Author's Note: Hey! So I want to say thank you for the reviews and the follows. This chapter will run from October – December in the Twilight timeline. I'm sorry if it seems I'm rushing it, but I want to get out of the whole "zombie Bella" state that nothing was written about and get into the "new year". Please review!

" Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns it all clean" – Maya Angelou

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone gives you courage" – Lao Tzu

Chapter 3: A New Love, A New Fight

Four months in Forks and Tess realized that this was becoming her home. Her days consisted of school, work, and running around in Leah's car. She was definitely not going to complain about this routine; she felt like she had always been there. It was weird to feel this way; her friends from Los Angeles were slowly fading in her memory as she built a move solid relationship with Leah. Leah was her only friend; she had people in high school that had been potential friends, but they used her for popularity. As she became less shiny in their eyes they slowly stopped paying attention to her. She was fine with it; she supposed, though it did sting and hurt her ego. Despite the embarrassment she refused to eat in the bathrooms like the cheap high school rom-coms, instead she sat at an empty round table with her back against the wall. Every lunch she spent working on her homework from the previous period so she couldn't have to worry about them, instead work properly at the restaurant. That was the highlight of her days, as sad as it was. It was a time where she not only earned money and talking to the townspeople, but she caught up with Leah.

Ever since the heartbreak Leah acted differently. The pain had morphed into something ugly and angry. At first, Leah had lashed out against her, her comments were passive aggressive, and then, then, she got cruel.

Flashback…

It was eleven at night and Tess was wiping the tables down while Leah was in her corner on the other side of the restaurant. This was their routine; Tess cleaned up and letting her friend collect herself before they chatted. It was something normal for the two, especially since Sam broke up with her. Apparently Sam and Emily had gotten together and Leah…she was definitely bitter about it all. Finishing the last table she threw the clothe over her shoulder and walked over to Leah. Sitting down carefully, she felt as if she was walking into a cage with a predator.

"Lee you ready to go home?" she asked softly.

"Are you here?" Leah scoffed.

Tess had to admit she was taken aback by the comment but said nothing. She tried to brush it off as best she could. She kept repeating to herself not to take it personal. Instead she sat down and waited patiently for Leah to be ready to talk. This was what usually happened, she wouldn't push her friend. Staring at the older girl she really studied her. Leah had lost weight; her skin looked more sallow and she looked more exhausted than ever. She rarely ate; Tess noticed because their lunch-break dates were less frequent. She was slowly losing her friend. Leah lifted her gaze and stared her down as if wanting to scare her away.

"Don't you have anyone else to pester?!" before Tess could even reply she kept going "Oh right….you have no one else. No one even likes you."

Leah had gone in for the attack and she knew that would hurt Tess more than anything. It had been clear before that Tess was a lonely girl; she was always free and always ready to be there for Leah. Her stories of school consisted about what she learned, homework, but not a single person.

But hearing her comment made Tess' eyes water but she said nothing. Sadly this was also a routine. Tess tended to just wait her out her rants. Lowering her gaze she expected the silence to loom over them until Leah cooled off. But something inside Tess told her that this had gone too far. The idea of her bothering Leah had never sunk in until this very moment. She prided herself in making Leah smile; even a smirk was enough to know she'd be okay for a while. But, to not be wanted? That hit too close to her insecurities and Tess knew she needed to get out of there. Tears began to fall down her cheeks and she was horrified with herself. She prided herself on being strong but what person could take this? Getting up she didn't dare look at Leah instead she decided that leaving her alone was the best option. She wasn't sure if she would be coming back, at least not for anything that wasn't work.

As Leah heard the footsteps, she lifted her head and stared at the younger girl walking away.

"Where are you going?" she asked confused.

"Doing what you asked Lee," Tess murmured as she picked up her things and holding them close. That was when Leah noticed that the younger girl was actually crying. Something in her twisted, wasn't this supposed to feel good? Because it didn't; it gave her a bad taste in her mouth. As Tess lifted her hand to wipe her cheeks she didn't even look her way.

"You're actually leaving?" Leah said even softer.

"I'd rather be alone than be with your bitter self. Good job…now I know why Sam left!"

Slamming the door behind her, Tess knew she crossed the line, but she'd had enough. Throwing her things in her car she wiped her tears and tried to calm her nerves. If this is what Leah wanted for so long, this is what she would do. Turning her car in drive, she immediately gunned it for home.

"So much for friendship"

End Flashback

Ever since that day they hadn't talked: one week. Tess kept to herself at work; she didn't look at Leah's way, she didn't help her clean the tables like before. She was on her own and that's how it should have been since the beginning. For her part Leah acted as if Tess had done her wrong and didn't even try to talk to her. Both girls radiated anger, and no one dared to approach it. Now work seemed like a dreaded chore and Tess considered quitting.

The bell rang shaking her out of her stupor. Grabbing her things she wondered what she missed. Everyone began to chat and she lowered her head and rushed off to her least favorite period: lunch. Lunchtime always reminded her of how lonely she was. As much as she said she didn't care, it was beginning to weigh heavier on her without anything to look forward to. She was pathetic and she knew it. Walking over to the lunch line she grabbed the food of the day and went to the most dreaded part: looking for a table. She didn't want to have to sit with other people. If she was honest, her biggest fear was for them to leave as soon as she sat down like those movies. She was not going to risk it. Instead, she looked for an empty table to take over.

Walking over she signed in relief as she noticed that the round table in the corner was empty again. Sitting down, she put her things on the table to take over the rest of the empty space and relaxed. As she began to eat, she felt someone staring at her; looking up she noticed that the person was much closer than she expected: right in front of her. Bella Swan. Sitting up straight, she waited for the older girl to speak. The eighteen year old had been acting odd recently, more so than usual. Apparently the last remaining Cullen siblings had moved from Forks and the girl had been left devastated. Tess didn't care; she never made friends with those people and she wasn't going to start now. But the rumors spread quickly around Forks. When Leah and her were in good terms, she'd heard of how some of the people had helped look for Bella. She'd gone missing and Sam had been the one to find her. Stupid. That had happened three weeks ago.

Staring up at the girl she noticed how she too looked distraught. So her boyfriend left, so what? There was so much to do at eighteen; Tess certainly couldn't wait. She looked like some zombie just like Leah had been at first. Pathetic. The black hair that was always beautiful looked lifeless as it ran down her back and her skin paler than ever. Her eyes had lost a spark and she pitied her.

"You're sitting on my table" Bella said softly.

Leaning against the wall she raised her brow.

"I don't see your name on it" Tess simply replied. "Plus I'm not moving"

Standing there awkwardly, it was clear that Bella expected the younger girl to simply move. Before she could reply her friends called her over and with some hesitation walked over to that girl…Jessica. Yes that was her name. Tess went back to the questionable lunch that is until she heard laughter.

"You are really something aren't you?"

Looking to her left, she noticed a young boy talking to her. Her first thought was that he was odd. His eyes were green and his hair was messy. He had a pair of black square glasses to hide behind, but his quirkiness was charming to her. The new kid; whatever his name was, she knew he was here with the Todd family. Since the town was so small, she knew he was the child of the previous marriage. He'd been here for two weeks.

"Can I help you?" she asked.

"Ben" he said and sat himself beside her and pushed her things away to make more room. "My name is Benjamin by the way and yeah, you can help me. Have lunch with me"

It wasn't a question but rather a demand. She knew she should have been mad at how he just made a spot for himself beside her but she didn't. Instead she was impressed but still said nothing. She was not going to get up she was here first. Looking away she kept eating and ignoring his presence. Silence loomed over the pair as she looked down at her plate.

"You're going to keep staring at me aren't you?" she asked not bothering to look at him.

"Yeah…I like you" Ben said grinning.

Her cheeks reddened at his statement. She should have ignored it; that is until she looked over at him. He didn't look at her in any malicious instead with interest. This was odd; she wasn't sure she liked it. But a part of her screamed loneliness and she found herself wanting to be wanted. Sure she wasn't interested in him, at least not yet, but he looked harmless. Unsure of what was going on she did the only thing that seemed natural: she shoved him. He was surprised at first and then laughed instead nudged her back softly, much softer than she had.

"See, this is why I like you" Ben admitted.

"Shut up" she said annoyed and embarrassed.

"What's your name?"

She was annoyed at how he simply ignored her comment.

"You like me but you don't know my name?" she asked amused.

He had the decency to look embarrassed and instead he simply shrugged. He was adorable; damn it. Leaning forward he tilted his head studying her. His glasses slumped forward and he pushed them back up.

"I can think you're likeable without knowing your name can't I? I mean we share four of the six classes together."

"Tess" was all she said moving her own glasses higher to her face.

He grinned at her as if she had let him win the battle: she had. Something about him seemed more charming than she cared to admit. Sighing, she looked like it pained her to give him a sincere smile.

"I don't like you" bluntness was her defense mechanism.

"Not yet" he said confidently. "But you will... I'll make sure of it"

"You shouldn't waste your time on me you know. There are better looking girls than me. Plus, you're a senior, you definitely have better things to do than be around me."

Tess hadn't meant to be as honest as she had become, but it was what she genuinely thought. He was a senior, and a cool one at that; he took advantage of the spotlight to become a charming popular kid. He was nerdy, but it worked for him. New York had become more exotic than Los Angeles to these kids.

"You really don't want me to like you do you?"

"You're just wasting your time," she murmured.

Tilting his head, he merely studied her for a second. As he opened his mouth he was interrupted by the school bell, signaling lunch was over. Grabbing her things, she didn't dare look at him. But as she got up he was already beside her with his own things. Calculus was next for the pair and he wasn't going to let this go.

"What will I have to do to get you to go to lunch with me?" he said curiously as they shuffled through the crowed.

"We just had lunch" was her only response.

"I mean you and me, and we chat about the weather, our likes, our dislikes. All of that stuff and I spend money on you."

"That sounds like a date"

That's when Ben smiled and opened the door to their calculus class. Ushering her in he sat right beside her and murmured.

"If you want to call it that, then let's," he grinned cheekily.

'Damn him' Tess thought as her cheeks reddened further.

"I-I work after school so I can't"

"Where do you work?" he asked suddenly.

"Ben…"

"Come on" he nudged her.

"The lodge" she admitted, "I work till closing today so…"

"So I know where I'm having dinner today"

That was the end of the conversation as class began. Mr. Varner began to talk about area under a curve and she found herself forgetting about everything that just happened. Calculus was hard enough without having distractions.

…

Four Weeks Later…

Leah and her weren't speaking still and still they were giving each other the cold shoulder. Now they each had their own tip jar and she was not about to start sharing a damn thing. The customers said nothing, but neither of them could make a smile seem sincere. The only highlight of her work was the boy that would not leave her alone. Benjamin had actually shown up at her work as he had promised and made sure she was the one to wait on his table. He looked so proud of himself for surprising her. He was definitely determined and she in turn was flattered. From then on it continued ever day she worked and it bothered her less than she cared to admit.

"The usual Ben?" she asked as he looked up at her.

"Are you almost on break?" he asked.

"Hm…after I finish waiting your table," she admitted.

Ever since, he showed up every day around the same time she found herself warming up to him. He was sweet and funny, and best of all he wasn't pushing her. He made it clear that he wanted to date her, but most importantly, make her understood she was worth the time. It was weird, no matter how many times she said she wasn't interested in him, he didn't give up. He never pushed, just talked knowing that despite her indifference she always listneed. She didn't ignore him anymore and she had now gotten used to sitting with him during her breaks. If Leah wasn't going to talk to her he would make sure she wouldn't feel lonely.

"Well then yes the usual and get yourself what you want. We're getting this date today, even if it's 45 minutes"

Tess grinned and rushed off for the orders before she removed her apron. She ignored the glare that Leah was giving at her. It seemed that Leah was surprised she had a backbone and wasn't going to apologize. Instead she slid in the booth across from Ben and they chatted.

"Date you said?" she teased.

Ben grinned knowing he was winning her over. She was a tough cookie but she was worth it. She'd been warming up to him and making jokes and laughing at his. He really did like her and if no one noticed how special he was then he'd make sure to let her know that he saw her this way.

"I've been waiting for this date of ours"

"But we've been eating together" she said confused.

"Hmm…true, but this time around you want me around."

That made her blush and she shrugged. It was true; she looked forward to him. While she wasn't sure this was love, she did feel butterflies in her stomach. Her cynicism for love had been clear on the first day, but he wasn't bothered. He didn't really believe it. And he was right; underneath her snark was a yearning to try and feel it.

"I have for about a week," she murmured.

Ben didn't rub it in her face, instead grabbed her hand and squeezed lightly. She found herself squeezing back. She did like him. This was moving forward at her speed. She said "yes" and "no's" and he followed. That made her believe he truly liked her. Leaning forward she found herself wanting to kiss him; that is until someone cleared his or her throat. Both turning to look at the person it turned out to be the chef bringing their food. He looked amused at embarrassing both kids and merely placed the plates before leaving. Both laughed off the nervousness and ate in silence.

"So…you still haven't forgiven her?" he asked suddenly.

Looking up in surprise she shook her head. She had told Ben the story, having no one to talk to. She had admitted how it had stung her: no one wanting her around. And he merely hugged her and told her that Leah was hurting. He knew it all and he didn't judge instead just listened. She liked having his attention. It made her feel like she was important.

"Should I?" she asked sincerely as she bit her fry.

"It depends" he shrugged, "do you think that you have anything to apologize for?"

She made a noise that told him the answer. The way she avoided eye contact and looked a bit put out told Ben that she was embarrassed. She felt guilty; but her pride was stopping her from saying anything.

"Well…" she began.

"Do you think she'll apologize?"

"She has to" Tess said annoyed.

"Well…." He began as he stole a fry from her plate, "do you think she'll make the first move? I mean…is it worth waiting for her to apologize?"

"She hurt me first" she whined.

"Yeah…but you hurt her last" he emphasized, "both of you hit below the belt and you know better than that."

"I do…but she…you know what she said and I was merely trying to help. I was tired of her crap"

He nodded and squeezed her hand. He wasn't trying to seem like he wasn't on her side and she knew. He understood her so well.

"Is the cold shoulder worth the wait? I mean you both look kind of miserable. And as much as you love me being around" that earned him an eye roll, "I can't make up what Leah is to you. Am I right?"

She sighed.

"I hate when you talk sense to me you know"

He merely grinned and kissed her hand earning a smile from her. After that their conversation changed into something more lighthearted. They chatted about school, people they hated, the gossip around the city and more about them. She found herself laughing, blushing, swatting and caring for him. He was a person she needed and she found herself happier. Looking up at the clock she noticed that the forty-five minutes were up and she was supposed to go back to work. Both were thankfully finished with their meals and he paid. Their routine continued as she would walk him outside and they would say their goodbyes. Today was different though both could feel that.

"Thank you for dinner" she said smiling.

Ben grinned back at her and stepped closer to her personal space.

"Thank you for wanting me around" he teased.

Tess laughed and placed her hands on his chest pulling him closer. He let her; and placed his hands around her waist and held her close. Looking up at the taller boy she parted her lips giving him the signal. Leaning down, Ben found himself filled with excitement at the thought that finally she was admitting that there was something there. He stopped mere millimeters from her and Tess opened her eyes in confusion. Why wasn't he kissing her?

"Don't want to pressure you," he murmured, hot air brushing her lips.

Laughing softly she leaned up and kissed him. Her hands gripped his shirt and he pulled her closer. The kiss was soft at first, but warm and full of feeling. Her cheeks flushed at how aggressive she had been and he didn't look bothered for a second. Pulling back he kissed her cheek as she looked away.

"Does that mean I can call you my girlfriend?" he whispered as he pressed his forehead against hers.

"Hm…don't you have to ask first?" she teased.

Ben grinned and pulled her closer.

"Tess Marie, would you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?"

"Thought you'd never ask" she whispered before they kissed softly again.

Hearing someone calling her name she knew that her break was definitely over. Hugging him softly she pulled back and headed towards the restaurant.

"Remember!" he called out. She turned around in confusion, "make sure to talk to her. It'll do you both good"

Nodding she rushed back in the restaurant ignoring the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She never wanted to make herself think something was too good to be true. When things were looking up is when they crumbled the easiest. Perhaps not the peppiest of mantras, but it was just who she was.

The night went on and she found herself mentally preparing herself for the night when she would find herself apologizing to Leah. Every minute that ticked made her more anxious. What if Leah didn't want to become friends? What if this was what they were meant to be?

'She looks too lonely to be happy about this' a voice that sounded just like Ben rambled in her mind. And her imaginary Ben was right; she did look sad. Taking a deep breath, she waved goodbye to the last customer and began to wipe down the tables as Leah took the last bit of dishes. She worked as efficient as she could and she found herself wanting to finish and get this over with. If she was going to embarrass herself, she figured it was best if she just did it now. Clearing her throat she sought out to get Leah's attention.

On the nick of time Leah came out grabbing her things ready to get out. She didn't even look at Tess even if she was being obvious about wanting to get her attention. As Leah walked closer to the door, she found herself losing her nerve, but without thinking she blurted out.

"I'm sorry Leah"

Leah froze as if she'd been surprised at Tess' comment, and Tess found herself doing the same. She had never felt so tiny, especially as Leah stared at her incredulously. There was no anger in her expression, just confusion. It looked as if she was surprised that this was happening and couldn't fathom why it was even happening. This was her time to really express herself.

"I-I'm so sorry I crossed the line Leah" she began as eloquently as she could. "I know I had no right to say what I did but I said it when I was hurting and angry. You just- you make me so angry sometimes! It's as if you think every good dead means pity. And Leah you were my only friend since I moved here, and I treated you just the same. Hell, I got really drunk when you wanted to just relax. I stayed up with you wanted to and never did I get a thank you?" Her eyes widened at how rude it sounded, "Not that I expect it. But some appreciation is nice and-"

"I'm sorry too," Leah whispered, thankfully interrupting Tess' rant. "You're not a pest, you've somehow become my best friend…my only friend." She ran her fingers through her hair annoyed, "Emily really hurt me and I wanted someone to hurt just as much as I did. I-I thought you didn't need me anymore, especially with that dweeb that's always here."

Tess laughed and moved towards her arms wide enough to hug her. Leah rolled her eyes and walked forward holding her in a seemingly reluctant heart.

"By the way" she said as they hugged, "that dweeb is my boyfriend so try to like him. He likes you, he told me to apologize even"

Leah laughed and nodded.

"I'll try" she replied, "By the way, are you doing anything next week?"

Tess thought about it and realized that it was close to her birthday. "Well, my birthday is that Saturday so-"

"Oh? Good, see I was wondering if you would come with me to this bonfire thing at the beach. We can celebrate your birthday with the boys. I mean…if you don't have plans already"

Tess shook her head.

"Thomas and I are celebrating Sunday since he has work on Saturday and Ben…well he hasn't said anything so yes. I'll be your date."

Leah grinned.

"Good, you can protect me from people I hate"

Tess laughed softly and hooked arms with her.

"You so owe me for doing this."

"I hate to say this but I missed you" Leah admitted.

"Shut up, I don't like sentimental you."

Both girls laughed and glad that things were solved. As both girls drove to their respective snow through the snowy roads, both thought of how great it was to have it be back to normal. What was clear was that this would make them stronger. While neither believe in fate, they didn't know just how intertwined their futures were, especially for the sake of their happiness.