I was like a lost moon -- my planet destroyed in some cataclysmic, disaster-movie scenario of desolation -- that continued, nevertheless, to circle in a tight little orbit around the empty space left behind, ignoring the laws of gravity.

Time began to trip along much more quickly than before. School, work, and Jacob -- though not necessarily in that order -- created a neat and effortless pattern to follow. And Charlie got his wish: I wasn't miserable anymore. Of course, I couldn't fool myself completely. When I stopped to take stock of my life, which I tried not to do too often, I couldn't ignore the implications of my behavior.

I was getting better with my bike, which meant fewer bandages to worry Charlie. But it also meant that the voice in my head began to fade, until I heard it no more. Quietly, I panicked. I threw myself into the search for the meadow with slightly frenzied intensity. I racked my brain for other adrenaline-producing activities.

I didn't keep track of the days : hat passed -- there was no reason, as I tried to live as much in the present as possible, no past fading, no future impending. So I was surprised by the date when Jacob brought it up on one of our homework days. He was waiting when I pulled up in front of his house.

"Well, I feel like a schmuck," I mumbled. "Is today Valentine's Day?"

"What exactly does that entail?" I hedged.

"Oh, well, if that's all…" I took the candy. But I was trying to think of some way to make the boundaries clear. Again. They seemed to get blurred a lot with Jacob.

I started to feel uncomfortable. The words were teasing, but only on the surface.

"Happy Valentine's Day," Jacob said, smiling, but ducking his head as he greeted me.

Jacob shook his head with mock sadness. "You can be so out of it sometimes. Yes, it is the fourteenth day of February. So are you going to be my Valentine? Since you didn't get me a fifty-cent box of candy, it's the least you can do."

"The usual -- slave for life, that kind of thing."

He held out a small, pink box, balancing it on his palm. Conversation hearts.

"Hiking," I decided. "You're not the only one who can be obsessive. I'm starting to think I imagined that place…" I frowned into space.

"So, what are we doing tomorrow? Hiking, or the ER?"

"We'll find it," he assured me. "Bikes Friday?" he offered.

"I'm going to a movie Friday. I've been promising my cafeteria crowd that I would go out forever." Mike would be pleased.

"You'll come too, right?" I added quickly. "Or will it be too much of a drag with a bunch of boring seniors?" So much for my chance to put some distance between us. I couldn't stand hurting Jacob; we seemed to be connected in an odd way, and his pain set off little stabs of my own. Also, the idea of having his company for the ordeal -- I had promised Mike, but really didn't feel any enthusiasm at the thought of following through -- was just too tempting.

But Jacob's face fell. I caught the expression in his dark eyes before he dropped them to look at the ground.

"You'd like me to come, with your friends there?"

I saw a chance and took it without taking time to think it through.

"Quil's gonna freak. Senior girls." He chortled and rolled his eyes. I didn't mention Embry, and neither did he. I laughed, too. "I'll try to get hin a good selection."

"Yes," I admitted honestly, knowing as I continued that I was probably shooting myself in the foot with my words. "I'll have a lot more fun if you're there. Bring Quil, and we'll make it a party."

I broached the subject with Mike in English.

"Hey, Mike," I said when class was over. "Are you free Friday night?"

"Sure," he agreed, visibly less eager.

He looked up, his blue eyes instantly hopeful. "Yeah, I am. You want to go out?"

I worded my reply carefully. "I was thinking about getting a group" -- I emphasized the word -- "together to go see Crosshairs." I'd done my homework this time -- even reading the movie spoilers to be sure I wouldn't be caught off guard. This movie was supposed to be a bloodbath from start to finish. I wasn't so recovered that I could stand to sit through a romance. "Does that sound like fun?"

"Cool."

After a second, he perked back up to near his former excitement level. "How about we get Angela and Ben? Or Eric and Katie?"

"Okay," Mike muttered, foiled.

He was determined to make this some kind of double date, apparently.

"How about both?" I suggested "And Jessica, too, of course. And Tyler and Conner, and maybe Lauren," I tacked on grudgingly. I had promised Quil variety.

"And," I continued, "I've got a couple of friends from La Push I'm inviting. So it sounds like we'll need your Suburban if everyone comes."

"These are the friends you spend all your time studying with now?"

Mike's eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"Yep, the very ones," I answered cheerfully. "Though you could look at it as tutoring -- they're only sophomores."

The diminished numbers didn't dampen Mike's anticipation, though. It was all he could talk about Friday.

Jessica and Lauren claimed to be busy as soon as Mike let it slip that I was involved in the planning. Eric and Katie already had plans -- it was their three-week anniversary or something. Lauren got to Tyler and Conner before Mike could, so those two were also busy. Even Quil was out -- grounded for fighting at school. In the end, only Angela and Ben, and, of course Jacob, were able to go.

"Are you sure you don't want to see Tomorrow and Forever instead?" he asked at lunch, naming the current romantic comedy that was ruling the box office. "Rotten Tomatoes gave it a better review."

"Oh," Mike said, surprised. After a second of thought, he smiled. In the end, though, the Suburban wasn't necessary.

When I got home from school, a very familiar car was parked in front of my house. Jacob was leaning against the hood, a huge grin lighting up his face.

He smacked his hand against mine, but left it there, twisting his fingers through mine. "So do I get to drive tonight?"

"What's wrong?"

He beamed. "Just last night. This is the maiden voyage."

"I remember this guy," he said in a low voice as Mike parked across the street. "The one who thought you were his girlfriend. Is he still confused?"

"I'm giving up -- I can't top this one. So you win. You're oldest."

"Incredible." I held my hand up for a high five.

"Okay." Mike turned away, but not before I saw his maybe-she's-crazy-after-all expression.

Mike's Suburban chugged around the corner. I pulled my hand out of Jacob's, and he nude a face that I wasn't meant to see.

"No way!" I shouted as I jumped out of the truck. "You're done! I can't believe it! You finished the Rabbit!"

"I want to see Crosshairs" I insisted. "I'm in the mood for action. Bring on the blood and guts!"

"Definitely," I said, and then I sighed.

He shrugged, unsurprised by my capitulation. "Of course I am."

"Hey, Mike! Do you remember Jacob Black?"

"Not really." Mike held out his hand.

I heard the phone ringing from the kitchen.

"Hey, Bella," he greeted me, and then his eyes turned wary as he looked up at Jacob. I glanced briefly at Jacob, too, trying to be objective. He really didn't look like a sophomore at all. He was just so big -- Mike's head barely cleared Jacob's shoulder; I didn't even want to think where I measured next to him -- and then his face was older-looking than it used to be, even a month ago.

I raised one eyebrow. "Some people are hard to discourage."

"Then again," Jacob said thoughtfully, "sometimes persistence pays off."

"Most of the time it's just annoying, though."

"Old family friend," Jacob introduced himself, shaking hands. They locked hands with more force than necessary. When their grip broke, Mike flexed his fingers.

Mike got out of his car and crossed the road.

"I'd better get that -- it might be Charlie," I told them, and dashed inside.

It was Ben. Angela was sick with the stomach flu, and he didn't feel like coming without her. He apologized for bailing on us.

"Ang is sick," I told them glumly. "She and Ben aren't coming."

It didn't seem like Jake and Mike had made any progress towards friendship in my absence. They were several yards apart, facing away from each other as they waited for me; Mike's expression was sullen, though Jacob's was cheerful as always.

I walked slowly back to the waiting boys, shaking my head. I really hoped Angela would feel better soon, but I had to admit that I was selfishly upset by this development. Just the three of us, Mike and Jacob and me, together for the evening -- this had worked out brilliantly, I thought with grim sarcasm.

"No, I'm coming," Mike interrupted. "I was just thinking of Angela and Ben. Let's go." He started toward his Suburban.

"I guess the flu is making another round. Austin and Conner were out today, too. Maybe we should do this another time," Mike suggested.

Before I could agree, Jacob spoke.

"Hey, do you mind if Jacob drives?" I asked. "I told him he could -- he just finished his car. He built it from scratch, all by himself," I bragged, proud as a PTA mom with a student on the principal's list.

"I'm still up for it. But if you'd rather to stay behind, Mike --"

When we got to the theater, Jacob handed me a ten-dollar bill.

"All right, then," Jacob said, as if that settled everything. He seemed more comfortable than anyone else.

I stared at Jacob, surprised. I'd never told him that.

"Hmph." Mike leaned away.

"How can you not like music?" Mike demanded.

I shrugged. "I don't know. It just irritates me."

"He's right," I mumbled, still looking at Jacob's serene profile.

"Bella?" Mike asked, annoyed.

"Fine," Mike snapped.

And then Mike changed his strategy. He leaned forward, resting his chin on the shoulder of my seat; his cheek almost touched mine. I shifted away, turning my back toward the window.

"What's this?" I objected.

Jacob was his normal sunny self, chattering away until I'd all but forgotten Mike sulking silently in the back.

"Yes," Jacob answered. "But Bella doesn't like music."

"Doesn't the radio work in this thing?" Mike asked with a hint of petulance, interrupting Jacob mid-sentence.

Mike climbed in the backseat of the Rabbit with a disgusted expression.

"No. I told him you were planning to corrupt my youthful innocence."

I laughed out loud. "So much for relative ages. Is Billy going to kill me if I sneak you in?"

"I'm not old enough to get into this one," he reminded me.

I snickered, and Mike quickened his pace to keep up with us.

I almost wished that Mike had decided to bow out. He was still sullen -- not much of an addition to the party. But I didn't want to end up on a date alone with Jacob, either. That wouldn't help anything.

The movie was exactly what it professed to be. In just the opening credits, four people got blown up and one got beheaded. The girl in front of me put her hands over her eyes and turned her face into her date's chest. He patted her shoulder, and winced occasionally, too. Mike didn't look like he was watching. His face was stiff as he glared toward the fringe of curtain above the screen.

I settled in to endure the two hours, watching the colors and the movement on the screen rather than seeing the shapes of people and cars and houses. But then Jacob started sniggering.

After that, I really watched the show, laughing with him as the mayhem got more and more ridiculous. How was I ever going to fight the blurring lines in our relationship when I enjoyed being with him so much?

"What?" I whispered.

"Oh, c'mon!" he hissed back. "The blood squirted twenty feet out of that guy. How fake can you get?"

Both Jacob and Mike had claimed the armrests on either side of me. Both of their hands rested lightly, palms up, in an unnatural looking position. Like steel bear traps, open and ready. Jacob was in the habit of taking my hand whenever the opportunity presented itself, but here in the darkened movie theater, with Mike watching, it would have a different significance -- and I was sure he knew that. I couldn't believe that Mike was thinking the same thing, but his hand was placed exactly like Jacob's.

Mike gave up first. About halfway through the movie, he pulled his arm back, and leaned forward to put his head in his hands. At first I thought he was reacting to something on the screen, but then he moaned.

He chuckled again, as a flagpole speared another man into a concrete wall.

I folded my arms tightly across my chest and hoped that both their hands fell asleep.

Mike groaned again, and bolted for the door. I got up to follow him, and Jacob copied me immediately.

"You don't have to come. Get your eight bucks worth of carnage," I insisted as we walked up the aisle.

"No, stay," I whispered. "I'll make sure he's okay."

"Oh, he's in there, all right," he said, rolling his eyes. "What a marshmallow. You should hold out for someone with a stronger stomach. Someone who laughs at the gore that makes weaker men vomit."

I could see the sheen of sweat across his face in the light from the screen.

Jacob was back in a few seconds.

"That's okay. You sure can pick them, Bella. This movie really sucks." His voice rose from a whisper to its normal pitch as we walked out of the theater.

There was no sign of Mike in the hallway, and I was glad then that Jacob had come with me -- he ducked into the men's bathroom to check for him there.

"I'll keep my eyes open for someone like that."

Jacob came with me anyway.

The couple in front of us turned to look at him as he groaned again.

"Mike, are you okay?" I whispered.

Jacob went to sit on the velveteen-upholstered bench against the wall, patting the space beside him.

I joined him with a sigh. He looked like he was thinking about blurring more lines. Sure enough, as soon as I sat down, he shifted over to put his arm around my shoulders.

We were all alone in the hallway. Both theaters were halfway through the movie, and it was deserted -- quiet enough for us to hear the popcorn popping at the concession counter in the lobby.

"He sounded like he was going to be in there for a while," he said, stretching his long legs out in front of him as he settled in to wait.

"Jake," I protested, leaning away. He dropped his arm, not looking bothered at all by the minor rejection. He reached out and took my hand firmly, wrapping his other hand around my wrist when I tried to pull away again. Where did he get the confidence from?

"Now, just hold on a minute, Bella," he said in a calm voice. "Tell me something."

I grimaced. I didn't want to do this. Not just not now, but not ever. There was nothing lett in my life at this point that was more important than Jacob Black. But he seemed determined to ruin everything.

It was hard to answer, to say the word. Would he get hurt and avoid me? How would I stand that?

"But that's all," he said, and it wasn't a question.

"Yes," I sighed.

"Better than any of the other guys you know?" He was calm, serene -- as if my answer didn't matter, or he already knew what it was.

"You like me, right?"

"You know I do."

"What?" I muttered sourly.

"Yes," I whispered.

"Better than that joker puking his guts out in there?" He gestured toward the bathroom door.

"Better than the girls, too," I pointed out.

He grinned down at me. "That's okay, you know. As long as you like me the best. And you think I'm good-looking -- sort of. I'm prepared to be annoyingly persistent."

His face was thoughtful, no longer teasing. "It's still the other one, isn't it?"

"I'm not going to change," I said, and though I tried to keep my voice normal, I could hear the sadness in it.

I cringed. Funny how he seemed to know not to say the name -- just like before in the car with the music. He picked up on so much about me that I never said.

"But don't get mad at me for hanging around, okay?" Jacob patted the back of my hand. "Because I'm not giving up. I've got loads of time."

I sighed. "You shouldn't waste it on me," I said, though I wanted him to. Especially if he was willing to accept me the way I was -- damaged goods, as is.

"It's what I want to do, as long as you still like to be with me."

Jacob beamed. "I can live with that."

"The problem," I said, "is, that it means something different to me than it does to you."

"I can't imagine how I could not like being with you," I told him honestly.

"This doesn't really bother you, does it?" he demanded, squeezing my fingers.

"Just don't expect more," I warned him, trying to pull my hand away. He held onto it obstinately.

I nodded, grateful.

"No," I sighed. Truthfully, it felt nice. His hand was so much warmer than mine; I always felt too cold these days.

"I guess not."

"And you don't care what he thinks." Jacob jerked his thumb toward the bathroom.

"So what's the problem?"

"You don't have to talk about it," he told me.

He chuckled quietly for a minute while his pinky finger absently traced designs against the side of my hand.

"I won't. The pin's out of the grenade for me, now, eh?" He poked me in the ribs.

And then Mike stumbled out of the bathroom, his face ashen and covered in sweat. He looked horrible.

I rolled my eyes. I guess if he felt like making a joke out of it, he was entitled.

I waited for the memory to hit -- to open the gaping hole. But, as it so often did, Jacob's presence kept me whole.

The index finger of his free hand followed the line of the long silvery crescent that was barely visible against my pale skin.

"It's cold," he murmured, pressing lightly against the place where James had cut me with his teeth.

I scowled. "Do you honestly expect me to remember where all my scars come from?"

"Well." He tightened his hand around mine "That's my problem, isn't it?"

"That's a funny scar you've got there," he suddenly said, twisting my hand to examine it. "How did that happen?"

"Fine," I grumbled. "Don't forget it, though."

"No, of course not." I pulled my hand free and went to help Mike walk. He looked unsteady.

"I was hoping it would pass," he said.

Mike's glare was malevolent. "I didn't actually see any of it," he mumbled. "I was nauseated before the lights went down."

I towed Mike out into the cool, wet air. He inhaled deeply. Jacob was right behind us. He helped me get Mike into the back of the car, and handed him the bucket with a serious gaze.

"Just a sec," Jacob said as we reached the door. He walked quickly back to the concession stand.

"Do you mind leaving early?" he whispered.

"Oh, Mike," I gasped.

"Movie too much for you?" Jacob asked heartlessly.

"Get him outside, please," she begged. She was obviously the one who would have to clean the floor.

"Please," was all Jacob said.

"Why didn't you say something?" I scolded as we staggered toward the exit.

We rolled down the windows, letting the icy night air blow through the car, hoping it would help Mike. I curled my arms around my legs to keep warm.

"Could I have an empty popcorn bucket?" he asked the salesgirl. She looked at Mike once, and then thrust a bucket at Jacob.

"Your hands are like ice," he complained.

"You're not?"

I stared out the windshield, consumed with guilt.

"Whoa, Jake -- you're burning up!"

It was so wrong to encourage Jacob. Pure selfishness. It didn't matter that I'd tried to make my position clear. If he felt any hope at all that this could turn into something other than friendship, then I hadn't been clear enough.

"也许是我的原因,"我承认道.

I frowned and touched his head again. His skin blazed under my fingers.

"You must have a fever or something," I grumbled. It was freezing. I touched my fingers to his forehead, and his head was hot.

"I feel fine." He shrugged. "Fit as a fiddle."

Mike groaned in the backseat, and threw up in the bucket. I grimaced, hoping my own stomach could stand the sound and smell. Jacob checked anxiously over his shoulder to make sure his car wasn't defiled.

The road felt longer on the way back.

He shook his head.

Jacob was quiet, thoughtful. He left his arm around me, and it was so warm that the cold wind felt good.

"Cold, again?" Jacob asked, putting his arm around me before I could answer.

"I would invite myself in, since we're early," he said as we pulled up next to my truck. "But I think you might be right about the fever. I'm starting to feel a little… strange."

How could I explain so that he would understand? I was an empty shell. Like a vacant house -- condemned -- for months I'd been utterly uninhabitable. Now I was a little improved. The front room was in better repair. But that was all -- just the one small piece. He deserved better than that -- better than a one-room, falling-down fixer-upper. No amount of investment on his part could put me back in working order.

Yet I knew that I wouldn't send him away, regardless. I needed him too much, and I was selfish. Maybe I could make my side more clear, so that he would know to leave me. The thought made me shudder, and Jacob tightened his arm around me.

I drove Mike home in his Suburban, while Jacob followed behind us to take me home. Jacob was quiet all the way back to my house, and I wondered if he were thinking the same things that I was. Maybe he was changing his mind.

"Oh no, not you, too! Do you want me to drive you home?"

"No." He shook his head, his eyebrows pulling together. "I don't feel sick yet. Just… wrong. If I have to, I'll pull over."

"Will you call me as soon as you get in?" I asked anxiously.

"Sure, sure." He frowned, staring ahead into the darkness and biting his lip.

I opened my door to get out, but he grabbed my wrist lightly and held me there. I noticed again how hot his skin felt on mine.

"What is it, Jake?" I asked.

"There's something I want to tell you, Bella… but I think it's going to sound kind of corny."

"It's just that, I know how you're unhappy a lot. And, maybe it doesn't help anything, but I wanted you to know that I'm always here. I won't ever let you down -- I promise that you can always count on me. Wow, that does sound corny. But you know that, right? That I would never, ever hurt you?"

"Yeah, Jake. I know that. And I already do count on you, probably more than you know."

I sighed. This would be more of the same from the theater. "Go ahead."

A strange look crossed his face. "I really think I'd better go home now," he said.

How much I wished that Jacob Black had been born my brother, my flesh-and -- blood brother, so that I would have some legitimate claim on him that still left me free of any blame now. Heaven knows I had never wanted to use Jacob, but I couldn't help but interpret the guilt I felt now to mean that I had.

I got out quickly.

I watched him go, and he seemed to be in control of the car, at least. I stared at the empty street when he was gone, feeling a little sick myself, but not for any physical reason.

The smile broke across his face the way the sunrise set the clouds on fire, and I wanted to cut my tongue out. I hadn't said one word that was a lie, but I should have lied. The truth was wrong, it would hurt him. I would let him down.

Even more, I had never meant to love him. One thing I truly knew -- knew it in the pit of my stomach, in the center of my bones, knew it from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, knew it deep in my empty chest -- was how love gave someone the power to break you.

"Call me!" I yelled as he pulled away.

"I feel fine now," I said doubtfully. Clearly, I'd been exposed.

"Mike got sick," I explained. "Some kind of stomach flu."

I went inside to sit by the phone and bite my nails.

But I needed Jacob now, needed him like a drug. I'd used him as a crutch for too long, and I was in deeper than I'd planned to go with anyone again. Now I couldn't bear for him to be hurt, and I couldn't keep from hurting him, either. He thought time and patience would change me, and, though I knew he was dead wrong, I also knew that I would let him try.

I'd been broken beyond repair.

"Movie over already?" Charlie asked in surprise when I came in. He was on the floor, just a foot from the TV. Must be an exciting game.

He was my best friend. I would always love him, and it would never, ever be enough.

"You okay?"

I leaned against the kitchen counter, my hand inches from the phone, and tried to wait patiently. I thought of the strange look on Jacob's face before he drove away, and my fingers started drumming against the counter. I should have insisted on driving him home.

The way he said it was almost rude.

"No, no," Billy said quickly. "We're fine. Stay at your place."

"Let me know if you need any help," I offered. "I could come down." I thought of Billy, stuck in his chair, and Jake fending for himself…

On the eighth ring, just as I was about to hang up, Billy answered.

"Billy, it's me, Bella -- did Jake make it home yet? He left here about twenty minutes ago."

"He was… too sick to call. He's not feeling well right now." Billy sounded distant. I realized he must want to be with Jacob.

I watched the clock as the minutes ticked by Ten. Fifteen. Even when I was driving, it took only fifteen minutes, and Jacob drove faster than I did. Eighteen minutes. I picked up the phone and dialed.

"He was supposed to call me." I was a little irritated. "He was getting sick when he left, and I was worried."

"He's here," Billy said tonelessly.

It rang and rang. Maybe Billy was asleep. Maybe I'd dialed wrong. I tried again.

"Hello?" he asked. His voice was wary, like he was expecting bad news.

He looked at me for a long moment.

"Bye," I muttered.

The line disconnected.

Well, at least he'd made it home. Oddly, I didn't feel less worried. I trudged up the stairs, fretting. Maybe I would go down before work tomorrow to check on him. I could take soup -- we had to have a can of Campbell's around here somewhere.

"Bye, Bella."

"Sure, no problem," Charlie assured me.

"Stomach flu," he finally said.

"Yes," I moaned.

"Call the Newtons for me, please," I instructed hoarsely. "Tell them I have what Mike has, and that I can't make it in today. Tell them I'm sorry."

"You need something?" he asked.

I spent the rest of the day on the bathroom floor, sleeping for a few hours with my head on a crumpled up towel. Charlie claimed that he had to work, but I suspected that he just wanted access to a bathroom. He left a glass of water on the floor beside me to keep me hydrated.

I realized all such plans were canceled when I woke up early -- my clock said four thirty -- and sprinted to the bathroom. Charlie found me there a half hour later, lying on the floor, my cheek pressed against the cold edge of the bathtub.

"Okay," I agreed.

"Do you want anything?"

"No, thanks."

He hesitated, clearly out of his element. "Okay, then," he said, and then he went back down to the kitchen.

It woke me up when he came back home. I could see that it was dark in my room -- after nightfall. He clumped up the stairs to check on me.

I fell asleep on the towel again, but when I woke up I was in my bed and it was light outside my window. I didn't remember moving; Charlie must have carried me to my room -- he'd also put the glass of water on my bedside table. I felt parched. I chugged it down, though it tasted funny from sitting stagnant all night.

"Sort of," I said.

I heard the phone ring a few minutes later. Charlie spoke to someone in a low voice for a moment, and then hung up.

I got up slowly, trying not to trigger the nausea again. I was weak, and my mouth tasted horrible, but my stomach felt fine. I looked at my clock.

"Still alive?"

"Mike feels better," he called up to me.

Well, that was encouraging. He'd only gotten sick eight hours or so before me. Eight more hours. The thought made my stomach turn, and I pulled myself up to lean over the toilet.

"I'm glad I went." His voice was still a whisper. "Don't blame yourself. This isn't your fault."

As soon as I was sure that I wasn't going to have to spend the day on the bathroom floor again, I called Jacob.

I could barely hear his answer. "I don't think I have the same thing you did."

"That's good." His voice was dead.

"Oh, Jake," I groaned sympathetically. "You sound horrible."

"So you'll probably be better in a few hours," I encouraged.

Jacob was the one who answered, but when I heard his greeting I knew he wasn't over it.

"I feel horrible," he whispered.

"I'm so sorry I made you go out with me. This sucks."

"Yes, I got it, too. But I'm fine now."

"Don't you have the stomach flu?" I asked, confused.

"You were sick?" he asked dully.

"You'll get better soon," I promised. "I woke up this morning, and I was fine."

"Hello?" His voice was broken, cracking.

My twenty-four hours were up.

I didn't push it, eating nothing but saltine crackers for breakfast. Charlie looked relieved to see me recovered.

"No. This is something else."

"I'll see you soon," I finally said. "Wait for me to call," he said again. "Okay… Bye, Jacob."

"Call me when you feel better."

The pain in his voice was nearly tangible.

"What can I do, Jake? What can I bring you?"

"I've got to go," he said with sudden urgency.

"Nothing. You can't come here." He was abrupt. It reminded me of Billy the other night.

"Right," he agreed, and his voice had a strange, bitter edge.

He ignored me. "I'll call you when I can. I'll let you know when you can come down again."

"Jacob --"

"I've already been exposed to whatever you have," I pointed out.

He was silent for a moment. I was waiting for him to say goodbye, but he waited too.

"What's wrong with you?"

"Bella," he whispered my name, and then hung up the phone.

"Everything," he whispered. "Every part of me hurts."