Unfaithful

Jacob and Bella's house was small and dingy, located on the outside of Forks. It was the house Jacob had grown up in with his father Billy. Bella and Billy had never seen eye to eye, even when he was moments from dying in the hospital. She always thought he knew about the affair, as concealed as it was, Billy always had 'feelings' that something was happening. He knew. He couldn't give Bella that cold shoulder and not know. Jacob always said it was his old age, making him crazy, a bit doo-lally, and was best to ignore it. The house hadn't changed from what Bella remembered; Jacob had great pleasure in keeping up its appearance, just how Billy liked it. She'd visited often when Jacob was considered a friend, so the memory of the house was clear in her head. Their bedroom was situated in the back, windows displaying the dark woods during the cold days. Jacob rested in the bed, not even flinching when the front door gently closed. He heard Bella's footsteps as she slowly walked into the kitchen, probably making herself a coffee. It was just past 9, and she'd been out. Again.

"Jacob?" Bella whispered as the door slightly creaked open, "you awake?"

"Yeh, just woke up." he ran a hand through his short cropped hair, as if to straighten the mess that had been created due to sleep.

The bed squeaked as Bella sat on it, one leg tucked under, the other dangling off the side.

"Sorry I didn't come home," Bella started to explain, "I bumped into Angela in Port Angeles and we got talking." She'd never felt so uncomfortable in her life. Bella really did hate lying, especially to Jacob.

"Thats okay," he replied, "I assumed you'd met up with someone and lost track of time."

Bella wasn't convinced; his voice was low and grumpy. She knew he was angry at her for not telling her where she was. Rising, she halfheartedly walked into the kitchen, preparing the coffee in a mug. She ran a hand through her matted hair, and considered putting a hair band in it to keep it at bay.

"I dunno how you can drink coffee," Jacob yawned, stretching his tense muscles in his arms, "the aftertaste is foul!"

"It gives me a boost"

"And a skanky aftertaste."

Bella sighed. There was never any room for argument with him. Most days Bella would just switch off and nod her head. Most days she didn't have the energy to fight.

"So," Jacob started, "what plans have you got for today?"

Instantly, an image flashed through Bella's head, and she had to stop what she was doing to breathe right.

Edward's eyes never left hers. Her wandering fingers grazed across his slightly toned chest, feeling every nook and cranny that she could.

"I wanna take you somewhere tomorrow," Edward breathed, moving the plush feather quilt down so they could both get inside, "It's my most favourite place in Forks, and I want to share it with you."

"I think Angela wanted to do something." Bella thought quickly. "I might give her a call actually."

"But you just spent the night with her"

"Thats not the point," Bella laughed nervously to herself, knowing it wasn't Angela she needed to call. "What are you doing today then?"

Jacob trudged towards the table, plunking himself down on the chair closest to Bella. "I might go see Quil and Embry this afternoon. Its been a while."

Sipping her coffee, she thought of how to break things with Jake. How could she? They'd known each other for so long. When Bella first moved to Forks back when she was 17, he was her first friend. Her best friend. They did everything together. Heck, he'd even taken her cliff diving a couple times. She loved Jacob, but she couldn't live without Edward in her life. He was like oxygen to her. She felt incomplete without him. Her need for him grew bigger and stronger every time she was away from him. The thought of Jacob's face when she would tell him its over, it ripped her apart. She hated going behind his back and being happy with another guy. But she couldn't help it.

"Ok," Jacob interrupted her thoughts, "I'm off to Quil's house. Have fun with Angela. Tell her I said hi."

"You're going out, dressed like..." her eyes raced up and down his body; his jeans ripped at the knee's and no shirt, "That?"

He looked down, raising his arms slightly. "Whats wrong with this?"

"Nothing, forget I said anything, you go have fun"

"Ok," Jacob shrugged, letting the conversation go, hugged Bella goodbye, and strode out of the front door towards his motorbike. The revving started, as Jacob skidded away into the forest towards the Quileute beach.

She smiled and waited until Jacob was fully out of view to go hunting for her phone. It was killing her, but she needed more time. She definitely wasn't happy with the relationship, and he was none the wiser. How could he know what she was feeling if she didn't tell him? She just felt like digging a hole and crawling into it. Just disappear from the world and just let it sort out her problems. She knew that if she didn't tell Jacob about this whole affair, Edward would get himself involved and cause a fight, which was something she really didn't want to imagine. The thought of either of them getting hurt because of her was just too much to handle. She definitely needed more time. Gabbing her phone, she dialed a number she'd become so familiar with these past six months. Angela Weber. With every ring, Bella's heart beat faster. Angela always took so long to answer her phone, and if she missed it she would always call you back. Bella was just worried about waking her up.

"Hello?"

"Angela, oh thank god, it's Bella," holding the phone close to her ear, the voice of her friend seemed to calm her down dramatically. "Listen, could you do me a favour?"

"Sure, anything"

"If Jacob asks, I wa-"

"You were with me the whole night, right?" Angela signed into the phone. This scene had played out so many times, déjà vu was definitely out of the options menu.

"Uh...yeah."

"Bella this has to end, you gotta pick one." Bella heard Angela rustle in the background, probably getting out of bed to get some breakfast.

"I know, I know, it's hard. I love Jacob, but when I'm with Edward...It just breaks my heart that I have to hurt Jacob."

"So.." Angela already knew the answer to this question, but had to ask anyway, "You've chosen Edward?"

"Yeah, I have. Only thing is how do I tell Jacob?"

"You just," Shrugging, Angela was stalling, hoping Bella had made the right decision, "tell him. I think. Better to tell him than keep him in the dark, right?"

"You're right, it's just...hard. Sometimes I wish I met Edward before Jacob"

"Don't talk like that. Just do what your heart tells you."

Bella sighed. She knew Angela was right; she shouldn't keep hurting Jacob like this, going out all the time and not telling him anything. Since meeting Edward, she became very sheltered, keeping herself to herself. Except for Angela. She always knew what to do, and would always cover for Bella when she needed it.

"You're right. I'm just gonna have to tell him straight out. No more lies. I'm sorry I woke you."

No, it's okay, I don't mind. Just, sort yourself out so we can spend more time together. I miss you, you know?"

"Yeah I miss you too"

"Ok well I gotta go." More rustling, Bella guessed Angela was still getting her breakfast organized; Angela never was one for eating on the phone. "We'll talk soon yeah? Maybe meet up for coffee?"

"Yeah I'd like that. Love you."

"Love you too Bella. Bye."

Then the phone went dead. Angela was right, she needed to make a move. Just the thought of telling Jacob it was over ripped her apart. She pictured his face, and instantly felt ashamed. She never wanted to be a cheater, a liar, a user, but she became one, and there was no going back until she straightened it out. Jacob had no idea, but Edward knew everything, and knew exactly what Bella was going through.

**

The shower really helped Bella relax a little. She'd left her phone in the kitchen so there wouldn't be any disturbances. The soft white towel helped her scalp to breathe as she dried off the moisture that remained in her hair. The bathroom mirror was covered in condensated air, dripping down as her fingers made contact with the cold glass. She didn't recognize the reflection. The bags under her eyes made her look older; much older than her prime. Her hair was in knots, un-brushed and left to dry on its own. The dressing gown she had wrapped round herself clung to her body, the woolen material stuck to the cold drips on her back from her hair. She really didn't want to go out today, but then again, she didn't want to stay in the house for too long on her own. Trudging back into the bedroom, she chose to wear baggy farm-boy jeans and a long sleeve top. She left her hair to dry naturally, letting the curls seep in and flow over her shoulders, knowing he liked her hair like that.

Her phone had 3 missed calls, all had 10 minute intervals between them. Edward had called. Bella wanted more that anything to switch her phone off and have a lazy day, but any day that involved Edward she was more than happy to attend. Raising the phone to her ear, she listened for his velvet voice to speak, hoping he wasn't mad for not answering.

"So, I woke up this morning," He answered, not even bothering with 'hello', "And you weren't there." The humor in his voice was obvious, but Bella still felt she should tell him why she left.

"I'm sorry, you looked so peaceful sleeping there, I didn't want to disturb you." Running a hand through her hair, she paced slowly into the kitchen to make a fresh cup of coffee. No matter what, every time she heard his voice, her heart would race faster that the possible, but she would be as calm as a cucumber.

"When are you free?" Edward asked, "I wanna see you."

"I was going to have a lazy day today,"

"Well have a lazy day with me," Edward pleaded, "I really want to see you."

There was no contemplation with that thought. A day with Edward? Definitely. The thought made Bella smile.

"Didn't you have some place to show me today?"

"Even more reason to see me!" Edward exclaimed, "C'mon, why are you stalling?"

"I'm not stalling," Bella sighed, "Just, give me half an hour."

"I'll be timing. See you soon."

Hanging up the phone, Bella finished the remaining coffee in her mug, and put it next to the sink. She rarely wore make-up, so she didn't have to fuss about mascara or blusher or anything. Her hair was still damp, but she didn't bother to dry it further. Glancing out the window toward her truck, orange and rusted from old age, the smile couldn't be stopped from spreading across her face. Grabbing her phone from the counter, she quickly walked towards the front door, grabbing her keys and shoes in the process. Shutting and locking the door, she placed on her shoe on one foot while hopping towards her truck with the other. It took a while, but the boot was finally on and she had to struggle with the other. Opening the truck door, she leaned against the side of the seat and yanked the other boot on her foot, and clambered into the truck, slamming the door behind her. The engine was old and spluttered to life, but it started none the less. Putting it into gear, she drove off toward Mr Cullen's apartment.

**

His lips came crashing down on hers as soon as she walked in the room. The wait was much more than he could bare, he needed to feel her, taste her, touch her, just to feel alive again.

"I thought you said half an hour." He whispered, his lips brushing against hers.

"Its only been 20 minutes," she whispered, her lips responding in the tactical way his did, "I can go away for 10 minutes if it makes you happy?" Somehow whispering seemed appropriate.

"No, no," he tugged the bottom of her shirt, raising it slightly to get his hand underneath and feel the warm skin of her back "That wasn't a complaint. Though you must really want to see me if you rushed over here so fast." Smiling, he kissed the tip of her nose, and looked into her eyes.

Sighing a reply, Bella wrapped her arms around Edward's neck and hugged him. She felt so safe in his arms; like a shell protecting its pearl. He was just content hugging like this, in the middle of the hallway, taking in her scent. The fact that she was there meant everything in the world to him. Running a hand through her tousled hair, he pulled back, grabbing her hand and moving toward the kitchen. "Would you like some coffee?"

"Yes please."

Leaning against the counter, Bella watched as Edward scurried through the kitchen looking for the things he needed, two mugs, the coffee pot and some milk. After succeeding, he waited for the kettle to boil, and turned to look at Bella.

"So...where are you planning on taking me?"

"Its a surprise."

"Can't you tell me?" Bella walked forward, intertwining her fingers with Edward's and wrapped her arms around his waist, still gripping his fingers with hers, palm to palm.

"Nope," Edward smirked, "You'll just have to wait."

Moving forward, Bella rested her head on his chest. She really didn't like surprises. Knowing Edward, it would be something Magical or Meaningful. Deep inside her, Bella couldn't wait. But also not knowing was driving her insane. The kettle finally reached is boiling point, clicking off and letting all its steam ease out of the gap.

"What did Jacob say this morning then?"

"Nothing, surprisingly," Bella sighed, "He just...brushed his shoulder at it. Then went out to see Embry and Quil." she shrugged. He hadn't really said anything, normally it's all twenty questions.

"So," Edward pressed, "nothing was said about me then?"

"No." Sighing, Bella pulled back and leaned against the counter top, crossing her arms. "I was going to, but, I just can't. Not yet anyway."

Running her hand through her hair, she heard Edward sigh. She had, after all, promised, that she would end things with Jacob. It was just difficult. Extremely difficult. How were you meant to end things with your fiancé? And for someone you only met half a year ago? Though Bella was willing to give everything up for Edward; she knew she was welcome into his life with open arms. She's even met one of his sisters, Alice, and had become good friends with her straight away, unlike Jake's family, who had given her the brush-off at first glance. They'd eventually softened up, but she still felt unwelcome. Hearing the water being poured into the ready mugs, she looked up, glancing at Edward, who had his back turned towards her, one hand holding the counter top, the other stirring the coffee into the water.

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay," Edward replied, "I understand how hard this must be." Pouring the milk into the coffee mixture, he turned and passed her a mug. She wouldn't meet his stare as their fingers brushed against each other, sending a small electric current though both their spines. "Seriously, don't worry. We'll figure something out." Still, Bella wouldn't look at him, she was too ashamed. What would Renee or Charlie say? No matter what she did she would hurt people. She needed a break. Just to get away from it all.

"Why couldn't I have met you first?"

"I...I don't know." Rubbing a hand across his face, he sipped his coffee and moved forward, so he was in Bella's personal bubble. "Now, finish your coffee and go put your wellies on."

"I don't have wellies."

"You do now," Edward chuckled, "Alice dropped them off this morning." smirking, he downed the rest of his hot coffee and placed it in the dishwasher. Turning, he smiled at Bella. She just looked stunned and confused.

"Should I be worried?" Bella asked while taking a gulp of coffee, wincing as it was still too hot for her mouth.

"Nope," Edward beamed, "I told you, its a surprise. Nothing is getting passed these lips until we get there."

"So, you're not mad at me?" Bella asked.

"Why would I be?" Edward replied. Sure, he was upset that she hadn't said anything, but she was in between a rock and a hard place. And pressuring her wasn't making it easier. "I know you'll end it with him soon. At least that's what I hope."

"Of course," Bella reached up to touch his face. His chin had slight stubble on it, but it looked good on him. Tip toeing to kiss him, she held him there for a long moment, reassuring him that she was his and not Jacobs. "I just...need to find the time. He seemed in a rush this morning, so I didn't want to stop him. But I will end it. I promise."

Kissing her again, Edward grabbed her mug in her hand and placed it on the counter top behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Again, he reached under her shirt to connect with her more

"I thought I had to go put my wellies on." Bella teased; her hands groping his hair through her fingers, her lips brushing against his.

"Yeah, in a second. I want to kiss you right now." Edward whispered back.

"Ok, I can live with that." Smiling, her lips resumed dancing with Edwards, content to just stand there, in pure bliss, with her Edward.

Ok, I know, I know, its been a long time since I updated. But seriously, You have no idea what Writers Block I had. Whenever I had a bit of inspo. It would go again. So unfair.

:( Anyway I bet you can tell me where Edward wants to take Bella? Reviews are always welcome and again I am sorry for the long delay.

(: