***Sorry this took so long I am going to try to get an update up once a week, probably a Friday or Saturday. Any who, I am currently experiencing writers block and a half for the next chapter so if anybody has any suggestions feel free to send them my way! Other than that, read and enjoy! Don't forget to review!**

The situation between Bella and Edward took it's toll on Bella as the days went by, raising concern not only from Alice and Jasper but from Bella's family as well. The large amount of distraction created disaster at the bon fire with Jacob too, leaving Bella unexcited and almost emotionless.

"Did I do something wrong? Like was it too much too soon or…"

"No Jake, you've been incredibly sweet towards me tonight." Bella bit her lip as she shifted her body in the passenger seat so she could look at him, "I've just had a lot going on in the last couple of days."

Jacob didn't seem to look convinced or thrilled as he gazed out of the windshield of his truck towards Bella's house.

"It's him isn't it?" He asked finally.

"No," Bella stuttered slightly. "I've just spent too much time trying to match tulip petals to table napkins."

Jacob chuckled a bit, "That's why when I get married it's going to be small and simple."

"Tell me about it," Bella's palm rested on Jacob's shoulder. "I'm sorry I've been such a downer Jake, I will make it up to you I promise."

"Careful or I might hold you to that," Jacob grinned.

"I'm counting on it," she smiled.

"I guess I'll see you soon then?"

Bella nodded, "I have a final dress fitting tomorrow morning then I am supposed to be having dinner with Alice and her mother."

"OK." Jacob said, looking slightly disappointed.

"Don't worry, I'm sure we will be spending plenty of time together with school coming up soon." She kissed him on the cheek lightly and popped the passenger door open. "I'll see ya."

"Bella, wait!" Jacob scrambled out of the truck quickly to try and catch up to Bella.

"Jake, what is…"

Jacob cut Bella off quickly, pressing his lips to hers in a rush of emotion.

What the? Bella's mind reeled as she felt her lips slowly begin to move against his, warmth spreading through her as his well built arms wrapping around her waist.

The passion was definitely there between them, yet it didn't seem as raw and intense as it was with Edward.

Edward.

"Sorry," Jacob frowned as Bella pulled away from him quickly.

"It's OK," she said quietly. "I think I just need to take it slow that's all."

"I promise you I will," his slid his fingers in between hers. "However much time you need I will give it to you."

"Thanks," she hugged him tightly. "Goodnight Jake."

Jacob waved and remained in the same spot he had been standing in, watching as Bella successfully pulled out her keys and pushed her way into the house.

"What was that all about?" Emmett inquired as Bella walked into the living room, her brother spread out across the couch.

"Shouldn't you be watching that movie instead of spying on your little sister?"

"Nope, don't think so." Emmett grinned.

"What are you doing up anyway?" Bella said while fighting the urge to roll her eyes, "Don't you have to work?"

"Nope, Rose and I took the day off tomorrow so we can finish everything up."

"How convenient," Bella stuck her tongue out at him.

"Hey, you want to watch this movie with me? It just started," Emmett called after her as she neared the bottom of the stairwell.

"Em I'm tired and it's like two in the morning!"

"And?"

"You're off tomorrow, however I have to go get poked and prodded at the dress store all over again."

"I thought you already had your shots!" Emmett chuckled.

"Oh you're hysterical," Bella rolled her eyes. "Goodnight Emmett."

"Come on Bells! Rose went to sleep already and I'm all alone!"

"I would stay if you would stop being such a jerk."

"I could whip up some of my famous ice cream sudaes!"

Bella's head popped around the corner and into the living room, a big smile sat upon her lips.

"OK," she made her way back into the living room and dove into the couch. "But if I fall asleep in my dress fitting tomorrow, you have to be the one to explain it to Alice."

"Yea yea," Emmett tossed a pillow at her as he stood up.

Bella sighed and let her head fall against the back of the couch, the exhaustion from the lack of sleep over the past few days was starting to get the best of her.

She was surprised by the amount of guilt that had built up inside of her, she still felt like she was leading Jake on despite her 'friend like' behavior. She wasn't over Edward yet, not by a long shot. She was hoping that her bond with Jake would continue to grow and overcome that force that was Edward, but what if it didn't?

"So are you taking Jake to the wedding?" Emmett asked as he walked back into the room with two ceramic bowls in hand, line of chocolate fudge drizzled over a mountain of whipped cream could be seen rising from the top of the bowl.

"Why?" Bella shot up as Emmett sat back down on the couch, her eyes immediately going to one of the bowls.

"He likes you," Emmett shrugged. "I figured you were going to ask him since it looks like things are going well."

"Things aren't going anywhere," Bella said as Emmett handed her a bowl, "Not until I say so anyway. Besides, I'm not required to take anyone."

"You could take me," Emmett wiggled his eyebrows at her.

"Oh good lord," Bella chuckled.

"Just sayin'. The option is out there," Emmett shrugged.

"I'll see," Bella sighed and let her body slide farther down the back of the couch so she could rest the bowl on her chest. "I haven't really thought about the whole date thing."

"Is that because of Edward?"

Ah Emmett, the all knowing.

"Why do you ask?" Bella asked coolly.

"Well it's Alice's wedding and Edward is her brother, so I'm guessing he has just as large of a roll in the wedding that you do."

"He's the best man," Bella frowned. "I'm not holding back on the whole date thing because of him. Although come to think of it, I would kind of like to avoid that awkward scenario. I just honestly haven't thought about it."

"Do you think Jacob's expecting an invite?"

"I think he's hoping to get to the point with me where I might ask him."

"Have you told him where you stand on everything?"

"Several times, every once in a while he tries to test the waters a little bit, but for the most part he has been keeping his distance."

"Except for tonight."

Bella sighed, "I feel so bad Emmett. I know what he wants and he is being such a gentleman about the whole thing. I just feel like I am constantly leading him on, like I'm not as into him as he wants me to be."

'He might not be the right fit for you," Emmett shrugged as he set his empty bowl down on the coffee table. "Either that or you are too hung up on Cullen to see what is really in front of you."

"Emmett," Bella groaned. "Not helping."

"Hey it could be the truth, and the truth is something that you do have to face at one point."

"Either said then done," Bella muttered as she slid down on the couch some more.

"Bells, you'll know when it's right. It's that simple, don't over look it or over think it, just…"

"Do it, right?"

"You've gotten the hang of that," Emmett grinned.

"Now if only I would believe it," Bella sighed and slowly got up from her seat on the couch. "I'm going to bed."

"You going to be able to sleep?"

"Probably not," Bella shook her head. "Between the sugar and the confused feelings i'm sure I'll be up all night."

Her foot steps were heavy as she made her way up the stairs and into her dark bedroom.

It's going to be a long night, she thought as she peeled off her jeans and climbed into bed.

"Why is everything such a mess?" Bella muttered as she pulled the covers over her head.

The want to have everything resolved was there and going strong, making it frustrating for her every second that passed. She felt that she was working things out to the best of her ability, taking things slow with Jacob and cutting things off with Edward.

Well, almost.

The uncertainty inside of her grew, leaving her wondering if she could actually get over him. The whole ordeal didn't seem to make any sense to her, it wasn't as if they had spent an absurd time with him. It had just been a few weeks, no big deal right?"

The thoughts persisted late into the evening causing Bella to toss and turn well into the early hours of the morning. A frustrated sigh escaped her lips as her eyes shot open for what seemed like the hundredth time that morning, the cream colored ceiling above her was beginning to brighten as the sun crept through the blinds.

The smell of coffee hit Bella's nose as she sat up, giving her an indication that the rest of the members of her household were awake.

"God Bella, what did you get hit by this morning?" Emmett exclaimed as Bella walked into the kitchen.

"Shut up Emmett," Bella grumbled as she slid onto one of the stools. "I didn't sleep at all last night."

"Told you," he said as he poured a cup of coffee into a mug and set it down in front of his sister.

"Again, shut up."

"So pleasant," Emmett chuckled as he slid the containers of sugar and cream in her direction.

"I'm just tired of this."

"I told you to knock that whole worrying thing off."

"Well it would be easy if that wasn't all I could think about!"

"Well I'm sure you'll find a distraction," Emmett sid as he stared past his sister and out the living room window. "I think it just pulled up in the driveway."

"Oh shit, Alice!" Bella shot up from her hunched over position, "God damn it!"

"Bella, I don't think…"

"Just tell her I will be right down!" Bella shouted as she ran up the stairs.

"Bella…"

"Seriously, Emmett!" Bella shouted again on her way into the bathroom, "Ten minutes! That's all I need!"

"Bella…I'm not sure…"

"Thank you!" Bella screamed from behind the door, the running of water could be heard only moments later.

"Shit," Emmett cursed to himself as he eyed the black car with it's driver waiting patiently in the driveway."

Emmett quickly retreated to the confines of his bedroom, listening to Bella as she burst out of the bathroom only minutes later. He wondered if he should warn her about the visitor, but part of him knew he was going to have to go through it on her own.

"Bye Emmett! I'll be back in a few hours!" Bella's loud voice echoed up the stairs as she quickly shot down the stairs.

She carefully hopped over the carpet that now lay in the entry way and grabbed her sun glasses before shooting through the front door.

"Bella, good morning."

A panicked look rushed over Bella's face suddenly as she came to a stand still in the driveway, her body lurching forward at her sudden stop.

There leaning against his black Acura was Edward. His traditional dark blue jeans hugged his hips, a white collared shirt covering his well built chest.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, her brown eyes wide.

"Alice is stuck at the caterers and I have to meet Carlisle at Clearwater's so we can get fitted for our tuxes."

Bella just stared at him, unable to believe that he was really standing right there in front of her.

"You ready to go?" He eyed her curiously.

"Sure," she said eyeing him wearily.

"You do have to get into the car Bells," Edward chuckled as he stared a still shocked Bella.

"Right," Bella shook her head and walked around to the passenger side quickly.

"You OK?" He asked as they both climbed inside the car.

"Fine," she said and kept her gaze locked in front of her.

"Look Bella, I know this is awkward." Edward sighed, "But the only way we are going to get over this is to just deal with it and try to be around each other."

"How do I know that that isn't a ploy to get me to spend more time with you?"

"I guess you don't," he grinned.

"You're good Cullen," Bella breathed as she found herself starting to relax.

"I try," he flashed her his famous crooked grin.

"So, should I ask how things are?"

"They're turning for the better I suppose," Edward sighed. "Irina decided to take a teaching job in Cincinnati instead."

"Didn't take your decision that well huh?" Bella chuckled as Edward shook his head. " Well I glad to hear you decided on what to do about the whole thing. I bet you feel a lot better."

"In a way," Edward said, receiving a confused look from Bella. 'It still kind of leaves the whole wedding date topic in limbo."

"I don't understand what the deal is with all of that. I mean are you required to bring a date to a wedding?"

"Maybe nobody wants to sit there and feel bad for you because you seem so socially awkward?"

"Are you that worried about what everyone else thinks?"

"Not really," Edward shrugged. "I guess for me it would be more of a bored ness factor than it would be anything else."

"Well I'll keep you company, I may end up going stag myself."

"The Maid of Honor and the Best Man going stag to the same wedding? That can't be good," Edward chuckled. "Maybe we should just go together then."

"Watch it Cullen."

"Just saying…"

"So am I," Bella shook her head. "I'm on to you."

"You are on to nothing," Edward laughed as he pulled into the parking lot of the dress shop.

"Well look who's here!" Carlisle smiled from his spot in front of the mirrors, his brown eyes flickering with excitement as he looked at his son and Bella walk in together.

"No Alice?" Edward asked. Setting his Pea coat down on one of the chairs.

"She's giving the wedding planner hell," Jasper said as he came out of the dressing room. "Something went wrong with the menu."

Bella shook her head, chuckling at the thought of Alice attacking a pastry chef.

Jasper adjusted his vest and wrapped Bella into a big hug, "How are you?"

"Not quite awake yet," Bella squeezed him tight.

"Sorry about that," Jasper grinned as he let Bella go. "There are only so many hours in a day apparently."

"No that's fine. I'll be getting up this early for class soon anyway." Bella yawned, "I didn't sleep well after getting in late."

"Getting out of the house are we?" Jasper seemed more amused with Edward's reaction then he was with Bella's comment.

"Trying to," Bella sighed. "Emmett has been ripping our poor house apart to make room for Rosalie. So between the hammering and the paint fumes, I needed to get out."

"Bella!" Leah exclaimed as she burst through the doors to the back room, with Alice's dress in hands. "How are you sweetie?"

"I'm well," Bella smiled after accepting a hug from the fairly energetic woman.

"Jake and Quil had such a great time last night." Leah beamed as she handed Bella her dress off of the rack, "Seth said they cant stop talking about it."

"It was a lot of fun," Bella said and started towards the dressing room to avoid the irritated look Edward was shooting in her direction. "Definitely something I would like to do again."

"I think that's a wonderful idea!" Leah exclaimed as she shooed Bella into the dressing room. "I still think you should give Jake a shot."

Bella could feel Edward's eyes digging into her back as she walked in the dressing room, quickly shutting the dressing room door behind her to avoid responding to Leah's comment.

So much for feeling relaxed, Bella frowned as she slipped out of her clothes and into her dress.

Edward was no where to be found as Bella came back our, chatter between Carlisle and Jasper out in the main room of the store.

"I think we have it just about right," Leah smiled as Bella walked into the room. "Come on up dear, I think I've finished with Carlisle."

Bella eyed the two men cautiously as she climbed onto the stool, staring straight ahead at her reflection in the mirror.

"Alice was right," Jasper said as he came up behind her. "That dress is perfect for you."

"I must say, it is growing on me." Bella tilted her head from side to side as she looked over the dress.

"You do look beautiful Bella," Carlisle said as he walked by Bella and Jasper.

Bella's face began to redden some as the comments began to flow in, along with the adoring looks she was getting from people in the room.

"Alright honey, I think all I have to do is bring in the waist line a little bit more and I think we've got it." Leah said as she made a few marks with her white chalk along the side of Bella's dress, "You're all set."

Thank you, Bella let out a sigh of relief as she stepped down.

"You're turn Mr. Hale," Leah sang, causing Bella to chuckle on her way to the dressing room.

"Now don't tell me I look that funny," Edward frowned at her in the mirror in front of the dressing room mirrors.

"Well it would give an explanation as to how those things were nick named monkey suites," she teased.

Edward glared at her, unable to focus on the tie he was trying to straighten.

"I thought you were going to the wedding by yourself?" Edward said as soon as Bella turned to go back into her dressing room.

"I said I might," she huffed as she stopped just short of the entrance. "And even if I were, what would it matter to you?"

"It doesn't," he shrugged.

"Then why did you ask?" Bella crossed her arms in front of her chest, leaning against the door frame.

"It's just amusing to me that's all," Edward said as he turned to face her. "You just made this big stink on the way here about the whole date thing and low and behold you were covering your tracks."

"Edward, just because I might be bringing a friend doesn't mean that I'm not backing up what I said earlier. He's just a friend who I happen to like spending time with."

"So what are you trying to do with me then?"

"Excuse me?" Bella asked, the tone in Edward's voice was not sitting well inside of her.

"You give me this speech and then all the sudden I get this feeling, you know, that I might have another chance. But then, I hear you trying to keep that yahoo you hung out with under the radar."

"I'm not trying to hide anything," Bella hissed. "So stop being such a child about this Edward."

"How's it feel to be the one to hide shit?" Edward scoffed as Bella turned and ran into her dressing room.

"What the hell is going on in here Edward?" Alice stormed into the dressing room as soon as Bella slammed the dressing room door.

"Nothing," Edward muttered as he turned back to face the mirror.

"That didn't sound like nothing," Alice said as she looked around the dressing room area.

"That's because it wasn't," Bella stormed back out of the dressing as she buttoned the last button on her shirt. "But according to Mr. Cullen here, that's all I ever seem to be."

"Edward what did you do?" Alice said between clenched teeth.

"He brought his wonderful 'fuck everyone' attitude out to play," Bella yelled. "And you know what, I am so fucking tired of all of this. Fuck you Edward!"

Edward winced at the tone in Bella's voice, remaining frozen in front of the mirror.

"Bella! Wait!" Alice turned to face her brother before she ran after Bella, "I swear if you do one more thing to fuck up this wedding… so help you."

Confused looks shot through Alice's wedding party as Bella ran through the front of the store and out the double glass doors.

"Bella, please come back!!" Alice shouted, stopping just outside of the store.

Bella was long gone, her tiny frame was getting smaller and smaller as she ran.

She had to get out of there.

She didn't want to stay around and see the scrutiny that Edward's family was going to lay upon him, nor did she want to go through any questioning herself.

The nerve, she thought bitterly as her pace slowed to a walk. The store was a good distance behind her now, allowing a much needed breath to escape her lips.

It was like a switch flipped inside of her, letting out any sort of frustration she had bee building up towards Edward.

A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she pulled her arms close to her chest as she walked down the sidewalk, cold rain drops beginning to fall steadily from the darkening sky.

Well when it rains it pours…HA.

Bella had absolutely no idea where she was going as she walked through the streets of Port Angeles, hoping to find a familiar landmark or person. The air was growing colder as the rain got heavier, soaking through the fabric of her shirt. Grabbing my jacket would have probably been a good plan.

"God, now what?" She yelled up at the sky, collapsing onto a bench in front of a drug store.

"Bella?"

Her gaze shot upward suddenly at the sound of a familiar voice.

"What are you doing?" Jacob Black said from underneath a black umbrella over her head to give her some relief.

"I have no idea," Bella shrugged.

"Do you have a jacket or anything?" He sat next to her and held the umbrella over head to give her some relief.

"Nope and nope," she huffed.

"So what are you doing out here?"

"It's a long story Jacob, I don't really want to get into it."

"OK," Jacob frowned. "How about we at least get you out of the rain and warmed up?"

Bella only nodded and allowed Jacob to help her off of the bench, her body stiff against his.

"Are you hungry?" He asked as they walked down the sidewalk.

"Not really," she mumbled. "Just cold."

"Well I can fix that," he nudged her lightly. "How does a warm cup of tea and a change of clothes sound?"

"Sounds warm," she said as she managed a smile. "What are you doing down here?"

"Just got something to eat with the guys," Jacob said as he lead them down an alley between a bookstore and a small diner, the alley opening up to a large parking lot. Jacob's faded red pick up truck stood out like a sore thumb, sitting amongst newer cars in the front row.

"Every time I run into you, you're eating." Bella shook her head as Jacob helped her into the passenger seat of his truck.

"Hey, I'm a growing man." Jacob grinned and shut her door.

"So where are we going?" Bella asked as Jacob backed the truck out of the parking spot.

"My house," he shrugged. "My clothes might be a little big on you, but they're dry. My dad made some chili for dinner too"

"Didn't you just eat?"

"That was just a snack," he chuckled.

Bella shook her head and let her forehead press against the cool glass of the windshield.

"You going to be OK?" Jacob asked, unable to hide the worried tone in his voice.

"If things stop happening like this then yes," she sighed heavily and looked over at him. "This whole wedding thing is stressing me out more than I think it's stressing Alice out. It seems like everything calms down and then all of the sudden it just starts back up again."

"What did he do now?"

"He was making a huge fuss over you actually." She said, receiving the expected look of surprise from Jacob. "Leah mentioned our little outing and he blew a gasket at the fitting.

"Over me?"

"Don't get so full of yourself," Bella grinned.

"I just think its interesting that he treats you like crap and yet he is still trying to stake claim in you."

"I don't know, the whole thing is just a mess."

"Don't let it get to you Bells," Jacob shrugged. "You don't, he wins."

"Wins what?" She huffed, "Why do men think this is some kind of competition?"

"I didn't mean it like that Bella," Jacob sighed. "He's acting like that so he can still have a grip on you."

Bella snorted and shook her head, "Men are ridiculous."

"That we are," Jacob chuckled and pulled the truck onto a long dirt road.

"Is that your house?" Bella asked as the road opened up to reveal a small ranch style house with a large porch that wrapped around the side of the house.

Something seemed comforting about Jacob's home, the sun casting a warm glow in the open windows in the kitchen as they walked inside.

"My dad must be next door," Jacob looked around the empty house. "Well if you want, you can hop in the shower and I'll track you down something to wear."

"You have no idea how good that sounds," Bella smiled and hugged Jacob lightly.

"First door on the right," he said as he reluctantly let go of her and watched her walk down the hallway.

Bella sighed happily as she stepped into the shower, the warm water washing over her cold body. She looked upward and let the water wash over her face and down her body, seeming to melt away the irritation that had been building up all day.

"Bella?"

Bella sputtered as she opened her mouth to respond to Jacob's call, meeting a rush of warm water instead of air.

"Yes?" She coughed.

"You OK?"

"Yea, just learned your supposed to clean yourself in it not use it as a microphone."

"Usually not," Jacob chuckled lightly. "I, uh, left some clothes outside of the door for you."

"Thank you," Bella said as she turned the water off and grabbed a towel off of the rack.

"No problem, I'll be in the living room."

"Jake, wait." Bella grunted as she almost slid across the tiled floor in a rush to get to the door.

"You know, you shouldn't try to run marathons in the bathroom when he just got out of the shower." He grinned as she pulled the door open.

"Yea, so they keep telling me." She smiled and tied the towel tightly around her body, "I just wanted to thank you."

"You're welcome," he smiled as his thumb brushed her slightly damp shoulder.

"You've been incredibly nice to me and I've been such a bitch to you and…"

"Bella, its ok. I know hat you're going through and I understand and respect that."

"Why are you so wonderful?" she said as she wrapped her arms around his broad waist.

"I should be asking you that," he whispered as he wrapped his arms around her, resting his head on top of hers.

"Can I ask you something?" She said, looking up at him.

"Anything."

"Would you go to the wedding with me?" She said, receiving a big smile from Jacob.

"I'd be glad to," his warm hand cupped her cheek.

"Jake?"

"Yes?" He breathed.

"If you want to kiss me, you should just do it."