If you fall in love with two people- pick the second, because if you really loved the first, you wouldn't have fallen for the other.

- Anonymous

Chapter One

"Bella…are you sure? Did you make the right choice? I've never seen you in so much pain-"His voice broke on the last word.

But I had known worse pain.

I hid my face in my hair, avoiding his burning eyes. "Edward…"

I slid my hand around his waist and buried my face into his chest. I started to remember back to when I was in my own personal dark ages. Specifically recalling the moments where I was alone. Those days seemed like a thousand years ago, and I tried with every ounce of my being to forget those wretched times. But sometimes, you just can't forget. The aching hole that lived in my chest, the overpowering emptiness and darkness, and then the one bright warm spot- Jacob.

"Bella?" Edward's voice was hoarse, like he himself had been crying, if that were possible.

I didn't look up at him, I couldn't stand seeing his face. I was afraid that the pain in his voice would be displayed on his perfect marble features. "Edward, I love you."

He smiled my favorite crooked smile and kissed my forehead. "I love you, too."

He seemed to remain quiet, and I went back to thinking about those dreadful six months. The worse pain was when Edward was gone, I couldn't live without him. I couldn't be happy without him. Suddenly I was hit with words said from what seemed like long ago, the words of my dear Jacob.

"'You've never tried. When he left, you spent all your energy holding on to him. You could be happy if you let go. You could be happy with me.'"

Back then it seemed like I didn't have a choice, and that all I wanted was Edward. But after discovering that I do love Jacob Black with all my heart, it seems that I have a choice. Or do I? I had hurt Jacob so much in the past year, and every memory of pain on his face, caused by me, made me want to die. It killed me to know that I was causing my beautiful Jacob all this agony. But after all this, I couldn't stand to see him be anything but happy, and if I went back to him, I could hurt him again. And I did not want to do that. So what choice do I have? Is it "cause Jacob more pain, just so I can be happy" or is it "let him live his life, without more interference and pain by me"?

Icy fear started trickling through my veins. Why was I thinking about Jacob? After this long session of crying, and that painful final conversation, why was he still here; in my thoughts? I know that I love him, but I love Edward more… I think?

The more I thought about it, the more confused I became. Edward had left me; Jacob was always here for me. Like Edward said, Jake stitched me up when Edward left me bleeding, and those kinds of stitches don't dissolve on their own. Would I be better off with Jake? Would the more natural path suit my life better? Could I be happy without Edward? Could I let him go?

I gasped when Edwards hand brushed my cheek. "Bella, love, don't cry. Please."

I looked down at the moisture that ran across his thumb, and that's when I lost it.

"I can't make everyone happy, Edward. I can't keep everyone safe, and most in importantly I can't keep putting people in danger." My voice was rough, It cracked with emotion.

"Bella, no one is asking for you to make them happy, especially not me. All I want from you, is for you to assure me that you're happy, because that's all that matters to me."

I looked up at him; his dark eyes were burning right through me. His perfectly smooth expression was well put together, but I saw the pain behind his mask. "I need to…" I couldn't get the rest out.

"Isabella Swan, I love you, and I always will. You know that, and right now, I can see I'm not what you want- what you need. Go Bella, go to Jacob, but know this; I will always be here for you, waiting in the wings."

I was not surprised at his words, but his voice. It was pained, but calm. I reached up for his face and I pulled him close to me. He wrapped his arms around me and lifted me off the bed.

"Edward Anthony Masen Cullen, I love you forever. I know that I'm hurting you, and that kills me. But right now… I need him. Please… don't do anything… irrational… I tried to let him go, Edward, but I couldn't. I need you in my life, and I'm not positive about anything yet, but I think this is best for now… I love you so much."

He looked into my eyes and leaned forward to close the distance between us. This kiss was not gentle in any way. His lips were fierce on mine, and his arms were a little too tight around my waist, but I didn't say anything. I twisted my fingers into his bronze hair as he traced kisses down my neck and back up to my mouth.

The farewell kiss lasted a good long time, but finally he pulled away and placed one smaller kiss on my red lips. It was very soft and short. He set me on my feet and stared at me.

I tore my eyes away from his gaze and whispered the only thing I could think of. "I'm sorry, I love you, and your family and I want to stay close… eventually. For now it will have to be a long distance thing… I know it will be hard, but like I said, I am not sure of anything yet, so… stay close. I love you so much."

His eyes were closed as he nodded and slowly pulled away from me, my hand staying in his until the distance pulled us apart. I took a deep breath, close my eyes, and when I re-opened them he was gone.

He was gone. I knew what I had to do; I knew what I needed to do. I needed my Jacob.

Charlie was still sleeping, and I could assume Jacob would be as well, but I didn't care. I needed him, and I know he needed me. The familiar drive to his house was short and I knew I needed to take this slow, but when I got there I couldn't help but jump from the cab of my truck and sprint to the front door. I fished there house key out from under the mat and quietly walked to his room.

I waited outside the door for awhile, debating how to say this. I wondered if he would take me with open arms. Had I hurt him too much for that? I shook the thought away as I slowly opened his door slightly. I peeked through the crevice and took a deep breath. My heart fluttered when I saw him.

He was awake, staring at his ceiling. His dark eyes were rimmed red; obviously he was sharing a sleepless night caused by weeping with me. He didn't hear me open his door. I watched him for a while more. He was breathing in quick gasps, and the thought of him crying over me made my heart break, and I couldn't take it anymore. I pushed my way through the door.

He gasped "Bella, what the hell are you doing here?" His voice was weak, and his expression pained.

I walked over to his bed and held his face between my hands. "Handle the clouds, Jacob, and you will never have to fight with an eclipse."

Before he could answer, I pulled his face to mine and pressed my lips to his. He didn't react badly, he was hesitant at first, but then he wrapped his arms around my neck. The kiss was very sweet, yet very wild. I ran my fingers through his hair and kissed him harder. He continued for a while until he pulled away and ran his hand down my face.

He closed his eyes. "Bella… Why?" His voice was acidic, and it frightened me.

"What do you mean Jacob? I thought-"

"Bella, why would you do this? It just will make things harder and more painful than necessary when you leave me." He cut me off.

"Jacob! I'm not going anywhere… unless you tell me to." I said with a sheepishly.

His eyes widened and his expression grew softer. "What?"

I closed my eyes. "Jacob, I left Edward. Well… I mean we sort of agreed that this was what I wanted. I know you're still recovering and I will understand completely if you tell me to get lost but-"

I was interrupted by his warm lips on mine; he lifted me to lay on the bed with him. His hand ran down my sides and stopped at my waist. His lingering lips stopped at my throat.

"Does this mean…?" he pondered

"Yes. I love you Jacob."

Jacob smiled and pulled me gently against his chest, being aware of the bandages the traced every inch of his body. He pressed his lips to my forehead and sighed.

"I love you too, Bella."

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