Title : The Northern Star

Characters : Jacob, Embry, Sarah

Genre : Hurt/Comfort

Rating : T

Words : 500

A/N : All the love to jarms for her time, and the precious suggestions and edits. You're awesome, girl! 33

Passing the beer to Embry, Jake leaned against his car. "Sometimes I feel things would be better if she was still with us. I'd be a better man for sure."

"You're doing just fine, Jay." Embry smiled, remembering Sarah Black. "She'd be proud of you."

"I miss her." The barest change in Jacob's voice gave away the heavy emotions coursing through him. "Nothing can ever fill the hole she left."

Embry looked at his best friend. "I know, man. She was your mother. I get it. "

Closing his eyes, Embry let the memories take him back to a time he cherished the most.

Little Embry and Jacob plopped down in the chair, tired from a long day of playing. Quil was visiting his grandmother for the summer—though they missed their buddy way too much, that didn't keep their adventures in check.

"Snack time, boys." Placing sandwiches before them, Sarah turned to Embry with a smile. "Do you want the crust cut off, Em?"

Embry nodded shyly. No one ever asked him that, and he liked the taste of sandwiches without the crust.

Thanking Sarah, he hesitantly hugged her. The loving smile, the way her eyes shone with affection as she ruffled his hair urging him to eat—it was all new to him, and Embry liked how it felt.

It was his birthday weekend, and Embry wasn't excited about it because his mother had to work extra shifts. So, when Jake showed up at his house before breakfast, presenting him with a little Hot Wheels car for his collection, Embry was ecstatic.

Surprises ensued when Jake tugged him home for a sleepover. Sarah pulled him into a tight hug, wishing him a happy birthday, and when she placed the chocolate cake in front of him, Embry's smile was blinding. He never really had a birthday party, and though this was a small gesture, it was a big deal for him.

Embry would never forget the taste of that cake or the warmth in her hugs. The way she called him son with such affection, made him feel loved. His mother dropped him off at the Black's whenever she had plans, and Sarah would care for him like she did Jacob.

"I miss her too, Jay." Embry let a tear fall. "It's like… I don't know. I can't think of the word mother without thinking about her. She was more of a mother to me than my mom ever was."

"Oh! She loved you alright." Jacob smiled, remembering how that made him insecure back then, before his mom eased all his worries with a little talk.

Moments of silence passed as the duo reminisced about the woman they loved so much .

Looking at the starry sky, Jacob asked quietly—"Which one do you think is her?"—his eyes reflecting the twinkling orbs.

Embry's answer was immediate.

"The brightest one, of course."

Smiling, they took a gulp of beer, and looked at the brightest star—whispering in unison, "Happy birthday, mom!"