What I want from us is empty our minds
We fake the thoughts, and fracture the times
We go blind when we've needed to see
And this leans on me, like a rootless...

Fuck you, fuck you, fuck you
And all we've been through
I said leave it, leave it, leave it
There's nothing in you

After seeing Bella again, I decided Jess needed to go. Now. I mean, it's not like I had gotten anywhere this morning with Bella, but I felt like things would be easier if Jess wasn't in the picture. I'd probably still be a blabbering idiot, but at least Jessica would be out of my head, and my life.

I worked through my day, wincing at the light and shushing Tyler, who seemed to be unusually loud today. I hated working on Sundays. The day always dragged and currently feeling like shit wasn't helping anything. I got a text from Jess around lunch, wanting to know what I was going to be doing tonight. Now, normally, this would be the time I would ignore her, roll my eyes, sigh, and try to think of something else I had to do. Today though, she was giving me what I needed; the opportunity to get her out of life.

There is this game in poker called Follow the Queen. My friends and I call it, Bitch'll Get Ya, which makes me think of dear old Jessica. She was sucking the fuckin' life out of me. I was a constant moody bastard because of her, and if I wanted a shot in hell with Bella, well that shit was gonna have to stop. Not to mention, it's just not right to pursue a girl when the previous one is still hanging around. Right? Fuckin' right.

I sent a quick reply to Jess, telling her to come over around 6. I'd break it off with her tonight and maybe get a fresh start with Bella in the morning. Well, assuming I was lucky enough to run into her again. God, I really hope that is how it works, because this morning was…a travesty. I don't even know who that was talking, but it sure as hell hadn't been the normal me.

The short drive home seemed even shorter as I relived my morning stop and shook my head, trying to rid myself of the memories long enough to focus on the coming task. As I pulled into my covered parking space, I felt practically giddy. I don't normally enjoy breaking up with a girl. Like I said, it's just never right. I end up feeling like a villain, a genuine jackass. This one though, this particular break-up, it had to be done and I was to the point of not giving a flying flip about Jess. She had come to mean almost nothing to me, due to her…activities.

There was an unexpected grin on my face as I climbed the stairs to my door and turned the key in the lock. That very same smile faded rapidly into a shocked and dropped jaw. How the fuck…?

And that's exactly what came out of my mouth as I gaped at the scene laid out before me.

Jess was standing at the end of my entry hall, hands on hips and one knee bent. She was wearing a see-through robe, an evil smile, and tall as fuck stilettos.

"Hey baby," she greeted. "How was work?"

"How the fuck did you get in here, Jess?" I replied in a dead tone, slightly laced with anger.

Jess put on her sad eyes and jutted out her bottom lip. I was so over the manipulation tactics, though.

"I just wanted to surprise you. You should probably make it harder to find your spare key, though. Under the mat is a little obvious don't you think? Any old idiot could just wander in here."

Like you…

"Anyway, I didn't get to see you yesterday so I wanted to surprise you. Well, and maybe have a little fun," Jess finished with a chuckle.

"Well, as great as that sounds," I began, letting the sarcasm run rampant, "that won't be happening. You and I need to have a chat. And you," I pointed, "need to put your damn clothes back on."

I dropped my bag and keys in their designated homes and pushed past Jess. She was still just standing there, gaping at the place I had just vacated. Her eyes began to glass over. Oh good, tears. I feel SO bad.

I went into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water and when I returned to the living room, Jess had crossed her arms and put on her angry eyes. The rapidly changing expressions were like playing with a Mr. Potato Head, only a lot less entertaining.

Relaxing against the couch cushions, I waited for her to give up on glaring at the back of my head.

3…2…1…

Click, click, click came the sound of her ridiculous shoes as she crossed the hardwood. Jess stomped to a stop in front of me and huffed loudly, the supreme picture of petulance.

"What the hell is your problem, Edward? I greet you at your door, practically NAKED, and you want to talk? We don't ever have sex anymore! I have needs."

I couldn't help but snort at her tirade and she had given me the perfect opening to be a complete asshole. Thank you.

"Needs, Jess? What needs? We all know you're out fucking someone else most nights. I think your needs are being met." I was glaring, thoroughly, and the sarcasm was dripping from my mouth. "Mine, on the other hand, are not, and I mean more than just the lack of sex. I don't want to deal with your particular brand of bullshit anymore, Jessica. I'm done. So get your clothes on, gather your shit, and get the hell out." I was yelling by the time I finished and all of the sarcasm was gone.

My chest heaved as I stared at her and waited. I could see my words sink in as she became angrier and angrier. Why couldn't she just take the rejection and leave?

"I don't know WHAT you are talking about. This is crap. You treat me like shit…"

"Oh come off it, Jess," I interrupted.

"No, Edward!" she screamed. "I…I have been with you whenever I could, giving what I could. We've been through so much. The first time you left, I was so broken. You took me back and now you're going to do it again. I don't fucking think so." Jess pointed at me as she spoke, in between flailing her arms around and shaking her head.

"Indignant doesn't look good on you, Jess, and we both know you are full of shit. You turned to that Mike kid as soon as we broke up the first time. I'd be willing to bet that's who you are fucking now, too. Save your lies for someone who cares."

I was standing now, and yelling in her face. She backed away slightly and let out a frustrated scream.

The robe fell to the ground and for half a second I was in disbelief, thinking she was still going to try to have sex with me. Before I could react to that though, her clothes were sliding onto her body and she was muttering to herself. Maybe she really was insane. Her arms were full as she stomped to the front door.

"Fuck you, Edward!"

She was pulling the door closed when I called back, "No thanks, doll. I don't take rides on the 'used' train."

That made me chuckle and I collapsed back onto the couch as she let out a wail and slammed my door.

Yes, I am an asshole. You don't have to tell me that. But you know as well as I do that that shit needed to happen and the bitch had it coming. I'm just glad it could be me who gave it to her. Maybe it was a little harsh….oh well.

I lay on the couch for a while thinking of scenarios of how my next encounter with Bella would go. Every vision I had went in my favor. I couldn't let myself think about a repeat performance of the bullshit I had spewed at her earlier today. No, that had to be forgotten and I had to move past it.

My day dreams ranged from a simple and pleasant conversation to things with a more dramatic flare. Like bringing her back here and barely making it through the front before tearing clothing from the other's body. Oh how I wish that wasn't merely a delusion. I knew it couldn't be like that with her. I would take my time and it would be perfect.

No Bella this morning during my routine stop. That put a slight kink my mood. What if she never came back to that Starbucks again? What the hell was I supposed to do with myself then? Fuck…

Moving the fuck on. I would not be deterred from the new resolve I had and I would NOT think like a woman. Work passed on in its usual fashion; research and goofing off with Tyler. I needed to be finding something to write about for this Sunday's paper…but my research wasn't really turning anything up. I'd start off in the right place, calling various contacts I had and seeing if they had anything for me. But after a phone call or two, Tyler was throwing paper clips at me to disturb my Bella dreaming.

I am so screwed.

Focus, Cullen, focus.

Just then, Cam's door busted open. "Cullen! Get in here, NOW!" Then the door slammed again.

"Success," I breathed.

"Son of a…you have to be kidding me. You've been fuckin spaced out all day. I'm chasing shit down and he calls YOU in there to give a story to. What the hell do I have to get that kinda treatment?" Tyler was pissed, to say the least.

I showed him a shit eating grin and put up my hands in surrender as I walked backwards towards Cam's door. "What can I say? Write better, Ty."

He shot me the finger just as my hand grasped the doorknob. I chuckled and turned around to be greeted by the stern face of my boss.

"You called, Cam," I said as the door shut behind me.

He nodded to one of the chairs in front of his desk and I sat down gingerly.

"The assignment is nothin' huge and it is for this Sunday's paper," Cam told me. "Obama has started rallying for the next election, calling for his voters to help keep his 'change' going." Cam rolled his eyes and actually used air quotes. Cue my smirk.

"Anyway, I just want you to outline what he is asking, why he thinks he needs to be rallying already…etc. Also, I want quotes from people, getting their opinion on his change so far and are they planning on voting for him. Definitely include some people who did and who did not vote for him last time around. Oh, and some first time voters, too."

I nodded my understanding. "Sounds easy enough."

Cam made some unintelligible noises before commenting, "No later than 9 on Saturday morning." With that warning, he went to work, dropping his head to some paper work. That was my dismissal.

This should be an easy assignment, giving me plenty of time to plan my next move for Operation: Dream Girl.

I laughed at my own nerdiness as I sat down at my desk to pop out the introduction for my article.

I skipped out of the office about an hour later, citing the need to do interviews. Tyler bugged me the entire time I was there, wanting to know if I was bribing Cam for stories. Really? I was about to punch him so I ditched. Well, that and I wanted to see if I could run into Bella again.

Starbucks has a wide range of customers. Surely I could find a wide enough demographic of people to interview for my piece, while simultaneously keeping an eye out for Bella.

After my third series of questioning, I wasn't even listening anymore. Number four was currently prattling on about the health care bill, even though I never asked for that information. Some people care a little too much about sharing their opinions.

Just as I was about to tell the woman I had everything I needed, I heard the door open just behind me and I turned to look. I saw long brown locks and big chocolate eyes coming through the door. She looked at me with a shy smile and hurried to the counter. I quickly cut off the woman I was interviewing so I could be free to…I'm not sure what I was going to do but I certainly couldn't do anything with a future MSNBC anchor talking my ear off.

"Thank you, ma'am. I appreciate your help," I smiled and switched off my tape recorder.

"Oh well," she looked rather startled. "You're welcome. I just hope…" her voice trailed off as I turned and walked over to the thankfully empty sitting area. I fumbled to put my tape recorder away as I kept an eye on Bella, waiting for her drink.

I had a sudden thought that I should probably look busy instead of watching her like a complete stalker. Yanking open my bag, I pulled out a notepad and pen and began to scribble so it looked like I was writing. I got lost in pretending to be busy and the next thing I knew, a small sound of throat clearing made my head snap up.

"Um, is it okay if I sit here? I didn't want to disturb you it's just that all of the tables are taken." She smiled at me and I felt stupid with her beauty for a moment.

Attempting to smile back, I shook my head and motioned to the open chair at my left. "You're not disturbing me, no worries."

"Thanks," Bella said.

I continued to smile like an idiot and tried to think of anything to have a conversation about. Bella pulled out a textbook from her bag as she sat down and sipped her iced tea.

"Bella, right?" she smiled in answer. "Do you go to UNT?" I asked.

"Yeah," her smile was bigger now than before. "Do you?"

"No, no not anymore. I graduated from there a few years ago."

With a nod, she responded. "I graduate soon. Unfortunately I waited until the end to take some of my basics," Bella frowned at me adorably as she showed me the cover of her book.

"Oh, astronomy! I took that, too. I loved it. But I can see you don't," I chuckled.

"I guess it's not that bad. I'm just not good at memorizing all of the little things. The labs are pretty fun though, getting to see the planets and stuff."

"The labs were my favorite part, too. But I actually did really well in the class. Did you need any help?"

"Really? Oh that would be wonderful! I just want to pass this and graduate!"

Oh this was going better than I would have thought. Definitely better than before. Laughing, I said "I understand. "When do you want to…get together?" I suddenly felt slightly embarrassed asking that question. It sounded more serious than I had meant for it to.

"Oh," she blushed. "Well, how about Thursday night? I don't have class or work that night. Are you available then?"

Her blush was beautiful and I was slightly unsteady. "Uh…yeah. Thursday sounds great."

We smiled at each other for a few moments before someone dropped something in the background and broke the spell.

Bella looked down at her book for a second and I realized I was probably interrupting her study time.

"Well, I'll just let you read then. Do you want to just meet here on Thursday?" I asked.

"Sure, that sounds good. Um, is 7 alright?"

"I'll be here," I assured. And I'll work on a phone number then, too.

Bella smiled up at me as I got ready to leave. "I'll see you then." She waited a bit before adding, "Bye, Edward."

I felt my heart speed up with the knowledge that she, too, had remembered my name. I'd made an impression. Well, of course I had. I had been a blubbering idiot that day. No matter, it was moving along now and that was all that mattered.

With one last smile, I said goodbye. "Goodbye, Bella."

I can't sleep now, no, not like I used to
I can't breathe in and out like I need to
It's breaking ice now, to make any movement
What's your vice, you know that mine's the illusion
And all at once I can help you out
I'll be what you need
Goodbye apathy, so long apathy

A/N: I finally posted! Wooo! No excuse for it taking this long, but I will say….I have been short on inspiration.

Songs for this chapter are: "Rootless Tree" by Damien Rice and "Goodbye Apathy" by OneRepublic

Please, please review! I would love to hear what you think about these two so far!

Also, I posted a one-shot a few days ago. It's called Amazing and I would appreciate it if you would check it out and leave me your thoughts there, too! Thanks!