A.N. Sorry for the long wait, hope you don't mind it that much... What I really wanted to ask you guys, was how old do you think I am? I was talking to my friends about it, and it really interested me, i mean, i must sound a lot younger than i really am, because of my style in writing (especially during these a.n.'s XD ) so please, oh PLEASE leave a review telling me how old you think i am. THANK YOU! :)

Anyway, please enjoy chapter 15 of Servant Boy.

Jacob visited me almost everyday for the next two weeks. During those days, we were inseparable. We were so in sync that it was almost as if we were the music and lyrics to a song. With Jacob, I didn't have to act like 'A Princess' or 'Proper,' and Lady-Like', because he didn't care. The more time we spent together, the more I didn't need to pretend like there wasn't a hole is my chest, constantly trying to consume me. Whenever he was around, I almost never felt it. He let me forget the feelings that hurt me, even if it was only for a few hours. Within the little amount of time we spent together, he already knew the things that I loved to do, and he protected me from the things I was afraid of.

The days got easier to endure whenever Jacob was around. Everytime he set foot in the castle I felt like everything I went through for the last couple of months never happened; like there wasn't a hole in the first place. He made me feel better, like it was worth it to live. Jake was there for me when I broke down, crawled into a ball, and shook uncontrollably because of my memories. He was there when I burst into tears, or when I blocked out the rest of the world. He broke through my barriers, tore down the walls and was the only one who could reach me when I shut down. Jacob became my safe harbour. He became the silver lining on the storm cloud.

Although the days were getting better, even Jake couldn't help me at night. When I'm all alone, I feel out of place. It was as if I was not meant to be there when the rest of the world looked so much happier when I was our of sight. I didn't want to bother other people, and I really didn't want to make them look at me with such pity in their eyes. All I wanted was to stop time and rewind it so that I could stay with Edward, or replay the moments I spent with Jacob, or even go back to the time when I hadn't met either of them. Anything, I thought, was better than the way I was now.

It wasn't safe for me when I was awake or asleep because even in my dreams, the emptiness surrounded me. I had the same nightmare every night of me running in darkness, looking for Edward, looking for something that would rid my pain; but always coming out empty handed. This dream would not scare most people, but it certainly terrified me. I spent the whole night, searching, running after someone who would never come back. I was desperately yearning to see his face once more, wanting to touch him, and make sure he wasn't just made up. I wanted to know that his existence was real, that the times we spent together really happened, and that my feelings were honest.

Despite the fact that Jacob tried his hardest to mend my wounds, there was no avoiding the other problems I would have to face after that. He might be able to make me feel like me again, but he could never make my mother's illness go away.

"Good afternoon everyone. Carlisle, I hope you don't mind, but I gathered more flowers. How is my mother doing today?" I asked in a voice that sounded older than my own. Alice bowed before she came to me and took the flowers out of my hand. She gently took the vase with the old flowers and replaced the new one. Jasper smiled politely before saying,

"Her health is getting better and she should be returning to the way she was before in a few days. Carlisle has been taking good care of her, so there's no need to fret. She is still resting, from her fever last night, right now. Perhaps Alice or I will find you when she wakes?"

His reassuring words didn't match the anxious expression in his eyes. As he led me next to my mother's bed, I noticed how much weight she lost, and frail looking she was. She looked like a withering rose with

it's petals ready to fall off at any given moment. I put my hand lightly on hers and sighed. Her skin was soft and cold. I only spent a few minutes in the room, and already I felt like leaving.

There was a certain feel of gloominess radiating off the bare, stone walls. The servants in the room looked too still, and regardless of the fact that the window was open, the room felt confined. My mother's raspy breathing was the loudest sound that could be heard. No one else dared to make a sound. Instead, they pretended to do the things that they should be doing to give me some sense of privacy.

Mother started coughing and I felt helpless not being able to make her feel better. She had been in bed for more than a weeks already, and no one knew what was wrong with her. No one expressed their fear, but I knew something was definitely wrong. Finally, I stood up and excused myself.

"Please come and find me when she wakes up. I would like a word with her," I said before I turned around and began walking toward out the door. I wasn't sure where I planned to go, but I knew I needed to get out of there. I felt like if I didn't leave, the walls would cave in and I would watch my mother suffer some more.

Before I knew it, I found myself in the garden again; sitting on the soft grass. I started thinking about how much things had changed over the years. I could hardly believe that Edward had left over four months ago. I looked up and noticed how the leaves were starting to change their colors, and how the breeze suddenly felt cooler. I realized it was already September seventh, and that next week would be my birthday. There was a sudden prick in my heart when I remembered that this would be the first time since I was seven, to celebrate my birthday alone. I felt the hot tears stinging in my eyes, when I thought about turning thirteen without Edward.

"M'Lady," Jacob called teasingly from behind me. When I didn't turn around or answer, I heard him take a deep breath. Coming closer to me, he asked,

"Princess? Is something the matter? It's rather warm outside and yet you are shivering," Kneeling down and then sitting beside me, he wrapped one arm around my shoulder. His features quickly changed into agony when he understood that I wasn't shaking from the breeze.

"Bella, are you crying?" he asked, concern flooding his voice. "What happened? Did something bad happen to you?" I didn't know what came over me. Before I knew it, I buried my face in his gold doublet and started crying. Jacob gently patted my head, trying to calm me down.

After what seemed like hours, I finally stopped crying. Straightening myself up, I wiped away the tears in in my eyes and stared at the grass. I felt so ashamed, breaking down in front of someone else, and shedding my tears in the presence of a boy, but I could not help it. I have been holding it in for too long, and it was too much for me to handle. I felt so tired, and I could feel that the skin under my eyes were swollen and red. Jacob sat quietly beside me. He kept throwing me troubled glances, half expecting me to break into tears again.

"Dear Jacob, I am deeply sorry," I whispered, my voice cracking.

"Please do not dwell on it, Bella. I was sure it would come soon. I heard about your Mother's illness, and I am sure that you are also fretting over her fate, but do not worry my dear Bella. I promise you, that I will be there for you, whenever you need me most. Please Bella, your face is too lovely to be making such faces, and crying such tears. You are too young to be carrying such burdens and concerning yourself over what might be. It is such a waste of your precious life, to be sad for even just a moment, and it truly hurts my heart to see you like weeping like this. Please Princess, do not cry anymore. Although, I know that you are so strong, and have been keeping such feelings locked up inside you, you must remember that I am here for you, and that you do not have to go through such difficult times alone," Jacob said, gazing at me, his eyes burning with emotion.

I nodded meekly and he quickly stood up. Without looking at me, he offered me his hand, and I hesitently took it. Together, we stood there for a while without saying a word. Standing side by side, I finally understood what he was trying to say. As long as Jacob Black was around, I would never have to be alone again. I would never have to face another difficult time by myself.

A.N. PLEASE R&R, and don't forget to guess my age,, it would really mean a lot to me :) Also, after this chapter, things start picking up, A LOT! So be prepared ;) (L)