So, how about getting the chapter early instead of waiting? Yeah, I didn't think anyone would complain, either. Lol.

Thanks to my story team—DivineInspiration, dinx, Mizzdee, and Vampire Extraordinaire—for all their help with the chapter. You should all go read their stories, like right now. All of these ladies are amazing writers, too.

Chapter 12

One For Sorrow

~.~.~.~

One for sorrow,
Two for joy,
Three for a girl,
Four for a boy,
Five for silver,
Six for gold,
Seven for a secret
Never to be told.

~.~.~.~

I slammed the door behind me with a bang. White hot anger, jealousy, and hurt flooded me, pulsing and coursing through my body. I wanted to hurt something, or someone, so I wasn't the only one in pain.

How could he? After everything, I'd thought Edward had given up his womanizing ways, and he'd felt something for me. The underwear I'd found in his glove compartment had proven me wrong, though. He didn't care for me, need me, or even love me. I was just another girl to screw, and I should have known better. The fact that he was more worried about fucking me should have been my first clue.

I'd been disarmed by his charm and willingness to give me the one thing he'd never given anyone else; commitment. Stupid me had thought that would protect us like an invisible shield against the world. What I hadn't counted on was mutiny from the inside.

It sliced me open that I wasn't good enough for him, and there hadn't been a damn thing I could have done to change it. The night had been going so well and had to be ruined because Edward couldn't keep his dick to himself.

As I walked up to my room, I promised myself I wouldn't cry over the bastard. I would lock my feelings up instead and get on with my life. My first impression about him had been right; I should have never gotten involved with him.

I wanted, so badly, to call Tanya for moral support, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Even though I knew she'd castrate him for his crime if I'd asked, he was still her brother. I didn't want to cause problems between them anymore than it was already going to. So, taking a deep breath, I called Angela.

~.~.~.~

"Why are boys so fucking stupid?" Angela asked, propping her feet up on the coffee table. "Edward should know better. You're a million times better than anyone else he's ever slept with. Ugh. Maybe we should go fuck up his car."

I snorted. "I think Tanya will cover that when I tell her what happened. Last time I got pissed at him, she keyed his car. Remember?"

She threw her head back and laughed. "That was fucking priceless. Edward looked like he wanted to cry all day after that happened. When Tanya finds out, I'll be surprised if he'll be able to drive the damn thing."

I was thankful that Angela had come over. Sitting there and trashing Edward with her was so much easier than it would have been with Tanya. Not that she wouldn't have done it. In fact, she probably would have been the worst one. But I needed someone who wasn't connected to Edward that night. Everything was too raw and fresh, and even the small tie to him would have been too much.

I just needed a little bit of time. The friendship between Tanya and I was solid, and I'd meant what I'd said all those months before. I wasn't going to quit hanging out with her just because her brother was a giant douche bag.

I realized, as we sat there and talked, I hadn't spent as much time with Angela as I'd have liked. Since Tanya had been staying with me, we'd formed a bond I was sure couldn't be broken. Angela and I, though, were more casual friends than anything. If nothing else came out of that disastrous night, I'd hoped a stronger friendship would emerge. It was the only silver lining I had to cling to.

"Enough about me. What's been happening with you, Angela? Any new developments with Ben?" I needed the distraction, even if it was about someone else's love life.

Angela slumped on the couch, curling in on herself. Shit. I suck as a person.

"Never mind. I'm sorry."

She shook her head and said in a small voice, "No, it's okay. I just…I feel like such a loser. Tanya keeps telling me I need to forget about him, but I can't. Yet I torture myself by watching him with other girls. He'll never notice me. Maybe I'm just ugly or something."

"Don't say that about yourself." My words came out sharper than I'd intended, and Angela snapped her head up. I cleared my throat, trying to get a handle on myself. "You're not a loser for liking someone. He's a moron for not noticing you. You're kind, compassionate, and gorgeous. He's the one with the problem if he can't see it. Maybe Tanya is right, though. He doesn't deserve you, so maybe you should at least try to forget about him."

I knew it'd be easier said than done, because I had no idea how I was going to just "get over" Edward. The logical side of me realized he was slime, and I'd be better off without him. My heart didn't agree and ached with betrayal.

"I know."

"Look, I know it's easy to say that. I'll help you. We can both try to 'get over it'." I made air quotes. "I'm in the same boat as you, darling. We can be each other's rock."

Angela smiled and nodded. "I can agree to that."

~.~.~.~

"I'll…I'll…he's fucking dead." Tanya paced back and forth in front of my truck.

As soon as I'd parked in the student parking lot, Tanya had come running over to ask if it was true. When I'd given her a confused look, she explained that Edward had said we'd broken up but wouldn't give any details. I didn't feel like I owed him any loyalties, since he'd so casually decided I didn't matter, so I'd told her everything. By the time I was finished, Tanya was seeing red.

"Hey, guys, what's up?" Angela asked, walking toward us.

"I told her," I said, watching Tanya fume.

"Ohhhhh." Angela nodded.

Tanya stopped and glared at Angela. "You already knew?"

I sighed. "I'm sorry. I was going to call you, but you'd have killed him before you came over. I figured I'd save you a trip to jail."

She held my gaze for a few minutes, and I was afraid my joke had fallen flat. Then she burst out laughing. "You know me too well. I hope Edward is ready to say goodbye to his precious car. It's about to be torched."

"I love you," I said to Tanya, thankful her crazy ass was on my side.

She blew a kiss at me. "Any time. I'm disowning the fucker. I'm done with his shit."

She linked her arms with mine and Angela's, and we walked together into school with all eyes on us. I held my chin high, unwilling to let the stares get to me. That was, until the sight of Edward leaning against the wall with Jessica Stanley almost knocked the wind out of me. I began to pause my steps, but a reassuring squeeze from the girls gave me the courage to advert my eyes and continue. The asshole was not going to win.

Every passing period was the same. I felt like I was on display for the whole student body to dissect as I walked the halls. The news of the breakup had been undeniable since Edward had moved from me to Jessica so fast. Girls snickered and whispered behind their hands each time I passed them. If I was a weaker girl, I would have run to the bathroom and cried every time I'd seen it. I wasn't that girl, though, so I glared at each and every one who dared to look my way. Most ducked their heads when they met my eyes. Some of the more smug ones, like Lauren, just smiled. At those times, I just rolled my eyes. I still didn't see what Edward saw in those vapid girls, and if he was that stupid, then I figured I was better off without him.

The breakup had also caused a divide within the new group that had been formed when Edward and I started dating, with a few exceptions. James and crew stayed with us, and Rose and Emmett broke off to join Edward. I caught Rosalie looking over at our table like she wished she could have stayed, but I didn't hate her for it. She was loyal to Emmett, and it wasn't his fault his choice in friends was terrible.

"Everyone's invited to my house this weekend," James announced out of the blue.

"Really? Are you having a party?" Tanya leaned in closer, intrigued.

"Um, not really. It's more like a gathering of close friends. I can't stand most of the fake people here, so why invite them?" James shrugged.

"Good point. I'm in." I took a bite of my pizza.

"Me too. It'll be nice to not have to pretend I like these idiots." Tanya smiled and nodded.

Angela fidgeted with her drink. "Sure. I've got nothing planned."

"Awesome. You girls won't regret it," James said, looking at us.

"You guys have to come over to my house and get ready. We'll have fun." Victoria cut in, sounding excited.

"Yes." Maria joined in. "That's an excellent idea."

Ever since we'd hung out the weekend before, Tanya, Angela, and I had become closer to Victoria and Maria. During our trip to the mall, we'd talked about all kinds of things, and we'd found out we'd had more in common with the two girls than we'd previously thought. Having two more allies in those hostile times after my split with Edward made it easier to ignore him.

Study hall was the only time I had any problems. Edward, for whatever reason, continued to sit with me. I wasn't sure if it was because he didn't want to find another seat, or if he just liked torturing me.

I did my best to pretend I was the only person sitting there. Looking at him hurt, more than anything I'd ever felt before. As much as I tried to tell myself I'd get over him, I wasn't so sure. He'd caught me in his web, and I was having a hard time extracting myself. I wondered if—possibly—the choice to be his plaything would have been better.

I'm so fucked up in the head.

I caught Edward staring at me halfway through the period. I'd been reading, and the feeling of someone watching me had caused me to look up. Once he realized I'd noticed, he jerked away and trained his gaze on his homework. I couldn't be sure, but I thought I saw longing and pain in his eyes.

I had to be wrong. Edward had no heart. He didn't feel emotions like the rest of us.

~.~.~.~

The week had passed by with little changes. Edward and I avoided each other, but I still caught him watching me every so often. By that time, Edward had moved from Stanley and had started in with Irina. Not that I was keeping track or anything.

I'd decided that it was time for me to find someone else, as well. I was just being more selective in my choice of partners than my ex-boyfriend was. The girls and I were certain he would end up getting some kind of disease from one of the skanks he kept company with. It was only a matter of time. We all had a good laugh about that topic.

Time slowed to a crawl, but Friday came to us nonetheless. I'd been waiting for it all week—the get-together at James' house. The biggest draw for me was that Edward wouldn't be there—no way would James have invited him. It also meant I could keep some of my self-respect and not have to act like seeing him with someone else didn't reduce my insides to shreds every…single…time.

Tanya, Angela, and I were at Victoria's house by seven that evening. Victoria was all smiles and hugs when she answered the door, ushering us up to her room where Maria sat on her bed waiting for us. My fear of any lingering awkwardness between us girls vanished as Maria pulled out a bottle of Jack Daniels and offered everyone a drink. We took turns taking sips from the bottle as we got ready.

"Oh!" Victoria yanked the bottle from her mouth, spilling some on her shirt. "Shit! Now I'm all wet." She giggled. "Fuck it. Anyway, I almost forgot to tell you! Rose is going to be at James' house later."

The information surprised me. I hadn't talked to Rosalie since the day she met up with us at the mall. I'd really enjoyed spending time with her and the other girls, convinced we'd get to know each other better because our boyfriends were best friends. When Edward and I broke up, I'd thought that was the end of our possible budding friendship. It seemed, though, that might not be the case.

"Oh, yeah?" Tanya bent closer to the mirror to inspect her lipstick. "I'd have thought she'd be with Emmett. Girl is stuck so far up his ass, it's not funny."

"Well, I don't know anything about that." Victoria smiled and passed the bottle to Angela. "I talked to her in chemistry today, and she was talking about being bored tonight, because she refused to hang out another night with Emmett, Edward, and one of his sluts. When I mentioned my plans, she asked if it'd be okay if she showed up. I didn't think anyone would mind, though."

"No, it's cool," I blurted out.

Angela gave me a sideways glance, and Tanya studied me for a moment. Their concern was ridiculous, since I was sure Rose's intentions had nothing to do with Edward.

"Yeah, it should be fine." Tanya nodded and went back to getting ready.

The atmosphere was more relaxed at James' house when we arrived. Because of the small number of people in attendance, the gathering felt more intimate somehow. Some I'd never met, and others I'd seen around school, but all welcomed me warmly as I walked passed them. It was nice, not having to keep my guard up. I had a feeling it was going to be a good night.

"Hey there, Swan! Good to see you!" James wrapped his arm around Victoria when we reached him. It was all I could do to keep the smile on my face when they kissed hello. Even though Edward was a fucking bastard, I still missed the way he used to greet me.

"Yeah, I'm glad to be here." It wasn't a total lie, even if I was a bit uncomfortable. I'd needed the chance to unwind and let the stress of Edward and his shit go. The party…gathering…whatever…was just the place to do it.

I excused myself from James, Victoria, and the rest of the girls to go find something to drink. Walking toward the kitchen, I noticed Tyler staring at me. Assessing him without pausing my steps, I decided he was kind of cute. Not the usual type I'd go for, since he was a jock and all, but not a complete creep either. He was tall with blue eyes and a nice ass. I smiled to myself as I continued on, thinking he'd be perfect for getting over my heartache.

"Hey, Bella." I heard behind me. Turning, I saw Tyler looking down at the cup in my hands. "I wouldn't have taken you for a beer drinker. If I had to guess, I'd say you're more of a tequila sort of girl. Am I wrong?"

I bit my lip and smirked, trying to look sexy. It must have worked, because Tyler swallowed. I had a feeling, if I wanted it, I'd have had the boy eating out of the palm of my hand. That sounded arrogant and bitchy in my head, but after what I'd went through with my ex, I didn't give a damn. I deserved a chance at happiness. Or at least a little fun.

"No, you're not wrong. I hate beer, but it seems to be the only beverage they serve at these gatherings." I stepped closer, pressing up against him. "If you have something else to share, though, I'm not opposed to taking advantage of your kindness."

Tyler gulped and stared into my eyes. I wanted to laugh, because boys were so fucking easy.

"Bella!"

Shit.

I stepped away from Tyler and saw Rose enter the room. For some reason, I felt guilty she'd seen me so close to him, and then I shook off that thought. I had nothing to feel bad about. Edward was the dumbass who'd ruined everything, and he had no problem moving on to the next whore in line. So why did seeing Rose while I was chatting up another guy send me into a slight panic?

"Rose, how are you?" My voice rose with each word.

She smirked and looked at Tyler before moving her gaze back to me. "I'm great…and it looks like you're doing pretty well yourself."

"I'll…see you later, Bella?" Tyler motioned to me as he backed away.

"Uh, yeah." I watched as he left the room.

"So…" Rose said, bringing my attention back to her.

I felt awkward…really awkward. "So."

She sighed. "I'm sorry for that. I didn't mean to run him off, but I really wanted to talk to you. Since your split with," I glared at her, causing her to skip over my ex's name. "you and I haven't had a chance to talk."

I walked back a couple of steps and leaned against the counter, crossing my arms. "Okay. Talk."

"The truth is…shit." She walked over and stood beside me, gripping the countertop behind her. "Emmett told me why you broke up with him." Her voice was quiet.

So Edward had admitted, to someone, that he'd cheated on me. Great. I wasn't at the stage where I thought I'd be able to listen to my ex's best friend's girlfriend talk about how sorry she was that things hadn't worked out, and she wished we could have been better friends. Or some shit like that. I didn't need pity…hers or anyone else's.

"Rose, why are you bringing this up? I don't want to talk about it." I pushed off the counter, but she grabbed me and held my arm tight.

"Please, just let me say this, and I swear I'll let it go. I owe Edward this."

Her words stopped me short, because I couldn't imagine a world where Rose would owe that bastard anything. If anything, I would have thought it was the other way around. I had to admit I was intrigued by the turn of events. "What do you mean 'you owe Edward this'? He's the one who made the decision, and he has to live with it. You tell him nice try, but he should go fuck himself."

"He doesn't know I'm here. Hell, Emmett has no idea that I planned on talking to you about this. They'd both be pissed if they knew."

And the plot thickens.

"Look, Edward once pointed out to me I was making a big mistake by pushing Emmett away. I feel like I need to return the favor. If nothing else, I'll be even with the house again."

I was too fucking nice. "Fine."

"Like I said, Emmett told me what happened. It took him days, but he was finally able to drag it out of Edward. And, if it had been me, I'd have reacted the same way. But, Bella, you don't have all the facts."

Awesome. I assumed we'd come to the part where he accidently tripped and somehow managed to get his dick trapped in some slut. I waved my hand in a circle and nodded my head.

"Has he ever mentioned his parents? Or has Tanya, for that matter?" Rose asked, watching my reaction.

That was not what I expected her to say. "Um, no. Not really. The only thing Tanya has said is they leave a lot to take trips."

She nodded her head. "Well, it's a pretty well known fact that Mr. Masen has a habit of fucking his secretaries."

"Ah, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it?"

Rose smiled. "You would think that, wouldn't you? Let me ask you this, though. Why is it that you're the only girl he's ever tried to have a relationship with if he's just like Daddy? Edward's father has no problem having a wife at home while he chases anything wearing a skirt."

"So, what you're saying is I jumped to conclusions?"

Rose stared at me cautiously. "Edward has a lot of growing up to do, and honestly, I think you'd be better off with Tyler. But yes, I do think you 'jumped to conclusions'. Edward may not always make the right decision when it comes to…well, most things. The one thing he's always swore he'd never do is be like his father. So, I really don't think he cheated on you. I can't tell you what you should do, or even think, about what I've said. I just thought you should be aware of the whole story."

I stood there with my mind running a mile a minute, not knowing if she'd come there on her own or if it was a ploy orchestrated by Edward. It was too much to deal with at the moment.

"I've said what I came to say. I'll leave you alone for now. Just…think about it, okay?"

I nodded, not looking at her. She squeezed my shoulder and left the kitchen. I needed to find James right that second. He was the only person I knew who could give me something to quiet the storm raging inside of my head. Tearing out of the room, I scanned the first floor with no luck.

Damn it.

I flopped down on one of the couches in the front room, not wanting to continue my search upstairs. Who knew what he was doing to Victoria up there.

"You look a little tense." I looked up and saw Tyler standing over me with a grin on his face.

"You have no idea." I nodded to the spot beside me, and Tyler sat, setting his arm behind me on the back of the couch.

"Maybe I can help with that."

I raised my head, taking in Tyler's facial features, toned chest, and long legs. Rose's words flitted through my brain. No, fuck Edward. I wasn't going there. I plastered a seductive smile on my face and ran my finger down Tyler's chest. "I'm sure you can."

~.~.~.~

The burn was intense as the drug invaded my nostrils, coating the inside. I threw my head back and opened my mouth wide, staring at the ceiling as the cocaine took hold of me. I was flying…far, far away from all my problems, and the people who continued to try and bring me down. I felt something wet and soft tickle on my neck. Lowering my head, I noticed Tyler was sucking on the skin. It felt nice. It wasn't toe-curling, but it was…nice.

Giggles erupted from me as I realized I couldn't think of any other word than nice to describe what I was feeling. Nice rhymed with mice. And mice? They were evil little fuckers who tried to eat all of your cheese. Ew. I wondered if there were some that were hiding in my cabinets. I'd have to get some of those glue traps or something. Hmmm…

Before I knew it, I was on my back with Tyler propped up on his elbows next to me on the bed. Huh. Where did that little tray go? I wanted some more of that stuff. It was awesome.

"Bella, god…I want you," Tyler panted and rubbed his face against mine. "Tell me you want me, too."

His babbling was getting on my fucking nerves. "Quit being a pussy and just fuck me already."

I felt like a ragdoll being tossed around the bed as my clothes were removed, and then I laughed because the idea of me being a doll was funny. I'd be a shit Barbie, with my brown hair, short legs, and brown eyes. But I'd make a kickass Bratz doll.

Tyler entered me swiftly, and I was jolted out of my internal musings. I could feel his hot breath on my cheek as his thrusts became harder. I moved with him, keeping time with his hips, and I could feel the fire spreading through my insides. He grunted when I rose up and bit his earlobe, causing him to fuck me faster.

As I circled my hips with every one of his thrusts, I could tell I was chasing something amazing. My muscles were tensing, and I was climbing higher and higher. I clawed at his back, trying to ground myself. But it was no use. I left reality and floated in a sea of bliss.

When I regained consciousness, I noticed Tyler was removing the condom from his dick. Fucking gross. No matter how many times I had sex, I never quite got over the mess it left.

The sounds of our breathing were the only thing I could hear. The lamp next to the bed cast an eerie glow in the room; I wondered if the party was over, and if the girls had left me there. Surely not, I thought. At least, they better not have.

Tyler crawled back on the comforter and laid down next to me, pulling my body toward his. I lay there, numb. The effects of the drug were wearing off, and I was regretting sleeping with him. I hadn't had a chance to work out Rose's words from earlier. I was so fucking stupid.

Then again, maybe it was the push I needed to get rid of Edward once and for all. I didn't owe him anything, least of all admitting the possibility I might have been wrong. Fuck him. I was going to chalk up Rosalie's words as her doing a favor for her boyfriend, who probably put her up to it in the first place. And I wasn't going to think about it anymore.

All I'm gonna say is—please don't kill me. Gotta break a few eggs and all that jazz until we get to the good stuff. See ya next week!