Must I always be waiting, waiting on you?
Must I always be playing, playing your fool?
I sing ya songs I dance a dance
I gave ya friends all a chance
Putting up with them wasn't worth never having you
And maybe you been through this before
But it's my first time

I guess when I look back at it I didn't actually have to wait an awfully long time for Bella to call me. I saw her on Saturday and she called on Tuesday, but damn it if it didn't feel like three weeks had passed by. Plus, Bella had sounded completely and utterly happy. I was slightly jealous that anyone else could make her sound so happy but still glad that she was that happy. My ridiculous jealously was causing me to feel conflicted, which was, to say the least, uncomfortable.

Sunday and Monday passed slowly with long lost thoughts of being caught up in Bella's embrace and subdued by her lips. Needles to say, I got very little writing done. My publisher was going to be none to happy and very ready for me to move back to the city where I actually got my work done. Fat chance of that happening.

On Tuesday evening when my phone buzzed on the kitchen counter, I sprinted for it. I had been acting like a lost puppy dog at my house, waiting to hear from her. I breathlessly answered the phone at the last second.

"Hello?" I heaved.

"Hey Edward!" Bella's voice emanated brightly from the speaker of the phone. She giggled into the receiver and asked, "Why do you sound like you just ran a marathon?"

"Ha ha Bella. I don't sound that bad. I had to run to get the phone. It wasn't sitting around me. How is Jacob's visit going?"

"Fantastic! We are having a blast together and I have really missed him so much these last couple of months." With those words I inadvertently felt myself deflate. How ridiculous could I be? "Of course, I have had quite the distraction this last month," Bella laughed softly into the phone and I could almost see the blush that would be appearing on her beautiful face right about now. My heart was soaring. It's funny how much of a reaction her words could cause in me.

I smiled to myself at Bella's admission; more proof that she was falling just as fast as I was. Somewhere in my head I already knew that, but the reassurance couldn't hurt.

"So anyway, Jake and I thought we could use some company tomorrow. What do you say to takin' some time off of work and hanging out with us for the day?" Her voice sounded so hopeful as she asked her question.

"Well….let me check my schedule. I'm a very busy man you know." I could hear Bella laughing as I pretended to look at my calendar and I could feel the huge smile spreading across my lips. "Yeah, I've gotta move some stuff around but I think I can squeeze you guys in." By this point I could barely get my words out through my laughter and she was right there with me.

"Okay smart ass. We were thinking of making a day trip to Seattle. Or would that be asking for too much of your time?" Bella joked back with me.

"Sounds like a plan to me. I haven't been up there yet," I answered when our laughter had finally died down. "What time did you guys want to leave?"

"We were thinking…." Bella's voice trailed off in thought. "Jake, what time do you think we should leave in the morning?"

I could hear a deep voice rumbling in the background for a moment.

"Really?" she asked in a shocked tone. "That early? Crap." Bella sighed and returned her attention to me. "Can you be ready to go at seven?" Her voice had a very grudging tone to it.

I laughed at her childish display. "Seven is fine with me. I'm a big boy."

"Wow, you're on a roll tonight," she chided. "Well it's my week off and I really like my sleep. I better head to bed soon or you'll be dragging me around tomorrow." Her laughter enveloped me through the phone once again.

"Bella, its 6:30! How much sleep do you need?" My words took on a mocking tone.

"Ha ha Mr. Cullen. Be at my house by 7 or you'll be left behind." She tried to sound tough and serious but it wasn't really working for her.

"Yes ma'am. Go get your beauty rest old lady. I'd sure hate for you to be grumpy tomorrow."

"Goodbye, Edward." Bella was still giggling when the phone line went dead.

I laid in bed that night, remembering our playful conversation from hours before and trying to crowd out my nerves. Tomorrow could go one of two ways, and I was going to pray to God that everything would be just fine.

**************

The drive to Bella's house the next day went really quickly. The small town was apparently still asleep at 6:45 in the morning.

As I turned off the car at her curb, I saw a tall, lanky guy walk out of Bella's front door. He seemed slightly intimidating until I saw the tiny girl he was dragging behind him. Bella looked like a zombie. Her hair was everywhere, head off to the side, and eyes half closed. It was adorable. I chuckled to myself and got out of the car.

Jacob nodded to me as a hello and I returned it, standing at the end of the driveway with my hands in my pockets. As they got closer, I began to wonder if Bella was even awake. They came to stop in front of me and Bella stood there lifelessly. Jacob shook his head and his eyes rolled. I smiled down at her and bent down next to her ear.

"Good morning Bella!" I shouted into her ear. Bella's eyes flew open and her head snapped and she stumbled back. I caught her shoulders to keep her standing and tried to stifle my laugh as she began glaring up at me.

"Ya know, I'm not sure I want you to go anymore," she snapped at me.

"Aw, Bella's grumpy." I gave her a puppy dog look and she stalked past me to Jacob's car. I smiled at Jacob and stuck out my hand. "Nice to finally meet you. Bella has been raving about you."

He gave me a half smile and shook my hand a little too firmly. "Yeah she never stops talking about you. Shall we?" he said, gesturing to his car. His face was tight and it was a little unnerving. I've never met him and already he's being stand-offish.

"Yeah," I said. "Nice car!" I exclaimed. It was a beautiful 1960's Mustang GT.

"Thanks," he beamed for a moment. Then his face went to a tense look again. Bella was clumsily trying to climb into the back seat of the car and I hurried to catch her.

"No, no, no, you will sit up front," I said, grabbing her hips. Bella froze under my touch and backed out of the car before standing up. She turned to look at me and my hands slowly dropped from her side. "You should sit next to your friend. I'll sit in the back," I explained quietly. I leaned down to kiss her softly before pushing past her into the back seat. I pulled the seat back and Bella slowly slid into it. Jake was coughing as he got into the car in an extremely fake manner. I assume the display of affection was too much for him.

The engine of the car roared to life and Jacob wasted no time racing away from the curb. The car stayed silent for a good forty five minutes and I was pretty sure Bella had fallen asleep again. Finally, Jacob reached over and turned the radio onto full blast on some rock station. Bella jumped out of her seat and Jacob and I filled the car with laughter.

"Damn it! Can't a girl get some sleep around here! You guys are like children. Ugh!" Bella yelled at us as we attempted to calm ourselves. She sighed and sat back with her arms crossed.

I leaned between the seats and rested my head on her shoulder. She tried to shrug me off but I quickly kissed her cheek and grinned at her. She turned to me with squinted eyes but her semi-fierce look disappeared and she blushed.

"Gosh Bells, it's about time you joined the land of the living," Jake called out, interrupting our small moment.

Bella threw her head back in laughter and her face lit up. "You're beautiful," I whispered into her ear before sitting back. Jacob looked more annoyed by the second.

"So Edward, I don't know what kind of stuff you're into but I thought we could hit the batting cages this afternoon. I'm a big fan of baseball, just like Charlie. You know, Bella's dad. Anyway, I thought it would be fun to hit some balls, let off some energy. Bella would have to watch, but she likes to cheer me on, don't ya Bells?"

"Oh yea Jake, it's my one pleasure in life!" Bella rolled her eyes at me over the seat.

"Oh please Bells, I know you like to see the muscles." Jacob was clearly trying to make me jealous. Unfortunately for him, Bella was making me more than comfortable. I could hear her making gagging sounds from her seat. By now my shoulders were shaking from laughter and I couldn't help anymore as sound escaped my lips. Jacob's eyes narrowed at me for a moment through the rearview mirror. I inwardly sighed. It's just one day Edward; one day.

All the nights we stayed up talking
listening to 80's songs
and quoting lines from all those movies that we love.
It still brings a smile to my face.

Bella and Jacob bantered back and forth in the front seat while I listened and threw out the occasional comment on whatever topic was at hand. Mostly they reminisced about old times that I clearly couldn't relate to. Jacob hardly acknowledged any comment I made and I was at a complete loss for what to do about it. At least Bella was enjoying herself.

Three hours later we had parked at a small breakfast bistro in Seattle and settled into a table to have brunch. I latched onto Bella's hand and rested them on top of the table, not caring what Jacob thought about it. Bella eyed them quickly with a small smile and turned to Jake.

"I really want to go to the mall here Jake. I know, I know! Bella, shopping? But I have some specific stuff I want and Alice, a girl from school, sent me with a list of must-have's. She means business too. My head will be on the chopping block if I don't come back with the right stuff." Bella laughed and shook her head.

"The mall Bells?" Jacob sighed. "I guess I can endure the torture, as long as we get to go to the batting cages afterwards." Jake pointed at her as if to warn her and she pushed his hand away before turning to look at me.

"What about you Cullen? Can you handle girly time at the mall for a little while? Testosterone fest will ensue later. I promise." She gave me a smile and batted her eye lashes at me. "Please?"

"As long as I can make fun of you while we do it," I conceded. I kissed her hand and our food arrived.

"MMMMM! This place is amazing," Bella raved about her meal. "One bite and I'm hooked. I'm so glad we stopped here. Best French toast, ever!"

"Ever huh? I don't know, mine's pretty damn good if I do say so myself." I bragged jokingly with Bella.

"Oh please Cullen, no one is ever as good as they say they are." Jacob acted as if he were joking but there was an unmistakable edge to his voice.

"Ask Bella, she's had my cooking." I gave Bella my lopsided grin and smiled back.

"Yes Jake, he really is that good," Bella assured him. "But what I want to know it, why have I not had the pleasure of receiving some of this supposedly earth-shattering French toast?"she asked, turning her attention back to me.

"Well Bella, French toast is for breakfast, and you've never been at my house anywhere near breakfast time," I explained in a mockingly serious tone.

Bella gave me a devilish smile before replying in a low tone. "Maybe we'll have to change that then." She leaned in towards me and I closed the distance with a small and slow kiss. I kissed her nose once lightly afterwards before going back to my own breakfast. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Jacob was fuming as he shoveled in his food. I clearly needed to keep the PDA in check before he went postal. Hopefully he's just protective and I'm not looking at any competition here.

"How long is this mall excursion going to take Bella?" Jacob asked.

"I don't know," she shrugged. "A couple of hours maybe? Hopefully not too long because remember Jacob, I don't like shopping any more than you do."

"Okay, okay. I'm just trying to plan. I guess we can get lunch at the food court in the mall." Jacob got a far-away look in his eyes.

"Lunch Jake?! How could you possibly think about lunch after stuffing your face here? I don't think I can eat again for a week!" Bella sat back and patted her stomach thoughtfully with a lazy grin.

"I can always eat Bella, you know that. Wow, that a sexy pose. I don't know how anyone could possibly resist you, seeing you in this moment," Jacob jested with Bella.

I laughed at Jacob's joke and Bella pushed his arm. "I know what you mean Jacob," I told him, continuing the joke. "I might have to take her on the table right now." I winked at Bella as she laughed and tried to hide her blush. Jacob looked less than amused but threw on a stiff smile for Bella's sake. I can't win with this guy.

I paid for breakfast and Bella thanked me. Jacob offered a hard response with "yeah, thanks" and I just nodded at him. If he wasn't going to make an effort, why should I? Because of Bella, that's why.

"Let's head out to the car and commence with the torture. " Jacob pulled out Bella's chair before I could get to it and took her hand as we all walked out the door. He was becoming more possessive by the second, and I was about to be not so understanding.

The lock popped on the door and I climbed into the back of the classic car. This guy didn't deserve such a nice car.

"So, what do you think of Jake's car?" Bella asked as she climbed into her seat. Jacob revved the engine and we took off from the tiny restaurant. There was an awkward silence before Bella spoke again. "Hello? You alive back there or are you comatose from too much food?"

Jacob and I shared a glance, wondering where her brain had gone. Maybe we could bond over Bella's absentmindedness.

"I already told him I liked it Bella, remember?" She looked at me with confused eyes and then it dawned on me, making me feel like the slow one. "You were asleep still! Well, to recap, I love it! I'm pretty jealous actually." I gushed about the car like a girl with new shoes.

Bella proceeded to dote on Jacob like a proud mama. "He built it himself! Isn't it great? He and I spent a lot of time in his garage working on it. Well, he worked on it and I watched. It was really not an option for me to go near his tools," Bella laughed. "Those are his babies."

"Wow," I commended. "Awesome job man. I couldn't have done this."

"Thanks," he replied warmly, finally dropping the tough guy act. He slid into a parking spot at the mall and turned to Bella with a raised finger. "It's 11:30 now. You have one hour to drag me around before I want to eat. Got it?" He had a stern look but a comical gleam in his eye as he threatened Bella.

"Yes your highness." Bella gave a half bow before laughing and getting out of the car. I latched onto her hand before Jacob could get close. I don't feel as though I'm staking a claim, but he had to know there were boundaries.

Bella ran down her list and we headed off to a make-up store and then a department store. Jacob made comments under his breath and rolled his and overall, kept me highly amused. He was even laughing with me instead of glaring. We grabbed a quick lunch in the food court precisely an hour after we arrived. According to Bella, Jacob was really cranky when he didn't get his food. I surely did not want him getting any worse.

Bella had three more stops to make before we could leave, the last one being one I was intrigued by. What man isn't intrigued by Victoria's Secret though?

"You two can wait outside or go over to the sports store. I refuse to walk around this pink nightmare with lap dogs."

"Oh come off it Bells. Like I want to go in there with you anyways. I'll be looking at jersey's so just come get me when you're done," Jacob explained.

Bella gave me a pointed look and I raised my hands up in defense. "I'll just go with him."

Jake and I walked off as Bella cringed at the entrance of the lingerie store. The part of my mind that I couldn't control wondered if I might get to see her in something from there sometime soon. I quickly banished the thoughts and focused on trying to get Jacob to be civil to me. The car comment had helped earlier but more progress could be made.

"You like baseball, huh? Whose you're team?" I asked, hoping he would get talking at the mention of sports.

"Oh I'm a Mariners fan, all the way. Just like Charlie. Do you watch?" He sounded interested but didn't so much as look at me as he scanned the racks of jersey's.

"I used to play in high school but I haven't kept up with it in recent years. I've kind of just drifted off into my own zone lately with the whole writing thing, you know?"

"Oh," he said. All interest disappeared from his voice and I watched my window of opportunity slip away. "Well that's a shame. But hey, that's cool that you used to play. What position?" He looked at me with genuine interest and I decided that I needed to stop reading so much into him.

"I was short stop actually. I really miss playing sometimes. It was a good outlet."

Jacob nodded at me. "Well, we'll see in a little bit if you had any talent," he said with a grin.

"Oh I had talent alright, you just wait…." My voice trailed off as Bella rushed into the store. She looked flustered. "Done already?" I asked her.

"Yes thank God! Time to go boys. I want the hell out of this place." Her words were rushed as she quickly grabbed my hand and proceeded to drag me from the store.

Jacob and I were both laughing at her display all the way to the car. It was a short drive out to the batting cages and I was glad I was in tennis shoes, jeans, and a t-shirt. At least I would be comfortable enough. I hadn't done this in a loooong time. We grabbed our bats and Jacob climbed into the cage first.

Bella stood there and clapped for Jake while I stepped behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist. "Are you having a good time today?" I whispered into her ear.

Bella giggled and nodded. "How about you?" she asked, turning slightly to look up at me.

"I'm with you aren't I?" I leaned down to give her a chaste kiss before we returned our attention to Jacob. He was swinging hard and knocking the balls against the opposite gate with a loud thud. In between a couple of pitches from the machine, he looked back and gave Bella a wink before whacking the next throw.

"Jake, I don't think I've ever seen you play this hard before. What's gotten into you?" Bella gushed over Jacob and the green monster flared in my chest.

Jacob shrugged as he emerged from the cage and handed the bat to me. "You're up Cullen. Let's see what you've got."

I pulled on my helmet and silently walked into the cage. He was just trying to egg me on, no sense in letting him see that it was getting to me.

Bella clapped for me too. "Let's go Edward!" she shouted as the first pitch came my way. I knocked it against the fence and settled in to get ready for the next one. I hit three more in the same fashion, easy going swings, before smiling at Bella. She had moved a little closer to the cage and she was beaming at me. That gave me confidence and I put more force into my last couple of swings. The balls rolled back towards me from the other side of the cage because of the power behind the swings.

I had a huge grin on my face as I emerged from the batting cage. I threw the bat down to the side, pulled of the helmet, and ruffled my hair a little. It never looked done, but who wants helmet hair?

Bella wrapped her arms around my neck and I pulled he rclose against me. "Nice job Mr. Cullen. I'm impressed."

"Thanks, sweetie," I pushed my forehead against hers for a second before looking up. "Did I live up to the expectations Jacob?" I called over her shoulder.

"Eh, not so bad I guess." Jacob picked up the bat and went back into the cage. He and I carried on taking turns and beating the hell out of the balls, vying for the biggest amount of praise from Bella. I always won out. By the end of my last turn, Bella was grinning at me from the bench and she looked exhausted.

"You ready to go?" I asked. "You look tired." I gave Bella a sympathetic look and cupped her cheek in my hand.

Bella nodded and nuzzled into my hand. "Sorry to stop the fun but I did not sleep well last night and we have a long drive back."

"You aren't stopping anything. We should head back; three hours is a killer drive. Come on, "I took her hand and pulled her up before putting my arm around her shoulders.

"You guys are a couple of old people, geez." Jake glared at him and he backed down. "Alright, alright, let's get you to the car sleepyhead."

We all settled in for the ride back to Forks. Bella sprawled out in the back seat and was sound asleep before we even hit the highway. The car stayed silent and tense for the first half of the trip until Jacob finally cracked.

"Look Edward," he began. "I don't know you really and I certainly don't know your intentions for Bella. What I do know, is that if you hurt her, your pretty boy face won't be in-tact. Did she tell you about Mike?" The disdain was evident in his voice as he spoke the name of Bella's ex.

"Yes, and judging by the tone in your voice, you and I share a mutual hatred for the scum." I seethed. The mention of the asshole's name set something off in me and I just wanted to break something.

"That may be true but you weren't around when it happened. You weren't here to help her pick up the pieces and try to move on. She was a shell of the Bella I used to know. I can't describe how much pain I wanted to inflict on him, but she wouldn't let me. Bella is a wonderful person and in no way deserved what happened to her. She deserves someone who will take care of her and do all of the things that jackass never thought of." Jacob spoke with conviction and I knew how significant his words were.

"I completely agree. And no, I wasn't here, but I wish that I had been. I wish that I had been here before it even happened so she wouldn't have had to suffer. I hold nothing but good intentions for her. I'm just glad that she had you to hold her together. Thank you for being her rock Jacob. You kept her going until I could get here. She's very important to me. I know it sounds crazy but Bella has touched me in a way no one else has before." I laid it out for him to understand that I meant her no harm, only wanting to worship her.

"Look Cullen, as long as you don't leech the life out of her, we're good." Jacob's threat looked and sounded serious but I couldn't help the laughter that broke free from my mouth. Jacob laughed with me and the rest of the car ride was spent talking about baseball and music. Jacob and I had a surprising amount common and I felt relaxed with him by the time we got back to Bella's house. We even stopped at Wendy's on the way home to grab our dinner. We wanted to get something for Bella but it was like trying to wake the dead to see if she was even interested.

In front of her house, I coaxed Bella out of the backseat and caught her before she fell onto the pavement. Man, when she was out she was really out. I carried her to the door and Jacob let me inside before pointing to where her room was. I made it up the stairs and gently laid her against the soft fabric. I pulled off her shoes and draped the covers over her. Bella looked absolutely beautiful as she slumbered and I couldn't keep the smile off of my face.

I leaned down and kissed her forehead before whispering, "Goodnight, love."

"Goodnight, Edward," she mumbled in her sleep and my smile grew wider. My heart swelled too and I bid Jacob goodbye as we climbed into our respective cars.

Hold me down, sweet and low, little girl
Hold me down, sweet and low, and I'll carry you home
And I'll carry you all the way,
You say you're fine
But you're still young, and out of line
All I need is to turn around,
To make it last, to make it count

********

Ok so this was a long chapter and hopefully that makes up for my tardiness. I hope Jacob came out okay, I was really nervous about writing him! Let me know what you thought, good or bad. I had a couple of reviews and adds last chapter and I did a dance because of it! Please make me dance again! Thank you to the wonderful girls who did review!

Songs for this chapter were: #1 "Sitting, Waiting, Wishing" by Jack Johnson, #2 "In This Diary" by the Ataris, and #3 "Sweet and Low" by Augustana.