Isabella Swan POV

"I don't even wanna bother to study, these finals are killing my summer buzz," Lauren whined, walking down the steps to the lunch area. Jessica listened intently, nodding her head with a scowl on her face in agreement with her. "Why can't we just skip this and go to First Beach?" She flipped her light brown hair and sits down at their usual table, a few away from mine.

They don't even notice as I walk behind them quietly, smirking at their conversation. Dumb as doorknobs. Maybe they'd be smarter if they put more effort into their studies then on their tans. I put down my lunch and iPod touch, and get comfortable at my table near the wall. Nobody sits with me, and that suits me just fine. A few months ago I sat at a table near the middle of the cafeteria, surrounded by many people, but since my only friend deserted me, I now had no one. I'd rather be alone then try to win back perfect, popular Edward Cullen, sophomore King of the school. He was incredibly attractive… and had endless funds, as well as a drool-worthy brand new 2010 black Escalade… but that didn't define him. Scowling, I sneak a peak over at him laughing with people he thinks are his true friends.

Do you really think they have your back, Edward?

Turning away, I can't help but think more about him and the life I used to have. I turn on my iPod and pop the headphones in my ears, the soothing sounds of The Fray's "Happiness" immediately calming me. Pulling out my French bread turkey sandwich and grapes, I slowly eat in relative peace.

We were best friends for over 10 years, growing up in the same upscale neighborhood on the fringe of Forks, playing every day and going to school together. We were nearly inseparable, and I practically lived at their house since my parents couldn't bother to be around. I was very close with the whole Cullen family.

After my mom took off a few years ago, my dad threw himself into starting his own business. He started off in Forks, but his clientele was mainly in Seattle, and he made a lot of money. Charlie bought an upscale condo in the heart of Seattle because he hated commuting. If he's not working 12-hour days at his private Estate and Financial planning business he's wining and dining clients. He started off in Forks, but his clientele was mainly in Seattle, and he made a lot of money. He was a very busy man. Sometimes I think he forgot he even had a daughter.

I used to get sad when he didn't call to check up on me, but now I'm immune to it. Months without contact and shabby excuses for missing holidays are now the norm for me. All the holiday's since I was nine were spent with the Cullens. They took me in and treated me like another daughter. Edward and I were thick as thieves, spending every hour we could together. He'd write music and play his piano while I would sit on his window seat and daydreaming about the future.

A few months ago in October, Edward got a small taste of the glamorous life. The popular and elite clique of Rosalie and Jasper Hale, Emmett McCarty and Tanya Denali started talking to him, and invited him to their annual Halloween party. Within days he changed from the Edward I knew and loved, to a clone of his new friends.

I never saw it coming.

"Bella, stop giving me that look. I'm sorry I blew you off the last few days. I've had other shit to do," Edward said in a tired tone, his face looking contrite. I finally got fed up with the silent treatment he gave me for days and walked to his house for some answers. We were sitting on his front porch, looking at each other under the pale light of the moon. Surprisingly, the night was crisp and clear. I was wrapped up in my black North Face fleece zip-up playing with my zipper. It was early November, and the weather already turned cold and dreary.

I knew he was really sorry, among other things. His face gave him away, every single time. I could read Edward Cullen like my favorite book. Glancing up through my lashes, I waited for him to continue.

"Emmett and Jay keep asking to hang out and I just can't say no to them Bella, I like having fun with the guys… besides, It's always just me and you, and you never liked the idea of going to parties and hanging out with those people." I bit my bottom lip as my fingers started trembling. "When I went to that Halloween party, I didn't think you'd want to go. That's why I didn't bring it up, or make plans with you. It was dumb, but it seemed like the right thing to do." He looked guilty and dejected.

He knew I sat home alone on Halloween, while he partied with his new glorified friends. I wasn't sure if he was apologizing or justifying his actions. I was hurt, extremely hurt. My eyes started welling up with tears, I tried my hardest not to let them spill over. I was at a loss of what to do or say. Was this my fault? Was I not good enough?

"So want do you want, Edward? My blessing? Time away from me to spend with your new friends?" I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. I bit my lip, controlling the urge to say something else. Something I'd probably regret.

He nodded, a sad smile on his beautiful lips.

"You'll always be my best friend Bella, it's always been you." Edward looked at me with pleading eyes, walking slowly over to me with open arms. I rested my head in the crook of his neck, gently wrapping my arms around his waist. His arms circled my shoulders, holding me tightly.

I pressed soft kisses into his neck, the silent goodbye to my one and only friend and confidant. I heard him sigh softly, and I hoped he felt as sad as I did. Feeling more alone than ever, I left his house that night for the last time. Reaching the end of his street, I took one last glance at the house of my best friend, the house that was a safe haven.

I didn't fight, or make a scene. Edward got his wish, and was now one of the popular ones. That cold night on his porch was the last time we spoke, and now it's May. Today, Edward is sitting with his crew, wearing a snug fitting black tee, Abercrombie jeans, Armani boxers, and Nike 6.0's on his feet. He's flaunting his family's money and he knows it. Carlisle's private practice is booming, and Esme has made her hobbies of interior design a flourishing business here in Forks and all over Washington.

His friends like him for his money and social status, and Edward's too wrapped up in it care. He's become a shell of a man, clouded by the bright shiny lights of popularity and money.

I roll my eyes at the bunch of them, as shallow as a puddle.

A glare from Rosalie brings me out of my inner musings. It's like she knew I was thinking about them. Rosalie isn't nice to anyone, myself included. I never give her pleasure of thinking I give a fuck about what she thinks or does.

I smile sweetly and pluck at what's left of my grapes, egging her on. She huffs and turns back to her table, wrapping her arm around Emmett, her boyfriend. Thankfully, I only have to put up with this nonsense for another week and a half. Next week is end of the year finals then a summer full of blissful loneliness.

All right Bella, enough of this pity party.

I chastise myself, and vow to not think negatively. Fiddling with my iPod some more I shuffle my favorites playlist, and daydream. My mind betrays me and drifts off to thoughts about Edward and 'what if's'. Seeing him everyday is painful, but my heart and mind are slowly healing.

Decidedly, I think the chocolate would improve my spirits. Pushing all my things in my slouchy tote bag, I grabbed two dollars from the side pocket to buy a granola bar. Keeping my headphones in, I switch the song to the Fray's "Ungodly Hour," and put on a brave face.

Making my way up to the front, I scoot past Edwards table quickly, avoiding any sort of drama. The food area is almost deserted, since most people have purchased their food already. It's been awhile since I've bought anything from the cafeteria, and I can't find where they put my granola bars.

Looking around aimlessly, I feel a tug at my ear bud, "You like this kind, right?"

Say what?

Edward stands there quietly, holding the chocolate chunk Chewy granola bar that I'm looking for. My favorite kind.He's smiling and looking beautiful as usual: green eyed, golden bronze messy hair, and a crooked breathtaking smile with cherry red lips.

My brain and mouth have trouble communicating with each other. I'm sure I look like a complete mute idiot, but this gorgeous horrible man has speechless.

I scratch my head and speak softly, finally finding my voice, "Yeah, thanks." Taking it from him, I start to walk towards the cashier.

"Wait, Bella... Please?"

A/N: Let me know if you guys have any feedback. I have another chapter in the works and would love to hear your thoughts. This will be a multi-chapter fic. :-)