A/N: Loved all the reviews. Thank you guys so much!

Sitting back down in my seat, I found Quil now in the room.

"You alright Bells? You freaked us all out back there," he said staring at me.

I nodded. Right now I just needed to focus on math- not what happened with Sam or how I oddly feel about Paul. I didn't even want to focus on my problems with my dad. I just needed to think about math.

"I'm good. Just stressed with math. Sorry," I apologized getting out my book. Shielding myself a bit, I opened the math book and began reading.

Mr. Levin taught his class for the first hour. After that, he let them have 'free time' to get their homework done. As usual, instead of the class actually doing that, they started talking. Mr. Levin rolled up a chair beside me and began going over the homework. I only had two problems wrong which he was highly impressed at. I was catching on. The bell rang and he said goodbye to his class, moving his chair away from me.

"Well Bella, I don't think you need to stay for lunch. Just keep working on the next chapter. I scheduled you're test for Friday right?"

I nodded, "okay well than just study for that and keep up the good work. You're doing great."

Giving him a nod, I walked out and found Kim.

"Hey," she said softly. Just as I was about to reply, one of the 'popular' girls Tessa rammed her shoulder into me. It threw me off guard and I stumbled back, wincing a bit.

"Oh look," she said now stopping Kim and I with her little posse. Tessa and her two friends Kerstin and Nicole considered them the 'rulers' of the school. Great. Just what I needed, to get messed in with them.

"Isabella Swan," she said in a cheery tone. "Could you be more desperate to get with our math teacher?"

I rolled my eyes. I was so beyond this high school crap. I had gone through more drama in my lifetime than high school could ever create.

"I'm not trying to get with anyone. If you would have paid attention to the gossip around this school, Mr. Levin is helping me with Calculus 3."

"Desperate," her friend Kerstin coughed. I rolled my eyes along with Kim. Were we in middle school? Tessa must have found Kim to be more of a bother than me because she shoved her hard. Luckily I caught her in time so she didn't fall. Flashing me a small thank you she righted herself. "Why don't you go to Jared?" I whispered to her. She shook her head, silently telling not without out me. Sighing, I turned back to the bitch that pushed her.

"Grow up," I growled to Tessa. "Nobody cares if you are popular in this stupid school and nobody likes you except the two people behind you. Now back off before I make you."

Her little heels walked closer to me and she glared. She was only an inch or two taller than me and she obviously tried to use that as a scaring tactic. Not rousing a reaction out of me, I showed her that wouldn't work. I was the head of my school once, and it was a lot bigger than this. She was going to have to get a life.

"Ladies?" Jared as coming up beside us. Kim's tense body immediately relaxed when she heard his voice.

"Everything okay here?" he asked wrapping an arm around my best friends waist.

"Just peachy," Tessa answered still glaring at me. I held her stare, daring for her to make a move. Her friends backed her off.

"Watch your back Swan," Tessa threatened. I rolled my eyes watching the girls walk on.

"You okay?" I asked Kim again. She nodded and snuggled into Jared.

"Watch your girl. She almost took a tumble," I commanded to Jared. He looked at his girlfriend with confusing eyes. Walking ahead, I made it into English class and grabbed my seat so they could have some time to talk.

The minute warning bell rang and Kim walked in with her books in front of her chest.

"Thanks for helping me back there," she said quietly. I turned to her. "I always have your back. And she's trying to get to me anyways."

She nodded. "Are you okay? This morning and then just then…"

"I'm fine," I smiled. My heart flip-flopped a bit. Bringing up Sam was not the best idea. She nodded and took out her pencil as class started. We passed notes the whole class period. Kim could just not understand why the girls had a problem with me. I told her it was obviously because I was stepping on the girl's toes. She liked Mr. Levin and I had his attention. Kim giggled at that and brought up her fantasy, now adding Tessa into it. I rolled my eyes and packed up my things when the bell rang.

Jared was outside of our classroom waiting for the two of us.

"Ready for the bio test results?" I asked him. Jared groaned and shook his head. Kim gave him little comfort and mixed in some scolding in there. I couldn't help but snicker. After dropping off Kim next door, we walked into bio and sat in our seats.

"So what was up with you today?" he wondered. I rolled my eyes. "And I'm not just talking about you and the car thing this morning. What was going on with you and Tessa?"

Before I could explain, class began and we were hushed into silence. Our tests were passed back. 'A' was circled in red marker at the top of my paper. Looking over to Jared, he groaned. I picked up his paper. 'C-' it read. On the side the teacher wrote a note. 'You can do better than this Jared'.

"I hate bio," he groaned out. I let out a laugh. "We can work on the makeup extra credit for the test after school if you want," I pitched. He looked at his test and then me. "Really, you would help me?"

I nodded. The teacher's policy was that anyone below a B could receive extra credit towards the test if they were to correct their answers and explain why. Obviously those people with a B or higher couldn't take their test home, but its not like I needed it. After class I waited for Jared to tell the teacher he was taking his test home and then we went to find Kim.

"Ill see you guys later," I said heading off to creative writing. They were having one of those lovey dovey moments and I didn't really want to stick around.

I slid into my desk next to Leah and began taking out my notebook and pencil.

"Okay Swan, what's up with you today? You got all weird in the p-lot."

I rolled my eyes. Of course Leah would be the one to just cut to the chase.

"I have a lot going on," I said in a short clear-cut manner.

"Is this about the whole family thing?" she wondered. I snapped my head to look at her like she was crazy. Where did she get that idea?

"What? No, what are you even talking about?" I asked bewildered.

She shrugged. "Well, your dad has just been spending a lot of time around my mom and at our house so I just wondered if you were okay."

I sighed. As much as Leah tried to act like she didn't care about people's drama and feelings, she definitely did.

"Yea, im good."

We both turned back to our books. "You know you're welcome to our house too right? You don't have to tag along with Charlie just to come visit."

I smiled at her sincerity. If only I had felt that way. "Yea, thanks Leah," I said looking at her. She nodded and we both listened to the instructor as class began.

"See ya at lunch Swan," Leah said packing up her things in a flash. I gave a wave and she was out the door before I could breathe.

I turned in my in class assignment at the front and then made my way to my locker. Exchanging some books and things, I shut the metal door and jumped.

"Holy shit Kim. What the hell?"

"Language," she scolded. I rolled my eyes at her as we began to walk.

"Where's Jared?" I asked.

"He went ahead."

Her secretiveness made me stop in my tracks. "Why?"

She sighed and looked around the hallway to make sure it was empty. "Promise you wont tell him?"

I nodded bewildered again. What was going on today? "I'm scared," she admitted. "When im not with Jared or you, I worry they are going to come after me."

Her voice was ever so soft and I literally had to lean closer to hear her.

"Kim," I sighed; I was a few inches taller than her so I could easily wrap my arms around her shoulders. "They are after me, not you. You have nothing to worry about. They touch you, or do anything to you- hell, even if they stare at you wrong I will have their asses on a platter."

She smiled letting my foul language pass. "Why aren't you telling Jared this?" I wondered.

She turned to look away from me so I stopped us. "I just-…I don't want him to worry. He does that a lot and I hate to see him so stressed out."

"But Kim, that's why he's your imprint," I said. From what I knew, the guys were always concerned with us. They had the instinct to keep us safe and protected.

"I know," she said shamefully. "But when he worries about me that's all he ever does. Bella, he got a C- on his bio test because he was worried when I had to watch my little brother the whole weekend by myself. He gets so focused on me that he doesn't take care of himself. He even admitted he could barely study because I was on his mind."

I let out a breath and comforted my friend. "Well Kim, this is what happens when a boy is whipped." She nudged me in the side and let out a laugh. "Okay, in all seriousness," I said getting down to business, "he cares about you. It's his duty. But I can see where you are coming from. You feel responsible and clearly guilty. So as already promised to Jared, I am going to help him with test corrections after school and you aren't going to worry your pretty little head about this any more."

The grateful look on my face had me beaming. As long as my best friend was happy, I was. I owed it to Kim. She kept my secrets when I needed her to, so I would do the same. Plus, she always gave me the insight to everything. From her own relationships, to imprinting, to the guys all being wolves.

"Also," I said before we stepped in the cafeteria. "I don't want you stressing out about Tessa. I can handle her okay?"

She nodded hesitantly, really trying to believe my words. Taking her shoulder again, we walked into the cafeteria to the guys.

"Geez you guys walk slow," Embry said. Being oh-so mature, I stuck my tongue at him. We all sat around talking and eating for a while till I felt someone patting my leg.

"What the hell?" I whispered. I found the owner of the hand belonged to Kim. She nodded over to Tessa and her little group. She was staring at me…well more like glaring. Rolling my eyes, I flipped her the bird and carried on with my lunch.

"What was that about?" Jake asked.

"Don't even ask," I said getting up to throw away my trash. Coming back to sit at the table, I watched as Tessa snuck looks at me. I let out a scoff. Yea like peering out of the corner of your eye every two seconds is sneaky. Crossing my arms, I raised an eyebrow at her. Getting the message she went back to gossiping with her pals at the table.

"So I think Bella should help me with my math today," Quil said with his arm around my shoulder as we all walked out of the lunchroom.

"Ha, yea well get in line Bud. I already told Jared I would help him with his Bio and I have a Spanish project of my own that I have to start getting done tonight."

Quil sulked. "Maybe tomorrow," I said removing his shoulder with a smile as I walked off to Spanish.

The class went by like a breeze. It was pretty much free hour so we could work on our projects. We figured out the outline of our information and then Kim sketched out some ideas of what the poster could look like.

"Sam should have most of these things at his house," Kim said. "And if not you and I could always go get them." I nodded. The class ended and I was back in the office. It was a slow day once again.

"You okay dear?" Mrs. Tearwood asked. I spun around to look at the lady. Why was everyone asking me that today? Did she know about my parking lot scene too?

"You look…distracted." She said. I sighed with relief. So this talk didn't involve my before school reactions.

"Yea, just had an interesting day. Nothing to worry about." She nodded.

I stared at the clock. Every minute that ticked by made me groan inside. I would be at Sam's house for the evening. Sam's- the man who I kissed on the cheek. I should compassion and affection. I didn't even think about the imprint or any of that mojo when I did it. I couldn't figure out where this placed us now. Were we still going to be friends? Was he going to want to be more than that? What if he assumed I accepted the imprint?

"Bella?" Mrs. Tearwood asked again. I looked up at her. "If you stare at the clock any harder, it might break."

I let out a laugh. "Sorry," I apologized. She waved it off and insisted for me to tell her what was going on. I didn't really know where to begin though. Was I really going to tell this sweet old lady my problems?

Blabbing away, I told her what I could. I told her that I had liked two of my good guy friends but weren't sure what to do about it. And then I told her about what happened this morning. I had been more than just friendly with one of them when I was leaving for school. She smiled and laughed when I told her I had kissed him on the cheek and ran out of the house like a bat out of hell.

"Bella, you are young, have a little fun." She encouraged. "You are allowed to test out your feelings. Explore; go with what you feel. One man can't tie you down forever, just let your mind step back and your heart take over."

I wished her words could be true. I wanted to tell her that it would final when I make my decision, that my fate would be sealed. Confronting my feelings for either of the guys would hurt someone and I didn't want to do that. Of course, they would get over it and be in a place like my brother or best friend but they would never have a 'greater' love than me. Modest much? I wish.

Nodding my head, I tried to pass off a smile and thanked her as the day ended. Packing up my stuff I dragged myself out of the office.

A bony shoulder hit mine and I stumbled back hard. Glancing to see the owner, I found the one and only Tessa. She was with her little minions again.

"What the hell?" I asked rubbing the sore area. Geez, did she have a steel plate in there or something?

"Watch where you are going next time," she taunted. I went to go give her a piece of my fist when Mrs. Tearwood poked her head out of the office.

"Everything okay?"

The girls nodded with a smile but she just looked to me. I gave her a single nod and then walked off as the little old lady waited for me to flee the scene.

I met everyone at the parking lot and sighed. God my shoulder throbbed. Getting in the car, we drove to Sam's.

I swear the car ride was a lot shorter than usual. I continuously snuck glances at Jake's speedometer but found him going the speed limit.

"How am I doing officer?" Jake questioned.

"What?" I asked moving my eyes to look at him.

"You have been checking my speed every two seconds. What's up with you?" he asked pulling into the driveway.

"Nothing," I mumbled getting out of the car. Kim met me halfway with a smile.

"You okay?" she wondered as I rubbed my shoulder not returning her happy gesture. Another car pulled up and Paul stepped out a few seconds later.

"Great," I grunted with double meaning. We all walked up to the porch only to find the door locked. I watched as Paul made his way towards the front of the group and took out the spare key from its hiding spot.

"Isn't this like…breaking and entering?" I asked.

"Not if you have a key," he smiled waving the piece of metal in my face. Rolling my eyes we all shuffled inside. I set my bag down on the floor and rotated the shoulder Tessa hit. Man this hurt.

"Bella, let me look," Kim said. I flinched a bit and moved away. "No, im fine- its fine," I corrected.

She gave me her motherly glare that made all of the guys cower, including me. Standing still, I let her walk to me and push my shirt away to look at it.

"Geez Bella, it's bruising. What the hell happened?"

"Hey language," I called as she dragged me to the kitchen. She pulled on my arm, which held the large bruise, and I winced. Dropping it, we stood behind the counter while she got some ice.

"Take off your shirt," she commanded with ice waiting in a towel. "Geez Kim if I knew you swung like that…"

"Bella, take it off," she said not finding my humor too funny. Doing what she said, I pulled the short sleeve shirt off me and waited for her to do her nursing duties.

"Ouch," I exclaimed when she pressed too hard.

"So what happen Bella?" Paul asked coming to join us. I rolled my eyes at the little smirk he carried on his face. Sometimes I just wanted to punch him.

"I was met with the shoulder of furry. God it was like steel."

"Tessa?" Kim asked softly. I looked at her and found her staring at my shoulder. I could tell she was scared.

Putting a hand over the one she held the ice with; I got her to look at me. "Hey, im fine, nothing to worry about."

She went back to tending to my shoulder, pressing to hard again.

"Ow Kim, geez watch it," I said jumping back. Paul let out a laugh along with the rest of the pack in the living room.

"You better watch yourself Jared, I'm helping you today," I warned. He immediately shut up while the guys continued to laugh at him and me. Paul's phone began to ring and he went to take it out back.

Sighing, I wondered to myself what I was going to do about him. Kim pressed too hard on my shoulder again by accident and I took the bag of ice away. "Okay, gosh, enough."

"Sorry," she said sympathetically. "I am going to see if Sam has an ace bandage anywhere to wrap it up."

"Kim, im not that badly injured, I'm fine!" I yelled to her as she walked out of the room. I knew she was upset but I couldn't do anything to help her. I guess I would just talk to her later. As I iced my shoulder she came back with a full out first aid kit.

"Okay, woah doc. It's a bruised shoulder not a chopped off limb."

She cracked a smile and had me take the bag of ice off.

"Kim," I whispered softly to her. "I'm okay. Really."

She nodded and looked back at her medical kit. I peered over to the guys and found Jared looking concerned at Kim. Catching his eyes, I shook my head silently telling him to back off. This was my problem with Kim. I needed to make her feel safe again because they were after me.

Paul came back into the room. "How is it?" he wondered to my shoulder.

"Kim's playing doctor," I joked with a complaint heavily tied to the statement. He smirked at me and then turned back to everyone else. "I have to go back into work. They are short staffed again."

My eyebrows furrowed. I didn't even know where he worked. After giving me a few more glances and acting like he cared, Paul left a few minutes later. "So where is Sam anyways?" I asked everyone.

"He probably had to stay late at work or something. Usually with a new contract and all he doesn't get back here till later," Jake said. I nodded. Interesting.

"Hey did you find anything for our poster?" I asked Kim. She nodded and now took out a pack of peas. Laying it on my shoulder gently, she set my hand on the frozen food while she dumped the ice in the sink and hung up the towel.

"Yea, there were a few things. Nothing like we were expecting but it may be useable."

I nodded and then commanded Embry to go look. It was his project too anyways. He slowly got up and went to wherever it was that Sam kept craft things.

As Kim lifted the pack of vegetables from my shoulder, the front door opened. Sam came walking in his house seemly tired. The Pack gave him a nice greeting but then when he turned to glance at the kitchen his demeanor changed.

"What the hell happened?" he bellowed.

"Language," Kim and I scolded. Chuckling, I watched as she shook her head with a giggle. Kim was rubbing off on me. Sam walked over to us and looked at me. Avoiding his eyes, I prayed Kim would just hurry up with my shoulder. I really didn't need this anyways.

"What happened?" Sam asked me while lifting the pack of peas. He set it back down and I winced. "Watch it, sheesh."

He raised an eyebrow at me and then turned to Kim. Clearly he was looking for an explanation.

"I ran into a boney shoulder, that's what happened," I grumbled throwing the package of frozen food on the counter. I walked over to the chair where I threw my shirt and put it over my head. I winced just a bit as I raised my shoulder to slide my arm in the hole.

"God, what does she eat?" I wondered aloud. "How could such a thin person have such a solid shoulder?"

Kim smiled at me, knowing I was trying to ease the tension. Her attitude changed though when I practically ran away from her. "Bella, get back here," she commanded.

"I'm going to help your boyfriend with his homework," I said with a thumb backwards. "And maybe find Embry. He seemed a bit lost when trying to get those craft supplies." She rolled her eyes, seeing right through my excuse. Taking two big steps towards me she took my arm. "Don't try and use my boyfriend against me. And Embry is fine, he is a big boy."

She tugged me back to the kitchen and I jumped away. "Okay, okay geez. Not that arm okay?" I asked in pain. She dragged me back to my original spot, which was still right in front of Sam. He now had his arms crossed on his chest looking serious.

"Quit the look, I'm fine," I mumbled to him. I glanced over at Kim. She was preparing the bandage.

"You know I don't need that right?" I asked leaning over Sam's big body to look at her. "I've been hurt worse than this in basketball and they didn't give me anything."

"Well you aren't playing basketball right now are you Bella?" Kim asked with sass. Finding that to be unexpected I cheered the girl on. "Nice comeback Kim. I must be rubbing off on you."

I tried my hardest to ignore Sam's presence. Ever since he stepped in the door I prepared myself to act like nothing happened. Same old same old.

"Your shirt needs to come off again," she told me. I rolled my eyes. "I'm not putting that thing on."

Before Kim could protest Sam did. "Yes you are."

I held my tongue and shook my head. Focusing on Kim, I told her no.

"Stop being so stubborn," she said exasperated.

"Stop being so…doctorly," I said not even knowing if that was a word. I moved out of her reach so she couldn't catch my arm with that stupid bandage.

"Just get your ass over here Swan," she commanded. I let out a huff. "My last name and a swear word…really?"

Sam watched out banter with somewhat amusement.

"Jared tell your girl to calm down. I am fine."

Kim glared at me and Jared said nothing. "Great, thanks for the help," I called to him.

"Bella," she said stomping her foot. I raised my eyebrow in entertainment. Did she really just do that? "Come on please? It will make me feel better."

I internally debated with myself. "God, you little manipulating sphinx," I muttered to her. Her face showed pure delight as I walked back over to her stupid first aid kit. Tugging on my shirt, I pulled it off with much effort.

"When did this happen?" Sam spoke up running his fingers lightly over the black and blue bruise.

"Sometime when I was in school," I said bluntly as I stared at the floor. His touch was giving me goosebumps, which he could obviously see. Feeling his burning gaze he was famous for with me, I caved giving him the information he wanted. "Okay, right after school! Sheesh," I exclaimed backing away from his touch. I hated when he did that stupid stare.

"And where were all you?" he questioned going over to the people in the living room.

"They were just getting out of class too," I said catching his arm with my good one. I didn't want the guys to get in trouble for something they didn't even know about. His eyes snapped down to my hand on his arm and I quickly let it go. Me initiating skin to skin contact. Not good. I asked Kim for a glass of water to distract her from my shoulder and she nodded.

"Who did this to you Bella?" Jake finally asked coming into the kitchen. I rolled my eyes. Like I was going to tell him.

"This didn't have to do with the rumor after 2nd hour would it?" Leah asked coming to join us now too. Kim handed me my water and I silently thanked her.

"What happened after 2nd hour?" Kim and I questioned. I took a sip of my drink.

"Apparently Tessa and her little groupie got into some bitch slapping with some girl."

I choked on the liquid, pushing it down to swallow. Letting out a few coughs, I turned my body and composed myself.

"Are you serious? It was you?" she asked incredulous.

"What? No!" I protested before things could escalate. Sam already looked like he was going to lose it.

I looked to Kim for help but she just stood there shocked.

"Thank god. I heard the poor girl got a real beating," Leah said relieved.

I rolled my eyes. Of course Tessa and her little snobby minions would say so. I bet if I was to rip off one of her fake nails she would be running home crying.

Jared spoke and opened the can of worms. Damn him. "Please don't tell me this rumor is tied into what went on earlier today."

Immediately Sam's ear perked up at that. "What happened this morning?" His eyes darted to the three of us.

I shot Jared a look and was about ready to smack him. "Jared!"

I waited for Kim to help me here but she was silent. Glancing over at her, she just bit her lip and stayed silent.

"Sure feed me to the wolves," I said raising my arms. "Ow! damn it," I cursed. Before she could scold me I shot her a look and she went silent. All eyes were on me.

"Okay first of all, it happened after 1st hour, not second."

"What?" everyone roared. Kim and I winced at their tones. We were in for a new one.

"Calm down!" I yelled. Everyone became a bit quieter and Sam just glared. "Nothing happened. Kim may have gotten a little shove but she was fine."

"Jared saved the day," Kim mumbled quietly.

"No," I corrected, "Jared saved me from kicking her ass, that's what he did," I forced out with trembling anger.

Kim snapped her head up at me. "Bella Swan don't you dare even-"

"The next time she walks up to me. Hell the next time I even see her, she is going down," I growled out.

"Don't be stupid Bella," Seth said in pleading protest.

"Nuh uh," I said with a finger. "You don't get to judge. You weren't there. This is between that Tessa girl and me. Her and her stupid little fuckin-"

"Language," Kim scolded. I rolled my eyes and took control my temper. "Imma hit her," I said in a short tone to sum everything up. The chatter started again so I patiently waited for it to die down. Everyone was scolding me and telling me what I couldn't do.

"Bella you can't just go up and slap the girl," Quil said.

"Really? Watch me," I countered with attitude. Someone growled, which I guessed was Sam.

"You could get suspended," Embry reasoned. "And if that happens then you might not have enough days and hours to graduate."

I rolled my eyes. That was the least of my worries. I would probably be moving back with Renee before graduation even came.

"Let the guys take care of it," Kim reasoned with her soft voice.

"First of all, guys don't hit girls," I said laying down the law. "Especially these ones," I said pointing my finger to all of them.

"Which is why they can't take care of it. Now," I said holding up my hand before the protests began from everyone, "girls can hit girls. That's why it's called a bitch slap. So now, if you take a look, I am a girl," I said showing everyone my body. I swear Sam's eyes darkened a bit, but I couldn't focus on that right now. "So as a girl, I, am going to hit another girl because she shoved me with her stupid boney shoulder and gave me a freaking bruise."

The protests began but I blocked them out. No one was changing my mind about this.

"Why don't I just go up and hit her for you?" Leah asked. Sam growled at her.

I rolled my eyes. "Because A, you are not apart of this and B, that would just start a whole 'nother thing. Seriously guys, its not a big deal. Its not like this has been my first fight."

Everyone raised an eyebrow at that. "Oh please, I went to three different high schools before this. You really don't think I have ever had beef with another person?"

Everyone was silent and I raised my eyebrows. "Okay, well I guess you did. But, well, I have. So, now that we all know this, we can see I am experienced, I have the fists of furry and all and I am about ready to kick this girls ass."

Loud uproar erupted again but it silenced when the door opened. Paul walked in again. "Hey I thought they needed you at work?" I asked confused.

"They did," he said looking weirdly at everyone in the kitchen, "but the guy I was filling in for ended up showing." I nodded. Still had no idea where he worked. Sam glanced between the two of us and I shifted from foot to foot, feeling uncomfortable.

"So what's going on here?" Paul wondered breaking the silence and his stare, which was stuck on me for a while.

"You're not going to want to-" Immediately I scrunched my face as the loud chaos started up again.

"Ask," I finished as everyone continued to scold me.

"You're not getting in a fight Bella," Sam commanded.

"Sam," I huffed rolling my eyes. "Its high school. Shit like that happens."

He growled which just made me huff again.

"Can I put my shirt back on?" I asked to Kim as she reprimanded me too. She went silent and went back onto her nursing duties.

"No ones stopping me from this," I said aloud waiting for Kim to finish.

"Watch us," Jake said matching my cocky expression on my face.