Disclaimer: I do not own The Twilight saga. All characters and mentioned names were created and belong to Stephenie Meyer.
Author's Note: Hi guys! I really do apologize for taking the next chapter/s for so long, you know, additional errands and duties both at home and at work; but it's better late than never right? Here's the next chapter and thank you for those who liked and favorited my story about The Cullens. Comments are also welcome! ^_^
Note: The Quileutes and the Cullens were united and had formed their friendship. They planned to surprise Bella and Renesmee for their upcoming birthday. Renesmee's turning seven years old, her adult stage; that's the time her body stops aging. Bella's turning 25 years, and still hates celebrating her birthday.
CHAPTER FOUR: SO FAR AWAY
Edward gave Jacob a serious face that he wanted to tell Jacob that he's not kidding. Jacob was silent for a few seconds and he sat on the ground.
"...how about the party?" he suddenly remembered.
"We will be back, of course. It's Bella and Renesmee's birthday, remember?" Edward confirmed. Jacob had the sigh of relief and stood up, he smiled but with worries. "Oh, I thought you'll be leaving for good, you scared me man!"
"We just need to go to Brazil, Carlisle gave Esme a gift a long time ago a gift, a small island just across Rio de Janeiro, Isle Esme. We will take Renesmee there, for a short vacation, and our private moment with our daughter. I hope you don't mind." Edward explained.
Jacob nodded and fully understands but he never imagined his life without Renesmee around. Ever since Renesmee was born, Jacob was there, all the time. "I get it, I get it."
"I'm really sorry, Jacob. Thank you for understanding, we leave at Friday night."
"Can I just drop you guys at the airport, please?" Jacob pleaded with loneliness on his face.
"Of course." Edward answered.
Almost evening, Edward returned back to the Cullen house.
"Well?" Alice asked.
"It went well. But, you know, I left him in a lonely state." said Edward.
"It's not going to be easy, but believe me, it's for the best." Alice assured.
The Cullens agreed and Alice handed Edward the plane tickets for their Friday trip.
"Now, it's time to tell Renesmee." Jasper reminded. "Do you need me around, brother?"
Edward appreciated the care and concern Jasper offered for Renesmee. That maybe when Edward will tell her about it, she'll ask for Jacob to come around with them since her perspective is still like a child, maybe she'll cry if Edward and Bella hesitated. But Edward knows that Renesmee needs to control herself in those kinds of emotions especially when it's time to realize that she has to discipline herself because she's not getting any younger at all.
"Thank you, Jasper, I appreciate it. But she needs to control that on her own." Edward pats Jasper's shoulder and he nodded.
"If there's anything you need, just give us a call." Esme offered and smiled at Edward.
"Thank you, Esme. I will."
Edward went back to their small cottage in the forest. He went to Renesmee's door and knocked. Renesmee answered, "Come in." Edward opened the door and Renesmee excitedly ran to her father. "Hey daddy!"
Edward embraced her and carried her tight. "Hello there, love. What are you and your mom doing while I'm out, hmm?"
"We were just watching another movie, dad. Wanna join us?"
"Later, baby; after telling you the good and bad news." Edward left Renesmee curious about his statement. Bella had an idea about Edward's good and bad news; she thought this might not be easy for Renesmee to be away with Jacob even for a short while because she knew to herself that she felt the same way before when Jacob was ignoring her when he kept his secret as one of the Quileute wolves in Sam's pack. Bella took a deep breath and sat beside her daughter. Edward sat in the main seat of the living room facing Bella and Renesmee.
"What is it, daddy?" Renesmee asked with her clasped hands on her lap, and her curious eyes that made Edward like a teacher to her.
"Okay, I'm going to start with the good news first. We are going to Brazil, remember the small island that Carlisle gave Esme? It's also the place where your mom and I went for our honeymoon." Renesmee was surprised and seems excited; she giggled and held Bella's hand tight.
"That's wonderful, dad! Jacob will be very thrilled to hear this very exciting news." Renesmee exclaimed and puts her head on Bella's shoulder, still holding her hand. Bella and Edward looked at one another and even though Edward cannot read Bella's mind, he can still feel that Bella wanted to tell him that, they should both prepare an explanation on Edward's bad news. Edward took a deep breath.
"But haven't heard the bad news yet, love."
Renesmee loosened her hand on Bella's and sat straight, ready to listen on the other news her father has. "Okay dad, I'm listening." She still projected a positive face to both her parents.
"Jacob's not coming, baby. It's just you, me and your mom." Renesmee paused, seemed quite shocked and doesn't have a specific reaction on that bad news. Her posture went from straight to slouchy; she looked from his Edward's golden eyes to her mother's. Bella's eyes looked sympathetic to her daughter, she can't even say a word to both of her parents. She wanted to cry, she's holding it in. Finally, small words came from her sweet lips with her shaky adorable voice. "...but...why?" Renesmee couldn't hold her feelings in, she cried and embraced Bella, with her arms around Bella's hips and her face in Bella's abdomen. She kept crying and crying.
"Baby, listen to me, our vacation won't be long. We just need a separate time to be together alone. Next month, you'll be turning seven years old. Before you totally grow up, your dad and I just want to cherish the moment that you're still like our little baby girl. I hope you understand." Bella continuously rubbing and patting her daughter's back for her to calm and to stop crying.
"It's also time for you to be independent, for you to control your emotions; and for you to realize that you cannot have everything that you desire or want all the time. You have to learn that, I didn't seek help with your Uncle Jasper for you to calm down because I want you to learn that within yourself, you're not getting any younger Renesmee; a month from now, you'll look different; you'll be bigger, even more matured, and you'll even look just like your mother and I. We are not doing this to hurt you or to see you unhappy, love. We've given you everything you've asked and I thank God that you grew up healthy, happy and even stronger and you didn't hurt anybody's feelings. Please, stop crying. Believe me, it's for the best." Edward gave a sigh of relief, and even went to Renesmee and Bella's side. Renesmee stopped crying and calmed down, she lifted her head and looked at Edward. From Bella's hips she went to Edward's and apologized.
"I'm so sorry dad, I totally understand everything you've said and also mom. It's just that, I can't imagine living a day without Jake. I'm not really used to it, he's been with me all the time." Tears continuously shed on Renesmee's eyes, Edward's hand wipes it dry. Bella went on Renesmee's knees and held both of her hands.
"It's okay, baby. I personally know that feeling as well. This isn't going to be easy for you and Jake, and we totally understand that. But your dad and I just ask this favor from you, I hope without Jake's presence, we can make you happy too, just for a short time. Because when we get back, you can spend time with Jacob whenever you like. We just want to be with you alone, so we can cherish our time and make sweet memories of us together. Did you get mommy's point?" Renesmee nodded and plays with her hair sobbing quietly.
"That's my girl." Bella smiled and kissed both Renesmee's hands, she looked at Edward and smiled. Edward chuckled and kissed Renesmee's head, he thought of an idea that would cheer up her daughter. "Okay now baby, here's what we'll gonna do. We will allow you to stay at Jake's house tomorrow night, right after you, your mom, your aunts and your grandma Esme go shopping for your new adult clothes and other stuff, how's that sound?" Edward smiled at his daughter's pinkish almost happy face. Renesmee nods and smiled as well, she embraced Edward tight. "Thank you daddy, I love you and mom so much."
"We love you even more, remember. Plus Que Ma Propre Vie." Bella reminded and embraced both Renesmee and Edward. It means "More Than My Own Life" in French.
The next day, after the women went shopping, they went home to the Cullen house and prepared for Bella, Edward and Renesmee's luggage, bought and stored some food for Renesmee during their long flight. While organizing their stuff in the living room, Jacob and Edward arrived at the entrance door. Renesmee ran to Jake and her dad.
"How was your day, love?" Edward asked.
"Everything's set dad. I helped mom, Aunt Rose and Alice and Grandma Esme pack up for our things to bring tomorrow night."
"Such a sweet girl, Nessie." said Jacob cuddling her, Renesmee giggled.
"Good girl, now, as promised I'll let you stay at Jacob's house for tonight." Edward declared. Renesmee gave him a wide smile and giggled even more. "Thank you, daddy! I promise to be a good girl."
Edward kissed her daughter's forehead and embraced her. "I know that, love. Go ahead and greet your aunts, your uncles, your grandparents and your mom goodnight and bid them goodbye." Renesmee ran to each of them, and she kissed and hugged them. "Goodnight, my princess. I love you and I'll see you tomorrow, don't forget to pray before you sleep, okay?" Bella reminded her daughter and kissed and hugged her tight. "I will mom, I love you too, see you tomorrow! Goodnight."
Jacob approached Bella and embraced her. "Thank you, Bella. I won't break my promise. I'll take care of her." Bella smiled and pats Jacob's shoulder. "I know that Jake, thank you very much. You guys take care." Jacob smiled. "Will do, bye." Jacob carried Renesmee's backpack and held her hand to his car, they waved goodbye to the Cullens and left the house.
"Everything's falling into place!" Alice exclaimed and sighs. "Our beautiful niece starts to bloom." Bella and Edward smiled on Alice, Edward checked his clock, it's eleven o'clock. "Bella and I need to go; we have some night 'errands' to attend to." Edward said jokingly, Bella gave him a weird look and hit him lightly in his abdomen.
"Wooh! Nice Bella, tell me all about that 'errands' you have tomorrow!" Emmett laughed.
"Yeah, Bella's most favorite errands at night!" Jasper added, everybody laughed.
"Ahh! What is it with you two? You silly!" Bella exclaimed and chuckled.
Bella and Edward left the Cullen house and went home to their little cottage. Bella went to Renesmee's room and suddenly missed her. She slides her hand to Renesmee's bed and smiled, Edward followed in. "I guess I should be used to treat her like a lady, coz one day, she'll be with Jacob, she'll marry him and she'll have her own family." said Bella.
Edward held her shoulder "From all the vampires in our history, we are the blessed ones to have our own daughter without losing both of you. It's okay, Bella. She'll always be our baby girl, remember forever?" Edward smiled and touched Bella's face. "Yeah, forever." They kissed one another and Edward carried Bella to their room and they continued doing their 'errands'.
The next day, it was time for Bella, Edward and Renesmee to go. Jacob drove them to the airport. During the middle of their trip, Renesmee asked Jacob to stop to a nearby convenience store, "Jake, can you please pull over to that convenience store? I want to buy some chips."
"Okay, Nessie." Jacob replied and pulled over. Bella and Edward went down the car, "I need to buy some extra batteries for the digicam." said Edward and went inside the convenience store first, Bella approached Renesmee and asked, "What food do you want? Do you want to come with us inside or stay here with Jacob?" Renesmee went down and transferred to the front seat next to Jacob. "I just want cheese curls and popcorn for tonight's flight, mom. Thank you." Bella sighed and kissed her daughter. "Okay, love. Just stay there with Jake."
Jacob smiled and asked Renesmee, "You take good care of yourself there, I'm not around, just your parents, you know." He held her hand and kissed it. Renesmee hugged Jacob and kissed him in his cheek. "Of course, I will. I'm not getting any younger here." They both laughed and giggled, and Renesmee picked a small box from her bag and gave it to Jacob. He looked weirdly at the box she handed to him and asked, "Nessie, it's not my birthday. Why are you giving me a present?" Renesmee giggled "Oh stop complaining and just open it, Jake." Jacob laughed and kissed Renesmee's forehead. "Thank you, Nessie. You're the best." Jacob opened the small box carefully and saw a folded cross stitch pattern with a reddish brown wolf and a young girl with long brown locks, and below the pattern was a cross stitched message. "NESSIE & JAKE"
"Aww, Ness, this is beautiful. I love it, very much, did you make this?" Jacob smiled and continuously looked at the cross stitch pattern with appreciation. "Yes, I asked help from Grandma Esme. I'm glad you love it." Renesmee giggled with excitement. Jacob removed his purple scarf around his neck and gave it to Renesmee. "Here, I'll give you my scarf in return. Use this if you're feeling cold, and just think that I'm around hugging you so that you'll still remember me while you're away." Renesmee took the scarf and wore it in her neck. "This is perfect, so comfortable. Thank you Jake." Bella and Edward went outside the convenience store carrying loads of food and drinks and other personal stuff. Edward went to Jacob's door.
"You want me to drive?" Edward asked.
Jacob smiled and nodded. "Sure, thanks man." He went to Renesmee's door and they transferred to the back seat. Bella transferred in the front seat beside Edward. While on their way, Renesmee and Jacob played some games, took pictures and recorded some videos in Renesmee's iPad. Finally, they arrived at the airport, Edward and Jacob carried their luggage and went to the airport gate.
"Have fun, guys. Call me anytime." Jacob said waving goodbye to them.
"Bye, Jake! I'll see you soon." Renesmee waved back and sent flying kisses to Jacob.
"Thank you Jake! Take care going home." Bella waved back and held Renesmee's hand.
"Farewell, Jake. See you soon." said Edward, and they entered the airport gate.
Jacob left the airport and drove all his way back to La Push. On the other hand, Bella, Edward and Renesmee boarded the plane. They were in the first class category, Renesmee fell asleep when Bella placed her in her seat and she noticed the purple scarf around her neck which she knows was Jacob's. Bella smiled and kissed her daughter goodnight. The flight attendant announced to prepare for their take off; and after a few minutes, they flew away from the United States. Bella and Edward pretended that they're sleeping and they even put sleeping masks on. Renesmee continuously slept around Jacob's purple scarf.
Meanwhile, Jacob arrived home at La Push. Billy and Sue were at the living room. "Hey son, did you eat dinner already?" Billy asked a bit worried about his son. "No, dad, but I'm good, just tired. Goodnight Dad. Goodnight Sue." Jacob went directly to his room and locked his door. Sue and Billy looked at one another and both sighed.
"Well, we all know he's gonna act that way, Billy." said Sue, fixing the plates in the kitchen near the living room. "Jake's very emotional, especially for the people who's very important to him. I never expected those vampires will be part of his life, but I thank the Cullens for giving him a chance, and also for the respect he has for our tribe, and personally for my family." said Billy. Jacob was in his bed, lonely; looking at the cross stitch Renesmee gave him. He's having a hard time falling asleep, he wanted to call Bella or Edward or Renesmee but it's impossible to reach them at this very hour, he just embraced the cross stitch pattern and tried to sleep.
The next day, Jacob went to The Cullen's house. Carlisle answered the door. "Good morning Jacob."
"Good morning, Carlisle." Jacob greeted Carlisle in a polite manner. "Come inside, Jake. Did you have breakfast?" Carlisle asked.
"No, not yet; but breakfast would be nice. Thank you." Jake answered and went upstairs to the kitchen with Carlisle. Emmett, Jasper, Alice and Rosalie were in the living room watching a football game. "Hey guys!" Jake greeted them.
"Hey Jake! Good morning." Alice greeted him. "Have a seat, dude." Emmett offered him a space in their sofa.
"You're just in time, Jacob. I'm preparing breakfast for our visitors; I've already done cooking the eggs, sausages and bacon, and squeezed some fresh oranges." Esme handed Jacob a plated breakfast filled with sausages, eggs and bacon with toasted bread and butter, and his freshly squeezed orange juice. "Here, help yourself." Esme smiled and continued preparing the food. "Thank you, Esme. If you don't mind me asking, who are your visitors coming today?" Jake asked while eating his special breakfast sitting beside Emmett.
"We have our appointment with the dressmaker, event organizers, the attending hotel manager and the musicians for Bella and Renesmee's surprise party for next month. Everything should be arranged before their return." said Esme, slicing some fresh vegetables.
"Oh, I see. Do you need my assistance?" Jacob asked politely.
"Actually, yes. Alice was supposed to call you, but we didn't expect you'll give us a visit."
"Sure, anything. Just tell me what to do." Jake replied.
Rosalie went to the kitchen and helped Esme. She carried a basket of fresh oranges and squeezed it. "First thing to do Jake is to sit back and relax, the dressmaker will get your measurements for your tuxedo. And of course, you'll help us contact Charlie, your dad and Sue for their measurements as well." said Rosalie.
"No problem, Rose. So, anything else?" asked Jacob, munching sausages.
"That'll be all, Jacob. You can share your suggestions later when our visitors arrive at ten o'clock."
"I'm not good in organizing that stuff, but I'll try." Jacob and the rest of them laughed. "But, how about Renee and Phil? Did you guys invite them as well?" Jacob asked in a serious manner. "Don't you worry about them, Renee took a flight from Jacksonville and she'll arrive at Forks tonight. So, we'll pick her up at the airport later. Phil won't make it, he has an upcoming tournament this September." Carlisle said. "That's wonderful, but does Renee know about her granddaughter?" Jacob asked curiously.
"Yes, it wasn't very easy telling her. She fainted, and I had to do the work for her. She was in a shock, but she wanted to scream. She was afraid and at the same time concerned about Bella and Renesmee. Bella can't hide that secret from her mother anymore." Jasper said.
"How about the Volturi? Do they know about Renee knowing your secret?"
"Just like Charlie's situation, just the 'need to know' facts. We didn't tell her everything about us, being a vampire and stuff, so no harm done, no Volturi to interrupt." Jasper confirmed. Jacob nodded and continued eating.
Jacob called Charlie and asked him to come by around lunch time and to pick up his dad and Sue as well in La Push for getting their measurements for the dressmaker. Charlie agreed and will come over around lunch time.
"Now that everything's set for today, the men will cook food for our visitors for lunch. Emmett, make some spicy tuna linguine and Jas, grill some Rib-eye steaks." Alice ordered. "And of course, how will we forget; The Vitamin-R's for Billy and Charlie. Don't forget the Berry Cobbler." Esme suggested. Emmett scratched his head and finally agreed. "The best chefs in the world are men." Emmett said in a joking manner. "I'll bake the Berry Cobbler. Can you teach me how to do it, love?" Carlisle asked Esme in a romantic manner. "Of course, love." And they continued arranging the dining table and decorated it a bit of simplicity with a touch of elegance.
Ten o'clock in the morning, the guests arrived just in time for their breakfast appointment at the Cullen's house. While the women discuss the details about the upcoming party, the men were at the kitchen preparing for lunch. Emmett made the Spicy Tuna Linguine, Jasper grilled the Rib-eye steaks, Carlisle baked the Berry Cobbler and Jacob watched the Cullen men and assisted them if they need help. Everyone was busy at that time, and suddenly Jacob can't hold his question in mind, so he asked the men. "Have you heard anything from Bella or Edward? Or Nessie?" The men continued doing their tasks and Emmett answered. "Dude, we haven't heard anything from them yet. I don't think they'll gonna call us, they isolated themselves from everyone. You know, private moments." Jacob nodded. "Thanks man."
"Why don't you go to the guest room and have some rest? We can handle this, Jake." Carlisle suggested and directed Jacob to the guest room. "Thank you, Carlisle."
"You're always welcome, Jake. Get some rest, we'll call you if your father arrives with Charlie and Sue." Carlisle said. Jacob removed his shoes and laid to the guest bed, he misses Renesmee so much, that he can feel her absence especially in the Cullen house. He's looking at the vast forest through the open window of the guest room and remembered Renesmee and him hunting and playing outdoor games. A month is too long enough to miss someone far away from you, but Jacob realized that maybe they both need spaces and of course the privacy of Bella's family that everyone should respect especially him. Jacob took a deep sigh and fell asleep.