Disclaimer: These characters don't belong to me. They belong to Stephanie Meyer. No copyright infringement intended.

As I got ready for work I went through different scenarios in my head as to what would take place later.

Either Jake was going to have a serious civil relationship talk with me, or he was going to leave me because my over bearing ex-fiancé didn't know how to take a hint. I was in panic mode.

I don't know why I expected Edward to just leave me alone right away. It had only been a week but it's not like me leaving him should've been a surprise. I mean, if any other normal person had been in his place for the past few months, they would've been surprised it took me as long as it did to end it or that I even said yes when he proposed.

Of course he wasn't like any other normal human being. He wasn't human first of all, he was the walking dead as Jake would put it. It surprised me he never asked any questions about whatever he's heard from Jakes thoughts. I had been extremely flirty with him once he forgave me for going to Italy to save Edward. Jake was amazing when it came to protecting his thoughts, but Edward had a habit of listening to others when they thought he wasn't around.

I knew I need to text him back right away, otherwise he'd probably think I had been kidnapped to be made into a vampire.

I don't know what the big deal is considering I wouldn't let him in and made him leave immediately. Don't let something so small affect our relationship. Still, I can't wait to see you.

This really was such a petty thing to fight about.

Fighting with Jake wasn't the same as when I fought with Edward. It hurt me to even argue with him sometimes. Maybe not the stupid little fights we'd have when we were together, but when we were seriously bickering to where we wouldn't see each other, I wanted to hide in bed until it was resolved.

When I had fights with Edward, he'd never leave and it'd take me longer to forgive him but it didn't pain me as much. This was just one of the signs I should've seen earlier. I can't believe I was so blinded by the dream of eternal life and beauty to be okay with not actually living and experiencing true love.

Beep. Beep. This time it was a text from Charlie, he almost never texted me.

I've made reservations at a restaurant in Port Angeles for 6. We'll leave as soon as I get home.

I was now looking forward to work. The only time Charlie made reservations anywhere was on birthdays or when he wanted to talk to me about something.

Why did everyone want to worry me today?

Finally, Jake texted me back.

We'll talk about it later.

Ugh. Great start to my day.

The rest of my day wasn't any better. Mike Newton needed to learn to take a hint.

"Come on Bella, It's just one date. We're both single, why not?" he tried putting his arm around me but I just shrugged it off and pushed him away.

"I'm seeing Jake. I've told you this already Mike. I suggest you stop asking before he shows up to tell you that himself."

That worked. As soon as the words left my mouth, his eyes opened wide and he gulped loudly. I couldn't help but laugh at how intimidating Jake really was.

He was about 6'7" and had to be around 225lbs. Not only that, Jake knew how to fight, in human and wolf form.

I found myself smiling after that. Just thinking about how this strong attractive man chose me made me glow. He could pretty much have any girl he wanted. I truly was lucky.

Thankfully Mike avoided me the rest of the day. When it was time for me to leave, he didn't even bother saying goodbye. Bless Jacob's freakish height and size.

When I got home I decided I'd shower and dress nicely for whatever this occasion was.

I chose a red dress with black stockings and a black pair of Louboutin heels. I never would've been able to afford these shoes myself. Another one of Alice's presents that had gone untouched for months.

Maybe Jake would join us for dinner. I'm sure Charlie wouldn't mind.

I put a black pea coat on to match and realized I had forgotten to tell Jake about Charlie's earlier text.

Charlie's taking me out to dinner in Port Angeles. I'll text you when we're back unless you'd like to join us.

It felt like I couldn't do anything right today. How could I forget we had plans?

Way to tell me last minute… it'll have to wait for the weekend.

What the hell? There was no way we'd be home later than 8:30. I guess he didn't plan on staying long to begin with. I really wanted to know what his problem was.

As I looked in the mirror one more time I heard Charlie's cruiser pull up. I was proud of how I looked. Just upset Jake wasn't going to see me in this outfit.

We got to the restaurant just in time for dinner. Charlie had only made small talk with me throughout our meal about work and what Jake was up to today.

Once we had both finished, he cleared his throat.

"Bells, there's something I need to talk to you about and I also have some great news."

See, I knew there was some type of motive behind this.

"What's going on Dad?" I asked.

"Well, I'll tell you the great news first. I've been given a raise at work." He announced.

That really was great news. Not that Charlie was broke. He had accumulated a decent savings over the years. He was a simple man who didn't require much. Although, his wardrobe could use some updating and he could use a car of his own instead of just the police cruiser.

"That's great dad. I'm really happy for you, you deserve it." I smiled.

"Thanks Bells. Now I'm going to need you to be completely honest with me on how you feel about this. It's been almost a year now since Harry has past. During that time I've gotten really close with Sue. I think it's now appropriate that we start dating, she feels the same way. I really like her and care about her a lot but I want you to be comfortable with this as well."

I knew he had been spending a lot of time in La Push but I always thought it was mainly with Billy. He'd mention Sue occasionally, but never like this. It was exciting to see him finally moving on from Renee. Hell, she had gotten married years ago so it was about time.

"I'm more than comfortable with it! I'm so excited for you two." I jumped out of my chair and hugged him.

"Wow Bells, I'm glad you feel that way." He said as he hugged me.

I sat back down in my chair and glanced at my phone. It was already 8. How did that happen?

By the time we got the check, paid and drove home it was 9. I still thought it was decently early.

Just got home from dinner. I really want to see you.

He didn't have to stay late, just for an hour or so. That wasn't too much to ask.

I headed upstairs to my room and turned on my computer. I desperately wanted to change my room. I hadn't done anything to it since I moved in. I needed to make it my own.

After looking thorough numerous websites, I finally found something I liked.

I decided I'd paint my room a nice teal. I found a cute black and weight comforter to match. It'd take about a week to be delivered to my house. I'd use this weekend to shop for new furniture hopefully. I'd need to find the time to paint too.

I decided to give up waiting on Jake. I didn't know if he was ignoring me or what.

That's when my mind wandered into dangerous territory… What if he was with Lauren? Maybe he didn't really end it like he said he did or she showed up because she heard we were seeing each other. That girl would do anything to hurt me. I wasn't having sex with him so maybe he didn't want to wait for me to be ready.

I was disappointed in myself. I was supposed to be a new confident girl and here I was doubting myself and Jake again. I should have more trust and respect for the both of us.

I'm sorry I didn't tell you about dinner earlier. My mind has been all over the place today. I miss the feeling of your body being close to mine. The next 3 days can't go by fast enough. Please forgive me. Love you.

Even if he didn't text me back, I was content that I'd made the effort to apologize. I was such a scatter brain sometimes.

That night I dreamt of a childhood memory I hadn't thought of in awhile.

Charlie and I arrived at first beach where a bon fire was being held for Jacob's birthday. He was turning 7 years old. I didn't understand why he'd have a birthday party at a beach in January, but Charlie told me it was a Quileute thing. I however was freezing.

Once I spotted Jake I ran to him and pulled him into a tight hug.

"Happy Birthday." I whispered.

"Thanks Bells." He replied and ran off to play with Quil and Embry.

I was upset he didn't want to play with me too. I spent most of the night by myself making sand castles.

We sat around the fire and listened to the old stories of their tribe. I thought of their ancestors as brave protectors who fought against the cold ones before making a treaty with them.

"Jake is the grandson of the great Chief Ephraim Black. He too will one day be an Alpha." Billy proudly announced.

Jake and his friends laughed and ran away to have a football catch with each other.

I went back to the shoreline to make more sandcastles by myself.

I had just finished making one when a football landed on top of it. I jumped back and the top half of my body landed in the ocean.

My jacket was soaked and I was shivering from the cold. Tears started falling down my face. I was so embarrassed and freezing.

I took off my jacket and ran back to the fire. I could hear Quil and Embry laughing at me.

"Bella where's your jacket?!" Charlie asked.

"I had to take it off, it's soaked from the ocean daddy." I barely got the sentence out because I was crying so hard.

I sat next to the fire with my hands over my face as I cried.

A few minutes later I felt someone put a jacket over my shoulders.

"I'm sorry Bells, I didn't mean it. You can have mine." Jake sat down next to me, an apologetic look on his face.

I was so happy to see he hadn't done it on purpose. I thought Quil and Embry had turned him against me and convinced him it was a funny thing to do.

"It's okay Jake. I believe you." I had finally stopped crying and had a big smile on my face.

"Come on, I'll help you make a new sandcastle." He grabbed my hand a pulled me along with him back to the shoreline.

We spent the rest of the night doing just that until Charlie said it was time to go.

I hugged Jake as tight as I could. I knew I wouldn't be seeing him again for awhile.

"I can't wait till you visit again Bells. I'll miss you." He whispered.

"I'll miss you too." I replied.

The tears started pouring down my face again. That was the last time I visited Forks or La Push for years.

When I woke up the next morning my pillow was soaked. I really had been crying.

Some dreams have the ability to feel like they're so real, especially those that are memories. What I mean is, it felt like I wasn't really in the present anymore, it was as if I was 9 years old again.

I grabbed my phone hoping Jake would've answered me, I mean there was no reason for him not to.

I miss having you in my arms sweetheart. Friday will come before you know it.

Just like that, all of my doubtful thoughts from last night vanished.

I decided I wanted to go shopping after work today. I needed to and I'd fill up my time with everything I could to stay busy.

I called Alice and asked her to join me. I wanted to talk to her anyway. While I was done with Edward, she was still one of my best friends at least I wanted her to be.

She agreed and we were going to meet after I got off work in Port Angeles.

Maybe these 3 days wouldn't be all that bad. I had an idea, and Alice was going to help me make it reality.

I was able to get off work an hour early that day. The store was really dead so there was no need for me to stay. Again I called Alice to tell her I was on my way and of course she jumped to meet me there.

We went to IKEA. It took us about 3 hours but we agreed on a chest and dresser, both black. I also picked out a picture frame which held 3 pictures.

The furniture would be delivered this weekend, perfect timing.

We talked about Jake, and of course Edward.

"He was miserable for the first few days, but now he seems to be getting back to normal. I had a vision that he was going to meet someone new but I don't know how soon that will be."

I had to admit it was weird thinking of Edward being with someone else. I still cared about his happiness. I just couldn't be the cause of it anymore.

Still, I was happy to hear he would find someone else to fill up his days and nights. Someone who would want everything he was able and willing to give. Maybe they would even leave Forks soon. While I loved Alice, it would calm Jake down a lot. He wouldn't be so stressed out with keeping an eye on them.

He knew he didn't really have to, but he was the only one. The rest of the pack and the tribal council felt differently.

Jake and I would be going to school soon. We were going to be stressed out enough.

Afterwards, we went to the familiar restaurant me and Edward had first gone to and she sat with me as I ate.

I told her about Charlie and Sue, how Phil had made it to the Majors and about him and Renee moving to Michigan.

She began telling stories of when she and the rest of the Cullen's had lived there themselves multiple times.

Was there anywhere they hadn't been? I was just happy I could stay silent for awhile. I felt like I talked too much around her.

She tried convincing me to call Edward or arrange to meet with him. It wasn't that I didn't want to be friends with him; I just needed to officially be with Jake first. He needed to trust me before It could happen.

When I explained it to her, she understood. She also assured me she had every intention of keeping our friendship exactly as it was. Now if I could just get her and Jacob to be friends.

I got home at 9:30. I hoped Charlie didn't starve without me.

There was takeout all over the table in the living room. How much Chinese food could one man eat?

As I walked up the stairs I yelled, "Dad, I'm home."

"About time, goodnight Bells." He yelled from his room.

Once I closed the door behind me, my phone went off.

I've been thinking about you all day. Love you.

Oh Jake, you have no idea how much I've missed and thought about you.

:) love you too.

The next 2 days went by fairly quickly. I had made another shopping trip with Alice, this time to the mall. I got myself more makeup and clothes. My most expensive purchase was a Louis Vuitton bag. I couldn't help it, I thought it was so cute and Alice was very persuasive.

Once Friday night came, I made sure to look my best.

Jake's texts had become more frequent and he invited me to La Push for the night.

I packed a bag to stay over and put it in my trunk.

I decided on wearing a pair of cheetah print Steve Madden flats along with stockings and a red dress. I put a black sweater over it and practically ran out the door. I pushed my truck to its limits all the way to La Push.