A/N: We're close to the conversation between Bella and Charlie, next chapter will be back to the future/present, whatever.

Anyhow you know the drill by now:

Stephenie Meyers owns the characters, I just borrowed them for my story.

How Can I Help You?

Chapter 4

"Ok Bella, you said you want a distraction, right?" He walked up to me, looking in my eyes and grasping my shoulders.

All I could do at that point was nod.

Edward smirked at me and said, "I know just the thing."

oOoOo

Three hours later I was sitting at the table in the back eating a quick lunch and trying to stretch the ache out of my muscles. It had been a slow business day, so Edward and I had completely rearranged the store. We moved a few cases around and also moved all the clothing racks to new positions.

"I think it's safe to say I've been distracted. We got a lot done today, but will Tanya freak out about the changes?"

Edward stretched his arms, "No it looks good, and if Tanya does mind we'll just change it all back. Come on, lets throw the trash out then you can Windex the counters while I prepare the deposit."

I looked and felt shocked. "We're closing already? It's barely 1:00."

"Sure, it's been pretty dead today. I spoke with Tanya while you wrestled that dress rack around. She thought it was a good idea, so we are closing early and then I am taking you to Port Angeles to see your mom. That way you will know Renee is in good hands. After we leave the hospital I'll drive you home to pack clothes, or you can use Tanya's. You are staying with us this week."

"Oh Edward, you don't have to drive me to Port Angeles. I am fine to drive and I can stay home by myself, I am almost 18, you know."

"Tanya has already spoken with Charlie so everything is arranged." Since there appeared to be no arguing with him, I helped Edward close the store and then followed him to his car.

My mother was having blood work drawn when I entered her room. Edward stayed in the hallway talking to my dad.

"Bella, baby, what are you doing here? Are you ok?"

I shook my head at her. My mother is battling cancer, having surgery and she's worrying about me. God I love her.

"Everything is fine Mom. I just wanted to see you before you have the surgery tomorrow.

I was at work, but after telling Edward what was going on with you, he closed the store and drove me up here to the hospital so I could see you."

I sat and visited with her while various nurses and techs came in and out of the room to do tests.

"Bella, I don't want you alone in the house tomorrow. Please tell me you are going to stay with Angela."

"No Mom, I guess Tanya talked with Dad, so I am staying at her house tonight. I think they are worried about me, too. I mean Edward wouldn't let me even drive here today."

Mom squeezed my hand, "That's a good thing Bella. It's nice that they care about you so much. It seems Charlie and I were worried for no reason, when you wanted to get a job. Tanya and Edward have been such a blessing to our town and for you. It's nice that you have gotten close to Tanya and her family. She probably wants to make sure you have someone to talk to while I am stuck in here. Don't give Edward too much grief about driving you today. I appreciate the protectiveness he's shown, it's what fathers do Bella, they protect."

By five o'clock, Mom had been given something to help her sleep and Dad was finishing the dinner Edward had gotten from the cafeteria.

"Go home Bells, get some sleep. I promise to call as soon as Renee is out of surgery in the morning." He was shooing me out the door.

"I love you, Dad."

"Love you too, baby girl."

Dad said good bye to Edward, and we walked out of the hospital. When we reached Edward's car, he opened the passenger door for me, waited for me to enter and then shut the door. After he was in the car he said, "I'm getting pretty hungry. How about we stop for dinner before we head back to Forks?"

"Sure, anything is fine."

Edward drove a few streets over from the hospital to a little Italian bistro, la Bella Italia.

"I hope you like Italian, Bella. I could kill for some lasagna right now."

I nodded and stepped out of the car. "I should give Tanya my grandmother's recipe for lasagna; I've never eaten better than hers."

The hostess looked like she would faint after her first glance at Edward. I laughed.

"What's so funny?"

"I'm amazed Tanya lets you go anywhere by yourself. She's going to have to put a bell or something on you. The hostess is lucky she didn't walk into a post or something when she sat us."

He had a delightfully confused look on his face. "What do you mean?"

I scoffed at his innocently put question. "Come on Edward, she was totally checking you out. Tanya should just tattoo 'Property of Tanya Cullen' on your forehead."

That managed to get a laugh out of Edward. "You know, I never pay attention to that stuff. I have a happy life with Tanya and my girls. Why look elsewhere."

Edward really was too good to be true, but that's just how he is.

After we ordered our dinner, we spent time just talking. Edward asked about my childhood and if I enjoyed growing up in a small town. I think he was trying to make sure his girls wouldn't grow to hate them for moving to Forks. I asked Edward about his music and how he met Tanya.

"She was visiting her cousin at UW when I was a senior there. I had just finished the recital that officially concluded my college career. Tanya's cousin, Chelsea, was also a performer and we all ended up going to dinner to celebrate. I spent the night staring at her, and we've been together ever since."

I was curious about the age difference, but wasn't sure how to ask him about it. I didn't have to, he volunteered that on his own. "My parents we a little unsure about their 22 year old son committing himself to a 31 year old woman, but once they saw us, and spent time with Tanya, their worries melted away. I've never regretted it, I love my family."

We finished our dinner and after picking up desert for everyone, we headed back to Forks.

Edward pulled into my parent's driveway, and I rushed into the house to pack a few outfits for the week. I grabbed my iPod and my toiletries then quickly locked the house and got back in Edward's car.

Tanya was waiting for us at the door; she told Edward to take my things up to the guestroom and pulled me to the sofa, wrapping me in her arms.

"How are you, Bella? Is your mother holding up alright?"

I took solace in her arms and then sat back. "I'm fine, Mom, is Mom. She doesn't want anyone to be worrying about her, so she acts like it'll all be ok."

Tanya squeezed my hand, saying "Renee is doing what my own mother did when she battled breast cancer. Mom turned a sunny disposition toward the rest of the world, while she was scared and hurting. Just be there for your mom when she asks for it, and as hard as it will be, try not to hover too much. I know its going to be hard on you, but let her lead you. Act as normally as possible, go out with your friends, work and treat her as if she's fine. If Heaven forbid, Renee gets sicker, then you hover. Right now I am going to make us some hot chocolate, maybe lace it with a little Baileys, and we're going to eat the cannoli you and Edward brought back from the restaurant." She patted my leg, stood up and walked to the kitchen.

I followed her, sitting at the breakfast bar. "I want to tell you how much I appreciate both your's and Edward's help. You gave up the remainder of the day's profits and had us close the store, just so I wouldn't have to drive to Port Angeles alone. You two mean the world to me." Tanya sat a plate with the dessert in front of me, then said, "Bella, honey, you mean the world to us too. I love you like you were one of my own. If you need anything, please never hesitate to come to either of us."

Edward came down the stairs and into the kitchen with a child over each shoulder. "Look what I found playing upstairs, a pair of monkeys." Kate and Irina were giggling like mad, trying to squirm out of Edward's grasp.

"Hey sweet girls! Did you have fun with your mom in Seattle today?"

Kate looked up at me and shook her head. "No we had to go to the doctor and get shots."

Irina scrunched her nose. "We don't like shots." I laughed at this statement.

"Rini, I don't know anyone that likes getting a shot, but they do help keep you healthy."

Tanya had just finished making the hot chocolate, pouring it into 5 mugs, and indeed lacing two with Baileys. I looked up at her when she handed me one of the doctored mugs. "It will help you sleep tonight. Don't worry I didn't put a lot in there. Drink it, eat your cannoli, then go take a bath and try to get some sleep. It'll be better in the morning."

After the weekend I had, the emotional day today, and the whiskey laced hot chocolate, I was ready for bed. Instead of a bath, I took a scalding hot shower, changed into my pajamas, and crawled into bed. I put my ear buds in and scrolled through my iPod until I found my classical section that I reserved for sleeping. Chopin's Nocturnes lulled me to sleep.

The next morning I was burning nervous energy in the storeroom reorganizing the overstock until I heard from Dad. I nearly fell of the ladder when my phone rang.

"Dad?"

"Morning, Bella. I just wanted to let you know your mom is in recovery right now. The doctors are confident they got it all. They took about 24 lymph nodes to test in addition to the hysterectomy. They put a rush on the testing, so hopefully we'll have those results late today. I'm going to grab something to eat before I am allowed back to see her."

"Give her my love, Dad. Tell her I am thinking about her, and I will come up when she's ready for visitors. I love you."

"Love you too, Bells. I'll call you later on."

After talking to Charlie I was able to relax and concentrate again. I gave the news about Mom to Tanya and then finished the reorganizing I was doing. The rest of the day passed quickly. Dad called towards the end of the work day to let me know Mom was still heavily medicated; she wouldn't be up for a visit until at least the next day.

Tanya and I drove back to her house after closing the store. Kate was bouncing on her toes anxious for our return. She wanted to do something for my mom to make her feel better, so after explaining why making cookies wouldn't be a good idea right now, she and Rini decided to draw pictures and make cards. After dinner we went up to the playroom and made several pictures and Get Well cards.

Tanya and Edward "oohed and ahhhed" over their daughters' artwork while I went back to clean up the mess.

I had just vacuumed the last of the glitter when my phone rang. "Hey Jake, what's up?"

I heard a motor rev in the background.

"Where are you Bells? I'm in your driveway, but you aren't home. Are you still at the hospital?"

"No, Mom isn't up for visitors just yet and my parents didn't want me staying alone, so I am staying with Tanya and her family."

"Oh, well I was just wondering if you wanted to go out for a while tonight, ya know try to clear your head and all."

Honestly I didn't feel like going out, but Jake had driven up from La Push and I did want to be a better friend.

"Sure Jake, that would be nice. Do you know where the Cullen House is?"

The motor revved again, "Yeah I'll be there in less than 10 minutes."

I went down to the living room to tell Tanya I would be going out for a little while. I explained that Jake was going to take me out for a drive to clear my head, and promised the girls that I would read to them the following night. Tanya thought going out was an excellent idea, Edward as well, until the unmistakable sound of a motorcycle drove up to the house.

I was in the process of saying "goodbye" when Edward said, "I don't think this is such a good idea anymore. It's dark, and that bike doesn't look very safe."

"I'll be fine Edward, I've ridden with Jake lots of times before, he's always careful with me." I called out the door to Jake. "Just give me a minute Jake, I'll be right there."

Edward looked so unsure. "Bella, Charlie asked us to look out for you, and this isn't looking out for your wellbeing."

Tanya stepped in, "Do you have a helmet Bella?"

"Yes, Tanya, it's in the motorcycle's seat compartment."

"Ok, so just make sure you wear it while on the motorcycle." Tanya called out to Jake, "Jacob, please take it easy tonight, the last thing we need is a trip to the ER."

"We'll be careful, Mrs. Cullen. I always look after my Bella."

I gave Tanya a hug and a thank you, "I promise to wear the helmet and we won't be out too late. Try not to worry, Edward."

"Ok, just please be careful."

I walked down to Jake and gave him a hug before climbing behind him and putting my helmet on.

"So where are you taking me, Jakey?"

"Let's drive down to the beach. The moon is full tonight and there aren't many clouds."

I put my jacket on, then wrapped my arms around his waist. There was nothing like the feeling of riding a motorcycle, it felt like flying. I've never been scared of the speed or the so called "what could happen" scenarios. We had rebuilt a pair of motorcycles last fall…well ok Jake actually did the rebuilding, I just handed him tools and cans of Coke.

I realized as we were making our way to First Beach just how much I had missed spending time with him. I really had been a horrible friend to Jake the last several months. I squeezed him tighter, snuggling into his back. He pulled into the parking lot and looked over his shoulder at me, smiling. "What was that for?"

"I just am really happy to see you Jake. I needed this tonight. How is it you always know what I need?"

Jake slowly climbed off the bike and helped remove my helmet. "Come walk with me."

We started down the boardwalk, removing our shoes and socks and rolling our pant legs up to our calves. He took my hand and walked us to the edge of the beach where the water was just grazing our feet.

"Bells, we've know each other forever. I've always been able to read you. You're an open book to me. I know that you've always considered me just a friend, best friend, but I've needed to tell you this for some time. I'm in love with you, Bella. I think I always have been, even back in kindergarten. I know you love me but I want you to fall in love with me, too. I want to take you out like this, on real dates."

I was floored. Angela had told me and I had an inkling his feelings were changing, but I never expected a declaration tonight.

"Jake I do love you. I never want to hurt you, but you are going to have to give me some time. You've always been my Jakey, Jake. I haven't really ever thought of our relationship in those terms."

We continued walking along the shore. Jake sat back from the water and just stared out into the ocean. I was trying to figure out what I felt, and if I was brave enough to risk losing a lifelong friendship. Jake knew everything about me, all of my quirks, and he accepted me for them. I was scared to try a new phase to our relationship, but I also knew I was growing tired of waiting around for Prince Charming to ride up on his white charger to take me away. What if my "one" was a boy I had known my whole life. I could either take a chance at a lifetime of happiness or continue waiting and wasting my life away. I sat in the sand next to Jake, and taking his hand I looked at him.

"My main concern is possibly losing you. I can't lose your friendship Jake, but maybe we could start with a date, a real date."

The smile that lit his face made me gain more confidence in my decision to take a chance.

Jake stood up and pulled me into his embrace. "I'll make you happy Bella, so happy."

I smiled at him and said, "Yes, I believe you will Jake." The temperature was dropping, and I shivered.

"Come on, let's get you back. Thanks for giving us a chance." He took me back to Tanya's and after a hug and a quick kiss on my cheek, he drove home.

I let myself into the house, trying to be quiet.

"You look like you had a good evening." I jumped when I heard Edward's voice.

"Yeah it was great. Jake was very careful while I was on the bike tonight. We just drove down to First Beach and talked."

Edward was sitting at the breakfast bar drinking a beer. I knew I wanted to talk to Tanya about everything that went on tonight, but thought perhaps Edward could help me understand where Jake is coming from.

"Can I ask you a question, Edward?" He laughed, "I think you just did."

I rolled my eyes at him. "If you had been friends with someone your entire life and that person admitted to being in love with you, but you had never considered the thought of having a romantic relationship with this person, would you consider trying to have a romantic relationship with them?"

Edward seemed frozen in thought. Then again maybe he was just trying to sort out what had word vomited out of my mouth.

"I think if I had doubts about my feelings for this friend, thinking I would never be able to fall in love with them, I wouldn't pursue a romantic relationship. However if I loved this friend and in my heart I thought it could develop into a lasting romantic love, then I would have to at least try. I would regret more passing up the chance at true love."

I stood up and thanked Edward for his help. "I really appreciate your thoughts. You gave me a lot to think about tonight."

He smiled and said, "Jake through you for a loop tonight, didn't he?"

"He's always been there for me. I do love him; I'm just not sure I can love him like he deserves to be loved."

"Get some sleep and talk with Tanya in the morning, maybe by then you'll have worked some things out yourself. Tanya won't lead you astray. Goodnight, Bella."

"Night Edward and thanks, again."

The next few days went by. I was receiving twice daily updates from Charlie. Mom was having a reaction to the pain medication, she was sleeping most of the day, but at least I got to speak with her each evening. Jake called a few times and we made plans to go visit my Mom Saturday afternoon, then go to dinner and the Classic Car Show in Port Angeles.

I was still scared about ruining our friendship, but Tanya did give me good advice about a possible consequence of not moving forward. She told me in trying to keep Jake in a platonic relationship, strictly friends, our relationship could still sour. Jake was in love with me, I know he said we would go with whatever I decided, but he'd never go back to just being a friend. It's possible he could grow to resent the fact that I couldn't love him the way he wanted.

If we were to try and then find out it didn't work for us, at least we would know, and could move on with our friendship. Always wondering because we didn't try had to be worse than taking a chance, right? So Jake and I talked and hung out, what we had always done, but now it had a new intensity and meaning to it.

Saturday at SPARKLE was crazy. We had our regular customers but we also had a bridal party that came in from close to Olympia, determined to find jewelry for their gowns. Some of the bridesmaids were also determined to get Edward alone. I had to laugh at his disgruntled look when one of the braver girls tried to grope Edward's behind. Tanya looked up when I laughed, so I said, "I think your husband needs a rescue Tanya." Of course I did say it loud enough for the ass groper to hear. She jumped back from Edward like she had been electrocuted.

Edward mouthed "Thank you" to me and spent the rest of the afternoon hiding his behind, behind a counter. If someone asked him for something he could reach from where he was he called for me or Angela to help the customer.

Tanya took great pleasure from teasing her husband about his grope worthy delicious ass.

As annoying as the 10 women in the bridal party got, they made it all worthwhile. Three hours and $3,500 dollars later, we really needed to do some major restocking.

Jake arrived 10 minutes before we closed. Tanya greeted him then told me, "You can go ahead and get your things, Bella. We aren't going to finish restocking until Monday morning anyway. Give your parents my best, and just let yourself in when you get back."

I grabbed my purse and said a quick goodbye to everyone on my way outside. Jake took my purse, trading it for my helmet. Once ready I wrapped my arms around him and we headed towards Port Angeles. Forty-five minutes later we pulled into the parking lot at Olympic Medical Center. Jake took my helmet and handed me my purse. He ran his hand down my hair trying to smooth the helmet head I am sure I had. "I don't think I told you how pretty you look today, Bells." He took my hand leading me through the main entrance.

"I really hope Mom is feeling better, the pain medicine has been making her loopy."

Walking off the elevator, I was suddenly very nervous. I was trying to stay calm, but I knew I failed when Jake pulled me into the family waiting room, sitting down and pulling me onto his lap. "Bells, your Mom is doing fine. She's going to be home in a few days. Take a couple of deep breaths to help you calm down."

I wrapped my arms around Jake and pressed my face into his neck. I breathed in his scent, a combination of sun, ocean mist and motor oil. I calmed down almost immediately. "Sorry Jake, I guess it's all catching up to me now. Thanks for being here with me. I'm ok now, so let's go see Mom before visiting hours end."

We walked into the room and saw Charlie on the bed with Mom, sound asleep. Mom was watching television and looked over when we entered the room. "Shhhh let your dad sleep. He's been trying to sleep on the chair over there, but it's too uncomfortable and the stubborn man refuses to go home." She waved me closer. "How are you doing, baby girl?" I gave her a careful hug and kissed her cheek. "I'm great mom, just ready to have you home."

"And you, Jacob. How are things?"

Jake kissed Mom's cheek. "I'm good, Renee."

"You look so grown up, what are you two planning tonight?"

"We're going to the car show then I want to take Bella out for dinner. Before I forget, Dad sends you his love, and Tanya Cullen sends her best."

Oops I knew I had forgotten something, but Jake remembered like always.

Mom was in high spirits and told us they were giving her a much milder pain medication, so she had a much clearer head. She did say she was getting tired of the four walls she was stuck looking at, she wanted to be home surrounded by her own things.

Dad started snoring loudly, so Jake and I made our excuses to leave. We decided to walk over to the car show. There was a 1965 Mustang convertible that Jake was just drooling over.

"Jake you do realize that car is older than our fathers by almost 10 years."

"It's a classic, Bells, just beautiful." He smiled over at me and said, "Can't you imagine driving down to the beach in this, with the top down watching the sun set and the moon rise." Jake pulled me close. "I really want to try something."

He looked in my eyes as he lowered his head towards me, my own eyes closed as I felt the faintest brushing of his lips on mine. The kiss started soft and sweet, but quickly heated up as Jake pulled me closer to him. My body was flush with his and I could feel every, and I do mean every muscle in his body. I pulled back from the kiss, blushing and cleared my throat.

Jake just took my hand, looked into my eyes and asked, "Was that ok?"

I just looked at him, smiled and nodded my head. He had this goofy grin on his face.

We finished our time in Port Angeles at a Mexican restaurant sharing spicy salsa and chips, fajitas and enchiladas. Once we were back in Forks Jake walked me to the door pulled me into a hug and gave me a gentle kiss. After we said 'Good night', I let myself into the house and quietly made my way up to the guestroom. Edward was once again in the studio, so I knocked and poked my head in the door.

"Hey, sorry to interrupt, I just wanted to let you know that I was back." Edward closed the piano cover and walked towards me.

"How is your mother feeling?"

"She's much better. Now that her pain medicine is working properly, she's ready to go home."

"That's good to hear. How did your date go?"

I smiled, "Jake and I had a nice time. I think we might be making some progress on the relationship front."

Edward smiled at that. "First love is a powerful thing."

"Oh I don't think we are there just yet, at least I'm not, but maybe it will happen. I'm going to head to bed, good night."

Edward passed me walking towards the stairs. "Good night Bella, sweet dreams."

That night my dreams were filled with eyes, laughing eyes, mischievous eyes, sad eyes, angry intense eyes, loving eyes. Each set of eyes were the most intense emerald green, with the exception of the last set of eyes, they were eyes filled with desire. Those eyes were deep dark green eyes that could see into your soul.

I bolted up in my bed, it was still the middle of the night and all I could think was

'I am in so much trouble.'

OoOoO

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