Official Summary: Something’s very wrong with Bella & Edward. Jacob can’t figure out what it is. As Bella’s life crumbles, he must decide what’s more important: their illicit romance or making her whole again. But how can Jake help Bella if she’s unwilling to help herself?

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MaeMay’s Thoughts

I discovered this little known fic while fic-diving over at ff.net (which can sometimes be unreliable, as some of you may know or have experienced). It was one hundred percent completely satisfying to come across a story with so much rich potential and realizing that the fandom world isn’t doomed. “All I Have” by NotEvenTheTrees is an AH story centering around the intersecting lives of Jacob and Bella – my personal favorite pair to ship. Also, the AH quirk adds a bit of a twist. Every author has their own take on the human lives of an adult Jake and Bells, and right off the bat I was intrigued to see how the author configured a world of her own for them to live in and create a plot off of.

The first thing I noticed in this story was the tense and POV. You’re in Jake’s mind in this one, and it is no fail. She writes him spot on, without adding the derogative slang or sexual thoughts. It’s also written in present tense, something that can sometimes come across awkward in other stories. In “All I Have”, it’s effortless. It’s clear right off the bat that NotEvenTheTrees has her own style of writing, and what I find makes the story is it being from Jake’s perspective. It couldn’t have been written any different way.

A little summary: Jake and Bella (who is lighthearted and optimistic in this one, not moody/depressed) meet casually one day, run into each other the next, exchange numbers, and shabaam. You’re probably thinking that this situation sounds pretty ordinary. And well, it does…but the twist and intrigue of this story is that Bella is hiding something. Jacob knows she is in a relationship with Edward (‘McSerious’ in his terms) and there’s the SLIGHTEST hint of domestic abuse suggested, but the mystery remains and is part of what has me hooked. I’m always wondering. It is clear Bella’s taking solace in Jacob for whatever reason – specifically during the time McSerious is away on business trips. The difference in this story is that Jake isn’t jumping the gun; he’s acknowledging her relationship and holding back on the intimacy Bella wants to seek with him because of it, offering his friendship and whatever else she needs from him. Oh, the angst and UST.

Leah is an antagonist to their ‘relationship’. She’s in the picture a lot, as a friend and foe…and as Jake’s roommate. The other wolf pack members make their entrances occasionally, as well. What I also find unique about this story is that it is written in four parts. Do not fear, the parts aren’t one chapter each. The author bases the parts around the four seasons, and it looks to be that each season has 10 chapters.

NotEvenTheTrees admits in her opening author’s note that she’s Team Edward. She’s even written a Bella/Edward story and Jacob/Renesmee story. “All I Have” is her first fic for JB, and she explains this because, for her, it’s easier to write Jacob because he is more “flexible” and “fun” (she forgot to mention hotter ;P ). For someone who has never written Jacob and Bella, I’m astounded she’s been able to brew this story up and potentially make Edward the bad guy – but who knows, it could just be Bella’s clumsiness leaving her with a bruised eye…

The dynamic of Jacob and Bella will leave you happily content, and the mystery will leave you hooked. Give it a read!

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