

He held out his free hand and I laughed at what I knew was coming. Renée pulled Jacob into a hug. I could sense his surprise, which made me laugh harder even though I was slightly embarrassed.

After a moment she stepped back and I could see the amused smile tugging at Jake's lips.

"It's so great to meet you Jacob. I've heard only good things."

"It's great to meet you, too. I don't think I've ever heard Bella shriek quite as loud as when Charlie gave her those tickets." He chuckled at the memory and Renée laughed along with him.

On the ride home from the airport she filled me in on her life in Jacksonville. She had a new job as a receptionist at a doctor's office, and Phil had won the MVP award for his team.

We arrived at Renée's house and Phil was waiting just inside. I hugged him and introduced him to Jacob. They shook hands and I tried not to giggle at Phil's obvious appraisal of Jacob. Since he didn't have any children of his own he took his step-father duties very seriously.

We sat down in the living room and 20 minutes later I could tell that Jacob had earned the Phil stamp of approval. They bonded over their mutual love of football. Phil had played in high school, but chose to pursue baseball into college. I suspected that Phil was just happy to finally have someone to talk football with - she hated football with a passion, not unlike her daughter used to. I would have to convince her to give it a try.

I must have zoned out because the next thing I knew Phil and Jake were getting up and talking excitedly about some football memorabilia that Phil had in the garage.

"We'll be right back ladies." Phil said as he and Jacob stepped out the door.

"You're different." Renée said as soon as Jacob was - presumably - out of earshot.

"Different?" I smoothed my hair self consciously. What did she mean?

"Happy." she said simply.

At her words I felt a rush of guilt. I hated that my mom had to see me in my zombie state. It was bad enough to have hurt Charlie and Jacob without adding my mom to the list. I really couldn't believe how unbelievably selfish and self absorbed I had been.

"I am. I'm really happy." I smiled genuinely. I never had to fake my smiles anymore.

"Good. He's a keeper." she said with a wink.

"He really is."

"I like him. I can tell he's good to you." I nodded my agreement. "Not to mention he's totally hot!" She gave me a sneaky grin.

"Oh my God! Mom!" I dropped my head into my hands.

"What? He is. Just because I'm old don't think I didn't notice those muscles." She replied, completely unashamed.

At that moment I heard the front door open, signaling Phil and Jacob's return. I knew he probably heard every word. I groaned in embarrassment. I got up, grabbed Jacob's hand before he could cross the threshold of the living room, and tugged him out backwards.

"Let's go put our bags upstairs." I made a quick escape before Renée could embarrass me any further.

Once we were in our room and other parties actually were out of earshot, Jacob smirked at me.

"I guess you were right about your mom liking me." He stretched out on the bed; his feet hung of the edge and planted flat on the carpet.I lay down on my stomach next to him.

"Oh God. I told you you didn't have anything to be nervous about. I swear she thinks she's still a teenager."

He laughed.

"She's fun."

I rolled my eyes. "Right, you just like it when I'm embarrassed."

"Bella! Are you guys almost ready to go out for dinner?" my mom's shrill voice sounded from downstairs.

"Yeah," I yelled back. "Jacob just has to take a quick shower."

Five minutes later he emerged from the bathroom wearing nothing but a small towel. I watched the beads of water drip down his chest and it was torture.

"Can you stop being so damn sexy?" I muttered darkly, feigning irritation.

He grinned, enjoying my distress, the smug bastard. He whipped the towel from around his hips and I quickly clamped my eyes shut. There was no way I would be able to keep a handle on myself if I saw him naked and dripping wet.

He was even more amused by that if his boisterous laughter was any indication.

After what I assumed was a safe amount of time I opened my eyes again. To my relief - and more than slight disappointment - he was fully clothed.

I changed into a summery dress, undressing at a slow pace, exacting my revenge. I smiled in triumph when I noticed the change in his breathing and the tent in front his pants. I decided to cover up before Jacob had to take another cold shower. I really didn't think I would be able to resist joining him this time.

Finally we made our way downstairs where Phil and my mom were waiting.

"Ready."

The four days in Florida seemed to fly by. I was reminded of everything I loved about cities like Jacksonville and Phoenix; the sunny beaches, the lack of rain, and the allure and excitement of a big city. I was surprised to find that I missed Forks; I had come to love it there. Even though I had my misgivings when I first moved to Forks, it was undeniable that I would not be who I am today if I hadn't relocated to the rainy town.

On our last day Jacob, Renée and I took a walk on my favorite Jacksonville beach. I would miss it here. I would miss having my mom just steps away. She made me promise to email her everyday even though I informed her that my life was not that interesting. I did promise her that I would be back to visit as soon as my busy schedule allowed.

"Are you sure you have to leave already?" she asked for what must have been the fourth time today.

"I'm sure, mom. Unfortunately Jacob and I have school and work to get back to."

"I'm going to miss you Bella." Tears gathered in her brown eyes.

"Don't worry mom. I'll be back. Or you know you could come to Forks." I teased; I didn't really expect her to make the trek out to a town she hated.

Begrudgingly, we finally left the beach and Renée drove us back to the airport. She walked us to security and we said our tearful goodbyes. She hugged Jacob again, only this time he wasn't so surprised and he hugged her back as she told him he was welcome at her home anytime.

I sat at the window seat again and watched Jacksonville disappear, imagining my mom standing somewhere down there, staring up at us. Once I could see nothing but clouds I rested my head against Jacob's shoulder and closed my eyes.

"Wake me when we're home."