Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.

Summary: After rebelling at school, Edward is forced to participate in the school play as the male lead along side the shy, somewhat nerdy Bella Swan. When their worlds collide, he struggles with where he fits and who to stand by. ExB

A/N: Sorry, took a while for me to post. Fanfic was down and then I was busy and it was just blah!

Chapter 7: Insults & Inebriation

Edward

I heard Alice's car pull into the drive and I knew that Bella would be with her. When Alice didn't come home from Bella's straight away, I knew she must have convinced her to come to this party. I had to hold myself back from running down the stairs just to see her. I waited several minutes when I heard Alice walking up the stairs, followed by a light tap on my door.

"She's downstairs," Alice whispered before walking down to her second-floor bathroom.

I crept quietly down the stairs until I reached the ground floor. Bella was sitting in the family room, leaning forward to look at the array of remotes on the coffee table. She picked up one and the radio turned on. She jumped back, which was pretty fucking cute, before hurrying to flick it off again. I couldn't hold back my chuckle and she quickly turned to look at me.

And fuck me, she looked good.

Her hair was out, freed from it's usual bun, she had a light amount of make-up on and then, when she stood up I about died.

I'd never realised how good her body actually was, but in her tight jeans and light sweater, it certainly was obvious to me then. Her legs were thin, but not to the extreme and the jeans gave her the allusion of height when she was in fact only 5"4' or so. Her hips were curvy, but not out of proportion and her stomach, flat. I moved my eyes up to her chest and noted the small amount of cleavage she was showing. I liked it.

Maybe too much.

Why had no one ever noticed how fucking sexy she was?

I lead her to the kitchen and poured her a drink. I could tell she wasn't much of a drinker, but she seemed to handle herself quite well.

I decided to stop pussy-footing around whatever was going on between us. I just wanted her to like me, I wanted her close by.

"Bella, I want to try this whole 'being friends' thing. I'm new to this stuff though, I mean, Alice is my only chick friend pretty much and that's because she's my sister and then there's Rose, but I really don't like Rosalie so what i'm trying to say is I may screw up."

Her face lit up just a little and she smiled warmly at me. "Friends," she agreed. "This thing is really good, by the way." She gestured to the drink, before seeming to clear her head. A serious look now adorned her face.

"Edward – there's something I should tell you," she began, but Alice burst in the kitchen.

"Bella! There you are!" Alice exclaimed as she bounded into the kitchen. "Thanks for keeping her company, Edward but I really need Bella's help with what shoes to wear!"

Bella was about to say something, but before she could, Alice had grabbed her and pulled her out of the kitchen, leaving me alone to wonder what she was about to say.

I finished off my beer and grabbed another one, then moved out to the family room to await the arrival of whoever it was that Alice invited.

A few minutes later, I heard a knock at the door. Rosalie and Emmett let themselves in, while Jasper followed behind.

Jaz sat down beside me, while Emmett and Rose went to the kitchen to get some beverages.

"Is Bella here?" He whispered.

"Yeah. So you actually went around hers?"

"Yeah, I fucking did. You owe me." He raised his eyebrows at me. "I suppose she isn't that bad. Is Alice here?"

"Upstairs." I pointed to the roof just as Emmett and Rose walked back into the room.

"Where's Al?" Rose asked.

"Upstairs with Bella."

"Bella? The Swan girl?" Emmett bellowed before bursting out into hysterics. "Man, didn't think Jasper was serious when he said you had a thing for her!"

"We don't have a thing," I growled. "She is my friend. It is purely platonic."

"Dude, you're going all fucking weird ay."

"Shut up, Emmett." Rose swatted him across the head, completely suprising me. Maybe she wasn't so bad afterall. "I'm going to go upstairs to the girls. Play nice boys."

"Jasper, let me grab you a beer," I said just so I'd have an excuse to be away from Emmett's scrutiny.

I got a beer for myself and Jasper before returning the family room to find several more people had arrived and Alice was directing them towards the back door. She didn't want them creating a mess inside because she knows, i'm about as useful as an elephant when it comes to cleaning. I just create more havoc.

Bella and Rose had also returned downstairs.

Bella was sitting next to Rose on the sofa, nervously picking at her nails while Rosalie yelled at Emmett.

"Emmett, you better control yourself this time," she chastisizied, "I don't think you'll enjoying cleaning up your own puke."

"I'l behave, Rosie."

Bella seemed to find the whole exchange quite hilarious, while I just found it damn weird that Rose was sitting next to her, apparently being civil.

"Let's get this party started!" Rose enthused as she stood up. Emmett, Jasper, Rose and few others who had come through the door followed her out the back towards the backyard where Alice had set up things to eat and places for all the drunken teenagers to sit.

Bella, I noticed, remained seated.

"You alright?" I asked as I sat next to her.

"Yeah, i'm fine." She smiled shyly at me. "Rosalie was nice to me, Jasper came to my house and Alice asked for my advice on shoes. This has certainly been a strange day." She giggled and it was beautiful. Not fake and over the top like some of the other Forks' skanks. I couldn't help but chuckle along with her.

"So before – in the kitchen – what was it you were going to say?" I asked.

"It doesn't matter, it's stupid, Edward. Let's just have fun."

I wanted to push her further, but I felt like I was walking on eggshells. I felt that if I pushed her too far, she'd run away and we'd be straight back to square one. So, instead, I smiled at her and lead her to the kitchen where I made her up another drink.

"This isn't too weird for you, is it?" I asked.

"Surprisingly, no."

Bella pulled up a chair at the server and I handed her her drink and sat down beside her. I couldn't help but notice her slender legs, crossed over eachother, then her little cleavage peaking out. Most of all; she smelled amazing. Like some kind of flower and strawberries. Without thinking, I leaned forward and pushed a stray piece of hair out of her face and behind her ear.

The blush came instantly too her cheeks and I loved it.

She bit her lip and I loved that too.

"I think if you wrap something up in a nicer package, people will instantly become more accepting, as shallow as that seems," she continued her response to my question, choosing to ignore my 'moment'.

"Yeah?"

"Yep. It's like; do my hair and make-up and suddenly the Hale's are fine with me now that I don't look like a total dork." She sighed and ran her hand through her hair.

"You're not a dork, Bella."

She rolled her eyes before sarcastically saying, "thanks. Whatever you say."

"I'm serious, Bella. You're really...well, beautiful. I'm sorry for how my friends and I have treated you in the past. I regret it more than you could ever know."

"I appreciate that," she replied in a genuine tone. "It's just going to take a little getting used to."

She still seemed to be holding back something, but I figured she was just shy or nervous.

She finished her drink and slammed the glass down on the bench, perhaps a little too hard. I assumed she wasn't much of a drinker, but she asked for another one.

"You sure? I don't want you getting drunk," I joked.

"I'll be fine," she assured me.

"Want to go outside?"


I watched Bella mingle with my sister and Rose as well as some juniors and she was smiling and laughing and actually speaking up. Rose actually did seem to like her and whether it was Alice's encouragement or not, I really appreciated it.

I could tell the alcohol was slightly affecting her. It wasn't that she held herself poorly, she merely seemed more outgoing. Alice caught my gaze and nodded her head in approval before turning back to Bella and continuing their conversation.

It seemed normal and natural, like Bella had been friends with them all along. She fit in and i'm sure it was the first time in her life that she'd ever done so.

Girls like Bella shouldn't ostracize themselves or hide under layers of clothes or glasses – I knew she only needed those things for reading. Even if I thought she looked sexy in them, she shouldn't hide underneath anything.

I was too entranced by her body and her face to notice she was actually moving towards me.

"Drink?"

"Yeah, I could go another beer," I agreed. "I'll come with."

I followed Bella back into the house, kind of worried about her drinking anymore, but fuck if i'd say anything to her. She was finally coming out of her shell around someone beside me.

Just as I was fixing her drink, I heard a commotion in the hallway. I told Bella to stay where she was and went out to the front door.

None other than Tanya stood there, flanked by her clones Jessica and Lauren.

"What are you doing here?" I growled through my teeth.

"Relax, babes," Tanya hissed, "stop pretending you don't want me here because I'm fucking staying."

"Fine. Do whatever you want. Just get out of my house and into the backyard. I don't want you dirtying the carpet." It was immature, but I figured it was at Tanya's level.

She blew me a kiss, dismissing my tone, before walking towards the backyard with Jessica and Lauren hurrying behind, calling her name. Why they worshipped her was beyond me. I suppose they were pretty fucked-up and pathetic themselves.

When I returned to the kitchen, Bella had half a glass of her Screwdriver remaining.

"Outside?" She asked, her tone perky and eyes all wide.

"Um....how about we go up to my room? Have some quiet time?" She eyed me suspiciously before it hit me. "No, no! I just meant to talk. I'm not trying to take advantage or anything." I just didn't want to be anywhere near Tanya and I didn't want Bella near her either.

"Okay!" She giggled and I had to catch her when she flung herself off the stool a little too fast. Okay – I'd have to hold out on the liquor. It was starting to get to her head, just a little.

Bella raced over to the stairs while I ran behind. A perverted part of me was glad she was aheadof me so I could watch her ass as she walked up the stairs. Fuck, it was perky and hot and it took all I had in me to not reach out and grab it.

I had to remind myself that this was Bella, not some whore.

When we arrived at my room, Bella ran towards my bed and jumped on it a few times before giggling.

Definitely not a drinker.

"This is fun, Edward. I really like your sister. She's awesome and pretty and I think she made Rosalie like me and Rosalie was being nice, you know? Your sister is definitely really super-dooper cool. She loves Jasper, though. She's so sad about that. We need to do something about them," Bella rambled.

"You're a bit tipsy," I concluded, sitting down beside her.

"I am," she agreed. "I've never drunk more than like one glass of wine with dinner, you know? Until now that is."

"I can tell a little."

"You're pretty, Edward," Bella whispered, slurring slightly.

"You're pretty, too."

Bella laughed and fell back onto the bed.

"Did you mean it when you said you wanted for us to be friends?"

I lay down beside her before replying, "yes, of course I did. I like you, Bella."

"Good. I like you, too. You're really nice and you have cool hair."

I had to laugh at that. Normal Bella was cute and all but tipsy Bella was just fucking adorable.

Her eyelashes were fluttering slowly and I was worried she would fall asleep.

"Tired?"

"A little," she sighed. "I should get up. Let's go back downstairs."

I agreed, hoping Tanya would be otherwise occupied and wouldn't notice me.

I had to help Bella down the stairs, but she was mostly fine. She asked for another drink so I gave her water. I didn't want to be the one to get her drunk and I was sure a fifth drink might be too much.

When we arrived outside, there were fifty or so people spread throughout my large backyard sitting on the plastic chairs Alice put out, some even in the hot tub. I noticed Alice and Jasper were sitting alone in the gazebo, their bodies closely together. I hoped they were sorting it out, I really did. I nudged Bella and pointed in their direction and she grinned from ear to ear.

"He's blunt and stuff, but I like that Jasper stood up for you. I like him," Bella surmised.

"I'm glad you do."

Rosalie caught Bella's eye and gestured for her to go over, so she moved over towards her of her own accord and sat down. The two of them abruptly began giggling at Emmett who was, of course, totally inebriated just as I knew he'd be. Despite Rose's threat, she didn't seem to mind entirely.

I was about to walk over to them when I felt claws on my shoulder.

I turned around and found Tanya leaning into her, her hand complete with tacky nails resting on my arm.

She pressed her body into me and leant up to whisper into my ear, "i've been looking for you. What do you say we go have some fun?"

That fun was full of implications that made me want to ralph.

"I'm already having fun."

"I'd be having more fun bouncing up and down on your cock."

That was blunt. It took a lot not to vomit all over her.

"Well why don't you go home and have fun fingering yourself? Or you could get one of your cronies to do it for you." I gestured towards Jessica and Lauren.

"You're an asshole."

"Well if that's all, i'll be going back to my friends." I waved her off and headed over to Rosalie and Bella who were still in hysterics, watching Emmett imitate a chicken.

"Oh, no. She fucking didn't!" I heard Tanya screech behind me.

Before I knew what was happening, Tanya had rushed past me – straight for Bella.

She grabbed her by the arm and pulled her up, much to Rosalie's shock. She pulled her awa from the others and Jessica and Lauren ran towards Tanya.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Tanya screamed.

Then the silence.

It was like one of those movie-moments where everything goes completely silent and all eyes are on you, or in this case – on Tanya and Bella.

"I was invited," Bella replied in a timid voice.

"You think that because Edward is using you, that he wants you here? No one wants you here. You can throw away your glasses and wear some different clothes, but underneath it all, you're still Isabella Swan – a total fucking freak show!"

Tanya cackled as did Jessica and Lauren, before stepping towards Bella, whose eyes were now watering.

She glanced at me momentarily and I felt it all; her look was desperate and it hit me that this was her life every day. Going to school with people who disrespected you and treated you like dirt, all because you didn't live up to what they thought you should be. I swear, my heart broke a little fucking bit for Bella.

"Tanya," I said calmly, as I rested my hand on her shoulder.

"Yes, darling?" She asked in a sickly, sweet voice.

"Get the fuck out of my house."

"Yeah, Isabella," Tanya sneered, turning back to Bella.

"I wasn't talking to her. I was talking to you."

"Don't be ridiculous. She's a freak."

"She's not a freak. She's a fucking amazing person and she's my friend and if you don't like it then you can fucking piss off, because Bella isn't fucking leaving!"

I glared at Tanya before monetarily glancing around at the circle that had formed around us; Emmett and Rosalie had looks of pure hatred on their faces, while the rest of the group looked keen for a throwdown – chick fight style. From the corner of my eye I saw Alice and Jasper rushing across towards us, then I turned towards Bella. The tears, streaming down her face.

"Get out!" I barked. "Get the fuck out!"

Tanya's eyes widened, as if she feared i'd use force.

She slowly turned and not even Jessica or Lauren followed her, but then Rosalie called her name.

What the fuck was she doing?

"Tanya, wait!" Rosalie called.

Tanya turned, expecting a sympathetic friend, but instead she was met with Rosalie's fist. Several times.

Rose tackled her to the ground and pulled at her hair and clothes until Tanya's double-d's were popping out of her too-tight top. Emmett had to pull Rosalie off kicking and screaming, before Tanya whimpered and ran towards the door.

"Woo! Girl fight!" A random hooted.

At least the crowd got what they wanted.

Rosalie dusted herself off before being welcomed into Emmett's arms. The music recommenced and then everyone went about their business again.

Everyone, but Bella.

She glanced at me, still crying, before running from into the house.

I ran after her as she ran through the family room, foyer and then out the front door. She continued to run up my drive-way just as Tanya's Audi erratically turned the corner. She ran out to the highway and I ran after her, calling her name.

"Bella, wait!"

"No, Edward! I'm fucking humiliated!" She sobbed. "Leave me alone. I don't want anything to do with any of this....this....bullshit!"

"Just calm down," I called out to her. "Come back to the house and we'll find someone who can drive you home at least."

"I'd rather walk," she huffed.

"I'm not going to let you walk, Bella. You live on the other side of town."

"Maybe I should just stick my side," she hissed, turning to glare at me. At least she'd stopped walking. I ran towards her and evened the gap between us and gently grabbed a hold of her wrist.

"Why would you say something like that?"

"Do you know all the trouble she is going to cause for me?"

"Tanya?"

"Yes, Tanya." Bella glared at me again then down at her wrist which was still being held by me.

"Tanya won't do anything, I can assure you. She's a gutless bitch. Now that Rose and I have made our disgust for her clear, she definitely won't do anything. She won't say a word to you at school, I'm willing to bet on it."

I smiled at her but that made her even angrier.

"But what else can she do to me outside of school?"

"What are you talking about? She won't do anything. She's not smart enough to plan any kind of revenge. All she can do is -"

"Threaten me in the school bathrooms?"

"What? She threatened you?"

I let go of her wrist and gazed into her eyes, which were once again, pooling with wetness.

"Yes," Bella sniffed. "That's why I was avoiding you. She said that if I spoke to you she'd make my life hell and she'd get her father to ensure I couldn't get into any colleges, and I want the Ivys, Damnit!"

"Bella, Bella, Bella," I chanted, "she can't do anything like that."

"Who knows what she's capable of!" Bella yelled, throwing her hands up in to the air.

"No, i'm serious. Last I heard, her dad was still in rehab. Why didn't you tell me? I thought i'd done something and you hated me."

"Come on, Edward. I've lived my whole life being put down by people like Tanya and as much as I don't want to admit it – people like you. What if you didn't believe me? Or worse....what if you simply didn't care?"

"I do care, can you please just let me care?"

"Okay," she breathed.

"Let's go back."

"Okay," she said again.

Without thinking, I took her small hand into mine. She didn't pull away, so I held hers tightly and we walked back to my house.

"Where does this leave us?" Bella asked, always so insecure.

"We're friends, right?"

"Friends," she agreed for the second time that night.

The party was starting to die down when we got back to my place.

I found Jasper on the couch, with Alice lying down with her head in his lap; asleep and at peace.

He gave Bella and I a thumbs up and I was hoping it was because they had sorted everything out.

Kate and Irina, who were friends of Rosalie's, were walking through just as Bella and I were.

"Kate, Irina....is one of you driving?"

"I am," Kate answered.

"Do you want to go home now?" I asked Bella.

"Yeah, I should get home before it gets too late."

"Are you right to give Bella a lift?" I asked Kate.

"No worries." She smiled and I was thankful my friends weren't that bad.

"Okay," I breathed. I turned to Bella, "I guess i'll see you on Monday?"

"Yep."

"Hey, can I get your cell number? Friends can do that, right?"

I played with my phone in my pocket, all fucking hopeful.

"They can." Bella smiled before reciting her mobile number.

"Goodnight," she sighed.

"Night," I whispered.

I leant forward and lightly kissed her forehead and watched her cheeks blush that fucking color that I loved.


Bella

"It's just this next left," I told Kate.

We arrived at my place and the girls said pleasant goodbye's before speeding off.

The house was still empty, which may have worried most people, but for me that was just Charlie. We were like two ships passing in the night when we were both home anyway.

I climbed the stairs to my room, just as I felt my phone vibrating in my pocket.

I flipped it open to reveal a new message from a number that wasn't programmed into my phone;

Bella - I hope you got home safe. Sleep well and goodnight - Edward.

If it were possible, my feelings for Edward seemed to increase tenfold.

Edward – Kate just dropped me home. Thank you for tonight. As crazy as it was, I had a good time. Goonight – Bella.

If only I was more than just Edward's friend.

I'd settle for that, however.

I needed him in my life one way or another.


AN: I really liked writing this chapter, so I hope you guys enjoyed reading it.

The play is coming up soonish, then they'll graduate, then Bella and Edward will have the summer together....hrmmm?