Despite my thinking that his assumption was totally absurd and held little importance, evidently Jacob thickly trusted in it. No, I couldn’t deny that Edward really was overprotective of me and he did tend to overreact at times. Except that, that being fact or not, it wasn’t the sole purpose for our crumbling friendship.

I was.

The choice I’d made was the reason why Jacob found it hard to be my friend now. And he did. I could see that even though he wasn’t willing to admit it. I couldn’t understand it, actually.

I mean, there was no other way. Damn the stupid treaty! I couldn’t say good-bye to Edward, the miracle in my life- no, I couldn’t even bring myself to consider that ignoramus option. Not when I had lost him once…

Shaking my head, I rubbed my temples.

“What’s the matter?” Jacob asked, glancing at me.

And actually, I could say good bye to Jacob. He was human. Without him my days would be bleak and the pain would cut through me and I knew that it would hurt him too. His pain, my pain. But I could live through that. Perhaps one day I’d forgive myself even if he wouldn’t.

I shook my head again. No. I couldn’t think about either possibility. Jacob was my best friend, the reason why I kept going when the love of my existence was gone. And I couldn’t let Edward go ever. It was just impossible. And that was how things would have to be. We would just have to form a compromise.

Jacob probably took my gesture as a ‘never mind’ because he didn’t ask me what was wrong until he pulled into my street.

Then I panicked.

Emmett’s monster truck was parked parallel to the curb in front of my house.

“Holy crap!” I whispered.

I could see Emmett’s short crisp hair from the back as he sat behind the wheel but the passenger seat was empty. My eyes flickered to the driveway but there was no sign of him.

“Just say the word and I’ll make a run for it.” Jacob offered.

“No.” I mumbled, distracted, still scanning around for Edward. “I better get inside.” Nervously, I pushed down on the door, gasping when it swung open with a whoosh.