Handwritten note on Edward's desk. 6AM Sunday 23rd December
Good Morning E,
You asked me to consider not leaving, in case we need a plan B, for being together. I've realized now - it's not a plan B, is it? It's plan A. Because you still haven't told me your complications, or whether you'll come with me, and I know that can only mean you can't.
I thought it was impossible for me to stay, because she would kick me out anyway. But she phoned just now. (You sleep like a rock, BTW.) She was… just about sorry. She said she's been too harsh lately, and she's not gonna 'work' or drink through Christmas and my birthday. She even said I can live there longer.
I'm not dumb - I know quitting alcohol isn't that quick and easy, and the remorse may not last, but with no men around, I'll be safe. And although I've hated Port Angeles for a long time and been desperate to leave, I'm falling for you so hard that for the first time, I have a reason to try to stay.
So I'm going back there now, to give it another chance with her. A final chance.
I won't wake you up, because saying goodbye, even for a week, will be too painful. I'll be thinking about you all the time, and I hope you have a great Christmas, whatever it is going on for your family.
See you Saturday, B x
A/N I hear those screams of "noooo" to naive/desperate Bella. Don't be mad at her (leave that to Edward). Breaking away from her kind of upbringing is a bumpy process.