Bella was slow to wake as the sun shone bright through the small bedroom window. He had snuck out and brought her breakfast in bed. He loved the pack breakfasts but he needed alone time with Bella this morning. They all knew it. Sam did not say a word as he loaded two plates and headed back down the hall. He watched as she reached out for him in her sleep and whimpered when her hand found his side of the bed empty. Her eyes fluttered open and her head turned toward his empty pillow. As he watched her come into awareness of his absence, he was fascinated by the fact that somehow their bodies were aware of one another's presence or lack of presence whatever the case. She clearly felt the loss of him when he wasn't there as he did when she wasn't there. Although it was no longer acute and painful, the loss was still being felt on both sides.
"Morning Beautiful." He said causing her head to swivel in his direction.
"Morning Handsome. Why are you all the way over there?"
"I went to get us some breakfast."
"What we are having breakfast in here?"
"Yep."
"Why?"
"Do I need a reason to bring my girl breakfast in bed?"
"Not really, but you haven't done it since I have been here."
"Well I intend on rectifying that this summer. But the reason for this morning's breakfast in bed is simple. I wanted you alone before we had to go shopping with Emily today."
"UGH! I still can't believe I let you talk me into this. Paul will get it when I see him next time."
"I am shaking in my shoes Little Bird." Paul yelled from the kitchen.
"I will put fleas in your bed." She heard the laughter coming from the kitchen as Paul choked on whatever he was eating.
"Little Bird I don't think Baby Alpha will let you anywhere near my bed."
Jake started laughing and Bella threw his pillow at his head, which he caught with his lightning fast reflexes. "This is not funny Jacob."
"Oh, yes it is Honey." Jake took the pillow and placed it behind Bella's head dropping a kiss on her open mouth before turning around and retrieving the plates from the desk. He placed her plate in her lap and sat down in the chair next to her bed. He dug into his breakfast with a smile as Bella shoved a forkful of eggs into her mouth without a word.
Bella had long since eaten her fill and her unfinished plate sat in her lap. She watched as Jake was devouring his plate. She wished she could still cook for him but like everything else cooking was something that would have to wait. Jake looked up to see Bella watching him intently.
"What? Have I got food on my face or something?"
"No, Jake."
"Well what is it?"
"I just can't help it. I love you Jake."
"I love you too Bells. You done?"
"Yeah, you can have the rest."
Jake cleaned her plate before getting up and returning them to the desk. He came back with her pills in his hand and poured her a glass of water from the pitcher on the nightstand. She took them without complaint. Jake crawled back into bed with her and pulled her close before saying another word.
"Thanks Bells." He said as he buried his nose in her hair.
"For what Jake?"
For saying yes, I promise you won't regret it."
Bella had a feeling he wasn't just talking about prom. She wrapped her arms around his neck. She pulled him as close to her as she could with her lips touching his ear she whispered the words that had been on her heart since he walked into her room that first day after she returned home. "Jacob Black you are the Sun of my life. You provide me with the warmth that has been missing for a long time. You are the only person who ever made me feel safe besides Charlie. I can no longer imagine an existence without you and your crazy brothers in it, so there was no other answer that was even an option."
Jake let out a contented purr in response before kissing her breathless. When he pulled away he trailed his fingers down her cheek. "So beautiful and all mine." He whispered before kissing her again.
Jake loved her with an intensity that made Edward's feelings for her pale in comparison. She never believed in soul mates, given the lack of her parents' happiness but Jake was different. It wasn't even the wolf thing though she knew Jake doubt that. It was more than that. She just wished she could explain that to him. After several minutes, Jake pulled away and stood up.
"Come on Beautiful. Shower time with your favorite wolf boy."
Bella giggled as he picked her up and spinning around. "Jake I am getting dizzy."
"Sorry Honey."
A half an hour later Jake and Bella emerged from the bathroom ready to go. Emily was washing up the last of the dishes.
"You ready to go Em."
"Yeah Jake the boys' lunch is on low in the crock pot and I just have this last dish. Why don't you grab Bella's jacket and take her out to the truck. I will be there in a few.
Jake grabbed Bells jacket on the way out the door. He put her in the truck and buckled her seatbelt before putting her chair in the back and covering it with the tarp to protect it from the rain. He waited for Emily to come out of the house and he opened the driver's side door for her and made sure she was in and seat belted before he closed the door and joined Bella on the passenger side.
"So Bella I was thinking we would hit the dress shops first and see what they had left that would fit you and if that is a bust we will go to the fabric store and look for dress patterns and fabric and I will make it for you."
"Oh Em you don't have time."
"Yes I do."
"Okay."
Two hours later. Bella was in tears and Emily was ready to throw in the towel. Jake was trying to calm Bella down outside in the truck while Emily paid for Bella's shoes. This was the only thing they had managed to purchase in either of the dress shops. As Emily suspected the dresses had been picked over and Bella's back brace added to the complications. Everything in her size was too small or did not fit right because of it. Emily walked out to the truck and found Bella on Jake's lap with her head against his chest. Emily put the bag in the back seat and climbed in the driver's seat.
"So are we going home or to the fabric store?"
"Fabric Store." Jake piped up.
"I wanna go home." Bella added quietly.
"No Bells we talked about this already. You are beautiful and I refuse to let you hide it anymore. Emily will help you find a pattern that works with the back brace. You can choose the fabric and all the problems will work themselves out. The Cullen's have already bought our tickets and you will go to Prom and we will have a great time."
"But Jake..."
"Isabella..."
Emily watched in awe as Jake's voice changed and Bella sat up straight.
"The fabric store will be fine Emily thank you."
"That's my Bells." Jake said as he slid her off his lap and buckled her in.
Emily buckled her seatbelt, pulled out of the parking lot, and headed for the fabric store. They spent another hour in the fabric store. Emily got patterns for Bella and Jake, which meant that she was going to have two busy weeks just getting all the parts done not to mention her housework and cooking for the boys but Jake and Bella, were worth it. She watched quietly as Jake and Bella picked out the fabric for the patterns they had chosen. Emily got the lengths of fabric needed and sent Jake and Bella on to the shoe store to find a pair of shoes for him. By the time, she joined them Jake was putting the pair of black dress shoes in the box and headed to the checkout counter.
Lunch was a quiet affair between the three of them at a little cafe. Jake ate his and Emily and Bella's leftovers before they headed back to the truck. By the time, they arrived back at La Push. Bella was sound asleep on Jake's shoulder. Sam met them at the truck and opened the door for Jake before opening the door for Emily and engulfing her in a hug. Embry brought up the rear and unloaded Bella's chair and all the bags. Embry put everything down where Emily said and then headed out for afternoon patrol.
Jake took Bella straight to bed and curled around her. Leaving Sam and Emily with some alone time. They followed the kids' example and headed to their bed. Sam held Emily close as he listened to her talk about the day.
"So how did it go today?"
"The dress shops were a horrible experience for her. Nothing fit and she ended up in tears. I swear if it wasn't for Jake we would have been home well before lunch."
"He is better with her than I ever gave him credit for. Billy told me but I doubted it. I feel like an idiot."
"It is not just him Sam it is his wolf too. I have seen it. It was amazing."
"He is going to do great things Em. I can feel it."
"Me too."
By the time, Bella and Jake emerged from the bedroom again. Emily had dinner in the oven and was cutting out the patterns on the dining room table. Sam was sitting on the sofa reading.
"Sorry guys. I don't know what is wrong with me."
"You are fine Little One. You have been stressed and in constant pain for two months and now all of that is falling away and your body is playing catch up. Besides all that shopping was bound to make you tired." Sam smiled at her.
"Hey Bells I am going to check on Dad. You wanna come?"
"Yeah."
"Take the truck and bring him back for dinner. Charlie is gonna try to stop by after dinner because some young lady didn't call Daddy yesterday."
"Oh no. I forgot."
"It's okay Little One. I talked to him after you went to bed. He is not mad or anything."
"I will call him on the way to Billy's."
"Good idea. Little One."
Jake loaded Bella in the truck and she took out her cell dialing the station. Hearing Deloris' cheery voice she asked to speak to Charlie. Deloris put her call through right away.
"Hey Bells."
"Hey Dad. Sorry I didn't call yesterday."
"Its okay baby Sam said you were worn out."
"Yeah."
"I gotta go baby, Riley's parents just got here. I will try to make it after dinner. If I can't I will call."
"Okay Dad. I love you. Be safe."
"Love ya Bells."
Bella was watching TV as she waited for Jake to help Billy with his shower. Her Jake was a good man who loved Billy. She never realized how close they were really until after the accident. Now she realized just how much he did for Billy and for how long. Since Sarah died Billy's health declined rapidly due to the worry and depression, he suffered over having to raise three children all on his own. The girls were too lost in their own grief to even notice. She knew Charlie helped when he could. He used to tell her about it when they would talk on the phone. She couldn't help but feel bad for taking Jake away from him so much. Jake joining her in the living room interrupted her thoughts.
"Hey Honey. Dad will be out in a minute he is getting dressed." He said as he dropped a kiss on her lips.
"No Rush Jake. Hey I was thinking if you want to stay here with your Dad I will survive without you."
"No Bells. Dad understands and the guys' help out a lot. I just wish Quil would phase already. If he and Embry were helping Dad, I would feel better. Not that I don't trust Paul or Jared with him it is just he likes to do as much for himself and not feel rushed about it. Not that he has said anything, he just been so quiet tonight. I think he is feeling like he is just another burden for me and that is the last thing he is. I love him Bells as much as I love you and Charlie and I do not regret a day I have spent caring for him."
"Jake... I didn't tell you about what went on last night before dinner because it was stupid. I thought between Sam and Emily and I we had eased his fears but the reason he came home from Sue's is because she mentioned to him that now that you had me to care for, he should be looking for some long term care options."
"What? Bella this isn't an either or thing for me."
"Jake I know that I told you. I told him we were not letting him go anywhere which is why Sam told him to go back home. I know it would be a commute for Dad but I think we need to see if he will come stay with your Dad some when he can."
"I think you are right. I also think it is time for us to stop lying to Charlie Bells."
"Jake..."
"No Bells listen he doesn't understand what is going on between us. He just sees us as two stupid kids who are horny as hell. This is more than hormones for us."
"But Jake..."
"Okay, maybe he is not ready for the full disclosure but we need to show him we are serious and this is not gonna pass."
"How do we do that without telling him everything?"
"I will figure out but for right now Dad is our more pressing issue and here he comes."
Billy came out from his bedroom to find Jake and Bella watching TV. "You two ready to head back to Sam's?" He asked as he rolled toward the door.
"No not Dad we want to talk to you."
"About what?" He asked dreading the answer he had been trying to avoid since yesterday.
"Bells says you had a problem at the Clearwaters'."
"Not a problem really. She just mentioned that I needed to think about long term care facilities especially now that you are Bella's primary caregiver as well."
"The pack and I will take care of you Dad."
"But you have Bella now to think of."
"I am thinking of Bella Dad. You mean the world to us and there is NOTHING I would not do for you."
"But..."
"No buts Dad. Imprint or not, Bella and I love you and Charlie. We will take care of the two of you and that means the pack sees you as part of us, so we as a unit will take care of you. I will get here as often as I can between now and the fall when Bella moves back with Charlie and I come back home. Until then the guys will pick up the slack and you will eat with us and sleep in your own bed. Dad you are not helpless and neither is Bella, as far as what Sue Clearwater said I don't want you to give it another thought. I love you Dad." Jake gave him a bone-crushing hug that lifted him out of the chair. "Let's head to Sam's I am starving."
"There goes the bottomless pit I know and love right on time." Billy said with a laugh.
Bella smiled at the sight of the family she had been adopted into big hulking boys eating massive quantities of food who were like the brothers she never had. Her boyfriend who was currently arguing with Paul over what was left of the pies Emily made this afternoon. Billy, her second father had joined Charlie in the living room to watch the ball game on TV. She pushed away from the kitchen table, picked up her book bag and joined the two older men in the living room. She took out her review sheets, a notebook and began to study in the midst of the chaos.
Sam smiled at the sight in his living room. The little slip of a girl who had stolen all their hearts was concentrating so hard she was biting her bottom lip. He quieted the argument between Jake and Paul by saying that piece was Bella's and it was time for Paul to leave which was really code for time for his shift.
Charlie noticed the time and announced his departure as well. "Bells I gotta get going too I have doubles the rest of this week."
"Okay, Dad. I love you."
"I love you too Bells." He said, "See you, Jake and Billy for lunch Saturday?"
"You bet Dad. I am looking forward to it."
"Jake I will take the old man home on the way if you want."
"That would be great Chief if you don't mind."
"Nope, wanna help me get him loaded in the cruiser?"
"Sure, sure."
"Don't be a stranger Chief." Sam offered as Charlie, Billy and Jake headed out of the door.
By the time, Jake returned Bella had taken up residence on the sofa with her laptop and several books and her review sheets. He went over and dropped a kiss on her head. "No later than midnight okay. I promised Charlie."
"But Jake I only have two days."
"He is right Little One. Midnight and no later, I am going to take a nap before I pick up my shift and you better be headed to bed when I get up."
"Yes, Sam." She said with a grumble.
"Okay Bells I am gonna help Em put the food away and clean up. Then I am gonna take Embry a plate over to Dad's."
"Okay, Jake. I love you."
"I love you too Bells.
Jake helped Emily clean the kitchen. He even folded clothes for her before taking off for Billy's. Emily once again got lost in making the clothes for Prom while Bella was studying. Jake came back to find Bella sound asleep with her laptop on her lap, surrounded by books and papers "How long has she been like that?"
"Not sure I have been busy myself."
"Are those my Pants?" He asked looking at the cut fabric she was pinning.
"Yeah, if all goes right I should be able to fit you in your pants and Shirt tomorrow. Shirt is already cut and pinned."
"That is great Em. I cannot thank you enough for today."
"No problem Jake despite the melt down I really enjoyed today.
"I guess I should put Sleeping Beauty to bed."
"Yeah, see you two in the morning."
Jake carefully removed her laptop from her lap and took it to the bedroom. He packed up her papers and books in her book bag and placed them in the corner before picking her up. Her arms automatically went around his neck as he carried her and her backpack down the hall. Jake placed her backpack on the floor next to the desk and gently placed her on the bed. Removing everything but her panties, he took his shirt off and placed it over her head. She sighed contently and relaxed. He removed his pants and underwear sliding on a pair of sleeping shorts before joining her in dreamland.
The next two days were a bustle of activity for Jake, Bella and Emily. The rest of the boys were Alpha banned from the house except at mealtimes. Bella was up to her eyeballs in review questions. Jake was helping her study and completing his coursework for the year with Embry. Emily had managed to get Jake's first fitting done on Wednesday as promised. She was now cutting the fabric for Bella's dress in the tribal community center because only they had a table long enough and Bella and the boys were at Billy's for the day. Sam was sleeping.
Jake was finishing his last paper and Embry was struggling through the last of his Math. Bella was looking over the last of her review sheets when Paul showed up with lunch for the four of them. "Hey Little Bird. You ready for tomorrow?"
"As ready as I can be."
"Sam wants me to take you tomorrow if that is okay?"
"It's fine Paul." Jake answered for her.
"Sam is gonna supervise these knuckle heads taking their finals."
"Okay Paul anything else? If not leave the kids to their lunch and studying." Billy interjected.
"Okay Chief. See you Saturday."
Friday morning dawned raining and cold. Bella's back was hurting. Jake had fallen asleep on the sofa studying and she didn't ask Sam to give her the shots before she went to bed. She struggled to get out of bed not really talking to anybody as she made her way to the shower. Her only reprieve from the pain was when Jake's hot hands were on her skin. She sat in his lap, ate breakfast, and took her pills without complaint. Jake loaded her into Paul's truck. The first indication anyone had of anything being wrong was when Paul lifted her out of the truck she flinched.
"You okay Little Bird? I didn't hurt you did I?"
"No Paul. I am fine." She said as she bit her lip, headed inside where Mr. Banner greeted her with a smile. He showed her to the teacher's lounge where she would be taking her test.
"Miss Swan. You have to the end of the school day to finish 5 exams but if I know you. You will be finished before lunch. It has been a pleasure teaching you. Will I see you at Prom?" He asked.
"Yes Mr. Banner."
"Good. After you are done just give them to the secretary down the hall and she will put them in our boxes okay?"
"Yes."
"Good Luck."
"Thank you."
With that, Mr. Banner headed to his classroom. He was right. Bella completed all 5 exams in just over two hours. Her morning pills had started wearing off and the pain was becoming more acute. She put her exams in the hands of the secretary and headed out of the school to a waiting Paul who did not miss the sharp intake of breath she took as he lifted her out of the chair.
"Okay Little Bird I may be slow but I am not stupid. What is going on with you?"
"My back hurts."
"Since when?"
"Since I woke up."
"And you are just telling me this now."
"It really wasn't that bad but the pills are wearing off now."
"Okay so how bad is it now on a scale of 1 to 10?"
"An eleven."
"Jesus Swan. Sam and Jake are gonna kill me." He said as he buckled her seatbelt and pulled his cell out of his pocket.
"Hey Dr. Cullen I have Bella here at Forks High and she said her back is hurting. Should I take her to the Rez or bring her to you? She says it is at 11. Okay we will be there in less than 10. If you could call Charlie, I will call Sam. Jake is taking his finals today. Okay I will. Thanks."
"Paul I am sure my back is fine."
"Well Dr. Cullen wants to make sure so suck it up Swan. Now sit there and be quiet while I call Sam. Hey Sam. Where are you?" Can you get out of earshot of Jake? Okay. We are going to have to take a little detour to the hospital. Apparently, Little Bird was in a considerable amount of pain when she woke up and didn't bother to say anything. Yeah Dr. Cullen said he is not concerned he just wants an MRI and x-rays just to make sure none of the chips have shifted. I will call you when I know more. Yeah he is calling Charlie."
Paul pulled into the visitor's parking lot next to Charlie's cruiser. Paul hopped out dialing as he walked. "We are here. Okay front entrance. Got it." He loaded her in her chair and pushed her toward the entrance. Carlisle and Charlie greeted them.
"Well Miss Bella here I thought I wouldn't see you until Monday and yet here you are."
"I told Paul it was okay but he insisted."
"You are probably right but until you are strong enough to get those fragments removed let's play it safe huh?"
"Okay."
"Okay gentlemen we are gonna leave you for a bit and I will be back as soon as I have something to report."
Paul sat with Charlie for what seemed like forever as the smells of the hospital assaulted his supernatural senses. By the time Dr. Fang emerged, his wolf felt like he was crawling just beneath the skin.
"Seems as if Bella didn't have her shots last night. I have seen the x-rays. It seems she has some swelling, which is causing the bone chips to press on the nerves again. She is in MRI to make sure that is all that is going on as soon as she is done there I will gave her, her shots and Paul can take her home.
"Okay, thanks Carlisle."
Thirty minutes later Paul had bid goodbye to both Charlie and Carlisle and loaded a very sleepy Bella into the truck. He called Sam and told him what Carlisle said and headed toward La Push.
Jake was there as soon as Paul pulled in but before he could get Bella out Paul punched him in the jaw. "YOU are supposed to be taking care of her you little shit."
Sam who was coming out to help him get her inside pulled Paul out of the truck and away from Jake. "What the HELL is your problem Paul. You know Jake takes very good care of Bella and that was totally uncalled for. It was Bella's choice not to have her shots last night. I could have given them to her but she didn't ask. Go run it off." He turned around and unloaded her chair and backpack before going to check on Jake and Bella.
He sent Embry out to patrol with Paul and headed down the hall to Bella's room. He knocked softly.
"Come in."
He opened the door and found Jake curled around Bella on the bed. He grabbed the chair by the bed and sat it before speaking. "Jake, look at me."
Jake turned around and Sam could see the wet tracks of his tears as they coursed down his cheeks. "He was right Sam. I am supposed to take care of her. I am supposed to feel what she feels when she feels it and I missed this."
"Jake you are not a mind reader, you are still feeling your way through this and she didn't say a word this is not your fault. Hell I missed it too and I know what she is like in pain. Look Paul will probably apologize later. He was worried, scare and didn't mean it. Don't beat yourself up. I am going to run your tests up to the school and see if Em is ready to come home for the night. I just wanted to make sure you are okay."
"Thanks Sam."
"That is what I am here for kid."
Sam was right. Paul apologized as soon as he got off patrol. The week progressed as expected. Bella spent most of it in bed recovering. Except for Saturday when she, Jake and Billy joined Charlie at the diner.
"Hey Bells." Charlie said as he hugged her close. "How are you feeling?"
"Better now Dad really."
"No more skipping your shots. Promise?"
"I promise."
"Good 'cause I thought Paul was gonna go nuts."
"I know I told him I was sorry last night."
"Jake how did your finals go?"
"Okay. I am pretty sure I passed. Thanks to Bella and Dad's excellent tutoring skills."
"That's great kid."
They ate together while Charlie and Billy shared stories of their childhood and the days of summer school together because the tribal school did not offer summer school back then and Billy ended up with Charlie at Forks High their Freshman year. When they were finished, Charlie settled the bill and hugged his daughter one last time promising to see her Friday before the prom. He and Billy had made plans to go fishing this weekend and he would be staying with him on Friday night.
Monday came and Carlisle arrived for Bella's checkup. He said the swelling was definitely going down and she should be fine by Friday as long as she didn't miss another set of shots. He gave the boys instruction on her physical therapy routine. June was to be strictly stretching of her muscles. July was to be strength training on the weight machine that had been donated to the tribe by the Cullens and placed in the tribal center and stretching. August he wanted her in the Ocean as much as possible. In September he would perform the tests again and hopefully schedule her surgery soon after. Then the real work of getting her back on her feet could begin.
He said he had some specialist to consult with so he needed them to make sure she did as he prescribed. He also told Jake that Billy could benefit from this regime as well. Before leaving, he pulled Sam and Jake aside outside to talk to them about more pressing matters.
"Jacob, I wanted to let you know Edward is returning to Forks soon."
"What? I thought he was tracking the red head?"
"He has lost her and unfortunately, he has talked to Alice and knows Bella is staying here. He is not happy about that."
"So..."
"Don't misunderstand Jacob. I know you and your brothers care very deeply for Bella and I see what being your mate has done for her, so have the rest of my children and they have tried to explain it to Edward but he has to see it for himself she is safe."
"I not sure I will talk to her when he arrives and see what she wants. If she doesn't want to see him there is nothing I can do."
"Thank you Jacob that us all I can ask."
Emily finished their outfits by Tuesday. She did final fittings on Wednesday and by Thursday she did the final alterations and steamed both outfits. Jacob's announcement of Edward's imminent return was met with a let's wait and see what happens approach. Bella didn't really seem too interested in seeing him but she didn't rule it out completely. So Jake let it be.
Friday morning dawned sunny and warm. Sam took the truck, washed it, and banished Jake from the house for the day. Bella ate breakfast and let Emily give her a day of beauty. It was nothing like she had come to expect with the Cullens. Her beauty treatments were homemade. And she didn't force Bella into anything. Lots of Tea and girl talk later. Bella's hair and makeup were complete. Her hair framed her face in soft curls. Her makeup was light and natural. Her lips were covered in a light pink lip-gloss. Her ice blue dress had silver snowflakes in crystals all over the tulle skirt. The bodice was the same shade of blue and she had a silver shrug over her shoulders and arms. Her silver ballet flats were the finishing touch. Emily's creation had managed to fit her like a glove and make her feel beautiful despite her bulky back brace and wheelchair.
Jake showered and fixed his hair before getting dressed. Emily made his shirt out of blue fabric with a silver thread running through it. His pants were simple black dress pants. These clothes cost more than he had ever spent on anything and it felt strange to have them on but Bella was worth it. He couldn't help but think of his mom as he put on his socks and shoes. She would be happy. His Dad had already left with Sam. He grabbed Bella's corsage out of the Frig and headed to Sam's.
Jake walked up the steps and knocked on the door. Sam opened it and his mouth dropped open for just a second. "Come in, Jake. You look great."
"It is all Emily's doing." He said as he stepped into the house. Charlie and Billy were on the sofa and Paul and Embry were at the table. "Where is Bells?"
"She is in her room with Em. They will be out in a minute."
When Emily wheeled Bella out Jake's jaw dropped to the floor. She was beautiful. More beautiful than he ever imagined she could be. "You are beautiful Bells. So beautiful." He said as he bent down and kissed her cheek.
"He is right Bells. You look beautiful. Let's get some pictures so you two can get going."
"Wait Bells. I have something for you." He placed the corsage on her wrist and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. Causing loud laughter from Paul and Embry. Shooting them a death glare, he turned to Charlie and his Dad. "Pics now?"
Twenty minutes later Jake was pushing Bella towards the gym. Stopping for pictures along the way before finding the Cullens inside the gym.
"Damn Little Sister. You are beautiful."
"Thanks Emmett."
"Oh Bella you are lovely. Where did you get that dress? Seattle?
"No Alice, Emily made it for me."
"Wow, Emily has a real talent."
"She made Jake's clothes too."
"You're looking quite dashing there Wolf Boy."
"Thanks Blondie."
Emmett laughed loudly. Causing Rose to punch him. "It wasn't THAT funny Emmett."
"Sorry babe. I have just never seen someone call you that and not lose a limb."
"I am still considering it."
Jasper was quiet as usual but smiled at Bella genuinely before speaking. "You do look beautiful Bella and very happy."
"I am Jasper. Happier than I have been in a long time."
Alice let out a sad sigh.
"Alice Darlin' we talked about this. She is still in your life even though it is not the way you hoped."
"I know Jazz."
"Let's Dance Darlin'"
"Okay, see you in a bit Bella."
"Come on Rosie let's cut a rug."
"Okay, Monkey Man." Rose said as she drug Emmett away.
Jake laughed at them as they hit the dance floor. "Your friends are funny Bells."
"Emmett reminds me of Quil."
"Yeah I can see that. Dance with me Bells?" He asked in a rush.
"I can't Jake." she gestured at her wheelchair.
"Yes you can Honey."
"Jake..."
"Isabella, don't you trust us?"
Bella looked into his eyes to see the deeper irises of his wolf replaced his molten brown pools. She gulped before answering. "Yes."
Jake lifted her out of her chair and carried her to the crowd dance floor. She had her arms wrapped tightly around his neck and as if from mere thought, the fast-paced music ended and Collide began to play through the speakers. Her eyes never left his as he began to sway in time with the music. His lips pressed against her ear as he began to sing along softly.
The dawn is breaking
A light shining through
You're barely waking
And I'm tangled up in you
Yeah
I'm open, you're closed
Where I follow, you'll go
I worry I won't see your face
Light up again
Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
Out of the doubt that fills my mind
I somehow find
You and I collide
I'm quiet you know
You make a first impression
I've found I'm scared to know I'm always on your mind
Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the stars refuse to shine
Out of the back you fall in time
I somehow find
You and I collide
Don't stop here
I lost my place
I'm close behind
Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
Out of the doubt that fills your mind
You finally find
You and I collide
You finally find
You and I collide
You finally find
You and I collide
As Jake and Bella got lost in one another, the song changed. Jake never missed a beat covering her mouth with his to muffle the sounds of her protest as he moved in time with the next song
What day is it? And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive
I can't keep up and I can't back down
I've been losing so much time
Cause it's you and me and all of the people
With nothing to do, nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of you
All of the things that I want to say
Just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping on words, you got my head spinning
I don't know where to go from here
Cause it's you and me and all of the people
With nothing to do, nothing to prove
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of you
Something about you now
I can't quite figure out
Everything she does is beautiful
Everything she does is right
Cause it's you and me and all of the people
With nothing to do, nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of
You and me and all of the people
With nothing to do and nothing to prove
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of you
What day is it? And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive
When the song ended so did, the kiss and Bella blushed all the way to her toes. The Prom had literarily stopped and everyone was watching them and had been since they stepped out on the dance floor. Even Paul and Embry had been watching from the shadows as the wolf and the man put their love for her on public display. Everyone was so distracted by this display that they failed to notice two others watching. The woman with flaming red hair stood at the top of the stairs where she could see everything. Her face hidden in the shadows as she watched the other interested parties with great glee and at the edge of the wood stood her true target watching as his singer kissed the young wolf in front of everyone. She took off before the song ended as to not be caught by either of her enemies but Edward stayed and as his dead heart shattered, Bella lifted her head.
"Jake can we go outside."
"Sure Honey."
Jake pushed her outside into the cool air. He pushed her toward the bench near the hedge. Sitting he turned her to face him. "You are so beautiful Honey." He said as his head dipped and his mouth descended hers again and his hands went in search of any exposed skin.
Unseen Edward crept closer trying to block out his moans and her whimpers along with Jacob's X-rated thoughts of Bella's naked body grinding against his and the wolf's constant mantra of MINE MINE MINE. When Jake broke the kiss this time Bella put distance between them. She needed a breather and some punch as her mouth suddenly went dry from the pure desire that filled the space between them.
"Jake will you get me some punch please?"
"Sure, sure I will send Emmett and Rose over here to keep you company."
"Okay."
With one last touch of his hand and "I love you Bells." thrown over his shoulder Jake went back inside. Edward took a chance and took his place on the bench in front of Bella.
"Hello, Love."
"Edward what are you doing here?"
"Alice told me you would be here and I thought it would be the perfect time to see you."
"I wish you wouldn't have."
"Why didn't want me to see you sticking your tongue so far down wolf boy's throat that you could tell what he had for dinner and lunch."
"That isn't fair Edward and you know it. Jake and I have nothing to do with you."
"Really Bella why do you say that when all you wanted from me was that very thing a few short months ago."
"Edward..."
"I would have never pawed you like that in front of everyone. But I guess it is to be expected seeing as he is an animal."
"He is not."
"Yes he is Isabella."
"Don't call me that."
"I will call you what I please. You should be ashamed EVERYONE was watching."
"No Edward I should not Jake loves me."
"Jacob Black is a BOY who has no idea what real love is."
"And you do?" Bella bit back.
"Yes, I do and it is not what you were just doing with him."
"Oh really so I suppose real love is leaving someone because they are injured through no fault of their own is real love?"
"You shouldn't have gone to the ballet studio Bella. I told you not to leave Alice and Jasper's side."
"So it was my fault I almost died is that the way it is now Edward. What we are is DONE! I no longer want anything to do with you." She went to roll away and Edward grabbed her arm spinning her around to face him.
"I will tell you when we are done Bella," he hissed as he tightened his grip on her arm.
"Ow Edward. You are hurting me. Let go please." She begged.
"Yes, Edward do let her go before I let Wolf Boy separate your body from your head and burn it to ash." Rosalie hissed. "Emmett get him out of her before Jake comes back and we have a real problem."
"You got it Doll face. Little Sister you really do look beautiful. Come on Asshole." Emmett got Edward in a bear hug and carried him off.
Rose sat down and pulled Bella to her examining her arm with great care. "Yep there is gonna be no way to hide this Bella and Jake is gonna lose it for sure. I told Alice not to tell him you were going to be here."
"Rose he would have seen eventually but what I don't get is he abandoned me when I needed him the most and he thinks he can come back and dictate the way I live my life."
"Bella he is jealous that you moved on and he is acting like a spoiled brat because of it. Are any of the other boys here?"
"Paul and Embry are here somewhere."
"Great two hot heads. I will be right back. I'm going to get Jasper." Rose returned with Jasper two minutes before Jake arrived back with her punch.
He took one look at Bella's face and he knew something had happened while he was gone. "Bells, honey what happened? Was it Mike?"
"No Jake Edward showed up." Rose offered before Bella could answer.
"He was here?"
"Yes..."
"And..." Jake waited for her to continue.
"When we got here he had a hold of her arm preventing her from leaving."
"Let me see Bells." He said through clenched teeth.
Bella held her arm up where purple bruises were already showing.
"I will kill him." He said as he went to take off.
"Jake..." Bella pleaded.
Jake looked at the tears in her eyes and looked at Rose and Jasper. "I am taking her home. Tell Carlisle I want him to come check out her arm and if your brother EVER hurts her again he is DEAD understand."
"If he ever hurts her again Emmett and I will save you what is left."
Jake and Bella made it home and Carlisle was waiting for them.
"Jacob I am sorry Edward did not make us aware that he was home."
"I don't blame you or your family Carlisle but if he ever hurts her again he is dead."
"I understand. Bella sweetheart let me see your arm." Bella let Carlisle look at her arm. He tested it to see if he felt any breaks or cracks before pulling medicine, gauze and an ace bandage out of his bag. "Nothing seems to be broken but the bruising is very deep. I am wrapping it to keep her from bumping it and injuring herself further. Remove it when she showers, change the gauze and put more of this medicine on it. I will be back Monday to check it. If you need me before then call and just so you know Emmett and Jasper are escorting Edward to Alaska as we speak with one less arm. Emmett said to tell you he has your back"
Jake laughed softly "Tell him he can have his arm back when Emmett thinks he is ready and thank you."
"I will tell him and Bella sweetheart you look lovely."
"Thanks Carlisle." She stifled a yawn.
"Get her to bed."
"Goodnight." Jake said as he pushed Bella to her bedroom and shutting the door
"I am sorry Bells. I should have never left you alone."
"Shut up Jake." Bella said as she pulled his head down and kissed him. "I need you." She said into his mouth.
"Your wish is my command Isabella." His wolf answered back as he picked her up out of her chair and placed her on the bed. He slowly undressed her as if she was the last present he would ever receive, His hands explored every inch of exposed skin until she was completely naked. His tongue flicked across her nipples causing her to whimper. By the time, his mouth closed around her nipple she fell apart and was sleeping not long after. Jake gave her her shots and removed his clothes before joining her in a peaceful slumber.
AN: Music used:
Collide by Howie Day
Songwriter(s):Kevin M. Griffin
Copyright: Tentative Music Inc.
You and Me by Lifehouse
Songwriter(s):Jude Cole, Jason Wade, Alice Cooper
Copyright: Ezra Music, Warner-tamerlane Publishing Corp., Sony/ATV Songs LLC, Jude Cole Music, BMG Rights Management (Ireland) Ltd., G-chills Music