Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight (the characters), Hana Yori Dango or Boys Over Flowers (their awesome storylines!).

Boys Over Flowers

Chapter Eleven ll Consequences

"Umm... excuse me?"

As one might expect, sleeping upright on a train was not a comfortable experience. Most of the night was spent shifting about restlessly. I slipped in and out of a half-sleep where my brain was hyper-alert but my senses dulled. At last, in the early hours of the morning I fell into an exhausted, dreamless doze.

The next thing I knew, sunlight was streaming through the carriage windows and I was unusually comfortable and warm.

And someone nearby was speaking.

I lifted my head blearily, eyes focusing on the cleaner standing there as he looked curiously at me. My brain still dragging itself from its comatose, I turned my head, realising that I was curled up against Edward. I was a bit confused as my mind processed this sight. He must have sat up during the night and readjusted my jacket so that it kept both of us warm. No wonder why I was so comfortable.

I blinked abruptly, remembering the cleaner.

I scrambled up at once and looked at him, realising how absurd this must appear to him. Instinctively I elbowed Edward hard in the ribs and he groaned, stirring and getting up.

"Were you guys here the whole night?" the cleaner asked in disbelief.

Edward and I just looked at each other.

After all explanations had been cleared and the train pulled into the platform, we were soon out of our carriage and back at the station, puffy-eyed and yawning in the morning cold. The streets were relatively empty. It was still too early on a Sunday morning for people to be out yet.

I glanced timidly at Edward as we ambled along the main road. Once again, I was at a loss as to how to act around him. Things kept changing much too quickly with Edward Cullen and it left me feeling confused and abashed.

At last, I cleared my throat loudly and said, "I should go home." I peeked at him uncertainly.

Edward glanced at me untrustingly, "Are you alright to get back?"

"Yes," I replied a bit grudgingly; after all, just who was the one who'd fallen sick and had to be taken care of? I scrutinised Edward; he was still wearing my scarf, but his face wasn't as flushed and it seemed like his fever had gone down. "Are you alright to get back?"

"I'll be fine," he said emphatically, as if this was a silly question.

Somewhat awkwardly, I nodded and announced, "Okay then... bye."

"Wait, Bella."

The sound of his voice shouldn't have been accompanied by a sudden surge of warmth. I knew that, but that didn't stop my heart from speeding up when Edward called me back.

I turned back impatiently, but then froze on the spot. Because he was looking at me again with that same intensity and solemnity that made my heart perform a kind of drum roll against my ribs. Stars dazzled my mind once again as he walked closer, dipping his face towards mine with a slight smile on his flawless lips. My muscles were all seized up... now all I could see were his green eyes...

"Stop!"

Jessica's brown eyes were round with apprehension and curiosity; she was literally sitting on the edge of her bed.

"Did he... kiss you then?"

"Of course not," I said sourly, gulping down a mouthful of tea at the Stanley's' house. It was Monday afternoon and I'd gone over to visit Jessica after a nightmarish day at school. For once, I had more to say than she did, and every word of my anecdote so far had captivated her attention.

"There was sleep in my eyes and he just wanted to wipe it off and then ridicule me about it," I stuck out my lower lip grouchily, "Typical Edward Cullen behaviour."

And to think I'd gotten so worked up over it.

"Oooh," Jessica dragged out, nodding slowly, "What about when you got home? Were your parents really worried?"

A smile broke across my face as I remembered my reception at home on Sunday morning.

"No, thanks to Alice," I said in relief, "I was supposed to sleep over at her house that night, and when I didn't turn up she called my home. My brother answered and said that I was on my way. But that was almost an hour ago, so Alice investigated a little further and Seth ended up telling her that I said something about a "stubborn, crazy and unreasonable guy" before I took off in the rain. She figured I'd ended up meeting with Edward Cullen after all and left it at that."

Jessica seemed dubious, "But that was a bit of a risk, wasn't it? What if you'd been kidnapped or something?" she asked.

"I know... but Alice said she had a gut feeling. Almost precognition, she calls it," I joked, "Well, it turns out she was right." I stopped here, wondering how much Alice would be right about. I shook off the thought.

"I see," Jessica said. "So how was school today?" she asked in a voice that indicated she knew it must be nothing good.

I sighed, "As bad as you might imagine," I said dolefully, thinking back to the day that had just eclipsed.

I'd walked into the foyer this morning, bombarded by even more greetings than usual. You'd have thought I had become famous overnight. I was positively fawned over and it was frightening; girls latched themselves onto my arm, requesting that I attend their party that weekend or go shopping with them later. In a matter of seconds I was surrounded by a throng of admiring and simpering people, all wanting to say hello and offer their hearty congratulations. I nodded a lot and smiled weakly, dimly wondering what on earth they were talking about.

Then I was pushed and pulled over to the noticeboard and stared.

Underneath the headline screaming, "Edward Cullen and Isabella Swan are secretly dating!" was a huge, blow-up photo of Edward as he tilted his head towards mine. Of course, the picture looked much more suggestive than it really was, causing the entire student body to become nearly frantic with excitement.

"Congratulations, Bella! All happiness to you both!" squealed the girl still holding onto my arm.

Unbelievable... unbelievable...

I was still gawking in horror at the picture when the crowd around me parted. F3 had arrived, Edward leading as usual. I turned my eyes up to him, feeling a sudden rush of emotions - embarrassment, annoyance and something else that made my heart skip a beat.

Emmett joined me at the noticeboard, staring up at the picture.

"No way," he muttered in a low voice, turning back to Edward, "Is this true?"

"No," I squeaked.

"Maybe," Edward said at the same time with a roguish smile.

My mouth dropped open at this abstract answer, "It's not true!" But my cry was drowned out by the ear splitting cheers and applause that filled the foyer, and all I could do was stand there helplessly and glare at Edward Cullen. He was smiling relaxedly, enjoying this far too much.

"So it's really not true?" Jessica asked, bringing me back to the present. She was looking at me intently.

"Of course not!" I said, stung that she had to ask again.

Jessica smiled wanly. "Sorry Bella, I just had to make sure," she explained, troubled, "But it seems like Edward Cullen really likes you..."

"Not you, too, Jess," I groaned, almost upsetting my saucer of tea, "Just think about it. How could Edward Cullen - the Edward Cullen - like someone like me? It doesn't make sense. He's just playing around and having fun."

She considered this for a moment, looking thoughtful. "I guess so..." Jessica said at last, and as she said this a satisfied smile lit her face. I felt puzzled by her reaction. Had she been worried that I was getting friendly with Edward Cullen, the boy who had tormented her? Maybe she was starting to feel betrayed by me, scared that I was leaving her and joining the 'dark side'. I felt bad all of a sudden. I hadn't even thought of this.

"But you know," I continued beseechingly, "He told me that he took away my red card, so I think it's safe for you to return to school now." I looked at her, asking delicately, "Will you please come back, Jess? It'll be alright, I promise."

The curly-haired girl looked up, her brown eyes full of surprise, "He really... took it away?"

I nodded, smiling. Confusion twisted her features as she took this in - then it abruptly melted away and with a smile and a nod, Jessica assented, "Alright then."

It felt like an enormous load had been lifted off my shoulders and I beamed, glad and relieved. Reluctantly, I put down my cup of tea and picked up my bag. "I should get going now."

"You're leaving already?" Jessica sounded disappointed, "Don't go yet, Bella, you still have to try the cake - and I wanted to show you my new dress - "

"Sorry, Jess," I said sombrely, "But I promised these girls I'd go to the club with them." I pulled a face and she looked quizzically at me. I rushed on to explain, "They wouldn't leave me alone and I really had to get on with my work, so I said I'd go just to make them stop. Believe me, I regret it now. Can you imagine me in a club?"

"No, not really," the brunette teased.

I sighed heavily, "Exactly. And it's a Monday night as well. I guess rich kids are free to go party any night of the week."

"Can I come with you?" asked Jessica all of a sudden. I stared at her, uncomprehending, and saw that there was a determined, wistful look on her pretty face. "Please?" she pleaded, "It'll be fun if we went together!"

"Oh - yeah," I stammered, "But are you sure? Don't you want to take one step at a time before going club - "

"Thanks, Bella!" Jessica squealed, cutting me off as she leapt up from her bed and threw her arms around me, "You don't have to leave now, you can borrow clothes off me and I can do your make-up. I'll be right back!"

And while she bounded off to her ensuite bathroom, I sat there in bewilderment. I guess Jess was feeling much better and more energetic than I'd thought, then. I smiled to myself, glad for it. As for her company, I was more than happy for her to come along. I knew I was going to be a sore thumb in a club - of all places - but I felt the experience would be more bearable with someone friendly with me.

As I waited for Jess to come out, I stood up and looked around her room properly. Crammed on top of her dresser were about a dozen photo frames. They were mostly professional shots of herself. I stared, awed, at the Jessica in these pictures. She looked just like a model with a bold and sassy air, evident in the way she posed. It was very different from the shy and sweet girl I knew.

There were other pictures of Jessica with some friends from London, I took it. Then, at the very back of the dresser, covered in a thin layer of dust, was a photo of a young girl. I picked it up curiously, noticing that the words Meyer Kindergarten were engraved on the bottom and the school emblem was in the corner of the frame.

The girl was smiling, but she didn't seem happy. Dark brown curly hair framed her face and I stifled a gasp when I noticed there was a burn scar on her right cheek.

The frame was suddenly snatched from my grasp and I looked up, startled. Jessica was breathing heavily, staring at me with unmistakeable anger in her eyes. Her unexpected glare made me feel unbalanced and dizzy.

"She's my cousin," Jessica said shortly, replacing the frame at the back of her dresser.

"Oooh," I faltered, "She - she goes to St. Meyer as well?"

She just nodded, still staring hard at me. I immediately felt ashamed and was about to apologise when her eyes softened. "Did I scare you?" Jessica asked tentatively.

I chuckled nervously, "Just a little..."

She sighed, her brows knitted together and looking annoyed with herself. "Sorry, Bella," Jessica said shame-facedly, "I didn't mean to get angry. You'll forgive me, right?" She smiled at me and I nodded, though still a little wary. Her eyes lit up, "Good! Then let's go and pick some clothes, I think I have a really nice skirt for you..."

I allowed myself to be pulled away, briefly wondering why everyone treated me as their own living doll.

"Isn't it great?" yelled Jessica, a grin plastered on her face. I could barely hear her over the loud and busy music that was blaring out of the speakers. There was movement and lights everywhere, creating an overall sense of disorder and chaos. I felt overwhelmed.

"You go clubbing often?" I yelled back, taken-aback by how well she fit in. Jessica just continued to grin, obviously having not heard me. Attired in a figure-hugging dress and with her curly hair swept up in a bun, she looked completely different. I had to admit, I would have been afraid to approach her on the street.

"Come on, Bella, let's go dance!" one of the girls from my English class said.

My stomach turned over unpleasantly. "Um, no, it's alright," I said quickly, "You go. Don't let me stop you."

"Aw, Bella, please."

"Yeah, you can't go to the club and not dance!" another girl complained, taking my other arm. I forced a laugh, internally wondering how I was going to get myself out of this one.

Jessica came to my rescue. She said sweetly, "You girls go. Bella, come with me to the bar. There's this drink I want you to try." She beckoned me and I went with her gratefully, glad to move to a quieter part of the club. I'd only been here for twenty minutes and already I wanted to leave as soon as was politely possible.

"Is this as bad as you thought?" Jessica asked in amusement, passing me a glass.

I nodded with a short chuckle, "Um, this hasn't got - ?"

"It's an egg cream mocktail, so don't worry, it's got no alcohol."

Relieved, I took a sip of the beverage, enjoying the smooth yet bubbly texture. It tasted like chocolate milk. Jessica watched me closely as I drank, "You like it?" she asked. I smiled at her, nodding, "Yeah, it's nice."

Jessica mirrored my smile. "You're a really sweet kind of girl, aren't you, Bella?" she commented wonderingly after a moment's pause.

I looked at her questioningly and she continued, "I mean..." Jessica paused, struggling to find words, then continued in a voice heady with sincerity, "I'm just really glad I met someone like you. You're a really good friend, Bella."

A smile broke across my face, "Thanks, Jess," I said quietly, "I'm glad to have met you, too. Thanks for coming with me today."

Jessica smiled, but I thought there was something sad in her eyes as she did so. Before I could be sure, though, she looked away towards the dance floor, tapping her feet in time with the music. After five minutes of this, I hid a smile and told her to go join the dancers.

Soon I was left alone at the quiet bar, sipping at my egg cream and wondering how long I would have to stay here.

"It's suffocating in here, isn't it?"

The guy sitting beside me spoke, breaking me out of my reverie. He was wearing an open, inviting smile, clutching a glass in his hand. I nodded in response, and realised my head felt sort of heavy and sluggish. I was probably just tired.

"So what's someone like you doing in a place like this?" he asked charmingly, his blue eyes glimmering, "I mean - you seem too sophisticated and bright for this sort of mindless entertainment."

I blinked, taken-aback, "Really?"

"Sure," he smiled easily, glancing towards the bar, "Can I buy you a drink?"

"What?" I was immediately sceptical, "Are you... flirting with me?"

"Ah, you're a quick one," the guy winked at me, my confusion slipping even farther, "Yes, I am, miss. Don't look too surprised now."

"But... why?"

"You're interesting and beautiful," he replied simply without batting an eyelash, "Don't tell me guys haven't tried turning on the charm with you before." He looked intently at me, still smiling in a dazzling manner. To my intense surprise, my heart was beating normally. All I felt was confused - and maybe a little flattered, but nothing too dramatic. Also, my head was feeling heavier and heavier, but I was sure that had little to do with his flirting.

"So can I buy you a drink?" the guy persisted.

"I... I guess so, if you must," I finally said, "But nothing alcoholic, please."

He grinned, declaring cockily, "I'll win you over. You just watch. An oolong tea, thank you," he called to the bartender. I eyed the glass uncertainly as it was pushed towards me. "Don't worry," he said, as if he knew what I was thinking, "It tastes good."

I took a tentative sip, glad when the ice cold liquid cleared my sleepy mind a little. I looked over at my admirer.

"Thanks. It is nice."

His grin widened, "So what are you? College student?"

"High school."

"Really? You look older."

As I steadily drank through my glass of oolong tea, the guy continued to make small talk with me. I had to admit, he was charming and pleasant in his own way. Nothing seemed to deter or faze him, so it was too easy to answer his questions and not have to worry about his reaction. But after a few minutes, concentrating on our conversation was starting to become difficult. My head seemed too heavy for my shoulders and when I turned too quickly, the room appeared to blur around the edges. I blinked hard, trying to fight off my drowsy feeling.

"Are you alright?" my company asked, concerned.

I blinked again as his face swam in and out of focus, "I - I'm fine," I said thickly, getting to my feet, "But I think I should go get some air..." I swayed to the side and he quickly supported me.

"Here, let me take you to the balcony. You're in no fit state to walk alone," he said, and started leading me out of the club. The music sounded faraway now... the dancing bodies were all becoming a big blur... I was slumped against him, struggling to keep my eyes open as darkness enveloped me...

The next thing I knew, I was waking up in an unfamiliar room. I sat up slowly and groggily, feeling as though a heavy curtain was being lifted off my head.

Once I saw where I was, though, and my brain began piecing things together with alarming speed, panic hit me with the force of an oncoming truck. My senses took in everything with astonishing clarity. I was all alone in this unfamiliar - hotel room. I was sleeping in a queen-sized bed. The bedsheets were silk. It was still dark outside the window. I had the feeling I hadn't been sleeping for too long - maybe only for a few hours.

I scrambled around, looking for the time, and froze.

My clothes - or rather, Jessica's clothes - were spread all over the floor.

The panic receded; a numb shock replaced it, filling every particle of my body with dread.

Because I was only in my undergarments, with no recollection of how I'd ended up like this. I'd woken up in a queen-sized hotel bed, with no idea of how I got here. Now the panic returned with crippling force as the worst came to my mind.

No... no... no, it can't be. No.

Taking deep breaths, I wrapped the blanket tightly around myself and staggered to the floor towards my school bag. I didn't know how I managed to dress myself back into my uniform and stuff Jessica's clothes into my bag when horror was so present in every part of my body. The digital clock read 8:14 PM, earlier than my parents expected me home, but I couldn't stay here a second longer.

My panic and horror was bottled up tightly inside of me, because I knew I couldn't react just yet. I had to get home first. But it also left me feeling volatile, as if one wrong thought or word would send me into pieces.

"Oh, honey, you're home already?" Mum called as I walked through the door.

I nodded, avoiding her eyes.

"Did you have fun? Did you have dinner?"

I nodded again and then opened my mouth. My voice was all crackly and hoarse, "I'm just going to shower and go to bed. It was tiring." I put on a smile, waved quickly at everyone in the living room, and hurried upstairs.

Panic and terror bubbled over within me as soon as I was safely locked up in the shower. I don't know how long I sat there underneath the scalding water, trying to make sense of my situation.

Okay. The last thing I remember is talking to that guy... and walking away with him... and I was feeling really tired. And then I woke up in that room with my clothes all over the floor. ...Anything could have happened. But I don't feel any different...

I whimpered, scrubbing vigorously at my skin with soap as if it could somehow make me feel less dirty.

By the time I emerged from the bathroom, my mind was calmer and clearer. I was sure nothing whatsoever had happened - I would be able to tell, right? It was my own body.

But then that raised the question of what had happened, and why. I'd been careless and foolish to trust some stranger in a bar and to drink something he'd offered. It was something we'd always been taught since we were kids ("Don't talk to strangers or accept candy from them,") and yet somehow, I'd fallen so easily into the age-old trap.

I crawled into bed and buried myself in my pillow.

Nothing happened. Nothing happened. Nothing did happen, and nothing will happen.

I was distracted all morning. The teacher had to say my name twice in Maths before I realised he had asked me a question. In gym I got hit more often than usual by the ball because I wasn't paying attention. Half the time I didn't realise people were saying hello to me in the corridors and I walked on by without seeing them.

Because no matter how much I told myself not to worry about what absolutely did not happen last night, I couldn't stop fretting over it.

I was sitting in the cafeteria on my own again, staring at my lunch without seeing it. Why had that guy done that? Undressed me and just left me in the hotel room? What purpose would that serve? I was going to get premature wrinkles from all this frowning.

A feminine cheer cut through my thoughts and I was deterred for a moment as F3 made their entrance. At the sight of Edward Cullen, my heart leapt and sank at the same time, causing a sort of spasm in my chest. I was a little miffed. Was I happy to see him or not?

As everyone stared in hushed silence when they walked over to me, I decided that I wasn't happy.

Edward seemed to be acutely aware of people's eyes on us. "Hey," he greeted, looking more flustered than I'd ever seen him.

"Hi," I said, my voice going higher at the end like a question.

I wish people would continue what they were doing, rather than freeze in mid-action and watch us. Behind Edward, Emmett winked at me, "Hey, Bella! Wanna join us for lunch?" He gestured upstairs to their lounge.

"Um, no, it's alright," I replied quickly as an envious murmur ran through the room, "I have my own lunch."

"Then we'll join you," declared Edward, and took the chair opposite me without a second thought. Emmett and Jasper glanced at each other and then followed suit.

Awkward silence.

"So," Emmett said genially, "What have you got?"

"Um... it's homemade pizza. My mum made it. Do guys want to try some?" I held out a slice to him. Emmett took it eagerly, tore it half and gave the other piece to Jasper. I turned reluctantly to Edward and said in an offhand sort of way, "Do you want some?"

He eyed it distastefully as I held out a piece, "No."

I rolled my eyes, "Come on, I already broke it off for you. Just eat it."

"It's good, Eddie!" Emmett said enthusiastically, "Can we have more, Bella?"

I smiled, "Of course."

Then to Edward, "Eat it!" I pushed the piece of pizza at him and he bit into it abruptly, caught by surprise. I watched him critically as he chewed, "It's nice, right?" I said knowingly.

"Maybe," he said, a smile toying with the corner of his mouth, "Hey - leave some for her!" Edward exclaimed suddenly, snatching my box away from Emmett who was reaching out for his fourth slice.

I was both taken-aback and touched by this gesture until he added, "You don't want this, do you, Bella? I'll get you something nicer." And on that note he happily devoured the last of my lunch.

The rest of us just Looked at him.

"Geez, what a gentleman," snickered Emmett, "How's he managing to win you over, Bella?"

"I really don't know," I remarked bluntly, watching the bronze-haired boy as he ate with almost indecent enthusiasm. Catching my eye, Edward said proudly, "Hey Emmett, Jasper - see what happens when I do this."

And he winked.

"I told you to stop doing that!" I blustered as my body reacted as per usual.

"Wow," said Jasper idly, "Bella, are you actually blushing?"

"Nice," Emmett grinned, "So that's how you're doing it, Eddie. Good man!" The two of them high-fived. I groaned aloud, putting my burning face in my hands. But before I did, I caught sight of a familiar face amongst the sea of others watching our table. She turned around at once and strode out of the cafeteria, head held high. I wasn't sure if it really was her.

...Jess? I wondered curiously, Has she come back already?

"No. At least, I didn't see her around today," Alice answered my question later that afternoon, at our usual spot in the cafe.

I nodded and sighed, a certain sombre air hanging around me.

"I see. I guess she's not back yet, then. I think she's quite a party girl, you know, Alice. She was so much more composed in that club than I was - "

"Bella," Alice interrupted seriously, looking at me in the eye, "Are you absolutely sure nothing happened last night?"

I took the glass of juice she passed over to me and said grimly, "Yes. I'm positive."

"But why would anyone do that?" she asked fretfully.

"I don't know," I groaned, looking at her in helplessness, "I keep thinking about it and I can't come up with an answer to it myself. I know I should leave it alone and just be grateful that nothing did happen - but I keep feeling like there's more to it."

Alice looked out the window, furrowing her brow. "Alright, that's it," she declared sternly, "From now on you're not allowed to go anywhere without me."

"Fine," I nodded eagerly, "Make good on that promise, Alice Brandon."

She grinned momentarily - then it was swallowed up by worry again and she sighed, taking a bite out of her bun. "Then what's going on with you and Edward?" she said. "Anything that I should be aware of?"

"Of course not. Your supposed precognition works most of the time, Alice, but don't count on that one coming true."

"I'm serious," she said softly, "It's time you realised how much Edward Cullen actually likes you, Bella."

"He doesn't - " I began.

"Yes, he does," interjected Alice flatly, "Sincerely and truly. I mean, it's only you who can't see it, my blind, oblivious friend. Why else do you think the entire school suddenly became so nice to you?"

I swallowed, a strange feeling coming over me.

"And now even his friends are worried," she continued dejectedly, "They came to see me yesterday, you know - Emmett and Jasper."

Almost spitting out my juice, I gasped, "What?"

"Yup. After school, they were waiting by my porsche. Maybe I should've gotten a less conspicuous colour. Well, anyway, they just wanted to give a warning about you and Edward's relationship - or no relationship, whatever it is that you two have," she added hastily at my look, "The point is, they want you guys - especially you - to be careful."

Ripping out another huge bit of her bun, Alice suddenly exclaimed, "Oooh, it frustrates me! I couldn't tell what they wanted. They really care about their friend, I could tell that much, so I know they want him to be happy - and if that means being with you, then I think they're fine with that. But at the same time, I can tell they don't want that, because of all the consequences that might unfold. And - am I making sense?"

"I think so," I said blankly, "Has this got anything to do with Edward's mother, by any chance?"

"They mentioned her in the passing," Alice said, frowning, "Why? She doesn't approve?"

I shook my head, remembering President Cullen's sharp eyes with a shiver.

"It's not like any of this matters, though," I said quickly.

Alice just shrugged, "That's why I'm telling you to realise that Edward does like you, and that you, missy, have to answer to that one way or another. He'll want an answer from you eventually."

When she put it like that, everything seemed so amazingly flat and clear. All that drama in the past few weeks, of getting stuck on trains and putting on "rich girl" disguises, summed up in that one sentence.

I looked bleakly at my first and dearest friend at St. Meyer.

"This is crazy," I whispered.

"I know, darling," sighed Alice, putting a comforting hand on my shoulder, "I know. But you've still got time, so don't jump the gun, Bellabee. You can have a moment of quiet and reflection for the next few days."

I nodded.

I should have known she was wrong. Every time I wished for peace and quiet, the complete opposite came to me.

And this time was no exception.

It was a beautiful world outdoors that morning. The sky was light blue, littered here and there by feathery white clouds, and the sun was gracefully shining its warmth rather than hiding behind grey clouds or scorching us with its heat. I took my time walking through the grounds of St. Meyer, enjoying the idle warmth and beauty of the morning.

Good old world, I mused fondly, It's days like these I believe you do like me, after all.

The moment I stepped into the foyer, my peaceful mood vanished.

"Isabella Swan!" My name was ripped out of Tanya's throat as she, Lauren and Irina stormed over to me, malignant fury in their expressions, "You demeaning little witch!"

"You're a disgrace to all girls," seethed Lauren.

To say that I was confused would be an understatement. I just stared at them, waiting for them to explain, but this time it seemed like words failed their outrage. Instead, they grabbed me roughly by the arms and dragged me over to the noticeboard.

"Hey!" I cried as Irina tugged my hair painfully, "Let go of me!"

There was already a crowd of students at the noticeboard, but they quickly moved away when they saw me being dragged over. There was no sympathy in anyone's eyes as they stared unblinkingly at me.

At last Tanya shoved me away and I glared up at her, "What was all that about - "

"Stop acting so innocent and just look up there!" she snarled, pointing at the noticeboard.

Incensed, I looked - and felt like my stomach had dissolved.

There were photos pinned all over the board, covering all the other notices, and with a sickening lurch I now realised what was the point of that night. He'd taken pictures of me while I slept, with him in bed beside me. Each photo was a blow to me as I stared, a numb feeling spreading throughout my body.

The whispers and murmurs were starting now as students eyed me in disgust.

"How could you do this to Edward?" Tanya growled, "When you insult Edward Cullen, you're insulting our school. When you deceive Edward Cullen, you're deceiving all of us!"

"Do you really think we'd leave you alone when you're running out there like some hellcat, ruining the reputation of St. Meyer?" demanded Irina, pushing me roughly into the board, "This is what's frightening about people who have nothing."

"What do you have to say for yourself?" shrieked Lauren.

My breathing was short and shallow as I tried to calm myself, and there was a voice from the double doors that made my heart stop.

"What are you guys doing to her?"

Tall, composed and cold, Edward Cullen strode into the foyer, staring coolly at everyone gathered around me. Amidst my horror, my chest tightened in dread. No... please don't come here. I don't want you to see this.

Edward stopped short before the triplets, glancing at them condescendingly, "Who are you to bother her?" he asked.

"Edward, please," Tanya cried, pointing at the noticeboard, "Please, take a look at that and come back to your senses! Isabella Swan is nothing but a filthy common girl!"

"No," I said wildly, realising with a sudden pang how much this would hurt him, "Edward, don't - "

But his emerald eyes were already on the noticeboard, and when he saw the photos he went very still. His face flickered for a split second but there was no telling what was going on in his head. I held my breath, trembling slightly, waiting for the shock to wear off so that I could explain to him. He would understand and defend me.

Then Edward looked at me, and his eyes were solid and unreadable.

"What's the meaning of this, Bella?" he asked quietly.

"I - I don't know," I burst out desperately, knowing how horribly clichéd I sounded, "But it's not - it's not what it looks like. I think - I think someone who really hates me set up a trap - "

"Why would anyone want to trap you?" he interrupted, still in that deadly quiet voice. His eyes, in contrast, were filling with more anger, "What makes you so special?"

"I don't know!" I said, frustrated and frightened by the look on his face. Why was he looking at me in that way? He couldn't really think...

Edward looked at me for a long moment.

"Is this all you were worth in the end, Bella?" he asked, and the anger and disappointment was definitely present in his green eyes now.

The words were a slap across my face and it felt like a rock had dropped into my stomach. I stared fervently at him, my hurt channelling itself into anger. I took a deep breath, fighting to keep my voice calm.

"You know, I don't know why I have to defend myself against you," I said, "It doesn't matter whether you believe me or not."

Edward clenched his jaw, the emotion in his eyes intensifying, and I immediately regretted saying the words. But then he was looking back at me, the expression on his face cold and inscrutable. He was Edward Cullen again, the distant and untouchable leader of F4. I felt a fleeting stab of fear and loss. It was like I never knew him; like we'd never met in the garden square, never been stuck on the train together, never bickered over a slice of pizza or a cup of coffee.

"It doesn't matter..." repeated Edward at last, his curt voice carrying in the ringing silence.

"Fine," he declared tonelessly, "You're right. It doesn't matter." He narrowed his eyes at me, "So from now on, commoner, I don't know who you are."

I watched him as he turned around and walked out of the cafeteria. All around, the crowd erupted in insults and threats, calling me every demeaning name they could think of. Tanya and Irina pulled at my clothes, taunting me, and other students followed suit.

But I didn't care about them. As their hands grabbed and pushed me, I only felt emptiness as I watched the one person whom I was sure would believe me walk away.

A/N: Poor Bella. :( I'm posting this last written chapter right before I leave - so the next update will take awhile, I'm sorry! Meanwhile, I leave you with this somewhat pessimistic ending. More of a filler chapter to get the plot moving along, but hope you enjoyed it. And now I must say - adios amigos! - msq.