DISCLAIMER: Stephanie Meyer owns everything; I just have an overly active imagination.

ATTENTION: This story's theme is rape.

A/N: I amback! This is a Jessi chapter. Of course I think our two writing styles are very different. You can probably tell who writes what. I think Danna well suited last chapter's RPOV, but… without any further delay- Chapter 7! In Bella's POV, this was ever so hard for me to write. I had to add some 'lighter stuff' near the end.- Enjoy!

Tortured Sole

Bella's POV

"Oh, Bella, I've have been watching you for far too long." I couldn't move, I couldn't do anything but remain crouched in front of my son's car carrier and stare up at the man next to me. What did he mean? Was he kidding? What was going to happen now? He is still holding MY daughter!! This can't be happening, this can NOT be happening. This is a really bad and very real dream, and I am just going to wake up right… NOW.

I had no answers. All I had at the moment was a crazed, probably more than I originally thought possible, man standing over me with my Nattie in his arms. I knew I had a zero percent chance of successfully pulling away my daughter and grabbing my son and bolting to the front door and making it to the car and driving away before he caught us. This brought me back to my all too hopeful thought that he was just teasing me to scare the crap out of me. Which was working, I might add.

"James? What do you mean? I just need to get home. Come on, you are dressed to go out, don't you have a date or something to get to? I need to get home. Can you please just hand me Natalie?" The look I received back from him wasn't at all promising, definitely not what I was hoping to find.

"Bella, Bella, Bella… I'm afraid you have this all wrong. I am dressed to go out, but you see, you my dear are coming with me." I was surprised when he set Natalie down in her carrier without me even asking. "You all are going to have to come, I'm afraid. This opportunity your Edward provided me with certainly isn't the best, but it will have to do." Standing up, he walked to the door opening it wide. "Oh, come, come I haven't got all day." He said impatiently. "We have a long drive ahead of us. I have just the perfect place for us to go." He had this unbearable grin on his face that made me want to puke all over his expensive looking shoes.

I know he saw me gulp still unable to move. I was terrified at the moment. Here I came, all upset because I think he is creepy, and now I am scared shitless that he may actually be planning to hurt me. I see him visually grow more irritated with me as he comes away from the door to grab my elbow and begins steering me out the door picking up the twins as he goes.

Handing me Nicholas, he digs through my coat pocket fishing out my keys, then he snaps Nick in the back seat and hops in the drivers' seat. I have no choice but to do the same with Nattie and slide into the passenger seat next to him.

I eye my cell phone on the dash. I am fairly positive that I wouldn't get the nine dialed of nine-one-one before he snatches it away from me. As if reading my thoughts he grabs my cell phone and slips it into his coat pocket while pulling out of his driveway.

My body is on full alert. Every hair is standing up, every nerve on edge, but my brain is still trying to figure out what happened between him offering me a drink and smiling from ear to ear to basically forcing me into my car and driving off to some destination only he knows. My mind just can't process what is happening. Listening to the quiet cooing of Nick and Nattie the simple car ride almost feels normal. There is one thing wrong. This isn't the too fast driving of my husband; this is James, a man whom I have no idea what he is capable of. I don't know what to do. Anything that I can think of doing would possibly put my children at risk, and that is something that is unacceptable. He can do whatever he wants to me, but those twins can't come to any harm. There is no way we are crashing into a telephone pole alongside the road that could have the possibility of them getting even one scratch.

Good God, and he said it was a long ways away. I can't panic. I can't hyperventilate. I have to remain calm. I have to think this out. UGH! If my father could see me now, he would be throwing a fit. All those self defense classes, all those 'talks' throughout all my life, and now my chance to use them to save my children and myself and I am frozen. I am immobile unable to move a muscle. I stare wide-eyed out the windshield of my car, thinking and fully expecting every worst-case scenario.

Out of nowhere, James decides to break the tense silence. "I can see the wheels running in that pretty head of yours Bella. If I were you, I wouldn't be trying anything if you don't want anything to happen to you or your precious little twins. You just sit there like a good girl." He still has that intolerable smirk on his face. All I can do is nod while looking out the window. I can't look at him. I can't see with my own two eyes this is really happening. If I just look out the window and listen to Nick and Nattie in the back seat, then it is just another night in the car.

I stare out into the darkness feeling lost as the city buildings of civilization dissipate into the never-ending fields of Illinois. I have no idea what road we are on, but it's not lit. There is nothing to recognize. I try not to give up hope, but every mile we drive is another mile I am further away from Edward. I haven't had to rely on myself in so long. I have always had my parents, my friends, and my husband to help me. Not now. Now I am alone with my own personal monster.

We drive for hours. He wasn't kidding about it being a long way. We haven't passed a road sign in ages, but from my estimates we would have to be in northern Michigan. From the main freeway I saw signs indicating Grand Rapids, then Cadillac, MI, but he got off the freeway and we have been taking back state highways for a while now. The baby noises from the back seat have subsided and if I was brave enough to turn around and look I am sure they would both be fast asleep. Instead of late at night, it is now very early in the morning. Edward should be home by now. I wonder what he is thinking. He has to be panicking that I'm not safe at home asleep in our bed with the twins down the hall. That's when the only bright thought comes to my mind. He's looking for me. He's coming for me. Edward is going to save me.

With the new optimism that I am not in this alone, I try not to dwell on the odds against me. I have no idea where we are so how could they possibly know. We are so deep into the woods of what has to be somewhere in Michigan, that is if we are even still in Michigan and haven't crossed over to Canada. They very well may never find us. But surely, if we had gone far enough to cross over the water at St. Ignace, I would have noticed, and there would be signs into Sault Ste Marie, right? The thought sends chills up my spine capable of making my teeth chatter. Again concentrating on the dark expanse out my window, I block out those dreadful thoughts.

We stopped once to get gas at some shack that looked more abandoned than anything. He knew I wouldn't try to make a run for it. I wouldn't go anywhere without Nicholas and Natalie. After all where was there for me to run to? I had utterly no clue where we were. I knew I had to be patient. Not just go running off into anywhere.

"Oh, Bella you have been so good for me all these hours in the car. Why don't you take care of Nick and Nattie?" It wasn't a question… I knew better. I was just at a loss as to what all was entailed by his statement. I have paused longer than he wanted since he saw fit to scream "NOW!" right in my face.

Quickly I scrambled out of my seat flinging open the rear door. One at a time I laid them down on the small back seat to change their diapers. James all the while waited close behind me. Watching me. I could feel his eyes on me the entire time. Turning to him I finally spoke for the first time since leaving his house.

"I'll need to feed them." I was hoping he would get the picture that I wanted him to take a stroll or something. After all I wasn't going anywhere. "I don't bottle feed them." I added seeing as he didn't leave me alone for a few minutes.

"Oh, my sweet Bella, it's nothing I won't see in a few hours." What the hell? He spoke so nonchalantly as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Was it? What did he mean?

I mentally berated myself for being too naïve and so utterly stupid. What did I think he wanted me for? To play house? Take me on a drive of the countryside then return me safe and sound to the arms of my husband? No, of course he didn't. He wanted something else entirely. All he really wanted was my body, an object to be used for gratifying his pleasure then tossed away. Of course there had to be an easier woman to get into his bed. Why me? He wasn't bad looking, he could pick up any random woman at a bar or club who would gladly do anything he wanted consensually. Why me? That's when his words from earlier came back to my mind. 'Oh, Bella I have been watching you for far too long.' I was something he wanted, but couldn't have. He watched and he coveted. I belonged to Edward and he couldn't stand it. So he just took what he couldn't have for himself.

This new revelation scared me to death. I didn't know what he would do to me. Once again I was lost to my thoughts and not doing anything. Just as a few minutes ago I was pulled out of my motionless haze by his booming voice. "I'm not going anywhere so hurry up and feed them! I haven't got all day." His voice changed in an instant to one that flowed like honey from his chapped lips. "I can't wait to get you alone and all to myself. Now, why don't I hold Nick while you start with Nattie, hmmm… is that okay?" I deftly nodded while trying not to become physically ill at the implications of his words. I found a small amount of comfort in the task of feeding my twins. Mine and Edward's twins. The babies that if I had to fight till my death, would be raised by Edward. I was going to get out of here and away from this deranged monster. I had to believe I could. For my sanity and for the sake of my children.

I fleetingly wondered what the owners of this little establishment thought of us all. Nothing had happened to make them suspicious that I was being driven against my will to some unknown location to have who knows what done to me. The fact that my children and I didn't belong to the seemingly caring man attending to us wouldn't have even have crossed their minds. We seemed like a cute, average couple driving to a cottage getaway for the weekend. How quaint the idea. How very wrong the assessment.

I must have drifted into some sort of sleep during my thoughts for I was awoken by a warm hand against my face that was leaning against the cold glass of the window. "Bella, we're here. Wake up. The twins are inside…" My sleepy mind slowly processed his words. I didn't want to wake up, I am still exhausted. I most certainly didn't want to be awake anywhere with this man. WHAT! Too quickly for my sluggish brain to handle I turned in my seat to take in the vacant rear seat of my car, my mind racing in a panic.

Turning to look at James who was standing at my door with that smirk that was now ever present, he pulled me from the car and led me up to a small cottage type house. It wasn't very big at all, just enough room for the necessities. Nothing like the home Edward had built just outside of Forks not far from his parents' home. We would spend at least a few weeks there every summer and during every holiday. Edward wanted a place close to where we both felt at home and to be with family when we wanted yet also be able to be alone when we wanted. This tiny house was something almost as cute as you would expect in a Disney film or something. It was a little home that you would expect Snow White to come walking out of while bursting into song followed by her seven dwarves. This, however, was no fairytale.

"Make yourself at home. The twins are asleep in the living room. The kitchen should be stocked with nonperishable items. I'm sure you have to be hungry. I am going to tidy up some things and finish up some other work. You just relax." What is with his moods? One minute he was all sociopath on me and the next he was all considerate. I never knew how to take him. I found myself just nodding, not really knowing what to do or exactly what all he meant. I didn't want to think too much into anything anymore.

Quickly locating the small living room which really only consisted of a loveseat and one chair. I made sure the twins were safe before checking out the kitchen. He was right, there wasn't much in there. Going through all the cabinets, all three of them, I settled on some crackers, and listened for James. It sounded like he was talking on the phone since it was only half of some conversation I couldn't quite make out. I could tell it was business stuff since all the words I heard were legal jargon. Very similar words that I would catch while running by Edward's home office to go check on the twins or going to put away laundry. As usual I didn't understand a word. What did Double Jeopardy mean besides a weekday trivia game show?

I found it odd he was able to get a signal in the first place. The only thing I could think of was that maybe, just maybe we weren't as far away from some type of civilization as I thought. Then the thought clicked. A phone! I quickly began searching the small house for any signs of a phone. There wasn't one. There went the idea of calling for help. Polishing off the rest of the crackers, I awaited my monster.

It seemed like hours I waited in the small kitchen listening to the indistinct chatter go on from the other side of the closed door I stared at constantly. The twins stirred a little bit but soon went right back into their peaceful slumber. I glanced around the sparsely furnished cottage, but didn't find anything of any interest. I looked out the few windows not finding anything other than the dense forests I grew up with. I knew better than to go out wandering in the forests of the Pacific North West. Even the most experienced of hikers could easily get lost among the miles upon miles of dense greenery.

I didn't even have the courage to open the door or a window. I was still on egg shells. I didn't know how James would react to anything. I knew from him being with Edward that it didn't take much to get him worked up about something. Often times I would go out when they would watch a ball game at our house only in part because James made my skin crawl. He would get so loud and God help us all if his team was losing. I would do anything to not get those reactions from him toward me.

Finally easy footsteps came down the short hallway into the kitchen where I was propped up on a stool. "Well, my dear Bella, I do hope you have had your rest my sweet. I can't wait to have you now that I have you here all to myself." Stretching out his hand toward he smiled broadly as if I would be excited to follow him. "Come." Was all he said before taking my hand and leading me down the other end of the short hallway.

~*~

The short plane ride into Seattle felt like it took even less time than usual. No matter how much I wanted to delay the inevitable everything went smoothly and before I knew it I was walking out of baggage claim and over to the car rental area. Not that I didn't want to drive my old truck, Charlie still parked in its usual spot in the driveway, but I didn't quite trust it to get me safely from point A to B after not driving it. I was finally, after the lady in front of me turned down three cars, handed the keys to some little silver look alike car. They must have had 50 of these tiny things on the lot.

The three hour drive into Forks from SeaTac with nothing but bad crackly radio which gave me way too much time to think, more so than the plane, in the quiet car no one was asking me what I wanted to drink or if I needed a blanket. It was just me and the disappearing road.

I couldn't believe I told all that I did to Rose. Well… actually didn't tell Rose, as I didn't actually say anything at all. But my responses and questions gave away a lot more than I have ever let anyone know and she has always had this gift to get anything out of anybody. It's what she does, and she's good at it. I just don't have the heart to tell her that I can't tell her a thing. James would know, and Edward would be as good as dead. I have never before been so grateful for Emmett's bad timing and big mouth. I would definitely have to be more careful in the future during our little chats. I couldn't tell her anything about James.

About twenty five minutes outside of my home town, I stopped at a little gas station. It seemed nice enough but the car full of young guys parked out front put me on edge. It immediately took my mind back to Rose's words about Royce. Rose had never told me any of that before. Probably the only person she has ever told was bound by doctor patient confidentiality. Rose and Alice were right, we do share a lot in common, more than just being a fellow rape victims.

Before my thoughts could continue too much more, I pulled onto the very familiar street and into the same driveway I had thousands of times before, parking next to my beloved old truck and a well used police cruiser. Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself for facing my father. We may both prefer to keep to ourselves and not talk too much, but if there was one person who knew me it was Charlie. He most likely already knew my little happy show on the phone was just that- a farce to keep everyone at bay.

"Hey Bells! It's so good to see you kiddo!" Charlie pulled me into one of his hugs reserved for special occasions. This one wasn't even at all awkward. "Your flight go okay and all?" Hmm… yes, Charlie knew not to ask me how I was. Avoidance was a well used tactic here at the Swan house. If it's not too pressing why even go there. I knew the real reason why I fled back home to Forks would came up in conversation sooner rather than later, but for now I would enjoy beating around the bush.

"It's great to see you too, Dad. Yeah, my flight was pretty uneventful. You managing okay up here? You're not surviving on food from the diner are you?" Yes, I would forever be the caretaker and worrier.

"Bella. Don't you worry about me. I'm as healthy as a horse, don't you forget that. I don't eat at the diner every night." Uh Huh. Right. I know all about that. I get a phone call at the house from your doctor saying your cholesterol is off the charts and blood pressure is terrible and you need to do something about your… everything. Sure I believe every word dad.

"What, you have a night you order in pizza? Dad, I'm cooking. Then before I leave, I'm going to make you all kinds of stuff for you to freeze to have later." I tried to make myself firm. I wasn't backing down on this.

"Whatever makes you happy, Baby Girl. By the way there is nothing wrong with pizza. Which reminds me, do you still like pepperoni and peppers on your pizza?" Rolling my eyes I nodded then realizing we were still standing at the door, and I still had my coat on.

Charlie scurried off to I guess order pizza while I headed up to my old room. It was just how I left it, it always was. I had wanted Charlie to turn it into something else after I got married and Edward had the house built not far from his parent's place. One look at Charlie however and I knew it wasn't going to happen. Everything was just how I left it years ago. Maybe a few things added to complete the museum look like an old pair of baby shoes I had no idea were still in the attic.

All kinds of pictures still littered my walls and bookshelves. The small round framed one that sat on my dresser caught my eye. Charlie and Renee at the hospital the day I was born. Pictures from down at the beach, past vacations, school friends. Rose, Alice and me from what I am pretty sure was the ninth grade. Edward with braces and cropped hair because we got him to try out for track with Jasper and Rosalie. All six of us lined up for prom. Even the occasional band poster Emmett insisted I needed or an art project from grade school.

Starring at little pieces of my past,I could see why Charlie kept it all in here. It's what parents do. Parents. I had been a parent for a little while. I had dreamed of rooms like this holding the treasured memories of my own kids. That would never happen now. I wouldn't ever get to see what would be taped all over their walls during high school or what their finger painting in kindergarten would look like. A lone tear trailed down my cheek. That was all that was left. I didn't have the strength for the wracking sobs that once shook my entire body.

Charlie startled me by calling up the stairs that the pizza was here. Dumping my bags on my bed, I hurried downstairs to deal with my issues later. Dinner was great; I got caught up on all the happenings in Forks. Everyone was pretty much still here. All my old friends from school still had their families here. Mike now owed Newton Outfitters and had married Jessica Stanley three months ago. I wondered why I never got an invitation. Charlie said I was supposed to have been sent one. Damn postal service.

"We're supposed to get a lot of rain tomorrow, but the morning should be good for a walk down the beach, kiddo."I had a lot of memories down at La Push beach; it was our spot to do everything during the spring and summer.

"I'll head over earlier then. I nice long walk in the sand sounds great, just what I think I need." Charlie just nodded. He knew I went there to think and sort things out. It was where I thought about what college to go to, what I wanted to take in college, or if I wanted to move back in with my Mom. It was the first place I went after Alice spilled the beans that Edward had bought an engagement ring. I wanted to know why I was saying yes. I knew I loved him, but death do us part was a long time. A thought that made another tear want to slip out of the corner of my eye. Did living now hundreds of miles apart mean I wasn't living up to my vow?

"Honey, it's late why don't you get some rest." I didn't realize I had been sitting at the kitchen table staring off into space until Charlie put his hand on my shoulder. The table was cleared, the dishes where the sink, and the pizza was put away.

Nodding, I gave dad a peck on the cheek and went back upstairs to face my old room again. I didn't bother turning on the light or changing out of my cotton dress. I just flopped down on my old bed and fell asleep trying to avoid everything I didn't want to face.

For once in a long while the dreams didn't come. Perhaps they got lost on my way home. One could only hope.

The morning was bright and very unfitting for Forks, Washington. Charlie had been right it was a perfect morning for a walk on the beach.

I found my Dad at the kitchen table with a cup of steaming coffee and the newspaper. "How does eggs and bacon sound this morning?" We were not driving all the way over the diner for breakfast.

"Sounds great." He eyed me skeptically. We were picky about our eggs.

"Don't worry I remember. Scrambled, not at all runny with a dash of salt lots of pepper, and the bacon nice and crispy. What's in the headlines this lovely morning?" It almost felt strange to be so happy and interacting with another human being who wasn't on the other end of a phone line. It came back more naturally that I thought it would.

I got the nod of approval from dad then the run down on all Forks news. Half paying attention I plated breakfast. I wasn't too hungry, but it would only make Charlie worried it I didn't eat.

"Are you going to go see Jacob?" Odd question, why wouldn't I go see Jacob we have been friends since we were in diapers? Even ruined one of Billy's oven's putting our mud pies in there.

"Yeah, I'll head over maybe tomorrow." Charlie still wasn't saying much just eating away and reading more of the small paper.

"I have the guys over Friday nights to watch the games. You don't mind do you?" Well, I guess I'll have to go to the store sooner than I thought.

"Not at all. I'd love to see them all it's been ages. Who's all coming?"

"Oh, Billy and Harry, and other guys on the force. Don't you worry about cooking; we take care of ourselves." Right. Where have I heard that before?

"Yes, taking care of yourselves meaning that you all bring a six pack of Vitamin R. I'll make a little something. Nothing big, I promise. I think I'm going to head over to the beach. Catch some sun, collect some rocks, do something thinking. I'll be back before dinner since I'll run to the store too." I got a big smile from Charlie. I think he was expecting the zombie Bella everyone described to him. I didn't know how long she would stay away, but I was enjoying being among the living for now. I just had to steer clear of kids and men. Yeah no problem, I'd be fine.

"Thanks for breakfast sweetie. You be careful, okay. Stay on the beach. You even think about going up to those cliffs and I'll have a heart attack, then lock you in your room if you ever try that again." Rolling my eyes I realized for the thousandth times I was never going to live that one stupid dare down as long as I lived. It had been years since I had gotten the idea in my head that jumping off a cliff would be fun.

"Dad! I'm not kid. I have promised I'd never do that again. I'll be back before you know it. I may just even stop by the ice cream shop just to be daring. Then not bring you anything." Running up the steps I changed into the first thing I came to, and threw on some old shoes.

"Have a good day dad! Love you! I'll be back soon!" I got a grunt from in front of the TV. He was all set for the day.

The drive out to the beach was nice. The sleepy town was alive bustling in the warmth of the sun. I knew pretty much everyone, not much ever changed in a small town.

There was a crisp breeze coming off the water that was refreshing. The salty air blowing all around me was so calming. I used to just sit here on a piece of driftwood for hours when I was younger.

I thought about many things with just the ocean to be witness to my tears. I thought about Nicholas and Natalie. I thought about Edward. I thought about our future. I thought about James. I just thought about things that I wouldn't have the strength to anywhere else. I was there sitting leaning back on my driftwood when I heard the first rumble of thunder. I hadn't meant to stay out here this long. Hurriedly I got back into my little rental and started the drive back into town.

A little less than halfway home it starts pouring cats and dogs. Charlie wasn't kidding when he said we were going to get a lot of rain. Thankful I hadn't felt the urge to bring my truck I slowed down a bit. Eyeing the ditches on the side of the road something catches my eye. Glancing up figuring it is just a random deer or something, I see him.

Shirtless in the pouring rain hunched over with his hands on his knees like he has just run a marathon is Jacob Black. Slamming on the brakes I am out of my seat running through the soggy field before any logical thought can stop me. I haven't seen my best childhood friend since I was very pregnant. I know he knows the basic gist of what happened through Charlie, but I am just so happy to see him no fear could stop me.

I don't think he notices me until I call out his name. Wow, how winded do you have to be before you notice someone running toward you?

"Bella?" He stands up straight and blinks at me a few times as if not believing I am actually running right for him. Exhausted from my little run I collide right into him, hugging him tightly. I am more out of shape than I thought that was a few hundred feet tops.

"I've missed you too, Shorty." He chuckles as I loosen grip from my hug.

"What are you doing way out here, training for the Iron Man Triathlon or something?" That got him to laugh his infectious laugh for me. I'd forgotten how much I had really missed it.

"Maybe one day. I was just relaxing a bit, clearing my head, you know? What are you doing here? Visiting your dad? Did you bring Edward with you?" I had to smile at that. Jake and Edward had never gotten along. I guess they both just loved me too much. No one was ever going to be good enough for me according to Jake. He put up a bigger hissy fit that dad when I got engaged.

"Yes, I came up to visit Charlie. I just couldn't be at home anymore. But, umm… no, Edward and I aren't together." I didn't think he was going to say anything more when what I had just said clicked all into place for him.

"What? Wait a second! You and Edward aren't together? Is that an 'aren't together' like he had to work this week so he stayed home or you guys really aren't together? Bella, please tell me you are okay. I know this has been a tough year for you but…" He never finished his thought. He didn't need to I knew.

"Jake, I'm fine… well, as fine as can be expected. I told Edward I just needed some time alone. I came up here to think and clear my head a bit. Really Jake, I'm fine." He gave me the 'are you serious' look I knew all too well.

"Bells you may be able to tell everyone else that bullshit and have them believe you, but I have known you for far too long to know when you are lying. I know you may not want to talk about it, but just know… ya know… shit I don't even know. I'm not a shrink!" He threw his arms up in the air. In any other situation I would have thought it to be funny. He was right though, I didn't want to talk about that.

"Jake you need to get inside. It's freezing out here, and you don't have a shirt on. Come on, let me give you a ride home." Effectively changing the subject to have at a later time, I began pulling him toward my car which was still running with the driver's door wide open. So something I would do.

Stepping up his pace he jogged around to the driver's side and slid in behind the wheel adjusting the seat to fit his tall frame. "What, you don't trust my driving or something?"

Chuckling he replied, "Something like that." Then adding with a sideways smile, "I have a surprise for you… well, kind of."

"Jake, I've got to get home. Charlie is having the guys over and I said I would make something." I didn't think he was going to answer just keep his eyes on the road and ignore me.

"I know." Huh? What did he know? Does everyone go to the store on Friday nights?

"What do you mean, Jake?"

"I always go to the Chief's to watch the games on Friday. Harry is bringing his fish fry tonight. Unless you were planning on making tartar sauce you don't need to worry about anything. Between that and the traditional pizza and beer we should be set. "

"Oh." I really should have known. It seemed obvious now and such a pointless discussion.

Jake turned and gave me his huge smile that has always brightened my mood. I couldn't help but return it as we pulled up in front of Charlie's house. "ESPN here we come."

"Just like old times."

Dashing up to the house even though we were already soaked, I met Dad at the door. "Bells I thought you'd be home before now."

"Well, I picked up something on my way home." I smiled as Jake came ducking through the door.

"You two are soaked! Jeez, where were you two? Bells get upstairs and change into something dry before you catch pneumonia! Jake, you go rummage around in my dresser and find something that might fit. There's got to be some sweats or something that aren't too short." Laughing, we made our way upstairs.

"You should find something in the bottom drawer; I think that's where he keeps the stuff he never wears." I said over my shoulder before heading into my room.

The evening went well. We devoured the pizza and fried fish and every drop of beer. Jake and I had to go to the store and replenish their supply near the end of the game.

I couldn't have told you who won, but we all had a great time. It felt good to just let loose and laugh good and hard about anything and nothing.

With the promise of making my way out to La Push to catch up some more with Jacob tomorrow, we all said goodbye and I realized how exhausted I was.

For the first night in over a year I dreamed of laughter and smiles and happy times.

A/N: Well, here you have it. I thought everyone could use a bit of lighter material here at the end. I can't have y'all crying after every chapter.

I hope you like it. Tell us what you think.

Thank you to:

My Collaborator: Danna0724 without you this story would be long since completed and forgotten. Thanks for all you do!

Our Wonderful Readers: Why write if there is no one to read?

To all who review: You make our day. Just reading your wonderful words gives us the boost to continue on.

I'm sure there are more, but all y'all just know who you are

Onto Chapter 8 which will also be a BPOV chapter. There shouldn't be any water works during that chapter either so I think you'll be able to put the tissues away for at least the next chapter too.

Love you all,

~Jessi

A/N#2: (danna0724) Well all, I think you can all agree with me, that Jessi did a fabulous job!! Yes?!?!?!?

I just want to remind all the readers out there, that we seriously LIVE for the reviews you leave! From the quick comments, to the quirky questions to a full out opinion of what you think is going on. I promise you, that what you think, isn't how it is, nor how it will be, and you will have the rug pulled out from under you in surprise of what's to come! This I can promise!! BIG PUFFY HEART LURVE YOU ALL!!! (oh and yes, I'll be coming up again soon… )