A/N - The first paragraph is directly from New Moon, my story picks up on page 511 of New Moon, exploring what would happen if Edward was too late, he did hurt her too much, and Bella had moved on. As always, everything belongs to Stephenie Meyer. I own nothing, sigh

"Yesterday, when I would touch you, you were so … hesitant, so careful, and yet still the same. I need to know why. Is it because I'm too late? Because I've hurt you too much? Because you have moved on, as I meant for you to? That would be … quite fair. I won't contest your decision. So don't try to spare my feelings, please – just tell me now whether or not you can still love me, after everything I've done to you. Can you?" he whispered.

He was only a mere inch or two from my face, those topaz eyes staring me down with a mix of curiosity and anxiety.

And then, something happened.

I opened my mouth to answer him, the word "yes" was right on my tongue, and I stopped. I couldn't say it, I just couldn't. The word would not leave my mouth. The seconds dragged on and I still hadn't said anything. He pulled back a little farther from my face. And though he tried to hide the hurt, it was still evident; it was easy to see that this was killing him.

"I understand" he choked out, and the he made his way to the window.

"No, wait!" I shouted after him. Why was I being so stupid?! The man I had mourned for the past 6 months was standing right in front of me, begging me to take him back, and I couldn't say the words that would bring him back into my arms. And then I knew. It dawned on me, the reason I couldn't take him back, why my subconscious mind would not allow me to do it. It knew better then I did what I wanted.

He stared back at me, sorrow radiating off of each and every perfect feature. I wanted to tell him I loved him, that I needed him, that I was nothing without him, I wanted to tell him these things so badly but I couldn't, because they weren't true.

"I'm sorry" was the pathetic but honest reply that fell from my lips. I hung my head in shame, not strong enough to face Edward's pained expression, knowing that it was pain that I had caused. But yet, I felt strangely light, as if a burden had been lifted from me. I felt guilty feeling this way when Edward was in so much pain but I couldn't help it. I had made my choice and it was the right one I knew. I heard the "whoosh" of the curtains as Edward Cullen left my room, and my life, forever.

I was driving so uncharacteristically, pushing my truck to its limit. After what seemed like a lifetime, I was finally at my destination. I jumped out of my truck and ran up the short walkway to the door, nearly tripping and falling on my way there. I knocked on the door and a surprised Jacob answered. Before he had time to speak, I reached to put my arms around him and kissed him. After a too short moment, I pulled away, a dazed and confused expression on Jacob's face. I leaned in close and with a smile on my face and a heart dancing in my chest, whispered "I choose you."