Bella POV

Well, that was weird.

I couldn't even remember the last time I saw Rachel. Was it at Christmas? I was barely there, being depressed and all. Wow, she really did look like Jake. They had the same deep brown eyes and toothy grin. Not only did she share the best attributes of Jake, but she also looked so much like her mother Sarah.

She was nicer than I remembered her being. Maybe it was Rebecca I was thinking of. Rebecca had been the one to alienate me when we were younger. Rachel always seemed more like Jake—or Jake was like Rachel—in that she always included me.

I was somewhat in a daze the whole drive back home. I was not anticipating seeing Jake at the beach, but wasn't upset that I had. I always enjoyed seeing him, each time being pleasant, except for our last encounter when he threw me out. I did deserve it, I just wished we could have worked it out maturely instead of me crying and him practically fuming. This time, he just stood there and stared at me like a space alien. It had been only a week since I had last seen him, what could have changed so much since then that would cause him to stare? Though, thinking back, I was staring too. How could I not? He was not wearing a shirt, dripping in sweat, with his muscles flexing and generally in a good mood. He was practically begging for me to ogle him.

But, he didn't say a word except for muttering my name. That was so un-Jake; he always had something to say about something. There were so many things that I wanted to say to him. He was the focus of my bizarre (yet exciting and intriguing) dream, causing me to knees to buckle when I saw him. As the father of my children, in my dream, my response to him was more intense. I couldn't look at him for more than a few seconds at a time and I could feel the hairs on my air standing up on my arms. I was even more attracted to him than before, and I'm pretty sure my love for him went up by 300 percent. That was how much this dream shook me.

Safe to say, that this dream and chance encounter made up my mind for me. I would tell Edward tonight that I really couldn't live without Jake.

***

I got home around ten in the morning, having killed a lot of time at the beach; more so than I thought was possible. I lose all track of time when I am alone with my thoughts.

Firstly, I made my way up the stairs to my room so that I could change. I had sand in my shorts and shoes. I didn't bother showering again, just shaking out all the visible sand I could get. It was as good a day as any to do some cleaning so I took out the vacuum cleaner and bucket of chemicals from the hall closet and got to work.

I did the laundry, mopped the kitchen floor, vacuumed my room, the living room, and made my bed. About an hour into my cleaning, the doorbell rang. I turned down the music on the radio, expecting Alice or maybe Edward to be popping in for a visit.

"I'll be right there," I yelled from the kitchen, turning my yellow gloves inside out and running to the door.

When I swung it open, I was not prepared to see my mother and Phil standing outside with huge smiles on their faces.

"Mom! What are you doing here?" I asked, pushing myself forward to hug her tightly. "I thought I was going to come and visit you next week."

"Charlie called us and we decided to fly out and surprise you for your graduation. Did you really think I would miss this big of a day?" She asked, hugging me tightly. So that's what the other surprise was. Good going, Charlie.

"I am so glad to see you. And you too Phil, don't you have spring training?" I asked, moving from my mother to hug him too.

"I took the week off. Your mother was insistent that we spend some time here with you."

"Well, I am glad she convinced you. Please, come in. I was just cleaning up."

"Some things never change, do they?" My mother commented rhetorically, shaking her head in mock annoyance. I led them to the newly vacuumed living room where they sat down on the couch.

"When did you get in? Where are you staying?"
"The motel downtown. We just got in last night. I wanted to come over and visit with you then, but Charlie insisted that we wait until now to come over. Said you were busy with a boy. Would he be talking about Jacob?"

I hung my head down, "No Edward came over last night. He's back with his family. You'll get to meet them at graduation tonight."
"I would like that. I would love to see Jacob too. I can't remember the last time I was over at the Blacks. How is everyone?"
"Good. Rachel is visiting for the summer and Billy is healthy."

"That's terrific. Ooh, darling, have you eaten breakfast yet. We're starved." Renee put her arm on Phil's and smiled at him graciously. He had been quiet this whole time while mom was ranting.

"I'll start some breakfast. I have a couple hours until I need drive over to school, is there anything you want to do?"

"Just spend some time with you, darling." She replied, getting up from the couch to hug me again. "I've missed you Bella. Jacksonville is very quiet without you there."

"I miss you too mom. I'm really glad that you're here."

"Me too."

We ate a brunch type breakfast since it was almost noon and caught up on my life and theirs. Renee filled in all the details about Jacksonville, how hot it was, what the beach was like, the plans for the spare bedroom she was decorating. Phil talked a lot about playing for the Suns and how great his team was. They seemed happy where they were and I was glad. The more I heard about how well their lives were going, I felt less sad about leaving the two of them to be with Charlie. I just hoped that Charlie could find someone to make him happy like Phil makes my mother.

They asked about me, but I was less than eager to talk about all the horrible things I said to Jacob, or how once again I had ditched my friends for a boy. Instead I talked about the boring things, like school, how well I was doing in classes and that I would be sad to leave it all behind.

When all the plates were cleared, my mom took my hand and led me upstairs so that she could see my dress for graduation. She said her ohs and ahs when I tried it on for her.

"Bella? There is someone at the door for you." I hear Phil call from downstairs. Again, really?

I rushed downstairs to meet my third guest of the day, still dressed in the graduation outfit. Phil commented on how nice I looked and I thanked him as I opened the door to find Alice peering at me.

"Don't you look nice." She chirped. "May I come inside? I thought we could get ready together."

"Of course. My mom and step dad are here though."
"That's perfect. I love parents."

She stepped inside, putting her dress and makeup bag down on the table. "I'm Alice Cullen. It's a pleasure to meet you." She held out her dainty, manicured hand to shake Phil's. He took it graciously and shook lightly, afraid to be too rough with someone who looked like they could break in half if you breathed too hard.

"Phil Dwyer. It's a pleasure."

Renee descended the stairs and perked up when she saw that one of my friends had come to visit. She rushed at Alice, throwing her arms around her and hugging her in an overly friendly mother sort of way. "You must me Alice. Bella has told me about you. I'm Renee, Bella's mother."

Alice replied politely. "Yes, I can see the similarities. Bella has told me much about you as well." Once they parted, Alice continued. "I hope I am not interrupting. I came over to get ready with Bella."

"That's no problem at all. I was planning on showing Phil around Forks anyways." She turned to me "I suppose we will see you at graduation then. I'll be in the front with the camera!" she teased and then turned to Alice. "Alice, dear, you must introduce me to your parents tonight. I would be delighted to meet them."
"I am sure they will want to meet you too."

"We will see you then. You really do look stunning, sweetie." She said kissing my cheek and grabbing my purse. Phil followed after her waving a "good luck" before departing.

As soon as the door was shut, Alice was dragging me up the stairs and laying her stuff out on the bed. "What are you planning on doing with your hair? Do you know what kind of makeup you're going to wear? Or would you prefer to just go natural?"

"Alice, this isn't prom."

"Yes I know." She growled. "But since you refused to go this year, I didn't get to perfect your look then. Therefore, you owe me for tonight Bella."

Alice was unstoppable. It was true that I refused to go to prom. Last year had gone horribly and besides, who needs to go twice? Edward and I stayed in and a watched movie, needless to say Alice was pissed. She didn't talk to me for a day, attempting to punish me for being 'cruel' to her. She loved to play dress up and I was her favorite doll to use.

"Alright, I will appease you tonight, but don't go to go overboard alright? I don't want to look like I am trying too hard."
"Trust me, Bella. I know what I am doing."
I watched as she unloaded her makeup bag, which turned out to be that magic carpetbag from Marry Poppins. No matter how much she pulled out, there was always more waiting inside it. She had a range of hair products and irons inside along with cosmetic products from various countries and brands. I couldn't understand how a vampire would need makeup if they looked perfect all the time. There isn't a need for foundation or blush when your skin is already camera ready.

Alice curled my hair, put all these funky products in it so that it would "shine, sparkle, and stay put", according to Alice. I let her try out different makeup styles on me, while I listened to her talk about a range of things. She told me about the last couple of graduations she had before their family had moved to Forks. I was fascinated that she had lived through such interesting times and experienced schooling over multiple decades. It made me think of how precious my time was as a human. I wouldn't get another chance to do this and so I let my uptight insecurities float away for the night.

My completed look took an hour, but Alice had worked a miracle. I twirled in front of the mirror like a little girl, admiring Alice's handiwork.

"You're the best Alice. You should do this professionally. Girls would pay big bucks for this kind of help."

"I have plenty of money, Bella. I do this for fun. I like making people feel good about the way they look."

"Either way, you're fantastic at it." I gave her an extra big hug. "Are you going to get ready here?"
"No, I am getting a ride over with Edward. We'll meet you at school, ok?"

"Sure." I helped her get everything back into the single bag she brought. "Wait, Alice can I see your dress?"

"Oh, silly me, I completely forgot." She grabbed the garment bag and pulled out a form fitting, gold sequined dress.

"Wow, that's amazing!" And it was. She would wow the crowd that was for sure. The gold suited the paleness of her skin well.

"I need to get going, but I will see you soon. You look fabulous by the way." She smiled, heading from my room and down the stairs.

"Bye Alice, thanks again." I waved and watched her get into the car and speed away.

***

I drove myself to school, taking off the heels Alice insisted that I wear, so that I could drive. When I got to the parking lot, I had to fight Jennifer Chow for a parking spot. It was packed. Apparently, all the parents decided to show up as early as the students, and taking all of the parking spaces.

I followed the crowds into the band room where teachers were passing out graduation caps and gowns. They were a dark navy blue and the caps had the Spartans caricature printed on the top. While waiting in line, I bumped into—literally—Jessica Stanley.

"Bella! Oh my gosh, can you believe it? We're graduating today!"

"I know. It feels like yesterday that I transferred in."
"I remember that. I was so jealous of you because everyone wanted to be your friend and talk to you. Can you believe that was a year and a half ago? I cant."

I smiled at her. No matter what the circumstances, she would always have an exaggerated perspective on things.

"Oh, I tried calling your house earlier but I guess you were out or something. I was going to see if you had thought about grad night." She paused to give the teacher at the table her name and received a plastic bag with her graduation robe. "It's going to be so much fun. We are having a barbeque and dancing down in La Push and the guys are convinced that they are going to camp out in the sand." We both laughed at the ridiculousness. "Anyways, Angela and I would love you to come. Everyone is going and it'll be a great way to get those last minute yearbook signatures before we all go away for the summer."

"You're right. I think I will go. It can't hurt."

"That's that spirit!"

I got my robes next and we headed off to meet up with Angela and Ben who were busy putting on their caps. Angela was snapping pictures as soon as her hands were free, but put it down so that she could hug me.

"I love your dress, Bella. That's a great color on you." She said, admiring the new dress I had bought.

"Yours too. Pink suits you."
"Really? I wasn't going to get it, but then I thought that I don't have a whole bunch of pink stuff at home and I need to branch out."

"It was a good choice."

"Thanks."

"So Ang, Bella is going to come to grad night with us." Jessica cheered. She turned to me, "and just so you know, Lauren wont be hanging out with us. I am so done with her. After the beach house weekend she just got worse."

That would explain why I haven't seen her at the lunch table in a while.

"She thinks that she is the queen of the world because her dad bribed the admissions director at Princeton." Angela added.

"I'll give her a month before she drops out." Jessica sniped.

"Ouch, Jess. That's a little harsh don't you think?"
"No. She was failing level 1 Spanish. Even I can hablo español."

We all laughed. Jessica's Spanish accent was as pretty terrible, put somehow she passed with flying colors.

"Attention students," Ms. Portofino announced, "it is almost three o'clock and you know what that means. Can I have everyone line up according to last name, thank you. We will be heading into the gym soon."

Mike Newton came up behind Jessica and me, throwing his arms around both of our shoulders. "Are you reading for this?" He asked rhetorically.

"Hell yeah." Jessica shouted. All around us there were soft cheers and chants.

"Let's do this!" Erik and Tyler hooted when they got closer to us. I would miss this and these people. Now looking back I would have benefitted from spending more time with them as a group. I spent most of my year and a half here with Edward or in a spiraling depression. I had missed out.

***

I saw Edward from afar once we were seated in the gym. Alice was by his side and they both turned around, from the front row, to wave at me.

The music started playing and the rows collected to the left of the stage, then one by one we ascended the stairs to receive our diplomas. Jessica went up the stairs and got her diploma, pausing for longer than required so that a few extra pictures could be snapped of her.

"Isabella Marie Swan." The principal spoke into the microphone and my heart started beating faster. I took the stairs one at a time, careful not to trip and embarrass myself.

I heard the cheering of my mom and Charlie, plus the enthusiastic clapping of the Cullens and my friends, as I shook hands with the principal. When he handed me my diplomas, I faced the crowd and smiled so my mom could take a picture. I could have sworn there was a very tan and muscular Jacob-shaped guy standing in the very back row, flanked by two others.

I blinked and kept moving as the principal called out another name and I was ushered off of the stage. When everyone had gotten their diplomas, the entire class stood and cheered, throwing their caps into the air. Blue and yellow hats rained down as students hugged one another and the crowd began to disperse in search of parents.

I found my parents easily. Charlie was holding a camcorder and Renee was practically jumping up and down with joy.

"You were so good up there!" She clapped, running forward to meet me in a hug.

"Thanks mom."

I turned towards Phil and hugged him, then moved to my dad. He was smiling at me, yet trying to still look tough in his sheriff's jacket. He looked like a proud parent and I loved him for that. "Hey dad."

"Hey Bells. I can't believe you graduated." He pulled me into his slightly awkward hug and whispered in my ear "I'm more surprised that you managed not to trip." I couldn't help but laugh.

"Me too."

I turned around to talk to my mother when I saw that three other people were standing with my parents. There sat Billy with Rachel and Leah holding flowers. "Congratulations Bella!" Billy smiled handing me the pink roses.

"Thank you so much Billy." I said, bending over to hug him.

I looked to Leah and Rachel, surprised that the two of them would be there. I wasn't sure if Leah was mad at me or not. I hadn't spoken to her since that weekend at the lake house. Along with not speaking to Jake, I had stopped talking to her too. Still, she smiled at me and moved forward to hug me.

"You're not mad at me?"

She shook her head. "I knew you weren't intentionally not talking to me. Don't worry about it, we're cool."

I sighed in relief. It would suck to lose Leah as a friend, especially if I was not going to college right away.

"And thanks for coming too Rachel. I know we haven't really had a chance to catch up."

"That's alright. Leah here has filled me in on all the gossip I missed while off at college." She winked knowingly. I would need to find out what Leah had shared with her. "Anyways, Billy was heading over here and we decided to tag along and say hi."

"Do you two want to come to the beach with me for grad night? There's a barbeque."

"Um, sure. That sounds fun." Rachel answered for the both of them. "Can we catch a ride with you?"

"Yeah. I need to say goodbye to a few people and then we can go."

"Sweet." Leah responded. The two of them flitted off into the crowd.

Is it possible that Jake was here? I could have sworn I saw him out there.

"So Bells, you're going to the grad night thing tonight?" My dad asked, shifting the weight to his other foot.

"That sounds fun, sweetie." My mom added.

"Yes. I'll be back early. I doubt they're going to barbeque into the night."

"Well just be careful." Charlie warned.

"I always am." I mocked.

"Well, I was just talking to Billy and I got to thinking that we should all celebrate. It's been so long since we've all been here." Renee started. "We could get all you kids together and have dinner. Maybe tomorrow?"

Billy looked at Charlie then at me. "I'll see what we're doing tomorrow and if that is going to work. Give us a ring."

"Absolutely."

"Excuse me, Mrs. Dwyer, chief, can I borrow Bella for a moment?" Edwards's smooth voice appeared behind me. I turned to find him along with Alice and the whole family there.

"Sure Edward."

Renee introduced herself to his family and they seemed to be getting along well enough when Edward pulled me away from the crowd.

"What did you want to talk about?" I asked, walking beside him.

"I wanted to know if you thought about what we discussed the other night."

"I have."

"And?"

"And…Edward I am really sorry, but I think I need to explore my other options. I'm not saying that I don't love you, because I do, I've just been having a lot of thoughts lately, not to mention these weird dreams." I shook my head. "You'll always be a huge part of my life, and I don't want you completely gone, but I don't think we should see each other anymore. I care about you and I think you should find someone who can love you whole heartedly."

He looked sad, but relieved slightly. "I understand. I want what is best for the both of us. If you want to be with Jacob, I respect your decision and will support you in that."

I hadn't said that I specifically wanted to be with Jacob over him, yet I was trying to be polite. Even without me saying it, he could tell where my heart was. "I wish you the best of luck in life Bella. My family hasn't decided to leave town just yet, but eventually we will move on. I will always be available if you need me, all you need to do is call."

"Thank you Edward. I appreciate everything you have done for me."

He nodded and started to lead me back to my family. When we were back, he kissed me on the cheek and left. I knew this wouldn't be the last time I would see him, but I was glad that I had finally made the break. It was much needed.

"What was that about?" Charlie grumbled.

"Finally understanding each other." I knew Charlie wouldn't know what I was talking about but he nodded anyways.

Alice and the Cullens gave me big hugs before departing, offering to have me over for dinner to celebrate with them as well. I told Alice that I would be calling her. As a gesture of kindness, the Cullen students had been invited to the grad night party, but being Cullens, they were not allowed on the reservation even to use the beach.

Rachel and Leah had returned while I was off with Edward and they smiled expectantly at me.

"Ready to go?" They asked in unison. I grabbed my keys from my mother, who had been holding them from me, and pulled the girls along with me.

When we got to my truck, I found a note stuck in the windshield wipers. I pulled it out so that I could read the scribbled handwriting, written on the back of a receipt to the gas station.

You looked beautiful out there. Congratulations.

Jacob

I looked to Rachel and Leah for an explanation but they just smiled at each other with knowing smirks. Sighing, I opened the door of the truck and they piled in.

He had come to watch me graduate and it tickled me inside. He still cared.

"Fire it up, Swan." Leah commanded, the three of us piled into the small cab. "We're missing all the fun."
Leah was only a few months older than me, but a whole grade ahead. She had graduated last year with Jared; Rachel graduated a year before with Sam and Paul.

When we got to the beach, I only saw half of my class there. Several of them were signing yearbooks and snapping pictures. One of the barbeques was heating up and music was playing loudly in the background. It was still too light out to start a fire, so people mingled around a barren fire pit.

The three of us squeezed out and made our way to the beach. When Angela spotted us, she came over and greeted Leah. I introduced her to Rachel and the four of us went to join the rest of the group.

"Wow, Leah, I didn't expect to see you here." Jessica laughed, hugging Leah. " You didn't by any chance bring the boys with you?"

"Nope, just my best friend. This is Rachel, Jacob's sister." Leah said, patting Rachel on the shoulder.

"Yeah I see the resemblance." Jessica cocked her head to the side. "Although I think you are much prettier."

"Well I would hope so." Rachel scoffed.

"I mean Jacob is fine and all, but he lacks the uh…" Jessica continued.

"Boobs?" Angela volunteered.

"Yes. And legs and great hair." Leah cooed, stroking Rachel's mane like a horse, in that best-friend's-can-get-away-with-acting-lesbian kind of way.

"But what he lacks in femininity, he makes up in muscle and charm. Isn't that right Bella?"

I looked up, suddenly aware that all of the eyes were on me. I could feel my cheeks turning red and I knew that Rachel was giving me an expectant look.

"Yes Bella, do tell." She urged. "You're the only one here who could explain in detail the effects of his charm."

"I'd rather not, thanks." I said looking away.

Leah just rolled her eyes and Jessica giggled. "We were kidding. But serious, you would know."

"Sure, sure. Next topic please."
"How's are things with Edward?" Angela asked politely, trying to make conversation.

Still not what I wanted to talk about, but at least it was better than discussing how sexy Jacob is. Leah and Rachel pretended to be interested in something in the distance as Angela continued to talk. "I noticed that he and Alice aren't here tonight."

"They are doing family stuff tonight. They told me to say hello."

"You didn't answer the question." Jessica nudged.

My voice got quiet as I tried to whisper only to Angela and Jessica. "He and I sort of broke up. It's really not a big deal, but you should know that we aren't together anymore."

Leah's head snapped towards me. I knew I wouldn't be able to escape the wolf hearing.
"Seriously, when did that happen?" Jessica gasped. Angela looked more worried for me than shocked about the news of our breakup. She would know firsthand what the last breakup did to me.

"About a hour ago. Things have been different since he got back. My feelings for him aren't as strong as they are for…uh, were before he left." I corrected myself. From the corner of my eye I could see Rachel's mouth flit up in a smirk. No doubt she knew what I would have said, had I not altered my answer.

"I didn't see that one coming." Jessica laughed, "Want a hot dog? I'm gonna go get some food." She said, quickly changing the subject.
"Sure." Three voices all confirmed.

I guess that conversation is over. Cant say that I am not glad, but Jessica really has the worst transitions.

Angela pulled me along to where James Turner, from my English Lit. class, was barbequing. "How are you holding up?" She asked sweetly.

"I'm fine, honest. It was my decision and I am happy that I did it."

"Ben and I are heading in that same direction."
"What? Why?"

"We'll both be heading off to different colleges and I doubt I could handle a long-distance relationship."
"Oh, Ang I'm sorry. Ben is a great guy."

"He is. That's why I'm ok with this. He is going to find someone great for him. And so will I."
"That's the spirit." I quietly cheered.

"Bella, do you want mustard on your hotdog?" James called out, holding up a bun with a slightly burnt hot dog inside.

"No. I hate mustard."

We sat down around the empty fire pit and when we were all done eating, Mike passed out some sodas. More and more people were showing up, all of them still dressed in their formal clothes from graduation. It seemed as if everyone was smart enough to bring his or her swimsuit too, but no one gave me the memo.

"Who's up for some volleyball?" Jessica asked, standing from her log seat and grabbing the ball next to her. Jessica had been on the volleyball team all four years of high school and played better than anyone I knew.

Other girls from her team stood up, Mike and Tyler joined in, and Angela went to set up the net. The sun was setting, but it was quite warm out. One by one, the players peeled of their outer layers to appear in their bathing suits. Not like I would play volleyball with them, but I suddenly felt left out. Without a suit, I couldn't partake in the midnight swim either. Even Angela had thought to wear her once piece underneath her dress.

"Bella, why don't you come and join us? Ditch the dress and hop in the game." Mike suggested happily, while passing me to get another soda.

"I didn't bring a suit and you know how I am with a volleyball."

"That's too bad. You should ask if anyone has a spare. You're going to miss out on all the fun."

"I'm fine, really. I can just watch you guys."

Rachel and Leah had been keeping to themselves for most of this time, until one of them spoke up.

"You know Bella, I have a couple suits back at my house, if you want to borrow one. I was thinking I would go back and pick one up. You're welcome to any one that fits you." Rachel offered.

"Uh…"
"Oh come on, where is your sense of fun. You didn't hesitate at the lake house…" Leah reminded me.

That was very different. I was trying to seduce your pack mate. There is no way in hell I am putting on another bikini just to appease my classmates.

"I think I'll pass."
"Boooooo." Leah whined, kicking sand at my feet.

"Fine." I grunted.

"Awesome. We'll be here when you get back." Mike called as I followed Rachel and Leah back to the Black's house.

***

It was dark when we got inside. That was a good sign right? That meant I could avoid any awkwardness by Jacob.

Rachel waltzed through the front door without having to unlock it. Leah skipped behind her to the back of the house where Rachel and Rebecca's room was. The inside walls were painted pink and there were several mirrors. The room looked bigger than any in the house (although I had never been inside Billy's room) but it made the most sense to give the biggest room to the twins who shared it.

"Ok, I know they are in here somewhere," Rachel said to herself as she went to work rummaging through drawers, throwing clothes around and disheveling the once nicely folded garments.

"Ah ha! Here they are." She pulled out a plastic bag full of unworn bathing suits that still had the tags on. "I bought these right before I came, thinking I was going to be at the beach a lot, but I still haven't worn most of them. Take your pick, a couple of them are different sizes." She threw the bag to me and I started picking through the different pieces. None of them were one-pieces. I suppose with Rachel's body, I wouldn't cover it up either.

"Hey Rach, do you have anymore Gatorades?" Leah asked.

"Yeah I think there are some in the garage. I can go get you one. Bella do you want a Gatorade too?"

"No thank you."

"Alright. Try those on and we'll be right back."
"Ok." I replied, but they were already out the door. I quickly slipped on a white and grey striped one. It was girly, with tied sides and some rhinestones here and there, but it was the only one that didn't drown me around the chest area. Once it was in place I put my underwear and bra into the pocket of my jacket and slipped my dress back on.

Exiting the room, I hear some shuffling in the kitchen. The girls must be back. I walked out to meet them, only to be greeted by Quil and Embry sitting at the counter.

"Hello Bella. What a surprise!" Quil joked.

I heard a thud as Jacob raised his head from inside the fridge and banged it against the door, at the sound of my name. Embry waved to me with his mouth full of food. I waved back.

Jake stood up very slowly, rubbing the sore spot on his head where he had hit it. He didn't speak so I thought I would. "Hi." I said softly.

"Hey." He said back, finally looking at me. "What are you doing here?"
"Rachel let me borrow a bathing suit."

"Oh." He replied, not curious as to why I would need to borrow a bathing suit from his sister.

"What's the suit for?" Embry asked.

"Party on the beach!" Rachel chanted as she entered the front door, Gatorades in hand.

"It's grad night." I added. "You're welcome to come if you'd like."

"Fuck yeah!" Quil barked, high-fiving with Embry. Quil then proceeded to dance like a spaz, doing moves like the 'funky chicken' and 'the sprinkler'. I couldn't help but laugh, everything he did was hilarious.

"It looks like Quil is excited. Embry you down?" Leah asked.

"Sure, why not."
"Awesome. We're gonna start walking back. You coming Bella?"
"In a minute." There are a few things I need to say to Jake.

The four of them exchanged glances while slowly backing up towards the door. It didn't look like Jake was objecting to a civilized talk since he stayed put as everyone left.

When the house was empty, except for the two of us, and I could no longer hear Quil talking down the road, I spoke.

"So you came to my graduation?"

"We were passing through. I knew Billy was going to be there so the guys and I stopped by." He shrugged, trying to come off as cool. It really just made him seem like an ass.

"Thanks for the note. It meant a lot to me." That was the truth. I loved his note. It was sweet, like the Jake I knew, not the one that was being guarded with me now.

"Yeah, no problem. It was the truth. You do look very pretty tonight, Bells."

He called me Bells!

"I think everyone is invited to grad night. You don't have to be a senior. It is a public beach after all." I laughed, trying to lighten his mood. It wasn't obviously wasn't working.

"That's probably a bad idea. I have some stuff to catch up on and I might need to patrol." He turned away from me to get a soda from one of the cabinets. It popped as he turned back the tab and took a sip.

"Ok. Never mind then."

Frustrated, I turned around to leave, but thought better of it. "Renee is in town and she wants to do dinner. She and Billy got to talking and now she's planning for all of us to go out." I paused to look him straight in the eye. "Also, I broke up with Edward. After graduation I told him that my feelings for him never fully returned, and that I had fallen for someone else. I thought you would want to know."

With that, I turned away.

"How do I know you mean that? You always run back to him." He sounded vulnerable and I could hear the hurt in his voice. It was going to take a lot to win back his trust. He would have me working for it.

I moved quickly, spinning around and dropping my jacket. I practically threw myself into his arms and linked my arms around his neck. Carefully, I placed my lips on his and kissed him with the emotion I had been saving. I worked slowly, moving my lips against his, until he started to respond. His hands came to my waist and gripped tightly there, pulling me closer as he got more into the kiss. I nibbled on his bottom lip and then the top one, just enough to make him lean forward for more. Before I could get too carried away, I leaned back and broke the kiss.

"I'm not going back to him. Not this time." I said as steadily as I could manage. His hands were still around my waist, his hands delivering warmth through my body.

He dropped his hands as I stepped backwards, reaching down to get my jacket, and continued facing him up until the door.

We didn't break eye contact the entire time. I was telling him that I was sure about leaving Edward and that if I had any less self-control, I would have kissed him all night long. He didn't say anything to stop me from leaving, but it was better this way. We understood each other. Now the next time I saw him, he would be thinking of this kiss.

I left the Black household and speed walked back to the beach where my friends were waiting. They asked why I took so long, Quil and Embry teased me a little bit, but I knew they were all hoping Jake and I had made up. However, since Jake hadn't returned with me, they didn't press for details, but I wouldn't have given them freely. What Jake and I shared was only the beginning of what was to come.