Disclaimer: Don't own Twilight,

Argh! I have been so busy with school, sorry all. I'm trying to update as much as possible.

Due to good feedback, I did a bit of work on Jacob's tattoos (all I had time for), for you guys to have a look at. If you've already got them picked in your head, don't feel the need to look, but these are what I used for inspiration, I shall post them on my profile.

I was SO overwhelmed by the response from last chapter! You guys seriously keep me going, and I love your reviews, especially long ones that actually give me something. Thank you so so much for all your love. And with that, I'll end this long bolded rant, enjoy the next chapter, leaving on the note that "predictable stories are boring". Remember that.

And just a reminder, I'm sorry for any Australian/American spelling differences.

And I'm almost ninety-nine percent sure that out the corner of my eye I saw a familiar russet-coloured blur on my way home.

"Aww, how cute." Remarked Bree when I told her of Seth and Paul yesterday. "But yeah, I'm not surprised Jacob freaked out a little, I mean, he was in love with you, after all. You broke his heart."
"Thanks, Bree, really helping." I said into the receiver, but I knew she was right.
"Just being honest. Hey, I've gotta go pick up Ben. Make sure you keep calling me, I miss you, and so do the boys." She said.
"Of course, love you Bree."
"Always Bella." She answered before I heard the click of the phone returning to it's cradle.

I placed my phone beside me on my bed. 4:52pm. I would begin getting ready soon, I was due at Seth's at 6:00pm, and I had to wash my hair. I felt mixed emotions about tonight, though overall I was excited. I was prepared to endure hoards of "where have you been, how long are you here for, why are you back" from various people, but I knew they all just cared. Surprising myself, I was really excited to see Billy, and the pack of course, but Billy in particular.
My outfit was laid out on the other side of my double bed, all ready for me to slip into. I had chosen a casual but flattering dress; a midnight blue strapless that was gorgeous and much too short, accompanied by my favourite silver heels. I knew I'd amaze everyone.

"Bella, honey, are you going to get ready soon?" Called Charlie up the stairs.
Wait, I hadn't told Charlie about the party...
"What Dad?" I called back, and I heard his footsteps approach my door. He poked his head inside.
"The party at Seth's tonight, I thought you'd be preparing for it hours ahead." He said with a smirk.
"How did you know about Seth's?" I questioned.
Charlie let out a snort. "Bella please, I'm not that old. It's the talk of the town, and Billy's my best friend, remember?" He said pointedly.
"Since when has La Push news been the talk of Forks?" I asked.
"Oh well, since you left, La Push and Forks have merged together a bit more, you know, become more of a community?"
"Right, that's cool. So will there be many people there tonight?" I asked.
"I have a feeling there will be, everyone knows those boys throw a hell of a party." He smiled before retreating down the stairs.

Great, I could party, and If I had to with at least ten hot guys, I could deal. If only there wasn't just the one I had eyes for.

I spent extra long in the shower, making sure I conditioned every hair, scrubbed every inch of skin. I was a walking aroma-bubble of lavender when I surfaced and padded down the hall in my towel. I felt beautiful as I pulled on my dress and shoes, and I once again felt thankful for all the time I spent in Australia with Bree, Ben and Tyson. I swallowed quickly and repetitively when I felt my eyes stinging, now was not the time to be getting all emotional. I realised I was more headstrong too. Five years ago, I would have been sitting at home freaking out over the thought of a huge party dedicated to my homecoming. I liked that I wasn't.

"Coming Dad?" I said, grabbing the keys off the bench. Charlie looked up from where he was sitting and raised his eyebrows.
"A little short, Missy?" He said.
I rolled my eyes. "Oh come on, Dad, I'm not a little kid anymore." I said, giving him a toothy grin.
He sighed. "Sure Bella. Let's get going." He said, rising from his chair.
I assumed Charlie would be coming now that I knew it was a big thing. He shuffled out the door to the car whilst I flounced along behind him, feeling hyped.

"Nervous?" He asked when we pulled up in the Clearwater's drive.
"Not a bit." I answered. "Hey Dad, I'm just going to do some finishing touches, I'll meet you in there." I said, pulling out a compact mirror.
"Sure." He said, getting out and heading towards the door.

I checked for any flaws, and was satisfied that there was none. Dabbing a few more coats of mascara on my lashes, and a thin layer of clear lip gloss, I clip-clopped all the way to the front door. I could hear the steady thump of a stereo system coming from the backyard and lots of sounds from inside. I decided I didn't need to knock, seeing as though it was pretty much open house, and stepped through the doorway.

I had never seen a more crowded kitchen. The Clearwater's front door opened straight into their kitchen and then living room. It was dead silent.
"Hi guys." I said uneasily, smiling. It was filled with the whole Pack, Billy, Sue, and much to my dismay: Leah. The one person I wasn't entirely excited to see again. And her face confirmed my feeling, it was plastered with distaste, as opposed to the wide-eyed, surprised faces around the room.
"Bella!" Seth called, emerging through from the living room and heading towards me. I mentally thanked him. He approached me and grabbed my hand.
"You guys all just gonna stare at her like stunned mullets?" Seth said to everyone, giving a lopsided grin. That seemed to break the tension. Everyone began crowding around me, saying hi, giving me hugs and compliments. The Pack pretty much had their tongues lolling out their mouths; except Sam. Where's Jacob?

"It's good to see you Bella." Said Sam, his hand grasping mine while his wise eyes looked into mine.
"You too, Sam. And I promise I'm not back to cause trouble." I said, trying to break his strong gaze with a joke. He just smiled and walked off, eager to get out of the crowd. Where's Jacob?

After being passed around from person to person, having quick chats and reminiscing, I spotted Seth heading out the back and followed him.
"You sure got everyone here, late invites?" I said.
"Word gets around pretty fast." Seth grinned.
"You even got Jessica and Eric. I didn't think they would still be living in Forks." I had spoken with my two old school friends for quite a long time. Jessica was working at the Newton's store -Mike had gone off to college- and Eric was working for the local newspaper.
"Not everyone takes off," He said, nudging me playfully in the ribs. Where's Jacob?

The backyard was pumping under lights. It was well into the night, but it was bright outside.
"Would you like to dance?" Seth asked.
"Sure," I said, deciding this would be the perfect time to ask what I had been dying to ask since the moment I stepped through the front door.
Seth led me onto the dance floor where bodies were pulsing together. I was amazed that such a small town could pull together such an amazing party. Seth was an great dancer and I even worked up a bit of a sweat. I was relieved when someone switched the song to something a little slower. I moved closer to Seth as he placed his hands on my hips and I placed my arms around his neck. I only just managed; he was so tall.
After a few twirls and lifts, I asked what I needed.
"Seth..." I began in a soft voice, leaning back so I could look up to his face. "Where's Jacob."
Seth grimaced, and took the chance to take my hand and spin me out, before reeling me back in.
"I'm sorry Bella..." He said; avoiding my eyes, "He isn't coming."
"As if I would miss this, Seth." Came a voice from behind me. I spun around quickly.
"Jacob!" I squealed, quickly releasing myself from Seth's grip.
"Hi Bells." He said simply. I felt embarrassed of my squeal, ashamed of the way Seth had been holding me in front of Jacob and guilty for dumping Seth.
"I've been waiting..." I said, standing there awkwardly, Seth had whisked away with another girl, boy that kid had perfect timing.
"I'm here now." Jacob hushed, walking to me and seizing my waist. I happily wrapped my arms around his neck.

We danced and danced, just moving together. Even when the music changed beat, we never ceased. I was barely aware of people around us, and I was sure I saw people point, but I didn't care. I heard someone call his name, and when they did I felt his arms pull me closer to him, so I rested my head on his chest, spinning absently with him.
I felt his body stiffen.
"I have'ta go Bells." He murmured.
"What!?" I exclaimed, a little too loudly. Jacob looked over his shoulder.
"I'm sorry. I will see you soon," He said, unwrapping my arms from around his neck and stalking off into the darkness.
"Jacob!" I called after him, but he was long gone, and I stood there alone and dumbfounded.

Feeling sorry for myself and confused by Jacob's action, I went and sat by myself at a table. I tried not to look to grim, flashing smiles at everyone passing by.
"Hello, Bella." Came a familiar voice.
"Billy!" I said as I looked up. Billy looked the same as ever, perhaps a little more lined and little more gray.
I gave him a hug as best I could, considering he was in a wheelchair.
"I've been looking for you." I said, tipping my head to the side.
"I've only just arrived, how have you been?" He asked sincerely.
"I'm... good. For lack of a better word." I said, grinning. "What about you?"
"Same old, same old." He answered. It was such a Billy thing to say.
"Where's Jacob?" He asked, looking around.
I shrugged. "Gone."
Billy's face darkened and I saw his heavy-set eyebrows knit together. "I'm sorry." He said.
"It's not your fault." I said simply. Billy's head lifted and he looked directly into my eyes.
"I am very glad you are back Bella. It hasn't been the same without you." He said firmly, his eyes still penetrating, as if he was trying to tell me something. It worried me, and I broke off from his gaze when Paul approached us.
"Sorry Billy, but could I steal a dance from Bella?" He asked, reaching out a hand.
"Of course." I said, placing my hand in his. "I will see you later, Billy." I said, giving him a quick wave. He just stared after me glumly.

"Having a good night?" Paul asked as he twirled me around.
I thought about it for a moment. "Amazing." I said. After all, apart from Jacob running off, it had been a good night.
Paul chuckled and we danced a little longer before I was spun away by Quil.
Then Embry.
Then Jared.
Then Brady.
Then Eric.
And about a dozen others. The night eventually faded away, and the crowd began dissolving. I saw Leah retreat into the darkness and I noticed I had only seen her with a scowl on her face tonight. I guess she would always hate me.

I saw Sam approaching me.
"Want a ride home?" He asked. I was surprised.
"No, it's okay. It's way out of your way, and Charlie's here anyway."
Sam chuckled. "Charlie left hours ago, it's a bit late for that old man. I said I'd take you home for him. I don't mind, honestly."
I hesitated, "Okay."

I said goodbye to everyone and thanked Seth and Sue before heading out to Sam's SUV.

The ride home was a little awkward. Sam seemed content to drumming his fingers on the steering wheel to music, not feeling the need to make conversation. I looked out the window and into the dense forest, there was no russet blur tonight.
"I hope you had a good night." Sam said as we pulled into my drive.
"I did." I said, reaching for the handle. Sam caught my shoulder.
"Everything will be okay." He said, giving me that wise gaze again. I blinked stupidly at him, either he was psychic or really good at reading people. I remembered that he was connected to Jacob, and wondered if had "heard" anything whilst they were in wolf form.
I gulped. "Okay. Goodnight Sam." I said before hopping out the car and heading towards the door. I let myself in and waved behind me to signal to Sam I had got inside. Pacing up the stairs, I had a quick shower before slipping into my pajamas, knowing I was heading into some serious thinking time.

That was quite possibly the strangest night of my life.

I spent Friday night writing this so you could all have an update, because otherwise you wouldn't get one until late Sunday/Monday. Feel special :3
Review!
I skipped to the party quickly, 'cos I knew it's what you all wanted to know about.