Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, I just like to play with them. 17-7-13

A/N: Sometimes, things get in the way. I would really like to finish this story, because I enjoyed the idea in the first place. Second of all, I don't want to be one of those fanfic writers who abandons his/her stories.

I hope you all don't hate me, but more importantly, enjoy!

My inspiration for the title of this chapter: Lady Gaga.


Chapter 8 - Trash can

"...beautiful weather with temperatures up to sixty-six," the radioman said as it turned on to wake me up.

I scowled as the words replayed in my head.

Beautiful weather? Here in Forks?

I got off the couch and walked to the door and opened it. I gaped at the sky as there was not one rain drop to be found and the sky was bright blue instead of an ugly dark grey color.

Charlie's cruiser was next to my truck, so I guessed Charlie hadn't gone to work yet.

My head was pounding a little and my nose felt as if somebody had stuffed it with tissues. I was quite sure my walk through the rain yesterday was the reason for my cold today. My nose felt itchy and for a second I thought I was going to sneeze, but eventually the itch went away.

I found a navy blue t-shirt that said Don't mess with me. Beneath that it said I'm adopted. Alex bought it for me on my sixteenth birthday. There was a time a few weeks before I turned sixteen where I swore to him that there was no possible way that I belonged to Renée and Charlie.

His conclusion; "You're adopted, Bella."

He had the t-shirt made for me and it was a little worn out because I loved and wore the thing so much since the day I got it. The last few days I had forgotten about this shirt and it had laid in my closet without my notice.

I put on a pair of torn jeans and white sneakers and grabbed my bag that still only had one notebook and a pen in it. This time I left the boxing clothes at home. I wasn't planning on practicing boxing after Biology with Edward. Today I didn't have PE.

Like he said, after he filled in the consent form negative, I wouldn't be anywhere near that ring to compete. So what did it matter to still practice that stupid boxing?

I made myself a strong cup of coffee and added a lot of sugar and milk. I dumped two granola bars in my bag and a bottle of orange juice. I wasn't planning on going anywhere near the cafeteria today.

I wasn't sure how I was going to face any of them today, but I was going. No matter what pains and humiliations I felt, they weren't going to chase me away again like last time. Quickly I made a sandwich and ate it.

But when the routine came that I picked up my jacket, put it on and grabbed my car keys, I realized there weren't any. Edward still had my car keys on him.

He's got my keys. No. No, no.

But then, how had the AAA brought my car here? Somebody must have driven it in order for it to get here, but how, if there were no keys? And didn't that cost money as well? I was quite sure that insurances didn't bring your car to the location you wanted it to be.

I walked to the truck and saw the keys hanging in the ignition. Somebody up there really loved me, because this truly was beyond me. I couldn't remember the last time I had such luck.

The hard groan my truck gave as I turned the keys sounded amazing to my ears and I put on the radio loudly and even rolled the window down completely for air.

A cheesy love song was screaming from the speakers.

Sadly, something went wrong, because the song stopped abruptly and the car went dead as the ignition went off and the car slowly came to a complete stop.

I turned the keys several times and tried to get the car working again, but it seemed like my luck had changed pretty instantly.

It's a cruel joke, damnit.

Even the radio had died.

There was no way I was going to be in school on time, because I was practically still at home, which meant I would have to walk a really long walk. A fifteen minute car ride would change into an hour walking. I got out of the car and gave up. An hour walk it would be. At tops I would miss my first class, but at least I could attend the rest once I made it to school.

Before I could start the walk, a motorbike approached and I stood aside to let it pass. Instead of driving on, the black, huge motorbike slowed down and stopped in front of my car. The person got off and turned around. I could see the boy's face because the helmet was only covering his head, but not his face. He was smiling and he leaned against his motorbike as he pointed at the truck.

"That's my car," he said.

I could see he had a tan and black, short hair. His eyes were dark, but somehow kind as well. I pointed at the car as well. "That car is mine."

The boy shrugged. "Well I built it."

I pressed my lips on each other and opened the car door and leaned in to pull out the keys from the ignition - yes, I had been indeed planning to leave the truck here with the keys still in the ignition.

"Here, take it. Have the car. Keep it. I don't want it anymore. Now I know why the ignition keeps turning off and why I'm stranded each time I need to be somewhere." The boy watched in sudden surprise, but I continued with giving him my theory about the defect truck. "It was made by a kid!"

I hit the keys on his chest and he put his hands on the keys as he watched me walk around him. I didn't bother looking back as I walked quickly, because I was going to miss second class as well if I didn't hurry.

"Kid?" I heard him mutter from behind me.

I just waved my hand as I kept walking.

"Hey, wait!" he said and I heard him come behind me as he probably ran. He appeared before me and smiled again. "Did you just call me a kid?"

The boy seemed at least my age, but I was tired, late, and angry at the car. When he realized I wasn't giving in, he pulled of his helmet and put it on my head. He clicked the straps on each other beneath my chin and altered it some so it would fit perfectly.

I didn't know why I didn't push him away or why his behavior wasn't pissing me off.

He scowled with an unsure smile. "Is everything okay with you?"

I was momentarily shocked at his question, only because it had been such a long time ago since the last time somebody asked me without wanting the usual "I'm fine" response.

"It's just because you look pretty tired."

I blinked a few times and swallowed. It was difficult, everything was such a big mess. And this boy, this sweet, nice boy put his helmet on my head, because he was probably going to drive me to school, without even asking me if I wanted the ride or not.

"What is it?" he asked, putting a hand on my shoulder.

I bit my lip and shook my head. "I... I'm not okay. I've done... I-I've done a horrible thing."

He scowled and pulled his hand back. There it was. He was already disgusted by me.

"I told a lie..."

The boy stared harder and just waited.

So I gave up.

Here's one for the truth.

"I told everyone my name is Rebecca Dwyer, but it's not. But I lied because they always... they were cruel and I had to move to a different town because of them because everybody thought I had done this bad thing. Now I'm back in this crappy town. I can't do it anymore."

When I saw the boy's face, l winced, because it was in complete confusion.

"They... They... They used to hurt me, like... You know?"

"No, explain," the boy said seriously.

I shook my head quickly. What was I doing? Why was I telling this guy whose name I didn't even know yet about my past?

"No, never mind," I muttered, dropping my head, which resulted into my hair falling into my face.

"No," the boy said. "Tell me what you wanted to tell me."

What's wrong with me? Snap out of it!

But I couldn't.

"Explain," the boy said one more time.

"They used to hurt me physically and emotionally... They did that to me on purpose. I know it was so long ago, but I still think they hate me."

I had never, ever in my life had a more difficult task than the one I was performing right now. Each word came out of my mouth with great difficulty and what seemed to me like in slow motion.

"I don't know what to do... And they don't even know it's me. Yesterday, one of them, told me I should go back to where I came from. Now I'm thinking, why not? Actually, why am I still here?"

Nobody had that answer for me. Maybe I was a masochist or maybe I was just crazy. I could end the pain very easily, but why didn't I? Why did I choose this life, when I could have another?

Why didn't I choose for the easier life?

"When did you come to Forks?" he asked with a frown.

"Monday."

"Yesterday?"

I shook my head.

"The week before?"

I nodded.

"How old are you?"

"Seventeen."

"And," he said slowly, "you were born here in Forks?"

I nodded.

"And how old were you when you went to live to that other town?"

"Eight."

"Is Edward one of the bullies?" He asked this casually, as if he already knew the answer.

I nodded.

Suddenly, a part of me was relieved. That's exactly what Edward was. And apparently, I was not the only one who knew. This could only mean one thing.

Edward bullied more people, not just me.

"Who else?"

I shrugged. What was it to him to know who had treated me badly? Nobody could change that.

"Well, what's your name? Besides Rebecca Dwyer."

I shook my head. "Why are you interviewing me?"

"Why did you give me your life story?"

I opened my mouth only to snap it shut.

"Look, I don't gossip. I'm not like that. Whatever you tell me will stay between us. Besides, Edward Cullen is not a friend of mine."

For all you know, he's telling you sweet little lies. You've already said too much, so shut up.

I sighed hard, because I didn't know what to believe.

"How come?" I asked.

The boy huffed, and said, "There was a day when I called him my friend, but that was a long time ago."

Suddenly, I remembered a guy on a motorcycle as Edward mentioned him. But what name did he say?

"Hang on, Edward mentioned you yesterday. At least, I think it was you. Are you... Jake...?" I shook my head. What name did Edward mention? "I don't remember what name he said."

"Close enough," the boy said with a laugh. "Jacob Black," he said, reaching out his hand. "But you can call me Jake."

I took his hand and smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, Jacob," I said. "Bad memory."

He shook his head. "It doesn't matter. You must be Isabella Swan, Bella for short."

My eyes widened and I snapped my hand out of his. "How do you know my name?"

"Edward mentioned you."

"He knows?" I gasped. "He knows I'm here?"

Stupid Bella! Fool!

Edward mentions Jacob, Jacob mentions Edward. It couldn't be coincidence. They were messing with my head, and they were messing with me real good.

Jacob lied. And you were such a naive girl to trust him with no good reason at all.

"Chill out," Jacob said. "He mentioned you, what, four years ago when I was fourteen."

I stopped breathing.

What?

Edward mentioned me to this Jacob, four years ago?

Jacob explained. "When Edward and I were fourteen, he told me about a Bella Swan and what he did to her. He told me everything. First I had to promise him to not judge him while he told me everything, so I waited until he was finished. When he was finished talking, just the sight of him made me sick."

I didn't believing a word of his crap story. I convinced myself that this boy was a friend of Edward's, and that they had planned this, just to ruin me some more.

So I took a step backwards and watched him in accusation.

"No," I snapped. "I don't believe you."

"What?" Jacob seemed genuinely confused. As if he really didn't understand me.

"I bet you and Edward planned this," I said. "This is just a game for you two, isn't it?"

Jacob laughed hard and watched me like I was crazy.

He could do what he wanted, but still, I didn't believe him.

"I haven't spoken to Edward in years," Jacob said. "I hate Edward. He's disgusting and he even got away with all the things he did to you."

"Shut up," I said with a trembling voice. "Just shut up." I shook my head. "You're lying."

"He told me you moved away," Jacob continued quietly. "You were eight. Nobody would say where you went. He told me about the cigarette. But you didn't want to smoke it. Your father believed them over you. Edward told me how he used to call you names, steal your things, pull your hair hard, make fun of nearly your everything..."

I rolled my eyes. Most of those stuff were general things. Anyone could make them up.

"The gum in your hair, the threats about that rabbit in a basement, tripping you into a pool of dirty rain water and then forcing you to go to school the next day, even if you were really sick, and Edward also told me about that day with the trash can. I know everything."

I turned around so that I wouldn't see him anymore. This universe was too freaking big for this to happen to me. It couldn't be real and I knew it was some sick joke.

It had to be one big joke. This was a bad nightmare and soon I would wake up with quick breaths and an ice cold body covered in sweat.

For years I had tried to mash those bad memories away, to a place where I could never find them.

But then something like this happens to me. Some boy randomly walks into my life, tells me he knows my name and past.

"I'm not planning to use any of that against you, just because I know," Jacob said slowly from close behind me. "I'm not the bad guy."

"Why should I believe you?" I muttered.

"Why not?" he shot back.

I turned to him and watched him in fury. Maybe because I didn't know him, or maybe because I stopped caring about what my tormentors wanted to do to me.

Maybe Jacob did know everything, but that didn't mean he wasn't the bad guy as well.

Jacob sighed and carefully said, "I believe nobody should be thrown into a trash bin and called a waste, Bella."

Defeated.

That's what I was.

That's what I felt

Defeated.

I never told anybody that.

"That's what they did to you, isn't it?" he slowly asked.

My breathing stuttered and I couldn't even look at him anymore.

It seemed like maybe he wasn't lying.

Defeated. Definitely.

"You... know... everything?"

"Yes. When you told me about being bullied away, I thought of the name Bella. The chances were small, but that's why I asked you how old you were when you left Forks and how old you are now. I remember Edward saying that you're one year younger then he is."

"Oh." I felt sick.

"I swear, I hate him, maybe even more then you do. I hate him because of what he did to you."

I nodded my head and tried to breathe as another question popped up. "Why did Edward tell you everything?"

"The guy's crazy, who knows?"

I laughed nervously and looked around.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?" For the first time I looked back at him again. Not because he apologized. But because I knew he meant it when he said that he was sorry.

"Everything they ever did to you."

I closed my eyes for a second. I wanted to forget it. I wanted to erase my memories. I wanted to start over again.

"I suppose you need a ride?" Jacob said, getting on his motorbike.

"Yeah..." I muttered.

"Forks High?"

"Yes."

"Come on then."

"Don't you go to school?"

He turned around and nodded. "I go to school, just not Forks High. You're going to be late, Isabella Swan."

I bit my lip for another time. "I... I'll walk..."

Jacob sighed. "I gathered you're not yet ready to let them know who you really are. I won't blow your cover." He motioned for me to get on the bike. "Trust me."

I stepped towards the bike and looked at the big thing.

Jacob smiled and pointed behind him. "C'mon, get on."

So I did and he quickly took my hands and put them around his waist until I had to hug him.

"I like your shirt, by the way."

Jacob turned and did this sexy grin and suddenly I remembered my shirt, and the lines on them.

Don't mess with me.
I'm adopted.

I laughed really hard as he turned on the engine and called over his shoulder to hang on tight

He started his bike and was driving at what seemed top speed in just a few seconds and adrenaline coursed through me, but not from fear. This was exhilarating. I held Jacob tightly and smiled as I looked around.

It was a matter of a few minutes and we reached Forks High and I was luckily on time.

"Wow, that was a great ride," I said with a big smile as I got off with an adrenaline high.

"You're welcome," he said, reaching for beneath my chin so that he could take the helmet off. "What time you finish?"

"Two."

Jacob glanced behind me and smiled at me happily. "Great, I'll pick you up then, Marie."

He winked and my mouth dropped.

He knows my middle name? Edward told him my middle name? How does Edward even know my middle name is Marie?

"And I'll see what I can do with that truck."

Jacob wasn't lying.

"Thanks, Jacob," I said.

He put on the helmet. "Seriously, call me Jake. It's what you thought was my name after all."

I rolled my eyes. "Sure sure, maybe."

"Sure sure, maybe?" Jacob mimicked.

I laughed again but only because Jacob was so charming. It felt good though, to laugh.

"Good luck and don't worry, okay? Keep your chin up. I'll see you later."

I nodded and he drove around me and took a turn to the right, disappearing from my sight.

What a strange morning it was.

I turned around for the first time to face my schoolmates. Too quickly I noticed most of my classmates and they were watching me, among them Rosalie, Emmett, Alice, Jasper, Tanya, Lauren, Jessica and Angela. At last I noticed Edward. I quickly looked away. It was Angela who waved with a smile and I did the same to her. Mike waved too and went to walk with Angela to school.

Strangely, I wasn't that worried about Edward. I guessed he would ignore me anyway. I just had to keep my face hidden so he wouldn't see me and then, everything should stay okay.

I sneezed two times loudly and heard a few people randomly say bless you. I muttered a thank you.

But I felt somebody bump on me from behind and I stumbled forwards.

It was Edward and he called me a word which nobody had ever accused me off, but I supposed there was a first time for everything.

"Slut."