A/N: This has actually been one of my favorite chapters to write. Mostly, I think, it is because of the song I used, "Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground" by Willie Nelson. It is pretty much my new favorite song. Another reason is that I did not want to make Edward out to be a total ass, and I think I succeeded. Sorry if he seems to be lacking a backbone, or if it seems too easy to you, but I don't think that it's too far OOC. And besides, this story is all about picking up on the lesser character traits, if you know what I mean. If you still feel it is lacking the drama: re-read the earlier chapters. SO. Much. Drama.

Also, I was missing an A/N yesterday, because my internet use is kind of sporadic, and I was pressed for time. So, I just wanted to say that Chapter 8 was the LONGEST CHAPTER in this story. Longest chapter I've ever written, period. (Except for the Supernatural story 'Angels & Devils,' which is not exactly broken into chapters.) So, yay! I wrote Chapters 8 & 9 on the same night. I was listening to the song as I was writing Chapter 8, and then inspiration just struck, so I opened up another page, and thus Chapter 9 was born. Anywho, hope you like it as much as I do. Thanks for reading!

Bella's POV

Today was the day. I had gotten up a little earlier than necessary in order to calm my nerves. I took my time showering and dressing, and cooked some real breakfast instead of grabbing a bowl of cereal. When I found nothing else that I could kill time doing, I decided to head to Edward's. Because I left home so early, I allowed my truck to carry me along at a leisurely pace. I owed the truck that much for the strain I put on it yesterday. I thought that the pace had not been leisurely enough as I saw the Cullen driveway approaching. My stomach was doing somersaults as I pulled into the driveway and up to the house. I cut the truck off, and took a deep breath. I knew I was being overly dramatic, but it seemed neccessary to not freak out.

As I got out of my truck and swung the door gently shut, I heard the strains of an old Willie Nelson song floating from Edward's open bedroom window. Edward only listened to Willie when he was in his most despondent of moods. On the bright side, this meant he would probably be in no mood to fight. On the negative side, his melancholy would only add to my guilt.

Edward's voice drifted out of his window, and intermingled with the slow tune.

If you had not have fallen, I would not have found you…

"You're early. The door is unlocked," he called. "Come on up."

I opened the door to the Cullen home, and then shut it behind me. I took off my jacket, making sure the truck keys were still in the pocket, and placed the jacket on the coat rack. I made it through the rest of the house and crested the stairs without incident. Edward's door was open, but still I knocked lightly on the doorframe.

Edward was sitting on the floor, leafing through an old journal, one of many dotting the impeccably white carpet of his room. He looked up at me with dark golden eyes as I entered. I had no idea what to say to him, or how to begin. As I stood there in his room, trying to remember the words I had practiced earlier, I looked around the normally tidy room. Today, it was dotted with cardboard boxes. The walls and shelves were emptier than last time I had been in this room.

Edward noticed my wandering eyes and stood up and began walking toward me. He held his hand out, waiting for me to place mine into it.

"Dance with me," he said.

"Edward-"

"I know, Bella, I know. Just dance with me, one last time. Please."

I placed my hand into his, and we began a slow, familiar sway across his room.

I knew someday that you would fly away…

"I expected you to be angry."

"I was angry, Bella. I am angry. But there is nothing I can do to change your mind. That is part of the reason I went to Denali. I refused to let my anger get the best of me, especially since it would make no difference either way. I did not expect you to stay away from her, no matter how much I willed you to do so."

I felt a little ashamed with the way he said those last words, but he had a right to be upset. I was leaving him. For his sister. Of whom he was not the biggest fan to begin with.

For love's the greatest healer to be found…

He continued as we made our way toward his window, dodging half-empty boxes as we danced a final time. His words were coming slowly, as if he were thinking them for the first time. There was a sad half-smile sitting on his face the entire time, and I realized then just how much I would miss Edward. It was worth it, I reminded myself, but at the same time I knew I would always feel a little guilty, especially if Edward never again found true love.

"I knew you would not, or could not, perhaps, stay away from her. I have always known, Bella. Well, not always, but for a long time. At first, it was because you would get quiet whenever I mentioned her rudeness. I thought that I was just being silly or paranoid, but then I started to watch you every time you looked at Rosalie. I never saw anything on your face besides this aching sort of hurt. Not the kind of hurt you show when some quasi-stranger is rude to you. It was the kind of hurt that comes from knowing that the one person you most want to be with wants nothing to do with you. I know that look well, Bella, because the same one was on my face as soon as you realized you had a chance with Rosalie after all. I must admit, I felt rather foolish for not realizing earlier that your feelings were not unrequited, but Rosalie has been around me for a very long time, and she knows the way my mind works, how to hide things from me. I guess she planned to keep it a secret forever, but…." He trailed off there, and left the room quiet but for the music.

So leave me if you need to…

I broke the silence first.

"You're leaving. Where are you going to go?"

"I have not quite figured that one out for myself yet. There is a spot in Denali for me, whenever I need it, and the same here, but I think I am going to do some traveling first. The world has changed since I have last been around it."

Another moment passed as we danced silently around the spacious bedroom. The only noise came from the strumming of guitar strings.

"I really am sorry. I do love you, Edward. I hope you know that."

He nodded almost imperceptibly, and was silent for a moment.

So fly on, fly on past the speed of sound. I'd rather see you up than see you down.

"But you love Rosalie more. I understand.... Well, we all know how this story ends. You find out that Rosalie loves you too, and you realize that the chance you never had, and thought you would never get, is right here in front of you."

We had stopped moving now, and just stood in one spot, still intertwined. It was familiar to me, being back in Edward's arms, but I was saddened to realize that it no longer held the same magic as it once had. He leaned down, and planted a small kiss on my forehead as he whispered,

"You would be a fool if you let that chance slip away."

So leave me if you need to. I will still remember.

Angel flying too close to the ground.

A/N: Also, thanks for the reviews. I will be replying to them ASAP. The story is almost complete now, so savor it while you can! Reviews = better than chocolate :-D Leave me one, and I'll like you forever.