A/N: I started a new story, because I couldn't help myself. It's called Star Crossed and has a Mafiaward. I've been really inspired lately, more so than I have been in a long time. I've rediscovered my passion for writing, something that I didn't think would happen.

Happy reading!

16

"Thank you." I tell the barista when she hands me my coffee. It's Wednesday morning, and after spending the rest of last weekend on the couch eating two pints of ice cream and watching several rom-coms, I'm feeling slightly better. Well, at least more human.

Edward texted me a few times, checking in to see how I was doing, but it made me feel too many things, so I had Rose text him that I was doing okay and needed some time, that I would let him know when I was ready to talk. Telling him that made me feel like I wanted to throw up. It was such a strange experience for the only person you want to talk to, to also be the one person you're not ready to talk to.

The feelings that had made themselves known that night are still there, working and weaving their way around my heart, constricting it when my brain tells me that I'm not ready to see him again yet. Part of me was hoping they would fade, that they were a fluke and everything would go back to normal, but there they stayed.

I make my way out of Starbucks, lost in my thoughts, to head to my morning class, when I come face to face with Jacob.

He looks just like he did the last time I saw him. Black hair cropped close to his head, kind brown eyes, and tan skin. He's wearing a University of Washington sweatshirt and jeans. I know his schedule by heart, so I know that he's getting ready to head to his Biology lab.

We both love coffee and frequented this Starbucks together on many occasions, that I knew running into him was inevitable. I'd just hoped that it would take a little longer for it to happen.

"Hey, Bella." His deep voice that's still thick with sleep causes a pain to develop in my chest. Memories of waking up next to him and hearing him say that to me while we cuddled under the covers, runs through my mind.

"Hey." I reply awkwardly, which makes me sad. This is the man I loved for so long. It sucked that this is what we'd come to. Awkward meetings outside Starbucks. "How are you doing?"

He offers me a sad smile. "I'm okay. How about you?"

"Same." I nod a little too enthusiastically. "I'm okay."

"Alice and Rose? Still causing trouble, I assume?" The fact that he's trying so hard to not let this be awkward makes my heart ache a little less.

I actually laugh a little. "Yeah, you know them. Can't be trusted."

He laughs, too, the sound filling me hope that maybe one day we can be friends. "And Edward?"

The question is so normal, he asked about Edward when we were together. While they'd never been overly close, Jake had still shown interest in how all my friends were doing. But the question about my best friend is causing my heart to sink and guilt to fill me.

"He's… doing okay."

Jake's eyes examine my face. Of course, he'd be able to tell that something was off.

"You know I only want you to be happy, right?" He finally says, still scrutinizing my face.

"Huh?" my brow furrows, confused by his words.

Instead of replying to my eloquent question, he comes over to me, enveloping me into one of his bear hugs.

"Just be happy." He whispers into my hair before releasing me.

I watched him go into the store, not understanding anything about what just happened.

See you tomorrow!