Hey all! So I can't believe I haven't updated since March. Shame on me, like seriously. I really do suck. My big excuse this time is that I was really busy with the end of the school year, and also I was working. Like I always am. And also, with the start of summer, I just needed some time to relax. Anyway, I wrote the first half of this chapter (the sucky part) like a month and a half ago and I wrote the rest (the good part) today. The chapter's longer than usual since I felt like you guys deserved a long-ish chapter because I haven't updated in the longest time ever. Anyway, thanks for all the support! Happy reading!


Love-Hate Relationship

I sat on the front steps of Constance being bored as hell. I was trying to finish my stupid homework for that idiot, Mr. Debs's Interpersonal Communications class. Which wasn't really a class, if you thought about it. It was a series of shitty projects designed to ruin my life because I have to work with Edward.

Ugh, I thought, looking down at the sheet. It was our first homework assignment and I hadn't even started. I didn't work on it in class since I was so pissed off and I think that actually starting the assignment made the whole thing real or something, I guess so I hadn't started anything until the morning it was due.

Interpersonal Communications -- Perception #1

Answer all questions accordingly to your perceptions of your partner. Be honest.

Name: Edward, I wrote. But I was definitely tempted to write 'asshole' in big letters.

Last name: Cullen.

Age: 16 or 17.

Where does your partner live? That's an easy one. The Upper East Side in some big, ritzy, pent house.

What is your partner's relationship status? Single, I guessed.

What is your partner's favorite sport? Basketball, baseball?

Favorite movie? I stared at the question. This was really hard. I had no idea what movies Edward liked so I left it blank.

Favorite TV show? I rolled my eyes. This was getting ridiculous. How the hell am I supposed to know? Ugh, I figured I couldn't just leave it blank so I just made something up. True Life: I'm a Rich Kid.

Favorite Band/Artist? He probably likes bands that are on the radio all the damn time and that annoy the shit out of anyone who has any taste whatsoever. Metro Station, Britney Spears, I wrote.

Favorite pastime? Being an asshole, I thought to myself. But instead I wrote nothing.

Done! I thought, stuffing the worksheet in my folder and into my backpack. As I collected my things and got up, I saw Jasper and Alice talking, smiling, and laughing by the entrance. How cute, I thought. I still hadn't talked to Jasper since our fight.

Partly, because I was mad at him for not walking away with me or helping me come up with some sort of plan. But mostly, because I was stubborn and refused to apologize because let's face it: I was being a raging bitch the other day and I totally dissed his manhood.

I pretended not to notice them as I tried walking inside when Jasper walked up to me.

"Hey," he said.

"Hi."

"I called you," he stated. "27 times in these past couple of days."

"Yeah, I know," I replied. "My phone was buzzing a lot, it was sort of annoying."

I guess I still felt like being a bitch to him.

"I guess you're still being a bitch, then." It wasn't a question. Just a simple observation.

"I guess so," I replied, giving him a tight smile, as I prepared to walk away.

He pulled me back, "Look, Bella, you're my best friend and I'm sorry for not defending you more the other day, but it's not Alice or Edward's fault their Dad is buying out our apartment buildings. And I guess we could petition or something, but it probably won't change anything."

"I know, but I just need to do something, so I don't feel like we just let it happen, you know?" I answered.

"Yeah, I know," he smiled at me. "So we're good?"

"Yeah, we're good," I smiled back. "And Jasper, I'm sorry too, I was being sort of mean."

"Mean?"

I laughed, "Okay, I was being kind of a bitch."

"Kind of?! You dissed little Jasper, and no one disses little Jasper!"

I chuckled. "Sorry. I was mad, and I'm really sorry, but," I paused, laughing, "little Jasper? Really?"

We both laughed. "Shut up, c'mon my little activist, I'll walk you to class," he offered.

I came to first period, in a better mood. I was glad Jasper and I had finally patched things up because I real missed the guy when we weren't talking. Plus, I real missed the Dunkin' Donuts coffee he got me every morning, too.

As the minute bell rang, the rest of my classmates rushed in, including a certain Cullen who looked like he just rolled out of bed. Mr. Debs began to take roll and pretended not to pay attention as Edward looking at my while walking to his seat behind me.

"So," Mr. Debs clapped his hands together. "How did everyone like the first assignment?"

A collective groan was heard.

"I thought so," Mr. Debs paused. "Perception is a tough thing and I'm sure many of you had trouble finding answers to some of the questions. That is why today, you will get some one-on-one time with your partner and do another questionnaire.

Mr. Debs took a sip of his coffee, "So get together with your partner now and go."

Tanya raised her hand, "Can we go off campus?"

"Technically, you're not allowed to. But, what the teacher doesn't see, the teacher doesn't know," Mr. Debs insinuated.

I rolled my eyes as Tanya grabbed Steve by his arm and mumbled something about needing to go get a biscotti and about how dumb Mr. Debs and his class were.

I agreed with the latter.

"So do you want to sit in here the whole time or should we leave and work on the assignment?" Edward jokingly asked.

I sighed, "Lead the way."

We walked in silence as he led us to the quad, which happened to be my favorite place on campus. Just being around the trees and flowers brightened up my mood somewhat.

I sat down on one of the benches and tried my best not to say anything that would cause an argument. I was sick of arguing with Edward because me and him were finished. We had nothing left to talk about. And frankly, I didn't want to talk to him. So I figured the best way to avoid all conversation was to just not say anything at all.

"It's beautiful out here," he said walking around.

Ya think? I thought, but didn't say.

"What, no smart comment?" Edward turned to look at me.

"Let's just get on with this project." My voice was monotone.

"Sure," he said, grabbing his worksheet and sitting on the bench across from me. "Do you wanna go first?"

"Yes," I said, my voice monotone, again. "What's your favorite ice cream flavor?"

"Vanilla."

Vanilla? What the hell? That's like the most unexciting flavor of ice cream. Just goes to show how much of a boring person he is. But still, who the hell likes va---

"What's yours?"

"Chocolate chip cookie dough," I gave him a tight smile. "Who's your favorite family member?"

"My grandfather."

"Yours?"

"My father," he gave me a look.

Okay, that's it. No more nice girl.

"Problem?" I asked.

"Yeah, actually," he said. "I think you're supposed to name a relative you like, not immediate family."

"Really?" I asked. "Well, does it specify on the paper which type of family member to list, Mr. Vanilla-Is-My-Favorite-Ice-Cream-Flavor-Boy?"

"What does my favorite ice cream flavor have to do with this?"

"It's a stupid flavor. Kind of like you."

"Oh, wow," he snorted. "That's just rich, Bella. Great comeback there, even my five year old cousin couldn't come up with that."

"Are you trying to piss me off?!" I exclaimed. "God, what is your problem?"

"My problem?"

"Yes!" I exclaimed. "I know you have many so it may be hard to identify which is which."

"My problem is that I don't know what your problem is."

"Well, it's simple," I paused. "I don't like you."

He rolled his eyes, "Well, at least you don't hate me."

"Hate's a strong word, but you're getting there."

He pinched the bridge of his nose, "Why?"

"Because!" I exclaimed. He doesn't know what he did wrong? He really is stupid.

"That's not a reason," he smirked. I seriously think he was enjoying getting a rise out of me.

"Fine! Ya know, there's a whole list of why I don't like you. Let's go through it, shall we?" I stood up.

"I dislike you because I'm gonna be homeless soon due to your father and his stupid company. I dislike you because Jasper's Mom is gonna lose her amazing art gallery and her home because of Cullen Industries. I dislike you because part of the neighborhood I grew up in will be torn down because of your damn last name. And finally, I hate you because you act like none of this is your fault."

He rolled his eyes, "Um, maybe because it's not."

"Excuse me?!" I was fuming.

"I'm not my father and I don't own the company, so it's not my fault."

"Maybe not, but you knew all of this would happen and didn't say a damn thing to me."

"Oh yes, I would've just told you in the middle Biology while you were giving me the silent treatment or bitching at me," he rolled his eyes.

"You're such an asshole."

"I'm an asshole? Are you kidding me?!" Edward shouted. "I've been nothing but nice to you ever since I got here -- I was even friendly when you were being a bitch and now you're taking all of your problems--which by the way, you have many, too--out on me when you should really be taking all of that shit out on my father because it's not my fault."

I was speechless. First off, I'd never seen Edward so mad. Second off, he had a point -- it wasn't really his fault, but I guess I'm just too stubborn to admit it. And thirdly, he was making me feel kind of bad. I was pretty rude towards him ever since he got here except for that one night. And he was always friendly no matter what.

But still.

He was who he was. An Upper East Sider. And I was a Brooklynite. And he was a Cullen. I was a Swan. He would always have his penthouse suite. And I would be homeless in about a year.

So instead of giving some great comeback or starting another argument, I uttered that one word, two syllables, that teenagers are known to say, "Whatever." I collected my things and walked off. I couldn't deal with another argument, especially when I felt my resolve breaking. And that couldn't happen.


I irritably scrubbed my body with a loofa as I replayed the events of my crappy day in my head. The first thing that popped into my head was Edward.

Stupid freaking Metro Card Boy.

I seriously wish I had fallen flat on my ass that day in the Subway. Then I could've just moved on with my life and disliked Edward Cullen like every other rich person that went to school with me.

If he would've just let me fall, then I would've just ignored him or could've been civil with him in Biology and in Interpersonal Communications and that would've been it.

I would've never danced with him, we would've never played the radio game, he would've never made me laugh, giggle or smile. He would've never driven me home, and I would've never been so hurt that he didn't say anything about my apartment situation.

Also, I probably wouldn't be standing in the shower thinking about--

"Bells!" I heard Charlie knock on the door.

"Yeah?" I shouted, turning down the water.

"There's someone here to see you!"

"Who?"

"A guy!"

I rolled my eyes, "Tell Jasper I'll be out in a minute!"

"It's--" I couldn't hear the rest since I turned up the water again so I could continue washing off. The knocking continued. "I'll be out in a minute! Geez!" I shouted.

God, Jasper was always rushing me, I thought as I put on my underwear, bra, yoga pants, and tank top. I hurriedly toweled off my hair and exited the bathroom.

I walked to kitchen from where I could hear laughter and voices, "Geez, Jasper, you're always rushing a girl I--" I stopped mid-sentence when I saw who was actually sitting in one of my non-matching kitchen chairs.

Edward Cullen.

"What are you doing here?" I said a little ruder than I had intended.

"Bella." Charlie gave me a disapproving look. I guess he didn't like my tone.

"No, it's okay, Mr. Swan," Edward said as Charlie cut him off.

"You can call me Charlie."

"Right, like I said, it's okay, Charlie. I'm used to Bella's winning charm," he smirked at me.

I rolled my eyes, "Back to the point: What are you doing here, Edward?"

"Well since we didn't get too far on our assignment today due to our discussion, I wanted to get it done tonight."

I stared at him. "Tonight?"

"Yeah," he said in a 'duh' tone.

"But it's Friday," I paused. "I can't--"

"Why? You got a hot date?" He smirked.

I just want to wipe that stupid smirk off his face. "Maybe."

"What?" Charlie said.

Crap. I forgot he was standing there.

"Nothing, Dad," I stammered. "I just can't work on it tonight."

"Why not?" Charlie and Edward said at the same time.

"I'm busy."

"Doing what exactly?" Charlie turned toward me. I didn't say anything. "Then, it's settled. You two will work on your project."

"But Dad--"

"No buts, Bella," Charlie grabbed his jacket that was hanging on the chair and pulled me aside into the hall. "The boy didn't just come all the way over here for nothing, work on the assignment."

"But he's a Cull--"

"I know," Charlie paused. "He's just a kid. What his Dad does or doesn't do shouldn't reflect on the type of person he is. Now, I'm gonna go over to Carlisle's. It's poker night. You, go work on your assignment and go make nice."

I groaned.

"That's my girl," Charlie gave me a quick hug. "Don't wait up."

I nodded.

"Goodnight Edward!" Charlie yelled and Edward yelled a 'Goodnight to you too, Charlie' before Charlie left.

Even my own father wasn't on my side. I sighed, walking back into the kitchen. Edward wasn't there.

"Edward?" I yelled.

"Yeah?" He replied, his voice was coming from down the hall.

I followed his voice down the hall and there he was.

In my fucking bedroom.

"What are you doing in here?"

"Um, what does it look like?" He paused, "Looking through your music which by the way, you have a pretty nice collect--"

"No, that's not what I'm asking. I mean like what the hell are you doing in here? I didn't ask you to come in here and now you're, like, walking all over my apartment," I threw my hands up in the air for emphasis. "That's trespassing, buddy!"

He turned to look at me, "Well, then, arrest me."

"Argh!" I groaned. "You're so frustrating."

"Me?" He looked at me. "I didn't even do anything!"

"Yeah, besides, like, walking all over my home and looking through my personal stuff."

"I wasn't looking through your personal stuff. It's not like I found a diary or journal and started reading it or something!" He paused, "I bet I know what it would say though…"

"Oh really?"

"Really."

"Please, enlighten me," I said, sitting down on my computer chair.

"Dear Diary, my name is Bella Swan and I hate anyone and everyone who is not from Brooklyn. And also, I have really bad mood swings -- I can be nice in the beginning but then I just end up screaming at someone in front of a whole bunch of people. P.S. I'm a crazy bitch," Edward said in a girly voice.

"First off, I do not sound anything like that! Second off, I don't hate everyone that's not from Brooklyn. I like my Grandma Marie and she lives in Washington. Thirdly, I do not have mood swings--"

"They're giving me whiplash."

I rolled my eyes at his statement, "Well what about you? I bet I know what your little diary would say! Dear Diary, I'm Edward fucking Cullen--"

He scoffed. "I don't think I would put the word 'fucking' before my name. Makes me look bad," he winked at me.

I continued speaking, "Dear Diary, I'm Edward Cullen and my life's mission is to annoy Bella Swan and to steal her home away from her. P.S. I'm a fucking asshole."

He slowly clapped, "That was just grand, Bella."

I looked at him and it took everything in me not to flip out. But I realized that the nicer I was, the sooner we'd get this assignment done and the sooner he'd be out of my room and my house. "You know what? I'm tired of arguing with you." He scoffed. "And you pretty much know that I don't like you, so let's, for the sake of this class, and my grade -- our grades try to get along."

"Great idea, Copernicus," Edward sarcastically stated.

"I'm willing to ignore that last statement," I said, looking through my backpack for that Interpersonal Communications worksheet. "Okay, here it is," I sat cross-leggedly on my bed, while he just stared at me, smirking. "And wipe that stupid smirk off your face."

"I thought we were trying to get along?"

"That's me, getting along," I smiled.

"Right," he rolled his eyes, taking a seat in the computer chair that I previously occupied.

"So what's your favorite TV show?" I asked.

"I don't watch much TV."

"You're kidding."

"Did hear a laugh or a 'just kidding' after my statement?" He asked. "I don't think so."

"Rude, much?" I replied.

"Next question," he stated.

I sighed, "Favorite book."

"Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand."

"Pfft. You have not read Atlas Shrugged."

"'Pride is the recognition of the fact that you are your own highest value and, like all of man's values, it has to be earned.' Page 542. See, you don't know a thing about me."

I gulped, "Fine then, since you're, you know, so smart, how come you keep coming to me -- trying to making this partnership or whatever work instead of realizing that there's no point to it?"

"What number is that?" He challenged me.

"It's my own personal question, okay?"

"I don't answer personal questions, okay?"

I rolled my eyes, "Just answer the question."

"Fine," he paused. "I like a challenge."

"So I'm a challenge?"

"Yeah," he paused. "You're like the most confusing girl I've ever met in my life. I mean, at first, you were nice to me, then you find out I'm friends with Rosalie, then you start to hate me, then you use me to make your boyfriend jealous, then you're sort of nice, and then you hate me again. And then after we argue and you realize I'm right," I scoffed at this part, but he kept talking, "you're too proud to admit you're wrong. Basically, you're a pain in the ass--"

"Oh, gee thanks," I said.

"Like I was saying, you're a pain in the ass and you're just using this bitchy exterior to push me away because you're too proud and obviously attracted to me."

I scoffed, blushing a little, "Congratulations, Edward. You have won the award for greatest crack-pot theorist."

"See, now you're using sarcasm to hide you're real feelings--"

I took a pillow off my bed and threw it at him. "You. Are. Crazy."

He smirked at me, "You. Are. Attracted. To. Me."

I blushed. "I am not!"

"You think I'm hot."

"I do not!"

"The radio game doesn't lie," he joked.

"I hate you!"

"Geez, Bella, you're really proving that denial isn't a river, it's a freaking ocean."

I rolled my eyes, "You suck."

"Hey if it was up to me, you'd be the one that was sucking," he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

I threw another pillow at him. This was going to be a long school year working with him.


Sooo, I hope you liked it. I admit, it isn't the greatest writing ever so if you think it sucked, please let me know. I'm sort of rusty with the whole writing thing.

Oh I almost forgot: I made a LiveJournal. And I am currently friendless on there. So if you have one, go friend me :) It's midwest-skiess(dot)livejournal(dot)com. I posted some Ed/Bella and Gossip Girl icons on there and I will post some teasers and updates on my stories as well. Go friend me! Btw, the two s's in my username are intentional.

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
Be a dear and review.