AN: Thanks to ShearEnvy for her mega patience and inspiration in writing this story. Without her, it wouldn't exist. Really. Damn those triple dog dares.

Chapter 10: Expression
"Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important." - Janet Lane

I stood underneath the oak tree in the back yard in the dark, the damp grass tickling my bare feet. Stray drops of water dripped on me from the leaves above, a small, quick rain shower having moved through about an hour ago. The air was cool on my arms, the polar opposite of the stifling air inside the house. I was feeling antsy in my own skin, and my mind refused to shut down and let me get some rest.

It was sometime around midnight, and much to Charlie's dismay, Jake was asleep in my room. His snores were so loud I could hear them downstairs on the couch, the deep rumble vibrating the thin walls. I wondered how the hell Charlie could sleep through it being in the next room over, as it sounded like a freight train rushing through the house.

"It's nice to see you wearing pajamas that fit."

I jumped, startled by the voice, and swung around to see Edward a few feet away. He stood awkwardly, one arm wrapped around his torso, while his free hand ran through his messy hair. He wore only a pair of old, ratty sweat pants, and my eyes naturally drifted to his bare chest. I averted my gaze once I realized I was ogling him, but I wasn't quick enough. The chuckle that escaped his lips told me he'd noticed.

"Uh, yeah. No popping buttons or busting seams this time," I said, looking down at my clothes. I immediately felt ridiculous anyway, being as I was wearing what Jake referred to as my PMS-jamas. They were old, worn and faded, but the most comfortable thing I owned.

"So it's safe to come near you?" he asked playfully, strolling closer. "You won't take one of my eyes out?"

"Nope," I replied. "I'm completely harmless."

He laughed dryly. "I wouldn't exactly call you harmless, Swan. You've always been pretty dangerous."

"I have not."

"Yes, you have," he retorted. "I don't think you've ever tried to cause damage, but you have a knack for destruction. You're like a tornado."

His seriousness stunned me. "You must be confusing me with someone else."

"Oh, no. Definitely you," he said, shaking his head. "You're the same girl who got drunk at eighteen and made miss curfew by about eight hours."

"That wasn't my fault," I said, elbowing him. "I told you I didn't even wanna go in the first place, but you guilted me into it."

"Yeah, but no one told you to drink so damn much."

"You bought all the beers!"

I still remembered that day as if it were just yesterday. Edward and I arrived home at around ten the next morning, disheveled and exhausted. I had my very first hangover, and Charlie knew it the moment I stepped into the house. I wasn't sure if it was my bloodshot eyes, or the stench of alcohol that seemed to be seeping from my pores, but he detected it immediately. I'd expected him to be furious and prepared myself for the onslaught of yelling - my poor, pounding head dreading it in anticipation - but the anger never came. As he stared at me with a frown on his face that morning, all he said was, "I'm disappointed in you, Isabella."

Guilt consumed me with his words. It was the first time I could recall him ever calling me Isabella, but it certainly wasn't the last time he'd say it. The memory of the first, though, stung like a knife to the chest. Charlie knew how much it hurt me to hear it, how every time someone uttered that name all I really heard was my mother's voice, whispering to me the last time I ever saw her.

"Isabella, my sweet Isabella," she'd said, pulling me into a hug as I tried to head for the door. It was awkward with my heavy backpack strapped to my shoulders, nearly slipping off my yellow rain coat. The school bus was going to be there soon so I tried to pull away, but she refused to let go. "Stay home today with me, Isabella. We can spend time together, just you and me."

I could smell the alcohol on her. It was awfully strong for being so early in the morning. "I can't, Mom. I have school," I said, finally pulling from her grasp. "We'll do it another day."

"Promise?" she hollered as I headed for the door. I didn't have time to answer, as the bus was quickly coming.

She was gone by the time I got home from school - no explanation, no goodbye. I often wondered how different things would've been had I skipped school that day. Would she have stayed? Would she have taken me with her? It didn't matter, though, because I couldn't turn back time. I had nothing left of her but photographs, memories ...and the sound of her voice saying my name.

So when Charlie stood in front of me and called me Isabella, he knew exactly what he was doing. He told me to go upstairs, saying he felt it was best that Edward and I stayed away from each other for a while.

But there was no staying away from Edward. There's something stronger than guilt, something that can drown out the shame I felt. It's the only thing stronger than the lingering pain.

It's love.

"Okay, I'll give you that one," Edward said, pulling me back to the present as he conceded. "But you did almost burn down the library."

I gasped. "You know that was an accident!"

"Like I said, you don't try to destroy things..."

"But that was just as much your fault as it was mine," I pointed out. "You were there, too. If you hadn't done what you did, there would've been no fire."

He shook his head. "I did that shit for you, Swan."

"So?" I said, immediately feeling guilty. The word felt callous. It reminded me of him saying it was nothing at the dinner table, as if what happened hadn't been special... even if it had ended in complete disaster.

"I thought you said you don't blame me for anything."

"I don't," I replied. "But still, you can't really blame me, either."

He said nothing.

We stood quietly for a moment before he cleared his throat. "What are you doing out here, anyway? Shouldn't you be with your boyfriend?"

I shrugged. "Shouldn't you be with your fiancee?"

Again, he said nothing. The mounting tension made the air surrounding us thick, the atmosphere suddenly as stifling as inside the house. This wasn't going well at all.

What happened to us?

The sound of a car starting drew our attention and we both turned, seeing the flash of headlights out front. Edward took a few steps to the side, peering between our houses, and looked back at me with confusion. "It's the police cruiser."

My brow furrowed. "Charlie's leaving?"

Edward nodded as the car accelerated, the headlights disappearing into the night. "You think maybe he got called into work?"

"After midnight? Here?" I asked. "Nothing ever happens here."

He cocked an eyebrow as his lips turned up into an amused smirk. "Didn't we just talk about you burning down the library?"

I rolled my eyes. "It was just a small fire, and really, it was a long time ago. I haven't done anything tonight, and as far as I know you haven't either, so I'm pretty sure the citizens of Forks are safe right now."

He laughed, strolling back over to where I stood. "I was just making sure. Like I said... tornado."

A drop of water fell on me before I could respond, hitting my cheek. I flinched, not expecting it, and Edward laughed as he reached out to wipe it away. His fingers were gentle, his touch on my face soft. I fought the urge to close my eyes and moan.

Man, I was pathetic.

"Thanks," I said, looking up at the massive branch above us. "I guess the tree's crying."

"Better the tree than you."

I glanced back at him. "Why would I cry?"

"You tell me," he replied, shrugging. "I mean, you cried the whole way home from the club last night."

I tensed. I cried in front of Edward? "Why was I crying?"

He shrugged again. "Too much Tequila maybe? You were fine one minute, then the next thing I knew you were slurring and bawling. You kept saying, 'I love him, I love him.'"

I stared at him, horrified. He knew. Oh dear God, I had gotten drunk and told him, and I couldn't even remember it...

"Makes sense now, with Jake here and all. I didn't know you had a boyfriend last night, though, so I was a little confused." He paused, laughing nervously to himself. "I thought maybe..."

"Maybe what?" I asked when he didn't finish.

"Maybe you meant me," he said quietly.

My heart stilled at his words, my stomach fluttering. Tell him, a voice in my head screamed. Tell him now. Tell him the truth.

I opened my mouth, the words on the tip of my tongue, but before I could force them out, Edward spoke again.

"Ridiculous, though," he said. "After all, you are the same girl who broke my heart."

His words rendered me speechless. This time, I was the one with nothing to say.

"You're gonna fall and break something," I called as I stepped out the back door of the house, watching Edward cling to the oak tree. He glanced in my direction when he heard my voice, pulling on a branch to move higher up.

"Ah, you doubt my skill, Swan?" Edward asked. "I'm hurt."

"It has nothing to do with skill. That tree's just not good for climbing," I said, heading toward him. He ignored my warning, though, and gripped the branch above him. He tried to pull himself up and his foot slipped, his legs going right out from under him. It seemed to happen in slow-motion, his grip loosening and his back slamming into the branch below, right before his body plummeted through the air.

Edward hit the ground with a thud and groaned loudly as he lay flat on his back. I gasped, panicking, and my heart nearly stopped as I ran over to him.

"Oh my God, are you okay?" I asked, squatting down beside him. I started grabbing at his chest and assessing his limbs, trying to make sure he wasn't hurt.

Edward grabbed my hands after a moment and laughed. "Jesus, Swan, are you trying to molest me? Not that I'm complaining or anything..."

I blushed, pulling my hands away as he sat up. There was debris in his hair, but otherwise he looked to be fairly unscathed. "I was just making sure you were okay."

"I'm fine," he said, "but what would you do if I wasn't? Would you nurse me back to health?"

"I'd try," I said. "I'd probably just hurt you even more, but I'd give it a shot."

He smiled and climbed to his feet, brushing the dirt from his jeans. There was a grass stain on his ass, but it didn't matter - the pants were already destroyed to begin with.

I stood up and reached over, plucking a leaf from his chaotic locks as he spoke. "So did you get your ass handed to you by Charlie?"

I frowned. "No, he just told me how much I disappointed him."

"Ah, that's even worse," he said. "My parents just yelled, more so because I kept you out all night. They didn't seem to give a crap that I didn't come home. They were just worried I'd gotten you into trouble."

"You did," I said.

He laughed. "Yeah, I know. Sorry about that, Swan. So did you get grounded? Extra chores? No TV?"

"Close," I muttered. "He told me to stay away from you for a while. He said he thought we both needed to cool off."

I rolled my eyes, using air quotes, and Edward stared at me with shock. "Seriously? You're grounded from me?"

"Apparently."

He shook his head, muttering something under his breath. "So why are you out here with me then?"

Why was I out there? Because I loved him. Because I wanted him. Because he was the most beautiful boy I knew. Because he'd kissed me. Because I couldn't imagine going a single day without seeing him. "Because I can't listen?"

He smiled. "That's the damn truth if I've ever heard it. I'm glad, though. I'd miss your face if I couldn't see it anymore."

"Really?" I asked, blushing yet again. "You'd miss me?"

"Of course I would," he said. "Wouldn't you miss me?"

I smiled. "I'm here, aren't I?"

He gazed at me for a moment, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Yeah, you are," he said, taking a few deliberate steps in my direction. He was so close I could smell his cologne, my chest swelling as I inhaled his scent. "You always have been here."

I nodded anxiously, my heart pounding so hard it hurt. I was dizzy, butterflies soaring in my gut. "That's what friends are for," I mumbled, barely able to get the words out. Jesus, he was close. I could see the beads of sweat on his forehead, the tinge of pink in his tired eyes. His lips were dry, chapped, and he licked them slowly. The sight nearly brought me to my knees.

Dear God, he was trying to kill me.

"Is that what we are?" he asked, cocking his eyebrow at me. "Friends?"

"Uh, I guess," I said. "We're best friends, right?"

"Depends," he replied. "Can I kiss you?"

Fireworks exploded inside of me at his question. I wanted to cheer. I wanted to scream. I wanted to dance. I wanted to shout from the rooftop. I wanted to cry. I wanted to laugh. Jesus, I wanted to puke.

But mostly, I just wanted him to kiss me already.

"Absolutely."

He grinned. "Then we're not friends, Swan. We're much, more more."

"Jake," I whispered, poking him in the side. "Wake up, Jake."

He didn't budge, his loud snores still echoing through the room. "Jake!" I said louder, shaking him.

"What do you want?" he grumbled sleepily.

"Move over," I said. "I can't sleep."

He muttered something to himself as he scooted over, giving me barely enough room to climb in the bed beside him.

"Isn't your father gonna be mad?" he asked, entwining his legs with mine.

"He's not home," I replied, cuddling up under the covers. "He left a little bit ago."

"Where'd he go at this hour?"

"No idea," I replied. "He slipped out without saying anything."

Jake snickered. "Papa got a booty call."

"Gross!" I said, grimacing as I elbowed him. "Charlie's not like that."

"He's a man, Jezebella. Trust me - he's like that," he replied. "Only two things will pull us out of bed at this hour... if it isn't an emergency, it's a piece of ass."

I just lay there, stunned. Charlie with a girlfriend? I couldn't fathom it.

"Do you think I'm wrong about all of this?" I asked after a moment.

"Probably," he said, laughing. "You usually are."

I elbowed him again. "I'm serious, Jake. Do you think I'm wrong about this Edward thing? Do you think I'm making a mistake?"

"Do you think you're making a mistake, Bella? Your opinion is the only one that counts here."

"I dunno," I said. "I didn't, but now I'm not so sure."

He sighed. "Why are you second-guessing yourself all of a sudden?"

"I thought it would be easier," I said."I thought he'd still see what I see, but I guess some wounds are deeper than I realized."

His eyes narrowed. "What wounds?"

I hesitated, before launching into the story of what happened that summer in Forks before Edward left for college. By the time I was done, Jake was sitting straight up in bed, staring at me as if I'd sprouted a second head.

"Why haven't you told me this before?" he asked.

"It was the past," I said. "I just figured it had all worked itself out. I thought he was okay about it all."

"Oh Bella, Bella, Bella," he said, laying back down beside me as he shook his head. "You can be such a damn idiot."

Shortly after noon we were packing my car full of stuff, preparing to head to La Push for a few days. However, I seemed to be doing all of the work as Jake simply leaned against the car, watching. Edward's Volvo was already gone, having pulled out before I could even get Jake out of bed.

"Aren't you gonna help?" I asked, irritated, as I tossed a cooler into the backseat.

"Nope," he replied, not budging. "I did my part. Now I'm supervising."

I glared at him, shaking my head. He was wearing his usual attire, a pair of blue jeans and his brown cowboy boots. "You look ridiculous, you know."

"I look good," he countered. "I could get more men than you."

"That's probably true," I replied, "but those boots aren't really hiking-friendly. Don't you have any sneakers?"

"Do I look like I have sneakers, Bella?" he asked, peering at me over the top of his sunglasses. "I'll be just fine, don't worry about me. You worry about yourself."

"Okay then," I muttered, shutting the door. "I think that's everything. We'll need to stop and buy a tent on the way there, though. I don't know what Charlie did with his."

"Sounds good," he said, climbing into the passenger seat of my car. "Let's get this show on the road."

I begrudgingly drove to Newton's Outfitters, knowing there was nowhere else I could get a tent in Forks. Jake eyed the place peculiarly, linking his arm with mine as we strolled through the parking lot.

"I've never been in a store like this before," he said as we stepped inside, a bell above the door ringing to announce our arrival. I cringed at the loud noise, but Jake seemed enchanted by it. "It's so quaint and homey. Is this where the straight guys hang out? The outdoors shop?"

I rolled my eyes, pulling Jake toward the back of the store where I remembered the tents being. "No one hangs out at Newton's. They tend to avoid it when at all possible."

"Why?" he asked.

"Because of Newton."

The moment those words came from my lips, the annoying familiar voice rang out behind me. I groaned and closed my eyes, silently cursing to myself. Speak of the devil...

"Bella, is that really you?"

Jake turned toward the sound of the voice. I slowly followed his lead, turning around, and stared with shock when I saw him. Pimply, greasy, weird Mike Newton, with the clunky braces and awkward clothes, was no more. The person standing there was tanned and muscular, some stubble of facial hair covering his jaw. He looked... manly.

"Mike?" I asked. Was I imagining things?

He smiled, flashing straight, white teeth. "Damn, it is you! How are you?"

"Uh, I'm good," I said, stunned. "You?"

"I'm hanging in there," he said, walking over to Jake and me. "You in town for the wedding?"

Ugh, did everyone know about it?

"Yeah, I am."

"Nice. It's something, isn't it? Edward getting married."

"Uh, yeah, I guess."

The bell above the door rang as another customer showed up, distracting Newton. "If you need any help, let me know," he called to us as I slipped away, a little dumbfounded. Jake followed me, taking quick peeks back at Mike.

"People avoid this place because of him?" Jake asked, surprised.

"Yeah, he's annoying," I said. "He talks way too much. Always has."

"Oh, well that's easily solved," Jake said, laughing. "I've got something I can shove in his mouth."

I grimaced. So gross. "You're sick."

"What? He's good looking. He looks like the Brawny Man."

"He wasn't always like that," I muttered. "Besides, he's straight as far as I know."

"Since when has that stopped me?"

I sighed, pausing in front of the rows of tents. "You're always worried about getting laid. Can you just use your head for a while, please? We have a goal here."

He snorted, trying to hold back laughter. "I'm trying to use my head, Bella. It, and the eight inches holding it up."

I groaned, closing my eyes. Bad word choice. Even worse mental image. "You know what I mean, Jake. Can you be serious for a minute?"

"Depends. Can you not be serious for a minute?" he asked. "Because you really need to loosen up. You're way too uptight."

He reached over and started kneading my shoulders, rubbing my back. I sighed, glancing at him. "I'm trying to relax, but it's hard. I have a feeling this trip is going to be a disaster."

He nodded. "Yeah, it probably will, but so what? What have you got to lose?"

"Edward," I replied.

"You can't lose something you don't have," he said. "It's always better to fight and fail, than to stand back and do nothing. This is a war, honey. Didn't you learn anything from Pat Benatar? Love is a battlefield. So strap on your armor and get ready, because you've got less than two weeks before that 'mission accomplished' banner gets hung up. Because it will, you know. The only question is which one of you bitches will be doing the nailing."

I just stood there, at a loss for what to say, and he laughed after a moment. "I totally said nailing. That sounded kinky."

I rolled my eyes. "Back to thinking about sex, I see."

I picked out a simple black tent and Jake lugged it up to the counter for me, where Mike stood, waiting. He smiled at me again, and it didn't escape my notice that his eyes lingered on my chest. I glanced down, suddenly regretting wearing a low-cut top.

Jake wandered a few feet away, eyeing the glass cases full of pocket knives and compasses, as I pulled out a credit card to pay.

"So, uh, who's your friend?" Mike asked.

"His name's Jake," I said. "We work together in Seattle."

Something sparked in Mike's eyes as he raised his eyebrows. "Ah, so he's not like a boyfriend or anything."

Oh shit. "Uh, yeah, he is. Definitely is."

His expression fell and he swiped my card for the tent as Jake strolled back over. Mike glanced at him and Jake smiled radiantly, holding out his hand. "Jake Black, the boyfriend. And you are?"

Mike hesitated before taking Jake's hand, shaking it. Jake's grip was hard, his hold on him a beat longer than necessary. "Michael Newton. I grew up with Bella."

"Charmed," Jake said, letting go and putting his arm over my shoulder. "Any friend of Bella's is a friend of mine."

Gag. Me.

Mike seemed at a loss for words. "Uh, yeah. Nice to meet you, Jake."

"So we're heading out to this place called La Push," Jake said, accenting the name like it was French. "Do you know of it?"

"Yeah, sure. Been there hundreds of times," Mike said. "Everyone has."

"Not me," Jake said. "I'm popping my La Push cherry."

"Wow, really?" Mike asked. "Well, it's a good place. Clean water, nice beach."

"I'm completely stoked. I adore camping and fishing," Jake said. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. He lied so smoothly it was damn near frightening. "Tell me, how are the hiking trails?"

Mike's face lit up. I imagined he didn't get many people actually striking up conversation with him. "Uh, they're great. The south trail is a little overrun now, but the trail near the north side of the beach is fantastic."

"Wonderful," Jake said, grinning. "And the water, how is it?"

"It's a little cool, but it's refreshing. I swim out there all the time."

"What about surfing?"

"Yeah, you can surf."

"Interesting," Jake said, drawing out the word. "Do you surf?"

Mike flushed pink at the question. Dear God, was he blushing? "A little," he replied, tearing off my receipt and handing it to me with barely a glance in my direction. "I'm not very good, though."

"I'm sure you're great," Jake said, waving him off like he was being absurd. It was his 'bitch, please' look. I knew it well. "You know, we should go surfing together sometime. I don't have my board with me, though."

I was 99.9% sure Jake didn't own a surf board and probably never had.

Mike seemed blown away at the invitation. "Uh, yeah, we should. I have an extra board."

"How about this week? Are you free?"

I stared at Jake, stunned, and Mike started stammering. "Uh, well, I have work... but uh, I could probably take some time off."

"Fantastic! How about tomorrow? We should still be out there tomorrow." Jake looked to me for confirmation, and all I could do was nod.

"Yeah, cool," Mike said. "Fine with me."

Jake held his hand out again, shaking Mike's for the second time. "It's a date," he said, grabbing the tent and heading for the door. I followed him, chancing a peek back at Mike when I reached the exit. He was frozen in spot, staring at his still-extended hand with a bewildered look on his face. He was dumbfounded, likely wondering what the fuck just happened.

"Okay, seriously, Jake," I said, stepping outside. "What the hell was that?"

He laughed. "Just showing you how it's done, Jezebella."

"You just charmed him into agreeing to a date with you," I said, baffled. "I doubt he'll show up, but still... he actually agreed."

"Oh, he'll show up," Jake said. "Believe me. He'll be way too intrigued not to."

I laughed, shaking my head. "You better hope he doesn't. Edward hates him."

Jake smirked, winking at me. "I was hoping you'd say that."

When we arrived at the usual camping area in La Push, Edward was unloading his car, while Tanya sat in a green lawn chair in the sand. She had a cup in her hand and sipped from the straw, huge black sunglasses shielding her eyes. On her head was a white, floppy hat, which matched the white bikini she wore. "You're here!" she said excitedly, waving frantically like we couldn't see her sitting there.

She might've been half-naked, but the bitch wasn't invisible.

"We are," Jake said, grabbing another lawn chair Edward had laying on the ground. He unfolded it, plopping down beside Tanya. "And if I must say, you look absolutely radiant today."

Tanya smiled brightly. "Thank you! That's sweet of you to say."

Jake reached over and took her hand, kissing the back of it. "It's absolutely true, darling."

I rolled my eyes before glancing back at my packed car. "Don't worry about me, Jake. I'll handle all this shit myself. No big deal. You just enjoy yourself there."

"Great, Bella, baby," he called, not even looking at me. "Thanks."

I shook my head. What the hell had gotten into him? Apparently my sarcasm had gotten lost in translation.

"I'll help you, Swan," Edward said, walking over to my car. He glanced toward the two sitting in their lawn chairs, something that looked suspiciously like anger flashing across his face. "You shouldn't have to do it on your own."

I smiled, grateful, and took a moment to really look at him. He was dressed maturely again, in khaki cargo shorts and a light blue polo shirt, with brown slip-on shoes and no socks.

"Those are some ugly ass shoes," I commented, pulling a bag out of the car.

His brow furrowed as he glanced down at his feet. "Oh, these? Tanya bought them."

"As a joke?"

He chuckled. "No, she really likes them."

Number probably seventy-something on my list of things I knew about Tanya: Bitch liked some ugly things.

"Well, I don't," I said. "Eighteen-year-old Edward Cullen would kick your ass for wearing those shoes, you know."

"That's because he didn't know any better."

"Hey, he knew enough," I said. "He knew what made him happy, at least."

"Are you trying to say I don't know now?" he asked, grabbing a cooler from the car. "Because if so, you're wrong. I know exactly what makes me happy."

"And that's it?" I asked. "That's what makes you happy now?"

"What?"

'Tanya,' I thought, and based on the way his eyes darted toward her, I knew that's what he thought, too. "Moccasiny looking watershoes. They make you happy?"

He burst into laughter. "They're called boat shoes, Swan."

"Boat shoes?" I asked incredulously. "What, do you, like, sail now? Do you have a yacht I don't know about?"

"No, no yacht. Don't sail, either," he replied. "The shoes aren't that bad, though. And if I'm not mistaken, your boyfriend is wearing cowboy boots, so I don't think you can really judge me for my shoes."

"I'm not judging you," I said. Okay, I was lying. I was judging. "I'm just saying they're ugly, but to each their own, I guess. If they make you happy..."

"A pair of shoes doesn't make me happy, Swan," he said. "Don't be ridiculous."

"I'm not being ridiculous, you are," I said. "You're the one wearing boat shoes."

"Well, you're the one dating a damn cowboy," he countered, his voice a low hiss. There was anger in his words which caught me off guard, ruffling me a bit and making me defensive.

"Yeah, well, at least I'm not marrying a fucking Stepford wife."

The moment I said it, I dropped the bag and covered my mouth with my hands. Edward glared at me, tossing the cooler on the ground, and I waited for him to respond. I expected a comeback, likely a harsh one, but no words came. He turned back to the car after a moment and continued to unload it for me in silence.

"I'm sorry," I said, afraid I'd upset him. "I was out of line."

"Did you mean it?"

I hesitated. "Yeah."

"Then don't apologize," he said. "We're entitled to our opinions. You don't like my shoes, you don't like my fiancée... hell, I'm not even sure if you like me anymore, Swan."

"Oh don't be that way," I said. "Now you really are being ridiculous. If I didn't like you, I wouldn't have come."

"Why did you come?" he asked, pausing to look at me.

"I came for you," I replied, not sure how to answer that.

Edward stared at me stoically for a moment before his expression cracked, a smile lighting up his face. He chuckled, going back to unpacking. "I tried, but I can't help it, Swan. I'll always laugh when you say shit like that."

My brow furrowed briefly as I tried to think of what I'd said. I came for you.

"Oh God," I muttered. "Such a pervert."

The atmosphere was less tense as we finished unpacking. Afterward Edward pitched his tent and helped me with mine, while Tanya and Jake remained planted in their chairs. They were talking animatedly, laughing as they lounged in the sun. Edward kept casting them glares every time their laughter grew loud, muttering to himself incoherently.

Trouble in paradise? Score for me!

An hour later the tents were in place and everything was situated. I was sweaty and I imagined my face was red, my hair pulled back into a messy bun. We strolled over to where the others sat and I plopped down on the ground beside Jake, wiping the sweat from my forehead with my shirt.

"You look thirsty, Bella," Jake said, reaching over and rubbing my back.

"I am," I replied.

"Aw, get yourself something to drink then," he said, turning back to his conversation with Tanya.

I rolled my eyes and started to stand back up, but Edward stopped me. "Stay sitting, Swan. I'll get it for you."

"Thanks," I said. "Just some water will do."

"Get me some more virgin daiquiri while you're up, babe," Tanya called to him, holding up her now empty cup and shaking it.

Edward nodded, grabbing a bottle of water from the cooler and a big container of red slush. He handed me mine before pouring some of the other drink into Tanya's cup.

"Virgin daiquiri?" Jake asked. "The last time I had anything virgin was, well..." He paused, laughing. "Nevermind."

"It's really good," Tanya said, taking a sip. "I don't drink alcohol, so it's the next best thing."

Jake looked at her like she'd spoken in gibberish. "No alcohol? Are you a Mormon?"

She seemed confused. "What did you call me?"

"A Mormon," Jake said. "A Mormon wouldn't drink alcohol."

Her eyes narrowed. "I'm not an idiot. I just don't drink. There's nothing wrong with that. I think people who get drunk are the ones who act like Mormons."

We all stared at her with confusion before Jake started laughing even louder. "Oh, Jesus. You're a hoot! I said Mormon, not moron, honey."

Tanya blushed. "Oh."

Edward put his head down, secondhand embarrassment washing over him. It was horrible of me, but I couldn't help but smile.

"Anyway, I have got to piss like a racehorse," Jake said, standing up. He was still smiling with amusement, trying to hold back his laughter. "Where are the facilities around here?"

He glanced around briefly, surveying the area. "You're looking at them," I said, motioning toward the trees. "Go pee in the woods."

He gave me a horrified look. "What if something bites me?"

"Like what?"

"I don't know. A mosquito? A flea? A tic? Oh dear God, Bella, what if a tic latches on to me?"

I shook my head, hearing Edward snicker under his breath. Laugh it up, fucker.

"Wait, there are no bathrooms?" Tanya asked. "Not even any of those portable thing-a-ma-jigs? How am I supposed to go to the bathroom?"

I pointed at the woods again. "Same way. You pop a squat somewhere."

Her expression matched Jake's. "I can't do that!"

"It's the only way," I replied. "Unless you leave camp and drive down the road to the closest store and beg to use theirs. It's senseless, though. It's easier to just go in the woods and get it over with."

Jake hesitated before shrugging. "If I run into any blood-sucking creatures, Bella, I'm yelling for you," he said as he started toward the trees.

"I don't doubt it for a second."

Jake returned a few minutes later and pulled his shirt off before retaking his seat. He tossed the shirt at me and I cringed as the sweaty fabric hit me in the face. "Oh gross, Jake! It stinks!"

He laughed, catching the shirt as I threw it back at him. "It smells like a man, Bella."

"Exactly. It stinks."

He reached over and roughed up my hair, not letting up even though I tried to move away. "You're so cute when you're annoyed."

"Good thing, because you're always annoying me," I said, swatting his hand away.

Jake lounged back in his chair, sprawling his legs out in front of him. "I'll leave you alone now, Bella. Fetch me a beer, though, will ya?"

I looked at him incredulously. "You're kidding me."

He pulled his sunglasses up, cocking an eyebrow at me. "Do I look like I'm kidding, woman?"

I glared at him, standing up. I grabbed a bottle of Heineken out of the cooler and held it out to him. "Here."

"What, you can't open it for me?" he asked. I just stared at him, refusing to answer. What the hell had gotten into him? He was being an asshole.

He snatched the bottle of beer away after a moment and opened it, smiling mischievously to himself as he took a drink.

"I should gather some wood for later," Edward said, running his hand through his hair. He quickly turned to walk away, and I started after him.

"I'll help," I said.

Edward stayed silent as we strolled down the beach, keeping a few feet of space between us. I picked up a few stray sticks I found but he was barely even looking at the ground, much less searching for firewood. His lips were an angry line, his brow creased in thought. "Are you okay?" I asked hesitantly.

"Why wouldn't I be?" His voice was hard, strained, frustration oozing from every syllable.

"I don't know," I replied. "You're quiet."

He sighed and shrugged, kicking at the sand at his feet. "Can I ask you something, Swan?"

His tone made me nervous. "Of course you can."

He glanced back down the beach at where Tanya and Jake sat. I could faintly hear their laughter as the two of them joked around. It was strange how Jake seemed to be taking to her immediately. It made my stomach twist. I didn't like it one bit.

"Why him?" he asked. "I don't really get it."

I stared at him with shock, remembering that I had said the same thing to him two nights ago at the club. She makes me forget, he'd said, the words still stinging like a slap in the face.

Why Jake? He was funny and talented, playful and creative. He had an intense passion that blew me away, an appreciation for life that few others had. He could be serious one moment and crack a crass joke the next. He was protective, always looking out for me. He made me feel special, told me I could achieve great things as long as I believed. He was supportive, and I admired his strength. He reminded me of Edward in that way, and as I stood there, I realized that was what had drawn me to him in the first place. All of the things I'd always loved about Edward - the things I missed - I'd found in Jake.

"He makes me remember," I said quietly.

Edward's voice was hesitant. "Remember what?"

I looked at him, smiling softly. "What should never be forgotten."

See ya next friday