Being There

Disclaimer: all characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer.

A/N-thanks so much for the lovely reviews on this story. I love reading your thoughts on how the story is progressing. Thanks for the support, Nikki :)

Part Twenty Four

Jacob waited for Bella to come out of work, he had arrived a bit early, eager to see her again and tell her about his dad's idea. His fingers tapped on the steering wheel impatiently as the time slowly ticked past eight o'clock. She was late; trust Newton to keep her past her time. Eventually just as he was considering getting out of the car to go and fetch her, she emerged from the front of the store. To his surprise he saw that she was accompanied by not just Mike but Jessica's erstwhile ex, the infamous Eric.

He was out of the car and running over to her within seconds. "What the hell is that creep doing here?" He yelled.

Bella frowned at him. "Calm down, Jake." She warned him as he flung a protective arm across her shoulders.

Mike immediately backed way, already having been on the receiving end of one of Jake's little chats. He rubbed his shoulder unconsciously in the exact spot Jacob had gripped it. "Well see you at school, Bella. Bye Eric." He quickly scooted away toward his Suburban which was parked a few feet away.

"Bye Mike." Bella gave him a small wave as he climbed in and quickly drove away.

Jacob was glaring at Eric who had the sense to retreat a few steps. "I'll ask you again, what are you doing here?"

Bella put a hand on Jacob's chest, worried that he would hit Eric. "He came to talk to me about, Jess. He regrets the way he acted when she first told him. He's tried to speak to her but she just ignores him."

"I don't blame her. Just stay away from her." Jacob said threateningly. "She doesn't need idiots like you sniffing around again. She has all the support she needs. The same goes for Bells, do not approach her again to do your dirty work."

Eric was taken aback by Jacob's fierce verbal attack. He glanced at Bella for help. "I only want to speak to her. It's my baby I deserve..."

Bella was about to reply when Jacob shoved Eric in the shoulder, making him stagger backwards. "I told you to stay away. Now get lost." He kept his arm around Bella and pulled her toward the car.

She climbed in silently, not saying anything. Jacob got in the driver's side and started the engine. He floored the accelerator, the wheels spinning as he drove out of the car park. Neither of them spoke on the way back to the Swan house. Bella stared straight ahead, her expression grim as she tried to keep her anger in check. Jacob had acted like a caveman and she was irritated that he had not even allowed her to speak. As for Jacob he was still seething about Eric's blatant audacity to approach Bella and try and get her to act as a go between. He was certain that Quil would be pissed too when he heard this piece of news.

He pulled into the driveway and switched off the engine. The resulting silence was ominous. "Talk to me, Bells. I know you're mad." Jacob gripped the steering wheel as he spoke.

"Why did you do that, Jake?" Bella didn't sound angry, more disappointed which made Jacob feel awful.

"I had to. Don't you see? He shouldn't have got you involved, the guy's a creep." Jacob gave her an imploring look, begging her with his eyes to understand.

Bella didn't look at him; she fiddled with the hem of her shirt. "That guy only just recently found out that he was going to be a dad. Not everyone reacts like you, Jake. At least he wants to try and make amends. What has really upset me is you. I can't believe you talked over me like that. That would be something Edward would have done."

The verbal slap stung. Jacob slumped in his seat and stared out the windscreen. "I'm nothing like him." He muttered.

Bella sighed. "No, not normally. But what you just did was out of order, can't you see that?"

"I was trying to protect you and your friend. That's what I do." He said stubbornly.

"There's a difference between being protective and overbearing." Bella snapped. "If you can't see that then...ugh." She got out of the car, too angry to continue.

Jacob didn't follow her, still too riled up to apologise. He was sure that he had been in the right. Bella was just being hormonal again.

The door opened a moment later and Quil appeared. He leapt easily down the steps and jogged over to the Rabbit. He tapped on the window to get Jacob's attention. "Are you gonna sit in there sulking all night, dude?"

Jacob rolled down the window. "What has it got to do with you?" He snapped.

"Bella just told me and Jess about Eric. It sounds like you acted like a total ass." Quil said bluntly.

"Me? The guy is a creep. I was looking out for you and Jess." Jacob said in confusion.

"He may have acted like a douche when Jess first told him but it seems he is at least trying to do something about it." Quil shrugged. "Jess has to talk to him sometime, he is the baby's father."

"And that doesn't bother you?"

"It's the way things are. Jess is a strong girl and she knows I'll be there for her, that's the most important thing, right?" Quil said nonchalantly.

"Where is Quil and what have you done with him?" Jacob shook his head in disbelief as Quil burst out laughing. "I guess I've been an idiot. Any tips on how to get Bells to forgive me?"

"Just flash those brown eyes and she'll cave." Quil suggested.

Jacob finally got out of the car and followed Quil inside. He found Bella in the kitchen banging the kitchen cupboards as she searched for something to eat. He swallowed nervously; so she was still pissed at him then? He approached her cautiously. "I'm sorry, honey. I acted like an ass." He took Quil's advice and gazed at her sadly with his big brown eyes.

"Don't you dare, Jacob Black." Bella tried to keep the smile off of her face as he continued to look at her with his gorgeous eyes.

Jacob held out his arms. "Do you think you could forgive me?" He batted his eyelashes and Bella couldn't contain her laughter. She ran into his arms and hugged him around the waist.

"You're such a doofus sometimes." She leaned against his chest and listened to the strong beat of his heart. She hated fighting with him.

"I know, but you love me anyway." He checked.

"Yeah, I love you anyway." Bella lifted her head so that Jacob could place a loving kiss on her willing lips.

XXXXXX

Billy let Old Quil in; one of his numerous relatives had dropped him off at the house. The old man leaned heavily on his stick as he shuffled into the living room. Billy followed slowly behind him wondering what he wanted. They had been clashing almost daily at the tribal meetings.

"What can I do for you, Quil?" Billy asked when the elder had made himself comfortable.

"I need to talk to you about my grandson and the unusual circumstances he has now found himself in." Old Quil stated bluntly.

"You mean the fact that he has imprinted on an outsider who also happens to be carrying another man's child." Billy couldn't help but rub it in a little.

Old Quil coughed nervously as he sat forward in his chair. "Yes. I now find myself in somewhat of a dilemma, Billy." He began. "The other council members have begun to question my families right to head the council as we have done for generations. It was to be my namesake who would one day take my place but due to the...the..."

"Unusual imprinting." Billy prompted.

"Yes." Old Quil coughed again. "Jeremiah especially is being very confrontational. You know he has always been snapping at my heels. He sees this as an ideal opportunity to try and oust me from my position of authority."

Billy sat back in his chair and looked at Old Quil speculatively. "What exactly do you want from me, Quil?"

"It has been requested that your son and his...his..."

"Bella, her name is Bella." Billy said irritably.

"Yes...err Bella. The council want them both to attend a meeting so we can get to know her better." Old Quil stumbled over his words.

"You mean grill her." Billy was getting tired of the old man's cryptic replies. "Get to the point, Quil."

"Alright," Old Quil leaned forward in his chair, leaning heavily on his stick. "I will make sure that the meeting runs smoothly if you back me up when my grandson is faced with the same interrogation."

Billy met the old man's rheumy gaze. "So this is a case of if you scratch my back I'll scratch yours..."

A sly smile crossed Old Quil's face. "Yes, if you like." He held out his hand.

"Done." Billy took his hand and shook it.

XXXXXX

Jessica had gone out for a walk with Quil giving Bella and Jacob some much needed time alone. She rested her head on his shoulder as they watched some old films. Her morning sickness had kicked in again and she was feeling very weak. "I don't know why they call it morning sickness." She grouched.

Jacob kissed the top of her head as he rubbed her aching tummy. "My poor Bells."

Bella gave him a half smile as the warmth from his body made her feel sleepy. "I've missed you sleeping over, Jake." She admitted.

"Me too honey." Jacob agreed. "How much longer will Jess be staying here?"

Bella sighed. "Her mom is still being difficult. Jess spoke to her nana again. She told her that she is coming down to visit and talk some sense into her daughter."

"Jessica's grandmother sounds like a wise woman." Jacob kissed her gently on the mouth.

The phone rang interrupting their intimate moment. Bella groaned. "I suppose that's my dad. He said he would call."

"I'll get it. You stay there." Jacob untangled himself from Bella and went out into the hall to answer the call. "Hello."

"Jake."

"Dad? Everything okay?" Jacob asked in concern.

"I've just been speaking to Old Quil, the council have called a meeting for tomorrow, they want to see Bella." Billy advised.

"No, we are not at their beck and call, dad. I will decide when Bella is well enough to attend." Jacob replied irritably.

"Pull your head in, son. I have just struck a bargain with Old Quil. Having his grandson imprint on Jessica has thrown him sideways. Jeremiah sees it as an ideal opportunity to oust Old Quil. The last thing any of us wants is that fool and his cohorts getting control of the council." Billy admonished him.

Jacob pressed the phone harder to his ear. "What bargain?"

"Old Quil will make sure that Bella's inter...meeting goes much smoother."

"What does Old Quil want in return?" Jacob asked suspiciously.

"The same. He wants our full support when it's Quil's turn."

"But dad he hasn't even told Jessica anything yet." Jacob frowned. "They'll have to hold off until he thinks she's in a good place to deal with all this. It will be a much bigger shock to her then it ever was to Bells. At least she had some idea of the supernatural before we got together."

"I know." Billy sighed. "Don't worry son, it will work out. So you will attend?"

"Yes, but if I get one inkling that Bella is under any stress I'll..."

Billy chuckled. "I'll be right with you. Talk to you later."

"Bye dad." Jacob hung up the phone. He walked back into the living room to see that Bella had fallen asleep on the couch. He sat down next to her and pulled her gently into his arms. She mumbled his name as she made herself comfortable; her eyes remained close. Jacob let her sleep; she could use all the rest that she could get.

XXXXXX

The next day arrived sooner than Bella anticipated. As the hours passed she became more and more nervous. Jacob had told her about the bargain Old Quil had made with Billy but she still dreaded being under the scrutiny of the old men. It took her ages to find something to wear, her wardrobe consisted of mainly jeans and shirts, she hardly wore dresses or anything formal. She narrowed her choices down to a plain white shirt and black skirt or a three quarter sleeve blue dress that ended just above her knees.

Bella tried the white shirt teamed with the black skirt first. "Ugh, I look like I'm attending a job interview." She quickly undressed again and opted for the blue dress. She still wasn't happy but at least it was less formal. She tied her long hair up into a sleek ponytail and declared herself ready.

Jacob was waiting downstairs for her, he whistled when he watched her descend the stairs. Bella never wore anything that showed her legs. "You look beautiful, honey."

Bella rolled her eyes. "You have to say that." She grouched. Her nerves were really kicking in; she just wanted to get it over with.

Jacob took her face between his hands and gazed down at her lovingly. "It's going to be okay, Bells. Just be yourself and they can't help but be won over."

"I hope so." Bella said worriedly. "I don't want to let you down."

"That could never happen." Jacob assured her. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. Her arms wound around his waist as they sought solace from each other. After a moment he reluctantly pulled away. "Ready to go?"

Bella nodded as he took hold of her hand; outwardly she appeared calm but inside she was falling apart.

A/N-it's too hot! I can't write anymore! Thanks for reading...Nikki :)