The following story takes place in an alternate universe in the modern day.

CHAPTER TWO

"Faster Bella! Harder Bella!"

I had dreamed of a man screaming these words at me many times. Usually, I would be alone in my bed having a dirty fantasy of Edward Cullen as he pushed inside me. Faster Bella. Harder Bella.

However, this time was not a fantasy. This time was hell.

"Come on, Bella. Keep up!" my sister screamed.

Jogging around in her spandex hot pink tiny outfit, my sister is taking far too much pleasure in my pain. Her trainer Jacob Black has made the trip all the way from California to be here and turn my lumpy butt into something respectable. He'd have to be a damn miracle worker for the amount of money Jessica was paying him. My apologies. I mean to say, Michael Newton is paying him.

Jacob Black is exactly the kind of man that makes me nervous. His body is so full of muscles that I wonder what would happen if he ever ate some actual fat. I nearly laugh as I picture him eating a cheeseburger and then his muscles going to war as it attempts to settle in his stomach. People like Jacob Black would take one look at someone like me and run to the nearest toilet to vomit.

"Pain is just weakness leaving the body. Your sweat is your fat crying."

Oh, god! I don't know what is worse. He stupid clichés or the physical pain I am in as I push this damn tire up the hill.

My sister kicked me out of bed at five a.m. With our tea time being set for three pm at the Cullen estate, she wanted to see that I was able to fit my first workout in while still having enough time to make myself presentable.

After dinner was over the previous night I ran to my room to locate my phone. I fired off a text message to Alice.

Troll is coming for tea

She sent me back a winky-face emoji. At least I would warn her of the plague that was about to set upon her house. However, with the way this Jacob Black was working me out, I might not be able to make it to tea. My arms nearly felt like they were about to fall off and stomach felt strained from all the pushing I was doing.

I let go of the tire and let it roll down the hill to find its final resting place. Final because I was not about to do that again.

"Bella!" My sister screeched.

"I'm done for today," I declared.

My shirt was stained in sweat. Not a clean mark left on it and my legs felt disgusting in the creases between where my legs met my pelvis. My hair felt as if I had just gone through a shower.

"It's okay, Bella. Rome wasn't built in a day. Good start," he said smacking me on the back. "Watch those carbs and eat lots of leafy greens and lean protein. Remember hunger makes the perfect sauce and eating right is half the battle. I know you are in it to win it!"

"Great," I replied sarcastically before turning to leave.

"Bella, don't you think you should thank him. He did fly all the way out here for you," Jessica said.

He didn't fly all the way out here for me. He flew all the way out here because your hubby paid him a shit-ton of money to do so.

"Thank you, Jacob," I replied sweetly.

I turned around and rolled my eyes to head off toward the house.

"Be ready to leave by two-thirty and for the love of God be sure to take a proper shower." I hear my sister yelling after me. I don't turn her way or give any sign of acknowledgment. "I mean it, Bella. I want to inspect you before we go."

I hear her begin to discuss with Jacob Black any hope he has for my dire situation. I hear her tell him that she has already spoken to Mrs. Cope and had her empty the pantry for anything fattening.

I step into my cold shower and welcome the frosty feeling that sends shivers throughout my body. I slowly turn the dial to add heat and let the water fall over my body to wash away the sweat. I know that whatever I have in my closet will not be good enough for the likes of Jessica, but I still mentally go through it and try to find a suitable outfit for tea with Esme and Alice.

When I exit out of my bathroom, I see that all the time I have spent thinking over my dress options were all for not. Laid out on my bed is a royal blue dress that I despise. I dislike it so much because it shows off my rolls when I sit. How my mother ever thought that this would be appropriate is beyond me. The only way it will look halfway decent is if I wear a girdle underneath it. I hate wearing girdles in the summer months.

A small breakfast is sent up to my room. A four-ounce glass of milk. Two eggs and some turkey sausage. I want to throw it out the window and rifle through my hidden stash, but I don't. As much as I want to stick it to Jessica, I know that losing a couple of pounds would make it easier on Alice. All eyes may be on her during this wedding season, but they will also be looking to me and it was not my intention to cause undue stress to Alice as she fielded questions over why she would choose someone like me to stand beside her on the most important day of her life.

I go down and await Jessica's 'inspection.' My mother comes out and wells up near tears at the sight of me. She walks over and pulls at my dress attempting to make it look a little more appealing. Telling me to straighten up and stand tall.

"Suck in the stomach," my sister orders when she sees me.

"I cannot suck my stomach in the entire event, Jessica."

"You are representing the Swan family." She looks down at my dress and sighs. "We must go shopping. Even if you are plus size there is no excuse for wearing such unflattering clothes."

I rolled my eyes.

"I don't know what you are so stressed about. I have known the Cullen family since I was young. I'm sure they won't put nearly as much thought into my wardrobe as you have," I replied.

"No, Bella. You don't know the Cullen's. You only think you know them because you were fortunate enough to befriend one as a child and for some reason she has kept you around. We are speaking about a wedding. Probably the most affluent wedding of the year. This is not tea among friends. It is a business transaction and you will be lucky if the Cullen's decide to buy what you are selling. Now, let's go."

The only positive thing I will say about Jessica was that she deemed me worthy enough to ride along in her chauffeured car. I never had the pleasure of sitting in a high-priced car until that point. I could hear the soft leather squeak underneath my bottom as I kept fidgeting from side to side feeling my nerves come the closer we drove toward the Cullen's main house. Jessica would smack me in the arm a couple of times to remind me to sit still but her words had gotten to me. What if Esme is unpleasant because she made a lapse in judgment all those years ago by allowing me to fraternize with her children. Now she would pay the price when all of society scrutinized every single detail of her young daughter's wedding event.

The car pulled up to the front of the house. I had been here nearly every day of my life and yet this was the first time that the house looked overwhelming. Four long high columns went across the main entrance and probably twenty or, so windows served the face of the mansion. The tall oaks did their best to keep the home in the shade. I stepped out of Jessica's fancy rental and pulled my purse in front of me.

I felt a surge of relief when Alice bounced out the front door in a flowery white dress and an enormous baby pink bow on the side of her head.

"That's one mighty bow you got there," I laughed, feeling silly for ever allowing Jessica's words to get the better of me.

"That's not how you greet a person," Jessica admonished.

Alice was modeling her bow and laughed.

"Of course, that is how you greet a friend. Come on up, friend…and friend's…sister."

Alice made great work in acknowledging Jessica and I nearly squealed in delight at my sister's face knowing she couldn't say a word against Alice.

Stiffly, Jessica made her way up to the top of the steps while I bounced up them to greet my friend with a hug. Note to self, no more stairs the rest of the day. I could already feel my body pained from the early morning workout.

"Come on in. The tea is nearly ready, and my mother will be down in just a moment," Alice welcomed as her maid Rebecca came to take our purses.

We walked through the house and towards one of the smaller dining rooms. Our heels echoing throughout the grand hall as they tapped away on the polished marble floors. This particular dining room was one I had come to love the most because of its high windows and being next to the garden. It was a lovely room.

A small round table was laid out before us with all the expected furnishings. I felt my stomach lurch when I saw that Rebecca's famous tea cakes were on the stand. How I loved her tea cakes, but I would be lucky if Jessica allowed for even one to grace my plate.

"Hello, ladies," Esme said walking in. She was dressed in a flowy pale blue sundress. The ease that she walked should be illegal in the high heels she was wearing.

"Mrs. Cullen," I greeted.

"Hello, Mrs. Cullen. Thank you so much for having us here today," my sister pushed past me to stretch out her hand to give Esme's hand a gentle squeeze. A common greeting among women. We were not to shake a hand. That was too masculine. A nice soft squeeze was far more appreciated.

Alice gave me a look and I squashed my smile, so it wouldn't be so apparent.

"Let's have a seat."

We all took our places around the table.

Rebecca came straightaway to pour the tea. When she was finished, she picked up the plate of cookies and teacakes and began to walk around the table always starting with Esme first, moving on to Alice then Jessica and of course I was last. I see Jessica give me a warning eye the moment the tray is in front of me. I want to fill my plate up, but I would never embarrass Esme in that fashion to get back at my sister. So, I politely shake my head and refrain.

"Are you sure, Bella. I had Rebecca make them for you special," Esme said.

"That's so sweet of you. Then, I guess it would be poor manners of me to decline," I replied taking one off the tray and looking to Jessica as I took the first bite. I see her jaw is tense. I know I will pay for this. Most likely with more annoying clichés from my new trainer, Jacob. But, damn that cake was worth every second of pain he would throw my way.

"It's a shame your mother couldn't make it. I was always so fond of her," Esme began.

"Well, I assure you, Mrs. Cullen, I am all too happy to represent the Swan family," Jessica said even though Esme was clearly speaking to me.

"So, as I am sure Alice has told you. She would like to officially request you stand by her side on her big day. Jasper and Alice have been given our and the Whitlock's approval to marry. We would be honored to include you on that special day."

I feel my face go slightly red. An honor to have me included?

"Mrs. Cullen…" I begin to say.

"Of course, Bella would be honored. I am sure that you have some reservations. As I speak for the Swan family and Bella, I assure you that I will do everything in my power to see to it that Bella does not embarrass your family."

Esme gives Jessica a look of astonishment.

"Embarrass? How could Bella's presence ever embarrass us? Mrs. Newton, I assure you that the Cullen family has a long-respected history. It would take quite a feat to embarrass our family. But, I understand. You are new to society and our ways. Perhaps in time, you will learn."

Jessica looked like she had just been smacked across the face and by Esme's words, she had. I see as Jessica's mind is working to find the appropriate apology, but she comes up with nothing because she does not want to apologize to Esme.

"You know, Mrs. Newton, I understand that you believed that today would warrant someone to come and accept this great honor on Bella's behalf, but your presence is not needed. It is up to Bella to accept. If Bella does not want to stand beside my daughter on her happy day, she need only to say."

"No, of course, I would love that honor," I spoke up before Esme would believe differently.

"Bella cannot accept without our family's permission. Or should I remind you of our ways," Jessica challenged.

I felt my mouth drop and eyes nearly bugged out of their sockets. I looked over to Alice hoping to convey some sort of apology with my eyes, but she was not looking my way. No, Alice looked as if she were enjoying the show with a funny little grin on her face. The audacity Jessica had was appalling. I wanted to say something against her, but she was technically right. It still burned me that she would ever speak to my friend's mother with such disrespect.

Esme didn't even seem phased. In fact, she even laughed a little. She placed down her teacup and tilted her head to the side.

"Do you dare question me?" she asked with an inquisitive sly smile. "Mrs. Newton, I am afraid that your time in my house has come to an end. If you attempt to stop your sister from accepting this honor, I will be sure to ruin your name. Your husband will rue the day he ever looked your way. You will be the downfall to all Newtons and I would love nothing more than to see you hurled back down to the gutter for your indecency. Have I made myself clear?"

I see Jessica has turned as pale as Alice's dress. She swallows and nods curtly without giving an audible response.

"Rebecca, would you please show Mrs. Newton to the door." Esme turns to me and holds out a kind hand, "Don't fret, Bella. We will see to your safe arrival home when the time comes."

Jessica stands up slowly and without another word, she stiffly walks with Rebecca out of the room.

"Now that she has been dealt with. Why don't we really enjoy ourselves?" Esme says handing me the tray of teacakes.

I shyly laugh and take another cake.

I can't imagine all the ways that Jessica will let me have it when I am home, so I take my time and enjoy my afternoon. When the tea is over, I follow Alice back up to her bedroom, so we could talk more privately. I hear loud obnoxious music come from down the hall as we approach Alice's bedroom.

I pause at Alice's door as she walks down to the end and bangs loudly on the door.

"Keep it down! There is more than just you inhabiting this side of the house!" Alice screamed.

It then occurred to me that she was speaking to Edward. That was Edward's old room. I was never permitted entrance because it would be wrong for a young girl to enter a boy's room. The music ceased, and the door opened.

"Always such a killjoy," Edward said looking down at his twin sister.

I felt my face flush and I immediately slide into Alice's room hoping he wouldn't see me. I hadn't seen or spoken to Edward Cullen in over six years. But, I guess when you are as big as me, you tend to be easily noticed.

"Who was that?" I heard Edward ask his sister.

"Who do you think?" Alice snapped. "Bella obviously."

Silence.

"Oh…uh…have fun," he replied and then I heard the loud bang come from Edward closing his door.

Alice walked back into her room and found me sitting on the couch doing my best to hide behind a pillow.

"You could have said hello. You two haven't seen each other in ages."

I shook my head.

"It's okay. I doubt Edward even remembers me."

Alice gave me a look.

"My brother may be stupid but all that drinking and sex he's been doing while in London didn't ruin his memory. In fact, I don't even know if there is a memory from my childhood that didn't include you so of course, Edward would remember you."

I shook my head and looked around for a topic to get Alice off her brother.

"So…what did you think about tea?"

Alice laughed and fell backward into her four-poster canopy bed.

"I must have been a very good girl in my previous life to be able to witness that takedown. I had hoped Jessica would dig her own grave and she did not disappoint."

"Still…I am a tad nervous about what will await me when I get home. I will replay that scene however every single day for the rest of my life the second my sister starts in on me."

"Oh, Bella. I know you have this warped thinking that societal pressures dictate everything but if you stood up for yourself, what would be the worst thing Jessica could do?"

"Well, for starters she could deny me and make my parents deny me. I'm sure my mother would but it would kill my father to do so. You don't know because you are a Cullen. Someone in our family's position would be shoved back down the ladder. My mother would be forced to work. As much as I want to work, I know she does not. My father could be demoted, and our house could be taken away if the Newton's refuse to pay one more cent. So, I must continue to pucker up and kiss her butt because I could never tell her off and cause all these repercussions to my family. We are owned."

Alice sat up and gave me a sad look.

"I am so sorry. I never thought of it like that. I swear on all that is holy, if there was ever a way to take down Jessica so you wouldn't be affected, I would gladly give up my wedding to do so."

I laughed and waved my hands at her.

"Don't you even think of it. Why your wedding is going to be thee social event of the year and it just so happens, I shall play a very important role that could even bring a man my way…or so I have been led to believe."

I wondered if Jessica would say anything to my parents about what happened at the Cullen residence. When I arrived home, the house seemed absent of all activity. My father was probably still at work and who knows where my mother would have gone. I entered the house feeling as if I was trapped in a scary movie and around the wrong corner a masked man wielding a knife would be ready for me. But, I was able to make it to my room without a hint of Jessica's whereabouts.

I walked into my room and closed the door and nearly jumped straight out of my skin when I saw Jessica hiding behind the door.

"Back so soon?" she asked quietly.

"What are you doing in here?"

She may have certain liberties over me but hiding away in my bedroom was not one of them. She had changed out of her tea dress and was wearing her signature white pearl set, a black cashmere sweater, and nice pants. How anyone could wear a sweater in this weather was beyond me. Perhaps the devil kept hell extra cold for people like Jessica.

"Bella. I have decided to go ahead and allow you to participate in Alice's wedding. Even if her mother was horribly disrespectful to our family, if she wants you so bad, she can have you. I know it will only be a matter of time before you do something to screw up the wedding events and I can't wait to be there on that day."

I scoffed and shook my head slightly.

"What did I ever do to make you hate me so much?"

I see her narrow her eyes. She does truly hate me.

"You have no idea what it was like growing up for someone like me who had a sister like you."

Her words already hit me square in the chest and she hasn't even finished.

"I didn't want to be a gutter baby. Working every day like a slave because I married poor like our parents. I worked my ass off to make something of myself, so I could turn a head or two praying that no one would know what kind of family I came from. See my fat sister who didn't care about ever finding a man. A sister who would be happy to be another drain on society. I overcame all of that and now I have everything I ever wanted, and I will be damned if you or someone like Esme Cullen tries to take that away from me. You want cake? Go ahead and eat until your stomach bursts. I am through helping you. Show Esme what kind of embarrassment you really are. Happy wedding season, Fatella."

She pushed past me and slammed the door behind her.

I am left alone, and I catch sight of myself in the long-standing mirror in the corner of my room. My dress is creased in all the places that my fat strained to get out when I would sit in it. I feel the tears slowly fall down my face.

In a fit, I pull off my stupid heels and throw them at the mirror, but my poor aim causes them to miss. I pry myself out of the tight dress and breathe a sigh of relief the moment the girdle is off my body. I pull on some jeans and a big shirt.

I could sit in my room like a good little girl and cry over my sister's harsh words. I think about what Alice said about standing up for myself and how I always buy into all of society's expectations. A thought occurs to me and I am down the steps and making my way to the refrigerator before I know it. No, I was not looking for something to eat. I had a different plan in mind.

I grab a bag from out of the cupboard and fill it up. The clanking of the glasses causes a racket. The minute I am out the backdoor with my bag, I feel the cooler air hit my face and it is a small taste of freedom.

I want to cry but I don't. Anger fueling me I head off towards the woods to this old fallen tree that is my solace in times like these. I have come to this tree all my life when I was hurt or angry. I place the bag down and pull out one of my father's beers. I have never taken a drink of alcohol. It would be wrong since I am only eighteen. Alcohol was something ladies should only partake in after they were married and only on special occasions.

Screw being a lady!

I twist off the top and take a swig. I nearly choke as the liquid tastes no better than drinking my urine. It is rather disgusting. How could anyone willingly choose to drink something so vile? I tell myself this and yet, I keep drinking it. Each sip is a middle finger to Jessica. To society. To being a lady.

I get through one whole bottle. I should just give it up and take the rest back home.

I reach down and grab another and twist off the top. I toss the empty bottle to the ground. I will deal with you later.

"My my. Now, what would the ladies over at Kenzie Court think of this?"

I nearly fall off my log as the voice catches me off guard, but I am not that tipsy. I don't think. I slowly turn and see him. Edward Cullen. I take a breath and hold up my bottle.

"Take a picture and put it on Time Magazine. Headline…legs are open for breeding," I replied sarcastically.

Edward smirks and steps closer. His dress is out of place for a stroll in the woods. Dress shoes and a button-up green shirt with slacks. If I am too underdressed, Edward is my opposite.

"Well, it's good to see you haven't changed. Other than the underage drinking and sarcasm."

I shook my head. Okay, now I am starting to feel the effects from the liquid urine I have ingested.

"What do you want?" I quietly asked with a dash of annoyance.

Edward walked around and sat down near me.

"Mind if I have one?"

I shake my head and give him the sign to go ahead. He reaches down and pulls up two. Setting one aside for later I imagine. He pops off the top and takes a long swig. His eyes don't even flinch at the first taste of the disgusting concoction.

"So, what are you running away from? I know you only came here when you were upset."

How does he even remember this? I mean, we haven't been friends for years. Even before he left to go to school in England, he had stopped being friends with me nearly a year before that.

"You have no idea how lucky you are to be a Cullen."

I don't know why I am being so honest. I guess this damn stuff was like truth serum.

Edward barks out a laugh.

"And here I was just thinking, what on earth could Bella Swan be upset about. She has no idea how lucky she is to not be a Cullen."

I nearly snort.

"Easy for you to say when you can do whatever you want and be whatever you want. You sit at the top of the proverbial food chain. You don't have to answer to anyone," I replied.

He shakes his head and downs the beer.

"Bella, you don't know anything about me," he scoffed.

I dare not look at him. In fact, since he showed up I have a hard time looking at him. Afraid that if I take in the sight of him fully I won't be able to stop myself from blushing and there is only so much embarrassment a girl can take.

"How about we make a deal. You tell me your big woe and I will share mine with you. Whoever has it worse, they will get the last beer," he offered.

I laughed and looked at him for the first time.

"They're my beers," I noted.

"True. Okay, fine. If I win, I get your beer. If you win…you get whatever you like of mine."

My face must have looked perplexed because I can't imagine any other face when given that kind of cryptic offering. It was a tad wrong of Edward to say something so forward. What did he expect me to ask of him? I knew what I wanted but it would be completely inappropriate of me to request. Still, I didn't want our conversation to end. This was already turning to be the very best part of my day.

"Okay. You're on."

AN: I was so inspired and happily overwhelmed with your comments that I decided to give you a little more. Also, for anyone who read Degrees of Deception and liked it, it was just nominated for TOP TEN FICS OF APRIL over at TWIFANFICTIONRECS dot com. I would be so incredibly honored if you could go and vote for it. Authors do not receive money for their time but we do appreciate any recognition recieved. Thank you again for taking the time to read this. I look forward to hearing what you have to say.

STORY IS MINE. CHARACTERS BELONG TO STEPHENIE MEYER.