[BamaFan121s]

"Jake, I…" I was truly at a loss for words.

"I take it you don’t talk about how hard it is? With him at least." He knew me like an open book.

I merely shook my head, acknowledging that he was right. "I’m afraid to," I answered truthfully. "Afraid that he’ll blame himself…he’s always been so quick to take all the guilt for things out of his control. I feel like I was to blame for that for so long…I don’t want to do that to him again."

"Mmm…I kind of figured it was something like that." He reached down and picked up a stick and began slowly and methodically picking the bark off its surface as he spoke. "Bella, if I asked you something, would you answer me truthfully?"

"Of course, Jake, anything!" How could I deny him the truth? After all the sacrifices he’d made on my behalf.

"Are you happy, Bella? Really happy?"

"Yes. Very much," I answered automatically, not because it was what he wanted to hear, but because it was the truth. "I’ve never been happier, Jake. Are you happy?"

"Never been better." The smile on his face told me his feelings were as genuine as mine. Then his face took on a very thoughtful expression as he spoke again. "Now mind you, I may not have been around as long as some of your family, but I think I’ve had time to figure a few things out." He looked up to my face, his eyes squinting slightly in his concentration. "I think the things in life that you want the most, things that you truly enjoy, are always the hardest. I think if you didn’t have to struggle to get to where you want to be, you’ll never fully appreciate what you have." He paused, gesturing between himself and me. "I think that’s why this kind of thing is so hard get a handle on, and I don’t mean just the vampire and werewolf thing. But once you finally win the fight to get there, you realize you’re right where you were always meant to be."

"Jake, I couldn’t agree with you more." I smiled warmly and reached forward to take his hand. His posture relaxed, indicating that he realized I understood exactly what he’d meant. "I didn’t realize how wise becoming a wolf had made you."

"Yeah, well, I guess you can’t have beauty and brains," he teased back, all the tension of the conversation fading away.

"Jake, you are without a doubt, one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever known." I leaned forward to hug him and he returned the gesture, his skin scorching against mine. "Thank you," I whispered in his ear.

"Now," he said, as we released each other, speaking a bit more loudly. "Let’s go see if we can find that niece of yours." I recognized his words for what they were—a reminder, for me. As far as Charlie was aware, Renesmee was not my daughter, but Edward’s niece. Another role I played. I sighed to myself, finding it humorous that at one time I thought all these false pretenses would end once I became a vampire. Little did I know, they hadn’t even begun. Still, I hadn’t bargained on even being around Charlie after my transformation. This made that a possibility, so I’d gladly take the trade. I had a feeling that Charlie suspected that the story was fabricated, but thanks to Jacob’s efforts, he never questioned it.

"I think she’s out in the shed!" Charlie called. He’d heard what Jacob had said, as was obviously the intent.

Jacob and I walked towards the small, makeshift garage. We had timed our search perfectly, due to careful timing on Jacob’s behalf, I’m sure. Everyone else had come outside and commenced to devouring the food that had been prepared. I could avoid any further questions regarding my eating habits, or more appropriately my lack thereof.

Charlie had been right—Renesmee was in the shed, as was Edward. Edward stood in front of Jacob’s dismantled Voltzwagon Rabbit, his hands in his pockets, slowly shaking his head from side to side. "Jacob…" he began.

"No! Don’t say it!" Jake began, "I know what you’re going to say, don’t say it!"

"Jacob…" Edward said, his voice almost pleading. "Face facts. She’s dead. Think about how nice a new, shiny Mustang GT would look parked here…or a Corvette even…"

I sighed, and felt sorry for Jacob. Edward was relentless when he made up his mind about buying something, particularly cars. Jacob would not likely win this battle without a long, hard fight. I ignored them, looking around the garage. There was something vaguely familiar about it. I sensed that I knew the place well, yet I couldn’t quite put my finger on why.

I approached an old white refrigerator, rust creeping over the paint in several spots. And long extension cord, mended in several spots ran from it’s base up to the house. A low, mechanical humming told me that it was running, though I couldn’t see how. I opened it and saw several cans of soda. I reached out and took picked one up. Even with my ice cold skin, I could tell the drink was not as cold as it should be.

Jacob’s voice pulled me back to the present. "Fine, fine. Have it your way!" I turned back and saw a triumphant smile on Edward’s face. I didn’t have to ask what the cause was—I was pretty sure I had a good idea. Poor Jacob.

"So, who’s ready to head out to the beach for a bonfire and some stories?" Jacob said, quickly changing the subject.