Chapter 6:

The Plan In Action

The next morning, I woke up and dressed as usual. My stomach felt as if it were doing back flips as I quickly ran through the plan Jake and I (mostly Jake) came up with last night. I probably shouldn't have been driving under my condition (my hands shook so badly, I felt like I might throw up at any second, and there was an uncontrollable pain in my chest that made it hard to breathe), but I needed some time to myself, to control myself before we let it all fall into place.

You can do this, Bella, I told myself as I slipped the key into the ignition and slowly pulled out of the driveway. It's nothing to worry about, I thought reassuringly, doing my best to concentrate on not hitting the mailbox—or a cat; Forks had a couple of those wandering around…

But you're doing this to hurt him, another voice said quietly.

I frowned just as I managed to pull out of my driveway without any problems (no mailboxes, no cats). "It's for his own good," I muttered reasonably, my brows knitting together as I eased my ancient truck to a stop before the crosswalk before slowly easing up to check the corners. "He deserves someone better than Tanya." I said, my grip on the steering wheel tightening.

I could practically see a mirror image of myself sighing and shaking her head at me, obviously disapproving of my plans. And you think you're that someone?

I cringed, the words making the pain in my heart becoming raw once more. "No!" I growled, shaking my head, pulling my truck to a sudden stop. "No, no!" I shouted, my fingers knotting themselves in the roots of my hair. "Get out of my head! Leave me alone!" I said angrily, gasping for air.

Maybe I was going insane. Maybe it was stress-induced insanity? Whatever it was, it made me hear that annoying little voice in my head, but my outburst obviously scared it away—or, something.

Gasping, I took a moment to catch my breath before driving down the road once more, doing my best to abide the speed limit, but at the same time, trying to get to school as quickly as I possibly could. The drive seemed to take so much longer than it used to. I saw Jake in the parking lot, waiting for me. I pulled into the space next to his.

He was grinning from ear to ear as he swung my door open. But the smile dropped and was replaced by a frown, his dark eyes filled with worry. "Are you alright, Bells? You look like you've just seen a ghost…"

"Yeah, fine." I lied, my voice shaking. "I just…um, there was a deer. That's all," I said, grabbing my bag and jumping out, stumbling. Jake's toned arms wrapped around me, steadying me. I smiled up at him appreciatively. "Thanks."

"No problem," he said, still staring at me with that worried look on his face. "Are you sure you're alright? You look really shaken up, Bella." He said.

"No—yeah, I'm fine." I said, stumbling over my words, my thoughts still revolving around that little voice in my head and what it was saying. But you're doing this to hurt him, it had said. But I wasn't. I was doing this for him…

You're doing this for you, the little nagging voice said pointedly.

"Shut up," I growled.

"What?" Jake asked, looking at me, slightly afraid.

I shook my head, running my hands through my hair a couple of times to keep it over my shoulders, hiding my face from his view. "It's nothing." I said, hoping that he couldn't see me blushing. The last thing I needed was for someone to think I was losing my mind—because I wasn't. I was perfectly stable…

At least, I hoped I was.

"Look, Bella," Jake said, running a hand through his hair, "we don't have to do this if you don't want to…"

"No, I want to, Jake." I said—maybe a little too quickly. He gave me a doubtful look. I composed myself. "I can handle this. Really, I'll be fine. I want to do this." I said with a wide smile, hoping that it looked realistic enough.

"Do…what?" the familiar velvety voice said, somewhat hesitantly.

Was it just me, or did he have a knack for showing up when he was least expected?

I turned around, beaming widely at Edward (who was, of course, standing with Tanya), praying that I didn't look fake. "Edward! And Tanya! Hi…" I giggled, pretending to be embarrassed—which came on naturally; the embarrassment, not the giggle (but it seemed pretty realistic to me).

Edward raised an eyebrow, obviously surprised at the change in my mood compared to last night. Plus, I never giggle. "Do what, Bella?" he asked, looking at Jake. I could've sworn his eyes narrowed a bit as he looked between the two of us.

"I…er…" I shifted awkwardly before clearing my throat. "It's…um…important, that's for sure." I said.

"What is it, Bella?" Tanya asked.

Well, for one, I want to gouge your eyes out…

"Bella and I are dating." Jake said when I didn't answer after a couple seconds.

Silence fell afterwards. I looked down at my feet, trying to keep them all from seeing how red my face was. Just before glancing down, I could see Edward stiffen, and I could see Tanya shifting awkwardly.

I wasn't sure how long it had been when Edward finally spoke, but it couldn't have been quick enough—at least, that's what I thought. "What?" he hissed, and I could tell that he was already far past angry.

"Since…" don't stumble, Bella! "Well, it's been going on for a while…" I said quietly, feeling so small and pathetic. This is so low! I thought, squeezing my eyes shut, still staring at my feet. "Before he left for Hawaii…"

I was surprised to find that he almost had to force himself to breathe. "And you've…both of you…you've been keeping this a secret…?" he sounded angry, and hurt. I wondered if our news had the effect we wanted.

I chanced a glance up at him. I think it was this whole 'secret' thing that hurt him the most. I repressed the urge to scowl. "I'm really sorry, Edward." I said sincerely as Jake wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

He shook his head, avoiding eye contact with either of us before grabbing Tanya's wrist and pulling her off. She cast us a small, apologetic look before hurrying to keep up with Edward.

I sighed, leaning against Jacob's tall frame. "I feel so…rotten. No, that's not the right word," I scowled as he turned, leading us towards my locker. "God…maybe we should've approached this better…" I sighed dejectedly.

Jacob shook his head. "No matter how we approached this, Bells, he would've been angry. Did you see the look on his face? The thought of the two of us—two of his best friends—lying to him since the beginning of summer hurt him really bad."

"Well, yeah, obviously," I sighed. "I'd be pissed too if I were him."

It was petty, even selfish, of me to wonder if this would ruin our plans to break up Tanya and Edward.

Jake awkwardly kissed my forehead—his lips were warm and soft, but they didn't feel the way Edward's always had against my skin—and told me he'd see me at lunch, shooing me off towards my locker with a worried look on his face. When I got there, Jasper and Angela were just walking up and both of their faces lit into smiles as they caught site of me. What would they think when they found out Jake and I were 'dating'? What would Emmett and Rosalie say?

Oh my God.

What would Alice say?

With a sigh, I opened my locker, greeting Angela and Jasper with the usual greeting, trying to push everything else out of my mind. Of course, I still had that nagging voice in my head telling me I was acting like the worst possible best friend. Too selfish. I was too selfish; Edward probably did deserve Tanya after what I'd just done to him. She would never hurt anyone like that for her personal gain…would she?

I was horrible.

"Bella? Did you just hear what I said?" Angela asked me kindly.

"Hmm? No. I'm sorry." I focused on her quickly, giving her a small guilty smile, just now realizing I'd been staring into my locker blankly.

"Have you seen Edward yet today? He looked really upset when I was coming in."

Dread settled in the pit of my stomach. "How is he?"

She looked shocked by the intensity of my question. "Um, I haven't talked to him."

My heart squeezed. I was only hurting him; God, what made me do this again? "Oh."

"But maybe you should?" she suggested shyly, patting my shoulder.

I bit my lip and stared at the ground, my eyes stinging. "I don't think he wants to see me right now." Or ever.

"Why wouldn't he, Bella?" Jasper interjected himself into the conversation, looking confused. "Edward always wants to see you."

"There's been a few complications," I replied, taking a deep breath. "Look, I've got to get to class. I'll see you guys later, okay?"

Jasper nodded with caution.

"Er, okay, Bella," Angela replied looking just. "See you."

They walked away in opposite directions and I closed my locker after grabbing my necessary books. English class. With Tanya and Edward.

I felt like crying just thinking about it. I took another deep breath and squared my shoulders, trying to make my walk happy and confident. After all, I was dating Jacob Black…informally and completely platonically, it's true, but he was a sweet guy. I loved him like a brother. I should be ecstatic, euphoric, blissful…

But the only thing I felt as my confident walk turned to a slink on my way to the English room was regret and pain.

*

I think he noticed the second I walked in the room. My eyes were searching for him the second I turned the corner and it was hard to imagine him being okay with the way his back tensed. I could practically see the tendons in his neck standing out.

"So nice of you to arrive, Ms. Swan," Mr. Mason said snippily as I dragged my sorry ass to my seat. Everyone in the room turned to look at me.

Everyone but Edward, that is.

I welcomed the pain I felt as Edward ignored me. I was only getting a fraction of what I deserved.

Kate must have read the look on my face and knew that I wasn't up for talking or whispering or passing notes today. Thank God for that.

You could always tell him that it's a lie, that same voice from earlier whispered as Mr. Mason started the lecture back up again. And tell him what? The truth? I contradicted, digging my pen too hard into my notebook paper. It's better to be hurt yourself than to see him like this, she replied frostily, making me realize that there was a part of me that wasn't just sad and depressed. I was also furiously angry. Maybe at myself.

I can't do it, I whispered to her sadly, I'm not ready. Was it fair that it felt like I was lying to myself? Maybe the truth was I could do it…just not today.

Just remember you deserve all the pain your feeling, she snapped. I groaned and willed my conscious to disappear. I just wanted to be all alone, and to feel normal again. I wanted to be rid of the jealousy, the heartbreak, the frustration, the anger…

I felt a pair of eyes boring into my face and when I glanced up from my paper, I saw Tanya staring at me. I couldn't understand her expression—angry, yet, at the same time, she looked almost sorry. Was she feeling pity for me? For him? Why was she giving me that look?

To my surprise, she didn't break her gaze as I stared back at her and she jerked her chin once towards Edward, who was sitting rigidly in his seat. I knew I was doing a poor job concealing my misery, I just didn't know that she saw it that much. I assumed she was just looking into it as guilt, but maybe I was wrong.

I shook my head at her, slowly and suddenly jumped in my seat when Mr. Mason snapped my name loudly and abruptly.

"Ms. Swan, Ms. Denali," he hissed, "is there something you'd like to share with the class?"

Despite himself, Edward turned in his seat to look backwards at me. I glanced down at my desk before he could see my face. My miserable face.

"No, sir," Tanya replied sweetly.

"Ms. Swan?" Mr. Mason prompted.

"No," I whispered.

"Very well then; I expect the both of you to stay after class today." He cleared his throat. "Now…where was I?"

I was frightened of what Mr. Mason had to say after class, but Tanya was suffering the consequences too, so at least it was just me. When the bell rang, I picked up my books and mumbled a goodbye to Kate as she left—mostly out of courtesy; I felt bad for ignoring her most of class.

I couldn't help but overhear Tanya and Edward as he rose to leave.

"I'll see you at lunch," he told her softly, his hand going to her cheek. I knew what that tender touch felt like and I wondered, enviously, if it felt the same to her as it did to me.

"Okay. Edward?" she looked troubled, worried, as she watched my best friend's face carefully.

"Yeah?"

"You okay?"

He sighed and dropped his hand, though she reached hers out to grab it. "I wish that—." He broke off abruptly as he caught my slow moving steps out of the corner of his eye. His eyes immediately glanced at me and I wished there'd been a way to look away before he could've held my gaze. His emerald eyes—the ones he'd always looked at me with trust and happiness—were full of anger and betrayal.

I bit my lip as I timidly approached. "Edward?"

"I have to go, Tanya," he turned back to the Denali girl, completely ignoring me. "See you soon." I knew that I shouldn't be angry at Edward—he had every right to be furious with me—but as he kissed Tanya's cheek, my cheeks flamed with heat and my lips pressed into an infuriated scowl.

Tanya blushed as he pulled away and stalked past me and out of the room without glancing even once more at my enraged face.

This is why you're doing this, I told myself.

"Ms. Swan, Ms. Denali," Mr. Mason called our names and we both stepped up to his desk. "I didn't mean to single the two of you out this morning, but I hope you know that making any sort of communication during a lecture is prohibited in this class."

"Yes, sir," Tanya and I chorused. I resisted the urge to glare at her.

"Since you are new to the school, I will let you pass with a warning, Ms. Denali." He turned to me. "However, Ms. Swan, I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to write a thousand words on why distractions in class are bad for your education. You're one of my best students, Ms. Swan, but I've already given you too many warnings the past two years with you and Mr. Cullen. I won't let it happen anymore, do you understand me?"

I nodded silently, staring at the apple on his desk. I knew that apples were a teacher fruit but this was the first time I'd ever seen one on a teacher's desk. Did they all keep apples in their desks? Was it a teacher thing?

"You both are dismissed. Have a good day; I'll see both of you in the morning."

Both of us turned and started walking away from his desk. When we reached the hallway, I was surprised to hear Tanya talk to me. We'd never been alone before; just the two of us. It was awkward and different and I still wanted to rip her perfect blond hair out of her scalp.

"Bella, I think you need to talk to Edward," she said without sliding into the conversation.

"I don't think he wants to talk to me," I replied glumly despite myself.

"Yes he does; you've known Edward far longer than me and even I know by now that he's a stubborn man. He may not want to admit it, but he needs a better explanation from you; you owe him that."

She was right. Dammit. "I know; I just don't know if I can handle that."

"Bull crap," she snorted without amusement. "You're his best friend, Bella. You have no idea how much he talks about you; even when he's angry and wants to forget you, he talks about you. I have to admit, it annoys me."

Was it possible that she hated me in return?

"Listen, Tanya, I appreciate what you're doing but—."

"But what? Bella, I'll be frank, I don't really like you. I know that sounds harsh, but I have reason to not like you. You seem like such a cold, distant person—especially to me—and I honestly can't imagine why Edward likes you so much. But…but I know that you must be good and just on the inside because I know Edward enough to know that he couldn't be friends with anyone but. I just think that you need to talk to him. I've tried, but he doesn't want to hear it from me. He needs to hear it from you and Jake."

Honestly, I was speechless.

She touched my arm with her fingertips. "Bella, I want to be your friend. I know you must be so much fun to be around; I just wish you'd be a little friendlier to me." She sighed. "I don't even know why I'm telling you this."

I really looked at her for the first time since we walked away. "You're not…who I thought you were."

She smiled a little. "I can tell you hate me. I just don't know why."

I grimaced and looked away from her. "I don't want to hate you, Tanya, but it's a little complicated. Maybe things will work out someday?"

"Especially if you talk things over with Edward…" she hinted.

I sighed. She was just as persistent as Jacob. I'd have to tell him that. "I will. He deserves nothing less."

I could hear a smile in her voice. "See? I knew you were a good person."

I looked at her and tried to smile too, but it felt more like an ugly imitation of a happiness I didn't know if I'd ever feel again. "Thanks, Tanya."

"Sure, Bella," she replied.

And just like that, we went our separate ways.

I was alone with Edward for my next class—Government, with Mr. Jefferson. I was almost afraid to go to class, but my conversation with Tanya wouldn't leave me alone—I had to talk to him. Settle this so we can kick this plan into action the right way.

Just breathe, I told myself as I hurried down the hall to class. I made it to the classroom with just a few minutes to spare. The only seat available was beside Edward.

Damn.

I was kind of hoping to approach this from a different angle.

Be confident, be strong, I thought to myself. I repeated that little mantra over and over as I walked towards the desk and took my seat. My mood deflated when he didn't even look over at me—not even a glare. Right now, I would've given anything for at least a glare. Maybe then, my stubbornness would kick into gear I would have something to say. But no, I hurt him so much, I couldn't even get a freaking glare.

Glare at me, damn you! I thought as Mr. Jefferson began the class, droning on about something I didn't care all that much about.

I pulled out my notebook and 'took notes.' Really, I wrote out possible ways to confront Edward and talk to him about this whole messy situation.

We wanted to tell you, Edward! We really did, but you have to

Definitely not that one. I wrinkled my nose and scribbled it out.

Jake and I wanted to lay low for a little while. Because, you know, if we told you guys, what if you reacted wrong

That was stupid. I sighed, scribbling that one out.

I love you, dammit! I've loved you for as long as I can remember, and you've never even noticed!!!

I shuddered. Now, saying that would practically be social suicide. That would ruin any chance I had—that is, if I haven't ruined it already.

You should just stop now, the little voice in my head said mockingly. You'll just hurt him if you do this. Drop the act, Bella, it said.

Never, I thought to myself. Though some part of me really, truly did want to stop, the stubborn part of me that wanted to fight overpowered it. Confidence burned alongside my newfound anger and, just as I was about to write a note and ship it off to Edward, Mr. Jefferson interrupted and deflated all the confidence and cooled the anger burning within me—damn.

"…Mr. Cullen, you'll be partnered with…Ms. Swan."

The look Edward gave me was so hurtful and angry that I had to turn away.

But he didn't argue or ask for a switch in partners. Obviously, he wanted to talk, maybe even snap at me and call me some mean profanities I've never heard him say before…not even about people like Lauren Mallory or Jessica Stanley.

Mr. Jefferson finished calling out the names of partners—for what, I have no idea—and allowed us to get in our groups. Everyone moved their desks closer to their partners, some even switched desks. Edward and I stayed where we were, both of us staring at each other.

"Why, Bella?" he asked, the hurt overpowering the anger. "You didn't have to hide it from me…from us. I thought I…I mean, we're still friends, right?" he asked, looking away, staring down at his desk.

If my heart ached when I saw the hurt in his eyes, then I was definitely heartbroken now. "Of course we are, Edward!" I said, reaching forward and placing my hand over his. I saw him stiffen before relaxing. "Jake wanted to say something to you guys, but I told him not to. I was…afraid of how everyone would react," I said slowly.

It hurt to lie to him like this, but I had to. It was part of the plan.

It's part of the plan, it's part of the plan…I told myself.

"Bella—" part of the plan!

"Hear me out, Edward," I interrupted. Remember the plan! I told myself, feeling my resolve about to crack at the intensifying hurt in his eyes. "I was worried that, because we're all friends, you guys wouldn't be happy. I guess I was worried too. What if something happened between Jake and I?"

Oh, God, it hurt to lie to him…

Edward smiled slightly, but he still looked hurt—and I could see a hint of anger gleaming in his eyes. "I understand, Bella," he said after a moment. "But really, you didn't have to lie to us. We would've understood," he said.

Believe me, you wouldn't…

I smiled slightly. "I'm really sorry, Edward." I apologized. "Forgive me?"

He stared at me for a long moment before smiling. "I forgive you," he said.

I grinned, causing him to grin back. "Now…um…what's our project about?"

*

"How'd it go?" Jake asked, meeting me outside of Government and walking me to Trigonometry.

"I apologized, he accepted." I said, feeling rather happy about everything.

"Where is he?"

"Probably meeting Tanya," I shrugged. Though the thought hurt me, I couldn't bring myself to be too upset. Besides, if this all worked out well, there was a good chance that he wouldn't be talking to her anymore.

Jacob raised an eyebrow at me, obviously confused about how I was handling the situation. "And you're completely okay with that?" he asked.

I shrugged. "It's not like she'll be around long enough to really bother me." I said.

He rolled his eyes. "You're a weird one, Bella Swan."

I grinned up at him. "But that's why you love me," I said.

He chuckled before casually draping his arm around my shoulder. It was so casual and usual for my guy friends to wrap their arms around my shoulders like that that I almost forgot that he meant to do it in a supposed-to-be-romantic kind of way. Blushing, I wrapped an arm around him, doing my best to ignore all the stares.

"It's going to be a long day," I sighed.

"We'll get through it." He said, kissing my forehead as we stopped by the Trigonometry classroom. "See you in Spanish," he said with a wink before going off to his English class.

With a sigh, I made my way in the classroom and sat by Alice, Edward and Tanya.

Alice shot me daggers. "You lying dirtball!" she hissed, smacking me with her book. "How could you lie to us like that?" she demanded, still hitting me while I tried to fend off her abusive attacks.

"Ow! Alice! Hey!" I cried just before Edward snatched the book from her hands.

"How could you lie to us, Bella?" she demanded angrily, tears gleaming in her green eyes—that weren't nearly as green as Edward's, but they had their own kind of beauty to them.

"I—I…" I stuttered, I had no idea what to say. I mean, Alice and Rosalie knew about my crush on Edward. But I didn't have a chance to tell them about our plan…

When I looked up at her, I saw her give me a wink. At least, I think it was a wink, because it was so fast, I almost thought I blinked. But no, I was positive she winked at me—she knew what was going on.

I sighed. "I'm really sorry, Alice…" I said, hoping I sounded sincerely sorry.

"You didn't have to lie to us! We would've understood," she said, pouting.

I shrugged, avoiding eye contact to keep from grinning. She knew what was going on! She wasn't giving me up! "I'm sorry, Alice. Really, I am!" I said, chancing a glance up at her.

She stared at me for a long moment before sighing. "Rosalie's going to kick your A-double-S." She said—she never liked swearing, so sometimes, she spelled them out like that. "You might want to let me talk to her…you know, to soften her up a bit." Alice said, giving me another quick wink.

I nodded, feigning terror—or maybe it was real terror. Gossip spread fast in Forks, and there was no doubt that Rosalie already heard by now. Shit…

Mr. Varner began Trigonometry. Alice and I talked most of the time, but we included Tanya in a lot of our conversation—I had to force myself to keep up the act so she thought it was all good and dandy between us (and I hope she bought it). I was surprised at how well I was going through this entire thing.

Maybe it was my determination…I don't know, but I did it. I lied through Trig…through Spanish and now, the most dreaded time of the day, lunch.

Alice had assured me in the hall on the way to lunch that Rosalie knew, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to put up in act. Jake—even with his naturally tan skin—looked pale, and I, undoubtedly, looked paler. Rose loved being the center of attention. I had no doubt in my mind that she was going to cause a scene.

"You'll be fine," Alice said reassuringly just as Tanya caught up to us. "I talked to Rose, I'm sure she'll keep it all cool and stuff." She said.

"I hope so…" I muttered.

"Hey, guys!" Tanya greeted. We returned to greeting as friendly as we could. "Bella, can I talk to you for a sec?" she asked.

I nodded at Jake and Alice to go ahead without me. Slipping out of Jake's arm, I hung back with Tanya while the two of them walked away, whispering. Jake must've said something stupid, because Alice smacked him and his loud cry of 'ow!' echoed down the hall they turned towards us until they reached the cafeteria.

"What's up, Tanya?" I asked.

She smiled, her blue eyes bright and happy. "I wanted to apologize for snapping at you earlier today." She said.

I couldn't help but look at her funny. "No, you did what you had to do," I said.

"It's just…Edward looked so sad…and it made me so mad that you hurt him like that," she said. "I just don't want to see him hurt like that, you know?"

"Believe me, I know." I sighed. "Look, Tanya, you did what you had to, okay? It's fine. I forgive you," I smiled. I really wanted to get to lunch.

"And…"

I repressed a groan and looked up at her. "Yeah?"

"I'd like it if…if maybe, the two of us, we could be friends. Since, you know, I'm kind of dating your best friend now," she flushed at the words—the words that stabbed me directly in the heart. "Oh, and hey! Maybe you and Jake and Edward and I could all double date sometime," she said with a wink. I thought I heard apprehension in her voice, but that easily could have been my imagination.

"Um…yeah!" I said, hoping I sounded happy and trying to keep my voice from cracking. "That would be awesome," I grinned.

Tanya beamed, obviously elated about the prospect of all of us being friends. I hoped that, one day, I had the chance to gouge her eyes out. "Great!" she said. "Come on, I'm starving," she said, pulling me towards the cafeteria.

Double date…her and Edward…me and Jake…

Great…

Just freaking great.

Nicole: Haha, I lied. I guess I'm not so busy after all. My driver's training's almost done, and, surprisingly, all my school work is being kept under control—I only forgot to turn in one assignment for Geometry, but screw it. It's just one bad grade. Anyway, I hope you guys liked that chapter. I feel bad because I feel like I didn't give Taylor any take in this chapter at all. Sorry, Taylor. Forgive me? Anyway, leave a review. We want to hear what you've got to say!!!

Taylor: It's fine. I wrote most of chapter 4 so we're even. Anyways, Nicole wrote most of this one. In fact, I think I contributed two and a half out of ten pages. xD She's just a little writing machine. This update happened rather quickly, don't you think? I hope you guys all liked this chapter, and we lightened off the angst a little bit to give you all a chance to catch your breath. I didn't shed a single tear this time, but maybe the beginning was a little heartbreaking…Anyways, I'm infamous for rambling, so I'm just going to end my A/N by saying I love all of our reviewers and I hope to see lots from you all! lol. We'll update ASAP, I promise!