DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyers owns these characters. We've only borrowed them for this story.

Chapter 6

Back to Present Day

Nessie's POV

Ever since Jacob and I had that first kiss, it completely transformed our relationship. Being with Jake was as easy as breathing. I loved the way he smelled after a run through the woods. His scent now made my head spin. I grabbed him for one more long kiss.

"Hey, you made me forget why I came in here." I laughed and gave him a wry smile.

"I'm sorry. What's up?" he sat back and relaxed.

"Well, I wanted to see if you spoke to Bella. I mean your mom? Is the trip set? Do we have an itinerary yet?" I nodded.

"Yeah, I think so. Dad's going back later to finalize the details. I think we leave a week from this Friday. Grandfather is going to send word to Zafrina today." Jake had a look of concern on his face. "Hey, what's up? Something on your mind?"

"Eh, it's nothin'just trying to figure out the logistics for when I'm gone." I nodded and let it go but I still couldn't help but thing he was keeping something from me.

Everything had been perfect for us this year. Mom and Dad had built a small apartment above our garage for Jacob. Not only could Jake work on the cars whenever he felt like it, but it also was a nice space for us to get privacy. As much privacy as you can get when your dad can read minds. I remember overhearing my parents one time after my dad almost caught Jake and I in an uncompromising position. I kinda turned the tables on him--much to my dismay…

Mom: "Edward you can't know everything that goes on between them. She's a grown up now, she has her own life. You can't invade their privacy like that."

Dad: "Yeah, I know, but it's so frustrating. I hate to think that maybe she's doing something she shouldn't."

Mom: "but that is part of her being a grown up. If she makes a mistake, daddy can't always be there to help her. She has to learn on her own."

Dad: "Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black Mrs. Cullen? Don't you constantly bug her for information?"

Mom: "Well, yes, I see what you mean but there is one difference." I'm bugging her from the outside to tell me things, you're bugging her from the inside."

The next minute, I was subjected to watching them running around the table chasing each other and giggling like children. I couldn't take any more and so I opened the door. Yucck! They were kissing.

"Ahem. Mom, Dad!" They both turned and bowed their heads with embarrassment.

Mom said "Sorry, thought you would take longer to get back."

"Eww. Thanks for that. Remind me not to touch you for a little while so the thoughts will pass." Dad laughed "Hey, a little respect here huh?"

Over the last couple of weeks, I noticed that Jacob was preoccupied and distracted, and then again today. I needed someone to talk to about this, but as understanding as my parents were about everything, they were still my parents. I thought maybe Aunt Rosalie would be the best person to confide in. I was so glad to find her with Grandmother in the main house, apparently Aunt Alice, Uncle Jasper and Uncle Emmett were hunting. So after a few minutes of casual chat, I asked Aunt Rose if could borrow a pair of boots. She was a little surprised, after all Alice always made sure we had more than enough of everything in our wardrobe, but I think she sensed I wanted to speak with her about something privately.

"Ok, so what's up Ness?"

"Aunt Rose, I don't know where to start, but I do know I need you to keep this conversation from my dad, actually from everyone. Promise?" She promised and I got to the point so I wouldn't lose my nerve.

"The thing is, in the last couple of weeks, Jacob has been acting strange when he's around me-he seems distracted. He told me that he has been speaking with Sam and the pack, and they are getting nervous because he is so far away. Billy is getting older, he doesn't get to see him that much and he feels guilty, especially since Rebecca and Paul have taken on most of that responsibility. He is thinking about moving back to LaPush. I know this is a hard decision for him to make, and I don't want to make it more difficult for him, but this means that we won't be spending as much time together anymore. I know that sounds very selfish, since he never begrudged me when we did things for my family. Honestly, I was actually hoping that after I graduated this year, we'd move in together...maybe even get married." She interrupted

"Um have you forgotten about your dad? If he had all those rules for him and your mom, just imagine what he would think of you moving in with Jacob before you're married." I gave her a look, but I knew she was right. I continued.

"Either way, I am kind of disappointed and I know I am going to miss him terribly, even thought he promises that we'll see each other on weekends. I could deal with that part I guess, but I can't help but think that there is more to it, than what he is telling me." She looked a little concerned.

"Why would you say that?"

"Rose, you know about my relationship with Jacob, how close we are, and how I feel about him. Even though we haven't taken our relationship to that final point, we are at ease with our passion for each other. When he kisses me, I get dizzy from the heat between us. He is so beautiful to me. I feel I could never look at him enough, his skin is so smooth..." She interrupted me abruptly

"Nessie, you are so young".

"Rose, I am practically 18, aren't you 18? I thought of all people, you would understand, but I guess maybe I was wrong to come to you…" I started to leave, but she grabbed my arm and pulled me back to sit down.

"Nessie, I have been 18 way longer than you have, and in some ways I can't help but still see you as a child, I'm sorry. Please go ahead, but skip some of the details, ok?" She made a face. I guess I was revealing a little too much. I laughed a little. Understanding what she meant. Although I wanted to go on, I let my mind wander in details.

Remembering what had happened only a few weeks ago... him leaning over me, taking off his shirt. It was so natural for us. His brown skin was so smooth as it fit over his muscles like satin. The warmth between us usually put me into a haze and I could tell he felt the same way. His eyes were closed when I glanced at him. His face glowing with delicate beads of sweat on his forehead. I kissed him feverishly and then he moved over my body with his hands. I was in another world for a short time. Then suddenly he kissed me again and moved me on top of him with our bodies aligned. I gently pulled away and moved over his torso with kisses all while he had his hands tangled in my hair. He seemed to float away from me only to come back and take me with him. He moved over on the bed pulled me close and looked at me. "I love you Nessie." I beamed back at him "I love you too Jake"…