☼Rising Sun☼

☼chapter five☼

JACOB

I'm not sure what Renesmee said to her parents that morning while I was asleep in her bed, but whatever it was, it worked.

Things are... better, with her parents. Edward isn't completely okay with everything, but he's better. He doesn't object as much if Ness and I want to go hunting or hang out, and he doesn't really mind at all if we hang out with the pack or at the main house.

And he doesn't threaten to rip my head off as much, so that's a plus.

Then there's Bella, who's trying so hard to go back to normal that she's the farthest thing from normal, but at least she's trying. That's all I can ask from her, at this point.

"So Jake..." Bella begins from her seat on the couch, her hands folding nicely in her lap. "Tomorrow. It's a big day."

I roll my eyes, snorting with amusement as I glance over my shoulder at her. "Not really, Bells. I'm not even aging."

Yes tomorrow is my birthday, and technically I'll be twenty-three. But it doesn't matter, because I won't age for the rest of my life.

"Not many people are, these days," she teases, wearing a nervous smile as she does.

Laughing, I say, "Trust me, I know." I think of everyone in the Pack who, as of right now, haven't begun to age.

However, I know they're thinking about it. About giving up the power for the younger generations. Sam's mentioned it to me once or twice, discussing what would have to happen. How his members would have to switch, to become mine.

I don't like thinking about it that much. I didn't even want to be alpha in the first place, and the few I have are already pushing the envelope.

"So, have any special plans?" Bella asks after a handful of minutes in an awkward silence.

"For today or tomorrow?" I ask, this time never removing my gaze from the staircase. Ness is currently getting ready, and I've been waiting nearly twelve minutes for her.

But I don't mind. I'd wait forever for her.

"Tomorrow."

Ness must have told her where we are going today.

A ghost a of smile brushes across my face. "I'm taking her to First Beach. We haven't gone in a while."

"That's nice," Bella insists encouragingly, a smile in her voice. "Are you excited?"

And the I laugh, turning around and facing her as I do, because I can't keep up a front anymore. "Bella, that's probably the dumbest question you've ever asked me. You don't have to try so hard."

If she were human, Bella would be blushing furiously. But now, she just averts her gaze and stares at the ground, smiling wryly as she does. "I was just asking, geez." Her smile fades. "I mean, I didn't know if... I don't know how..." she struggles with her words for a moment, her eyes flickering up to the staircase before landing back on me. "I was just wondering if you two were close because of the bond or-"

Holy shit.

Is she really asking me that? After everything?