Hello again lovely people. Lets hope this time around, FFn doesn't fail on us, and everyone can actually leave reviews (like TotallyObsessed82)

anyways. there's some interesting developments to say the least in this chapter.

HUGE thanks to Bliltxgirl for betaing this despite having had a looooong day.

I'm dedicating this chapter to TheSpoiltOne who knows way too fucking much about me, and guessed a lot of this without many hints.

Enjoy!

Bella POV

No one was talking. Save for Alice, who was now giggling uncontrollably at the scene unfolding before her. I turned to Alice and seethed, "This is exactly why I don't date. I told you an arranged marriage would suit me better!"

"Bella! An arranged marriage? Really now," scoffed Rose. "You know that would never fly."

"Well…" I replied. "It would be easier than this bullshit."

"You aren't seriously dating this fucknut, are you?" James asked.

"Watch who you're running your mouth about," snapped Jasper from the porch.

"I just can't handle this," Embry was shaking as he walked away.

"Bella, tell me you aren't really dating him," pleaded James.

"What does it matter to you?" I snapped at him.

"Darlin', let's go to dinner and deal with this jackass later," said Jasper as he moved towards me.

"Don't you dare touch her," James growled.

"Whoa. Both of you, back the fuck up, right now," Rosalie commanded.

"Rose," I warned, quietly.

"No. Bella, I'm doing this. Dumb and Dumber here obviously have issues with each other. I don't know why, since they are seeing each other for the first time right now. I want to know what it is." Rose turned her attention back to the guys. "Who wants to start?"

"My only issue is that this douche is getting in the way of me taking my girl out to dinner," said Jasper.

"You shouldn't have said that," warned Alice. I was surprised she had stopped laughing long enough to get a full sentence out.

"What?" Jasper asked, completely oblivious."It's the truth. She's my girl, and I want to take her out. He's just getting in my way."

"Don't say I didn't warn you," said Alice, as she made her way into the house.

"Alice, where are you-" I started to ask.

"Getting popcorn," she replied. "This is getting good."

"Alice!" I sighed loudly, but it was no use.

"I still don't see what the big deal is sweetie," Jasper said as he moved closer, reaching out to wrap his arm around my still rigid form.

I put my hand up to stop him. "Stop right there. Don't even think about touching me." Now was so not the time.

"Finally you start making some sense, Bella," called James.

"What the hell?!" I shouted, exasperated.

"Now you've done it," shouted Rose. What was it with my supposed best friends and their less than helpful commentary today?

I made my way back to the porch while the two idiots stared each other down. I plopped on the steps in front of Rose and Alice, and placed my head in my hands. I would never understand boys.

"Afraid I'm too much man for her? Is that it, fucknut?" James taunted.

"That is no way to talk in front of a lady," admonished Jasper. "What would your mama say?"

"Oh, I get it. You're afraid that you aren't man enough for her," James responded.

The two guys had been moving closer together with each uttered taunt. Jasper lunged at James, knocking him off balance. They tumbled to the ground; Jasper ended up on top of James, and swung wildly. James, clearly having more experience, was able to block Jasper's punches.

"Is this really necessary?" I asked no one in particular. Rose and Alice were too busy drooling over the display of machismo.

"Oh yes," said Alice. "Totally and completely necessary."

"How long until one rips the shirt off the other?" asked Rose.

"I'd give them another minute or two," Alice replied.

"Ladies, really? Does no one else see the insanity in all of this?" I replied.

"Insanity, no. Hotness in the form of masculine aggression? Ohhhh yes," sighed Alice.

"Oh, there goes his shirt!" Rose clapped excitedly. "Damn, he's ripped."

I looked back to the guys who were still rolling around in the grass, and sure enough, Jasper had managed to rip James' shirt most of the way off.

"You just can't wait to get me naked, can you?" grunted James as his fist connected with Jasper's nose.

Jasper pushed James off him and wiped the blood from his face. James was starting to get up, but Jasper swung his body around, and kicked James in the chest knocking the wind out of him. I couldn't take any more. I made my way from the porch, getting as close as I dared. I certainly wasn't going to let either of them hit me, even on accident.

"BOYS!" I yelled. "Stop fighting right this fucking instant! Bleeding all over the yard won't prove a damn thing. Jasper, you can get cleaned up in the bathroom in the back of the house. James, you can use the one in the hallway."

They both just stopped and stared at me. "What are you waiting for? GO!" I admonished.

Hayley POV

"Wow… Mum… you had boys fighting over you. Look at you go!" I commented. I could hardly believe this; it was so unlike her.

"I know," she said, shaking her head. "Boys are like that though, fighting over anything and everything."

"Must have been fun to be the center of attention though," I said.

"Looking back, it was, but I was so damn annoyed at the time. I had no idea what their problem was with one another."

"Well, you can't leave me hanging there. What happened next?"

"I went back in to the house, and helped them both get cleaned up. Not at the same time mind you. They weren't allowed in the same room the rest of the night."

Bella POV

"James, I'd say it's good to see you, but what the hell is going on?" I needed an answer.

Jasper swore, a little too much, that he'd never seen James before. Frankly he was acting like a petulant child, so I left Rose to help clean him up. Alice was running interference with Jake, who was less than happy about the whole situation.

"Bella," he began. "You wouldn't believe me even if I told you."

"Try me," I said.

"Well, I was in Atlanta a few weeks back," he paused. "Fuck, this whole thing is so absurd, but I saw Jasper while I was there."

"What do you mean by you saw him there?"

"Well, remember when I told you about my bar experience…" he trailed off.

"Yea, you went into one called Bulldog, which was a gay bar, and not the one you were supposed to be at? Did you ever find the right bar?"

"Well, no, we rescheduled that meeting, but, okay, so Bulldog..."

"Yes… the gay bar. What about it? I thought you didn't stay that long?" I was trying to put the pieces together but it just wasn't working. "James, fucking just spit it out."

"Well," James hedged, again. I pressed harder than necessary on the cuts on his abs. "FUCK that hurt woman."

"Sorry. Spit it out and I'll be nice," I spat. This was getting really annoying.

"Okay, as I was waiting for the guy I was supposed to be meeting, he approached. He was nice enough, just chatting. Asked if I was new to the area. I didn't think anything of it. Then this really big guy came up behind him, I think he said his name was Emmett. Anyways, Emmett wrapped his arms around Jasper's waist and told him to stop scaring the fresh meat."

"Wait… are you trying to say that he hit on you, in a gay bar?" I asked, disbelieving.

"YES. Christ woman, I knew you wouldn't believe me," he huffed.

"Wait, describe the "big guy" again," I asked. I had to know. Something seemed off with Emmett when we met, but the Emmett I met could give Schwarzenegger a run for his money.

"He was really tall, very muscular- like a body builder. He seemed very masculine, until he talked. He had this air about him, that I don't know how to describe, but yea," he finished shaking his head.

I was laughing, "James, you mean to tell me, that Emmett and Jasper are an item? Oh that explains so much."

He looked at me, shocked by my reaction.

"What?" I continued, "Jasper was so defensive when I asked if you two had met before. He was texting Emmett while I was trying to clean up his face. You got a good shot in. The texts Emmett sent in response confused the hell out of me, well, until now."

"So, you're just going to laugh about this?" James asked.

"Yea, what else can I do? It's not like I can change it, and I'd rather know now, than weeks or months, or even years, into some kind of relationship," I stated.

"Okay, I get that, but you don't want to let me go back and beat the shit out of him?" he asked, hopeful.

"No, James. I don't. Care to explain something else to me?"

"Depends on what it is Bella," he said.

"What's your deal with Embry too? Every time you two see each other, you both bristle, like you can't stand the sight of each other."

"If you don't know the answer to that one, I can't help ya Bella. You should ask Embry if he concerns you so much."

"Fine, James. Thanks for telling me about Jasper. So how does it feel, being wanted by a man?" I teased.

He rolled his eyes, "Not going there. Hey, you got a place for me to crash?"

"You really didn't think this through, did you?"

He looked a little sheepish, and shook his head.

"Well, depending on what Jasper decides, you can stay here, or you can stay with my Chief of Police father – who has multiple guns in the house," I offered.

"Know any camping spots?"

I laughed, "I don't blame you. Your other option would be the bed of my truck, or taking your chances here with Jasper."

"I think I'll rough it in your truck until Jasper leaves."

"Suit yourself. And please, don't get in any more fights," I sighed, "I'm going to go talk to Jasper."

Hayley POV

"You've got to be kidding me, Mum!" I exclaimed. "Jasper is GAY?!"

"Well, not exactly," she hedged. "I'd say confused is more appropriate. By anyone else's standards, he's gay. By his standards, he's bisexual. Basically, he wants to have his cake and eat it, too. Though I'm not sure he's ever actually tried to eat the cake."

"What was his explanation for Emmett then? How'd he respond to being outted?"

"He denied it up and down. Actually, it got a little creepy at one point. He was going on and on about how we would be perfect together in some future thing, but he wasn't sure yet, and wanted to explore other options, which apparently included men." She laughed as she explained it.

"Wow. I just, wow, Mum. That is something else." I shook my head. "Did he stay around after that? What happened?"

"He left the next day. He was spouting some shit about me regretting this decision, and when he didn't shut up, I slapped him."

"Way to go, Mum. So what happened with James now that Jasper was out of the picture?" I asked.

Bella POV

"Guess what tonight is?" Alice asked excitedly.

"I don't know Alice, why don't you tell us," I said rather unenthusiastically. The week was starting to weigh on me. After Jasper left, James and I had spent some more time together, and Embry had refused to talk to me.

"Bella! At least pretend like you care. Your girls are all so excited," she admonished.

"Okay, fine, Alice what is tonight?" I asked with mock enthusiasm.

"It's the bonfire night!"

I groaned, "That's tonight? Damn it."

"Why?" Rose asked. "Have something more important to take care of?"

"No, I was just hoping I would get a chance to talk to Embry. As much as I hate to admit it, I'm starting to miss having him around."

"Aww, Bella has a little crush on Embry," sighed Alice. "That is so sweet!"

"What? No. I just... he's a good kid, even if his intentions are misplaced," I said. "Besides, we all know Jake is shit when it comes to starting fires."

"I can help with the fire," James said, startling me as he walked up to the table Alice, Rose and I were sitting at. "Anything else you ladies need?"

"Nope, I think we're good," said Rose as she got up from the table.

"Bella can show you where the bonfire pit is. Jake should already have the wood and stuff there." Alice got up with Rose and the two of them left giggling.

"Are your friends always that obvious?" James asked.

I laughed, "Probably. So, bonfire?"

"Sure Bella, lead the way to the big bad bonfire pit." James teased.

We got there just as the sun was beginning to set. It was a gorgeous location, on the cliffs overlooking First Beach. The pit was far enough back that we didn't have to worry about any accidents with the cliffs, but the scenery was spectacular.

Sure enough, the wood was in the pit, all it needed was some good kindling, and the fire would soon be blazing. I sat on the edge of a log, close to where James was working on the fire.

"Bella, there's something I wanted to talk to you about, but this week has been less than ideal."

"What's going on James?" There was a strange tone to his voice. He seemed sad, or regretful.

"Well, I actually came here to tell you that I'm leaving for a while."

"It's not like you live here James," I sighed. "Of course you're leaving."

"I don't just mean going back to California. I mean I'm leaving the country. I'm going to be in Madagascar," James said. "I'll be there for at least a year."

"Wait, what? A year? Madagascar? What?" My head was spinning. This was a crazy week, and I couldn't wait until it was over.

"I'm going to be in Madagascar, doing health education work in the remote villages."

"When did you decide this, James?" I asked. It all sounded so unreal.

"A couple weeks ago. I wanted to talk to you about it in person, but then this week started out so terribly, and I didn't want to ruin the rest of it," he explained.

"You didn't see fit to tell me over the phone? Or warn me? And now, at the end of this week, which you're right – it's been insane, you're now telling me that you're essentially going off the grid for a year, or more? And that's supposed to be okay?"

"Bella, I didn't want it to go this way."

"Look, James, the girls are starting to show up. Just, we'll talk about this later, unless you're leaving tonight," I said.

"Well, that's the thing, my flight leaves in the morning. From Seattle. I'm heading into the city tonight."

"Fine, James," I sighed. "Good-bye then?"

He pulled me into a hug, holding me close to his body. As we ended the hug, he held my face in his hands, he leaned forward, and our lips connected. The kiss was brief, but I relished in the feeling of his lips on mine.

"I'll miss you," he whispered. Then he walked away, into the darkness.

I stood with my back to the fire for a minute, and didn't realize that everyone had shown up, until Angela, one of my charges, tugged on my hand.

"Bella, c'mon. There's chocolate for s'mores," she offered.

I smiled, though I'm not sure how convincing it was, and sat next to her by the fire.

"Since the boys aren't here… I think we should talk about them," said Jessica. She was one of the girls Rose was in charge of, and was quite the handful.

"Oh! I know! Let's go in a circle and describe the perfect guy," Alice suggested.

Murmurs of agreement echoed from around the fire.

"Well, he must have a nice ass," commented Rosalie, earning a round of giggles.

"Eyes. It's all about the eyes for me," added Alice.

"Someone who calls during the day, just to say hi," Angela offered.

"A take charge guy," another girl said.

"He has to know how to cook, or at least does the cleaning. I hate chores," said Jessica.

"Opens doors."

"Perfectly messy hair."

"Is super strong."

"And really fast," added another girl.

"Comes from money, and has a strong name, like Edward," said a different girl.

The girls named things in rapid fire. Alice and Rose offering some less than appropriate comments for 13 year olds, including: sleeps in the wet spot, and initiates foreplay.

Eventually, the girls had their fill of chocolate and boy talk, and we got them back to the cabins.

I was sitting on the step outside the cabin, taking in the stars and the cool night air.

"Bella," a male voice called tentatively from the shadows. "Is everything okay?"

I looked up and saw Embry standing off to the side, looking unsure of himself. "Yea, I'm fine, Embry."

He walked over to me, and sat on his heels in front of me. "Bella, I know enough to know that means you aren't fine. Want to talk about it?"

I sighed heavily, "I don't know. This whole week has been a mess."

"Let's go for a walk," he stood and offered his hand to me.

I took his hand, and let him lead me down a pathway. I felt at ease. I'd known Embry for years. Even that seemed to have changed this week.

"So, what's up, Bella? You look like the world is resting on your shoulders."

"I don't even know. I finally decide to date, give someone a chance, open up my heart and it all goes to shit. Jasper turns out to be gay, or at least seriously confused," I took a breath and continued. "Then James is around all week, and tells me, as he's leaving, that he's not just leaving the Rez, but is going to fucking Madagascar for a year, or more. Then you… I thought we were friends, but you're MIA all week, and show up after all the shit goes down, when I could have used a friend amidst it."

"What about Rosalie and Alice?" Embry asked.

"They're no help in all this, they think it's amusing," I said, shaking my head.

I didn't realize he was still holding my hand, until he used it to pull me to a stop, in the middle of the path.

"Bella, I…" He ran his free hand through his hair. "Shit, I don't know how to say this."

I pulled my hand away, and wandered to a nearby tree. I leaned back against it, running my hands over my face.

"It's late, and frankly, I don't really want to hear more excuses."

"Then let me show you," he said, leaning in close to me.

I dropped my hands and looked up to see him standing over me. His arms were on either side of my shoulders. He was a couple inches taller, his legs were on either side of mine, effectively trapping me against the tree. I looked up at him exasperated. My eyes were pleading for an explanation. I opened my mouth to ask what he was doing, but he moved his hand and placed a finger over my lips.

"Bella," he whispered. "Let me show you."

He leaned in, placing his lips where his finger was. His kiss was gentle, sweet. I kissed him back, moving my hand up to his chest, feeling the ripped muscles beneath his shirt. As I reacted, his kisses grew more intense. His right hand stayed on the tree, his left grasped my hip. I wound my free hand into his hair. I arched my back, pressing my upper body into his. Using the hand on my hip he pressed me back into the tree, his body following.

His lips parted, and his tongue snaked its way into my mouth. We were both fighting for dominance of the kiss, though it was a battle I would gladly lose, if it meant this moment would never end. A moan formed deep in my throat and I did little to try and stop it. He sensed the encouragement, slid his hand down my thigh, and pulled my knee up, so it was hitched around his leg. His pelvis ground into mine, and I responded in kind, reveling in the friction. The need to breathe over took us, and he broke away from my lips, only to continue kissing and nibbling his way along my jaw line and down my neck. My chest was rising and falling with my rapid breathing, my heart was racing.

"God, Bella," he mumbled against my neck. "I've wanted to do this for so fucking long."

"Shut up. Fucking shut up and kiss me and make me forget."

He kissed my lips again fiercely, passionately. Both my hands were in his hair, trying to hold him there. His hands were all over my body. The hand along my leg was moving from my ass to my knee and back again. His other hand was moving from my face, stroking along my arm. His hand moved down past my shoulder, skimming down my side. When he brought his hand back up, he bunched my shirt up. His warm hand caressed my skin, stopping just shy of my breast. His thumb skimmed just under the tender flesh, almost as though he was testing the waters. I had no protest to give and his hand moved higher, softly cupping my breast in his hand. I moaned at his touch, the sensation coursing through my body. His calloused thumb brushed my nipple and I squeaked out my surprise. I gripped his hair a little tighter, not wanting him to stop just yet.

Eventually we both gave in to the need to breathe. Panting heavily, he leaned his forehead against mine, my leg wrapped around his hip, and his hand still on my breast. The corner of his mouth turned up into a small smile. His free hand brushed a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His eyes were dark, the pupils dilated with his desire. I brought one hand from behind his neck, to rest on his bicep, the other cupped his face. I let out a long sigh.

"What the hell are we doing?" I asked, still breathless.

He stared at me a moment longer, before kissing me softly, gently. "What's right," he said. Then quietly he added, "Don't fucking fight this, Bella."

Well! That was quite the chapter, wouldn't you say? Thoughts? Comments? Theories? Should I go hide for fear of pitchforks and torches? What ever will happen next chapter?

I will tell you this much... you WILL find out, without a doubt, who the father is in the next chapter. And I won't even make you wait til the last paragraph like I threatened some of you with. And rest assured... I have a pretty good idea of how its going to play out, but Bella does have a mind of her own. Her ending is set, but the path may vary a bit...

I'm not helping am I? Alright... I'm putting my fingers on lock down.

Until next week,

Shae