Hey guys. Just wanted to let ya'll know now, I'm going out of town soon. I don't know if I'll have internet or not, so if I don't, I'm sorry, and if I do, I'll probably update Saturday/Sunday, ok?

Chapter 10 – Too Little, Too Late (Edward's POV)

The sound of a door opening and footsteps woke me from my fitful sleep. I opened my eyes and sat up. Reuben stood half way between my bed and my door. I quickly glanced at my clock. It was later than I thought. "Yes, Reuben?" I said.

"I apologize for waking you, Mr. Masen. I wanted to drop off this." He held up a letter.

I took the letter from him and placed it on the bed beside me. "Thank you, Reuben," I said. He nodded and left the room. Once the door clicked shut, I picked up the letter. There was no indication of who sent it. I opened it and was greeted with the sight of Bella's handwriting. I smiled and started to read. My smile faded and was replaced by a frown. I reread her letter. The same bitter, ugly words were still there. Dear Edward, she had written, I regret to inform you that I can no longer remain your acquaintance. I wish you well. Sincerely, Isabella.

I couldn't understand. Why would she send me this? The awful truth dawned on me. She was me. She was me last night. I had to go see her. Maybe the situation could still be salvaged. I hurried to get dressed.

As I hurried down the stairs, my mother stopped me. "Edward, where are you rushing off to? Liam, Siobhan, and Maggie will be here for brunch any minute."

I sighed. "No where, mother." I followed her into the sitting room, where my father sat waiting. Siobhan, Liam, and Maggie arrived shortly after that. For the first half hour, we sat and talked. Then, we moved to the dining room and started to eat.

Brunch seemed to drag on endlessly. Every few minutes I would glance at the clock, hoping I could finally go see Bella. I was contemplating pretending to feel ill, going to my room, and sneaking out when Siobhan, Liam, and Maggie finally said that they had to leave. As soon as they were gone, I told my parents I had an errand to run and left. I hurried to the carriage and told the driver to take me to Bella's house right away.

The minute the carriage came to a stop, I jumped out and ran to the door. I knocked hurriedly. The door opened. "May I help you, sir?" the butler asked.

"Is Isabella home?" I asked.

"Yes, Miss Swan is home."

"I need to speak with her. Tell her Edward Masen is here to see her."

The butler nodded and opened the door wider, inviting me in. I stepped into the entrance hall. He shut the door and hurried up the stairs to get Bella. I waited. One minute passed, then two. I heard frantic footsteps, like someone was running. They stopped abruptly. I heard somebody walking down the staircase behind me and turned. Bella was there, watching me with emotionless eyes. ""Edward," she said as she approached me.

"Isabella," I replied.

"Why are you here, Edward?" she asked.

"I'm here because of this." I pulled her letter out of my pocket. "Why did you send me this?"

"I saw you last night, Edward." My heart sunk. I could see it in her eyes; she was furious at me. "I saw you with… Tanya." She spat out Tanya's name like a curse.

"Bella, I can explain…" I pleaded. Please let her give me the chance to explain. Please let her give me the chance to explain.

"I thought you loved me, Edward," she accused me.

"I do love you, Bella."

"So that wasn't you I saw with Tanya?"

"I'm not going to lie to you, Bella. That was me you saw with Tanya."

"Do you have feelings for her?" I didn't answer her question, afraid to hurt her even more. "Edward, do you have feelings for her?" I knew I had no choice but to answer her. Slowly, I nodded my head. "Edward…." she said, choking on her words.

"Bella, please…" I said, hoping I could get her to listen to me.

"I'm sorry, Edward," she said. "But I meant what I wrote. I can't remain your friend. You betrayed my trust, Edward. I can't forgive you for that. Goodbye, Edward."

"Bella," I pleaded.

"That's Miss Swan to you," she said, her voice like ice. "Good day, Mr. Masen." With that, she turned and walked back up the stairs. I stared after her, listening to her footsteps fading away. I stood there for a few more seconds, unable to think. Finally, I walked across the entrance hall and wrenched open the door. I hurried outside and climbed into my carriage. As the horses whisked me away from Bella, I spared her manor one last look. I wish I hadn't been so stupid. Then we turned the corner, and Bella was gone. Possibly forever.

Ouch. Poor Edward. But don't worry, he'll be okay. He'll have plenty of people to comiserate with soon. You know what they say, misery loves company.

xoxoxoxoxo, TwilightTeen212