Just the Way You Are

Eve's phone began to ring loudly from the nightstand, the alarm she had set last night waking her up at 6:30 just as she wanted. Her arm lazily slid up the bed and onto the small table, searching for the electronic device. She turned it off with ease and stared at her dimly lit room.

After mentally collecting herself, she got up from her bed and gathered some sweats and a baggy t-shirt to get dressed in.

Today mom's coming home, She remembered, a smile creeping upon her lips.

She combed her hair quickly, putting it into a messy ponytail, and walked out of her room and down the hall towards her mom's.

She walked inside and her nose scrunched up. It was stuffy, and the first thing she did was open up the window to let some fresh air in. She flipped the switch and the lamp turned on, lighting the room immediately.

Luckily for Eve, Darla kept things tidy most of the time. Eve straightened up the floor first, picking up the few pieces of clothes and knick-knacks that were occupying the much needed space, and putting them where they belonged. She went to her mom's bed next, taking off all the covers and throwing them to the side. Eve got some fresh blankets from her mom's closet and began to remake the bed, making a mental note to wash the sheets later on in the day.

"Eve, what are you doing?" She turned to see Jesse standing in the door frame, his arms crossed over his chest as he watched her with interest.

"Cleaning up my mom's room for when she comes home today." She answered. "Can you finish the bed while I go get the vacuum cleaner?" Without waiting for an answer, she walked past him and down the hallway, heading down the stairs and out of sight.

Jesse grumbled and slowly approached the bed. He sighed as he grabbed the comforter and messily began to finish Eve's task. This wasn't for him; back in Beverly Hills he had a few maids to do this for him daily. He didn't understand how she liked doing this, let alone would want to.

After finishing, he looked at the bed, the covers were messy and bunched up in some areas, and the pillows were uneven at the top of the bed.

"Did you finish?" Eve asked, reappearing with a small vacuum cleaner in tow. She looked at the bed and couldn't believe what she saw. She grew irritated, but knew she should have expected it when asking him to do something just a little laborious. "Why don't you just go downstairs?" She ended up suggesting.

Silently he walked out of the room and Eve glared at the bed. She took off the few blankets and straightened the pillows, picking one up to her face and groaning loudly into it to let out a bit of her frustration.

After finishing, Eve began to vacuum up the dirt and anything else on the floor. She turned off the vacuum and wiped a few beads of sweat from her forehead, sighing tiredly.

She looked out the window and saw a figure in the distance. Her heart stopped as she saw the man from the first day she had arrived in La Push. His golden hair was still the same and he looked to be even paler than before. The things that scared her the most were his beady crimson eyes that still glowed luminously like they had the first time she saw him, and now knowing that it hadn't been her jet lag or imagination that made him appear.

This guy was real.

"Eve!" Jesse yelled.

She tore her eyes away quickly from the man to look to see if Jesse was there, but soon looked back out the window to see he was already gone. Her heart's palpitations were hard and relentless.

"Eve!"

What does he want? Her nose scrunched up and she sniffed the air. What's that smell...?

Her eyes widened as she realized it was smoke, and she darted out of the room and into the kitchen. The frying pan on the stove was aflame and she darted towards one of the cabinets, pulling out a fire extinguisher. She took off the small safety pin, aimed it at the stove and pressed down on the lever, the fire-extinguishing material shooting out. Once the flame was put out, Eve let out a sigh of relief as she tried to make her heart beat return to normal.

She turned towards Jesse who stared wide-eyed at the now destroyed stove, glaring daggers into him. She threw the large red cannister to the side and marched over to him with rage in her eyes.

"Jesse, what the fuck were you doing?!" She screamed, absolutely infuriated. "Are you that incapable of doing anything right?!"

"Hey, it's your damn ancient stove that's at fault, Eve!" He retaliated.

"No, I think it has something to do with the fact that you've been babied all your life and can't do anything without someone helping you or doing it for you themselves!"

Jesse was growing frustrated himself, but didn't want to do anything too risky to make Eve angrier. She's going to tell me to leave if I burst out at her... Jesse thought, growing worried that everything he had done here would be in vain.

"You're right..." He mumbled softly. "I can't do anything by myself. I never had a mom or dad to teach me how to do things around the house. They were always off at work, and I was alway being pampered by the babysitters. They did everything for me. They wouldn't allow me to do anything." He looked at Eve and began to make his eyes watery. "You had Darla... I had no one. So forgive me for not being able to do anything because I never learned." He wanted to smirk as he saw the guilt in her brown eyes. Hook, line, and sinker...

Eve wasn't sure what to say. It sounded truthful, and by the way he looked at her... she didn't want to tell him she didn't trust or believe in him. "Just sit down on the couch and do not... touch... anything."

Eve brushed past him and back into her mom's room. She took a deep breath to calm herself down just a bit before resuming what she was doing. Eve organized her mom's closet, and dusted the entire room before deciding that it was good and clean.

Eve sighed as she walked back downstairs and into the kitchen, realizing she now had to clean the mess both her and Jesse had created... more Jesse than her. She grabbed a few wipes and began to wipe down the counter, making sure to get all the stains off of it. She collected all of the pots and pans from the counter and put them into the dish washer, deciding it would be better than doing them manually.

It took her around 10 minutes to completely clean the counter and stove, and when she was finished, she let out an exhausted sigh. She didn't want to do anything anymore. She wanted to retreat to her room and take a long rewarding nap.

She looked over at the clock to see it was around 8:30. Today's been a stressful day... and it isn't even past nine yet. Joy... Eve rubbed her temples and tried to convince herself that today still could be good. "Stay optimistic." She reminded herself softly.

She walked upstairs and into her room, grabbing new clothes for the day and heading into the shower. She got her cell phone from her sweat pants and put on one of the playlists she had on it, soon stepping into the shower. The steamy water soothed her tense muscles and she was able to just relax for once. She remembered today was the day her mom was coming home and smiled at that fact.

She heard the music stop and looked at her phone that was now lit up with a new text message. She wiped her hands dry on a nearby towel and reached for her phone.

Hey it's Jacob :)

She smile and replied quickly. Hey, sorry but I'm taking a shower right now so why don't you just come over for breakfast at nine. We'll talk then. (;

Jacob received the text and after reading began to blush lightly, trying to stop himself from imagining her in the shower. He sighed as he replied back to her. Sorry, can't do breakfast today. :( I have to run some errands for my dad so I was thinking maybe I could just stop by later today, is that alright with you?

Eve frowned a bit upon receiving and reading the message, but definitely wouldn't say anything. That's fine, but you'll have to make it up to me later (; Hope running errands today will be fun, fun, fun! Stop by whenever you want (:

Jacob smiled at her being understanding, but knew that she would be no matter what. "C'mon Jake!" Paul shouted from his backyard. Jacob grumbled before running out of his room and into the trees, shifting as soon as he was out of sight, starting his patrol.

After rinsing the suds off her body, she got out and wrapped the towel around her torso, drying off and getting dressed. She decided to let her hair air dry and gave it a quick brush before walking downstairs.

"Let's go," She said to Jesse who was on his phone.

"What about breakfast?" He asked.

"We'll just pick something up on the way, I don't feel like making anything."

They both walked out and got into the large Yukon, Jesse mumbling curses under his breath as they passed his still damaged car. Jesse was driving and the ride towards the hospital was quiet. There wasn't any place to really pick up food from, and so they decided to simply eat at the cafeteria at the hospital.

After arriving and having a small breakfast, the two of them walked into Darla's room to find her reading a newspaper. She looked up and noticed Eve smiling at her. Immediately her arms widened and Eve was hugging her mom happily.

"I'm so glad you're coming home today." She mumbled.

"Me, too, honey."

"I cleaned up your room and tried to make it nice and neat for you."

"Thank you, Evangeline," Her mom smiled happily, pulling her daughter into another hug. "You're great."

"Ah, I was just about to call you to see if you were on your way." Everyone looked and saw Dr. Cullen standing next to the door, clipboard in hand, a smile on his pale face, and his usual white coat over his nicely pressed clothes.

Eve smiled and stood up straight. "Eager to get rid of my mom, Dr. Cullen?" She joked.

"Not at all, Eve," He gave a hearty laugh, walking over to the three of them. "I just needed to have you and your mother sign a few papers stating you would be taking Darla home today, that's all."

"Oh, alright,"

Carlisle then handed Eve the clipboard, and she sat down onto a chair. Eve got the pen and began to sign in the spaces Carlisle instructed her to sign, and soon handed Darla the papers to sign as well.

Darla handed him the clipboard with a smile. "Thank you so much for all that you've done, Dr. Cullen. It's means much more to me than you can imagine."

"I was happy to help you, Darla. I hope that things will only get better for you." He spoke sincerely. "The hospital will get in touch with you to set up some more appointments for chemotherapy. After that, I will personally get in touch with the UCLA medical center again and ask them about surgery for the cancer, and will call you to discuss the details." Carlisle's pager began to beep and light up, and he quickly took a glance. "I have to go, but Nurse Jackie will come right now with a wheelchair and then you'll be able to leave. Goodbye, drive safely."

After waiting a few minutes, the nurse arrived with the wheelchair like Carlisle had said, and helped Darla into it. The four of them walked out into the hallway and towards the elevator, and it soon dinged, the elevator doors sliding open.

"Evangeline, may I talk to you for a minute?" Carlisle approached her slowly with his usual smile.

Darla and Jesse looked at Eve in confusion, wondering what he could've wanted. "Go ahead, I'll meet you at the car." She said. Finally, they left as the sliding doors closed and began to descend in the shaft back towards the first floor. "Yes, Dr. Cullen?"

"I forgot to mention earlier that Darla may be weak for her first few days home, so I let Nurse Jackie know to let you and Darla keep the wheelchair for the time being."

"Oh, I see," Eve nodded her head in understanding, however, Dr. Cullen stayed by her side. "Was there something else?"

"Oh, no... however, I noticed that Jacob wasn't here today, is he sick by any chance?"

"No, he called me earlier today and let me know that he had to run some errands for his dad. Why do you ask?"

"No reason, I'm simply concerned." He replied quickly. "There's just been a stomach bug floating around and since Darla's immune system is a bit weak at the moment, it would be best to keep her away from him if he were sick."

"Alright, thank you for letting me know."

"It was nothing." He said through his small smile. "Well, I must tend to the other patients. I hope to see you again, Eve, hopefully on better terms though." He chuckled.

"Same here, Dr. Cullen, goodbye."

As he left, the elevator's dinged and she walked inside before it closed, pushing the small button. She walked outside of the hospital and towards the parking garage where Jesse and Darla were waiting for her in the car.

Without a word, they began to travel home and Eve couldn't help but feel more complete than she had a few days ago.

If only Jake were here, too, She concluded.

As they arrived home, Eve ordered Jesse to grab the wheelchair out of the back of the car and he did so with a soft, irritated sigh. Eve helped her mom out of the car, letting her be used as a support system and then helped her into the wheelchair. She wheeled Darla into the home and they both were grinning happily.

"Welcome home, mom."

"It's good to be home, Eve." Darla grabbed her daughters hand, giving it a soft squeeze before showing a small smile.

Hours had passed and Eve never left Darla's side. They talked about California, Eve's many jobs as a model, and the traveling she did in the past few years. They played a few board games they once played when Eve was a small child and it was like things had never really changed at all.

While Darla was in the lavatory, Jesse approached Eve with an annoyed look. "Eve, can we spend some time together for once?"

She glared at him for being somewhat inconsiderate. "I'm spending time with my mom, Jesse. I haven't done this in years. Literally. So no, we can't spend some time together. Maybe later, okay?"

Jesse grumbled. "Fine, I'm going to bed. See you in the morning." He walked up the staircase and out of sight, and for some reason, this made Eve more a ease.

Darla came out of the bathroom and wheeled herself back into the living room where Eve sat upon the couch. Once again the two become interactive with one another and began to do the one thing they did very well together... gossip.

"So," Darla started, clearing her throat. "Tell me about... Jesse."

"What do you wanna know?"

"Well, why do you like him?"

"I... I don't know," Eve shrugged her shoulders and stared at the floor, taking a strand of her hair and playing with it in her fingers.

"What's this 'I don't know'?" Her mother looked confused, and also a bit irritated. "You should know. Don't tell me you're his girlfriend for some stupid reason like social status or some other crap like that, Evangeline." Eve flinched slightly at her mother's tone, shrinking back in her seat. Darla sighed and frowned at Eve's reaction. "I'm sorry, honey, you know how I am about relationships."

"Yes, I know, mom."

Eve remembered her mom's relationship with her dad. They had never really gotten along after Eve was born. Too many things had gone wrong. When they were married, things only got worse. They said their vows to make things "right", and it seemed to only make things wrong. Eve knew that Darla didn't want Eve to make the same mistake she had made and stay with someone who didn't even care about her.

"I don't know, honey, something about that boy... well, it just makes me think that you can do so much better."

Eve chuckled lightly, a small smile coming onto her lips. "Well, our relationship has been a little bumpy right now because I've gotten so much attention these past few months. We're trying to get back to how things were when we started off, you know?"

Her mom grimaced, but nodded all the same. "I see, so... you have feelings for him?"

"...Yes." She replied, unsure about her answer.

"You know who I can see you with?"

"Who?"

"Jacob." She answered. "Now he seems like the right boy for you. You two... you would make a beautiful couple. Can't you just see it?" She looked at Eve who was now day dreaming about Jacob in her mind, imagining everything her mom was talking about. "I can see you two perfectly... Oh, Eve, you'd be so perfect for one another!" Her mom gushed.

"Mom, stop it...!" Eve laughed. "I can't be thinking about Jacob like that, not while I'm still with Jesse."

"Fine, fine... but you can't tell me you haven't thought about him romantically." She smirked as Eve blushed lightly and her mom laughed happily. "Help me to my room, Eve? I'm tired and feeling sleepy."

Eve helped her mom stand up and walked with her up the stairs and into her room. Darla told Eve that she was capable of changing herself and going to bed on her own, and Eve wished her mom a goodnight and walked into her own room.

She changed into some boxer shorts and a loose tank top for bed, and slipped underneath the covers, getting comfortable. Eve stole a quick glance at her phone's clock and noticed it was already going to be 10:45.

I guess Jake couldn't come today... She thought. Well, I can't expect him to always be here, that's asking too much of him.

As she was about to fall asleep, she heard a soft tapping coming from her window. Her eyes shot open and she sat up in bed slowly. Walking over to it cautiously, she looked down to see a shirtless Jacob standing below with a small smile.

She smiled back down and opened up her window. "Jake, what are you doing here so late?" She whispered.

"I told you I'd come see you," He replied, acting as if she should have known.

She rolled her eyes, the smile on her lips only growing bigger. "Wait a second, I'll come unlock the door."

"No, Eve, just back up."

"What?"

"Back up," He repeated.

Confused, she slowly back up against the foot of her bed and after a few seconds, Jacob jumped up from below and climbed through her window, making Eve jump slightly.

"How'd you do that?"

"Ancient Chinese secret." He winked playfully, and they both sat down on her soft bed.

"So what are you doing here so late at night?"

"I already told you," He chuckled. "I told you I would come and see you."

She nodded, deciding to let it slide. "What did you have to do today?" She inquired curiously.

"Just go into Port Angeles and buy a few things. The house needs to have a few things redone and I'm the designated handyman so I take care of it."

"So I take it you're good with your hands?"

He chuckled, leaning in towards Eve slowly. "Oh... I'm very good with my hands." He smirked, seeing Eve subconsciously lick and bite her lips.

Eve couldn't help but remember what her mom said about her and Jacob making a "good couple" and started to imagine things. Her eyes darted to Jacob's lips that beckoned her and then back to his chocolate orbs that pleaded with her to just give in.

A new sort of emotion erupted inside of Eve, and she felt herself slowly be pulled towards Jacob. She scooted towards him on the bed, and took a shaky, deep breath.

"Jake...?"

"Yeah, Eve?"

"Just go with this..." She mumbled, and then pushed her lips softly against his.

Immediately Jacob responded, kissing her back gently, causing goosebumps to form on her skin. A sort of giddiness grew inside her and she let her hands travel from her lap, up his well sculpted chest, and through his black cropped hair. Jacob's hands did their own traveling as they went from the bed sheets to around her small, petite waist, pulling her body closer to his own, causing them to separate for a split second.

The passionate feeling left Eve within an instant, and it felt like she could no longer breathe. Her new source of oxygen was Jacob, and he was now a necessity.

Her lips crashed back down onto his and they kissed more urgently than before, their bodies molding together, not a single space between them. Eve's legs wrapped around Jacob's waist as she sat in his lap comfortably, and he began to kiss her neck, leaving butterfly kisses everywhere he could reach.

What am I doing...? She thought. I'm cheating on Jesse...

"Jake..." She spoke softly, regrettably attempting to stop his kisses, though it only urged him on more. "Jake stop..."

Slowly, Jacob came to, and stopped kissing her neck. Their foreheads were pressed together and their eyes gazed deeply into one another.

"What's wrong Eve...?" Jacob sighed out contently, kissing her lips quickly once more.

As his lips left hers, she reconnected them before answering. "I can't be kissing you."

"Then why do you keep kissing me?" He smirked, kissing her again and getting the same reaction he did before.

She stared into his eyes, licking her lips hungrily before smiling in realization. "Because I want to kiss you..." Her voice trailed off as she was sucked into another wave of pleasure by Jacob's moist lips.

"Good," Jacob replied through one of the kisses. "Because I want you to, too."

Eve could only think of one thing before her senses left her completely...

Screw commitment...