PLEASE REVIEW!

**Special Thanks to Katie [Kwizbit] for every single thing you do. From the closet ship we share, to the way you cheer me up. Best Beta Ever!!

Chapter Eighteen: So who was the most changed after last night? For the better and for the worse?
The morning after. Bella's headache forces Edward to show why he loves being a doctor, while Jasper and Alice grow closer.
Others in the house learn that sometimes letting go of things may or may not be a good thing.
Oh, and the friends in the cabin leave today.
Read to start figuring that out.

NOTE: For those of you who've asked: Just b/c Edward/Bella are getting closer, does NOT mean that there aren't more challenges on the list. I still have 15+ more idea plans for this story, some unresolved questions of yours to be discovered once again... Like Bella's journal, what Edward was talking to Carlisle about on the phone for two hours, and whatnot. There's still a lot of things this group will deal with. So stick around!!

POLL results on bottom; NEW POLL at end of this chapter!!

Disclaimer: I own nothing that is Twilight or Stephenie Meyer related. But I think she's a genius for creating these two characters that I can play with!

Hello, good morning, how you do? What makes your rising sun so new?
I could use a fresh beginning too. All of my regrets are nothing new.
So this is the way that I say I need you.
This is the way...
This is the way that I'm learning to breathe
I'm learning to crawl.
I'm finding that you, and you alone can break my fall.
I'm living again, awake and alive...
I'm dying to breathe in these abundant skies.

Switchfoot, "Learning To Breathe"

Chapter Eighteen: Sexual Healing

BellaPOV

I stood nervously at the coffee pot, clutching my cup between my pale fingertips.

I'm not sure exactly why I was nervous. I mean, sure I had the most amazing, fulfilling, romantic moment of my life last night... but it all seemed more like a dream than anything else.

Being able to get so close to someone, in the way I did with Edward last night... it seems impossible. And I would have thought it was only a dream, if I hadn't woken up naked, still wrapped up in his arms, around one pm this evening.

I had such an inner-battle with myself on top of it. I had to pee so freakin' badly that my stomach was aching, but I did not want to remove myself from the comforts and security Edward brought to me, by holding onto me the way he was.

And his face was pressed up against the back of my neck, breathing lightly down the top of my spine. He seemed so rested, so pure... On top of that, when I actually did give into my bodily functions and attempt to pry myself from his arms, he sort of held on tighter. He was completely, one hundred percent dreaming at the time... so it was as if his instincts alone were telling him to keep me safe, even while he slept.

...Just as he promised he'd do.

So... bringing myself back to the present, why was I nervous? If I had to guess, it was just the idea of seeing his face when he woke up and came downstairs. Seeing his reactions, and everything else... Worrying that he may not look at the night like I did... Worried that it'd be ruined when we came to the realities that we crossed that "friendship" line for the last time last night.

I hated the "morning after."

I sighed, staring at the drip inside the pot.

Today could make or break us. After all, Edward said he needed me, just as I did him. Sure, we said we were in love and all of that, and I know we both meant it.

Regardless, we didn't have any knew "labels" for each other.

And that made me feel... more nervous. I don't know why, because why ruin a good thing, but it still did.

"Ahem."

I held my breath and turned, exhaling loudly when I noticed Jacob standing there, leaning against the door frame of the kitchen. "Oh. It's just you."

He chuckled lightly, "Thanks a lot. Who were you expecting?"

"No one," I shook my head, "it's just... Never mind. What's up?"

"Just wondering why you slept in so late? You're normally one of the first up in this cabin."

"I didn't get to bed 'till this morning. What's your excuse? I see you're still wearing the same clothes from last night."

"I haven't been to bed yet."

I furrowed my brows at him, "You're kidding."

"Nope."

"Why?"

He smirked, scratching his head, "Busy night, I guess."

"Bryan keep you up all night?" I joked, giving him a little sexy shoulder swivel.

"Nope," he said. "We're not really together anymore."

"What?!" I asked. When did that happen?

"Long story," he shrugged. "But I'm chill with it. Where's your loverboy?"

"Jake," I warned.

"No, I'm serious! I didn't mean that harshly, just curious."

"He's asleep."

He stood there, staring at me for a moment. Then a devilish grin appeared on his face. "It all makes sense now."

"What makes sense?" I asked, trying to keep my stupid revealing grin off my face.

"Oh nothing," he replied, continuing to look at me like I was a pot of gold. "I bet you gave him a nice work out."

"Jacob Black!" I scolded, slapping his arm. "That is none of your business!"

He laughed, giving me a wide grin. "Ohhh but it's true. Wanna know how I know? Because if it wasn't true, then you would have flat out denied it, or said 'I wish' or some shit girls say when they're crushing on someone. Instead, you get a stupid ass smile on your face and act all defensive. You're an open book, Bella. You've always been when it comes to Cullen."

I looked at him dumbfounded. "You're in an awfully cheery mood today. Did you win the lottery or run over an old lady or something?"

He laughed, pouring me a cup of coffee. "Nah. Just over the nonsense. If you and Cullen want to be together, that's on you two. I'm not going to say anything disrespectful about it -- unless he pisses me off -- and I'm not going to not be your friend just because you two are... whatever. I simply don't care. I mean, this isn't saying I won't make fun of you guys, but I'll be cool about it."

"You're acting really strange..." I said, looking him over, trying to find a crack in his expression. But there wasn't any. "It's creeping me out."

"Seeing you in a short, sexy, silky nightgown, paired with huge, pink, bunny slippers creeps me out."

"Shut up!" I slapped him in the arm playfully, then took a sip of my coffee. "Mmm, I needed that."

"What? Someone making fun of your clothes? Because if you want insults, I can go on and on about that mess of tangles on the top of your head..."

"No, smartass. Some coffee. I have such a headache right now."

"Did you bang your skull on the headboard repeatedly?"

I smacked him in the gut, "Shut up, Jake. And no, I did not."

"That happened to me once. I think I almost had a concussion."

"Well, rough sex will do that to you, Jake. Tell the big burly man who's banging you next time to be gentler when you're bent over."

"Ha ha, you're sick."

"Takes one to know one."

Suddenly an electric current washed over me, and it only meant one thing.

I forgot how to breathe.

Because standing directly behind me, must be the most amazing man ever to exist, and that meant that I had no more time to freak out about what happened last night.

I looked up at Jacob nervously, before sucking in some more air and twisting around toward the island. And there he stood, in all his Adonis-like glory. Better than Adonis.

Bronzed hair, spiky but slept in. No shirt, making his rippled abs and treasure trail look so delicious. Dark pajama pants hanging so low it should be illegal to tease me that much. Not to mention those warm, seducing green eyes, and that smile.

I bit my lip and held my breath, watching him stroll towards me, fisting his hair. He leaned down to me, and ran his nose across my left cheek, before placing a kiss there. "Good morning, my love. You look beautiful." His voice was so raspy and scratchy, but velvety-smooth at the same time. It sent shudders through me.

I struggled to say thank you in response, and when I couldn't, I stood smiling at him like a nervous idiot while he poured himself a cup of coffee.

"I'm going to take a shower here in about fifteen-twenty minutes," he said quietly in my ear. "You're welcome to join me if you'd like."

"Oh, um, yeah, o-okay," I stammered, trying to find a way to turn my brain back on.

Edward winked at me, then turned and gave Jacob a short nod. "Black."

"Cullen."

Once he left, and the sensational smell of mints and axe-spray was no longer in the kitchen, I slumped over the counter, rubbing my head. It was pounding, and straining it in order to come up with a decent response to Edward made it worse.

"Ooooohh oooh," Jake teased, swatting my ass as he reached for his pack of cigarettes. "You've got it baaadddd."

"Shut up."

"He's waiting on you, Bella. You'd better scoot."

"Shut it, Jake."

He chuckled and lit his cigarette, giving me that adorable smile I loved and missed about him. "Go get 'em tiger."

That's when I decided that, on my search for a switch to turn my brain back on, I needed to find a remote that muted my good pal Jacob.

EmmettPOV

I stared at television screen, holding my X-box 360 controller tightly in my hands.

I didn't get much sleep last night, feeling so guilty about the sex thing I practically enforced on my girlfriend.

Ridiculously shit-faced drunk is never an excuse to bribe a woman into the bedroom, and I knew better than that. I'm a grown fucking man. I take responsibility for myself. And my actions sobered me up really quick after I saw the tears streaming down her face.

Of course, Rosalie put no blame about this on me. She claimed it was all her fault... Because we hadn't been intimate yet, because of her lies and deceit. Everything I yelled at her for, she just soaked all that shit in and accepted it as her problem.

But I didn't have a right to bitch at her the way I did. Regardless of how upset I was, I was raised better than to treat a woman I was with like that. I knew better than to bring her emotionally down.

I think I did it because, I felt attacked somehow. I had let my guard down with her -- the only woman ever in the history of me that's witnessed that -- and, by her not clearing it up immediately, I felt my whole resolve around her was fake.

My stomach has been upset all day long, and my head was still aching. I felt like I had just witnessed someone dying or something. And every single time Rosalie would say things to me or try to make me feel better... it all just made me feel worse.

She kept saying that she loved me and it was okay, but it wasn't. And she kept apologizing to me, when we both know good and well that my blow-up overshadowed her lie.

I just witnessed Edward beating the fuck out of James for what he did to Bella a few years back.... And then a few hours later, I did that shit to Rose. Sure, it wasn't forced or any of that, and she wanted it just as much as I did... but neither her nor myself were the correct mind-frame for sex, and I shouldn't have pressured her.

But I did. And it was wrong.

"Dude, are you going to fucking hit the 'A' button so we can get our game on?"

I twisted and turned to Paul and shrugged, "Yeah man. Sorry."

"I've only got a few hours left here and I want to kick your ass."

I sighed, hitting the button, "I've got a lot on my mind."

"About what? Me kicking your ass?"

"No. Rose."

"Rose?"

"Yeah."

Paul looked over at me, furrowing his brows, "Dude, she's your girlfriend. The hard part is over, all the impressing her stuff. So whatever it is you're worried about, realize you've already got it in the bag."

I scoffed, scratching my head through my baseball cap, "Yeah, maybe having it in the bag is half my problem."

"What?" he chuckled, shooting my character with his character's .44. "She not giving you any?"

I glared at him, before shooting his character down, "Not exactly. We just... I really messed up last night, when I was drunk."

"You cheat on her or something?"

I slugged him in his arm, throwing my controller down, "No dumbass. You know, I'm not really in the mood to play a game right now. I'm going to have a smoke."

"Man! I was just getting good and you have to quit because you know I'm on my way to beating your ass!"

"Yeah," I scoffed, "that's totally my reason why. You got me Paul."

"Hey, don't forget to wipe your vagina before you come back inside!"

I flipped him off as I walked out of the room.

Maybe some snow and some cold air would help me get my mind straight.

Maybe I needed a wake-up call.

Maybe I just needed... something.

I scoffed, looking over at the frozen lake.

Hell, I didn't know what the fuck I needed.

AlicePOV

I opened the doors of the dressing room, doing my best Marilyn Monroe twist possible, displaying the flow of the red dress perfectly.

"Wow," Jasper grinned, leaning back on two of the four legs of the chair in the Bebe's dressing room. "I like that one."

"Really?" I asked with a grin.

"Really," he smirked.

"Yeah... maybe..." I replied, twisting back around and re-entering the room. "You know," I called over the door, "it'd really help me out if you could tell me where we're going tomorrow night. That way I could be more prepared. 'Make sure it's fancy' doesn't really help that much."

I could hear Jasper chuckled, playing with a strap of a plastic shopping bag, "Sweetheart, I've done and told you. Anything you put on is going to look beautiful on you. Yes, red is my favorite color on you, especially after last night. But I also love white on you, as well as blue, orange, green, black, yellow, purple, pink... Hell, in fact, if you'd like to put on a clear outfit, then we wouldn't be going out anywhere. I'd keep you locked away with me in the bed all day."

I giggled, sliding into the tight blue dress, "You're such a tease."

"Oh I'm for real, my darlin'," he replied. "But it's whichever you prefer."

"Can you at least tell me if dinner is involved?" I pressed in my cutesy voice as I zipped the back of the silk garment up.

"Nope."

Growling, I opened the door and spun around again. "You're so complicated."

"Me?!" he teased, rising to his feet to check me out better. "You're the one who's tried on fifty some-odd dresses. I went into the store, picked out my outfit in under three minutes, had it paid for in five, and was out in no time."

"That's because you're a man," I joked.

"Yes. Yes I am."

"It's hard to pick an outfit when I have no idea what the occasion will uphold."

"Fancy. Dressy. That's all I'm telling you."

"I just," I fidgeted, twisting my heel around in a nervous fashion, "I feel... different now. Somehow. I guess I just... want to look sexy for you. More womanly. ...Does that sound stupid?"

He smiled at me, sitting back in the chair, not saying anything.

"What?" I blushed.

"Nothing... I'm just glad you're feeling sexy now. Like a woman should. I did well."

"Shut up!" My cheeks turned hotter. "I'm going back in to change now."

"Look, Alice," he chuckled, "just pick something. All your choices so far have been wonderful. Don't make me come in there after you."

I cracked the door open, hiding behind it, "You wouldn't dare."

Before I could blink, he was up at the door, taunting me with his sexy blue eyes. "Wanna bet?"

I giggled, trying to push him away.

But he didn't budge.

In no time, he was inside the dressing room with me, next to all my panties and strapless bra attire.

"Jasper!" I squealed, but he covered my mouth with his lips, pressing me against the door.

Of course, this was wrong, but the way his tongue slid into my mouth, so warm and perfect-like, it was hard to object.

When he trailed his moist lips down my jaw line, I closed my eyes, panting into his ear, "We could get kicked out of here."

"Do you want me to stop?" he teased, licking me along the side of my neck. "Because I am pretty good at feeling other people's emotions... And right now... I think you're pretty wound tight... I may have to relieve some tension for you."

His hot mouth drew in my earlobe, and I gasped, clutching my fingers to his black jacket. My hands grew a mind of their own, because without my knowledge, they were pushing it off of him and onto the floor, next to my jeans. I ran my fingers down his white t-shirt, untucking it from his belt.

He looked at me, wide-eyed in shock.

Hmm, I thought. Seems that Mr. Confident is shocked that I've turned the tables.

"Sweetheart, are you sure?"

I nodded, "Why not? It doesn't always have to be romantic, not that I didn't love the romance... but this is fun too. Good balance and all. But we've got to be really quiet and sort of quick."

Jasper bit his lip and looked down, unfastening his belt and unzipping his jeans as quickly but silently as possible. Then he began to work on my two garments, grinning from ear to ear, "Ohhh, I can be quiet. And quick, I suppose. If I must."

I grabbed him by his unfastened jeans, "Then get over here."

Now I don't know what has come over me, and why I am so confident now... but this was so wrong that it was fun! It was us, on top of the risk of getting caught, mixed with the emotions of wanting each other this badly!!

And it was naughty, yes, but oh-so-right, that we had to have each other right then and there in public.

Because seeing my man wearing those fitted jeans and that Abercrombie shirt, not to mention that blonde hair, those sunglasses, and that lip...

Yes. I wasn't waiting.

EdwardPOV

I waited a while before I got in the shower, drinking a couple of cups of coffee with my cousin Dean, trying to spend some time with him before they all take off today.

But the more and more I was away from Bella, even if we were in the same house, I still missed her.

This couldn't be healthy. Regardless though, it was true.

After mine and Dean's conversation, I headed upstairs to the bathroom. Once I climbed in the shower, I lingered a while, not doing anything but soaking under the steamy water.

I was still trying to wake up. My energy level was pretty much drained due to the night before, and I think I lost my voice from the strain on my vocal cords -- possibly from all the talking, the yelling at James, or the romance with my Bella.

But I'd be more than willing to exhaust myself on a nightly basis for her.

After about ten minutes, I figured Bella wasn't going to come. As soon as I grabbed the shampoo, I felt two hands wrap around my stomach, and a head press against my spine. Immediately, I knew it was Bella, because of the chipped black fingernail polish on her nails.

I grinned, enjoying the feel of her against me, "I didn't think you were going to show."

"Sorry," she replied softly, "Rose told me that she wanted to have a roommate meeting with everyone in about forty minutes. She seemed upset, but wouldn't tell me why. I kept trying to get it out of her, with no luck. By the way, you sound really sexy when you lose your voice."

"Thanks." My stomach knotted, but I knew I was innocent, so I tried to shake it off, "I'm sure it's nothing big. In fact..." I turned around, cupping her face into my hands, "I know it's not. It's just a misunderstanding."

She looked puzzled, "H-How would you know about what's going on with her, but I don't?"

I took a deep breath, "Because... I'm sort of involved with it."

Bella sorted through reasons in her head for a few moments in silence. Then she clamped her hand over her mouth, stumbling backward against the glass door, "Oh my God. Is she pregnant?! Are you her doctor or something?!"

"What?!" I asked, trying not to laugh, or vomit. My voice was beyond strained, and hardly coming out at all, but I had to make it clear. "NO! No, no, no, no! Hell no." I shuddered, "Nooooo, I am most certainly not her doctor."

She dropped her hand from her lips, "Then... what is it?"

"You're shivering, come here," I said, pulling her trembling cold form under the hot water with me. I grabbed the shampoo, pouring some onto my hand and then rubbing it into her beautiful wet hair, "She sort of, I don't know, started this rumor that involved me, to get herself out of a situation she felt she was going to be trapped in, and it got around without her knowing, and now a lot of people are talking about it."

She ran her hands across my pecks, watching the water flow down my body, "That's typical Rose, lying to buy her way out of something. What was this one about?"

"Uh..." I inhaled, "about me... and her."

"Huh? Rose hates you. You hate her."

I began to massage her scalp with my fingers, kissing her cheek before I replied, "Hate's a strong word, love."

"Still true though. Why would she say something about you and her?"

I shook my head, not wanting to kill our mood.

So I decided to be direct and pour it all out, "Basically, from what I know, Rosalie and Jacob were foolin' around or fucking or whatnot, and then she felt trapped I suppose, thinking that he was going to grow feelings for her, so she decided to bail out on him. She told him that she and I had sex in her past and he bought it. She knew it'd piss him off."

Bella looked up at me, her hazel eyes wide and in shock. Her mouth was open. Her jaw was tense.

"Bella?"

"I..." she said, shaking her head. Then I watched as her fists clenched together, "I am going to FUCKING KILL HER!"

Before I could respond, Bella twisted around and swung the shower door open, full steam ahead. She slid clumsily around the floor as she tried to find her robe, but I quickly hopped out and grabbed her, pulling her back to my chest.

"Baby, sweetheart, angel, love, you cannot run out there half-naked and start taking swings at her. You have shampoo in your hair, and suds down your body, for crying out loud. I know you're upset, and you have reason to be, but please try and calm down."

"How can I calm down?!" she shouted, trying to unsuccessfully pull herself away from my grip, "She made up a lie that she had sex with my... my... my... WHATEVER you are to me!! That is so not something I would take lightly!"

"I know sweetheart," I said calmly, picking her up a few inches off the floor, and pulling her back inside the shower, "but reacting pissed off is not going to fix anything. It'll only create more problems, and that's not what you're wanting. Trust me, I know."

"This isn't cool!" she said, twisting around in the water as she hastily tried to clear away the shampoo, "Why are you so okay about this? She was lying about you too, in case you didn't notice!"

"I did notice. But there are rumors spread about me all the fucking time," I chuckled. "Remember? You thought I banged like eighty girls or something. That I was a player. Probably an asshole of sorts, which I can be."

"That is soooo not the point!" she spat, scrubbing down her body profusely with a bar of soap, her knuckles white as a ghost. "I learned the truth. But... I cannot believe she'd be so pathetic. Guh!"

Carefully, not trying to make any sudden movements, I reached out and pulled the Dove bar away from her, my hands kept in the air in a surrender motion. "Bella. Listen to me. Taking your anger out on the bar of soap is not going to settle anything either. Calm down, let me get you washed off, and myself clean... and then we'll quickly get dressed, and go down there, addressing it together."

She glared at me, but I gave her my best adoring expression possible, and she fell for it, slumping her shoulders over in defeat, "I'm sorry. But she just... furiates me."

"I understand," I nodded, turning her around to wash her back. "I'm sorry that this happened."

"I just...” she slouched down, "I don't get how you're not upset with her."

I sighed, my hands roaming down toward her ass. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed her trying to fight back a smile as I washed her, and I decided to take advantage of her weakness, by pressing my frame up against that sudsy bottom and kiss on the back of her neck.

"You know," I began to say, between kisses, "You look so beautiful when you're all wet... So... delicious... Mmm..." I pushed her up against me, making sure she noticed what that ass was causing my body to do, "You're making me want to take advantage of you."

She giggled and tried to half-heartedly pull away. "Edward," she gasped, when she noticed by hands were roaming over her silky, wet breasts, "we can't do this right now. Roommate meeting, forty minutes. Rosalie, death wish...."

"I can be quick," I teased, kissing along her shoulders.

Reluctantly, she pulled away from me, "I'm sorry. But I'm just... I can't... when..."

I watched as her face frowned, and understood completely. "It's not a problem. I'm not upset with you. I was only playing."

She bit her lip, straining the excess water from her hair while I washed my own, "Rain check?"

I grinned and gave her a nod, watching her walk out of the shower. Then she twirled back around, and checked me out, "Oh, and Edward?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks... for everything. Today, and last night... Especially last night."

I smiled, "You're welcome. And the appreciation is clearly mine. So thank you, Isabella."

She smiled, closing the door, "Now hurry up, or I'm going to kill her before you get done."

Trust me, I thought to myself, I have no plans on dragging this shit on any longer than need-be.

JacobPOV

I woke up to the second verse of 'Sweet Dreams' remake playing as my ringtone, loud volume and vibrating in my pocket. I hadn't even realized I had fallen asleep. And Marilyn Manson screaming was not the best to wake up to.

I scratched my head and climbed up to a sitting position. Turning to Charlee, I asked, "How long have I been out?"

She giggled, chewing on a pen as her and Paul worked out a crossword puzzle, "About eight minutes."

"Oh," I replied, stretching my long limbs out. "Feels like I slept for a lot longer."

"You crashed as soon as your head hit the pillow," Paul said. "Must have been a long night."

Immediately, flashes of his sister Holly and myself crashed over me, and I felt a sickened notion in my stomach. I was so glad he sent her home to her Grandmother's in a cab last night. If I had to see her today, I'm sure he would have found out about what I did to his little sister.

It's amazing how things seem like such brilliant ideas when you're pissed off and drunk, and then when you sober up, they seem... not so brilliant.

I picked up a Nerf football, launching it and hitting Rosalie square in the ass. She twisted around in her white capri jeans, five inch heels, and yellow tank top, looking downright pitiful. "What the fuck is your problem?" I asked, yawning.

"You're about to find out," she sighed.

"Is that why I'm down here and not in my bed? Because you want to have some sort of roommate epiphany?"

"Something like that."

"Well," I stretched again, before rising to my feet. I sauntered over to her, and rubbed her arms. After all, she and Bella were still my friends. "Why don't you tell me now, and let me skip this whole meeting and go to bed? I'm exhausted."

She bit her lip, not meeting my eyes, "I... can't just yet. I won't be able to. I have to have everyone here facing me and eyeing me down, that way the pressure will be on me. If not, I'll chicken out."

"Rose," I chuckled, "it's me. Jacob. You can tell me anything."

She nodded meekly, still looking at the ground, "I sure hope that's true."

I gave her a slight hug, and then let go when I noticed Bryan coming down the stairs, holding onto the spiky-haired guy from last night. I felt sick instantly. Glaring at her, I watched him pull her in his arms and hug her tight while he kissed her.

She wiped the lipstick off of his lips, whispering something in his ear that I couldn't hear from this distance, and then walked him to the door. She gave him another kiss before saying goodbye to him. Then she turned and breezed past me, not bothering to even look my way.

Taking a deep breath, I slumped back down on the couch and tossed my feet on the glass coffee table.

"Isn't love grand?" her sister Charlee asked with a nudge to my arm.

I turned and gave her my best annoyed expression, "It isn't love."

"Please. It's so obvious that you and Bryan still care. I don't care what you two say or do to try and prove us wrong. We all know the truth."

"Whatever," I hissed at her, lighting a cigarette. "Like it fucking matters now. We're not together, we hardly know each other, and we both hooked up with other people last night. I say that pretty much clears it up that, regardless of if we like each other, it's not going to work."

"Did you know that most one-night stands lead to full-blown relationships?"

"No."

"It's statistically proven. Were you going to hook up with women before you saw her go upstairs with Aaron?"

"No."

"Then... I'd say that explains a lot."

I ignored the growl hidden in the back of my throat, and casually watched Bryan saunter around the kitchen in her low waisted jeans and black t-shirt.

We are even fucking dressed the same right now.

She hopped up on the counter, rubbing the top of Dean's hair while he chatted away to her about going back to New York City tonight. They were making plans to meet up and hang out, like they used to do.

I rubbed my forehead, taking a drag of my cigarette. Then Alice and Jasper bounced through the door, laughing as they attempted to carry multiple shopping bags with just four hands.

"Sorry we took so long Rose," Jasper said as they passed the den, "we got caught up. We're just going to take this stuff upstairs and drop it off, and we'll be back down."

"It's fine," Rosalie replied, looking all too nervous for her own good.

I crinkled my forehead, trying to figure her out. It wasn't like her to seem so frazzled.

What was bothering her so much?

I guessed I'd find out soon enough.

BellaPOV

I bit my lip, staring down at my pile of clothes on the bed. Edward was sweet enough to dress first -- choosing to wear a blue-grey sweatshirt with a longer white t-shirt underneath, and black jeans -- and then run downstairs and grab my clothes out of dryer for me while I sorted out my hair.

I didn't know if it was all my frustrations from my sister Rosalie's manufactures romance with the love of my life, or my nerves from the whole "what are Edward and I now?" question that keeps bouncing around in my reckless brain... but something felt off. And I couldn't concentrate.

Edward wrapped his arms around my robed waist, resting his chin on my shoulder. "I think you should wear that," he said, pointing to a pair of my drawstring black capri sweatpants. "It'd look sexy on you."

"But you look so good," I whined, leaning back into him. "I wouldn't feel right standing next to you wearing frumpy old rags."

"Bella," he chuckled, massaging my ribs delicately, "how many times do we have to go through this? You are good enough; I don't want to hear that come from your lips again. You're stressing over your sister and you have a headache. Why not dress for comfort today?"

I chewed the inside of my lip, slumping into him with another pout, "Fine."

He kissed my cheek, before releasing me and walking toward the dresser while I threw one of his fitting black t-shirts I ended up washing with my load. Hearing his breathing hitch caused me to stop changing, and I looked up to see him frozen, holding out some Tylenol and a glass of water for me.

"What?"

He grinned, walking slowly toward me, "Do a spin."

"What?" I giggled.

"Do it. For me, please?"

Caving in, I spun around. "What's this about?"

"Just... seeing you in those panties and my shirt. It's so sexy, oh my gosh."

"Edward," I blushed, quickly finding my sweats, "stop it."

"I'm sorry. I cannot help it."

After taking the medicine, I finished getting dressed and folding my clothes, while Edward watched me while he sat on his side of the bed.

He picked up my journal from the nightstand, raising a left eye-brow, "What is this?"

Before I could think, I hopped over my folded piles on the mattress and grasped it from his hands, breathing heavily, "It's nothing!"

"Whoa, easy killer."

"It's personal!" I declared, holding it to my chest while I climbed off the bed and backed away from him. "I shouldn't have left it out. I'm sorry."

He held his hands in the air, "My bad. I didn't know, I thought it was just a notepad or book or something."

"It isn't," I replied. "Can you cover your eyes so that I can put it away?"

"Do you feel that is really necessary?"

"Yes. I do."

"Fine," he sighed, doing as I asked, "but I think you should just trust that I wouldn't read it without your permission."

"I don't trust anyone when it comes to this," I said, hiding it in my special place. "Sorry."

"No worries. Can I uncover my eyes now?"

"Yes."

Edward headed over to me, holding out his hand, "Come on. We've got a show to go to downstairs. It should be interesting."

"Yeah," I exhaled sarcastically, taking his hand. "I can't wait."

RosaliePOV

I could feel everyone's eyes staring at me. Burning into me... with anger or curiosity or both.

Alice, Jasper, Jacob, and Paul with Charlee on his lap, were all sitting on the couch.

Emmett was in the rocking recliner, closest to me, basketball in his lap.

Bryan sat on the loveseat with Dean. Makin and Colleen were sitting on the floor in front of the chaise, holding hands.

Edward and Bella quickly sat together on the chaise. Edward threw his left arm behind her and his right in front of her, pulling her half-way in his lap. She leaned over and put her head on his shoulder, squinting her eyes. He noticed immediately, and brought his left hand around her shoulder and against her forehead, shielding her eyes from the light on the ceiling.

She was glaring daggers at me. This meant that she already knew what this meeting was about.

I cleared my throat, staring at my heel and the hardwood floor beneath me, "Thanks for being willing to listen to me," I said meekly. "It shouldn't take long."

No one said anything. That made it worse.

"Um," I began staggered, "Most of you know what is going on and what this is about... Actually, I think everyone knows now but..." I pursed my lips, my eyes watering as I looked at Jacob, "you."

"Great," he replied sarcastically.

I thought quickly about all the times that Jake had been there for Bella and me. How he helped loan us money for a down-payment on our house. How he protected us through school and college. How he watched over us at clubs, kept the jerks away. How he took us to movies, and on Spring Break with him. How we had our movie nights on Thursdays, when we invited all our friends over and watch the classics. He always made the popcorn.

I thought about the times I'd cry over guys I liked at the time, and how he'd lay in my bed beside me for hours. He was never sarcastic around us during those times in need. Always genuine and soothing. I remembered when I was sick and PMSing and he went in the store for me to get my Tampax. I remember all the times I grew crushes on him, and thought about him. How he took Bella and I for rides on his crotchrocket... How I talked him into letting me paint his fingernails. How he'd bail me out of lame dates or work meetings when I felt like not being there.

Jake was one of my best friends.

I held both hands over my chest, breathing slowly, "Jake..." I exhaled, "I don't know how to say this to you."

He looked confused. His voice was calm when he spoke though, as he could sense my nervousness and wanted to be there for me -- like I deserve it. "Just say it, Rose."

I sucked in my top lip, staring at my blue polished toes, "I lied to you. To everyone."

"About what?" he asked.

I took a steady breath, "Jake, I didn't have sex with Edward Cullen."

He looked... more confused, "What?"

I shook my head, "It's the truth. I'm not just saying that I didn't because Bella is here. I really didn't... I've never even kissed him, except for on game night last week."

"But I thought you-"

"I lied to you."

Most people's mouths were dropped, except for Bella and Edward's. He just held her close, turning her face away so she could bury it in the crook of his neck. Emmett just clutched the basketball in his lap, giving me a reassuring glance.

Jacob looked... wrathful. He shot up off the couch, staring me down, "What the fuck, Rose? Why would you say that to me?!"

"I'm sorry," I replied shakily, but holding my ground, "I didn't mean to hurt you, I just felt there was no way out."

"No way out?!" he hissed. "From what?!"

"From us," I said. "From... what we were becoming. I felt you had grown feelings for me, and I didn't want that, and I just-"

"So you said you fucked Cullen so I'd back away."

I nodded sheepishly. "...Yes."

"I cannot fucking believe you did that to me, Rose. To me."

"I know. I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am."

"Don't fucking apologize to me when you can't even look me in the eye," he continued. "That isn't fair to me."

"I really am sorry. I just... I began to like someone else and I knew you wouldn't understand how quickly I'd be able to move on. I just wanted to rip the Band-Aid off. I didn't think it'd get around, and then Bryan told me you wouldn't date her because she was just another girl that did stuff with Edward, and then everyone heard and... I'm sorry."

"Wait. Wait. Just back the fuck up," he said, shaking his head. Then he thrust his finger at me, "You liked someone else... Emmett, I presume?"

I gave him a nod, my heart clenching.

"Isn't that fucking wonderful," he scoffed, looking from me to Emmett. "So does he know about you and me then? From before?"

I closed my eyes, shaking my head and preparing for the worse.

"What about you and him?" Emmett asked me.

"Are you going to tell him?"

I shrugged, keeping my eyes closed as tears streamed from them.

"I think you should," Jake said.

I nodded. I owed Jacob that, and I didn't want to keep any secrets from Emmett. I loved them both too much. "Jacob and I... we had sex here at the cabin," I whispered. "A few times. We even..." I exhaled, shaking my head, "messed around when you were in the same room, that first night."

Emmett scoffed. Most of the girls had their mouths or faces covered. Edward didn't even look at me, nor did my sister. Alice looked sad for me, while Jasper appeared stunned. Jacob didn't look any happier.

"You know," Jacob said, walking toward me and standing in front of me. He kept his voice calm, meant just for me, "I wasn't growing feelings like that for you, Rosalie. I knew we were friends, and I was attracted to you, sure. But I knew you found Emmett attractive, as did I with other girls. I thought we had an understanding. This could have all been avoided if you would have just asked me before you presumed."

I nodded, tilting my head as my chin quivered. I tried to reach out and touch him, but he stepped away, shaking his head. "Jake. I'm so sorry that I lied and I assumed stuff. I wish I could fix this but... I don't know how. I don't know what to do."

"Don't just apologize to me, Rose. Apologize to Edward too. And Bella. And Bryan, while you're at it. Not to mention your boyfriend."

I looked over to Bryan, who was glaring at me as well, "I'm sorry."

She nodded, not taking her upset eyes off of me.

Then I turned to Edward and Bella, "You guys... I'm so sorry."

"I don't want to hear it Rose," Bella said, not opening her eyes or removing her head from Edward, "Not now. You're my sister and I love you, but I am upset with you. I just can't deal with this right now. I have a headache, I feel dizzy, and we'll talk about it later."

"Okay."

Then I turned to Edward, "Do you hate me?"

"Hate's a strong word, like I told your sister," he replied. "I just don't understand why you'd say me. I know it'd piss Jacob off, but you should have thought about that. Like Black and I need any other reasons to dislike each other."

"I know. Will you forgive me though?"

He exhaled, rubbing Bella's back, "Yes. I forgive you."

Next I turned to Emmett, "I'm s-"

"It's fine," he said, not looking at me but at the turned off television. "We'll talk about it later when we're alone, okay?"

"...Yeah." I replied. "Well... that's all I had to say. Sorry for those who thought something else. And for those of you who are all leaving tonight, which is all but Bryan and Charlee... I hope you guys have a safe trip. It's nice to meet all of you and share some fun times, and I hope we have more later. I hope you all don't look at me with disgust."

"We don't," Colleen replied. She was a good friend. "We love you and you're human. We get that."

"Thanks."

But I didn't feel better. I felt numb.

BellaPOV

After dinner, Jasper and Emmett drove our friends to the airports.

Saying goodbye to Colleen was sad, but she was my best friend, so I knew I'd see her in a little under a week.

Bryan and Charlee were staying an extra night, because their flight got delayed. The last I saw them for the night, Charlee was packing her stuff and talking to Alice, and Bryan convinced Jacob to talk with her. They went upstairs to his room. Alice and Jasper were now going to take Edward's old room, once everything was washed up real nice.

I was laying down on my bed, curled up in fetal position with the lights off. Edward was behind me, with his chin on my shoulder, rubbing my head.

"Maybe I should call my father, or we should go to the doctor," Edward suggested, being paranoid. He was always like this when I felt under the weather, even when we were young.

I chuckled, rubbing his free hand, which rested on my hip, "You are a doctor."

"I'm an OB-GYN, Bella."

"Same difference."

"No," he laughed, "I look at nether regions and do breast exams. That's a big difference."

"I'm fine, Edward."

"Did you take more Tylenol?"

"I've taken four so far today. I don't want to over-do it."

"Did you drink caffeine?"

I sighed, "A few cups of black coffee this morning."

"That can do it. Caffeine can help a headache, because it increases the value of painkillers and constricts blood vessels, so they're not enlarging -- which causes headaches to form. But it can also encourage a headache, if it's combined with sugar and an empty stomach. Or large quantities of it."

I snickered, "Here we go, Doctor Cullen at my rescue."

"I just want you to feel better. The fact that you're having an extreme reaction to light sensitivity means you don't have a headache, but a migraine. Especially since the pain is prolonged."

"So what do we do?" I groaned, tucking my head under the nearest pillow.

"Do you have throbbing in your head and feel sort of... off?"

"Yes."

"Tension?"

"A little," I sighed.

"Alright, I'll be right back."

"No, don't leave me," I whined, reaching out blindly to grasp his arm.

He chuckled, kissing the tops of my hand before my prying my fingers off, "I'll be right back, Angel."

A few staggering minutes later, I heard him re-enter the room, but didn't bother to open my eyes. I felt the pillow being removed, and something cold placed on my head. I winced and tried to remove it, but he didn't allow me to.

"It's an icepack wrapped in a towel," he said. "It refuses the tension to expand. Lift your head, I am going to place another one under your neck as well."

I did as directed, reaching out to find his hands again.

"One more sec, love," he said. "Next, I bring you corn chips."

"Corn chips?" I asked, confused.

"Yes. Salt can alleviate the vessels, diminish any sugar intake, and calm the attack. Eat up."

Keeping my eyes closed, I opened the bag and began to chew on one.

"No more television, maybe just the sound of light and soothing music, okay?"

"Yes," I grinned. He was being so sweet!

"Finally, I'm going to sit over you and rub your head, okay?"

I nodded, chewing a few more chips.

While Edward re-situated us to where he could straddle my waist without hurting me, and began to work his wonders on my head, neck, and shoulders, I remained silent for about fifteen minutes.

So did he, keeping me relaxed and comfortable.

After a while though, I realized I missed his voice. Therefore, I decided I'd ask him a few more questions. "I know the obvious reasons, like Esme's loss of Catherine Angel last year, but... why else did you decide to be an OB-GYN?"

He exhaled, massaging me above my nose, "For babies, mostly."

"Babies?"

"Yes. I love them. Seeing them open their eyes for that first time... Wow. I love being able to be that first person that helps expand a family. For these couples and mothers to place their lives in my hand, knowing I'll do my very best for them... it's an amazing feeling. I plan to have a houseful one day. Or being able to catch cervical cancer while it's at its first stages, and having that advantage to do something... Or when a sixteen year old girl who has no one else to turn to because her mother is religious and her father's a dirtbag, and she's thinking about sex and wants to be safe... "

I could hear him smiling, and it made me smile while he continued, "I get to be that person that explains to her the necessities of waiting, or at least being safe... and to reassure her to do what's in her heart, and not necessarily what her parents think. I get to be the man that spends endless hours over an operating table, with back ache and stress and time away from my friends, but realize it's worth it in the end, because I just gave a sixty year old woman a new chance at life. I helped give her hope. ...It's really a beautiful feeling, Bella."

I smiled, reaching my hands up to rub along his arms, "You always amaze me. You're so sweet, and so cocky. Such a wonderful heart, but such a man's man. You're all in one."

"Take it or leave it," he grinned, lightly scratching my scalp. "I don't bullshit, that's for sure."

"I love that about you," I replied, opening my eyes slowly. Most of the lights were off still, with the exception of the one coming out of the crack of the bathroom, and his bright green eyes and structured jaw line shown perfectly.

"Edward," I whispered, "I've really missed having you around these past few years."

He tilted his head, and then gave me my favorite smile, bending down and kissing my cheek gently, "I've missed you too, Bella."

"God," I said, throwing my arms around to give him a hug, "you turn me into such a cheeseball!"

"That's okay," he chuckled, pulling back away to continue rubbing my head, "it's fun."

"Yeah," I grinned, re-closing my eyes. "It really is."

"Hey Bella...” Edward said. "Do you want to know what else is really good for headaches?"

"What?" I grinned, opening my eyes again.

"Sex."

I giggled, not responding.

"Come on," he said, leaning down and peppering kisses along the left side of my neck. "I distinctively remember you saying something about a rain check earlier today."

I bit my lip, smiling, "Yes I did."

"And I can tell you're beginning to feel better..."

"Yes," I laughed. "A little."

"And I won't make you do a lot of work," he continued his bribery in that velvet voice of his, "I promise."

"But if I'm going to be having sex with you, then I'd want to be an active participant."

"But we have to think about your head condition, first?"

"Head condition?" I laughed. "Please. I think you're more worried about your, um, head condition... Hint, hint."

"Hey," he said, "okay, that's it; you're paying for that one."

I started to object, but before I could, he had tossed the icepacks on the opposite side of the bed, and began to poke at my ribs and tickle me.

"Edward!" I gasped, trying to pull away from him, which didn't work so well considering he was sitting on me, "Stop it!"

"Nope. You have to reap what you sew, Bella." He began to tickle me worse, causing me to squeal and laugh and squirm around everywhere. I tried to buck him off, which he got a kick out of, but that didn't work either.

"STOP IT!" I said, as he held my arms over my head, laughing while he tortured me.

"Do you apologize for talking about my penis, Bella?"

"Yes!" I gasped, twisting around on my belly.

"I don't believe you," he said, as he began to playfully smack my ass.

"You're being hateful!" I said, clawing at the bed. "I'm sad to you right now!"

"You're sad to me!?" he joked, jabbing at my ribs and along the backside of my neck. "I'm sad to you!"

I tried to buck him off of me again, but that didn't work. Before I could blink, he stood on top of the bed, and I was now upside down, with my shirt hanging almost over my head, and my legs in his hands.

"EDWARD!" I said, trying to pull my shirt back up to keep from revealing my pink bra, while my head dragged along the mattress, "this isn't funny!"

He laughed, bringing me up around to where I was now wrapped around him, my legs around his waist, and my arms around his neck. Then he dropped us back down to the bed, in a straddle position, tickling me again.

I decided the only way to get out of this situation was to target his 'can't handle it without being turned on' areas, by yanking hard on his hair and biting down on the side of his neck.

Instantly, he fell backward onto the end of the bed, bringing me on top of him. He gasped, trying to push me away, but I wasn't having any of that.

"Tell me you're sorry," I said, tugging on the ends of his hair again.

"I'm sorry Bella," he said, exasperated.

"I'm sorry," I said, mocking his earlier words, "but I don't believe you."

"Bella," he nearly groaned, trying to lift me off of him, "don't start something you're not going to finish. I mean it."

"Is that a threat?" I asked, climbing higher on his chest and biting the other side of his neck, while my fingers worked on his sex hair.

"Yes," he answered breathlessly. "It... is."

"I'm not convinced," I whispered, flicking his ear lobe with the end of my tongue.

"Fuck," he said, closing his eyes as he again attempted to lift me off of him. He was incredibly strong and would have had me, but I locked my legs to his hips so firmly, I wasn't budging. "I'm pretty sure I can fucking convince you that my threat is real."

"Oooh," I giggled, biting his neck again, causing him to gasp, "are you sure?"

"Don't tempt me, girly."

God I loved him being feisty like this with me. He was so sexy.

I giggled, pushing him further by bringing my hand between our bodies and caressing his jeans.

Being in thin sweatpants had its advantages, and I could feel his body reacting instantly, as it touched my inner thigh. I wanted to taunt him about it, but knew he'd probably get me back for it, so I decided against it, nibbling on his bottom lip instead. He put my mouth to work, drawing his tongue out and into mine, pushing my face into his.

I gave him access the moment he wanted it, sucking fervently on his tongue. The taste of him was incredible, the best taste ever, and the urgency as he crushed my body on top of his said he really wanted me.

It only drove me on further.

It was as if there was a fire that suddenly ignited under us.

Because we just... went for it.

I held myself up on top of him, pulling away from his lips in order to get his t-shirt off. He sat up with me, helping me with the bra clasp. Then he pushed me backward, and we switched positions, him on top of me facing the headboard. I yanked his sweater off, almost ripping it by accident, and then his white t-shirt beneath it.

Our mouths were all over each other's, our lips, our necks, our throats, our jaws. Hands were caressing everywhere, my nails along his shoulder blades and fisting in his hair, while he rubbed his along my lips and breasts.

Our breathing was strained and loud, as our body heat accelerated immensely.

He began to work on my pants, kissing me with passion, but when he couldn't get the drawstring undone, he rolled us over again, me back on top of him, and he undid it quickly. I climbed down his legs, kissing around his belly button while I popped his button apart.

Then his strong hands found my forearms, and he lifted me up, pulling my back on top of him. Again, we rolled over, and my feet helped assist his, until his jeans were dangling from the end of the bed.

He pulled himself to his hands and knees, and I lifted myself up, so he could pull the pants off me. My panties were next, as our heap of clothes grew bigger. Once I was naked, I pushed him backward, his head back on the foot of the bed, and I climbed above him in a straddle position. He helped me with his boxers, and they also made it to the pile -- or somewhere around there. I wasn't exactly paying attention, since my mind was... elsewhere.

Once he rolled us over again, him on me, he supported my head with his hand beneath it, so it was hanging off the edge of the mattress. "Wait, wait, wait," he said, panting into my shoulder.

I licked my lips and his taste off of him, drawing my hands around his neck, "What is it?"

He shook his head, not removing his face from my skin, "I need to find my control. It's easy to lose it around you, being that I just want you so badly, all the time. I've honestly never wanted a woman more in my life. But I don't want to be rough with you. Okay?"

I nodded, pulling his face back so he can look at me. I caressed his jaw, giving him my most warming smile, "Edward. I trust you, and even if you wanted to be rough with me, I know you'd never hurt me-"

"I wouldn't," he said, cutting me off. "I swear, I'll never hurt you."

"I know," I said, running my hands from his jaw, to the back of his neck, down on his shoulders. "You don't have to walk on egg shells around me though. We have trust and love for each other, so it's completely understandable if passion takes control over us. If you're a little rough or whatever, it won't hurt me. I don't break that easy."

He snickered, burying his eyes into my neck, "Oh Bella. What am I going to do with you? Tempting me the way you do? I think you do it on purpose."

"Well," I said, scratching his scalp and causing him to hum, "I'd say... you enjoy it."

He pulled back, looking at me with love. "Okay... well, let's enjoy it then."

I smiled, kissing his lips, "Let's."

"Let's," he repeated, kissing me back.

"Let's," I egged on, wrapping my legs around his waist.

"Let's," he murmured one last time on my lips, before kissing me in the way that makes all my oxygen float out of my body.

Man, I loved it when Edward took care of my headaches.

EmmettPOV

I couldn't eat dinner. I couldn't stomach food.

Thinking about more of the revelations of Rose and Jacob sucked. I knew they fooled around, but never knew they had sex. And for me to be in the room at one point?? That's fucking sick.

All I could think about was that day when I walked in on Rosalie and Jacob, when he was on his way to the restroom and she was in a towel. She swore they didn't do anything, but now... can anyone blame me for wondering if that was really true?

Nothing else I thought was true.

And taking that drive with Jasper to drop off our friends didn't help.

Jasper and I decided to stop by the bar on the way back to the cabin, and he drank a few shots with me. It wasn't helping either. I sat at the bar, burying my face in my hands. My legs were shaking, feet tapping against the barstool.

Jasper leaned over, patting my back, "I know you're upset with Rosalie, man. It sucks."

"Yeah," I scoffed. "It does."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

I took a deep breath, scratching my head after I tossed my hat on the bar, "I feel so fucking sick, man. And frustrated. I don't know if I should be acting this way, or feeling this way, but I can't help it. I know I wasn't with her, technically, when she and Jake screwed around. But I mean, how can she hook up with him and then go straight to me? How can she fool around with him with me in the same room? How can she create lies about her and Edward? It's all fucking sick."

"Yeah," Jasper agreed. "It's all pretty messed up. She tried to make things easier by soothing it over, but in the end, it made it worse."

I nodded, swallowing down another shot of Jose. "That's not the worst part. We almost had sex, last night. For the first time. I was drunk and pissed about her lying. I wanted to her to make it up to me, prove to me that she wanted me, so I ensued the idea of sex, and she went for it. But I was... pretty inconsiderate about her stature, and I woke up from my ignorance and stopped when she started crying. I took care of her, soothing her in the bath. Non-stop apologies, put myself through a major guilt trip. I felt like shit all night, barely slept, thought about it all day today, about how much of an ass I was..."

I took a sip of my beer, continuing my rant, "Treating women like that, man, that's not me. I'm smarter than that shit, I was raised better. And I thought I could let that lie go, and make it up to her when I got over my guilt from it... then I find out all this bullshit?? It's too much man. Even if I love her, I really think it's just too much."

Jasper was silent for a moment, brotherly rubbing my back while we drank. Then he said, "Is loving her worth all of this?"

I shrugged, shaking my head, "I think I fell too fast for her. Something happened, I can't explain it. But I really thought she was the one, as stupid as it sounds in the little time I allowed myself to truly know her. We went to High School together, but we were different people back then. This was different. And I got confused, let my guard down, and fell for her. And look what it did? It bit me in the fucking ass."

"I wish I knew what to do for you, man."

"I love her but it's... ahh, it's just..." I pounded my chest, "it's crushing my heart. In this little of time? You know... I mean, it's different with Edward and Bella. No offense to you Jazz or anything, but... Edward and Bella, man, they're soulmates."

We swallowed another shot, but I kept going, " And God himself is not going to be able to rip them apart this time. I don't care if He brings the fucking floods, the tornadoes, the tsunami's, the earthquakes, the volcanoes, the ice storms... NOTHING is going to separate them again. It's just one of those things that's so obvious. They let each other go, they both came back... it's fate."

I looked over to Jasper, "You-you can just see it in their eyes, you've been able to see it all along! Even when she was with you or he was with... whoever... I remember the day they got into the accident, and once they got inside and we were all hugging the girls... Edward was with Alice and you were with Bella, but I watched Bella's face man. She was just... staring over your shoulder and longing for him. I almost ached, just watching how much they wanted each other but didn't speak up!"

After a minute of silence, I decided I still wasn't finished, "And they've had it rough, don't get me wrong. Their disagreements, their fights. But they always came back. And I'm sure Edward kicking James's ass two days from Sunday the other day is going to be hard when Bella finds out, but... she won't leave him. Because he did it for her, to protect her. To make sure James learned a lesson and wouldn't do that to any other men. ...But with Rose, loving her... it just... it's turned out to suck right now."

Jasper nodded, pondering over my statements. I felt like a jackass for bringing him and Bella's past in the conversation, but what I said was true and he knew it.

"Wait, wait," he said. "Edward kicked James's ass the other day? When?! How did he even know about that shit?!"

That's when I realized I may have had one shot too many. I meekly turned to him, nodding, "Just don't say anything man. It happened during the party, only James got hurt, Edward was supervised, and James won't be talking to the cops. Bella doesn't know, so just drop it, all right? Forget I mentioned it, I wasn't supposed to. I was just on a rant."

"I won't say anything," Jasper said, looking aweshocked. "But I just... I cannot believe Edward brought him all the way from Seattle just to kick his ass. And James, I met him a few times, and he's fucking... he's a douche. Fucking psycho. I don't know how Edward did it."

"Nothing get's in the way of that man's rage when it comes to Bella," I assured him. "Edward will kick any guy's ass when it comes to attacking a woman... but with Bella, man, I thought he was seeing fucking red. He had the best self control, he taught that boy a lesson... It was like KA-PLOW!" I shouted, punching my fist into my other palm. "It was great. James never stood a chance."

"...Wow," Jasper replied, shaking his head, eyes wide. "That's insane."

"That's Edward for ya. Risking his life, and his relationship for Bella... to do the right thing. He'll fight for women, he'll give the shirt off his back to anyone. Pull people from burning fires. Help to try to cure cancer and shit... Edward may be cocky and arrogant, but the man has his reasons. He is the shit."

Jasper laughed, "I'll give you that. He's hard to dislike. Nearly impossible."

"Yeah. He's my best buddy."

"He's a good guy," Jasper agreed. "But what are you going to do with Rose?"

"That," I answered, pushing the beer away and paying the tab, "is a good question."

JacobPOV

The house seemed empty without all the free-loaders lurking around in it.

I walked into the kitchen, digging through the cupboards for something to munch on. My talk with Bryan went surprisingly well. I told her the truth about my hook-ups last night, and she told me the truth about hers.

We realized that, although we had amazing chemistry and perfect sex, and we liked each other a lot, we needed to slow down and be friends first... possibly friends with benefits. But I agreed that I needed to get over my crutch over Cullen -- which I am getting better at -- and she agreed that pushing me over it won't help.

So, we decided that when she leaves in the morning, we'd stay in touch and see where it goes. I felt better about it, having a clean slate. It still bothered me when I thought about those girls with Cullen, sure. But truth be told, I'm the same amount of asshole as I made him out to be, so I really had no room to talk.

I realized that tonight.

Bryan and Charlee were spending the rest of the night with their cousin Alice, while Jasper and Emmett were out. Bella and Edward were upstairs doing God knows what. Rosalie was sitting by the fireplace with no lights or television on, looking quite upset.

After grabbing my favorite Cool Ranch Doritos, I decided to go in there and keep her company, proving that I forgave her for what she did. I sat on the opposite side of the ottoman from her, giving her a slight smile.

She smiled faintly back.

"What's up?" I asked, holding out the bag for her.

She shook her head, wiping under her eyes, "I am humiliated for everything I've done since I've been here. For harboring Bella, for pushing her on Jasper and away from Edward. For what I did to you, and to Emmett. For making a complete ass of myself in front of everyone's friends. I'm just... embarrassed."

"I fell off the roof before," I said, munching on some chips.

She looked over at me with swollen eyes, and a crinkled forehead.

"It's true," I continued. "Onto the hood of my dad's busted truck. Into the splits. Ripped my pants, smashed my balls to hell. I started crying, you should have seen it, it was awful. I thought I needed to go to the hospital, that my dick wasn't going to work. It was really bad. I was trying to skateboard off the roof and impress a girl... I ended up on the top of a hood with busted balls, split pants, red face, and crying like a little baby."

She giggled, unable to hide it, "that's funny."

"Yeah. I also made up this lie in junior high. I said I was dating this girl, she was really popular in a grade above me. Told fucking everyone that she was going to be my date to the dance. She ended up showing up with this jock and announcing over the mic that she never even spoke to me, in front of my entire class."

She giggled again.

"My point is, everyone fucks up. That's the way life goes. We all do it. Emmett's done it, I'm sure. Jasper, Alice, myself... even Bella and Fuckward. We all are human and shit fucking happens."

I grabbed another chip, shoving it in my mouth, "Rosalie, look. It's easy to fall down, because we're closer to the ground than we are the sky. It's the picking ourselves back up, dusting our shit off, and climbing back to the top that takes balls. And you've got balls. You'll be fine."

She nodded slowly, staring at the flames, "I can be a bad person. Maybe I deserve this?"

"Everyone has evil in them. Want some examples?"

"Sure," she giggled.

"Okay... let's see. You have evil in you, for your lies and obsession with vanity. I have evil in me because I made Bella cheat on me, twice. I fucked a minor. I talk shit. I start fights. Edward's evil because he cheated on Bella, and is fucking arrogant as fuck. Alice is evil cause she conspired to pull Jasper away from Bella behind her back. And Jasper's evil because he wanted Alice when he had Bella. We all do fucking stupid ass shit for no reason other than it sounds good at the time. And it bites us in the ass. It happens. You're not going to be burned at the stake for what you did, Rose. They aren't going to chase you down with fucking blow torches, sticks, and rocks. They're not going to create séances about you and pull out voodoo dolls on your breasts."

She laughed loudly, shaking her head, "Stop it!"

"No, I'm serious! If anyone's going to get burned at the stake, it'll be me first, I'm sure. So even if you're after me, my big ass will put that fucking fire out, so you'll have nothing to worry about."

"Jacob!" she shouted, and we both laughed in unison.

Finally, she reached out and stole a few chips from my bag. "You know, I can see why Bryan likes you so much. Bella and I... and Bryan... we see what's under. We know how real you can be, how good of a friend you are."

"Stop it, you're making me blush," I said, patting my hand in the air like a girl. "No, but seriously, all fucking bullshit aside, you've just got to put that shit behind you and move on. Fuck anyone who wants to hold it against you. All right?"

"Sure," she whispered, eating another chip. "Yeah."

We sat for a few moments, watching the orange flames bounce up and down. It was comfortable being with her, relaxing. It always was. And she didn't know it, but she made me feel better too.

But all good things don’t last forever, and it was proven when Jasper and Emmett walked through the door. Jasper was whispering something to Emmett, and then patted him on the back before walking away.

Emmett stood in front of the door, glaring at us on the seat. Then he looked down, shaking his head and sniffling.

Was he crying?

I looked over at Rose, and she looked back at me, appearing nervous. We listened as he strolled over to us, dragging his feet along.

Meekly, he said, "Rose. I need to talk to you, please."

She looked over rat me again, swallowing hard.

Then she nodded, "...Okay."

I watched as they walked away, a good distance away from each other.

It didn't look good.

RosaliePOV

This didn't feel right.

My palms were sweating, I could barely breathe, my throat was tight, my chest ached.

I felt disgusting.

I followed Emmett all the way until we got to the deck on the first level.

Throwing my jacket on, I crossed my arms over my chest in a protective stance.

I didn't want to speak first and knew I shouldn't.

Speaking was what got me into so much trouble in the first place.

Emmett looked down to the snowed wood on the deck, and I watched in the dark as his breath shown in the cold. His eyes were glossy and red and though I could smell liquor, I knew he wasn't drunk.

This meant he was crying, or had been.

I took a deep, unsteady breath and waited it out.

It seemed as if an hour passed us by. Standing out here, in the cold, unable to think.

"You..." he said eventually, still looking down, his voice cracking and shaky, "...are not a bad person. Okay? You're not. I want you to know that."

I nodded, trying to catch my breath, "...Okay..."

"And I know we're all stupid at times..."

"...Yeah..."

"And I thought I could let things go, and apologize for what I did to you last night. I thought I could let the lying thing pass..."

I nodded, as I began to tremble.

He exhaled, keeping his head dropped still, "But then things started to build up... and one by one, they just kept... adding..."

I wanted to say something, to apologize but was afraid to speak up. So I didn't.

"And I kept asking myself, was it worth it, was it worth it? And if it was one or a few things, then yeah, maybe I could fight for it..."

Emmett's voice trailed off and I watched as a single tear fell from his eye and into the snow on the porch, leaving an indent in the white powder.

He was silent for a few moments, trying to pull himself internally together. A few more tears fell, and he wiped them away with the back of his red, frozen fingers, as he sniffled.

I tried to speak up again, to apologize, but every time I opened my mouth, whimpers came out. And they weren't helping.

"...But I can't keep fighting for you, Rosalie," he eventually whispered. "If it was with a person, like another guy, then yeah, maybe. But I can't keep fighting the lies and the confusion and the voices in my head. The questioning I have, wondering what has been real and what has been fake..."

My heart began to clench tighter as I struggled to find my voice, "...I-I'm so sorry, Emmett."

He nodded, sucking in his bottom lip. He still wouldn't look at me. "I feel as if I've been woken up. When things are too..."

He sighed, pulling himself together again. But his voice continued to crack. "...too good, they fall apart. I should have known, should have saw it. I had you up on this pedestal, on this block. I admired you, I looked up to you. I wondered where you had been all my life... I knew you had flaws, like all women. I wasn’t stupid... but regardless, through all those imperfections, I still thought you were perfect for me."

I nodded, wiping my tears from my face.

"But..." he said, finally looking up to meet my eyes.

A tear fell from our eyes at the exact same time, and it was heartbreaking to watch on him and feel from myself.

He took a deep breath, shaking his head as he looked at me. "But I thought... w-wrong, Rosalie."

"Can I-I make it up to you s-somehow?" I begged, walking over to him and clutching his jacket, "Prove to you that I'm the one for you? Prove to you that I-I deserve a second chance??"

He sniffled, "This wouldn't be a second chance, Rose. This would be, like, a third or fourth chance. They all add up. Don't you see that?"

"But I love you!" I said, pulling him to me as the tears came rushing out. "I do, and we can make it work! I'll do whatever it takes! I'll... I-I'll, um... I'll do whate-"

"It's not going to work, Rose."

I froze.

My heart stopped.

I looked at him, swollen eyes wide, trying to grasp his words. "W-What?"

He looked me directly in the eyes, and his pain shown through as clear as day. "Us. We're not going to work."

"But... I thought when you love someone that you try and b-"

"Loving you, I always will. But..." he shook his head, wiping his traitor tears away from his own face. "This relationship, the way we started, it's been all bad. Attraction and love can't build a relationship. Trust has to be there too, and..."

He swallowed, pulling my frozen fingers from his jacket, "...I don't trust you."

I felt my chest cave in as I watched through tear-filled eyes, him releasing my hand from his.

And then I was empty.

His voice was a faint whisper when he spoke up again. "I'm sorry for what I did to you, what we did to each other last night... with the whole sex thing. It was my fault, yes, but we were both in the wrong mind-frame, and I'm sorry about that. That's on me, that's my mistake. But... I can't do this anymore."

I nodded, still numb and not comprehending a single word. My throat was closed up, my chest was completely crushed, and my heart didn't exist anymore.

He started to walk in the house, but I grasped at the arm of his jacket, trying to talk through my tears, "I'm sorry. Please... don't leave me. Don't quit, don't ... d-d-don't give up on us, Emmett. P-Please."

He pulled me to his side, kissing the top of my head as he cried, "...I'm sorry baby. But I've got to go..."

I clutched at him, whimpering into his side, grasping for his touch.

But it wasn't there, and I couldn't find it.

That made it hurt worse.

He sniffled, pulling himself away. "Get inside before you freeze."

Then he walked away and didn't look back.

I stood there, arm stretched out, mouth open.

I felt like steel, planted in the snow.

What was the point in going inside and not freezing?

My sister found her Edward again. Jacob was better. Alice had Jasper.

And worst of it all... all that was important to me just quit being in my life.

Emmett walked away.

Because of my stupidity... I had nothing.

----AUTHOR'S NOTES----

So there we go, Chapter 18!

-- So sad. I know. :(

Question Poll for this chapter:
1. How do you feel about Emmett's decision?
2. Do you think Rosalie could have done/said something to change his mind?
3. What do you think is in Bella's journal that's so personal that she won't let even Edward see?
4. Where do you think Jasper is going to take Alice for their fancy date tomorrow?

Just wait though, we have so much MORE for these characters to go through and deal with. I'm so happy for the game plan, can't wait until we can get to more of it!!

-- Top answers to last chapter's poll:
1. Who had the funniest one-liner?
Jacob, tied with "Black is back" and "I just fucked a minor". *giggles*
2. Who had the most romantic one-liner?
Edward - "I've never made love to anyone before," he admitted in a whisper beneath my ear, before placing a tender kiss there. "...and I want to make love to you... Isabella, I want you to be my first."
3. Who had the most unexpected moment?
Rose/Emmett's whole scene.
3. What was the most shocking part of the chapter?
Jacob and the two girls in one night.
4. Most romantic description of a character's moment?
Most people gave me lines, couple choices, or full scene answers, but the winner by a few votes of the actual description was:
My own lips were parted as I maintained a steady breath. My fingers found their way to his biceps, and I trailed circles around them, moaning lightly into his mouth. I loved it when he kissed me, because then there wasn't a part of me that wasn't filled with him. But then other times, when he'd just lay his opened lips on top of mine and breathe... that was beautiful too.
5. Who do you think will be the most changed when tomorrow comes around?
Most of you guys agreed that everyone was going to change. But Rosalie got the highest points. -- and since you've read tonight's chapter, I'd say you were right. :(
6. So you think Edward will end up telling Bella about James?
Most people think she'll find out from someone, but not Edward.
7. Who had the best sex?
LOL! Do I even have to answer? Okay, okay, for bragging purposes: EDWARD AND BELLA!!

Reviews are better than Doctor Edward and his sexual healing! :D