Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, Stephenie Meyer does.

A/N: Here it is! Chapter 18! I hope you are excited! Thank you to the wonderful people that have reviewed this story! You are awesome and those who have alerted me/story or added me/story to their favorites. Thank you!

I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Also thank you to wannabealicebrandon for beta reading this chapter.

My Dark Angel

Chapter 18

Sorry

"Bella, we need to talk… about us." Edward said those fateful words and I just about died. This was what I was dreading. He looked at me with a serious, but loving expression on his face.

"Okay, talk." I told him. I wasn't sure what else to say to him or how I would say it.

"Do you want to be with me?" He asked.

"Yes, I do." I admitted; I was letting myself become completely vulnerable right now. And I couldn't believe I had just said that.

"Do you want to be with Jacob?" Oh God, it was the killer question. I paused for a few moments. I knew how to answer the question, but saying it out loud…that was a whole different story.

"Well…no I think, not anymore." I told him, he looked confused and frustrated.

"Then leave him Bella…if you want to be with me," Edward pleaded, his face in anguish.

"It's not that simple Edward. I want to, but it's just not that easy." I shook my head a few times, unsure of myself, my words. "I've been with him all my life, he's my best friend, and I can't just hurt him like that. I'm not ready to hurt him. He'll be crushed, Edward."

"I understand, and I don't want to force any decisions upon you, Bella. I'm not going to make you choose between us. Just be happy and you can have whatever part of me you want, or none at all, if that's better."

Damn Edward for being so understanding. I sighed.

"I want you Edward, more than I've ever wanted anyone." It was true, but I just couldn't bring myself to rip out Jacob's heart. "But I can't make myself hurt him, no matter what I decide, someone will get hurt, and I'll get hurt having to make that choice."

"Bella, it's okay, I'm here, and I'll always be here until you don't want me anymore. You don't have to decide for me, I will never hurt you."

"I'll always want you here." I told him, he looked at me with a strong gaze and then cupped my face with his hands.

"I will never leave you." He said to me in his beautiful voice, and then gracefully kissed my lips again with his soothing touch.

"I don't want you to ever leave me." I said, dazzled by his close presence. Edward smiled and then kissed me softly again.

We both turned to the stars then stared at them for a little while. I was happy with the night; the beauty of the sky was startling, and Edward was enthralling. I knew I had to call Alice later and tell her what happened. She would be thrilled and most likely bombard me with a million and one questions.

I was afraid of tomorrow morning, though, when I would see Jacob. I also had to tell him what happened; I couldn't keep this a secret from him. I wasn't like that. I was disgusted with myself for cheating on him, but I knew it would have happened sooner or later anyways. Edward was a big part of my life now, and his importance was growing at an uncontrollable rate.

"Are you ready to go home now?" Edward asked as we laid under the stars.

"Yeah, I guess so. I'm sure Charlie is starting to worry again."

Edward chuckled and stood up, helping me up as well.

"It's going to take forever to walk out of here," I said exhaustedly, looking at the trees.

"I know a shortcut," Edward said, smirking.

He took my hand and we headed in a different direction then we came in, at least that I came in.

We walked through the woods, quickly. Edward looked at me every couple of minutes or so, smiling, checking to make sure I was okay.

"Almost there," he said.

"Good, I can't keep up this pace much longer."

"You'll sleep well tonight," he assured me, "since you've walked for probably half a day today." He said jokingly.

"I'll be very mad if I don't sleep well then" I said sarcastically, but I knew how I was going to sleep tonight.

"Here we are," Edward said, and we stepped out of the woods and onto a road.

"Where's my truck?" I asked suspiciously. Edward laughed.

"It's just around this turn, this was the shortcut."

"Okay, it was pretty short." I admitted.

We kept walking a few yards until we found my truck and I saw Edward's Volvo.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to drive behind you and make sure you get home safely. It will give me some peace of mind." Edward said as he opened my truck door for me. I smiled.

"Of course, I've been meaning to introduce you to my parents anyways, if that is okay...?"

Edward's face lit up.

"Of course, it would be a pleasure to meet them."

"Okay, well, we better hurry." I smiled and Edward nodded, shutting my door and walking to his Volvo. Before I even turned my engine on, Edward's was already running and ready to go.

I pulled out of my parking spot and headed back to my house. It was a lengthy drive, longer than most normal drives in Forks; it gave me time to think, too much time.

Had I really kissed Edward? Had I really cheated on Jacob? The proof of my betrayal was everywhere and I still couldn't believe how unfaithful I had been to Jacob. A part of me wished that he was the one who had been unfaithful to me; at least then I wouldn't have to hurt him in that situation. But no, I had to be the one doing the hurting, I always had to be the one. I was never given a break. Not only did I cheat on Jacob, but I fell in love with Edward too. That is going to kill him and tear his heart to pieces.

We reached my driveway and I could see the shadow of Charlie peeking out through the window, all the lights on in the house. He must have still been worrying.

It wasn't too late in the night, the clock in the truck said that it was 10:30 P.M.

Most teenagers in high school had curfews of 12:00 or 1:00 on the weekends, but not the Chief's daughter; I had to be home around 10:00. Charlie would probably be mad at me, but I was bringing him company, which meant he couldn't lose it in front of Edward. He would save that for later, scolding me once Edward left.

I parked in the driveway while Edward parked on the side of the street. I cut my engine and jumped out of the truck and found Edward already right next to me, smiling his brilliant smile. He was really fast, faster than I gave him credit for.

"You ready?" Edward asked. I took a big gulp then nodded. We walked to the front door and I opened it, stepping cautiously inside, looking around for Charlie or Renee.

"Bella! Where the he-" Charlie began to say as he walked in then saw Edward right next to me. He gave me a suspicious look.

"Sorry I came home so late, Dad, I got lost in the woods." Charlie looked a bit shocked, and then shook his head in aggravation.

"I knew something like that would happen, Bells." He said.

"I was wandering around in the woods until Edward found me," I gestured to Edward next to me. "Dad, I'd like you to meet Edward Cullen." I said; Charlie studied him for a few seconds; Edward immediately held his right arm out and shook with Charlie.

"It is very nice to meet you sir," Edward said in his always polite manner.

"You too," Charlie said slowly, still eyeing Edward.

Just then, Renee walked into the room.

"Oh, I didn't know we had company." She said, pleasantly surprised. Renee looked over at Edward then at me, smiling at me with the 'he's gorgeous!' expression she frequently used. Edward took a few steps toward her direction, holding his right arm out to introduce himself.

"Hello, Mrs. Swan. I would like to formally introduce myself, my name is Edward Cullen." He said in his charming voice, while flashing her his beautiful smile. Renee couldn't stop smiling in return. She looked at me again and gave me the 'I've died and gone to heaven' expression. I laughed internally.

"Why, it's very nice to meet you Edward. Are you by chance related to Dr. Cullen?"

"Yes, he is my father." Edward affirmed politely.

"He is a wonderful man, and your mother, I've met her a few times in town. She is a very darling woman."

"Thank you," he replied sweetly, "she thinks the same about you."

I rolled my eyes smiling. Nice touch, Edward.

"Please come in," Renee encouraged him. I then realized we were still right by the front door. Charlie hadn't even moved out of the way to let us fully inside the house. He wasn't much of a social person, and he was even a little more awkward when it came to meeting new people, especially boys my age.

"Charlie, you've met Edward's father right?" Renee asked as she led us to the kitchen.

"Uh yes, I've met him a few times, nice guy." Charlie said. "Does a good job with his patients, the staff love him." Edward smiled.

"So Edward, how do you know Bella?" Renee asked curiously, still smiling ever so brightly.

"We have a class together, Biology. We've actually been working on a science fair project for the past month."

"Really? I guess that's where Bella's been off to lately." She smirked at me and I blushed. I could see Edward grinning and trying to hide a laugh by my side. Charlie looked confused and turned his head back and forth between us.

"We're almost finished with it though," Edward added.

"What is the project about?" Renee asked.

"Human behavior and its predictability." He answered.

"Sounds fascinating," Renee said, looking dazed and entranced by Edward. Charlie laughed a bit by her behavior.

"Geez, Renee, give the kid some space." He said with a chuckle. I then noticed that she was subconsciously leaning closer and closer to Edward from the counter. She looked at Charlie confused then looked at her posture, instantly snapping herself to a stand up position and blushing. Edward just smiled.

"Sorry," she mumbled, and I began to laugh.

"Well I think Edward needs to go home now, it's pretty late and we have school tomorrow," I began to remind them. Renee nodded and Charlie looked a bit relieved.

"Oh okay, well it was a pleasure meeting you Edward." Renee told him while smiling.

"The pleasure was all mine." He said charmingly, showing us his beautiful smile. I knew right there that if Renee was a 17 year old teenager, she would have fallen head over heels for Edward at that moment. Charlie laughed again then turned to Edward.

"Nice meeting you Edward, I'm sure I'll see your father around soon." He said then shook Edward's hand again.

"Of course sir, I'm sure he would be delighted to see you again, as well." Edward said, firmly shaking Charlie's hand. He then looked to both of them and said, "Thank you for inviting me inside tonight, it was nice to finally meet you two."

They both nodded, Renee with an adoring smile and Charlie with a brief one.

"I'll walk Edward out." I told them and they nodded again. We walked outside together and headed for his silver Volvo.

"What did you think?" I asked him.

"They are very nice," Edward told me with a slight chuckle.

"They are; I was afraid Charlie was going to act up, but I'm glad he didn't. And Renee looked like she had fallen in love with you." I joined in Edward's laughter. "You are really good at dazzling people." I told him, staring into his beautiful green eyes as we stopped next to his car.

"Do I dazzle you?" He asked crooked smile and all.

"All the time," I admitted. "You're even doing it right now."

"Sorry," Edward apologized, ducking his head with his smile.

"Don't be." I smiled.

"Thank you for finally letting me meet your parents," he said teasingly.

"No problem, I'm glad they met you. It's a big weight off my shoulders."

"Yeah, but I bet you still have quite the load anyways." He told me, and I couldn't agree more. I had a giant load on my shoulders, and it would be there for a while.

"Edward," I said quietly.

"Yes, Bella?" He said soothingly.

"Can you do me one favor?"

"Anything," he replied. My heart skipped at that beautiful response.

"Will you try avoiding Jacob tomorrow? I don't want anything bad to happen." Edward nodded.

"Of course Bella," he assured me.

"Thank you."

"Sleep well tonight," he told me in a deep tone.

"I'll try," I told him.

"See you tomorrow." He said as he caressed my cheek softly.

"Goodnight, Edward," I said, blushing in the dark, hoping that he couldn't tell, and also hoping that my parents weren't watching through the windows.

"Goodnight, Bella." He said smiling, which made me think that he did indeed see the blood rush to my cheeks, giving me away.

He entered his Volvo then looked at me with a smile before driving quickly away into the night.

I blankly stared at his path for a few seconds then retrieved to the house.

"Edward is gorgeous!" Renee blurted out as I entered the kitchen, the same place she was still standing in when Edward was here.

"Yeah," was all I could say. Renee then looked at me with wondering eyes.

"Bella," she whispered, glancing at Charlie who was in the living room and making sure that he wasn't listening. "Is there something going on between you and Edward?"

I was taken aback by her question. Of course there was something going on, but what was I supposed to tell her? I didn't answer; I didn't know how to.

"It's just, Bella, I saw the way you two looked at each other. It's stronger than the way I've seen anyone look at each other. Definitely stronger than you and Jacob. There must be something going on, because all I see is love, Bella."

"Mom, can we talk about this later? I'm really tired. I've had a long day."

"Of course sweetie," she told me while patting the back of my head in a motherly way.

"I hope you're okay," she suddenly said. I nodded.

"Goodnight mom," I told her.

"Goodnight dear," she replied.

I walked upstairs to my bedroom and laid down on my bed, thinking of how crazy tomorrow was going to be. I knew I had to talk to Jacob, and I knew I had to tell him about Edward and how something was in fact going on between us two. I didn't want to hurt him, but I knew that part was inevitable. Someone had to get hurt. Even though I'd rather have myself the one being hurt over and over again than have to hurt anyone else, someone still had to get hurt.

I took a brief shower and readied myself for bed. I regretfully dove into the covers and closed my eyes, waiting for the same dream to take me into the dark cold night.

*Beep* *Beep* *Beep*

I opened my eyes and turned my alarm clock off. Today was the day I was going to tell Jacob Black about Edward. Today was one of the days I had been dreading most for the past few months.

I slowly got out of bed, trying to delay myself in any way possible so that talking to Jacob wouldn't come any sooner than it had to.

I slowly put on my clothes and brushed my hair and my teeth. Still, I was quickly running out of things to do.

I walked downstairs and ate breakfast, a bowl of cereal.

"Good morning Bella," Renee said sweetly while sipping her coffee. Charlie had already left for work today, and Renee was the only one home.

"Good morning mom," I replied.

"Are you ready for school today?" She asked; how did she do that? How did she know when to ask such normal questions that applied to my life, but meant something completely different? I knew that this conversation would shift soon and become more personal. This simple question would change the conversation entirely, though it was my fault too, I was eating at the palm of her hand.

"Not really," I said truthfully.

"How come?" Renee asked innocently. "Is something wrong?"

"Well…yeah." I told her.

"What is it? Did something happen?" She put her coffee down and looked at me concerned.

"I did something. Something that I shouldn't have done."

Renee looked worried now.

"What did you do Bella?"

"I can't really say-"

"Did you cheat on a test?" Renee asked angrily, my heart jumped when she said the word cheat, but I was completely surprised with her accusation.

"No! Of course not! It's not that…" I assured her; she calmed down a bit then looked at me differently, like a light bulb just turned on.

"Does this have anything to do with Edward?" I looked down shamefully.

"Yes," I answered her. Renee placed her hand on my chin then raised my face to meet hers.

"Tell me Bella, it's okay." She assured me soothingly, comforting me.

"I kissed Edward." I said quickly and guiltily, trying to just get this over with and off my chest.

"Oh Bella," She said in an understanding tone. "I knew there was something going on between you two, even your dad noticed."

"He did?" I asked surprised. Charlie of all people noticed?

"Yes he did, sweetie, it's not that hard to tell. You two look like your madly in love with each other." She admitted. I sighed then put my face in my hands.

"This is terrible, I feel horrible." I told her, almost beginning to cry.

"Now now honey, it's okay. Everything will be alright."

"No it won't! I have to tell Jacob, he'll be crushed!"

"Him being crushed would be the least of my worries; I'd be worried about Edward's life. You know Jacob's temper." I nodded my head.

"I'm worried about that too, but I don't want to hurt Jacob. He will be so heart broken."

"Bella, that's life right there, that's love. People get hurt all the time. Do you love Jacob?"

"Yes, he's my best friend mom. I've been with him forever."

"And do you love Edward?"

"Yes, more than anyone I have ever known."

"Then it seems you know what you have to do."

"I know what I have to do mom, it's just doing it that I can't deal with, and I'm scared of the unknown. I don't want this all to be for nothing."

"Bella, you are a strong girl, I know you can do this." She told me with force. "You know what the right thing to do is, I know you do. I raised you well."

"I better get to school." I told her.

"Yes, you better." She agreed as I grabbed my bag and headed for the front door.

"Just remember Bella, you can do this. We love Jacob, he will always be family to us, but this is about your happiness, not ours. Do what you want to do, not what anyone else tells you."

"Thanks mom," I gave her a fake smile and she hugged me.

"Now get going," She told me smiling. I knew my mother was right. I had to tell Jacob, and I had to be strong. It was the right thing to do. If I truly valued our friendship and loved him like I said, then he deserved to know.

I walked to my truck and quickly turned the engine on, concentrating on what to say as I sped off towards the high school. I was on a mission and I had to tell him before I lost all strength.

I spotted him as I pulled into the parking lot. He was standing next to his Rabbit waiting for me. I parked and quickly jumped out of the truck to tell him what I most feared to say.

"Jake," I said timidly, I was so scared to tell him, but I had to. I couldn't keep this from him. It just came out of me and I couldn't stop it.

"I kissed Edward."

"You did WHAT?" He asked in complete astonishment. He was in shock; he was mortified.

"I kissed him Jake, I am so sorry, but I kissed him. Please Jake, please, I am so sorry, I didn't mean fo-"

"Bella, stop. I can't believe this." He looked at me and I was completely ashamed. I could clearly see the disappointment and sadness in his eyes.

"Please Jake, I didn't mean to. I am so sorry." He looked at me and then anger filled his eyes. He was turning red, and I knew he was about to blow.

"Where is HE?" He asked, and I was terrified. I had never seen him this angry before.

"Bella, damn it where is he? Where's that son of a bitch?!" He asked, he was shaking and I knew he was losing it. Jacob was going to kill Edward. I didn't answer him; I was in shock now by his reaction. I knew he would be angry, but not this angry.

"Jacob, please! He didn't do anything! It was all me! Please don't hurt him!" That was the wrong thing to say, he looked at me with his nostrils flaring.

"I can't believe this Bella! You are DEFENDING him?" He was outraged with the situation, absolutely appalled.

"It wasn't his fault, Jake!"

"Bella! It takes TWO people to kiss!" He spat out. "It is as much his fault as it is yours." He said coldly, looking at me with disgust. I was so afraid of this Jacob; I had never seen him this angry before. I did deserve it though, I'd cheated on him, I had kissed Edward. Regardless of the situation, I was afraid of him right now, and my eyes began to glisten with moisture.

He saw my tears and I saw anguish in his eyes. He was pissed off, but he still loved me, and it hurt him to see me like this, especially afraid of him. He was beginning to calm down, but I could tell he still wanted to kill Edward. He took a deep breath and looked at the ground with pain in his eyes.

"Why Bella…..Why?" He asked quietly and gloomily. My heart broke just then. I felt horrible and the tears began to fall.

"I'm so sorry, Jake. I'm so sorry." I cried out in disappointment of myself. He looked at me with a strained face.

"Damn it Bella, please stop crying. You know I can't take that."

"I'm sorry," I sobbed. He walked up to me and grabbed me in his arms, shushing me and calming me down. He began to whisper in my ear.

"You know I'm pissed Bella, but we'll work something out. We'll figure this out." He kept repeating it in my ear as he rocked me in his arms.

I couldn't believe I was about to do this, but I opened my mouth and began to say the words that I knew would break Jacob's heart and my heart.

"I don't know if I want to work this out Jacob."

I could feel his muscles tense as I said those words. He stopped breathing for a few seconds and I knew that he was hurt. He froze where he was, and I broke free from his embrace, trying to stay strong in this situation. I couldn't look too much into his eyes or at his face or else it would get to me and I wouldn't be able to succeed in what I was trying to do.

"I'm sorry Jacob, I just don't know about us anymore." I said softly, agony in my tone. He still didn't look up at me, his body was still frozen, and it looked like he was still not breathing.

"Jake please, you know we haven't been good lately." He finally looked up at me, but when I saw his face, I wished he was still looking down. The pain in his eyes was killing me; there was no trace of happiness in his face. My heart sank and crushed into a thousand pieces for having to do this to him.

If I was meant to break up with him and be with Edward, then why was it so damn hard? Why was letting go of Jacob the most difficult thing I had ever done.

"It was going to end sooner or later," I continued.

"Don't say that Bella. Don't you dare say that." He suddenly said, responding down but only angrily and slightly desperate.

"Jake-"

"We are supposed to work this out, that's what couples do." His face looked frustrated now. "You love me Bella, I know you do. You're just confused."

"No Jacob, please don't-"

"Bella, Bells, we have been together since forever. Don't throw all of that away."

"I'm sorry Jake,"

"Don't say you're sorry, don't say any of this." He argued. I couldn't look at him anymore; I was too ashamed with myself.

"Do you love him?" Jacob asked me, I was not looking forward to that question.

"Yes." I said quietly with my head down. Jacob put his hands over his head and I risked taking a quick glance at his face. I wished I had resisted the urge because he looked like he had just died.

"Bella…" he said softly, "How could this have happened?"

He leaned against my truck, shaking his head back in forth with his face in his hands. I felt so bad, so horrible, like I was a monster.

I leaned against the truck next to him.

"I don't know Jake, I don't know."

"But you do love me right?" He asked, lifting his head from his hands.

"You know I do Jake, I always have."

"Then I'm going to fight for you, Bella, because I love you."

"Jake-" I wanted to tell him there was no point and that I loved Edward more, but he wasn't having any of it and I couldn't bear to hurt him even more.

"Just think about it Bella. I want you to pick me instead of him. You know Charlie would be happy if you picked me, I can protect you. I can make you happy."

I didn't answer Jacob after that; I didn't fight him any longer. I was too tired of the argument we had just had.

"I hate him Bella." Jacob said quietly and coldly, "I hate what he's done to you."

"He hasn't done anything to me Jake."

"He's taken you away from me."

"No, Jake, that would have happened anyways. Maybe not now, but years from now, it would've happened." Jacob sighed.

"Bella, I'm sorry for the way things have been lately, but you have to know how hard it's been for me, having to see you the way you were."

"We're lucky we even made it this far because of that." I added.

"Maybe," Jacob said, "but it doesn't change my feelings for you."

"I know Jake." We paused for a few minutes. There was nothing else to say.

"Let's get to class," he said as we both looked to see there were only a few more people walking outside. The bell was surely about to ring and I was hoping for a busy day of work during first period. I couldn't talk to Jacob about this much longer; it was too much for me. I had hurt him, and I had hurt myself.

"I'm going to kill him Bella." He softly said in a deep scorned voice. I didn't know what to say, but all I could do was rethink to that movie I saw Friday night. All I could do was hope that that would not be how my life turned out.

Sadly, Jacob was still fighting for me, a battle which he would lose no matter what. He was sacrificing himself, basically committing suicide. His fight for my true love was a lost cause, I knew. I belonged to Edward now and Jacob couldn't change that. No one could. I only hoped nothing horrible would come out of this…because if it did, I don't know what I'd do.

A/N: Wellll? What did you think? I personally got emotional when writing this chapter. Yes, I LOVE Edward and perfer him to Jacob a thousand times more, but still, I have a heart. It was sad having to write that and breaking Jacob's heart. But he's still going to fight for her, even though she sees no point in him doing it.

I REALLY REALLY REALLY wanted to write the line "I'm going to fight for you, until your heart stops beating," but it didn 't really apply to this story, since she's not going to become a vampire :/ so I was like "Damnit." But if you noticed, I incorporated part of that line into the story near the end, so I was at least a little satisfied with that.

But I just love Edward so much and in this story he is that understanding guy that will do anything for Bella, even if he has to leave her to make her happy. I admire that about him, though (thank God) that will not happen in this story. He will NEVER leave! And we don't want him to!

So tell me readers, what did you like about this chapter? Hate about it, LOVE about it?

Did you have a favorite line or part? What has been your favorite chapter so far? What do YOU want to see happen next? I would love to hear back from you guys.

Thanks times a million :)

Always REVIEW!