SM owns all. This is the way that I wanted things to go. Thanks to Goldengirl62, for your help, I do appreciate you so much; and thanks to my talented wolf friend, Ladyofspain.

Jacob's Twilight; The Beginning

Chapter Sixteen:

Discoveries

(Bella's POV)

When Jacob helped me out of his car, my mind was bombarded by memories— memories of summers our families spent together and the fun we had. I remembered Billy and my very best friend, Jake, the twins and their mom, Sarah, who had died. I remembered the beach where my friend and I played games together and swam and above all, where we made mud pies together. I now knew deep in my heart that this Jacob was truly my friend, Jake. I guess after the first bad encounter, I didn't want to believe that my friend would act that way, so humiliating. I was very hurt when my parents separated, but nothing compared to being separated from the young boy I loved so much. I always sensed he was my Jake, but my mind wouldn't let me believe what my heart was telling me.

As I stood there for a minute just looking at the house I spent all of my best times as a child, I felt as though I had come home. The feeling was as strong as when I came back to the house of my father. It seemed to hold out its arms ready to envelop me in warmth and comfort.

(Jacob's POV)

I felt nervous as I helped Bella from my car, because she called me by that name. I had not heard it pronounce by her lips, since we were young... Jake. I admit it was music to my ears to hear that name on her lips again. Now I would tell her everything, but had no idea where to start. How could I explain my treatment of her that very first day?; But I had no choice; I had to tell her everything because there was no way I could stay away from her, not even for another day.

I turned my gaze to her, waiting for her to say something; she was shaking her head with amazement written on her face. I knew the first the question she would have for me, just by her expression, so I replied before she asked.

"Yes, the house has changed. My dad and I enlarged it, but it's still the same house you spent weekends with me so we wouldn't miss any game time." I smiled as I said this, remembering our childhood.

She smiled back as she replied, "Yes, I remember that. This house was like my second home."

I thought for a minute and was happy by what she just said and wanted her to know I saw a life for us here. Bells, I hope that someday this will be your first home. I smiled self consciously at what I just thought, at my boldness. I took her arm and led her to the front door, but before I reached it, Billy opened it and sat waiting. He must have heard my car and thought I was taking too long. His eyes lit up with joy and excitement when he saw the girl walking next to me—the girl he always thought of as a daughter. I snuck a peek at Bella and saw the same expression written on her face. The accident that resulted in my dad having to use a wheelchair affected both our families; that was how close we were.

They stared at each other for a few moments, and then Billy held out his arms to her. Her face lit up even more as she ran to him and leaned down as they embraced.

"Billy," she said softly, which sounded both like a question and statement. "You have no idea how happy I am to see you."

They let go of each other. "I am just as happy to see you my daughter. I have asked my son many times to bring you here, but I do understand why you have refused until now. You have led him on a merry chase." We all smiled at that. Then he turned to me. "You're right son, she is beautiful." Bella blushed at this and my dad smiled wider. "Congratulations son."

I grinned from ear to ear. "Thanks, Dad."

(Bella's POV)

I can't describe the emotions that seized me, seeing Billy for the first time after so many years. Being wrapped in his hug was like being held by a father, which he always was to me, a second father. When we ended our hug and greeted each other, the things he said to Jake made me blush, but Billy wasn't done. He turned back to me.

"You know, Jake told me when you were both young, he thought you were the prettiest girl in the world. Now he thinks you are the most beautiful woman he has ever seen." Jake's smile widened, but as usual, my face became as red as a tomato.

The two men beamed at each other and I couldn't help smiling at the joy on their faces.

"I think maybe you should invite your dad down," Billy suggested.

"Okay," I replied.

We then walked into the house and I looked around curiously. "Would you like something cold to drink?, Or hot?" Jake asked me.

"No thanks," I replied. "But there is something I would like to do."

"Well, what do you want to do?."

"I want to go for a walk on the beach with you, before I call my dad."

Our eyes caught and locked. The feeling was so intense; It seem that Jake could see into my soul.

(Jacob's POV)

Because of Bella's request, my dad said, "While you two walk on the beach, I'll call Charlie and invite him to come down after work and have dinner with us."

"Good idea, Dad," I replied, before Bella could. "I've dreamed of the day that the Swans and Blacks shared a dinner as a family." But I kept my eyes on my Bella as I spoke.

I took her hand. "Come on, I'll take you to a place I always go to think and just enjoy nature."

We left and walked together in silence, but it was a comfortable silence. When we reached the area I was talking about, I led her to a tree I loved to sit at. I set her down, and then sat in front of her. We didn't talk at first, so I took the opportunity to just look at her and marvel at the fact that she was actually here with me. I had missed her so much these past years and the few days I was away from school. The love I felt for her bubbled up and I knew it must show on my face, because she blushed and looked away.

I placed my fingers on her chin to make her look at me again. "You have no idea how much I love this blush of yours." She smiled shyly at me. "Bells… I have so much to tell and explain to you."

"Jake, when did you know I was your childhood friend?"; she asked before I could continue.

"Bella, before answering your questions…" I replied. "…I have to explain how things went for me since you came back to Forks and how it upset my world."

She nodded, "Okay, I'm listening."

"When you came to school and I saw you for the first time, it confused me. I had no idea who you were—this new girl who disrupted my world and everything I wanted. I went home and told my dad I had to go away for a few days, because I needed to be alone, to think."

"But, Jake, what did I do to make you feel you had to go away?"; she asked bewildered.

"Please, just let me explain how things occurred," I pleaded. "I promise to tell you everything… I had to go away to try to get you out of my mind, but I couldn't. Everywhere I went, everything I did—there you were, even when I closed my eyes, I saw you. I decided to go home because being away was not the solution. When I got home and told my dad about you, he asked your name…. What he said then made me realize that the girl was my Bells, my best friend…. She had returned to my life."

I took a break and a deep breath before continuing. "I wanted to run to your house and hug you, welcome you back, and invite you to come down here. My heart was filled with such happiness, but it all came crashing down when I remembered our first meeting and how cruel I was to you. I wanted to die and became afraid—afraid of your rejection, fear of not being able to get close to you, and have you in my life. My dad said I should tell you everything, and if I could, I would've gone to your house that night and apologized, telling you everything, but I had to wait. My friends knew what was happening and offered their support. I couldn't wait to ask for your forgiveness and have you in my life, but when I got to school and saw your indifference, I realized just how badly I treated you. I'd have to deal with the consequences. There were so many things I wanted to say to you but couldn't. I know you didn't understand the reasons for my reaction to you that first day, and I will tell you, but there are other things I need to explain first."

I paused to study her reaction to what I was saying, to see if she understood and from the look in her eyes, I could tell that she did. So I continued.

"When I came to you in the cafeteria to apologize, I saw in your eyes your coldness, pain and discomfort from being around me. That's when I realized I couldn't just approach you and say, "Hey Bells, I'm your friend Jake. Sorry about my stupidity the other day. Forget about it and let's be friends."

I was making crazy gestures with my hands as I talked and it had us both laughing at my silliness. But it truly broke the ice and made us feel more at ease. I needed to say everything I had felt in my heart for so long, so I carried on.

"Bells, I didn't think it would've been right for me to try to win your heart by using the fact that we were old friends. It would've been selfish of me, to use that, to gain your forgiveness. If I had, what would you think of me?"

After a few seconds, she replied, "Jake, if I had known at the time you were my best friend from childhood, I would hurt a lot more. Especially to realize the kind of man my Jake had become—a cruel and humiliating person. It would truly have broken my heart."

"Then you understand why I couldn't tell you who I really was, not under those circumstances."

She nodded and truly seemed to understand what I was trying to say. I was very relieved and happy that she understood me, and allowed me to say everything I needed to. I took her hand in mine. I noticed that she was a little hesitant, because this trust we were building was new, so I understood her reluctance. She flushed deeply.

"Bells, I want to be able to hold your hands, or even take you in my arms. Now that I have you, I can't let you out of my life again."

She smiled and relaxed, allowing me to hold and caress her hand.

We looked each other in the eyes. "After your reaction in the cafeteria, I realized the only way to gain your trust was to show you I wasn't the idiot you saw on the first day. But no matter what I did, you remained cautious and eluded me at every turn." We both smiled at each other. "You're the woman that may be elusive, I have never known another like you. Always running from me, avoiding me. You always found a way to escape when I was around or when I was about to approach, even if you had logistical support and all!"

We both burst out laughing at my mention of her logistical support.

"I guess Leah and Kim told you about that," she said when our laughter calmed down. "Didn't they?; Well, it was my tactics to keeping out all unwanted attention…. And of course that included you."

"I understand that," I replied. "And I appreciate it. I think Angela is the best friend you could have. She is loyal and has a good heart."

"That's very true, but she wasn't a very good support, when it came of you"; my Bells said it smiling. She continued. "Leah and all the girls liked her too. Do you think your other friends like her?"; she asked.

"Yes, they all like her, especially Embry. I'm glad she was your logistical support to ward off your fans… but I am glad she wasn't much help when it came to me."

We both laughed again, but I knew she understood what I meant.

"You have no idea how long I have desired to bring you to my home…" I looked deeply into her eyes, to make her not only understand, but to feel what I was saying. "…to see my father and share so much with you. But I must admit I really enjoyed chasing and trying to win you over."

She blushed and brought her lower lip in her mouth and began chewing on it. I touched her lip with tips of my fingers. "Don't do that, Bells, it's very dangerous to do that."

"Yeah, you're right, I better stop or I'll end up drawing blood."

I grinned at her. "I didn't mean that kind of danger." She blushed again seeming to get my meaning. "You know, I also had the support of all my friends. They all wanted to help me win you back."

"Yeah, I noticed that," she replied. "It seemed to also include Seth. I think they're very good kids and very good friends of yours."

"Yes, we are all best friends; really… these guys are truly my brothers. But there was always a special place in my heart for you, despite how distance and time separated us."

"Jake, you still haven't explained to me why you acted that way my first day at school. Despite everything you've said, I still don't understand."

I knew it was time to tell her everything—to show her how I felt about her, but I didn't want to rush it or make her feel pressured. Maybe I would tell her without revealing about the imprint. That issue I'll have to talk to her about at some point... but when she knew the other part of me... when she met my wolf.

"I have something to tell you, but promise you won't say anything until I am done." She nodded in agreement. "Since I was a child of seven, I had a crush on a beautiful little girl who lived in Forks, but came down to see me everyday. One day she was taken far away… far away from me. I missed her terribly, I didn't want to play anymore, I stopped eating. My mom got worried and took me to the doctor to see what was wrong. One day, my dad's friend came to see me and promised that she would be back for the summer, but I had to obey and eat all my food, do my homework and start playing with my other friends. In short, I had to return to the life of a boy my age. But they started to spend summers and she came and went… and never returned again. I harbored the hope in my heart that one day she would return, but she didn't, so I started plotting to go where she lived to find her. I started getting on Billy's nerves with that idea. Bells, you cannot imagine how much I missed that girl."

I spoke from the heart; I could feel the passion in my words so I knew she heard it— my voice vibrated with it. I then realized her heartbeat had picked up speed. I smiled knowing why. It was due to me, my nearness to her, and the meaning of the words I spoke.

"Bells, I never forgot that little girl. There was never another girl for me; she was the one I wanted, always. I was constantly imagining how beautiful it would be when we were together again. But one day you came, the new girl in school. I bumped into you and my world turned upside down when I felt attracted to you. In all those years, I had never been interested in another girl, but here you were—a threat, about to make me a traitor to the girl I truly loved. I refused to do that, so I chased you away with my words. I knew what I said hurt you, but that was the idea… to hurt you, so you wouldn't want to come near me and I could remain faithful to the girl I loved. I did a good job—too good."

I shook my head and became angry at myself remembering how I behaved that day. "It was after I had spoken to my dad that I realized the new girl was my beautiful girl, the one I had been in love with since I was seven. Bella, when Kim told you that there was one girl I had been in love with all my life and was doing everything in my power to win her heart—Bells, that girl was you. I needed you to know… that little boy needed you to know everything that was in my heart. I have wanted to tell you this for so long."

I looked into her eyes as she absorbed everything I had confessed, but I didn't see rejection as I usually did. Instead, I saw deep love and acceptance. Then she did something I was not expecting; she reached out and pulled me into her arms hugging me to her. I couldn't resist; I wanted her closer, so I lifted her and placed her in my lap. With a sigh of relief, I held her against to me. With my eyes raised to the heavens, I thanked the spirits of my people for their help, to recover my mate.

I kissed her hair. "I want you to know I will be patient and wait; take all the time you need, even if I have to wait a thousand years, you are more than worth it."

She leaned back and looked me in the eyes. "Jake, you have no idea how happy I am to return to my best friend again," she admitted

"Bells, I am very happy and very grateful to be a part of your life, to have that little girl, who has grown into a beautiful woman, back with me."

This was a very emotional moment for the both of us. We felt it in the way we held onto each other, as if afraid to lose each other again. I was so very happy to finally have my imprint, the love of my life in my arms.

She looked up at me again, deep into my eyes. "Whenever I was around you I felt as though a rope was pulling me to you, trying to join us… Do you know why?; It's very confusing. I could not explain why I felt so attached to you, when all I wanted was to get away from you. Without looking, I always know where you are… I don't know. Do you feel it too?"

"Yes, Bells, all the time," I replied. "I even feel you before you reach where I am."

I wanted to tell her about the imprint, maybe after we have gotten to know each other, all over again, and she feels that she can truly trust me.

"Jake, you have always been my best friend and always had a place in my heart and I'm happy to be with you again. I had no idea about the feelings you felt for me in your heart. I don't know where this will lead, but know that what I feel for you is very strong, but also very confusing, I…." She stopped and lowered her eyes.

"I know you're confused, I know you have strong feelings for me… don't worry, I told you I would give you all the time you need. I am not going anywhere, at least not without you."

I took her hand and placed it on my heart, so she could see how fast my heart was beating just for her. She smiled. "I'm so glad we had this talk," I said smiling too.

"Come on, let's get back to your home, my dad must be there already wondering where we are; besides I can't wait to enjoy our time as a family."

I loved how she said that, and grinned in happiness. I know there is so much more I needed to tell her, about our people and my job as one protector of my people and her place as my mate. I hoped when I told her of my other half, my wolf half, she wouldn't run away from me, but accept and love both halves. Now that I had her with me again, I wouldn't allow anyone or anything to come between us, to take her away from me again.

We walked back to my house hand in hand. We walked inside the house still holding hands. Charlie was there talking with my dad. They both turned towards us as we entered and noticed our clasped hands.

"I guess the talk went well," my dad commented.

I looked at Bella and we both smiled, then back to my dad. "Yes, extremely well. I have my best friend back, and this time I will not allow anyone to take her away from me." I looked directly at her dad when I said this.

"You knew the mechanic was my friend, Jake… and you didn't tell me," My girl chastised Charlie.

"It's not his fault, Bells. I asked him not to tell you; I wanted to tell you myself."

We talked for a while, and then Billy called us to dinner. This will be the first of many as a family.

(Bella's POV)

"How was this day, with your friends at the beach?". My dad asked once we began eating. "And how did you end up coming to La Push? I invited you many times to come with me but you always refused."

Just the memory of what happened at the beach had me flushing with every new memory. I looked to Jacob who was smiling from ear to ear, then back at my dad and said. "It was an interesting day, and I had no plans to come here, but because of the circumstances…. Well, I'm glad I did."

"The truth is, Charlie…" Jake decided to speak. "… I went to the beach to look for her and brought her here. I spared her from that boy, Newton, who was flirting with my girl. In any case this is the happiest day of my life, and that happiness was caused by your daughter."

My dad looked at him and asked. "You found her on the beach with her friends?". Jake just nodded. My dad continued. "I understand why this is the happiest day of your life." He looked at me and winked.

I looked over at Jake. "Please forget about this afternoon."

"Sorry," Jake said. "I didn't want to embarrass you, Bells, but I won't deny that for me it'll be impossible to forget this afternoon."

"I guess not," Billy added. "But it's time to change the subject. By her blushes, I think that was a moment that she doesn't want to repeat."

Jake looked over at me with a small smile. "I am sorry, Bells; I didn't mean to cause you any embarrassment." He reached over and touched my hand. "You know that just being with you makes me happy, in any circumstances."

I looked into his eyes to see if he really meant what he said. But I saw the regret in his eyes and heard it in his voice. I smiled and squeeze his hands. "I believe you, Jake, let's just forget about it."

My dad cleared his throat. "So, Billy, how has the fishing being lately."

I knew that was his way of taking the spotlight off me, knowing how I hate to be the center of attention. We all began to eat the wonderful meal Billy made us as we listened to him and my dad talk about fishing.

When we were done eating, Jacob and Billy cleaned up, and after talking for a little while longer it was time to leave. I needed to rest, I felt tired, and in addition tomorrow is Sunday... just great. Jake offered to go with us.

My dad laughed at his antics, and said, "You really meant it when you said no one will ever take my daughter away from you again." We all laughed at that comment. Jake was taking very seriously all he said.

"Today was a very tiring day, I need to get home and get some rest. Jake, you'll have to let me go, you can't leave Billy alone," I told Jake. He didn't seem to be in agreement with what I said, but eventually nodded, and stayed with Billy.

(Jacob's POV)

I wanted very much to be the one to take Bella home. My dad reminded me about talking to my friends, but I knew what he meant and couldn't say it out right in front of Bella and her dad. I needed to arrange patrols and make sure Angela and Bella's house were well protected. Besides, I wanted to know what had happened to Embry, and make sure everything went well for my friend.

I picked her up and held her to me, breathing her sweet, intoxicating scent into me, then kissed her on the cheek and told her I would call her when she woke in the morning. She kissed me back on the cheek and whispered in my ear, "Goodnight Jake." Her breath in my ear caused a chill that ran through all my body. This woman was going to be my perdition... I swear she would.

After that, they both left, and I had to restrain myself from following. I had to let her go, but tomorrow I would go to her home to be with her. Now there was nothing and no one to stop me from spending time with my girl... finally.

(Bella's POV)

When we got home and got out of my dad's patrol car, we were walking towards the front door, when my dad said. "Bella, did you forget to lock your window again?".

"No," I replied looking up, and saw that it was indeed slightly opened. That was becoming a common occurrence and was making me very nervous. But... why would be open?. This was the home of the Police Chief of Forks; nobody would dare to come here. So, why was my window open again?.

(Edward's POV)

I stood among the trees waiting to see Bella; Alice had come to warn me that Charlie and Bella would be coming home soon. The two of us remained in the woods when they pulled up and I looked through Charlie's mind for information about what they did on the rez. I grunted low in my chest at what I saw in Charlie's mind, and what happened between Jacob and Bella.

"Edward, something happened; I completely lost Bella's future. I can't see it at all; it's as if she had died, or…. It has something to do with the Quileute, and now her future is completely tied to the Alpha's. I came to warn you, because as soon as they crossed the border, I saw Charlie's future, that they will be arriving home soon."

She grabbed my arm to get my attention, because all I could think about was what she said about losing Bella's future.

"I can't see her future, Edward. Do you know what that means?".

Of course I know what that means, and I'm not willing to let that happen. She will be my mate, not of that dog, I thought.

"Yes," I replied. "That means I must move my plans forward."