Part VIII

The Scene: Two weeks later, at Bella, Edward, and Alice's Graduation

I could hear Jacob downstairs, talking with Billy and Charlie. I sighed as I slipped into my gown and put the last finishing touches on my hairdo before grabbing the cap and shoving it onto my head. This was one of the few times during our friendship and relationship that it was apparent how much older than Jake I really was. It bothered me immensely, just like it had when I had been in love with Edward. They were staying young while I grew older. It didn't seem right to me, especially since now I knew what imprinting was, and it had not happened yet.

I took a deep breath and opened my bedroom door. I took two steps forward in the heels Jake was making me wear and grimaced. It was going to be a long night. I stepped a few more paces and then realized that the voiced coming from the kitchen had ceased. They were waiting for me to get down there. Joy.

Down the stairs was hell. I had to hold onto the rail as I came down each step one at a time, praying I wouldn't fall. Thankfully, I made it over to the guys in one piece. Jake was smirking, but his eyes were shining, too. I blushed.

"You look nice Bella," Charlie said, patting my shoulder. "Thanks," I replied with a smile. Billy merely smiled at me, but I could tell he approved. They all kept staring at me, though, and it was getting old fast. "Okay, let's go," I announced, and began my quest to reach the car. They didn't argue.

The ceremony wasn't as bad as I thought. Alice and Edward were there, but were sure to keep their distance. We did exchange cordial nods as we passed. The valedictorian (whose name escapes me) gave her speech, diplomas were handed out, and I sat patiently awaiting mine as the A's through M's were called. Jake and I kept eye contact during most of the ceremony, but he was good enough not to cause a stir.

At last, I heard my name. "Isabella Swan," our principal called from the podium. I took a deep breath and stood shakily. My first few steps were all right, but I looked out at the crowd for support from Jake half-way to that blessed piece of paper. That was a mistake. My footing got messed up, and I fell head-first towards the hard-wood floor.

A gasp came from the crowd, and my principal jumped back in surprise. The floor hurt, but just as quickly as I had fallen, I was back up on my feet. "I'm okay," I said several times, to reassure both myself and everyone else. I collected my diploma and shook the man's hand, then looked out to the crowd. Charlie was on his feet, but Jake and Billy were laughing. I nodded solemnly and went back to my seat. How lovely, how loyal of them to be laughing when I could have been hurt. I was actually laughing to myself, however, by the time I sat down again.

When the ceremony finally ended, I carefully walked over to Jake, Charlie and Billy. Charlie looked concerned. "Are you okay, Bella? That was some fall." I shot a look at Jake, who had the biggest grin on his face, and replied, "I'm good, Dad. Honest. It's just these shoes."

He seemed satisfied with my answer. "In that case, you're going to need to change. I don't want you falling down at the party."

Party? Since when did Charlie throw parties? "What party?" I asked. He sighed. "Billy and I have been talking, and it seems that I overreacted. I didn't know you were just working on the bikes, not riding them. I'm sorry for that."

I felt a bit guilty, but made myself look at Jacob. He was still smiling. Then it hit me what was going on. I looked back at Charlie. "So, you aren't grounded anymore, and I'm letting you go to La Push for the party they're giving you. Don't make me regret it," he added as I jumped at him. "I love you," I whispered in his ear. He seemed embarrassed, so I backed off after a few moments. "Thanks," I said simply, and then turned to Billy. "Thank you," I told him politely. He nodded knowingly, and then he and Charlie left.

I faced Jacob. "How did that happen?" I asked. "I convinced my Dad that I was just naming the bike after you, and he seemed to buy it. I'm a little concerned about why he called Charlie in the first place, but it doesn't matter." I hugged him. "You have to behave tonight," he told me. "We're giving you a party, so you have to be nice." I grinned and we left the auditorium for my truck, where I always had a spare pair of sneakers. This would be a fun night with the pack.

The party started out just fine. It was more of a bonfire than a party, but there was music and food, so I guess it could be placed in the party category. It was Quil's iPod, so there was a mix of good music and crap. I endured it, though. The food was awesome. Emily bought sodas and all sorts of junk food, but she also made some of her best dishes. She made a little food tent and guarded all of it, making sure the boys didn't hog everything.

I was surprised to find that Leah Clearwater was there. I expected Seth, because he was good friends with Jake, and therefore me, but Leah and I were still feuding. However, she came up and was very cordial. I silently thanked her for not starting anything.

"Happy Graduation," she said, handing me a present. "You didn't have to, Leah," I said, accepting it. I embraced her, but it was awkward, so I let go and smiled instead. She nodded and went on her way.

I went to go place it in my truck, but Jake stopped me. "Just open it, already. It could be chocolate for all we know, and you wouldn't want that to melt." I gave him the evil stare. We both knew that if it was indeed chocolate, he would swipe it and scarf it down before I had so much as a chance to even look at it. For this reason, I distanced myself from him before opening.

I was shocked to see, as I tore open the crude wrapping paper, that Leah had gotten me a book about Quileute Indians, their cultures, myths, and famous tribes. It was the sequel the book I'd gotten in Port Angeles nearly a year ago, the night of my first 'date' with Edward. I had enjoyed the book, but how did she know I wanted the sequel? I was pretty sure Leah didn't like to read…but either way, I was delighted.

I knew Jake hadn't given her any hints. I showed him my prize and his nose wrinkled. "Oh, it's a book. Pity, it's not edible." I wanted to slug him, but knew that I should probably not, for safety precautions. I nicely placed the book in my truck and rejoined the party. Embry was dancing up a storm over by the bonfire, and Seth was pigging out to the snacks Emily had given him. All the other guys were either laughing or talking. Leah was sulking in the corner, and Jake was by my side. Everything was in its usual place, and I started to relax.

When Jared gave me the mischievous grin and started fiddling with the iPod, I knew something was up. I put down my soda and crossed my arms in front of my chest. I waited. Usually, whenever he gave me the look, a crappy rap or Britney Spears song would follow, but this time, a love song started. All the guys began to laugh and chorus, "Oooohh!" I rolled my eyes and turned around to see Jake standing behind me, with a rose in his hand.

I groaned, but when the pack began to chant for me to accept, I finally stood, took the flower, and slow danced with Jake, amidst cheers of approval. Sam asked Emily, of course, soon after, and they joined us. Quil and Embry danced together, along with Paul and Jared. Leah and Seth came out, too, probably just because they hadn't partners. It was fun, I'll admit.

We didn't say a word, me and Jacob. He smiled at me and stared with those gorgeous eyes, but he didn't crack a joke or anything. I think he would have kissed me, too, if he hadn't looked away at exactly that moment and saw the unspeakable.

With a snarl, he alerted the others. They all stopped dancing and congregated around him. Leah turned off the music and Emily came to hold my hand. I could barely see who it was, but when the moonlight hit him, it was clear. Edward was here in La Push, breaking the rules yet again.

I could see Jared put a warning hand on Jake's shoulder because he was writhing in anger. Sam stepped forward and asked in a loud voice, "Why have you come here?"

I couldn't hear the response. "It's against the rules, leech. You know, the rules you have once more broken?" Paul said, almost as angry as Jacob. This time, the response was clear, and it was terrifying. "I think my arrival is justified, gentlemen. I suggest you hear me out. The Volturi, our leaders, have contacted Carlisle. If Bella doesn't become a vampire soon, they'll come find her, and kill her."

It grew deathly silent. Edward spoke again. "Furthermore, the redhead, Victoria, is here, and the deaths we've been hearing about in the papers are not accidents. She's creating an army, and bringing it here."

A commotion started amongst the pack, but I didn't see or hear any more after that. I blacked out and crumpled onto the ground in a dead faint.

I apologize that the timing for this is way off from the actual timing in the books. Hopefully it still satisfies!