Bella & Jake: Soulmates

Chapter 1

My breathing kicked up a notch, sanding the walls of my throat.

            Wouldn't Edward, indifferent as he might be, want me to be as happy as was possible under the circumstances? Wouldn't enough friendly emotion linger for him to want that much for me? I thought he would. He wouldn't begrudge me this: giving just a small bit of the love he didn't want to my friend Jacob. After all, it wasn't the same love at all.

            Jake pressed his warm cheek against the top of my hair. If I turned to the side-if I pressed my lips to his bare shoulder...I knew without a doubt what would follow. It would be very easy. There would be no need for explanations tonight.

            But could I do it? Could I betray my absent heart to save my pathetic life?

            I turned my head to look at Jake. Then I saw something I hadn't seen in a while. He looked like my Jacob. He looked young but his deep concern for my sanity (after all who jumps off a cliff for fun without looking at the weather?) matured his face. I knew then that I loved him. Not at all the way I loved Ed...Edw...Edward. Not even close, but I knew that I could try, for him, for me.

            I leaned my head in towards Jake. Somehow his lips found their way to mine...and...I froze.

            I couldn't do it. NO. I pulled back. "I...I'm sorry. It's too early Jake. I can't."

            To my shock, he smiled, although really I shouldn't have been too shocked, after all he should be used to it by now..."Sure, sure. I get it. Bella you should know...I... I... Koo cloak lay." (For those who don't know I'm trying to copy what he said in the movie meaning I love you in Quileute)

            "I should take you home now, here..." He reached over me to open the door. Then he was out and around to my door so quickly. It reminded me of the reason I couldn't kiss him. I don't think I will ever get over him. Not in this lifetime!