DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyer may own them, but I can manipulate them. HA, HA, HA, HA, HA…cough. That's it for my Mandar laugh.

A/N: Hey People! Anna says hi (I'm not Anna). Here is what you were waiting for. And most of you voted - if you did - to not keep Tanya a Mean Girl.

Chapter 19: Breaking Point

BELLA

"Ughhh," I groaned while rubbing my stomach as I awoke on Sunday morning. I forgot I had something to drink last night. I guess I wasn't meant to drink.

Wait.

I rushed out of my room and beat against Alice's door until she flung it open. "Can I help you?" Alice grumbled, still half asleep.

"Did you make Edward drive me home because I had something to drink last night?" Indignation surged from my tongue. "Did you, Alice?"

She brought her palm to her mouth to stifle a yawn. "Bella, go back to sleep. You're tired." She was closing the door when my hand shot out to hinder her action. Alice didn't even look the least surprised.

"Tell me now. Did you or did you not make Edward take me home?" I made sure she heard each and every word.

"Bella, you're letting your anger get the best of you."

"You think!" I yelled.

Alice rolled her eyes. "Do you want to know the truth?" I nodded. "Okay. So, I had this feeling – call it premonition – that you were going to drink last night. No biggie. I thought by the time the dinner was over, your body would have already have detoxified the alcohol from your system. But then I saw you take another drink. I didn't know how much I didn't see and I couldn't let you drive, so I made Edward take you home."

So, Alice saw me take my sly sip. Not enough to make me drunk, but she didn't take any chances. That meant that Edward knew. Was that the reason why he wouldn't come up? Was that why I was so inclined to get out of his car in anger? Because I was "tipsy?"

"Oh," I whispered in a small voice, not making eye contact anymore. "Thank you, Alice. You can go back to sleep now."

She closed her door as I turned back into the living room and turned to seat on the couch. I reached for the remote, but threw it down. That was my problem, now. I couldn't help but have anger swell around me as I kept thinking I was an object of manipulation. Their source of control.

I was no one's to control. I was an adult.

After I going back into my room, I rushed out of the apartment heading to one place: the garage. I didn't bother to call and check to see if Jacob was there or not. I just had a feeling that he was. I knew he was.

I did make it to the garage and I quickly walked into the main work room. I heard a couple of the guys muttering about me, but I ignored them.

I made my way around a sedan, hood up to see a tan body tinkering away on mechanical components. "Jacob," I exclaimed.

"Hmm? Ouch!"

I muffled my gasp when I heard the bang of his head against the hood as he responded to my call. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause that," I apologized as I rubbed his head. All he did was laugh.

"It is okay. I was just startled by hearing your voice. I didn't expect you to be here." He smiled, which quickly melted into a frown when he asked, "What's the matter?"

He wiped his hands as he waited for me to answer.

"Can we go somewhere else?" I asked.

"Be right back." When he did come back, he had two motorcycles with him. "One for you, and one for me."

I climbed on mine, speeding off towards Jake's Escape.

I kicked off my shoes and curled my finger around the ends of my hair when Jacob asked me again what was wrong. "Why would you think something was wrong?" I questioned.

He had taken off his shoes and sat in the sand with his knees drawn up. The frown was still evident. "Because your mood is written all over your face," he retorted. "Now, what's bugging you?"

Pacing beside him in the sand, I explained to Jacob how I had worked so hard for my confidence and I let one incident drain it all. And on top of that, I had something to drink. I had ruined everything with Edward. Everything was ruined. And it was my fault.

Edward said he didn't care about Tanya and yet I couldn't believe him. Edward loved me and I couldn't accept it knowing Tanya was around. This jealously got a hold of me. I was green with envy. Envious of her looks, her moves, her grace.

I admitted it. I was jealous of Tanya.

Jacob stood up. "Whoa, Bella, that's some serious –"

"I know, I know," I shot back at him. "But that is how I feel. And I don't know why. I know Edward loves me, but-but. It's hard. It is so difficult to completely believe that I am the only girl in Edward's life. Sometimes, I feel like I don't deserve him. I feel like –"

"You shouldn't feel that way, Bella. Where is your self-esteem?" he chided. I shrugged and he grabbed my shoulders and shook me. "Who are you?"

"Bella," I mumbled flatly.

"Yeah, real believable," he commented dryly. "Now, say it with some emotion."

"No," I defied as I tried to squirm out of his grasp. But his handle on my thin arms was too solid. I looked away, feeling his dark eyes burning through the pores of my creamy skin.

"No? Bella, you give up too easily. You aren't even experiencing life right now; you're letting Tanya win."

With a little more passion, I argued, "It's not a competition."

"Exactly," Jacob smiled. "Now, who are you?"

"I'm Isabella," I answered back, tone growing stronger.

"I'm Isabella," he mimicked. "I want more zest. Who are you?"

"I am Bella!"

Jacob was grinning widely – happy with the results of his little psychological exercise. "That's the trouble I know and love. Now, go save your relationship."

I whispered to him, "I don't know how." Jacob released me and I walked out to the edge of the water. I could see the tide was coming in. In a couple of minutes, my toes would be covered in cool foamy water.

"You will figure something out. Best thing to do would be to go and talk to him. You know, you don't have much time left till you leave."

"I know. I know." I turned back to him – my toes squishing on a piece of sea wrack – and smiled. "Thank you, Jacob. You know, you are like the best friend a girl can have." As I extended my arms out in a hug, Jacob met me in a tight bear hug. "I'm going to miss you so much." My mind didn't concentrate on the lack of oxygen my body was sustaining on.

"I'm going to miss you, too," he whispered. "You're the best friend a guy can have."

Tears started to fall from my eyes, but Jacob couldn't see them. I didn't want him to see them. I tried to blink them back, but that only made them come out faster. "Best friends forever," I promised softly.

After I left Jacob, I started on my journey to Edward's house. When I knocked on the door, Tanya answered. "Bella, it's nice to see you."

Confused, I asked her, "Um…where's Edward?"

"He disappeared into his music room. Aren't you excited for us?"

I walked past her going to sit down. "Yeah, I'm happy for you, two," I grumbled.

Tanya straightened her skirt as she took a seat next to me on the love seat. She was so close, I couldn't move over without her knowing why.

Okay, Bella just relax. Nothing happened. They were just dancing. I had to think that to myself or my temper would have flared up again.

"It is so nice to know that you accept this. Last time Edward and I went to a competition in…I forget, but there was a mix-up on our suites so Edward and I had to share a room. But he is quite a sleeper. And quite comfy, you know. Well, maybe you do?"

"Actually, I wouldn't," I corrected. I looked at Tanya and she had a startled look on her face.

"Why, I just assume that you and him…"

"Well, don't," I snapped.

"I'm sorry, Bella," she apologized. "I didn't mean to judge you by Edward's last girlfriend. She was quite the flirt. Always partying. Always out. She wore Edward down. Poor thing. I knew they lived together. I wondered if they shared a bed…." I could feel the anger rising inside me. Tanya was testing my nerves and if she didn't quit, I wasn't sure I would be able to control my fists. "Bella, you might want to relax. It's never good to stress; you might gray prematurely." She was grinning as she picked a strand of my hair.

"Thanks for the tip," I smiled insincerely, smoothing my hair back into place.

"My pleasure."

"Um…so how has practice been for the competition?"

"Nice. Edward and I have been frequently practicing between here and at the studio. If you want to stop by, you can," Tanya offered.

She was trying to see if I was jealous. "That's okay. Edward must be exhausted. I rather let him conserve all of his energy and concentrate. I would only be a distraction."

"Distraction. Love is sometimes a distraction in our goals in life."

That last phrase hit a nerve. I wasn't going to let her know the answer.

We looked around, and Edward still hadn't showed yet. Awkward silence blanketed over the room until Tanya rose from the couch. "I'm going to go. I will see you later."

She was going towards the door. I couldn't let get away with her sly comments anymore. I yelled "Tanya, this ends now!"

"Bella, I have no idea what you are fussing about," she muttered as she continued.

Emboldened, I marched over to Tanya, seizing her wrist and swirling her attention to me. "You know what I am talking about! I'm tired of competing with you, Tanya. I thought you didn't have any hard feelings? If that is true, then why do I feel like I am constantly playing a game against you?"

Tanya stiffened her glare. "Well, I don't know..."

The fury in my eyes, I could have slapped her. I could have punched her. Oh, how I wanted to. How I wanted her to feel the pain that I was feeling at this moment. I wanted to conduct all of my anger into my fist and jam it into her jaw. I had her in my hands, yet I didn't make a move. I didn't lift my finger in harmful way.

Instead, I pushed her hand away from me in disgust of my own thoughts. Tanya took it as a sign to leave.

"No, Tanya" – I sighed – "I think it is best that you hear this." She turned back to me. "I am truly sorry for any animosity I may have caused between us. I let my emotions get the best of me. The truth is that I was jealous of you. I was jealous of your beauty and your relationship with Edward. This is not a rivalry for him anymore and I don't like feeling like it is. I want us to be on good terms. I say no more." I extended my hand – with a heavy burden being lifted from my chest – to Tanya. But she was reluctant to take it.

"Well, since we are being honest, I want to make something clear." She exhaled. "You say no more competition and that's that. I will no longer be your opponent – for Edward's sake." She looked like she wanted to say more, but instead she concluded with, "Of course, you know after you and Edward break up, I will be his shoulder to cry on." She smiled.

I guess I wasn't meant to like Tanya. She finally did shake my hand. I smiled back. "Okay, so truce?"

"Truce," she vowed.

TANYA

From the music room appeared Edward looking worn out. Edward always bordered on boyish/manly features. But today, he looked significantly aged. But when Bella jumped into his arms, he seemed to perk up and shed the exhausted cloak.

I always imagined I would be in his arms.

Silently, I slipped out of the house – they were too caught up to notice me leave. I wanted to tell Bella that she had been strongly misguided in her jealous rage. I was the one who was envious of her. Truthfully, I have been green-eyed since the day I saw Bella come in and speak to Edward. Yes, I was openly infatuated with him, but I knew he didn't return the feelings. But I kept on.

But then Bella came and completely turned Edward's world around. And I wanted to do that. It wasn't any of my business to pry, but I found out about his relationship after I…forced him to.

Bella was special.

I wanted to tell her that. But I couldn't break façade just because she wanted a truce. So, I left her with what she wanted.

No more rivalry.

BELLA

"Oh, Edward, I am so sorry. I am sorry." My apology was muffled against his skin as Edward held me in his arms. I had wound my legs around his waist and rested my arms on his shoulders.

He chuckled. "You're forgiven. But what are you guilty of?"

I looked up into his emerald eyes. Bright and jaunty. "Of being horrid," I carped. "I was a bratty, drunk, jealous girlfriend. Someone you don't need."

"Now, you don't mean that. You're exactly what I need. And if that means having to deal with the bratty, jealous –"

I cut in, "Don't forget drunk."

He shrugged. "You were just a little tipsy. I told you about alcohol," he scolded before returning to his original argument. "But yes, I will take you. Horrid and all."

"I hate fighting." I looked away from his eyes as I reflected on my arguments with him. Now, they all seem so petty.

"It wasn't pleasant for me either. It makes me angry when something is bothering you, love, and I can't fix it. I want to be there for you. Always." He relaxed his forehead against mine. "I love you, Bella. There isn't any one else but you." Slowly, his lips touched mine, only making his declaration indisputable. I love you, too.

I could feel Edward's leg moving underneath me; he was walking. I didn't know where he was leading me, but I soon found myself placed on something soft and fluffy – his bed. I pulled Edward on top of me. Before the kiss could turn into anything serious – disheartening me – Edward pulled away to ask, "Now, why are you jealous of Tanya?"

I huffed and brought down my shoulders dramatically as Edward rolled over. "That long tragedy is over."

Resting against the headrest and crossing his feet, Edward sat next to me. He wrapped his hand around my waist, luring me into his chest. I curled up under the hook of his arm. Then, his fingers brushed against my arm repeatedly until he moved and played with my hair. "That's too bad. I think you're sexier when you are jealous," he joked. "I find it quite attractive."

Smiling, I replied "I guess I will have to find another area to target my sexiness. Will you help me practice that?"

His calm demeanor didn't fade as he shrugged. "Depends on what you want to do."

When I rose from his chest, my heart started to fly as fast as a hummingbird. Did he see what was coming? "Edward, do you know what 'Te Quiero' means?"

He smiled. "It means 'I love you'."

"But it also means 'I want you'," I pointed out.

"Yes, it means that too. Why do you ask?"

I sighed heavily, playing the phrase in my head. I want you. I want you. "Edward…"

"What's wrong?" He touched my hand, which gave me a rush – a hormone rush.

I pulled my hand away. "You know you shouldn't touch me like that," I whispered while avoiding eye contact.

I could feel his smile on me, heating my skin as if it was radiating rays of sunshine. "You don't want me to touch you?" Amusement resounded from his voice.

"No, I do. But not right there," I informed him. Trying to regulate my breathing, I took his hand and placed it on my cheek.

"Right here?" he asked, lightly brushing against my face with his knuckles. I shook my head – my eyes closed – which prompted him to touch my lips. "Here?"

My lips pulled up to one corner. "No, but you're getting warmer." And I was too. Heat filled me as I became flustered by his touch. But too soon, his touch left. "What are you…?" I started breathlessly, but Edward's lips intruded my thought as he eagerly planted them on mine. He gradually made his way to my ear, giving me a chance to calm down. Like that was going to happen.

"Love, you have to tell me where. I'm not good with guessing games."

"You're…lying."

"And how would you know?"

I resisted the urge to let any sound escape my mouth as I endured Edward's hand on my thigh, creeping up to my waist. I was finally able to gather enough control to answer "Because you're doing fine as it is. Now, let me help you." I pushed him away from me, my renewed confidence flowing freely via my veins. Puzzled look on his face, Edward didn't oppose to my actions. Positioning myself on either side of his legs, I bit my lip in anticipation for execution. But Edward didn't move. I sighed and pressed myself against him, kissing roughly. My hands wondered over his shirt until I found the buttons. Slowly, I undid them as his hands journeyed up and down my back. And he didn't stop me. Finally, his shirt fell to the sides of his chest, exposed and chiseled. I pulled away from Edward's lips to catch my breath while trailing my palms over his warm body. I sighed in pleasure as I felt the slight pressure left from Edward's lips on my throat. Securing his face between my hands, I took his mouth back.

But when I got to my own shirt – fingers on the hem – Edward placed his hands firmly at my side. I tugged on it, but he brought my shirt back down again without faltering in his kiss.

"Edward," I gasped (dizzy, yet exhilarated) as I tugged at my shirt, not quite succeeding in lifting it more than an inch. "Please?"

"Not this time, love," he smiled.

I frowned as I climbed off of him and pouted against the headboard. "Why not, Edward? Why not now?"

He sighed. "Bella, you're going to be leaving soon…"

"And?" I interrupted. "Doesn't that validate my decision to have you?"

He shook his head. "I don't want it to be like that. I mean I want you. But…"

"But what, Edward? Is it something about me?"

"No, Bella, it has nothing to do with you. I mean, it does have something to do with you. This is about you. But it is also about me. It is about us. Yeah, it is about us."

I have never heard Edward ramble on so much. In his expression I could see it; he was nervous. I couldn't lie to him. I was nervous, too. But I really wanted this. "Edward, I understand. But I would have thought that since you and Cindy were…together –"

The voice in my head told me not to say it, but I am glad that I did because Edward shook his head and laughed. "Cindy and I lived together, but that doesn't mean we slept together. I still have my virtue by choice. I guess that was one of the things that pushed Cindy away from me; she didn't accept my decision."

I thought to myself that plenty of women would want Edward. But then, again if they put out for him, would they for anybody else?

"I wanted a woman who wasn't afraid to take a stand. She respected herself and her morals. She knew what she wanted and what she didn't."

I knew what I wanted, but did he?

It was time for me to shake my head. "I know what I want. But that doesn't sound like me. That night with Camden –"

"That night with Camden only proves how strong you are." He was serious. "You see, some would have let Camden take them. But you kept fighting. And then you still fought against me. You knew what you wanted to do. You know what you want, don't you?" I smiled. "Bella, my life has changed because of you. Cindy left me in a rough state and Tanya only progressed because I let her get away with it. Now, with you, I found my voice to tell her what I thought – in a respectable way, of course. I want you to know, that the Edward you know, is one that you helped revive from a dark place."

"Edward, I don't know what to say. I mean, I was just being myself."

He chuckled and I could see that his eyes were glowing with admiration. "You don't see how wonderful you are. All I need is you. I notice changes in you as if you are growing into the Bella I know you can be. I love you. Not your body. Not because you dance – no matter how much you think you are horrible at it. But you. I love you, all of you."

Tears filled my eyes as he spoke. My second time today. I wasn't crying because of what he was saying, but because I was going to miss it. "Edward, you are the amazing one. None of this would be if…Alice." I started laughing, wiping away the tears triggered by Edward. When he noticed my action, he caught a fallen tear that rolled down my cheek with his thumb.

"Tears are beautiful, love. You don't have to hide your emotions from me," he whispered in the air between us.

"Glad you think so. But, I wouldn't have signed up for your class if Alice hadn't done it for me – without my permission."

He briefly laid his lips on my cheek before he flashed his smile. "Fate has a way of making things work out."

"So, we aren't doing this," I sighed, wiping wetness from my face.

"Not this time."

"Edward," I whined. "But this is what I want."

"I want this too. But I don't want you to hasten your decision because we are going to be separated for some time. Or because Tanya and I are spending more time together. I meant what I said. And I am willing to wait, like I have been for all these years."

"I'm very…upset. I need to learn how to turn the tables like you. At first, I had sex on the brain. But for all I know, I might end up walking out of here engaged."

Edward laughed. "While you're pouting, I have something to give you." He quickly left from my side and retrieved something from the drawer on his nightstand, coming back with a large, flat square jewelry box. Before I could open it, he did it for me.

I gasped. "Edward, I don't think I can accept this." It was much too beautiful for me to have. It was a fine white gold necklace with a large sapphire gem nestled in the center.

"Please accept it. It was my mother's dance amulet. Many dancers, especially those who dance the Tango, have lucky charms such as an amulet or tie. I want you to have it when you go to Argentina."

"Edward," I spoke softly. "I don't know what to say. I mean this is so…"

"I know," he smiled. "And I know that you don't like surprises, so I didn't try to sneak it on you. May I?" He gestured towards my neck, and I nodded, bringing my hair up. He carefully laid the necklace across my chest with the gem resting right above my bosom. "Thank you," he whispered into my ear. "Something so that you always think of me because every time I look at it, I think of you."

"I wouldn't think of anyone else," I promised before kissing him again. Soon, the tears came again. Before long, I would have cried so much, my eyes would be permanently red and puffy.