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Don't forget: Twilight and all isn't mine...nope, nope, nope...its Stephanie Meyers!

Once all the papers were signed for the apartment, Alice and I went to downtown to the Denali Bar and Grill. I hadn't been there before, but Alice assured me it was a hot spot for eye candy and I was excited to get to know my new neighborhood.

It was still kind of early when we got there, so Alice and I decided we might as well try out the Grill portion of the Denali. Alice ordered a grilled chicken salad, while I went for the American classic - a cheeseburger. The food was amazing, and while we were finishing up we watched the band bring in their equipment. A couple of the band members came over to our table and introduced themselves. Riley was the bass player and clearly had a eye out for Alice, the other called himself D. He was the lead singer with an amazing voice. He had a bit of an Italian accent, but you couldn't hear it at all when he sang.

The band got started and the place was filling up fast. Alice and I were having a great time enjoying the music and the drinks; the company wasn't so bad either. During their breaks the band would sit at our table, since we were there early we were the closest to the stage.

"So, what's the D short for?" I asked D.

"Demetri," he said with a shy smile. "I hate it! My mom had to have been smoking something when she named me."

I laughed at him, "Its not so bad, try Isabella! I swear I should have been a queen in the early 1800's. That's why I shorten it to Bella; I don't feel so decrepit. Of course, Bella is more like a dogs name than a human name." I had always thought that, but I never really talked about it. Actually, I had a friend once whose dog's name was Bella, it was an English bulldog, and the name was very fitting - for a dog.

"I like it." D was clearly flirting. "I think its new and old at the same time ya know. Like an antique, both interesting and beautiful."

"Well, thank you," I said with embarrassment.

Just about then Alice popped her pixie head in, "Bella, Jaz just called, he'd like me to come by." I could read the pleading in her eyes. "Do you mind?" I could almost hear her now…please, please, PLEASE?!

"Of course not, Ali, I'll get a cab to take me back home. Not a big deal!" I knew Alice had been giving up lots of time with Jasper the last couple weeks since I had been staying with her. Not that I ask her to, but just because she knew seeing them together would probably be harder on me. I could still see that Jasper had been sneaking into the place at night once I was in bed, I'd even heard them a few times, but I would never tell Alice that.

"You know what, Bella," Alice started with a huge grin, "You are truly the best friend ever!" With that she was gone. It was overly obvious she was eager to get to Jasper.

"If you don't mind staying till close, we can give you a lift," D offered. "It will take us a bit to clean up, but we should be out of here by 2:00 a.m."

2:00 a.m. I thought to myself. I couldn't remember the last time I was out that late, or if I ever had been. Honestly, I wasn't sure I was able to stay out till 2:00 a.m.

"Actually, I think I'll be out of here before then. I still have class tomorrow, and if I don't get in until 2:00 a.m. - there's no way I'll be going to class. But it was really sweet of you to offer." While I was a little afraid to take a cab in a strange city, I really didn't know this guy much either, and that could be just as dangerous, more so even.

"If your sure. Its really not a problem for us." D said on his way back to the stage.

"I'll be fine," I assured him. "But really thanks for the offer."

I was suddenly nervous to get out of there. Thinking about being in a strange place all alone was really getting to me, strange men, strange city. I quickly gathered my things and headed for the door. I decided quickly in my haste that I would just call Jacob and ask that he give me a ride home. I knew he would, and I could deal with the consequences of that, knowing I would get home safely. As I stepped out into the cool night air, I instantly began to feel better. I was already dialing Jake's number and I prayed he didn't think I was drunk dialing him. I would really just love a ride home safely. Studying the people in the streets as Alvin and the Chipmunks sang Rite Round in my ear, I couldn't help but smile at Jacob's childishness. I was instantly comforted. Starting across the street, desperately trying to get away from the loud music blaring from the bar, I spotted them.

Jake was carrying a beautiful blonde bimbo bridal style down the street. They were laughing loud enough for even me to hear more than a block away, and obviously drunk. I saw red, my first reaction was to waltz right up and lay my claim on the man this slut thought she was going home with tonight. As realization hit me that I had no claim on him anymore, my heart began to break all over again. I couldn't help but think that used to be me. It used to be me that he carried bridal style around the house, it used to be me that made him laugh like that, we used to be that happy, happier probably. As all those old memories came flooding back to me, Jacob turned around, and as the bimbo whispered in his hear, his eyes met mine. I couldn't begin to imagine the emotions that crossed my face in that instant. All I could see was horror and pain in Jake's. We were both stunned for a moment, just staring at each other. Then, all of a sudden, I saw a taxi from the corner of my eye and I frantically waved for the driver's attention. I had to get out of here and now, I was no longer afraid for the strangeness of my surroundings, I was desperate for an exit to the moment I had been locked in.

I quickly gave the driver Alice's address as I jumped into the car. I refused to look back at the two standing in the street. I had to move forward, now more than ever I felt it. I was alone, all alone. Quicker than seemingly possible we were pulling to the curb in front of Alice's building. I tossed the driver some cash and thanked him as I tore myself from the cab.

Rushing from the street into the building, I tripped on the stairs on my way up, and of course dropped the entire contents of my purse everywhere. Once I got my mess cleaned up and was in the apartment, I got into the shower, eager to wash the night's memories away. It was very different knowing myself that Jake and I were over, and actually seeing him with another woman. Another woman whom I didn't realize until now, I may have recognized. When I saw them together I wasn't paying much attention to her, I just saw him, heard his laughter above all else. That is what had me so swept up in the moment. Now that I had time to clear my thoughts, I really wish I would have paid more attention to her.

I got out of the shower, and slipped on my comfy pajamas. I resisted the urge to eat a gallon of Ben and Jerry's and opted for some old episodes of 'The Golden Girls' as I nuzzled into bed. I could always count on Rue McClanahan, Betty White, and Bea Arthur to cheer me up. Once I realized it was the episode where Dorothy was caught sleeping with Stan again, I turned the television off and rolled over angrily in my bed. How could even my TV bff's let me down tonight?

~*~

I was running down the street in front of the Denali place when I caught sight of them. Jacob and Rosalie Hale ripping each other's clothes off, right there in the middle of downtown. Did they not have any decency for the other people who may be on the street?

While my eyes refused to believe, my ears didn't deceive me when Jacob spoke out to me.

"Ah, Bella, please join us." Cocking his eyebrow at me, "You know this was always a fantasy of mine, two women together."

"Jake your one sick fuck! You know that! How could you be with a bitch like her?!" I spat

That's when Rosalie stalked toward me, first she lightly caressed my arm before bringing her hand to the back of my neck to hold me in place, she began kissing me passionately.

While I kicked and thrashed trying to get out of her hold, Jacob laughed behind us. Clearly enjoying the show.

~*~

I woke in a sheet of sweat, panting heavily. What the fuck! I did recognize the bimbo! Mother fucking Rosalie Hale. That bitch pretended to be my friend! And, now that I think back, the night at the bar was the first night that Jake really lashed out. I blamed it on the booze, that bitch probably spiked his drink. All I know is that after that night Jacob was never the same, never 'My Jacob' anymore. But I've also decided that if he wants to get himself involved with that tramp, more power to him. Hearing the stories the girls tell when Rosalie isn't around gives me the feeling that the final laugh in this whole mess will be at Jacob's expense. And while I do feel sorry for him, he made his bed.

Feeling a tiny bit better, I got myself dressed for the day and headed downstairs to find Alice whistling away in the kitchen and Jasper lounging on the couch.

"Good morning sunshine," I said, startling Alice.

"Good Morning," she said aloud, then mouthed 'sorry."

"Don't worry about it, really," I whispered back to her. "I would like to talk with you privately later…if you don't mind."

"Of course! Jaz has an early class today anyway."

"Speaking of class, I'd better get there myself. Don't have TOO much fun. I'll see ya later, okay?" Winking at Alice, I walked out the door.

My classes passed quickly. I really wanted to get home and tell Alice about seeing Jacob last night with Rosalie. I was a little nervous of what Alice would think, Rosalie was her friend after all. I wasn't surprised to find the two of them together however. Rose was just opposite of me, and she didn't make it a secret the night at the club that she was after him. I am a little heartbroken that Jake gave in so easily. There was nothing I could do about that now. I had to get over all of this, but I still wasn't sure how it would affect mine and Alice's friendship. She was really all I had now in this place, I had found myself becoming dependent on her, as much as I hated it, I needed her. When I get to talk to her, I'll lay it all out on the table and let the chips fall where they may. I can do this, I just need to keep reminding myself.

I beat Alice home from school, which was unusual. I decided to cook dinner for the two of us, it only seemed right to talk over food. Some of the best conversations I'd had in my life happened around the dinner table.

"You are not going to believe this!" Alice exclaimed as she rushed in the door.

"What?"

"I stopped by Rosalie's on my way home." Alice's eyes were as big as saucers. Here it comes…Should I let her tell me or tell her I saw them last night? I debated internally. Before I'd finished the argument with myself Alice continued. "She wasn't alone Bella. Jake was there." Just like Alice, straight to the heart of the matter.

"I saw them last night." I admitted. "I was going to call him and ask him to give me a ride home, while his phone was ringing in my ear I saw him carrying her down the street. They seemed very happy."

"Are you okay with that, Bella?" she asked me, concern all over her face.

"Do I really have a choice Alice?" I don't think I do, and I don't think I need one. "I mean really? I let him go, remember. I'm the one who moved out, he begged me to stay."

"You don't think..." Alice started. I cut her off mid sentence.

"She was the one? Oh, I have no doubt. That night at the club she was hitting on him with no shame. That was the first night that Jacob started acting weird. I wouldn't be surprised if it all started that night." I was being honest with myself and Alice now.

"Bella, I'm so sorry." Alice had tears in her eyes. "I had no idea, I would of tried to do something."

"Alice, it was time. I'm learning that I wasn't as into the relationship as I thought I was. It would have been cheating both of us to stay the way we were. I am upset that he made me look like a fool in the process. He just had bigger balls than I did. I didn't know how to end it, and while that's not how I would have liked for things to go, what's done is done." I was feeling better getting all this off my chest.

"I just really can't believe that bitch." Alice was getting pissed now, in a way Rosalie had betrayed her too.

"Alice, they both deserve to be happy. I just don't want this to harm our friendship." I was hurt enough through all of this, I didn't want to loose a friend too.

"Bella, that is one thing you absolutely do not have to worry about." Alice reassured me.

After a few hugs, and lots of tears Alice and I finished our night and headed to bed. I was exhausted already by the week that I had, and I still had to move into my new place in a couple days. The rest of this week would be spent packing and thanking Alice for being an amazing friend.

EPOV

I know I have no right wanting Bella like I do. I know I'm a few years older than her and worse than that I'm her teacher. I know this is wrong in so many ways, but I really can't help the draw I have to her. Its like she's a gigantic magnet, and I have no choice when she is within my vicinity. After that first day in the library, I knew I didn't have a choice, I had to be with her. Then when she told me that she moved here with her boyfriend, my heart hit the floor. When she said that they had broken up I was relieved. Then I was mad at myself for being happy over something that hurt her.

I would never hurt her, and I would do anything in my power to keep her from ever being hurt again. She was so enduring with her constant worry over her grades, with an A dropping to an A- she doesn't have anything to worry about. When she told me that she was looking for an apartment I knew exactly where she could live. It was selfish on my part, but I wanted to keep her close to me. I realized quickly, that pretty much qualified me as a stalker, but it was too late. Bella sent the text saying she got the apartment and I shared in her excitement. Now, how would I tell her I live in the same building? I know that would completely creep her out, and that's the last thing I want to do.

I know I'm crazy for having the hopes of a relationship with her. She is an amazingly beautiful woman, half the men in this city would love to have her on their arm. And me, being her teacher, really have no right to go after her. I know the consequences of dating a student, thankfully they are much worse for the teacher than the student. That is one thing I would not let bother me.

When Bella agreed to allow me to help her move into her new place I nearly came out of my skin. Spending extra time with Bella, and seeing her in her personal space - comfortable, I couldn't hardly wait for this week to get over with. I called Garrett and asked him if he could get the keys to Bella's early, knowing how excited she would be to get started early. Of course he happily obliged. I had already called him Monday evening to let him know all about Bella and made sure he gave her the grand tour and pointed out all the perks of the place. Then Garrett called me Tuesday evening to let me know that Bella really didn't need my help with selling herself. She was amazing and would have gotten the place without my input. I was not at all surprised by that, he was as taken with Bella as I was. Maybe not to the intense level I was, but he could see the charm.

Now, if this week will ever get over with, I'll get to spend time with her personally again. Seeing her in class was not enough for me. Actually teaching her in class was almost painful. I had to keep in mind that there were 100 other students in the class with us, I had to remain professional at all times. I never had the chance to talk one on one with her in class, and part of me was very glad of that, I'm not sure I could control my behavior. I settled with the fact that I only had to suffer one more day before Bella could move in, and with any luck, Garrett will get that key to her in the morning. Maybe, just maybe I could see Bella tomorrow.

So sorry! Please forgive me for not getting to 'move in day'. I think with all that went on in this chapter, it was enough for Bella. We will get to move in day, and more E&B next...

With more reviews...maybe I'll be inspired to get another chapter out before the end of the week. ;)