Okay, I'm sorry that I haven't updated in so long. Call it a mini-vacation, if you will. : )

But, anyway, I'm back, and, so is the next chapter. : )

I know that it's a little odd, especially compared to the actual books, but I'm trying to make this story unique, even though there are not many JakeWard fics on here last I checked, because unique is what I do. : )

So, yeah. If you don't like it, and it's related chapters, then I'm sorry, and I hope that you like the next one better.

Well, see you next update, and enjoy.

~SilverEars~

Chapter 16 Dinner With Billy

Jacob watched his father warily, just waiting for him to say something cruel to Edward.

"So, what's for dinner?"

"Steak, fried potatoes and green beans," Billy answered, his face relaxed to Jacob's surprise.

"You cooked all my favorite foods?"

"Yes. Now I think we should eat it before it gets cold."

"I'll get it," Edward said, standing up and walking to the stove to fill two plates, then going back for a third.

"You're eating?" Jacob and Billy asked at the same time, shock in their eyes.

"Of course," he answered teasingly.

"Your father went to a lot of trouble to make this food. It would be rude not to eat it."

"But you're," Jake began, cutting himself off when he saw the pain in Edward's eyes.

"Nevermind."

"I'm a monster," he finished as he took a few bites of food, chewing and swallowing them quickly.

"Undeserving of love or even just simple friendship."

"No," Jacob protested, reaching out to take his hand with his.

"That isn't what I meant, and you know that, Edward. I've just never seen you eat before, that's all."

"I was only trying to be more normal for you. I guess it didn't work out very well."

"Not really, since normal for you isn't eating," he teased, trying to lighten the mood.

"I guess you're right," Edward sighed softly, putting his fork down.

"I suppose that it was a foolish idea…"

"No, it wasn't," Jacob said soothingly.

"Because it means that you were trying to make me happier. But you don't have to change for me. I love you just the way you are. The only thing that makes me unhappy is that you think that you need to at all. You are a wonderful person, Edward. I'm just sorry that you can't see it."

He smiled, his golden eyes softening slightly.

"Thank you, Jake. You should eat. I'll just go watch t.v. or something."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Take your time. You need to spend time with your father and your friends, not just me."

/

Edward sighed as he walked around Billy's yard slowly, his eyes looking down at the ground as he did so.

"What am I doing?" he said softly, speaking to himself.

"I don't belong here."

"No, you don't."

He looked up in surprise at the voice, as he hadn't heard anyone approaching.

Embry and Quill were standing a few feet away from him, their arms crossed as they studied him through narrowed eyes.

He wasn't sure which of them had spoken.

"What are you doing here, Cullen?" Embry asked him challengingly.

"Billy invited me over for dinner at Sam's suggestion."

"Where is Jacob?" Quill asked, concern for his friend clear in his eyes.

"Inside, eating dinner."

They watched in confusion as Edward's face paled even further then was normal for him as he answered, his hands starting to shake at his sides slightly.

"I'm sorry," Edward apologized, backing away from them quickly.

He stopped speaking, shuddering as he turned and ran behind Jacob's garage.

Both of them winced as they heard the sounds of him groaning as he threw up violently.

"Maybe you should go get Jacob?" Embry suggested.

"I think you're right," Quill said, walking toward the house quickly.

"I'll be right back."