A/N: A short update below…

All characters belong to S. Meyer. Major plot and storyline belong to J. Austen. I've just changed their names, moved them to the present, and transferred them to Forks.

A&A Ch. 22

The Swans soon had dinner with the Clearwaters, and Leah was kind enough to keep Jake entertained for most of the evening.

"Thanks so much," Bella thanked her friend afterwards, "for keeping Jake away for me. I really owe you one."

"Oh, don't think about it," Leah assured her with a dismissive wave of her hand. "I've got nothing better to do with my time anyway."

This was very nice of Leah, but little did Bella know that Leah's kindness had an ulterior motive, which was to save Bella from any more of Jake's advances, by securing them for herself.

In fact, the night had gone so well for Leah that she would've been almost assured of its success if it wasn't for the fact that Jake would be leaving Forks soon. But Leah hadn't counted on Jake's desperation, which led him to sneak out of the Swans' home the next morning and appear bright and early at the Clearwater home and throw himself at her feet. He had not wanted to be seen leaving by any of the Swan girls in case they figured out where he was headed, as he had no desire for anyone to know of his plans until he was assured of its success. Because even though he was almost sure of Leah's response – after all, she'd flirted shamelessly with him the night before – he was still feeling skittish after his disastrous encounter with Bella.

Turned out, he had nothing to worry about. Leah saw him coming from her bedroom window and accosted him at the door. Afterwards, the speech that had so horrified Bella was received with much more ardor by Leah.

In as short time as Jake's long ass speech would allow, everything was settled between them to a mutual satisfaction. As they entered the house Jake asked her to name the date when she'd like to come see his home in Madrona, and Leah quickly named a date.

Sue and Harry were quickly informed of Leah's new flame, and as it couldn't be denied that Jake was both handsome and financially well-off, there were no objections. Sue quickly began to calculate, with more interest than the matter had ever caused before, how much longer Charlie was likely to live. In short, everyone in the Clearwater family was pretty happy with the arrangement, though Seth's only joy was brought on from relief of knowing that Leah would probably not turn into an old maid that eventually he and his future wife would have to live with once his parents kicked the bucket.

Leah herself was quite satisfied with how things had worked out. Though yes, it was true that Jake was a bit…condescending at times, and that his love for her had resulted from nothing more than Bella's rejection of him, Leah actually liked Jake. And yes gosh darnit, she wanted to marry well. She, for one, had no intention of spending the rest of her life in Forks, and there was no denying the advantages to her career a political marriage would create.

The only point that troubled her in the whole scheme was Bella, whose friendship she valued more than that of any other person's. Though Leah was positive Bella felt absolutely nothing for Jake, it was still possible that her feelings would be hurt. She therefore decided to give her the news personally and made Jake promise that he wouldn't mention it. Jake, of course, promised, though he found it extremely difficult to keep the news to himself once he arrived back at the Swan home, and not throw his quite successful proposal in Bella's face.

Since he would be leaving Forks extremely early the next morning, Jake said his goodbyes to the Swan family that night.

"Jake, we certainly hope to see you again very soon," Renee said sadly, still feeling the loss of almost having him for a son-in-law.

"Ah, Renee," Jake grinned mischievously, "your invitation is certainly welcomed, since I'd been hoping to receive another quick invite."

Bella and Alice gave each other worried glances, and Charlie, who by no means wished for a speedy return by Jake, said,

"Are you sure that would be wise, considering how much I'm sure Senator De Volturi's missed your absence? It would probably be better for you to turn down our invitation than run the risk of upsetting your employer."

"Charlie, Charlie, Charlie," Jake snorted, clapping the police chief on the shoulder. Charlie gave Jake's hand a hard glare.

"I appreciate your concern, but I assure you, I would never take such a huge step without the Senator's approval."

"Well, you can't be too careful," Charlie grumbled. "Whatever you do, I'm sure you wouldn't want to displease her. And if you happen to feel that coming for another visit soon would upset her, which I think would be probable, don't concern yourself with our feelings and just stay home."

Jake looked at Charlie respectfully. "I'm deeply touched by your concern, Charlie, and believe me, I'll be sending you all a twenty-five dollar gift card to Bella Italia in Port Angeles to thank you for your hospitality." He turned to look at the girls. "As for you four beauties, though I'll probably be back really soon, let me just offer you all my wishes for health and happiness." He cleared his throat. "You too, Bella."

With as much composure as possible, the four girls said their good-byes, all equally perplexed by his promise of a quick return, though what Renee got from it was that he would probably return when Jessica or Lauren were a teeny bit older to attempt a courtship with one of them. An idea which did not displease her at all.

But by the next day, all Renee's hopes to someday have Jake as her son-in-law were dashed, for Leah paid the Swans an early visit, and there relayed first to Bella, the events of the previous day.

The possibility that Jake had the hots for Leah had honestly crossed Bella's mind in the past day or two. What she'd never envisioned was Leah actually entertaining Jake's advances. Her surprise was so great, that at first she was unable to respond rationally.

"You and Jake in a serious relationship? Leah, have you lost your mind?"

"Why are you so surprised, Bella? Just because Jake wasn't good enough for you, do you honestly think he's not good enough for anyone?"

These words gave Bella pause for thought, enough time to collect herself and resign herself to the fact that Leah had a different set of priorities than she herself did.

"You're right, Leah. If you truly think you can be happy with Jake, than I wish you the best," she replied honestly, though her voice shook when she said it.

Leah smirked. "I can see right through you Bella, and you know that. I understand you must be extremely surprised, especially since it was only forty-eight hours ago that Jake asked you to be his girlfriend. But when you have time to think it over, I hope you'll understand, if not agree, with my point of view. I'm not the romantic type Bella, you know that. I don't wish for fairytales, or singing birds or butterflies in my stomach."

'…butterflies in my stomach…' For a split second, Leah's words reminded Bella of the butterflies she herself had felt fluttering in her stomach just a few days ago, when she'd been dancing with Edward…

Bella shook her head to clear it and focus on Leah's words.

"All I've ever wanted has been a comfortable life, a guy that's not bad to look at and that can carry a halfway tolerable conversation, and considering Jake's position and connections, I think this relationship can make me really happy."

"I'm sure you're right," Bella answered quietly. And after an uncomfortable pause, they returned to the family room, where the news was shared with all and Renee had to physically restrain herself from choking the life out of Leah.

Leah didn't stay much longer, and afterwards Bella was left to reflect on their discussion. It was a long time before she was able to accept that her best friend had entered such a loveless relationship. Bella had always known that she and Leah differed greatly on their definition of a perfect relationship, but she'd never actually believed that, when the time actually came, Leah would sacrifice those 'butterflies in the stomach' for simple worldly advantage. The possibility of Leah marrying Jake was almost too ridiculous to entertain! And to the pang of a friend disgracing herself and sunk in her esteem, was added the distressing conviction that it was impossible for that friend to be tolerably happy in the lot she had chosen.

A/N: That last sentence is from P&P verbatim, because it is absolutely perfect the way it is. (Not that the entire P&P story isn't.)

Let me know your thoughts. Will try to update again soon…