A/N:

It's three years later….

…...

...Yep, you read that right, and no you didn't miss anything....

...

…just let that soak in for a minute…...

...Wait for it...

…

Okay, I skipped our characters and story forward in time three plus years. Why? I don't know. Why three years specifically? I don't know; why not two, why not 10? Three just seemed like a nice round number, plenty of time for our beloved J & B to grow up and figure out that life can and does go on. So to catch you up - Bella is still in school with Edward, and Jacob is still in Hawaii - both living as separate from their former lives as possible. And about Hawaii, for those of you who may not know, many many Hawaiians use an alternate version of English called pidgin. It has a Creole sound to it and might confuse you a bit but hopefully you'll have fun deciphering it. I can't include everything Hawaiian however, but I felt it was important to add that for authenticity. Also, don't forget to read the A/N at the bottom. I added something special just for you Jacob lovers! MWAH!

Time Flies…

3 years later….

"Happy birthday to you,

happy birthday to you,

happy birthday Dear Jacob,

Happy Birthday To You ! "

[Laughter ensues]

Kill me now…

"Oh come on Jacob, lighten up!" Rebecca said.

A begrudging smile crossed my face, "Ok, yes, you're right. I am a big fat party pooper, but I'm 21 now, Bex," I reminded her. "Dont'cha think I should be allowed to party how I want, with who I want?"

"Nope," she said sweetly. "We're your only family within 2000 plus miles, boy. You party with us and that's that, so suck it up."

"But you said…"

"I know perfectly well what I said and I intend to keep my word. But dad also made me promise to make sure you had a good time with your family and since you're not going home, and refused a traditional Hawaiian celebration, you're stuck here with me and Kimo. That trumps my promise to you. Family first Jake, then you can go party with your weird friends for a night of debauchery and drink till you puke. I really don't care, just don't expect me to clean up after you tomorrow."

Arguing with Rebecca was an exercise in futility but it was fun to ruffle her feathers and I was good at it. And in the spirit of that I think tomorrow I'll drink out of the milk carton right in front of her, one of her biggest and most renown pet peeves.

"It isn't gonna kill ya to have some obligatory ice cream and cake with us," she continued to squawk. "Shouldn't take too long considering how you eat." She was smirking.

"Ho, fo shua brah! Mo betta you do um ahready, bumbai she tell me fo' sit on you o somet'ing." Kimo warned trying to look menacing.

I loved Kimo, he was the brother I always wanted. He didn't speak pidgin all the time but he seemed to prefer it. He was eager for me to pick it up but although I had developed an ear for it I could never master it. Loosely translated he said, "She's right man, better do it before she orders me to sit on you or something."

I smiled knowing that even with his strength and agility I could pin him in 2 seconds, 3 if I'm sick or tired. And he knew it, too. I played along.

"Oh, well, when you put it like that."

"So, open your gifts," she said smiling.

I tried to hide the terror that was threatening to show on my face. Rebecca was usually pretty bad when it came to getting me things. She never got hints and would usually get me the most out-of-nowhere kinds of stuff, but dad always forced me to act grateful, and I just never had the heart to tell her. But today she came through.

"Let's see what we've got," I braced myself for something atrocious and couldn't hide my surprise to see the Sea & Sea DX-2G 12 mp digital underwater camera set I had been lusting over, a truly awesome camera.

"Wow! Oh my God, Bex, I can't believe this is what you got me, I've been wanting something like this. I was saving my money for something like this!" I said excitedly.

"I know, dad also made me promise to try a little harder this time and get you something you'd actually like," she smiled meekly.

"Oh," feeling guilty. "Well I do, I really, really like it! Thanks sis! It's really expensive though. Man, it must have set you back about a …"

"SSHHHH! I know how much it cost," keeping her voice low. She had a point, telling everyone in the restaurant how much your brand new $1000 camera kit costs probably wasn't smart. "And your welcome. You only turn 21 once you know."

"Happy Birthday brah."

"Maholo Kimo, this is just so amazingly generous. How did you ever get her to turn loose of the money? Becca's always been kinda tight." I made a face at her and she slapped my arm.

"Ah, no beeg teeng; sistah get plenny love fo' her kid braddah."

"I know she does, and I love her, too. Well thanks both of you. Now I can finally take shots of my dives and you'll finally stop hassling me about it."

"For reals, I can't believe you've never taken any pictures down there. All those dives and not one pic to show for it. I'm starting to wonder if you really are a rescue diver."

Clearing my throat, "Divemaster now, thank you very much, it's more responsibility," I smiled.

"Fo shua," Kimo agreed.

"Well now I can bring back proof. I can't wait to try this out, man." I held the camera to my eye pretending to take a pic of her and she instinctively held her hand up to block the shot. I laughed because it didn't even have film in it.

"So what are your plans tonight again?" she asked. "In case the police come by looking for you or something, I want to be able to rat you out properly!" grinning kinda mean at me.

"Nice to know you think so highly of me," smirking back. "Oh, same ole same ole. Just hangin with the guys, nothing too insane."

"Oh speaking of insane, your girlfriend called. She was wanting to know if you were going to be at the club tonight."

"Which one?"

"I don't know which one, the club you were at last weekend I think."

"No, I mean which girl."

Rolling her eyes, "Pfft, does it really matter, they're all the same, practically interchangeable. Bleached blonde bimbos with the same overprocessed hair, skin and boobs. I swear, they look like hairy handbags."

Kimo choked on his drink.

I huffed an exasperated sigh and shot her a look. She couldn't just tell me a name, she had to monologue!

"The name, Bex," growing impatient.

"Randa."

"Thank you, geesh."

"Well I can't help it, Jake. I don't know what you see in them. They're vapid and vacuous at best. The most they want out of life is to date the quarterback and marry a doctor or dentist."

"There's worse things."

"Yeah and you don't need any of that, either. It might be time to set your goals a little higher when it comes to the fairer sex."

"I don't think so. I like my goals, and my sex, right where they are," grinning coyly.

Rebecca made a gagging sound. Kimo just laughed.

"Yeah these girls are a little Girlz Gone Wild, but that suits me. I don't like complications."

"Yeah well, there's nothing complicated about them that's for sure."

I made a frustrated face at her.

She shrugged, "Okay, okay, I'm just sayin is all. It's just… I'd like to see you happy with someone. Is that a crime? A little complication can be a good thing sometimes. Nobody's perfect, Jake."

I smiled a little and shrugged, "I appreciate your concern, but can't we just have some obligatory cake and ice cream now?"

She gave up, "Yeah, sure."

For the rest of the dinner we talked and laughed about all kinds of various things but nothing too heavy. We said our goodbyes and then I was heading for Honolulu. It wasn't a very long drive from Haliewa, it wasn't a long drive anywhere on Oahu compared to the states but the traffic was murder.

I met up with some friends, and Randa, and we all made our way to the beach for some after-dinner festivities.

We plopped ourselves down in an out of the way spot only the locals ever came to behind one of the hotels; it was too sketchy for the tourists.

By now, the rest of the crew were either passed out or getting there fast. Some had wandered off two by two and a few were curled up inside big beach blankets as makeshift tents.

"I called you a couple of times, you didn't return my calls," Randa said pouting. She wasn't used to chasing men, they usually chased her.

"I know babe, I just got tied up with work." That was sort of true.

"Work, work, work, that's all you ever talk about. I want to have some fun, Jakey."

Taking another swig of my rum and Pepsi and feeling the buzz I decided to go with the flow. "What did you have in mind."

Uh oh, I knew that look. She got up and with the sound of the traffic and passersby on the boardwalk just over 50 feet away, Randa backed away from our spot and began taking her top off.

"Randa!" I flew up off the sand. Dark or not, I knew full well this was a public beach and she did, too, but the second I got up she continued to back away into the water. The closer I got, the further she got, laughing the whole time. She continued to throw her soaked clothes past me onto the beach until there was nothing left to throw. She finally stopped far enough into the surf so the top of the water came just under her bare breasts. She summoned me with her finger, "Jakey."

I knew this would put us both in a lot of trouble but looked around me and with no one looking I said, "Ah screw it, why not," and stripped down and plunged in after her. She squealed and tried to get away but no amount of struggling would have helped her. Still submerged, I played around with her legs, then tickled my way up and bobbed up right next to her pulling her to me. After a couple of minutes of her pretending to fend me off she gave in, wrapping her legs around my bare back and whispered, "Happy Birthday Jakey" in my ear. Then, one thing led to another, as it always seems to.

Afterwards, she cuddled up next to me on the beach going fast to sleep. This was a good birthday. Just family and friends and special friends, it was awesome. Feeling pretty pleased with myself, I laid there and watched the moon come up over the horizon, still level with the water. I noticed how at this angle the moon's light reflected off the ocean looking like a single unbroken light, like a beacon from the east.

Times like now are the only times I allow myself to think of her. What is she doing? Is she happy? Is she safe?

Dad and the pack come to visit once in a while and they all say the same thing; there's no sign of the Cullens since they left and Bella comes to visit her dad still. So I guess she did change her mind. But I didn't dare let this fill me with relief. I knew she could still change her mind again. As long as they're in her life the danger's always there.

My life here in Hawaii was amazing. I have a job I love, I love the people, the terrain, the laid back attitude, the water, the women. I never considered myself a Don Juan kind of guy, but here I'm like catnip to an entire island full of cats. My sister's disgusted with me and keeps calling me a man-whore, like it's a bad thing.

Hawaii's been good to me. I've got a job I love, the sun shines every single day and women literally fall all over themselves to get my attention…. and what am I doing? Laying here on the beach next to an extremely sexy, beautiful woman thinking about…...

Geez, I'm pathetic.

But watching how the moon's light, as it got higher, began to fragment and sparkle on the water reminded me of the starry nights in B.C., it couldn't be helped. I don't allow myself to think about that too much. It's taken me a long time just to get here, in this place, where there're no monsters or magic.

But there must be some masochistic side to me; a part of me that doesn't want my past life to go away completely, maybe that part of me wants to keep my only link to her. Even if it is one-sided, even if it's wrong to hold on to something that was never yours to begin with…it doesn't feel wrong. It never has.

Randa snuggled up closer to me and I wrapped my arm around her to keep her warm. A bit of her hair had fallen on her face and I tucked it behind her ear. She moaned slightly, stirring a little then falling back to sleep. Although I care for Randa I'm not in love with her. I can't love any of them and it's not like I haven't tried. It would be nice if I could. I keep looking for that certain something and I just never seem to find it.

Maybe Becca's right, maybe there's no such thing as perfect. Maybe a little complication was good. But then again, what does she know about complication. She's never grown fangs.

(Same day, on the other side of the water)

"I can't find my books! I know I had it just a minute ago!"

"Looking for these?" he said, holding my books in the air after finding it exactly where I left it. Edward's arched eyebrow lingered and the smirk I always used to think was so sexy just made me feel ditzy now.

Sighing with relief, "Yes! Oh my gosh, Edward, I don't know how I'm going to be able to keep my head on today. Midterms nearly killed me and now I've got this paper due in social sciences I haven't even started. Plus, I've got to go shopping for your birthday party, plus get to work…"

"Bella! Calm down. You'll find a way to get everything done, you always do. Your paper's not due for another month, so don't worry about it. And in case you've forgotten it's not my birthday, it's my UN-birthday I guess if you had to call it something, and there's hardly a point in getting me a gift. I've told you, I don't celebrate that day."

"I know, and for all of us to celebrate the day you were turned probably seems a little odd to you but those of us who would never have met you without that happening say it is cause for celebration. We're glad to know you, Edward. I'm grateful to have your family in my life."

Edward smiled bashfully. "You humble me," and leaned over and kissed my forehead.

"So which day is the day again? The 18th, 19th?"

"I wasn't really conscious at the time, I was delirious with fever. You'd have to check with Carlisle about that one, but I believe it was January 19th. Anyway, if you insist on celebrating, please don't get me anything. You know all I want is you."

Smiling back, "I know."

Again he kissed the top of my head and made a gesture to leave. "Your father called by the way. He left a message on the machine." Edward had a peculiar look on his face that was so subtle an inexperienced person would have overlooked it. From the front door I watched him walk to his car, turn to wave at me and drive off.

I went to check the message and began to smile as I heard dad's voice. Even though Forks isn't too far from Seattle I didn't get home much, so I was missing him.

On top of going to school full-time at Seattle University, I have a part-time job and I'm constantly volunteering my time and money to whichever worthy cause seemed to need me, which lately has been all of them. It started when I helped out volunteering to a missing children's organization, putting up fliers or just whatever they needed me to do, which then blossomed into helping to organize fundraisers for local charities, which led me to helping out in emergency shelters as a shelter support volunteer. It's actually kind've taken over my life, but I love it, I haven't had much time for anything else. Even for Edward, but I do try.

He knows this is really important to me so he doesn't outwardly complain. Now that I'm older I've become so aware of people and things around me, learning about their situations and getting involved. Mom and dad love that I'm getting so activated. Dad says it reminds him a lot of his college days when everyone's so fired up and willing to take up a cause, any cause. I guess it could be that, it's as good a reason as any. But I think deep down inside, I know there's another reason for it, a much darker - more personal one. Bree is never too far away from my mind when I put up flyers and talk to runaways in the shelters. While she will never come home, maybe someday one of these kids will.

Whatever my motivation, all I know is I feel better when I'm helping, useful. Even in my feeble human state, I found a way to help people.

Dad sounded distracted on the answering machine. The whole message seemed to be about some random things, frankly things that could have waited another time or even the next time we came for a visit but when he finally got to the end I realized the real motive for the call, "…oh and don't forget to call Billy. Jacob's birthday is today and he couldn't make it home, again."

The realization hit, it is Jacob's birthday, I'd almost forgotten. January 14… he's 21 today. This thought put such a bittersweet taste in my mouth that it threatened to bring some dulled emotions to life but I just shook it loose. I'll call Billy, that'll make dad happy and it'll be good to hear a familiar voice.

o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

"Hello?"

"Billy, hi!"

"Bella! Hey baby girl, I haven't heard from you in ages. How's it going with you?"

"Good, just wanted to say hi and wish Jacob a Happy Birthday. He didn't happen to make it in did he?" I knew what his answer would be, but the nugget-sized twinge of disappointment I felt when I heard the answer told me I must have secretly hoped anyway.

He couldn't disguise the disappointment in his voice. "No, he uh, couldn't make it again. I don't know what's with that boy, he hasn't been here in years. It's only when I go see him that I see him at all. I know he's gotten himself a nice little life there in Oahu, but you'd think he could manage a visit once in a while."

I gently led the conversation away from Jake. We talked for a few more minutes about all sorts of random things. I was dying to ask about Jacob and Leah and how that was going, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Suspecting and knowing were two very different things.

"Yeah. Well hey, I've got to go but just tell him I called and I'll try to come by and see you next time I'm home."

"That'd be great, Bells. Take care." I laid the phone down and had to sit down. It was like seeing a ghost. I'd never noticed just how much Billy sounds like Jacob on the phone and to hear him say "Bells" shocked me into silence.

So Jacob's enjoying the high-life huh. Well good for him. I guess I was right after all, Jake isn't coming back. I mean, it's been well over three years now. I suddenly felt real emotional for some reason. How could he just stay away like that? His dad's all alone, and he's crippled, Jacob could at least visit once in a while. What the hell's his problem? I mean so what if there's a feud or whatever with the Cullens and the wolves, they moved years ago. Edward and I are at school, hasn't Billy told Jacob this by now? Just what's the big bad wolf so afraid of? What does it even matter if Jake and Leah are together. Hell, he could have kids by now for all I know. But Billy probably would have mentioned that I would think.

Snapping myself out of it I realized I was really running late now. I grabbed my book bag and left and in my hurry left my cell phone still on the charger. But it was useless to go to class. My mind kept floating around, I couldn't concentrate. I told my study group I wasn't feeling well and left. I could've called from the school but I decided not to call Edward, yet. He wasn't even expecting me home for a couple of hours, so I had some time to kill. No point in needlessly worrying him.

I never skip class, in fact since starting college I've never even been late for a class, I loved school. I've felt more normal here than I ever did in all four years of high school.

I went shopping and did all my chores but I was still restless. I drove around Seattle aimlessly, not really sure where I was going, I just needed to go. Because of how I felt, I decided to get on the ferry to Bainbridge. Not really to go to Bainbridge although it's a nice place. I just liked being on the ferry itself. I would stand outside along the railing and let the cool air blow past me. Sometimes it got too cold, but it was a good way to clear out my head, the droning of the engine and the lulling of the boat was hypnotic. I liked being on the water and getting away from the city lights and traffic, and on clear nights I could star gaze, but as usual tonight was too cloudy; however, the moon was trying to fight its way out giving the clouds a faint glow.

I was just in time for the 8:10 ferry. There weren't too many people on deck this time of night, so I found my usual spot up front overlooking the water. I liked coming out here alone. My days are so filled with doing everything for everyone else, it's the one thing I do for myself. I couldn't see the gulls, but I could hear them in the water as the boat motored past disturbing their peace. A light fog that had yet to reach me was covering the distant lighthouse giving it a lonely eerie look. But it wasn't till my return trip that I noticed where the outline of the fog was compared to the first leg of the trip. The boat and the fog seemed to be having a race as both glided over the Puget Sound. I was amazed at how fast the fog had moved in just that short amount of time.

Then, as if a curtain opened, bright moonlight (the brightest I think I ever remember seeing) came streaming down giving the fog a bluish cast. The moon was nearly straight above me. I smiled a look of surprise, accepting this gift of beauty. I completely forgot it was the full moon tonight. Maybe that's why I'm acting so nutty, I thought, amused.

The moon continued to shine in spite of the clouds threatening to cover it and I just stood in it, mesmerized. I noticed that when the moon peaked through a hole in the clouds there were several colors on the rim of the opening, it was faint but so obvious to anyone who bothered to look. I was seeing a rainbow at night, and I couldn't help but be in awe of it. It's amazing the things you see around you, when you let yourself see it.

I then realized how petty I had been towards Jake. He's done well for himself. He loves his tribe and family so much, I should trust that he knows what he's doing. I felt really bad for doubting him. He'd never desert them, not intentionally. It's just not in his nature to be selfish like that. Letting go of the resentment made me feel better, and allowing myself to think of Jake's true nature made me feel good, too. Unlike before when any memory filled me with pain and anguish, now his memory warmed me, I could feel it even now amongst the chilled mist and wind.

I went home feeling so much more at peace, like myself again. The keys jangled as I inserted the key into the keyhole, but before I could even turn it, the door flew open yanking the keys out of my hand hurting my fingers. It was all a blur, but the next thing I knew I felt a whoosh of air and suddenly being grabbed and lifted up. Before I could catch my breath I felt two cold arms embracing me. Inhaling my first breath of Edward's scent I looked up to see the worry on his face.

"Where have you been?" he growled. "Oh my God, Bella, I've been worried sick!" and he hugged me again.

I was stunned. I wasn't that late; 5...10 minutes at most. The ferry thing was last minute but I'd done it dozens of times before. It was hardly worth this kind of alarm.

"Edward, I…I'm sorry, I didn't think it was that late. I would have called but..."

"You left your phone, I know. I couldn't get a hold of you and when I went to the school they said you just left. I thought…

The look on Edward's face could only be described as…..terror. I haven't seen this face in years and it frightened me.

"Edward?"

"They decided, Bella."

"What?"

"Alice called while you were out. She saw it. The Volturi have said it's time."

A/N: You might already know this but in case you didn't, I wanted to alert you that January 14 really is Jacob Black's birthday! Stephenie Meyers confirmed it. It's no accident that I updated today! *wink wink* Happy Birthday Jacob !

***Disclaimer: The characters setting and familiar situations belong to Stephenie Meyers. References to films or music also do no belong to me. No copyright infringement intended. I'm not making any monetary profit from this.***