Chapter Two

People just ain't no good
I think that's well understood
You can see it everywhere you look
People just ain't no good

~People Ain't No Good by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds~

It was a week before Thanksgiving weekend when Jasper approached the subject again. I had been ignoring the conversation in the vain hope that he would abandon the idea, but no such luck. He kept dropping little reminders into our conversations about how we should look at some recipes, contemplate some dessert choices – as if he was going to be allowed anywhere near the kitchen! You only made that mistake once, believe me. Eventually I had yelled at him that I would be making chilli con carne and if he bugged me about it one more time, I would not be administering the chilli orally.

On Saturday afternoon, it was pissing with rain and the bookstore had had a steady flow of increasingly soggy customers. Now Mike was dealing with a couple at the cash register whilst I shelved the latest delivery. Mike sauntered over and leant against the bookshelf as I pushed the final hardback into place, standing on tiptoe at the top of the stepladder.

"Finished, Bella?"

"All done." I nodded, wiping my dusty hands on my jeans as I stepped from the ladder, folding it up. Mike watched with a smile; he was cute in an incredibly generic way. Spiky blonde hair, baby blue eyes, nice physique – and with all the personality of a Labrador puppy. Over-eager, willing to fetch and perfectly good company until he started drooling on your good shoes. As we walked back to the cash register, his hand rested on my shoulder and my heart sank as I knew what was coming.

"Hey, Bella, a group of friends from college and I were heading over to Meyer, that bar down by the bay. You up for it?"

"Propositioning my girl again, Newton?"

To my relief, Jasper appeared at that moment, hair dripping with rain. Mike scowled for half a second and then folded his arms across his chest.

"You're welcome to come too, Whitlock. And Bella isn't your girl."

"Not yours either." I muttered under my breath, popping the register open to cash up as Mike turned the sign on the door, announcing the store closed. Jasper sat on the desk, watching me count bills.

"I guess we're going out tonight," He grinned and I sighed.

"Must we?"

"We'd just be getting drunk anyway, why not break the trend and go somewhere new?" He said, wiping water from his eyes. I shrugged and looked up at him.

"Fine. I'll have to go home and get changed first and you're going to be on bodyguard duty – if you let Mike anywhere near me, you'll lose any hopes of reproducing!"

"Ouch, Bells." He winced and I grinned as I continued counting money.

Garrett stopped by before we locked up. He was the owner, a thin man with sandy hair in his early thirties. He was a good man, a good boss, enquiring as to how the day had gone, what the earnings were and then spent a few minutes chatting with Jasper about his wife, Kate. Garrett turned to me as I shut down the computer.

"How are you, Bella?"

"I'm good, boss. I was going to leave you a message, actually. We're getting more speciality orders for medical texts. It might be worth investing in a small selection." I suggested as Mike went to turn off the lights. Garrett smiled, nodding at me.

"That sounds fine to me, Bella. You know what sells. And let me know how that sci-fi novel turns out, it looks interesting."

Garrett had a habit of getting me to write reviews for some of the newer novels that came in, something for the customers to browse over before they made their decisions. To be honest, I didn't understand why. Half the fun of reading a book is doing without any expectations. I only read reviews for books I'd already finished, comparing my thoughts to the thoughts of others.

The last light went out and Jasper called for me to get a move on whilst Mike excitedly told me that he'd see me later.


~*~

Jasper picked me up from my apartment at eight, settling in front of the TV whilst I got ready.

"How long you going to be, Hells Bells?" He called.

"Ten minutes, Jazz. We walking or calling a cab?"

"Cab, it's still raining." He replied as I pulled a black halter on, checking myself in the mirror one last time. My thick brown hair was loose, the natural curl in it lending it a decent volume, but the only makeup I had bothered with was some mascara and lip balm. I'd paired the top with some faded jeans and simple black flats – I was clumsy enough when sober, wearing heels when drinking might just invite disaster. I didn't bother with a jacket, knowing that it would be hot enough inside the bar.

Jasper grinned as I emerged from the bedroom.

"Well, don't you look nice?"

"As do you." I eyed him approvingly; perfectly fitting jeans and a plain black button-down shirt, along with a pair of comfortably converse, a dark red hoodie thrown over the top completing the look. It was the best look on him, effortlessly attractive and I envied him the fact that it probably took him about thirty seconds to put together, whereas I had been mentally running through my wardrobe from the minute I'd decided to go out.

The cab was waiting and we passed Jacob as he came in. I smiled and waved, eying his muscles through the tight black t-shirt he was wearing.

"Later, Jacob."

"Have a good night, Bella." He smiled, dark hair shining in the artificial light. He was fairly gorgeous; my observation did not go unnoticed by Jasper who started laughing again. I sighed as we climbed into the cab.

"Don't you ever get bored with laughing at me?"

"Nope. Why d'you think I keep you around, Bella? You're an endless source of entertainment!" He grinned, squeezing my shoulders as the cab set off.


~*~

Mike and his friends had already claimed a large table in the crowded bar and we crossed to them. I recognised one girl, Angela, who I had worked with at the diner a few years previously and we exchanged greetings.

"Guys, these are my friends from work." Mike introduced us enthusiastically, "This is Jasper Whitlock and Bella Swan. Jasper, Bella, these are my college guys." There were vague hellos followed by the instant awkwardness of there not being enough seats. Mike grinned and gestured to his lap; I gave him a dry look before perching on the arm of Jasper's chair, resting my feet in his lap. One of Mike's friends guffawed with laughter and Mike punched his arm. Angela rolled her eyes at me.

"This idiot is my boyfriend, Ben." She introduced me to the guy, rubbing his arm, "So you work at The Paperback now?"

"Yeah, been there a couple of years." I said, "I work with Mike and Jasper. Jasper, this is Angela, we worked together at the diner. She was in charge of icing my bruises before you took over that duty."

They shook hands and Angela smiled at Jasper and I.

"How long have you guys been together?" She asked and I shook my head with a grin, patting Jasper's shoulder.

"We're not together. Just good friends."

"Oh! Sorry," She blushed faintly, "I just assumed…"

"Hell no, Jazz and Bella aren't together." Mike interrupted noisily, lifting his beer bottle, "She's way too good for him!"

"Told you so, Jazz!" I smirked, poking him in the cheek. Jazz rolled his eyes.

"You wish you had a chance with me, Hells Bells." He taunted and I grinned, hugging his head before swinging my legs off of his lap.

"What's your poison, Jazz?"

I made my way to the bar, pushing my way forward until I'd claimed my spot. It was busy and I was waiting for a good ten minutes, trying to catch the bartender's attention. Just as he was coming my way a hand grabbed my backside and I jumped, glaring around at my attacker, but it was only Mike.

"That's sexual harassment, Mike." I told him firmly and he grinned sheepishly.

"Sorry Bella, thought I'd give it a try."

"Try it again and you'll lose your fingers." I warned, waving a bill at the bartender. After placing my orders, I turned to see Mike sauntering away towards a stunning redhead. Apparently he'd taken my threat seriously and I grinned, paying for the drinks.

Jasper and I were laughing heavily with the group, they were an entertaining bunch. Mostly we were united in the hilarity of Mike scuttling back to our table, having propositioned the redhead only to find out that she was married to one of the bouncers. I drained my glass and looked over at Jasper.

"Another?"

"Keep 'em coming, Bells." He drawled, his southern accent even more pronounced when fuelled by alcohol. I pushed back to the bar; it was my night to buy the drinks and Jasper always believed that I got served faster due to my more obvious feminine assets. I had once drunkenly suggested that he try flashing the bartender; we'd since been banned from that particular bar and Jasper had never quite forgiven me for laughing so hard.

The bar was a little clearer this time, a lot of the crowds having moved on to nearby clubs, the small dance floor of Meyer already overcrowded. I ordered a beer for Jasper and a JD and coke for myself, perching on one of the barstools in order to prevent myself from swaying. A hand pressed against the small of my back and I glowered at Mike.

"Whatchoo want, Mike?" I said crossly. His hand was hot, pressing against my back unpleasantly.

"Dance wi'me, Bella." He slurred and I rolled my eyes.

"No. Ask that Jessica chick, she wants you to." I said, looking back at the bar but he collapsed his arm around my shoulders and I was treated to the ungodly stench of body odour and booze.

"C'mon, Bella… why you so cold? I'm a nice guy!" He whined, pouting. Beads of sweat were pouring down his face, which was far too close to mine. I tried to pull away, peering under his arm to see Jasper noticing the situation and sitting up sharply, frowning in our direction.

"I said no, Mike. Get offa me!" I grunted, with a final effort to push him off, but he was too heavy. And then it seemed like I had achieved super strength, because he was being hauled off of me quite easily.

"I believe she said no." Said a clear, confident voice. Mike swayed unsteadily, glared at the newcomer and then shuffled away. My vaguely unfocused eyes settled on the stranger.

Holy Crap…

He was taller than me (but as I said, most people are) with a mess of unruly auburn hair, shockingly green eyes and the singularly most gorgeous face I had ever seen on a human being. He was watching me closely and I felt a flush rise in my cheeks as he spoke again, his eyes searching my face.

"Are you alright?"

"Fine, thanks." I muttered, utterly humiliated by the whole situation. He quirked an eyebrow.

"Are you sure? Are you here with someone?" I turned back to the bar and grabbed the two glasses but he put his hand over my wrist.

"I don't want to let you just wander off, that guy might come back." He said, frowning slightly and I stared up at him, anger overriding embarrassment.

"Look, I said thanks, but I can handle myself." I said firmly and he frowned, obviously irritated by my attitude.

"Sure looked like it. He was practically crushing you."

"If you'd held on for thirty seconds you'd see what a swift sharp kick to the bollocks does to a guy." I retorted, "And if you don't let go of my wrist you'll be finding out for yourself!"

He stared at me for a moment and then burst into laughter. I could have exploded with fury, storming off back to the table. It pissed me off that every time I tried to defend myself against a guy, they just burst out laughing; it was beyond patronising, it was infuriating.

"You OK, Hells Bells?" Jasper queried as I perched on his knees, glaring at no one in particular.

"Fine." I muttered into my glass.

"What happened with Mike?"

"He was being an ass, as per usual and then some guy decided that just because I'm a girl, I can't take care of myself!" I said crossly. Jasper grinned and drained his beer.

"I know you can take care of yourself, Bells. I just like doing it for ya." He said, glancing around the bar and then chuckled, "Think you've made a friend though."

I followed his gaze and then saw the bronze-haired man still stood at the bar, his eyes fixed on us. Immaturely, I stuck my tongue out and poked Jasper in the ribs, not wanting to look at the gorgeous man again.

"Let's get out of here." I mumbled and we stood. Jasper winced, standing for the first time in a couple of hours and the full effect of his drinking making itself known.,

"I'll meet you outside, gotta hit the bathroom first." I nodded and began to weave my way through the crowds to the door. Mike was on the dance floor, grinding against the girl I'd been introduced to earlier, Jessica. Despite the fact his hands were down the back of her jeans, he winked at me. I turned away in disgust.

Men…

The bar was directly opposite the dock, so I crossed the street to lean against the steel railings. It was a cold night, but at least the rain had stopped, the moon appearing intermittently from between heavy clouds to reflect off the water. The waves lapped softly against the concrete and I closed my eyes, letting the cool air clear my head. I'd had too much to drink again, but I didn't care. Up until a few minutes ago, I'd been having a good time. My arms were cold, pressed against the railings but I enjoyed the feeling; it made me feel anchored whilst my head swam uncertainly.

"Are you alright?"

That voice again. I hadn't noticed before, over the clamour of the bar, the smoothness of it, the intensity it spoke the words with. I opened my eyes and turned to see the man stood a few feet away, hands stuffed into the pockets of his heavy coat, hair beautifully dishevelled. I frowned, trying to ignore just how gorgeous he was.

"You following me, stranger?" I asked and a faint smile curved his lips. His lips… I glanced away quickly. Damn!

"Not following, no. I was leaving anyway and saw you over here and I wanted to make sure that you were alright. I…" He hesitated, "I'd like to introduce myself."

"Shouldn't you apologise first?" I sniped and confusion clouded his eyes. His dark green eyes, so deep I could drown…

"Apologise? For helping you?" He asked in bemusement, tilting his head.

"Didn't ask for your help." I shot back, "And I didn't ask for your name either." I straightened, folding my arms across my chest. He examined me closely for a moment, brow furrowed.

"I was clearly mistaken." He said, his voice a little cooler, "Here I was thinking that the right thing to do is to help someone when they look like they're in trouble."

"I can handle Mike. I've been managing just fine for two years." I said firmly, "So maybe you should just make sure that someone wants your help before you step in."

"I'm not going to apologise, because I don't regret helping you." He said firmly, eyes blazing now, "You were quite obviously not in control of the situation, whether you admit it or not!"

"I was fine!" I insisted again, stepping towards him and poking a finger at his chest, fury flooding my veins like wildfire, "I don't need anyone to help me out!"

"I was just-"

"Well, don't!" I shouted, pushing him with my palms. He took a step back, eyes wide with confusion and concern, "I don't need help! You shouldn't help me!" I pushed him again and his hands wrapped around my wrists to stop me from getting a third attack in.

"Bella!"

We both turned and I saw Jasper running across the road, glaring at the stranger with balled fists. I turned from the stranger and fell towards my best friend.

"He shouldn't have helped me!" I shouted again, my voice hoarse, "He shouldn't…"

Confusion flooded my mind. The strangers face fell away, replaced by a more familiar one and my breath hitched in my throat.

"No one should help me."

Jasper's arms wrapped around me and all at once the anger dissipated, leaving only heartbreak in its wake. Jasper's cheek pressed against my hair as he pulled me close to him.

"I know, Bella."

"He shouldn't… no one should try to…" I stammered the words, humiliated by the tears that I could feel running down my cheeks.

"I know, Bella. I know." He murmured, kissing my forehead softly.

The voice spoke again.

"I didn't mean to upset her." He sounded distraught and I hated myself for causing him pain, as much as I hated him for caring too much.

"I know. I'll take her from here." Jasper said calmly. He bent and whisked my legs out from underneath me, carrying me as I bawled into his shirt, burying my face in the familiar smell of him and soaking the fabric with tears.

I was obviously more drunk than I imagined, because it seemed like only a few minutes later Jasper was lifting me out of the cab and was carrying me into the elevator. I tugged his shirt and he lowered me, letting me lean against him. This wasn't the first time I'd had a complete breakdown in front of him and it sure as hell wouldn't be the last. He opened the door to his apartment and sat me down firmly on the sofa, returning moments later with a piece of dry toast and a large glass of water as I wiped my eyes and blew my nose.

He didn't say anything and I loved him all the more for it as he produced a pillow and put me down to sleep.

A/N: Well, I wonder who that mysterious man could be? Never mind, I'm sure he's completely inconsequential and will have no further part to play. Or will he?!

Anywho, thank you all kindly for the lovely reviews, the favourites and the alerts! You are luvverly peoples. And to 'Someone', who reviewed anonymously, you don't sound like a whiner at all. I, myself, have a love-hate relationship with Twilight. It entertains me hugely and yet I hate myself for enjoying it so much! But I do like the characters, which is why I could probably never write a canon Twilight fic.

'People Just Ain't No Good' – Bella is severely lacking faith at this point and she probably feels that the worst person out there is herself.

Thank you for your continuing support on this little project of mine. Reviewers will receive their chosen Cullen/Werewolf (I loves me a little Jacob) dipped in chocolate.

Love

Katie