A/n: This one takes place right around Christmas, and centers on the conversation about taking chances with Angela. From Bella's POV. Some of the dialogue is copied from the Healing Chances oneshot, but it is an essential part of this chapter's conversation.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Twilight series or the characters. I can only wish.

It was Christmas Eve today. Last year was miserable for me, and consequently for Charlie. I was determined to make this Christmas good for both of us. Charlie deserved it, especially after everything I put him through since Edward left. He deserved a thousand amazing years.

Angela was over, having spent the night last night so that we could catch up and have a girl's night. A night we both needed, full of comfort food and romantic comedies. She was currently helping me finish putting up decorations and preparing tomorrow's dinner, and I decided to finally tell her everything I told Mike.

She ranted at Edward's words and literally nearly left to find and have words with Jacob for hurting me the same way. Instead she wrapped me in a tight hug much like Mike's when he heard everything.

"Bella, what they said wasn't true at all. They are idiots. Men. Seriously. Will we ever find the exceptions?"

I smiled softly at her. She was only saying the words for my benefit. I knew that she was currently dating a guy who was apparently sent from heaven and everything she wanted in a guy.

"I think I might have."

She gives me a knowing smile, "Who is this, and when did this happen?"

I tried to change the topic, not yet ready to reveal my answer. "You know, I never thanked you for being there. Even when I was mean to you. I'm glad you stuck by me."

She nodded but kept silent, looking at me expectantly.

I sighed, taking a moment to formulate my answer carefully, before I decided to ease into it.

"It's because of you and Mike that I was able to heal again. You guys were there for me unconditionally. Edward and Jacob really made me feel like I wasn't worth it. Like I wasn't worthy of love. Like I was nothing. And after I finally told Mike about it, he has spent every day doing little things to show me that I am worth it. He tells me every day that I am worth it, that I am beautiful."

"And do you believe him?"

"I'm starting to. He told me he was in love with me, but he wouldn't push for more than friendship. He said he would wait for me until I was ready to move on."

Angela smiled at me, "And are you ready? Are you having feelings for Mike?"

"I'm starting to, but I'm scared that he'll hurt me too eventually. If I let myself love him, what if he finds someone better?"

She sighed, "Bella you can't know what will happen in the future, but I think that Mike won't ever hurt you intentionally. He loves you too much for that. I know he does. But you'll never know if you don't take the chance. Do you want to spend your life wondering what if you did?"

"…He really does love me, doesn't he?"

"Yeah, he does. He loves you so much that it hurts him to see you hurting. Did you know that he always kept his phone on the loudest ringer at night, so he'd hear if you ever called in the middle of the night? He always had his clothes, shoes, and jacket ready to be thrown on at a moment's notice, just in case you needed him. Did you know that he suddenly had all of your classes with you because he noticed that Jessica and Lauren, your biggest bullies, left you alone more often when he was nearby? Or that he's been keeping a closer eye on you ever since the first time you broke down crying, so that he can be there to comfort you faster? That every time you cried, it took all he had not to cry with you? Except instead of wanting to cry for Edward and Jacob, he wanted to cry because of how much pain you were in."

I sat stunned, my eyes watering. I truly had no idea. "No, I didn't know. I don't want him hurting for my sake. I'm sorry. I had no idea. I've just been selfish, haven't I? Always taking and never giving."

She shook her head, "No Bella. You were told by the only two guys that you ever loved that you weren't worth it, and that they didn't want you after leading you on. You were entitled to be a little selfish and not notice. You were entitled to take as much comfort as you needed. We understood that whatever you were feeling was too much for you to handle. We understood that you didn't know how else to cope. We also knew that you would come around in time. We love you just the same. You're my best friend, Bella."

"Thanks Ang. I love you too. Thank you for being there unconditionally."

She smiled at me, and stood up to leave. "You were and still are worth it Bella. Now I should get home to my family. I had fun last night and earlier today. I'm glad we were able to have this talk. Just think about what I said about Mike, ok?"

I nodded as I waved her off. I spent most of that night considering her words. If she was right, then giving Mike a chance was a chance worth taking. If she were right, then Mike wouldn't ever hurt me if he could help it.

My decision was made. Edward wasn't coming back. Jacob wasn't likely to show up either. I wouldn't want either of them to, in any case. They didn't deserve me. But Mike did deserve me. Now how do I tell him?

For the first time in months I slept easy that night.