Long AN: So, I was re-reading this little story looking for some typos and… Oops! I realized I made a bit of a mistake in Chapter 6 when I mentioned Transformers 2 was filming on the Penn Campus. Indeed it did, but not in 2005, the first movie hadn't even come out yet! For the purpose of this story though, we'll just continue to pretend that Transformers 2 came out in 2005 mmmkay? Good. Moving on…

On a happy note, Zhivago3 was kind enough to write an out-take for Two Hearts. Do take the time to read it and review. It's rather juicy! It's located here:

http:// www . fanfiction . net/s/5514676/1/Outake_for_Two_Hearts

And…I have a beta now! ARenee363, author of Inked and its sequel, Marked (check those out if you haven't, awesome stories) will now take on the role of beta-extraordinaire and help me make this story better. This means that I will be going back and fixing my earlier chapters, too. I'll let you know when that happens. Thanks bb. I HEART YOU!

That being said, any additional mistakes are my own.

Disclaimer: My name is NOT Stephenie Meyer.

Chapter 11 – Wake Up Dead Man

EPOV

I was living. I was physically here but my mind was always somewhere else…with Bella. All I thought about was what she was doing and with whom. Now I had the added visual of her being with another woman. My first thought was how hot it would be to see Bella and another woman. My second, and more dominant, thought was how jealous I was that Bella was with someone other than me. I knew I had no reason to be jealous after everything I had done to her. She deserved to be happy and if that meant with someone else, then so be it.

I hated it, though. For the sake of the family, however, I decided I was going to stop moping around and hope that whatever changes I'd make would show Bella that I was really serious about being with her. Again, I could only hope.

The first step I took was apologizing to my family. The morning after New Year's I called a family meeting. I wanted to start the New Year with a clean slate and getting my family's forgiveness meant the world to me. I was nervous of what they would say; I had never actually sat down with anyone before to talk about what happened. Would they tell me to bug off or would they accept that I was willing to change?

Everyone had stayed over the night before and we were all up early having breakfast. I looked around the table and my sister and brother and their partners. I looked at my parents and I saw happiness everywhere. I also saw the disappointment they held for me. Their eyes were cold anytime they looked at me and they kept their distance if they could. Occasionally, there would be a shake of a head as well.

I cleared my throat and began. "I'm glad you're all here right now. First, I want everyone to know that I understand the horrible mistakes I've made the last few years and how much of a disappointment I have been to you all. My actions and behavior have been entirely inexcusable and I apologize wholeheartedly for any shame I've brought to you and the family…and Bella."

My father put his fork down and spoke first. "Edward, we all make mistakes and we learn from them. Yes, I will admit that I was highly ashamed at what you did. I didn't raise you to be that way. I know I made poor decisions on my part when I was younger, some I regret and others," he looked at my mother, "I don't. At first, I didn't fully comprehend why, if you didn't love Bella, you would go through with the wedding. Then I realized that you did, and still do love her. A man who truly loved his woman would make sure she was happy at all costs even if it meant leaving her so she wouldn't suffer through a bad marriage with him. You recognized your faults, albeit, late, and pushed Bella to a better life, because you do love her."

I had to agree with my father. I turned into a horrible person and I knew I was no longer good enough for Bella. I had to let her go for her own good. Had I gone ahead with the marriage, it would have started as a total lie. I loved her with all of my heart, but she deserved so much more.

"On the other hand," he continued, "what you did to her at the wedding was completely embarrassing to us, but more importantly to her. I can move on from that, as I'm sure the rest of the family can and has. We still love you even if we didn't support your decisions. Whether Bella will ever forgive you for the pain you've caused her remains to be seen."

"Edward," I looked at my sister, Alice, who was sitting across from me, "I know Bella still loves you, and I can see it in her eyes when she talks about you, but she is still in a lot of pain. This time apart is good for both of you and I know you're wondering about her current relationship. It is fairly new, but what may come from it may help her."

"I just don't want to lose her, Alice."

"Do you love her enough to leave her alone if she stops loving you?" she asked. It was a good possibility that Bella would stop loving me, move on and never turn back. Could I completely let her go and move on myself? I highly doubted it, but I couldn't hold her back.

"Yes, I would, even if it killed me," I answered, defeated by my own admission.

"Give her time, trust me."

I nodded. "I'd give her all the time in the world if I could."

"Bro," Emmett patted my back, "you fucked up-"

"Language," my mother admonished.

"Sorry, mom," he quickly apologized. "As as I was saying, you fu…messed up. Royally. I can't imagine why you would cheat on someone as beautiful as Bella. I know Rosie would have my balls in a vice if I even thought about being with anyone else. You have two strikes against you as it is with cheating on her and announcing it in front of everyone embarrassing the poor girl. I don't even know where you could even start by winning her back, but for some reason if there is one person that could do it, it's you."

"Speaking as someone who has been cheated on I know what Bella is going through," Rosalie chimed in. "The only difference in my situation was the asshole in question. I thought I loved him, but I only loved the idea of him. When he cheated on me, I took him back only for him to do it again, repeatedly. I always thought he would change. When he proposed, I figured he saw the error in his ways and we would be happy. Then he cheated on me again and I caught him in bed with my best friend, Irina. He told me he never loved me and I was just another notch on his belt. Like I said he was an asshole to the nth degree. You could be an asshole too, Edward, for all I know."

"I am not an asshole and I love Bella," I glowered at Rosalie. "I'm sorry you went through what you did, but, please don't lump me in with someone as vile as he."

"Fine, then you are just an arrogant prick at times. You did, after all, leave Bella stranded at the altar and then expected her take you back a few days later," she scoffed at the notion. "And now you are sitting here asking us for…what? Forgiveness? Can you prove to me, and yourself, that you aren't that same asshole who cheated on Bella? Do you really think you have changed or that you can change? She loves you, but if you can't believe you won't do it again, how can you think she'll believe it?"

I stewed at the thought of being an arrogant prick, unfortunately, Rosalie made valid points. It was arrogant of me to think Bella would take me back with open arms after everything I had done to her. God, I really was a selfish prick.

"Baby, I didn't know you went through all of that," Emmett told Rosalie, breaking through my thoughts.

She shrugged. "It was a long time ago, plus, you took care of him."

"I did?" he asked, confused for a minute. Rose nodded. "You mean that idiot Royce?"

"The very one," Rosalie responded. I heard a low growl come from Emmett's chest, but Rose never stopped glaring at me. "Well? Do you think you are a different person? Do you think you've changed?" she repeated.

I looked at my plate of food which was virtually untouched once the conversation started. Have I changed enough for Bella to take me back? I thought so, but would Bella think so as well? I turned to Rosalie. "I know I have a long way to go, Rose. I am far from a perfect man. I admitted my mistakes and I am willing to do whatever it takes to change and be that man for Bella. The one she deserves."

"That's all I needed to hear, Edward," Rose said, picking up her glass of orange juice.

"Does this mean I have your forgiveness and blessing to pursue Bella again in time?" I asked warily.

"From our part, yes, but it won't be forgotten. Should you and Bella ever get back together, I won't hesitate to rip you a new asshole if you ever hurt her again," Alice glared at me as I nodded.

"I don't forgive or forget, but I won't hate you either," Rosalie said. That was as good as an acceptance from her so I had to take it.

My father spoke up again. "Your mother was able to forgive my indiscretions. I can learn to forgive yours."

I looked at my mother. "You know I always hated what you did to Bella, but I forgave you a long time ago. You're my son. Apologizing to us however, means nothing if you haven't apologized to Bella. I agree with Alice, you need to give Bella time and space. When she's ready to forgive you she will."

Bella had always been the forgiving type, but this may have been the last straw for me. I just had to figure out where to begin on my path to repentance.

September 2001

It was Bella's birthday and I had every intention of spending the day with her. Alice had helped me set everything up. I was finally going to propose to the woman I loved. Our relationship had been just about perfect and I was excited and ready to take the next step with her. I was confident she would say yes as we had spoken about marriage a few times.

I was on the way to pick up the ring from the jewelry store when my phone vibrated. I looked at the caller ID and saw it was the hospital. I let it go to voicemail. I had every intention of spending the day with Bella, work be damned. The phone rang again, this time it was Tanya. Tanya was another resident at the hospital who would flirt incessantly with me. It was annoying and unprofessional, especially when she knew I had a girlfriend who I adored. I let the call go to voicemail again. I definitely did not want Tanya ruining my day with Bella.

I pulled into a parking spot right in front of the store. It was my lucky day for sure. I climbed out of the car and walked into the store.

"Ah, Dr. Cullen, good to see you again. I do believe the ring is ready. I'll run to the back and retrieve it for you," the associate said.

"Thank you."

As I waited, my phone rang again. I didn't bother to look at the caller ID as I picked up, completely annoyed that I was being bothered.

"What?" I growled out.

"Edward? It's Bella." At the sound of her voice, I eased instantly. I ran my hand through my hair.

"Oh, hey baby. I'm sorry. The hospital's been calling and they are getting to me. What's going on?"

"Well, Dr. Volturi called looking for you. He says it's an emergency and to call him immediately."

"Fuck!" I yelled.

I know I startled Bella, and I must have scared the clerk who came running from the back.

"Are you okay, sir?" he asked obviously shaken.

"Edward is… is everything alright?" Bella asked at the same time.

"Yes," I answered to both of them. "Baby, let me call you back. It's apparently important that I call them."

"Okay. Let me know what's happening."

"Sure." I was beyond pissed. I didn't mind that they constantly called me, but to call my girlfriend and make her worry was inexcusable.

As soon as I hung up with Bella, I called Dr. Volturi who was chief at the hospital.

"Edward, is that you?"

"Yes," I rolled my eyes. "What's going on?"

"I need you to come in. There's been a serious accident and we're looking at over one hundred incoming. Some have been redirected to other hospitals, but being that we have the best trained trauma doctors, most are being sent here. I know it's your day off and you had big plans, but we need you."

"Can't you call any of the other residents or interns that had the day off as well? It's my girlfriend's birthday, there are plenty of other doctors that can help," I protested.

"Dr. Cullen, if you are serious about your career, you'll get here. I'm sure you're girlfriend will understand," he said in an even tone telling me that he could pull me from the residency program.

I let out a huge sigh. "Fine. I'll be there in ten minutes."

"You're a life saver, Edward. Literally."

"Thank me with a two-week long vacation," I spat out and snapped the phone shut.

"Is everything alright, Dr. Cullen?" The associate inquired I nodded. "Well, the ring is ready. It truly is exquisite." He lifted the ring so I could examine it closer. The diamond was brilliant and sparkled everywhere. It reminded me so much of Bella and how she her brilliance showed through in everything she did including the way she loved me.

I read the inscription inside the simple setting. Two Hearts Beat As One. No matter where we were, no matter what we were doing, our hearts were meant for each other and would always beat together forever.

I took a deep breath. "Can you hold this a bit longer? It looks like I've been called to the hospital and I don't want to chance losing it in the chaos." I was hesitant at first to return the ring to him. I had an eerie sense that this was the beginning of the end; however, I really didn't want to risk losing the ring or having it get stolen at the hospital.

"Certainly, we can hold it as long as you like," he said putting it back in the velvet box.

"Thank you. I should be back either tomorrow or the day after to pick it up."

"No problem, it'll be in safe keeping here," he smiled.

I walked back to my car and drove to the hospital. I called Bella on the way to let her know the situation and that it looked like I wouldn't be home until late, if at all.

It was well past midnight by the time I was able to take a break. I headed into the on-call room and considered calling Bella, but I knew she would be sleeping already. I decided instead to rest before I had to make my rounds and check in with the patients. I laid myself down putting my arm over my eyes to shield from any light. I thought over how the day had gone horribly wrong.

I should have been home making sweet love to my fiancé not lying on cot alone and bone tired. The patients and the injuries were non-stop from the moment I arrived at the hospital at ten this morning. There were two leg amputations, four heart attacks, five broken arms, another two who were now paralyzed from the waist down and six deaths. Those were the ones I handled. I think the lucky ones were the ones who died. They didn't have to deal with the aftermath of their injuries.

I heard the door swing open, but I didn't bother to acknowledge the person who entered. I knew who it was, you could smell her a mile away with the amount of perfume she had on.

"I know you're awake, Eddie," Tanya said. I cringed at the use of my nickname.

"What do you want, Tanya? You can see I'm trying to relax for a bit."

"I just wanted to check up on you. I'm sure your girlfriend hasn't." She uttered the word girlfriend with distaste.

"As a matter of fact, she has called, but it wasn't like I had the chance to call her back, right? You know as we well as I do that we were running around like chickens without our heads to keep those people alive." Now that I thought about it, Bella actually hadn't called or texted me all day. I wasn't going to tell Tanya this though; she didn't need any more fuel for her hate. I never understood what she had against Bella other than the fact that Bella had me and Tanya didn't. I supposed this could be cause for the ire I heard anytime Tanya mentioned Bella.

"Well, whatever, I'm here if you ever need me." I could hear the sexual connotation in her words and I ignored them. Her footsteps were heard leaving the room and I fell asleep soon after.

A full twenty-four hours later from my arrival, I was finally able to go home to my Bella. I did a final check of my patients and left the hospital.

I stood at the door of my apartment when I heard the voices inside, one distinctly male. I hadn't heard that voice in years and I wondered what he could be doing here now. As if the weekend couldn't get any worse, he had to show up. I had a bad feeling that he was here all night taking my place, celebrating with Bella. It should have been me. She was my girlfriend and, hopefully, future wife.

I opened the door and called out.

"Hey Bella!"

"Edward!" Bella stood from the couch and gave me a hug and a kiss. "Guess who showed up yesterday! It was a surprise for my birthday."

I looked behind her and sure enough, Jacob Black was sitting on the couch sneering at me. The look disappeared, replaced by a fake smile as Bella turned back to him.

"Jacob," I stated flatly.

"Edward."

I never liked Jacob, only tolerated him for Bella's sake. I knew they were friends since they were in diapers, but I always hated the way he looked at Bella. Jacob wanted her, he always did and he despised the fact that Bella chose me over him. He took advantage of her friendship whenever he could and when we moved from Forks; his hate for me only grew.

"What time did you get here?" I sneered.

"Got in yesterday afternoon," he replied smugly. He was looking cozy already but I had hoped he would have said today. "Imagine my surprise to find Bella here alone on her birthday. I had thought you would have taken her somewhere special."

"I actually did have big plans for her yesterday, unfortunately the hospital called and I didn't have a choice. They needed me. But, now I see why I never got a phone call, she was too busy entertaining," I spat out. I knew the moment the words left my mouth I was in for a world of shit.

Jacob jumped out of his seat, fists clenched at his side. Bella instantly came between us.

She turned to Jacob and yelled, "You calm down, this instant! And you," she glared at me, "have to no right say anything. That was mean and totally uncalled for. How dare you even insinuate something like that? Jacob is my friend and always will be just…a…friend." I saw the disappointment in Jacob's eyes. He still had hopes for something more with Bella.

"Bella, you're my-"

"Oh quit the pissing contest, both of you," she let out in frustration. "This is supposed to be my birthday weekend and you are just ruining it. First you, Edward, having to save lives and now the two of you trying to stake a claim on me have just made this the worst weekend ever. There's too much testosterone in this room." She stormed off the room and shut the door. I heard the lock click into place.

"Looks like you're in the dog pound with me tonight," Jacob joked.

"I'm not a dog, never have been, never will be. Can't say the same for you though," I snarled.

He shrugged not letting anything faze him. "At least I know where I stand. You're the one who skipped out on her birthday."

"I didn't skip out. As I said before, they needed me at the hospital. I had dinner planned and a nice intimate evening with my fi…with my girlfriend." I corrected myself before letting slip that I had been planning on proposing. Only Alice knew and I wanted to keep it that way.

"Whatever makes you sleep better at night…"

"You don't believe me?" I asked incredulously. He shrugged again.

"I'm sure there are plenty of women at the hospital to keep you entertained," he said throwing my words back at me. "Bella tells me you've been spending lots of time at the hospital."

"I don't fucking believe this! Those patients are my life; I have to take care of them. I need to provide for my wife!" I was standing over him in my outrage.

"Wife? Something you're not telling me?" he sarcastically asked. So much for not slipping up…

Bella must have heard my outburst as the sound of the bedroom door creaking open filled the room.

"Edward?" She walked slowly into the living room

"Bella, I'm sorry…" I shook my head and sat down, placing my head in my hands. "I screwed up and I'm sorry. I certainly didn't mean to take it out on you. I was tired from the long shifts-"

"No, it's okay, but the other…" She wanted to know about my wife comment. This wasn't the way I had planned on proposing. I didn't even have the ring as I was too tired to go back to the store to pick it up.

"Bella, I want…I love you, with all of my heart. I want to spend the rest of my life with you if you will have me. I have a ring for you and I was at the store yesterday picking it up when they called. I didn't want to lose it or get it stolen so I left there, but I will go right now to get it if you say yes." She was standing in front of me as I proposed. She was too quiet. I looked up and drew her into my arms so she was now in between my legs. "Please?"

"Edward," she played with the hair on the nape of my neck. "I…love you too, and I really want to say yes, but…Jacob, can you give us a minute?" Wordlessly, Jacob stood and went to the kitchen.

I pulled Bella down onto my lap. "What is it, love? Please talk to me," I whispered into her hair.

She took a deep breath and began. "I want to marry you, I do, but are you sure this is the right time? You're constantly at work, we're barely home at the same time, and from what I've just heard come out of your mouth, you don't seem to trust me all that much."

"Christ, Bella, I'm sorry about that. I didn't mean what I said and of course I trust you. I don't necessarily trust Black though. I don't like the way he looks at you or touches you. He wants you, it's as clear as day." I slid my arms around her waist, pulling her closer, letting her know that she was mine. I hated that I hurt her, but I frankly did not trust Jacob around her and she had to know how I felt about him being around her.

"No," she shook her head and shifted off of my lap onto the space next to me. "This is where you are wrong. If you trust me, you have to trust Jacob. He is my best friend and he would never, ever do anything to jeopardize our friendship. By not trusting him, you, indirectly, do not trust me. It takes two to tango and you know he'll never hurt me."

She was right. Of course I trusted her, but in not trusting Jacob around her it also meant I didn't trust her staving off his advances. I never thought to see it that way before and I was completely wrong in ever assuming she would do anything with Jacob. I wasn't going to stop not trusting Jacob, though.

"I am so sorry, Bella. I didn't realize you felt that way. I trust you with every fiber of my being," I took hold of her hands and kissed each of them gently.

"You need to apologize to Jacob as well…" I growled a little, but before I could speak she continued. "Edward, you have to apologize to him. He came here as a surprise to me and you insulted him and don't think I wasn't listening when you made the dog comment, too."

"Fine, I'll apologize," I mumbled.

"Later. We still have to talk about the issue of your hours."

"There isn't much I can do about that. I'm a resident and if I want to move up quickly I have take what they give me. There isn't much room to negotiate there," I told her and it was the truth. As a resident, our hours were somewhat more normal than an intern's but for any chance of a promotion you had to be available for everything. Granted, we weren't allowed to work more than forty-eight hours at a time, but there was always some "emergency" that forced us to stay.

"I understand, but we hardly see each other. We're more like roommates than anything else." I let out a long breath as she continued. "You asked me to talk to you and be more open, I am. Don't sit there and huff and puff. I know other residents at the hospital and they still manage to be home with their significant others, at least have something meaningful and not just some friend with benefits. I know you want to save the world and all, but I'm sure there are times that you can easily say no, but don't because you want to be everyone's damn savior." She was upset at me because I wanted to help people?

I was slowly getting angry at the words coming out of Bella's mouth. She knew I did this for her, for both of us. I certainly didn't need the money, but any recognition I received from my work would pay off in the end. It would mean more money and greater financial stability. I had to provide for our family, even if it was just the two of us right now. I still wanted to have a decent nest egg for when our children grew up.

"Not to mention the other doctors…" she continued before I could counter her last statement. Bella was looking away from me so I knew she was embarrassed.

"What other doctors?" I prodded.

"The female doctors… I've seen the way they look at you and some of them are so beautiful. They are so much more your league…" she stopped speaking when she saw my face. I stared at her as if she had three heads. She was crazy to think that she wasn't in my league. It annoyed the hell out of me anytime she thought she wasn't perfect for me. The doctors I worked with may be smart and pretty, but they weren't Bella. Bella was beautiful, intelligent, warm, funny…I loved everything about her.

"Bella, didn't we have this conversation back in high school?" She shrugged shyly. "You're it for me. You are the only one who completes me. Have I ever given you reason to not trust me? Ever since high school I've only ever had eyes for you. Are some of my co-workers pretty? Sure, but they aren't you and they will never compare. I bought you a ring. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, no one else." I got down on one knee in front of her. "What do I have to do make you see that it's only you I want? I'll stand on the rooftop and shout it out if that would make you happy."

She giggled softly and kissed my forehead, smoothing my hair back. "Edward, I'm sorry. I know I'm being ridiculous. I know you love your work and I should be grateful that I have someone so caring in my life. The women…I trust you implicitly. I know you would never hurt me that way, forget I even said anything. And…yes…"

"Yes?" I asked my brows furrowed in confusion.

"I'll marry you, silly. I love you and I want to grow old with you."

2006

It was the day after Valentine's Day. I sat in my office twirling the engagement ring I had given Bella in my hand. She left it on top of the dresser in her parents' home and her father had it sent it to back to me after the fiasco I caused. I looked at the engraving again, Two Hearts Beat As One.

I had broken so many promises to her as a boyfriend and as a fiancé. This ring symbolized all the memories we shared, good and bad. I intended to place it on her finger again, no matter how long it took me.

Ever since the day she left, I had been merely going through the motions at work. I lost my desire. Bella was right when she said I wanted to be everyone's savior, but I realize now that it was at the expense of our relationship. The structure and rigor of the hospital setting completely drained me mentally and emotionally and that led to some stupid decisions on my part.

I knew what I had to do. I picked up my phone and dialed my father.

"Edward," he answered after two rings.

"Hey dad, do you have a minute?"

"Sure, what's going on?"

I looked at the ring in my hand. "I want to resign from my post at the hospital," I stated.

There was silence on the other end for a good minute. I knew this could go one of two ways, either he'd scream and tell me I was making a horrible mistake or well…he wouldn't say anything and leave me in limbo.

"Dad, are you the-"

"Are you sure this is something you want to do?" he asked calmly.

I took a deep breath before answering. "Yes, but I would like to talk to you about some other opportunities."

"Like what?" I could hear the apprehension in his voice.

"Not sure, yet. Can I come by and talk?"

"Of course you can," he replied. "Your mother is making dinner now. It should be ready by the time you get here."

"Great! I'll be by in a few."

I was excited now. I was going to start fresh. If Bella could do it, I could too. I was going to be happy, no matter what. I kissed the ring.

"I love you, Bella. Thank you for always guiding me. I'm sorry I was late."

AN: How was that? Edward starting to see the error of his ways and finally seeing that he's a jerk? Yes? That's a good thing… And before you ask… no they are still not getting together anytime soon. We're only on chapter 11. There's more to this story to go before that happens.

Happy Hanukkah to anyone celebrating!

Now, please review… Thanks. I LOVE YOU! :o)