A/N: Okay folks here is the long awaited much anticipated next chapter and I know I told some of you Jacob would phase in this one but alas the muse has other ideas on that so phasing will be next I promise, but this has some great Jake and Bells moments. Please comment and review so I know the almost 5,000 word chapter is not in vain, Oh and I own nothing or Twilight would have been a much different story but thanks Ms Meyers for loaning me your characters who I love.

Jacob sat in the chair next to Bella's side of the bed. They had just finished the last of his homework. He was beginning to enjoy doing homework with Bella, she made it easier for him to understand what his teachers tried so hard to drill into his head, but even she had began to notice his lack of sleep. He was having what his dad called growing pains at night for a while now, but they had gotten worse since he had been hanging out with Bella. It had started with his legs, but now his whole body hurt all the time and this was the last time he would see her for two days. She had an appointment at the hospital tomorrow to see when her casts can come off and Saturday she and the Cullen sisters were going to try to catch up on her schoolwork. He wanted to spend all his free time with her. It was weird because he had given up his time in the garage with the rabbit to spend his afternoons here with Bella and he thought that would never happen to him.

"Earth to Jacob. Hey we are on the last problem, don't lose focus now."

"Sorry, Bells, I just spaced out for a second."

"Jacob is everything okay. I mean you have such dark circles under your eyes. I am worried about you."

Jake turned to face her and he saw the concern in her eyes and he reached for her hand before speaking.

"Bells, I am okay really. I just haven't been sleeping very well the last few weeks."

"Jacob, what is up? You know you can tell me anything right?"

"I know Bells, its just growing pains really and I was just thinking how much I am going to miss our afternoons the next few days."

"I will miss them too Jacob, but I will see you Saturday night remember."

"Yeah, I remember, but you will want to do my homework and not doing anything fun."

"What kind of fun things can we do with me laid up in this bed with half my body in a cast?"

"Well, we could play board games or Charlie and I could bring the TV up here and we could watch movies."

"Okay, how about this, how about tomorrow night we do your homework and Sunday you and I spend the day having fun together. But only if you promise me you will go home and sleep and try not to worry about me. Yeah I know part of your problem is you are worrying about me but I am fine or I will be when I can finally start doing some things for myself."

"Okay let's do this last problem so I can get home. I am kinda grounded and I have to be home before six or I will have to stay in my room all weekend."

"Jacob, what did you do?"

"I kinda brought up the subject of quitting school with Dad and he went a little off the rails."

"I told you it wasn't a good idea."

"Sure, sure you are right and I should listen to you okay, but I just wish I could do more and school is getting in the way of that." He said as he finished the last problem and closed his book and put it in his bag. Jacob leaned down and kissed Bella on the forehead that had become normal in the week he had begun to visit. Bella closed her eyes and sighed.

"I will miss you Jacob," she whispered as he made his way towards the door.

"I'll miss you too Honey." He said as he slipped out the door.

Friday and Saturday seemed like forever for both of them. Jacob tried to sleep the best he could. He cleaned his room and the rest of the house Friday afternoon. He went into the garage and worked on the rabbit until time to wash up for dinner.

"Jacob I heard from Charlie while you were in the shower."

"What did he say? How did Bella's x-rays go? When does she get her casts off?"

"Slow down son. Charlie said x-rays went great and Dr. Cullen removed the casts this afternoon. He says she has a long way to go yet but at least she is able to get out of bed now. Anyway, Charlie said you and Bella had plans on Sunday and he was wondering if you minded moving your day here instead of there. Apparently Bella wants to get out of the house."

"Sure, sure Dad this is great, I can't wait," he said with a bright smile.

Billy was just as excited. He couldn't wait either if for no other reason he could finally tell Bella how sorry he was. They ate in silence together and went to bed early.

The next morning after Charlie picked up Billy, Jake headed out to the garage to work on the rabbit some more. He was excited and could not wait to see Bella. Tonight would be fun but tomorrow was what he was waiting for she was coming to his house and spending all day here. He finished with the rabbit about five and headed straight for the shower, his father and Charlie were due back there about six and he wanted to make sure he was showered and his hair was dry before they got there. Bella loved his hair and as aggravating as it was at times when she ran her hand through it, it made his body tingle. He hoped they got some serious alone time tonight and tomorrow. He finished getting ready just as Charlie and Billy came in with the cooler.

"Catch anything?"

"Nope, not a single bite all day. You ready to go Jake?"

"Yeah"

All three of them left the house and Jake was shocked to see Charlie was driving Bella's truck instead the cruiser.

"Hey Jake, you want to drive?"

"Sure, sure Charlie," Jake said as he took the keys from Charlie and went to help Billy in the truck. They arrived at the house and the Cullen's car was in the driveway.

"Jake, wait here I will go in and tell the girls we are here and get them to move the car so we can park closer to the house."

"Okay, Charlie."

Charlie came out several minutes later following Rose and Alice out of the house. He opened the door for each of them and watched as they drove away. He waited until Jacob had pulled the truck in its regular spot before opening the passenger door.

"Jacob, Bella says to hurry up and get upstairs. Apparently not only did they do homework but Alice and Rose treated Bella to a mini-spa day. She has been in misery for the last few hours. I'll get the old man out and in the house."

"Watch who you are calling old Charlie Swan as I remember we graduated together."

Jacob smiled as he got out of the truck and retrieved his book bag out of the bed of the truck and bound up the stairs and into the house. He bounded up the staircase two steps at the time. He was so excited he could barely contain himself. He slowed down as he approached Bella's room suddenly nervous to see her. He knocked on the doorframe."

"Get your ass in here Jacob," Bella said as she whipped the chair around from where she was looking out the window.

"Boy, Bella you sure have developed a potty mouth."

"Oh, shut up, Rose and Alice have made me reach my limit."

"Yeah, I heard they tortured you."

"You don't know the half of it. I am so glad you and Billy are here Jacob. I have missed you these last few days."

"I missed you too Bells. But I am glad you are up and around now."

"In some ways I wish I still had my casts on."

"Why?" Jacob asked thoughtfully

"Well Rose and Alice couldn't torture me about my hair and makeup and about dressing nicer and being so perfect all the time."

Jacob watched as the tears started falling on Bella's cheeks. He dropped his book bag at the door and made his way over to where she was sitting, he dropped to his knees and took her hands in his. He spoke at barely a whisper.

"Bells, nobody is perfect, not even the Cullens."

"Yes, they are Jake you just don't understand. They are perfect and beautiful and I am clumsy and broken and I know why Edward left because I wasn't good enough for him and now I am even less perfect then before."

Jacob wrapped his arms around her and let her cry into his shirt for what seemed like hours. She wrapped her arms around his neck and wound her fingers in his hair. He stroked her hair back from her face.

"Isabella Marie Swan you are the most beautiful, caring woman on planet earth. You are not broken you are as beautiful as you have always been and I will not let you talk about yourself like that. You may not be able to see the flaws in the Cullens but I know they have to have them because every human being on the face of the earth has them."

Bella sighed and pulled away from his embrace slightly keeping her hands in his hair, she gave him a half smile "Jacob, I am sorry to have lost it on you like that. Your shirt is a mess. Damn Rose and Alice and their makeup. How much homework do we have tonight?"

"S'okay Bells, I don't mind. We don't have much just a little math, some history and a little English. I did my Native Language Studies last night after dinner. Dad helped a little, so it didn't take me long. I have a test next Friday in History and English, so I really need to step up the studying, but you have to let go of my hair first Bells."

"Sorry Jacob, I don't know what is wrong with me," she said as she pushed herself away from him. He got up and retrieved his book bag from its position at the door and took a seat at Bella's desk. Bella wheeled herself to the other side and they set to work. They got done with everything in under an hour and were studying quietly together when Charlie came upstairs.

"Are you kids ever gonna come down and eat?"

"Sorry Dad, I was helping Jake study for his test next week. What time is it?

"its 7:30, pizza is getting cold."

"Okay, Charlie we will be down in a minute, just let me put my books away."

"I can take Bella down Jake."

"I don't mind Charlie really. Go down and enjoy your time with Dad."

"You sure?"

"Yes, Dad go"

Jacob packed up his book bag and turned around to see Bella sitting there staring at him.

"What?"

"Nothing I was just thinking."

"Oh no that could be dangerous." He said as he pushed out of the room and down the hall.

"Jacob Black, that was not nice."

"Well, I guess that depends on whatcha thinking."

"I was just thinking that you are sort of beautiful."

Jacob burst out laughing. "Really Bells, that is funny."

"I am serious Jacob," she said as they got to the top of the staircase.

"Sure, sure okay so do you want me to carry you down and come back and get the chair or do you wanna use the fancy lift?"

"You don't have to do that Jacob that is what the lift is for."

"I don't mind Bells either way."

"Well I gotta get use to that thing I guess and you can meet me downstairs with the chair.

Jacob bent down and Bella put her hands around his neck and wound her fingers in his hair.

"Bells what is it with you and my hair?"

"Sorry"

"No don't be sorry I'm not. I just haven't had anybody stroke my hair like you do." He said as he pulled her body closer to his. He felt the metal brace on her back for the first time. "How long do you have to wear that thing for," he asked her quietly. He felt her tense and let go of his hair. He gathered her close so that her lips were in the crook of his neck. "Bella you know it doesn't matter to me right, you are still the same Bella."

"I am sorry Jacob."

"For what Bells," he asked as he placed her on the lift making sure she was secure.

"For everything, for not being here when you needed me, when your mom died. I should have been here for you."

"Jake stepped down from the landing to the first step so he was level with her. He crouched down so he could look her in the eyes. He saw the tears glistening in her eyes and he knew they mirrored his own. He took a deep breath before speaking. "Oh Bells, why do you do this to yourself, you are my best friend Isabella Marie Swan, and time and distance hasn't changed that. Sure you weren't here when mom died, but we can't go back and change that no matter how much we want to but we can be here for each other now. I am here for you Bells no matter what." He got up and grabbed the chair folding it up with a speed that amazed Bella.

"I guess you have had a lot of practice doing that huh?"

"A little," he chuckled. He flipped the switch on the chair lift and followed it down the stairs. He reached the bottom just as it came to a stop. He opened her chair and adjusted the cushion before unhooking Bella's harness and lifting her up. He placed her gently in the chair and wheeled her towards the kitchen.

"Bout time you two got down here," Billy said.

"Sorry, Billy we were going over Jake's history for his test Friday and we lost track of time."

"It's okay Bella, I am glad someone besides me cares about Jacob's education," he said as he wheeled up beside. Jacob went to get their plates. "So Bella you getting use to that thing yet?"

"No Billy, I don't know how you do it."

"Years of practice my dear, years of practice."

"Bells, you never did say how long say how long you have to wear that brace." Jake said as he handed her plate to her and sat down on the other side of her. He saw immediately that the question made her uncomfortable. He reached under the table and grabbed the hand in her lap giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Until Carlisle says I can stop wearing it. The only time I can take it off is when I take a shower. I start rehab soon and Carlisle says I can go back to school next week."

"That's great Bells."

"Sure, sure," she mumbled as she finished her pizza and wheeled over throwing the remnants in the trash.

Jacob could feel the frustration coming off of her in waves, so he tried to change the subject. "What are we going to do tomorrow, Bells?"

"I don't care as long as it is outside."

"And if it is pouring down rain as often happens here in Forks."

"We wear rain coats."

Oooooooooooookay," Jake said as he, Charlie and Billy stifled their laughter. "But I draw the line at standing outside in lightening Bells."

"Okay deal."

"Billy, you ready to head home?"

"Yeah, assuming Jake is done."

"Yeah Dad we are done."

"Want me to take you upstairs before I take Jake and Billy home Bells?"

"Charlie I have to go back upstairs to get my books, I can take her."

"That ok with you Bells?"

"Sure, why not."

Jacob wheeled her towards the staircase while Billy and Charlie cleaned up from dinner and chatted quietly. He picked her up out of the chair and repeated the steps he had an hour and a half ago, keeping in step with her the whole way and opening the chair and adjusting the cushion before unhooking her from the lift and picking her up again. He was beginning to relish holding her close to his body, although sometimes like right now when he was enveloped in her scent it made it very difficult for him not to bury his face in her hair and breathe her in, but he knew right now she needed a friend more than anything. He could only hope that when she came through to the other side she would love him the way he loved her since he was five years old. He placed her in the chair and wheeled her to her bedroom.

"You need any help getting to bed Bells?"

"Can you go to the bathroom and get my toothbrush for me and my hair brush, while I get dressed?"

"Sure, sure, just call when you are ready for me to come back in the room."

Bella dressed as quickly as she could. Calling out to Jake when she was done, Jake came lumbering in with her hairbrush between his teeth, two cups in one hand and her toothbrush in the other. He set the glass on her dresser and took the hair brush out of his mouth and grinned. Bella couldn't help but grin back.

"Bells, I brought you some water to rinse with and another cup to spit in. Want me to brush your hair for you while you brush your teeth?"

"Jacob, you don't have to do that."

"I know I don't Bells, but I want to do it for you." Jake knew it wouldn't be long and Bella would be able to do a lot of this for herself and he needed to take advantage of them while he could. Hell, if he thought she would let him he would brush her teeth for her. Jake stood behind her and carefully ran the brush through her hair. He was still brushing when she had finished with her teeth.

"Jake, you can stop now," she whispered.

"Sorry Bells," as he put her brush down on the dresser. "You ready to get in the bed?"

"Yeah, I am kinda tired."

Jacob went over to her bed and turned it down and he wheeled her closer to the bed. He picked her up and placed her gently on the bed and pulled her covers around her. He pulled the chair next to her side bed and placed the transfer board in the chair.

"Night Bells," he whispered as he placed a kiss on her forehead.

"Night Jacob," she whispered as she watched him grab his book bag, the cups, her toothbrush, and head out the door.

Sunday morning dawned cloudy with no rain. Bella managed to get herself out of bed and to the bathroom. She heard Charlie talking to someone downstairs.

"Charlie," she called down from the top of the stairs.

"Coming Bells," he yelled back from the kitchen. Charlie ran from the kitchen to the bottom if the stairs. "You ready for breakfast and to get out of here."

"Yeah, can you come help me get down?"

"I'll help you dear," Esme appeared from nowhere. "Charlie you go on and finish your breakfast. I will help Bella get ready and we will be down as soon as she is dressed."

Bella swore she could see Charlie breathe a sigh of relief as Esme took over. She pushed into the bathroom and turned on the shower. She let Bella test the temperature before she helped out of the back brace and helped her on to the shower bench.

"Okay, Bella dear I will give you some privacy."

"Thanks Esme I really appreciate this."

"I figured you would like some help that would not torture you into clothes that do not make you feel comfortable. Besides it gave me a chance to use the kitchen again. I will get your clothes ready, just call when you are ready for my assistance." She pulled the shower curtain closed the door behind her.

Bella leaned back against the back of the shower bench and let the water cascade over her. She was so glad Esme showed up today instead of Rose or Alice, no offence to them but right now she wanted to be alone and not fussed over and Esme who was the perfect mother, she knew what was needed and when it was needed. Bella got lost in the mundane of her shower, lathering herself up with strawberry scented body wash and shampoo and feeling the warm of the water on her skin. It reminded her what she almost gave up with Edward. She turned off the water and grabbed a towel from the sink.

Esme opened the door. "Feeling better dear?"

"Yes, thank you," Bella said as she slid to the edge of the shower bench. Esme helped Bella dry off and dress before she got back in the chair. Bella brushed her teeth before returning to her bedroom. Esme blow dried her hair and brushed it for her.

"There is the Bella we know and love."

"Well at least a closer proximity then was here by the time Rose and Alice left here yesterday."

"So tell me about this young Jacob, I keep hearing about."

"He is just a friend, Esme really, we were friends when we were kids and he fixed my truck, and he started visiting this week and I am helping him with his homework that is all."

"Bella, its okay for you to move on from Edward you know."

"Jacob is only fifteen."

"Okay, I won't push, but just remember Edward left and Jacob is here and according to Charlie young Jacob is here willing to do anything for you."

"You think he is doing all this because he is in love with me?"

"No, sweetie that is not what I am saying. I am saying he is here and Edward isn't, so if you have feelings for him it is okay. It doesn't make us love you any less. He seems important to both you and Charlie."

"Yeah, I guess he is. He lost his mother, and his father Billy has been in a wheelchair for a long time and it has just been them since his sisters took off and I hate that he feels like he needs be here every day."

"He sounds like an amazing young man who cares for the people in his life very much. Come on let's get you downstairs before Charlie sends out a search party." She wheeled Bella to the top of the stairs and placed her on the stair lift. She turned it on and took Bella's chair down the stairs.

Watching Esme from her seat in the stair lift Bella couldn't help but compare Esme to Jacob and the way he so gently he place her there and waited for her as she came down before he put the chair down, smiling at her the whole way. Not that Esme wasn't smiling, because she was, but there was something about Jacob's smile that was different, something about Jacob that was totally different than anyone else in her life. When they were together she did not have to say anything or be anything other than Bells. He saw nothing wrong with her. She felt Esme lift her up and place her in the chair, but she was in her own little world and didn't speak until they reached the kitchen when she saw the food spread out on the table.

"Esme, you have outdone yourself, there are only two of us you know."

"I know I got carried away, I also put some stuff in your freezer that Charlie can just heat up."

"Thank you so much," Bella mumbled around the lump in her throat as she picked at the wonderful breakfast before her. She could feel Charlie's eyes on her face

"Bells, you okay, I can stay home today; we don't have to go to La Push. I can call Billy and cancel."

"No, Dad I want to go see Billy and Jake besides it will give you a chance to go into work for a while. I just get emotional at the drop of a hat these days. It is very frustrating"

"Well I will be upstairs getting our stuff ready when you and Esme are ready just call me okay," he said as he dropped a kiss on the top of her head and practically ran out of the room. Bella watch Esme as she cleaned up their small kitchen, losing all interest in the breakfast before here.

"Bella dear, you need to eat or you will never get out of that chair."

"I might not anyway."

"Yes, you will, Bella."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because you are a strong woman Bella and you will fight for it, just as you fought for Edward," Esme said quietly as she took the seat next to Bella and took Bella's hand in hers. "I know you are having a tough time understanding our choices where you are concerned Bella, but you are needed here. Charlie still needs you."

"He needed the Bella that came here this past winter, someone to help take care of him not this broken shell that I am now."

"Oh Bella, you are not broken, we are the broken ones I wish you could see that. Listen I am going to go. Please tell Charlie, Carlisle will pick up these dishes next week." with that Esme was gone in a flash.

Charlie came done twenty minutes later and found Bella sitting there staring into space.

"Bells, honey are you sure you are up to this?"

"Yeah, Dad let's go."

After a lot struggle Charlie got Bella and her chair and transfer board into the cruiser. Bella tried to help as much as she could but it was still a struggle. By the time they made it to Billy's Bella was in tears and Charlie was ready to run and hide. He could not understand why it had been such a struggle; he had been dealing with Billy's limitations for years and had no problems. Hell, Jacob had no problems helping her yesterday, so why should he, right? As he pulled up in front of the little red house he sighed with relief when he saw Jacob and Billy waiting on the front porch. Jacob opened the door as soon as Charlie pulled to a stop. Charlie bolted for the bathroom of the cramped little house while Bella frantically tried stemming the tears that were falling down her cheeks.

"Bells, what's wrong," Jacob asked.

"Oh, Jacob, I am just useless, useless, useless."

"Oh honey, you are not useless."

"Yes, I am Jake did you not see Charlie bolt out of here?"

"Come on honey, let's get you out of here and we will go for a walk while Dad and Charlie talk okay." He said as he lifted the chair out of the backseat. He carefully placed her in the chair. "I am gonna take your board inside okay. I will be right back don't go anywhere okay."

"Okay."

Jake ran in the house to find Billy and Charlie. He threw her transfer board on the couch and turned to find Billy and Charlie sitting at the kitchen table. Billy had his arm around Charlie and was talking to him in whispers.

"What the hell happened, Charlie," Jacob asked.

"Jacob," Billy yelled.

"I'm sorry Dad, but Bells is crying and she is upset."

"Go take care of her Jacob and I will take care of Charlie. He is just upset over this whole situation as she is. This is an awkward situation for the two of them can't you see that son."

"Sure, sure," Jacob mumbled as walked back outside.

Jacob returned to Bella.

"Bells, honey lets go for a walk okay."

"Well you can walk I have be stuck in this thing for god knows how long."

"Bells, it is going to be okay", said as he rolled her towards the road that led to First Beach. They continued to roll along in silence until they got to the bluff that led to the beach. Jacob picked her up and carried her down to what he had begun to refer to as their log. He sat down and placed her on his lap. "Bells talk to me, tell what happened."

"Can we not talk about it Jacob."

"Honey, if I thought not talking about it would help you get past this feeling I would agree with you, but you are clearly too upset."

"Jake it was awful, it took us forever to get me in the car and Charlie was so embarrassed. I can't do anything right," she whispered as the tears began to fall again

"Shh, honey everything is gonna be okay, I promise, he whispered back and he gathered her close to him and let her cry once again on his shoulder as they set there for what seemed like hours oblivious to the world around them and the two separate groups who were now staring at them.