A/N: Thank you so much for all the reviews and favorites and follows! Okay, I know you guys are getting annoyed of the innocent and passive Bella, just stick it out for a few more chapters. Trust me, she'll get feisty, she just needs a trigger. I'm surprised some of you haven't guessed already what it will be. I'd love to hear what you guys think it will be though!

I woke up the next morning after the worst fucking sleep I have ever had. It was terrible. I ended up getting up at five and going to the gym before school. I left a note for Jasper to take his own car to school since I was just going to shower at the gym and leave from there to pick up Bella.

We didn't talk on the way to school. It was odd, but I wasn't going to be the one to break the silence.

After fourth period, I walked with Tyler to the cafeteria. He asked me what was up with Bella and I, and I told him to fuck off.

"Fuck off. I have no choice," I said. I shouldn't have said that second part. I wasn't being forced to be friendly with Bella, or at least not as friendly as I was being.

I bought a slice of pizza, a water bottle, and a bag of chips from the cafe. We made our way to our lunch table.

As cliché as it sounds, it was the cool table. And it surrounded around me.

Girls nearly faint when I invite them to sit with me. It wasn't too crowded.

It's me, Liam, Conner, Tyler, Jason, Brian, and Dex. Then Jason and Brian's girlfriends. Then there are the girls the rest of us invite to sit with us for a day. Today, Conner had a girl tucked under his arm. Her name was Stephenie, she's in my chemistry class too.

After I sat down next to Liam, I looked across the room to see Bella sitting at her usual table against the wall. It's a rectangle table. Like always, she sat on one chair against the wall, and put her feet up on the chair next to her. I couldn't see what she was reading from here, but she looked at ease, in her own world.

I wasn't into the conversation that much, but only Liam noticed. Halfway through he nudged me and asked "Something up?"

Brought out of my reverie, I looked at him startled. "Nope."

"Really?" he said in a lower voice, so no one could hear.

I nodded my head.

"Well I think a certain Miss Swan is what's up."

I almost spit out the pizza in my mouth.

"I don't know what you're going on about."

"Well considering the fact that you've been staring at her the last fifteen minutes, I think you have a good idea what I'm going on about."

I've been staring at her? That's a little creepy. Did anyone else notice?

Reading my mind, Liam said quickly, "Don't worry, no one but me is smart enough to notice what, or rather who, you've been gawking at." He started to laugh hysterically after he said it, probably proud of himself for observing something so trivial. Or maybe something not so trivial.

After I didn't say anything, he continued talking. "Are you falling for her?"

Am I? I don't know. No, of course not. It's just a physical thing. She's hot, I'm a teenager. What do you expect?

I sighed. There's no point of lying to Liam. No one except Rosalie knows me better than he does.

"I don't think so."

"Well it sure seems like you are. Wasn't I the one that told you she wouldn't be that bad?"

I rolled my eyes at his comment. Of course he said that, I remember doubting him completely when he said it at the time.

"Yeah, you were."

We were silent for a couple more minutes before he started to talk again.

"Um, bro, how much do you like her?"

I faced him this time. "Why? Does it make a difference?"

"Not really, but Conner's about to do something I don't think you'll be too happy about, so you might want to stop him. Your call."

My head snapped up at that. I saw Conner making his way to Bella, with a full, open container of yogurt in his hand. All the guys at the table, and the girls, were cracking up.

My heart was racing. Should I do something? I could easily stop him. I could shout to Bella. Shout to him. Let the entire school know to stay away from her.

Ruin my reputation.

I could feel Liam's eyes on me, waiting for my decision.

It wasn't like slow motion like in movies. It happened quickly. Connor pretended to throw away the yogurt in the trash, but I knew what he was gonna do. And I stood by watching.

Bella gasped and snapped her head up as all the yogurt fell right onto her chest, running down her shirt.

The whole cafe caught what happened and was silent for a second before erupting into laughter.

Bella's eyes met my horror filled ones for a brief second before she grabbed her things and booked it out of the room.

I swallowed hard and looked down at my food.

A week ago, I would have been the one to initiate that prank. Most likely the one to execute it.

When Connor sat back down laughing, I couldn't help myself. I knew I was being hypocritical and holding double standards, but I didn't care.

"What the fuck was that for Connor?" I shouted across the table. It was loud enough to my table go silent, but not to disturb the cafe around us.

"What? I needed some entertainment."

I didn't respond, because I had nothing to say. What was I supposed to do? Tell him off for doing something that I started? I just grabbed my bag and stalked out of the lunchroom. I would have left but I remembered Bella probably had no way to get home. Jasper will just catch a ride from one of his buddies. I've been leaving Jasper hanging a lot lately, but he hasn't said anything.

I was gonna text Bella to see where she was, but then I stopped. What was I gonna do?

I don't even have her number. How is it we never managed to exchange cell phone numbers.

I really didn't want to stay here any longer. I texted Liam to meet me after lunch was over in front of the greenhouse.

Ten minutes later, I saw Liam walking toward me.

"Hey man, thanks." I said as soon as he could hear me.

"No problem. Are you ditching? Your mom is gonna flip."

Ugh, yea she is. Wonderful.

"I'll deal with her later. Can you do me a favor. It's really big."

It seemed like Liam didn't really have a problem with my more recent...infatuation, but this might be a little too much.

"Depends what it is."

"Can you give Bella a ride home? I drove her today, and I don't want to make her walk home."

He smirked at me. "Lemme think. Hmmm.."

I rolled my eyes while he tapped his chin pretending to consider the question. Just from that I knew his answer.

"Sure. She's in my seventh period class. I'll tell her then you couldn't make it. There is the problem of her willingly getting into a car with me. She most likely hates me."

Shit. I didn't think about that. Obviously, Bella hates all of my friends.

"I didn't think about that. Just, uh, tell her I'm trying to be nice. She'll understand."

"Whatever you say captain. You owe me."

"Yeah yeah I know. Oh and tell her I'll come by at six."

"Check,check, and check. I gotta head back, see ya later."

"Yea okay, bye."

He turned and walked away but I yelled at him to stop after a couple of steps.

"What now?" He said in mock annoyance.

I grinned before I replied. "Thanks Liam."

He just rolled his eyes and jogged back into the school through the side entrance.

When I got home, I read a note on the fridge telling me that Mom took a day off so her and Rose could visit the cit. They wouldn't be back until late tonight.

Dad is working late too, and who knows when Jasper will be home. He doesn't have to report his every move to his parents.

Could six o'clock come any slower?

I waited until 6:05 before ringing the doorbell. She was late every single day, no need to seem eager.

"Coming!" I heard her yell before yanking open the door.

She changed into a simple black, long sleeve, v-neck shirt from her earlier purple sweater.

"Hey," I said with a wave. My heart started to speed up erratically, making me self-conscious she could actually hear it. Why the fuck am I so anxious?

The slight wind blew strands of her hair around her face. I wonder if her hair was as soft as it looked. I hope it is.

Bella just stared at me when she saw me. Her mouth was slightly open, her eyes slightly wide,

giving her an innocent look. After a couple of seconds when she still didn't say anything, I cleared my throat.

She blushed and seemed to come to her senses. She rolled her eyes and shook her head but it was so subtle I bet she didn't even realize what she was doing.

"Oh sorry! Come in."

She turned on her heel and walked a few steps into the house. I followed her lead and closed the door behind me. We jogged up the stairs toward her room.

"What is that smell?" I said once we were in her room. It was exactly I remembered it from Saturday.

"I usually do the cooking around here. I just stuck two pans of lasagna in the oven. I figured you probably didn't eat so I made...you do like lasagna right?" She looked a bit worried, like I was gonna yell at her for making me food I didn't like.

I quickly reassured her."Yea lasagna's great. Thanks." I probably should have said no to dinner. I doubt she genuinely wanted me to stay any longer than necessary. Bella's too polite.

I set my backpack down at the foot of her bed and walked to the cork board.

Am I being too invasive? Looking at her pictures? Well, I don't care, I want to see them,

"Sorry my room's not much. I don't exactly have a plasma and stereo, but I think.."

I cut off her blabbering. "Bella, it's fine. Really. Calm down...Not everyone can be as awesome as me can they?" I turned away from her pictures to grin at her.

I think she was going to reply, but she stuttered, stopped halfway and just stared at me again. I slowly let my grin fade. What was wrong with her today? Usually I'm dealing with her yelling at me to finish the chemistry lab report without Angela.

Oh, it must be the incident in the cafeteria. Shit, she most likely thinks it was my idea. Why the hell did she let me in her house then?

I walked over to her bed and gestured for her to sit next to me. She raised her eyebrow at me and I rolled my eyes. Honestly, what did she think I was going to do? What was I going to do?

"Come on little coward, I don't bite." At least that made her laugh. It was a carefree, Bella laugh.

She walked over hesitantly after a beat and sat down next to me cross-legged. I shifted so I would be facing her and she mimicked my actions.

We were really close, our faces less than six inches apart. My knee was touching hers. My knee felt a rush of warmth go through it. It caught me off guard. I'm going crazy.

I took a deep breath after she looked at me expectantly.

"Bella, I...I know you assumed I had something to do with...with.."

She put her hand up, gesturing for me to stop, but I kept talking.

"..Seriously, it wasn't my idea. I don't know..."

"Edward, Edward!."

"No, Bella, just shut up. After you ran out I..."

Frustrated, she just put her hand over my mouth, effectively silencing me.

I kind of like having her hand there. I know I shouldn't. God, I hate this.

I should be revolted right now! What the fuck is happening? I'll admit, I don't hate Bella as much as I used to, hell I even like her now. But what the fuck is all of this?

I like Liam and Rosalie but none of this shit happens when Liam punches my shoulder. I don't get damn butterflies when Rose says my name or gives me a hug. Oh I would love for Bella to punch my shoulder or give me a hug. I bet I could get her angry enough to punch me, but maybe not. She seems like a fairly non violent person.

"Edward, you shut up. You never stop talking."

She took her hand off my face, and after it was obvious I was going to let her speak, she began to do so.

" I know it wasn't you. Liam explained it to me. It's cool." She smiled after she spoke.

I was speechless. How does she know Liam's not lying?

"And you just believed him?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "Yea, I did. At first, I was set on not even getting into the car, but then he said how you were trying to be nice," she rolled her eyes at that, making me chuckle, "So I got in. But I wasn't going to talk to him. He tried a couple of times, and it was really awkward.

Anyway, he just explained what happened and told me it wasn't your fault. Thanks by the way, it would have been a long walk."

"No problem. But Bella...it might not..not have been me this time, but it was majority of the other times. How can you...how can you agree to this arrangement? You could have just said 'fuck that' and let me get expelled, you wouldn't ever have to deal with me again." See? I can be nice to her.

I waited for her to respond, nervous for what she would say. Would she realize how unfair this is for her? Would she say "You're right, have fun in Switzerland?"

Bella sighed and lay down on her bed, biting on her thumb nail.

"I don't know."

That's it? That's her answer? I rolled my eyes, she's holding back.

"Come on! I won't tease, I promise."

She just shook her head. "Not a chance Cullen. Subject change."

"You're not going to tell me?"

"Nope."

Damn. I can't exactly threaten her, what with the being nicer thing. I could argue. Maybe confuse her into answering? I really want to know. I don't know why I didn't think about how weird it was for her to accept this before. Fuck that, I'm using the oldest trick in the book. Here goes nothing.

"Well, then this is your own fault."

"What are you-"

But she couldn't finish her sentence. I crawled over toward her and leaned over, and started to tickle her stomach and sides, putting her into a fit of laughter.

"Oh my god! Ed-ward! Stuh-op!"

"Not a chance Swan," I said mimicking her words from before, "I don't quit until I get what I want."

She thrashed around in endless giggles, trying to pry my hands away, but her feeble attempts did nothing. I continued without mercy, and started chuckling myself. This was fun. I almost forgot the reason for my torture.

"Edward! Stop-STOP!"

"Promise to tell me if I stop?"

I eased down a bit, But didn't completely stop. She was probably dying by now.

"YES!"

"Well, okay." I stopped my tickling and leaned over her even more, placing my forearms on either side of her head, trapping her.

"That was mean." She said and poked my chest on the 'mean', after her breathing evened out and she could speak without gasping. But there was a smile twitching on her lips.

"I'm known for being a mean person."

"I think you broke my rib cage."

"You'll be fine."

Our faces were inches of each other. I could smell her sweet breath wash over me. I stared right at her, and she stared back at me. A slow blush crept onto her cheeks, giving her even more color after her laugh attack.

My heart sped up again, seeming like it wanted to jump out of my chest. I could feel the 'thud thud' of my pulse throughout the entire frame of my body, its pounding prevailed in my ears.

The rest of the world and the problems with it took the back stage in my mind. All I could see or think about was Bella underneath me.

Without thinking, I moved closer to her face, wanting my lips to connect with her.

One inch. Half an inch. Quarter inch.

"GUESS WHO!"

I snapped my head up at the unwanted intrusion.

Somebody let themselves in and started shouting for Bella to come down.

Not somebody, a lot of somebodies. There were multiple voices, all deep and all guys.

Who the hell is here and why did they have to come now? Right when I was going to...to kiss her? To kiss Bella? Kiss my arch-enemy? The girl whose school life is miserable because of me.

Yes, to kiss her. I'm not thinking clearly. Yeah, keep telling yourself that.

I turned my head back down to look at Bella. She blinked a few times at me.

"I'm, I'm coming Jake! Give me a second!"

"Kay Bells!"

"Um, Edward," she whispered. I like the way my name rolls off her tongue, so easily. "Could you..?"

"Oh right, yeah." I maneuvered myself away from her carefully so I wouldn't put any weight on her.

She stood up off the bed, a little shaky.

Fuck, I never even checked to see if she wanted me to kiss her. She could have had a panic attack right now.

"Bella, I..I'm sorry."

"What?" She looked at me confused.

"For, for that. I was being stupid, I won't do it again."

"Oh, okay. We..we should go downstairs."

She looked almost...sad. Maybe she does want me.

"Bells! Come on!" The shout came from down stairs again, but a different voice.

No, of course she doesn't.

"Yeah, sure," I replied.

I stopped at the doorway. "Ladies first."

"Very gallant, Sir Cullen."

I laughed. We both walked toward the stairs, but she stopped at the landing.

"Um Edward. Maybe you want to stay upstairs, this could get heated."

"Why?" I asked confused.

"It just will. I think it would be better to stay in my room. I don't want to cause trouble."

"I'm sure I can handle it, I'm not a china doll like you."

She didn't laugh at my joke, but bit her lip in contemplation.

"Okay, fine. But don't say I didn't warn you. Jake can get a little hot-headed, and so can you, so I'm not sure how this will turn out."

What is she talking about? Why is there going to be a problem?

"Okay, whatever. Let's go."

I led the way downstairs this time. I heard the ruckus in the kitchen, so I automatically walked there, with Bella next to me.

"Hey Bells!" One boy greeted Bella. He must have been fourteen of fifteen. Tan skin, dark hair.

That's how they all looked. There were four of them. The other three were definitely older than

the one who just spoke.

"Hey Seth! I haven't seen you in a while. What, do you disappear every time I decide to head down to La Push?"

Bella continued to walk toward all of them. They were all around the kitchen table. She gave the one called Seth a hug. Even if he was younger, he was still bigger than Bella.

"Haha, very funny. No, you just come every time I'm busy. How do I know you aren't the one trying to avoid me?"

Bella laughed. "You got me."

"Don't I get a hug?" The biggest one said. He towered over Bella. He was taller than me, but I had no doubt I could take him if I need to. I realized it was the one who first shouted at Bella 'Guess who'. I hated him already.

"Depends if you break my ribs this time."

They all laughed at that. Is she being serious? Did he actually break her ribs before?

"I'll try my best." He got up from the chair and wrapped Bella up into a colossal bear hug, lifting her off the ground. I didn't like that.

"Jake, put me down!"

He laughed and set her on her feet.

"Hey Quil, hey Embry." She gave a wave to the other two guys.

"What up Bella? I warmed up some of the food in your fridge, hope you don't mind." The one I believe is Quil mumbled. His mouth was full of food. Disgusting.

"Even if I did mind, I don't think any of you would take it into consideration when ransacking my fridge. Not meaning to be rude, why are you here?"

"Because I fixed your truck!" Jacob bellowed with an idiotic grin.

"Oh my god! Jake you're the best!" She launched herself into his arms for another hug. Why can't she hug me like that?

After he let go of her, he patted her head, and she hit his arm, saying something about not being annoying and how she'll never give him leftovers if he does it again.

"I already know that. Besides being the best mechanic in the world, we heard you were making lasagna tonight. What better day to swing by?"

"Oh so you only like me for my food?"

"Hell yeah!" Embry shouted.

I was standing in the doorway throughout the entire love fest.

Did they plan on acknowledging me? They either all ignored me, or were too caught up with their conversation to notice me.

I could do the polite thing and wait for Bella to introduce us, or I could be a jackass and do it my way. Jackass it is.

I walked into the kitchen and leaned against the counter next to the sink.

They all stopped chattering and turned to look at me.

"Who's this?" The one called Jake asked rudely.

"Well this is Edward. Edward this is Jacob, Seth, Embry-"

"This is Edward?! Edward Cullen?" Jacob screamed at Bella. The rest of them quieted down immediately.

How does he know who I am?

"Jacob calm down! I already told you the situation."

"But Bella how can you actually stand in a room with this low life? Are you fucking stupid?!"

I interceded, in a voice just as loud, "Who the fuck are you? And don't talk to her like that!"

He came at me then. He brought back his fist, intent on punching me in the face. But I was too fast. I blocked his fist and punched him on the nose. I heard a crack and blood poured from his nose. He slammed me into the fridge, and I shoved him off me.

"Stop! Both of you STOP IT RIGHT NOW!"

We both ignored Bella. If he wanted a fight, I could give him one, and win easily.

I went to punch him in the gut, but he beat me to it. I ignored the pain, and he tried to go for my face. Before he could follow through, I grabbed his arm and pinned it behind his back. Then I shoved him into the counter.

He counter acted me quickly, and was going to go for another hit, but I was pulled back suddenly.

"Cool it, Jake! He's not worth it!"

Embry was holding me back, and Quil and Seth were holding back Jacob.

"Stay the fuck away from Bella!" Jacob shouted at me.

Who did he think he was?

"Come at me again when your friends aren't here-"

"Stop! Both of you idiots, stop!"

Bella placed herself in between us. We were all very close. The three friends were doing their best to hold us back, and Bella managed to squeeze herself between us, placing a hand on each of our chests.

My chest was heaving up and down rapidly from the adrenaline, but Bella's touch calmed me immediately. Of course it did, I thought sarcastically. Just another thing to think about.

"Are you crazy? In my house?!"

"Bella am I crazy? You didn't tell me you agreed to this!" the mongrel shouted

"Because I knew you would over react! Jake, I'll talk to you privately but both of you need to calm the hell down."

I shoved whoever was holding me away, and he didn't fight me once he realized I wasn't going to do anything.

I sat down on one of the kitchen chairs.

"Let me go, I'm good." Jacob said through his teeth. They let him go immediately.

"Maybe you should head out Edward," Bella suggested.

"I think I'll stay."

"She means you're not wanted," my little opponent remarked.

I rolled my eyes. I wasn't going to leave now. I'll look weak.

"Oh my god, Jake, your nose!" Bella screamed with concern.

Jerk deserves it.

"I'm fine Bells. I know how to take a punch," he said with a grin.

I wish she would fret over me. Not that I needed to be fretted over, but the thought of Bella being worried about me made my stomach jump up.

"Let's go to the laundry room to get the bleeding to stop. Can you guys handle being in the same room together or do I need to separate all of you?" She demanded with her hands on her hips. I like when she takes control, she doesn't lead enough in school.

"We're gonna go hang out in your family room, Bells. Come on, guys," Embry answered. We watched the trio trail out of the kitchen.

The blood from Jacob's nostrils was dripping down his hand. He tried to stop it with his shirt, but it wasn't doing much.

"Ugh, blood. Okay, Jake, come on. We'll be back Edward."

I lifted my hand in a salute.

They started the leave the kitchen too, Jacob in front of Bella. Bella paused though. Jacob looked back for a second but kept walking after Bella said she'll be a second.

She turned around to me "What was that for?"

"What are you talking about? He attacked me!"

"Yes but I'm almost positive you could have stopped the fight and no one would have gotten hurt!"

"I'm not much of a pacifist."

She rolled her eyes at me.

"Are you okay?"

As predicted, my heart rate increased at her concern. Even if it's little, it's there.

"Didn't I already say I'm not a china doll like you?"

She smiled her pretty smile. "Yea, you did. But most people don't last in a fight with Jake."

"Well I'm not most people."

"No you're not. I'll be right back."

"I'll wait."

She turned away, but turned back again.

"You're still staying for dinner right? I make the best lasagna in the entire universe."

"Entire universe? That's a bit self-absorbed. I guess I have to stay and try it for myself."

She giggled and walked out of the small kitchen without another word.

I settled into the chair more comfortably. I could hear the television on in the other room, but I didn't hear any conversation.

Bella and Jacob had to be talking about me. What were they saying? How much does he know?

Is he the one on the phone with her that first day last week. Was it really only a week ago?

I had to know what she was saying about me.

I quietly got out of the chair, and inconspicuously crossed the hallway from the kitchen toward where I presumed the laundry room would be. The hallway also connected to the family room, so I had to make sure none of his, and I guess Bella's, friends saw me.

The first door was a storage room. The second door led to the garage. In the third, I heard Bella talking in a hushed voice.

Jackpot.

"...Jacob I'm asking you to trust me! You don't know him."

"Bells I don't need to know him. He's a jerk and doesn't deserve to be within ten feet of you. I don't understand why you said yes to this. You told me you said no."

"Because I knew you would overreact."

"Overreact? Overreact?! I'm looking out for you Bella! Do you know how many times you've cried on my shoulder because of what this fucker says and does? It adds up."

" I know Jake. Trust me. I love you for being there for me all the time. Really I do. But.."

"But what? What Bella? You're just going to let him trample all over you? He's going to hurt you. If he's being decent it's because he has no choice. He knows you're better than him and he hates it. I can't-"

"Jacob! I am begging you to let me be. If all turns to hell, I won't come to you if you don't want me to."

"Aw don't be like that Bella. You know I'll be there for you whether you listen to me or not. I would just much rather you listen to me. And let me beat him to a pulp," He chuckled to himself.

Dumbass thinks he can take me.

"You two will not fight like that again. It's childish and solves nothing."

"There's nothing to solve Bella. He deserves everything he would get from me."

"I'm not defending him Jake! I just think-"

"You want to defend him though! I heard what you said to him. Really, you want him to stay for dinner? If he's staying so am I."

"Fine, if that makes you happy. And I have been there for you plenty of times also! If I remember correctly, who got Lacy off of your back? She was insane, I told you not to go out with her! And I got a bloody lip from that bitch."

I remember that. I assumed she fell down and just busted her lip. I interrogated her in front of the whole Family and Marriage class. She never said the truth though. I think all she said was "whichever story satisfies your idiotic brain."

Jacob had the nerve to laugh at Bella getting hurt. "Yeah, you did. But you're right she was insane. Just try not to set yourself up to get hurt Bella."

"I'll try. Let's get back. And Jake, please don't fight with Edward again. He's just as volatile as you are, and I really do like my furniture not broken."

I was about to laugh at that, but then realized that they can't know I eavesdropped. I have feeling Bella would be upset.

I shuffled back into the kitchen in double time, sitting back in the same chair. I didn't get to hear why she agreed to this. I don't think she told her little friend either.

She's cried over me? I made her cry? How many times?

Did she go to Jacob every time I humiliated her?

I've never felt worse. I never actually stopped to think if I affected her that much.

Why did I think my teasing wouldn't affect her? Did I really think she just went home forgetting about her school days?

No, I didn't. I wanted to break her. But she never broke.

Not in front of me at least.

Maybe Jacob was right. What gives me the right to be around her? To expect her to be all sunflowers and daisies around me?

They both walked back into the kitchen, Jacob blood free.

"So my dad called, and he's going to be working late tonight. We can just eat without him."

"Food!" Jacob shouted over Bella's head, making her jump.

The three lunatics came running into the kitchen area like puppies.

"I got the plates!"

"I got the forks!"

I watched them wait impatiently for Bella to take the dinner out of the oven. As soon as she set down the second tray on the table, they attacked the meal like savages.

Would it be rude for me to do the same? The lasagna smelled heavenly. Better than Mom's.

"Hey! Hey! Get-your-hands-away-from-the-food!" Bella said while slapping away their hands.

She looked at me then, "They all act like five-year olds with food, honestly."

"I see why. That looks amazing."

"Thanks."

They waited with pouts on their faces as Bella put some food on everyone's plates. She didn't comment on it, but we were one plate short. So she automatically got another plate out for herself.

It doesn't take a genius to see that it was someone's subtle sign that he wanted me gone.

Everyone made their way to the family room, arguing over what they were going to watch. I stood in the kitchen, unsure of what to do.

Bella turned around at the last second when she noticed I wasn't following.

"Come on. What, is the big, mean, Edward afraid of a couple new kids?"

I rolled my eyes and ruffled her hair.

"Hey! Don't do that!"

I laughed at her annoyance. "Let's go before your little friend Jacob decides to come check on us."

"What is that supposed...nevermind."

We walked side by side to join the others.

"Are you sure you can walk and hold a glass plate at the same time? Seems hazardous for you."

"I think I'll manage. And it doesn't matter, if I drop it you have to clean it up."

The couch was taken, as was the big chair, so we sat on the floor next to each other.

I turned and raised an eyebrow at her, "And why's that?"

"Because I cooked."

"Fair point."

"You know we got zero homework done?"

"That's fine I'll do it at home, promise."

She didn't question me for once.

Bella looked around at everyone. "Leah didn't come?"

"No, she has some date," the one called Seth replied.

"Oh, okay. I need to talk to her, pass the message?" Bella said to no one in particular.

They all acknowledged her request.

"So Edward, why does Jake hate your guts?" Seth asked me.

"Go on, Edward, I'm sure you can guess," Jake remarked.

I flexed my jaw. What the hell should I say to that?

"Well, you see-"

"No, don't go on. Edward you better not answer that question, and no one better bring it up again."

All of the them except Jacob murmured a quiet 'sorry' to Bella. Jacob just laughed and Bella narrowed her eyes at him.

I wasn't even paying attention to whatever they put on tv. I don't watch much tv anyway, I find it a waste of time.

The three of them chattered on about pointless subjects for more than a half hour, leaving Bella and I in our own little bubble. Jacob, however, didn't take his eyes off of us the entire time.

"So Bella, when are you going out with that guy?" Jacob bombarded randomly.

In unison, everyone said "Ooooh, Bella's got a date."

"I had a date. Past tense," she clarified.

I stiffened automatically. Who is she dating? I turned to her, waiting for her to reply.

She peeked a look at me, and her face turned red within the next second.

"Come on Bells! Give us the details. Was he a jerk? Was he the prince charming of your dreams?" I think Quil questioned her. Well? Did she plan on answering?

"Guys! Stop!"

"Bella!"

"You need to tell us!"

"Are we going to meet him?"

"How old is he?"

"What does he look like?"

"What's his name?"

"His name's Kyle! She told me."

"Oh my god! You guys suck! Fine, I'll tell you!"

She said that but didn't continue.

"Well?" One of them asked. I didn't care to see who it was. I just wanted to know who the guy was and beat him to a pulp for touching what's mine.

Whoah. What's mine? Bella's not mine. Nor will she ever be.

Just the thought of what they could have done together had my blood boiling.

Did she kiss him? Obviously she did, it's date. What about make out? Bella doesn't seem like the girl who would do that on a first date.

But then again, two weeks ago, Bella didn't seem like the girl who had any friends either.

Did he feel her up? I clenched both of my fists, and kept them that way. I don't think Bella would be happy if I broke her coffee table.

"We went out Sunday night. It was alright."

"Did he kiss you?" I asked without thinking.

"What difference does it make to you?" she said coldly.

"I just want to know."

"To shout it to the school? No thanks."

Even when sitting, I was still more than a head taller than her, so when she looked away,I couldn't see her expression.

She still thinks I would do that? As stupid as it sounds, that hurt.

But, I know I can't be upset with her. Obviously, she has her guard up. For all she knows, I really am just pretending to be nice to her so I don't get expelled. Am I?

"So are you going to go out with him again?" Seth inquired.

"You people are like teenage girls! No, I'm not, he's not my type."

"Why not? I think-"

"Okay I think it's time for you guys to go home! I have work to do!"

"Oh, come one Bells! We were just joking!"

She rolled her eyes. "No, I'm being serious. I really do have work to do, it's almost nine. If someone didn't have to cancel our weekend plans, we would spend more time together."

"Hey no fair! I said I was sorry," figures it was Jacob who canceled their plans.

"Seth, don't forget to tell Leah." Bella reminded him.

Bella was checking out her working truck, and the rest of the guys were outside trying to fit into one car.

I stayed on the family room floor, laying down, with my eyes closed.. Bella made us clean up after dinner, which wasn't such an easy task considering the mutual hatred. I think I almost threw a plate at Jacob.

I waited patiently for Bella, and opened my eyes when I heard footsteps.

But, with my luck, of course it is Jacob.

"Is there a reason you're standing here?" I asked with no respect.

"I'm gonna say this once. I see what you're doing. Stay away from her. You're going to hurt her, and she doesn't deserve a piece of shit like you."

I didn't bother saying anything back. Seems like I've been getting a lot of this lately.

He walked away and I heard them drive off.

What is that now? Five people?

Bella walked back in and lay down next to me.

"I thought you had work to do." I commented after a few minutes.

Our finger tips were touching, and I was having trouble keeping the fantasies out of my head long enough to have a civil conversation.

"No, I just wanted them gone. They were being annoying."

"Oh, Isabella Swan has lied? Call the authorities, we have a criminal."

I felt a light slap to my hand, which was tingling afterward.

"Oh shut up. You know I don't like the spotlight."

I laughed at that fact. Bella not liking attention was more of a common fact.

I started to think about her date again.

"So, you never did tell me."

"Tell you what?"

"If you kissed him. Or if he kissed you."

"Why do you want to know?"

I rolled to lean on my elbow, head in my palm, and looked down at her.

What the hell do I tell her? I know you might hate me, and I have no right to say this, but I don't want any other guy touching you, ever, in any way?

"Call it curiosity."

"I'll make you a deal. I'll tell you the answer, and you have to tell me why you want to know."

"How about you tell me the answer, and why you didn't want to tell me and I...I will answer any other question besides why I want to know. Confusing, I know."

She agreed after a few seconds.

"Yes we kissed. And I didn't want to tell you..." she closed her eyes for a second before reopening them. She looked so peaceful. "because I was worried."

"About.." I asked when she didn't explain.

"About who you would tell and how. You have a record of ...twisting stories to make me seem..ridiculous, I...didn't want to risk it."

That seemed...forced. It sure as hell sounded like anything but the truth.

That would be a perfectly reasonable explanation to why she didn't want me to know, but her voice shook at the wrong times. Her pauses were awkward, and her voice got lower at random moments. She was lying, I would bet my life on it.

Why? What else could be a possible explanation to why she didn't want me to know?

Even if she was lying, as I knew she was, I still had to discuss this issue.

She narrowed her eyes when I didn't respond to her fake confession.

"Bella I...I'm not going to do that anymore. I think I already told you, but I'm saying it officially

now. It won't happen again."

"Ok," she said.

"Is it my turn now?" she asked.

"I suppose so."

"What do you mean you suppose so?"

"Well you didn't hold your side of the agreement!"

"Yes I did!"

"No, you didn't. You lied."

"No I didn't!" She shouted. She was blushing though, making me grin.

"Ok, sure you didn't. Are you going to ask your question or what?"

She frowned at me for a moment, but then composed her face.

"What made you hate me so much?"

What?!

"That's...blunt."

"Well, yes it is. What did I do that made you choose me? Why me? What did I do to you?" She asked earnestly.

Fuck, how do I answer this?

"Pass."

"You can't pass!"

"Subject change."

"No way, you have to answer," she said stubbornly. This subject change is a load of crap.

I moved and sat up against the couch. I scratched the back of my neck while I tried to think of and adequate response.. Truthfully, I don't know why. I never thought about it, I just did it.

She moved also. My legs were laid out in front of me, so she sat right beside them, and faced me.

"Edward?"

"What?"

"Are you going to answer?"

"No."

"Why not? You promised! I thought you don't break promises."

"Technically, I made a deal. And you already broke your half of it."

"So you're going to back out on a technicality?"

She didn't refute my accusation either. So she did lie.

She placed both of her hands on either side of my face and held my face.

I couldn't help myself, I placed one of my hands over one of hers.

The warmth was exquisite. Her hand was so small, mine covered it completely.

"Tell me," she demanded. Was it just me or did her voice shake when she said that? I'm overthinking this, she's probably just nervous for my answer.

"Alright, give me a second."

"Okay," she said quietly. Bella moved her hands off of my face, but I kept my hand connected with hers.

She placed her hand on her knee, and my hand wrapped lightly around it. We both glanced at the embrace, but neither of us commented.

She wasn't complaining, and I wasn't about to move my hand for no reason.

It felt nice. I've held plenty of girls' hands. And plenty of other of girls' things. But this was different.

I wasn't thinking about going further. Well, I was, but I was absolutely fine knowing it wasn't going to. But that didn't stop the fantasies from entering my imagination.

I took a deep breath and cleared my throat. Then I looked her right in the eye.

"You rejected me Bella. You said no to me that first day. I don't get rejected, especially not from girls. I decided to get even I think. I..I never really thought about it. And then, I..I don't think I ever got the reaction from you I wanted. You were always so cool about everything. I spill soda down her shirt, you walk out calmly like nothing happened."

"But it was a bet!" She exclaimed angrily.

"What are you talking about?"

"I heard you talking about it with Liam. Ten bucks if you make it three?"

Shit, she heard that.

"You heard that?"

"Yes! That's why I said no."

"Oh."

She pulled her hand away from mine, got up and walked away from me, pissed.

I sighed and stood up to follow her. Great, now she's mad.

"Bella." She kept walking upstairs. I followed her up the stairs and into her room.

"Bella, look at me."

"It's past nine, Edward. You don't have to stay anymore."

She was faced away from me, bent over her desk, randomly going through drawers.

"Bella, come on. What did you expect? How did you expect to feel, happy?"

She turned around quickly then and walked right up to me. She stopped about five inches before bumping right into my abdomen and chest.

I looked down at her, surprised.

"I don't know what I expected Edward! I didn't expect it to be because of some as stupid as that! Because I said no? I could have saved myself from all of this if I said yes? What if I did say yes? What if you never even made that bet? Would you still have found a way. I just.. ugh!"

She moved away from me and started pacing her room. I had no idea how to approach her.

What if she gets really upset and lashes out at me? I wouldn't have a clue on how to handle it.

Eventually, she sat down on her bed and pulled her knees up, wrapping her arms around her ankles.

Maybe that was a defense mechanism for her. She always takes that position when she feels vulnerable and defenseless I think.

I can work with that.

I slowly walked to the bed and sat down at the edge, as far away as possible.

"Bella, I, I don't know what you want me to say. You asked why and I told you."

She ignored me and rested her forehead on her knees. I could tell she was taking deep breaths by the way her shoulders were moving.

"Bella are you going to say something or what?"

She pulled her head up to look at me.

She was crying. There were tears falling down her cheeks, her eyes were swollen and red. They were silent tears.

"Just go Edward."

"Bella, I'm-"

"Edward, please just leave."

"I didn't mean to make you-"

"Dammit just leave!" She got up held the door wide open for me. I didn't really have a choice but to leave. I rose from her bed, left the room, and she slammed the door shut behind me.

I never made her cry in front of me before. Ever. I've made her blush, stumble, speechless, angry, annoyed, sad. You name it and I've done it.

But she never cried. In front of me. Didn't Jacob say she cried all the time?

Fuck. I broke her.

Fuck. What do I do now? I can't just leave her like this.

I stood there for a good ten minutes not knowing what to do. I sighed and walked to my car to go home.

A/N You guys know how much I love your reviews. Please continue! I promise, Bella WILL get a back bone soon.