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An Occasion

The phone rang.

Charlie moaned as he struggled to his feet, and then he rushed, stumbling, to the kitchen. Bella was sitting on the couch, revisiting Wuthering Heights, she hadn't read it in ages. She was just thinking about how much Heathcliff reminded her of Edward Cullen in many ways. Heathcliff was a despicable character, highly unlikeable. He was selfish and melodramatic, his obsessive, selfish love for Catherine, (who was equally as despicable and selfish), meant that he didn't care who he hurt, as long as he got what he wanted.

As it was chilly, Bella had a thick woolen blanket wrapped around her, to add some extra warmth. She was still immersed in the book, Charlie's voice only background noise, when he suddenly raised it. Alerted by his change in tone, Bella abandoned the book and started to listen in.

"Where?" Charlie paused. "You're sure its outside the reservation?" Another short pause followed, frustrating the hell out of Bella. "But what could be burning out there?" He sounded both worried and mystified. "Look, I'll call down there and check it out."

Bella felt her heart rate up its tempo as anxiety kicked in. In her mind, there was only one reason why fires would have been spotted on the res: vampires.

Setting fire to the remains was the only way to get rid of them properly. Was this what was happening? Had Jacob and his pack encountered some nomads and were trying to get rid of the evidence?

Bella heard Charlie punch in another number. There was another short pause – which in Bella's anxious state seemed interminable- before the call was finally answered.

"Hey, Billy, its Charlie – sorry I'm calling so early…Bella? No, she's fine. She's here with me? Why? Oh, okay." He sounded puzzled. "I just got a call from Mrs. Stanley, she says that from her second-story window she can see fires out on the sea cliffs, but I didn't really…. Oh!" Suddenly there was an edge to his voice -irritation…. or anger. "And why are they doing that? Uh huh. Really?" He sounded surprised now. "Well, that's good news. Yeah, yeah. Just make sure the flames don't spread…. I know, I know, I'm surprised they got them lit at all in this weather."

Charlie hesitated, before adding. "I can't believe they're actually gone. It's a relief…but a mystery at the same time…I mean just taking off like that without a word to anybody."

There was a moment of silence as he listened to Billy's answer.

"Yeah, I'll talk to you later." He said, before hanging up.

Bella heard Charlie mutter something incoherent as he shuffled back to the living room.

"What's wrong?" She demanded.

Charlie shook his head, his eyes troubled, as if he was still trying to make sense of it all.

"Dad?" Bella asked again impatiently when he didn't immediately respond. "Don't keep me in suspense here!"

"I'm sorry, honey." Charlie apologized, running a hand through his tousled hair.

"Is something burning?"

"Its nothing." Charlie assured her. "Just some bonfires on the cliffs."

"Bonfires?" Bella was puzzled. That was the excuse Billy was running with?

Charlie frowned. "Some of the kids from the reservation being rowdy." He explained.

"Why?"

Bella could tell that Charlie didn't want to answer. He looked at the floor, avoiding her worried gaze. "They're celebrating the news." He said cautiously.

There was only one piece of news that Bella could think of that would cause such a jubilant display. For the sake of appearance, she feigned ignorance.

"Go on." She encouraged.

"Its because the Cullens left. They don't like them in La Push." Charlie ran his fingers through his hair again. "I mean I'm pleased, for your sake, but there's just something about their sudden departure that doesn't sit right."

"Oh, I wouldn't dwell on it, Dad. I'm relieved they've gone. No more looking over my shoulder." Bella managed a weak smile. "And it makes your case load lighter, huh? Edward Cullen is some other force's problem now."

"Very funny, kiddo." Charlie rolled his eyes. "I would have loved to have had the chance to prosecute the little shit. It seems unfair that he's essentially gotten away with his despicable behavior. Who can say that he won't do it again to some other unsuspecting female in the next town he moves to?"

Bella suddenly went cold as she realized her father was right. Edward could potentially start stalking another innocent girl. But his next victim would have no idea of his true nature like she did. They would have no protection at all.

Charlie sat down in his recliner; his face still troubled. They both sat in contemplative silence for a while. The sky was no longer black outside the window. Somewhere behind the rain, the sun was beginning to rise.

"Bella?" Charlie asked.

Bella glanced up at him. "Yes."

"I would like you to come to the station with me and make an official statement. Put everything he did to you on record. So, if he does happen to engage in the same behavior and it is reported, well, it will be on file that he has a history of this type of thing."

Bella relaxed against the sofa cushions, feeling grateful that she had such a responsible parent fighting her corner. Charlie had given her the only option available to her. She couldn't expose Edward Cullen directly, but she could do this, put it on record what he was capable of.

"I'll do it today." She promised.

"There's my brave girl." Charlie patted her shoulder, his brown eyes glowing with pride.

Jacob helped Bella into his car, grinning as he watched her tuck the silky material of her red prom dress close around her, so it didn't get caught in the car door. When he had first watched her descend the stairs, looking like something out of a dream, he had forgotten to breathe. From the periphery of his vision, he saw Charlie laughing at his stunned reaction.

"Bella, you look so….so…beautiful." He was so overcome that he stuttered.

Charlie snickered.

"Its only a dress, Jacob." Bella remarked, blushing at the clear admiration in his dark eyes. She hadn't wanted to go to prom, but with pleas from Angela and some of her other friends, Bella had finally caved in. When she cautiously mentioned the upcoming event to Jacob, she had been surprised that he was all for it.

"It will give me a chance to show off my awesome dancing skills." He teased, spinning around like a loon, and snapping his fingers to an invisible beat.

Bella had laughed at his antics, thinking there was no way he was going to get her to dance. "I'm going to stay safely on the sidelines, thank you."

"Oh, come on, honey." Jacob encouraged her with one of his sunniest smiles. "Its our chance to cut loose and have some fun. You'll enjoy it when you get there. After all, you're gonna be with me."

Bella rolled her eyes at this statement, but as the days passed, she found herself looking forward to it. She went dress shopping with Angela in Port Angeles, finding the perfect dress almost immediately. The A-line dress was a subtle shade of red, fitted to the waist, and flaring out to the hemline. Red was Jacob's favorite color, so she knew he would appreciate the gesture.

When Jacob had her settled, he got in the driver's seat, and backed out of the drive. Charlie stood on the front porch, smiling like the proud father he was, waving them off.

"You look amazing, Jacob." Bella complimented him during the drive.

"Thanks, Bella, honey. I borrowed the tux from Jared."

Bella had never seen him dress in black before, and, with the contrast against his russet skin, his beauty was off the scale.

They soon reached the school parking lot. Looking up at the sky, Bella noted that the clouds were thin, a few streaks of sunlight escaping through far away in the west. Jacob got out and walked around the car to open her door. He held out his hand. Bella smiled, placing her hand delicately in his, as he reached out with his other arm and practically lifted her out of the car. He kept his arm tightly around her, keeping her close as they walked toward the school.

In Phoenix, they held proms in hotel ballrooms. This dance was in the gym. It was probably the only room big enough for a dance. When they got inside, Bella giggled. There were actual balloon arches and twisted garlands of pastel crepe paper festooning the walls.

"This looks like a horror movie waiting to happen." Bella whispered to Jacob.

Jacob laughed quietly as they slowly approached the ticket table. "Lucky you came with the werewolf then, honey. Don't worry, I'll keep you safe."

Bella looked at the dance floor, stifling her laughter, as she looked at the myriad couples whirling clumsily around in circles. She spotted Jessica Stanley and Mike Newton. Mike's face was set in grim lines, his eyes trained on his feet, carefully trying to avoid stepping on Jessica's toes. Angela, resplendent in a blue halter neck dress, saw Bella and waved. She was standing on the sidelines with Eric, neither of them having anyone else to ask at such short notice, they had decided to come together.

Bella waved back enthusiastically, her elbow knocking into Jacob's side as she did so. He let out a faint 'oof' which set her off into a giggling fit.

Jacob bought the tickets, then led Bella straight to the dance floor. She cringed against his arm and dragged her feet.

"Remember, we're cutting loose tonight." He reminded her, smirking at her stubborn reaction.

Jacob put his hands on her waist, and Bella reached up to put her hands on his shoulders. She felt so tiny encased in his arms, so protected. At first, they swayed awkwardly, smiling ruefully at each other, then Jacob twirled her around a few times, setting Bella's head spinning, before drawing her back against him.

Bella threw her had back, laughing, finally allowing herself to relax. Who cared if she couldn't dance? From the look of it, no one else there could, either. Jacob was right, she should just cut loose, and enjoy the absurdity of it all.

As they continued to sway to the music, Bella noticed a group of girls lined up against the wall like pastel confections. She recognized one as Lauren. They were all staring at Jacob of course. He was so tall, he towered above everyone else, his good looks and vibrant personality drawing everyone's eyes onto him, like moths to a flame.

Bella got a kick out of seeing Lauren's silent seething, clearly jealous that Bella had snagged someone as fine as Jacob Black. She hadn't managed to secure a date, none of the boys in their friendship group wanting to keep her bitchy ass company all night.

Jacob whirled Bella around again. "Are you having fun yet, honey?" He asked, his smoldering gaze stealing her ability to speak. "You know you're the most beautiful one here, don't you? None of these other girls can compare." He drew her even closer, his lips covering hers, as she melted against him.

Bella was breathless when the kiss was over. She rested her cheek against his chest, letting him take the lead, as they continued to move rhythmically to the beat of the music. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a sophomore in a pink dress, eyeing Jacob with timid speculation as the song came to an end.

"No chance, girl." Bella thought to herself. "He's all mine."

Jacob didn't notice the girl. He didn't notice anyone or anything. He only had eyes for Bella.

Suddenly Jacob changed direction, spinning Bella through the crowd to the back door of the gym. Bella caught a glimpse of Jessica and Mike arguing. He had accidentally stepped on the hem of her dress and torn it. Angela was dancing with Eric, laughing politely at his lame jokes. They passed Lee and Samantha, who were too wrapped up in each other to notice anyone else. There was Lauren, still standing alone on the sidelines, eyeing the other dancing couples bitterly. Bella could name every face that spiraled past her. And then they were outdoors, in the cool, dim light of a fading sunset.

As soon as they were alone, Jacob swung Bella up into his arms, making her squeal in surprise. He carried her across the dark grounds until he reached a bench beneath the shadow of the madrone trees. He sat there, keeping Bella cradled against his chest. The moon was already up, visible through the gauzy clouds. Jacob's eyes glowed with such adoration as he looked down at Bella, it sent her heart skittering madly in her chest.

"I wish tonight didn't have to end." He sighed, sounding quite sad.

"Some things don't have to end." Bella touched his face lightly with the tips of her fingers.

Jacob sighed again. "The real reason I was so eager to take you to the prom," he said slowly, "was because I didn't want you to miss anything. I don't want my presence to take anything away from you, Bella, if I can help it. I've got so much responsibility; I won't always be able to do things like this."

"Oh, Jake, I don't expect you to." Bella said soothingly. "You give so much of yourself to everyone. I think that's what I love the most about you. Since when would I have come to prom of my own free will, if you hadn't said it would be exciting and fun? And it has been. You've made the whole night magical, just by being you."

Jacob smiled briefly, but it didn't touch his eyes. "I would spend every minute with you, Bella. If I could."

"I know you would."

They were quiet for a minute, Jacob stared at the moon, Bella stared up at him. Bella wished she could find some way to explain to Jacob how very uninterested she was in a normal life.

"Will you tell me something?" Jacob asked eventually, glancing down at her earnestly.

"Don't I always?"

"If it all gets too much…this life…. being with me. Promise you'll tell me." Jacob's voice broke on the last word.

"Jacob Black, banish that thought from your mind, right now." Bella scolded him. She caught hold of his chin, making him look deep into her eyes, making him see the truth of her words, even if he refused to heed them. "I'm fully committed to this life. To you. I love you."

Jacob smiled, his eyes flaring with renewed hope, hearing no doubt in her tone. He inclined his head slowly until his warm lips brushed against the skin just under the corner of her jaw. Bella shivered in response as she felt his lips glide up to her chin, then to the corner of her mouth. He stopped there, his warm breath ghosting across her skin. "I love you, too, honey. So much." He murmured. "You are my life now." He said, right before he kissed her.

A/N-thanks for reading!