DISCLAIMER: All characters and story world belong to SM. All lyrical references and quotes are property of their original artist. No copyright infringement intended.

[Beta'd by: TRDancer]
Special thanks to: My ficwife Ocdmess.

Song Inspiration: Pearl Jam – Better Man
Image: http:/ /bit[dot]ly/aqom0a

The sudden light filters into the bedroom and stirs her gently. She opens her eyes and squints at the clock; it's four in the morning. She can smell the booze wafting into the bedroom, and she swears she'll do it in the morning – she'll leave when it's light out and never look back.

She closes her eyes, but all she sees is blood spilled on the floor and his copper hair from a time and place when her life seemed perfect.

The bed shifts, and he rolls under the covers.

"Night, Bells," he slurs.

"Night, Jake," she whispers through tears.

"Waiting, watching the clock – it's four o'clock, it's got to stop.
Tell him take no more; she practices her speech as he opens the door.
She rolls over... pretends to sleep as he looks her over.
She lies and says she's in love with him – can't find a better man.
She dreams in color, she dreams in red – can't find a better man.

Talking' to herself, there's no one else who needs to know she tells herself.
Memories back when she was bold and strong and waiting for the world to come along.
Swears she knew it, now she swears he's gone.
She lies and says she's in love with him – can't find a better man.
She dreams in color, she dreams in red – can't find a better man.

She loved him, yeah... she don't want to leave this way.
She feeds him, yeah... that's why she'll be back again.
Can't find a better man."
~Pearl Jam - "Better Man"

A/N: So, this is what I see as Bella's 'could-have-been' future if Edward had never come back. Alive, but only barely, and not in love with the man who picked up her broken heart. Read into it however you want... it's just one possibility. Cliche? Sure; but what isn't these days?

Check out the picture I do for every one shot as well - located at the top. I find a song, dream up a story, write it out, and create an image to fit.

Have a song to suggest? I write angst, drama, and romance so leave a review, PM me, or follow me on Twitter: Ailisraevyn and send me your suggestion. I can't promise I'll do it, but I'm always looking for new inspiration.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.