My Sweet Thing

Chapter Eleven: A Friend

True to my word, I kept things calm. The following few days at school were boring and dull, and I loved it. Rose kept her distance, Jasper avoided me like the plague, and while I would have liked to have seen Bronze and Alice, the two of them gave me a wide berth. It was to be expected, and I wasn't too fussed.

For once, I had time to focus on getting my grades back up where they should have been originally. My teachers were pleasantly surprised by my continued attendance and effort in class, and my new outlook on life was having a positive affect all round. The only hiccup was my counselling sessions. With Dr. Carlisle gone, I had a lot more time back to focus on my studies, which was great, but I knew it wouldn't last.

I had already been called aside this week and told his replacement was going to arrive on Monday. My sessions were mandatory, and no matter how much I begged and pleaded, they wouldn't let me off. It was safe to say, I was not looking forward to Monday.

I didn't want a stranger analysing everything I said and did. I didn't want them asking questions and prying into the past. I didn't want them ruining my new mood. What I wanted was Carlisle. He was the only one who would understand, and therefore the only one I could really talk to about it. This stranger was just going to cause chaos, I just knew it.

Alas, that was Monday's problem; I still had to get through the remainder of the week before then.

Having arrived early at school, I headed straight to the library to finish off some work. It just seemed like the right idea to keep focused. Hell, with the right grades I could actually make something with my life, not just squander it away.

The place was pretty deserted when I arrived, and I quickly found a table near the back that looked suitable enough. Spreading out my books and worksheets, I caught up to where I had left off and got straight to it. There was enough time to finish it off before classes started, and that would give me free time that evening, for a change. I had spent so many hours trying to catch up, it was unreal. I didn't even know how I had gotten so far behind.

I was getting through things rather well, before I was interrupted, and for a change, I liked this interruption. Bronze had taken a seat across from me and was smiling softly,

"Hello, gorgeous," he said, leaning forward and taking my hand in his. I blushed and shook my head at him.

"I thought we were meant to quote movies to one another." He grinned and nodded.

"I did. Hello gorgeous is the opening line in the movie Funny Girl." Frowning, I bit my lip and shook my head.

"I've never heard of it," I replied, shrugging.

"I hadn't either, to be honest, but Wikipedia assures me that's true." He smirked and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Is that not cheating, looking up quotes online?" I asked, gently squeezing his hand in mine. Bronze's smirk grew once again, and turned into a grin. He leant further forward, looking at me slyly.

"I wouldn't call it cheating, Princess, more like getting creative." I rolled my eyes and grinned.

"Whatever, it was a nice opening. Thank you."

"Oh you're very welcome," he said, licking his lips slowly. "Look, I know we're just working out what's going on but I feel that I have to say this now before I miss my chance." Bronze paused and took a breath. "The very first day we met, I told you that someday I was going to make you my sweet thing, not overtly – but surreptitiously, and only now I realise how foolishly wrong I was. You have captivated me completely, and I am yours, irrefutably. Whenever you want me, I will be there, waiting." Picking up my hand, he kissed the back of it softly, his lips warm to the touch. "So take all the time you need, Princess, I'm not going anywhere."

For that moment alone, I couldn't think of one good reason why we were waiting.

Bronze hadn't run when he found out about my sordid past, and he hadn't fled when I told him about Jake. He had stayed with me, was exceedingly supportive, and was willing to take the brunt of Rose and Jasper's malicious attacks. He had never needed a reason, he was just there. So why was I pushing him away? What time did I need? What could I possibly be waiting for that wasn't right in front of me?

On the other hand, what if we rushed things? What if we jumped straight into a relationship only to have it ruin things? Was it too soon to even think about starting a relationship? Was I even capable of having one?

Bronze would be my first ever boyfriend, and I didn't even know where to begin. What did a boyfriend and girlfriend do together, aside from the obvious? And what if I messed it up?

Good lord, I was working myself into a mess right there and then.

Bronze had sat back in his seat, leaving my hand on the table. My lack of response clearly wasn't what he was hoping for. I sighed and shook my head, trying to backtrack quickly so I didn't offend him. He was going to get the complete wrong impression, and all because I had a mental freak out.

"I'm sorry, I was a little overwhelmed," I said, biting my lip nervously. He shrugged and nodded.

"I shouldn't have been so forward, it was wrong of me."

"No, it wasn't, really. I just…I'm not sure what's stopping me from saying 'let's just be together' but there is something. I can't explain it, but I'm not ready. I want to be, I do, but I'm not. It would be wrong to start something now when I'm not completely into it. I'm sorry. Thank you. Thank you for being honest and being patient. Trust me, one of these days, your patience will pay off."

I reached my hand out for his again, and was relieved when he responded. His hand gave mine a squeeze and he nodded once more, looking down at his lap.

"Just keep me in your thoughts." With one final squeeze, he let my hand go and got up. "Have a good day and look after yourself. I'll see you around, Princess." Bronze tucked in his chair and headed for the door, disappearing behind bookcases.

What was with all the men in my life walking away from me?

Bronze left me, closing conversation completely, and Dr. Carlisle had done the exact same thing. Both seemed to have my best interests at heart; Bronze, willing to wait until I was ready for a relationship, and Carlisle, not wanting to be the thing that held me back in life.

They were making things easier for me, but also harder. I was in a fragile state, yes, but I wanted someone to talk to, someone who would be there for me. I didn't want them to walk away and leave me to myself. I needed time, before I could date Bronze, but that didn't mean I wanted nothing to do with him. I wanted his friendship, and yet he kept walking away. Carlisle had cut off all forms of communication by resigning, and clearly he wasn't going to talk to me unless I made it happen.

The only other person I could think of was Alice, and I had no idea whether or not she knew about Jake. Bronze did say that he would tell her, on my behalf, but I had no clue if he had done so or not. Hell, would she even want to be my friend after what I had done?

Sighing, I closed my books and packed up my things. I couldn't concentrate anymore. My brain was too clogged up. Throwing everything in my bag, I headed to my first class. I was ridiculously early, but was quite happy to sit in the classroom until it began.

The first few lessons were a blur. I couldn't stop overanalysing everything. I had effectually shunned myself and cut any and all friends from my life. There was no way I could go back to Rose, she was liability, and Jasper was a definite no. There were a few girls I could have gone to, but they didn't know about Jake, and that would just be pointless. How was I to explain to someone that all my fears, problems and issues stemmed from some big event, and then not tell them said event?

Impossible.

I was alone, it was as simple as that, and I hated it. I was caught up on most of my schoolwork, so had plenty of free time, and no one to spend it with. I had gone from being one of the most popular students in the school, to being a complete pariah. Well done, you finally got that peaceful lifestyle you always wanted.

The bell rang and woke me from my thoughts. Friends or no friends, I had to knuckle down and just keep going. High school wasn't the end of the world, and there was so much more waiting on me once I left. If no one was willing to be my friend, then oh well. I'd deal. Somehow. I think. Maybe. Maybe not. Yeah. No.

I headed back to my locker and chucked my things inside, getting ready to go to the library. This would have been my counsellor slot, but yeah… Grumbling to myself internally, I shut my locker door and made to turn and leave.

"Bella, darlin', I think we need to talk," Jasper purred, running his hand down my arm, before taking hold of my hand. I hadn't even seen him approach, or him come and stand next to me. The man had been completely silent.

"Funnily enough, Jasper, I know we don't need to talk, so goodbye." I pursed my lips and attempted to walk away. He tugged me back and encased me in his arms, practically holding me still.

"Let's not play hard to get, you know I'll win." I glared at him and gave a quick shove, freeing my body from him.

Just my luck, I wanted someone to talk to and this leech answered my prayers. Really not what I had in mind, God, but thanks anyway.

"Fine, we'll talk, but keep your slimy hands off of me." He grinned and waved his hand flamboyantly in front of us, waiting for me to lead the way.

I headed along the corridor with him at my side, and waited for his cue as to where we were going. He pointed towards the girls' bathroom, and opened the door for me to enter first. I checked the stalls, and once satisfied the place was actually empty, I took a seat on the countertop. Jasper paced the floor, drawing the whole process out like some dramatic theatre performance. He wanted me to get sucked in and speak first, but that wasn't happening. I wasn't going to play his games.

"Okay, here's the problem," he said, stopping in the middle of the floor. "You refused Rose's offer, and you asked that we stay away from you and your pathetic little friends. Not only was I exceedingly hurt by your rejection, but I was also angry that you're denying me new meat. So I just can't abide by your rules, Bella, and do you know why I can't do that?" he asked, raising his eyebrows at me.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. "No, Jasper, I don't know why you can't do that. I mean, you technically can do it, you just don't want to." Smarmy bastard was going to make things difficult for me, I just knew it.

"Yes, but I have a good reason for not wanting to. Your little friend turns sixteen this year and her ass is legal, I intend to be all over that by then, but the only way to do that is to get her to like me. How is she to like me if she never speaks to me?" Jasper crossed his arms and shook his head, looking disappointed. "She can't; she can't like me if she never speaks to me."

"Frankly, Jasper, I'm rather pleased to hear that. I don't want you near her. I made it clear to Rose and I will make it clear to you. You need to back the fuck off, from me and from Edward and Alice. She is never going to like you, or let you touch her. So why don't you just drop this now? She's not going to be another notch on your belt, and she's not going to be another virgin to fall into your bed. Leave her alone, and for the love of God, leave me alone because I am done with your theatrics. Did you honestly think that I would care about your little problem?"

Jasper mood swiftly changed and I knew that I had spoken too freely with him. He thought he was being kind and considerate, asking for some kind of sick permission to fuck Alice, and I had thrown that back in his face abruptly.

"I don't think you truly understand the situation, Bella. Alice is prime for the taking, and if it's not me that gets her, someone else will. You want me to refresh your memory on all the other guys currently eyeing up your friend? Jamie wants some of that action, and I know a few guys on the football team who want a slice, too. Those sick fucks will do it the easy way, roofies and shit like that, but with me, you know she's going to be willing and you know she's going to enjoy it. You enjoyed it." He smirked at me and crossed his arms.

I wasn't actually aware that other guys had their eyes on Alice, and I hadn't even considered that because she was fresh meat and just about to turn legal that they would be competing with one another for her. The lot of them were sick fucks, but that was an entirely different issue altogether.

"If I recall, I enjoyed it right until I realised that you only wanted to be the guy I fucked first."

"And aren't you glad it was me and not some other wanker? You broke many a hearts that night, Bella. Rose was most impressed with your choice, though," he said, stretching his arms above his head, looking cockily at me.

"Of course she was, she didn't want me falling from grace quite so soon." Jasper smirked and nodded. Rose had been rather adamant that I lose my virginity to Jasper, seeing as he had taken hers. I had also been the first girl Rose had been with, and vice versa. Sex was the only thing that held us together.

"So, I believe I am the best man for the job, for young Alice." His grin was almost malicious. "Don't you agree?"

"No, I don't. Considering its Alice's decision who she sleeps with, I don't think this is any of our business." Jasper couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head.

"Darling, don't be so foolish as to believe that tripe you just sprouted. She will have sex before the year is out; do not delude yourself into thinking otherwise. It'll either be me, or a guy with no morals, so make sure you choose wisely."

"Me? Why am I deciding for her?" I ignored his point about having morals. That was utter bullshit but it really wasn't worth arguing with him about it.

"Because you're still Bella Swan, and while you may pretend that means nothing, it does. If you asked any of your guys to break up with their girlfriends, they would. They lust you, unbelievably so. If you asked them to leave poor little Alice alone, they would. However, if you sit back and let the mess unfold itself, well, poor little Alice is going to be chucked out of bed by an absolute prick, one you didn't protect her from. So, darling, choose wisely. Either find out who she likes, or pick a guy for her. And for both our sakes, it better be me."

Clearly, my reputation hadn't died along with Jake, like one would hope it had.

Growling, I jumped off the counter and shoved Jasper backwards. He was making the entire situation impossible, and for once, I wanted to just throttle the bastard and not feel guilty about it.

"I'm fucking sick of your utter bullshit!" He pushed me back, a determined look upon his face, and I knew that if I hit him he would hit me back. "Urgh! Can't you just, for once, let someone decide his or her own fate? Must you play God with everything? Alice is sweet, innocent, kind and someone with a soul. She doesn't need you and your lecherous friends panting after her. I'm serious Jasper, leave her be. She won't sleep with any of you." He scoffed at me and shook his head.

"You're wrong, and you know it. In addition, these lecherous friends you mention, are also yours. You've ridden every one of them, darling," he spat, looking royally pissed. "So don't try and act all high and mighty now. You fucked them, you led them on, you teased and tasted every one of them. Lecherous, I think not; unless you're painting yourself with that very same brush."

I took a step back and tried to calm myself down. He was right; of course he was right. I wasn't any different from them. However, I had changed. I had made an effort to change, which was something I couldn't' say for them.

"Look, I know that some of them are great guys, and that you can be a great friend, but this isn't my choice, and nor is it any of yours. Alice should at least get to decide who she's going to lose her virginity to, it shouldn't be pawned away in the girls bathroom over a free period. Just let her decide."

Jasper frowned and sighed. "I'm going to let the guy's know that you picked me." I opened my mouth to protest but he quickly shushed me. "If I don't, then she may not get a choice about when she loses it," he stressed.

There were some creepy fuckers in our year. Thankfully, I hadn't slept with any of them, or at least if I had, I couldn't remember it. Drugs are a bitch at times.

"Thank you," I said curtly. I hated that he was going to protect her and at the same time that put him in front running to sleep with her. I was secretly hoping that Alice had more sense than to fall for his tricks.

"One last thing, before you run away with your tail between your legs," Jasper said, toying with a smile on his lips. "I'll drop my whole pursuit of Alice, under one condition."

Whatever he was going to say, wasn't going to be good.

"Oh?" I tried not to sound too interested in his reply. He was baiting me, I knew it, and there was nothing I could do about it.

"Yes. You see, I'd love to fuck Alice, very much so, but I'd also like you back in my bed. We had great times together, Bella, and –"

"Oh my God, I can't believe you," I said, shaking with anger. "You're not seriously going to say what I think you are, are you?" His smirk gave him away.

"I'll leave Alice alone if you come back to me. It's her or you, and I'm not picky about which one, as long as I get one of you sucking my dick. So, who's it going to be? You willing to get back into bed with the devil for her, or would you rather save yourself now that you're reformed? "

"You're a sick fucker!" He took that to be some kind of compliment. "I'm not going to sleep with you, and just for that, I'm going to go out of my way to make sure Alice doesn't either." With nothing more to say, I left as fast as possible.

There was a selfish side to Jasper, and I knew he would still tell everyone that I gave him the go ahead on Alice. He wouldn't want the others getting angsty and sampling something he thought was his. At least with that, she was somewhat protected. How I protected her from Jasper, though, was an entirely different thing all together. Shoving all those thoughts to one side, I blocked them out for later.

With ten minutes to go, I headed to the cafeteria to grab an early lunch before the masses entered. There was no reason for me to wait, as I had no one to wait for. Once again, I was alone, and it was becoming a habit. The same happened in the rest of my lessons, and when the bell finally rang, signalling the end of the day, I knew there was no reprieve. After all, I was going home to an empty house.

"Home, Miss Swan?" my driver asked, looking at me in the rear-view mirror. I sighed and nodded, and then changed my mind.

"Actually, can you take me to Wiltshire Road, please?"

"Of course. Any particular house?"

"Thirty-four. Thanks."

We were on our way before I had time to really analyse what I was doing. Somewhere between walking to the car and getting in, I had made the decision to do something stupid, and this seemed to be the perfect thing.

My driver stopped a few houses down, per request, and let me out. After specifically telling him not to relay my location to my father, if he was to ask, I told him to head home. If I wanted a lift back, I could call a cab.

Mustering up all the confidence I could find, I walked up the street, towards the house. Thirty-four was stamped on the rather imposing front gates, and just looking at it had me doubting my decision.

Fuck it.

I pushed open the gate and walked up the path, past the perfectly manicured lawn. The house was much bigger than I imagined it to be, and yet it was completely fitting. Without a second thought, I rang the doorbell and waited.

I could feel myself becoming more anxious by the second. Chewing on my lip, I briefly wondered if I could make a run for it before the door opened. On the other hand, I needed this, I really did. My hands were becoming shaky and all the confidence I had was gone by the time the door finally opened.

"Bella, what are you doing here?"

"Hi, Carlisle. I…I needed someone to talk to, and you're the only one who understands." He stood in the doorframe, eyeing me with uncertainty and surprise, before opening the door wider to let me in. I silently thanked God, and stepped forward, to head inside.

Despite our last conversation, this felt right. I needed him, I needed to talk to him, and even though things were…difficult…between us, he was still willing to listen, like I knew he would be.

If there was one person I could count on, it was him.

A.N.

Sorry if people thought this story was over, it's really just beginning. Thanks for reading! See you next time!