Can't Stand To See You Cry (Jacob)

Chapter 25

Carlisle checked Jacob out as the pack looked on. Jacob's eyes were responding to the pen light that Carlisle was flashing into his pupils. His reflexes were good, wounds were looking better, and appetite was back with a vengeance. "Is that food over there?" Jacob tipped his head in the direction of all of Renesmee's uneaten food.

"It's just what we've offered Renesmee, but she refused to eat," Edward tattled, much to her dismay.

She stuck her tongue out at her father and scowled. "I ate...some." Everyone knew that wasn't true, but didn't want to rat her out because it would upset Jacob.

Jacob frowned, as he smoothed his palm over her ribs and curved around to her stomach. "How long have I been out?" he asked, his voice full of concern. "It feels like you've lost ten pounds," he whispered into her ear.

She tipped her head toward the sound of his voice and squeezed her eyes shut for a moment. Renesmee didn't care that he was scolding her or that everyone was watching them, she was just so happy to have him back. "I'll go find you something to eat," she told him as she moved away from her spot on the bed.

"No way," he argued as he pulled her closer, buried his nose in her hair and inhaled deeply.

"Jake," she protested unconvincingly, turning to face him and lowering her gaze.

"I'll tell Esme to make all your favorites," Bella gushed. She squeezed his knee and he smiled up at her. "We're so glad you're finally back." Bella paused to throw Renesmee an overly excited grin before turning to race up the steps.

Jacob turned his attention back to Renesmee, just wanting to study her face. "I missed you so much."

Renesmee searched his gaze and saw a small sadness in his eyes. "I never left you. I just wanted this...to have you come back to me." Then she pressed her palm to his cheek and showed him her memories of the past three days, the way she slept next to him, watching his every move, and refused to leave his side.

She was careful not to show him any of memories of the way she found him near the treeline or how his heart had stopped or much she had wept over him. He still felt guilty. He knew that all this had taken a toll on her, but he was determined to make it up to her.

"Hey, Doc," Jacob searched the room for Carlisle. "Could I..." he paused to lower his voice, which seemed silly due to all the excellent hearing around him. "Can I go to the bathroom?"

The wolf pack chuckled lightly and started with their congratulations and goodbyes, knowing they needed to clear out and give Jacob some privacy.

"I'm sorry I didn't get to make out with your girlfriend," Paul joked lightly as he shook Jacob's hand. They both tried to maintain an angry scowl with each other, but it was pointless, because they both burst out laughing.

Quil gave Jacob a hug, even at the risk of looking like a softie. "We missed you, man."

"I've been here the whole time," Jacob scoffed.

Jared pretended to punch Jacob in the gut, obviously never making any contact as Jacob laughed and then winced in pain anyway from laughing. Jared glanced at Renesmee and smirked, "Call us...if you need anything." He reached over to crook his fingers under her chin, but when Jacob scowled at him, he pulled his hands up in defeat.

Seth pulled Renesmee up off the bed and wrapped her in his biggest hug yet. Jacob watched intensely, but saw Embry trying to slink out, unnoticed. "Hey, Embry..."

Embry sucked in a deep breath as he wheeled around to face Jacob. Seth said goodbye and passed Embry on his way to the door. "Good luck," Seth smirked.