I used to believe in love. That was before I was sitting alone in a downtown Chicago diner waiting for my boyfriend – ex-boyfriend now. I had splurged on a new dress and shoes; it would have been our two year anniversary, and when the waitress brought over another cheap, off brand coffee, I was reminded again of my further depleted bank account. I would have to find a way to return my outfit tomorrow.

I was hoping on a proposal tonight. Alice and Rose had been so excited, shopping for the perfect dress and spending hours on myself tonight. But their efforts were wasted. I'm not sure how I going to tell them. It was embarrassing enough that we broke up on our anniversary. Even worse that I found out he was cheating on me

I had called him about an hour ago waiting in the Waldorf Astoria at the bar. I was trying not to look pathetically alone, but after three cocktails and no missed calls I knew something was up. I hastily called his phone praying not to get the voicemail when I was answered by the phone being picked up.

"Jake where are you"

"Babe, I'm on my way I promise. There was some late minute work I had to take care of at the office."

"But it's our anniversary"

"I know. I'm sorry"

But I knew his promises were false when I heard a strangely familiar giggle in the background.

"Jake what was that?"

"Nothing babe, I'll be there in a few minutes"

"No Jake, I'm sure I heard something"

"Bella it's probably on your end, just wait for me there"

This time I heard another giggle, followed by a woman's voice.

"Jacob what is going on over there?"

"I'm sorry Bella; I don't know any other way to explain it to you. Me and Leah—"

But it was too late. I had already ran away humiliated out of the bar, forgetting my cell phone next to my drink.

Somehow I had made my way to the crappy diner I am sitting in now, sullen and depressed while others are out celebrating and loving on my anniversary, coincidentally on Valentine's.

Finally I gathered some of my remaining courage to face my walk of shame home. I would always have a standing date with my two men at home. I knew they would be there for me forever – Ben and Jerry. I faced the blistering cold I had forgotten in my angst an hour ago trying to distract myself from the nights previous incidents.

My concentration on keeping warm distracted me long enough to find my way to the apartment where my two eager best friends were probably awaiting my fabulous engagement ring.

I couldn't help feeling a mixture of hate and embarrassment as I turned the lock to my apartment, but most surprisingly, hurt. This entire time I had felt nothing but betrayal wanting to hide myself for the embarrassment of what he had done. But not once since the news had broken had I shed a single tear for Jacob Black. Weren't you supposed to cry and wallow in self-pity after the breakup? I had the pity part covered. There was no way I could face our friends after something like this. Had our friends known all along? Was this some kind of joke to see how long he could keep two girls, maybe even more? My feminism had been severely ruined; I knew I was no goddess, but I wasn't a sore eye to look at either.

I stepped in the apartment only to see my friends eagerly rushing to me and the floodgates opened on command. They rushed to me obviously confused on how an engagement could be so sad, but when they saw my empty finger, they were halfway reassured.

Somehow we had all ended on the floor in front of the door huddled together while I cried into their arms speaking incoherently.

Alice was the first to speak.

"Bella, honey, what happened tonight?"

"He cheated on me, Alice, Cheated on me." I blubbered out, still sobbing on both of them.

"What?" both of them said.

I proceed to relay the events that transpired earlier tonight, stumbling and sniffling through most of it.

"I should destroy him for all he's worth. I can't believe he would do that to you Bells." Rose told.

"I can Rose." I solemnly said. "No man wants a prude for a girlfriend."

I can't really say why but I never wanted to give myself to Jacob. The whole marriage before sex thing wasn't that big of a deal for me, but enough that I wanted it to be with the right guy. I guess it was too big of a wait for him; after so long of holding out on him, he probably decided to get something on the side. I was planning on finally doing the deed tonight, but patience proved not to be a virtue for Jacob. A twenty seven year old virgin wasn't that uncommon – I think.

"No Bella, you are not a prude. You just have values." Rose assured me. "You have no idea how much I wish I was still a virgin."

"Really Rose?"

"Well, sometimes… I mean sex is pretty great. But more men should respect your decisions."

"What Rose means to say Bella, is that it's very old-fashioned and romantic that you would hold out for that special someone" Alice jumped it. "But now that you and Jake broke up, we can be the Single Sisters again!"

"Yeah Bells. You really didn't need him anyways. It's his loss he didn't realize how great you were."

"So what do you say Bella, why don't you go to sleep tonight then we can get up tomorrow, go to the spa, maybe go shopping—"

"No guys, I just want to stay in my room for the next couple of days and try to forget about all of this. I don't think I will be ready to face the world any more tomorrow that I am right now." Even though it had already been done, it still hurt.

I trudged to my room stopping once in the kitchen to grab a spoon, a can of whipped cream and the largest tub of Chunky Monkey we had the in the refrigerator.