As I waited on the border for Jacob, I wondered how he would react to my...change. Would he hate me? I know he didn't seem too happy when he heard about what happened. I just had to prepare myself fro what was to come.

I saw a shape running through the trees. I was surprised on how I could see it, but he was a few meters far into the woods. I waited for him, my hands clenched together in worry as he approached the line of trees in his wolf form.

I heard him growl at me and he made a signal with his nose as a way of telling me to turn around. I obeyed with slight embarrassment.

"Ok, Bella, you can turn around," I heard his human self say.

I turned around slowly, still nervous about his reaction. When I faced him, his expression was unreadable. I was afraid to say anything while he looked me over.

"Bella..." was all he said at first.

"Jake..um, how are you?" I tried to make small talk to lighten the atmosphere.

"Fine," he said quietly. "Just fine."

I couldn't take this anymore. "Jacob, I'm sorry you had to find out like this. I just...it happened so fast-"

He cut me off. "Bella, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I don't think I've ever loved anyone as much as I love you right now."

My eyes widened in shock. What was he saying? Did I just go temporarily insane?

"What?" I asked in bewilderment.

"You're so...beautiful. I can't believe it."

I couldn't really think of anything else to say. I couldn't decide if I was flattered, or insulted.

"Is that all? I'm beautiful?"

His face abruptly loosened up, and his eyes grew wide. "Oh no, Bella! That's not all. Jeez, I'm sorry. It just caught me by surprise," he lowered his head.

"Jake," I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around him. I really needed that.

He suddenly stiffened. I pulled away. "Jake? What's wrong?"

"Well...you smell awful."

"Awful!" I pushed myself away from him and walked a few feet away. "I can't believe you , Jacob Black."

"Bella! what do you expect from me? I'm a werewolf. I can't stand the scent of any bloodsuc- I mean vampire." He looked at me.

"Jake, just tell me what you're thinking. I can't stand it anymore," I pleaded.

"Bella...I..." he paused.

I just looked at him in the silence.

"You know I don't like this. I feel like I've lost you. You're technically dead, Bella. Dead. I don't know how to react to that."

"I'm not dead, Jake. I'm still here. I'm still myself. That sounds harsh."

"Well it's the truth! Your heart isn't beating anymore! I don't like it. I love you Bella, and I have always wanted the best for you. Now...you're like this. I just..." he paused again. I was about to break down.

He composed himself and looked at me. "Bella, I still love you. I always will. I won't ignore you, or me cold to you. I just want you to know that I'm not happy about this."

I relaxed. He was mad, but he was still my Jacob. He was still my friend. I couldn't have wished for anything more.

"So," Jacob spoke up. "Wanna come hang out?"

"Am I allowed to?"

"I'll bash anyone who says otherwise." He smiled. I smiled back.