Warnings: Bullying, Cutting, Violence, Suggestion of rape, Underage Drinking, Drug Use etc.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

2. Friends Like These

BellaPOV

Groaning as the digital alarm clock woke me up, I pulled the covers up and over my head. After a few minutes of debating, I decided that staying in bed all day wasn't going to do me any good. With my muscles screaming in protest, I slowly got out of bed and grabbed some clothes on my way to the shower. Once I had made sure the shampoo and conditioner bottlers were closed, I placed them back into the cabinet and quickly got changed into dark green jeans and a loose black Star Wars tank top. After unplugging the hair dryer, I swiped some eyeliner on my lids and grabbed the washing. I slipped on my classic vans and made my way downstairs after throwing the laundry into the washing machine.

As I stuffed my face with a piece of toast, my phone beeped signalling that I had a text. Walking through the living room, I rummaged through my school bag and found my cell.

Need a ride? - J

Grinning, I quickly sent a text back declaring that yes, I did need a ride as Charlie had already left for work.

At 8:20, I grabbed my black denim jacket and shrugged it on, noting how the silver pyramid studs glinted as the lamps shone on them. As I finished off the last few drops my Sunny D, three knocks sounded from the front door. Shouldering my school bag, I strode over to the door, my bag hitting my hip repeatedly. Embarrassingly eager, I swung the door open.

I couldn't help but freeze as I caught sight of the boy that had held my heart for the past few years. Although it was cold outside, the morning sun shone brightly, highlighting his form, creating a golden aura. His hair was different from the last time I had saw it; it was shaved at the sides allowing him to spike his hair up into a Mohawk. At the moment, he had it tied back with a rubber band.

I couldn't help but stare as my eyes greedily drank him in, like a parched man after searching the dessert for water. His usual, beloved cowboy boots graced his feet, the scuffs showing how much he wore them. Black, faded jeans encased his muscular legs, which led up to his lean torso. His black band tee had the Lostprophets' album logo stretched across his muscular chest. A beaded silver chain was around his neck, a plastic triangle of a guitar pick hung from it, resting just under the hollow of his neck.

I snapped my eyes up towards his as he cleared his throat, my face flamed with heat. However, as soon as I saw the smirk that curled his lips, my eyes were immediately drawn back down. A stubble coated his chiselled jaw, the colour a few shades darker than his hair. God, did I want to nibble along that defined jaw.

With my cheeks still flushed with embarrassment, I finally gazed into his eyes which looked at me with slight amusement along with some other unknown emotion.

Feeling unnerved with the strange emotion, my lips twisted into a smile. As I thought of something intelligent to say to him, my mouth suddenly had a mind of its own.

"I see that you've grown into your nose." I blurted out, flushing a deeper shade of red as I realized what I had just said. Apparently, I just had to tease him; I hadn't seen him in the flesh in years. His green eyes lit up further at my comment.

"And I see that you've grown into your legs." He replied, laughter evident in his voice. I made a face at him and, with the little dignity that I had left, I proceeded to walk toward his black Audi A4.

He grinned, opening the car door for me. Feeling his eyes on my as I placed my bag onto the back seats, I made a show of stretching as he ran his eyes up and down my legs greedily.

"Ready to go?" He asked, his accent still thick as it was when we were younger. Unfortunately, I had to make an ass out of myself as I started to sing to Ready to go by Panic! at the disco out loud as I clicked my seatbelt in securely.

Chuckling, he started the car and turned on the radio, as we sped of to school while listening to the rock station.

Soon, we had arrived at school after taking turns singing along with Kurt Cobain. Jasper got out first and walked quickly to my side of the car while I leaned over the two front seats to get my bag.

He opened the door to see my flushed face, the blood rushing to my head as I tried my best to get the bag.

I got out of the car, feeling as if I belonged in some cheesy rom-com as a few students started to stare. I scanned the parking lot, noticing that a few of the kids that had been in my class before had started to loose their baby fat and apparently, had started to act their age. My gaze stopped on the 'A group', looking for any changes in their appearances and studying their body language; I had learned how to read body language by watching a TV programme that was surprisingly useful.

Edward was leaning against a car with a grey trench coat and jeans. His hair was still exactly the same; styled the same and dyed the same shade of bronze. Alice was standing beside him, trying to catch someone's attention as she smiled seductively. Emmett was sitting on the hood of Edward's Volvo with Rose standing between his legs, Emmett's letterman jacket engulfing her and covering her short skirt. Her high heels provided her enough height to reach Emmett as he whispered god knows what into her ear.

Edward's eyes caught sight of me as he followed the direction of one of his sluts' gaze – was it Laura? Lara? Or Layla?
He smirked at me, obviously trying to seduce me with his 'charm.'

I couldn't help but stare at him in disbelief, though I made sure my face was expressionless, hoping to conceal my actual emotions; I was boiling with anger.

Jasper noticed my staring match with Eddie and slung his arm over my shoulder. His kiss on my cheek lingered; he was obviously doing it to help the situation. I had to bite my lip to hide the amused smile that threatened to break the act.

"He thinks he's god's gift to women." He stated simply. He glanced up again and his face broke into a huge grin, dimples and all.

"Someone people want to see you." He sang, purposely being cryptic.

"Do they?" I asked, making sure that my voice sounded bored and indifferent.

I looked to where he was pointing and saw Jackson and Amy casually strolling over to us with bright smiles on their faces with Nathan a few steps behind them.

"Dude, I haven't seen you in years!" Nathan practically shouted as he hugged me.

"Thank you, Captain Obvious." Amy commented, her voice deadpan.

Soon, the bell rang, causing the conversation to come to a halt. After arranging to meet the gang later, I ran towards the main Office. Once Mrs. Carter had given me my 'Welcome pack' I was free to go, but not before she called it a 'Welcome back pack' and started to giggle at her little joke. Smiling politely, I quickly made my escape through the double doors and was immediately met by Jasper who was waiting patiently on the other side of the doors, apparently determined to escort me to my class.

"Are you in my English Lit class?" I asked him, my voice embarrassingly hopeful.

"No," he said, but hastily added a 'but' once he saw my deflated expression, "but, Amy's does and I think Mr. Shaw is going to put you into partners or something." He said, effectively boosting my spirits.

After giving him a kiss on the cheek, I walked into the English class holding my lever arch file to my chest. Curious eyes turned to look at me as the teacher stopped mid speech. "Can I help you?" His voice formal and professional.

"I'm new- well, I moved away but I used to live here, and I have this class first period. I was late 'cause I was in the office." I explained, flushing under the stares.

He nodded and looked at the register on his ancient computer. "Isabella?" He asked, looking at me to clarify.

I scanned the room, subtly assessing where the best seats were. I spotted a few familiar faces, including Rose, Lara/Lizzie/Layla, and of course Amy. Apparently luck was on my side, as I spotted an empty seat right next to Amy. I walked over and slid into my seat after placing my file on the table and my bag under my seat.

"Rose and Lauren don't recognize you; we could use that to our advantage." Amy whispered to me, already thinking of ideas that we could use.

Time Skip

The second and third lesson went by quickly and soon, I found myself in my forth lesson; Biology. When I walked into the room, I immediately wished that I had ditched the class. Edward Cullen was sitting next to the only spare seat in the room. Fuck my life.

I gritted my teeth as I moved my seat before I sat down next to him, making it obvious that I wasn't going to acknowledge him.

"I'm Edward Cullen." He said, apparently unfazed my blatant dislike for him.

He tapped me on my shoulder once he realized that I was ignoring him and looked at me expectantly.

"What?" I snapped; it was not only the first day of the school year, but I had to sit next to Doucheward in my biology class. And guess what? Biology was my least favourite class.

" So, what's your name?" He asked, his voice suddenly deeper than it was a few seconds ago. Really? Did he replace his bible with a book filled with the world's worst pick-up lines?

"Does it matter?" I sighed.

"Well, yes. I wouldn't be asking you otherwise." He replied, looking confused. I rolled my eyes and ignored him for the rest of the class.

A grin automatically formed on my lips as I left the classroom. Jasper was leaning against the wall, opposite the door.

"Hey." He greeted while pulling me into his side and guiding me to the cafeteria.

"Hi. How do you get out of class early?" I asked him hopefully causing him to release a throaty chuckle.

"I have my ways." He answered cryptically, "Why did you look pissed off?"

"I have to sit with him!" I nearly shouted at him in frustration.

He grinned, kissed my forehead and whispered, "Don't worry about it; Jackson and Amy have already come up with a plan."

When we arrived at the cafeteria doors, the gang was waiting for us, looking starved.

"Let's do this." Nathan said acting all macho puffing his chest out. I shook my head, silently choosing not to blurt out my incredibly witty comeback.

Nathan and the rest of the gang walked in with Jasper and I following.

I looked around the cafeteria quickly, noticing that the 'A table' and a few other tables were empty. The 'A table' was where the 'A group' usually sat, which included Edward, Rose, Emmett, Alice and their…followers. Or, what I like to call them, groupies or cronies. Nathan led us over to their usual table, each of us carrying our lunch.

We sat down on the rounded table, and as Jasper sat down next to me, I couldn't help but notice he had subtly slid his chair closer to mine.

Soon, the half bell rang signalling that it was half way through lunch and in walked the 'A group'. Alice held her head high, and looked as if she was enjoying the attention from the two of her followers. Next came Rose and Emmett who was carrying a trey that was obviously meant for both of them. And Edward came in last. He smirked at every girl that was in his line of vision, occasionally adding a wink here and there.

I turned back to my table and listened to the chatter from around the table. It felt so good to be back. Suddenly, a loud bang brought my attention to the 'A table'.

Rose was staring at our table, along with Edward, and Alice. Their eyes conveying their shock. Alice muttered something to them and, once they finished their food, they stood up in unison and walked toward the benches that were placed outside.

I shared a glance with Jasper; it was obvious that they had finally realized who I was.