OMG! I'm on time! Woot! That's surprising, actually. I was grouchy all day long! I haven't the slightest clue as to why.

Robin! Your line is in there darlin', 'cause I love you so much! Everyone who is giving this story a chance- thank you all! Those who are kind enough to leave me reviews- good or bad, 'cause I love 'em all- thank you for taking the time to let me know whatcha think!

Disclaimer: Bella, Jasper, Edward and all things that exist in the Twilight universe belong to Stephenie Meyer. She's just nice enough to let us play with them!


You should know that the lies won't hide your flaws,
No sense in hiding all of yours,
You gave up on your dreams along the way, yeah.

Good God, you're comin' up with reasons,
Good God, you're draggin' it out,
And good God, it's the changing of the seasons,
I feel so raped, so follow me down and just…

Fake it, if you're out of direction,
Fake it, if you don't belong, yeah,
Fake it, if you feel like affection,
Whoa, you're such a fuckin' hypocrite.

-Fake It, Seether

"What the hell are you two—" Angela begins, before I promptly send an elbow flying into her ribcage. She lets out a loud, very unladylike grunt, and turns her head to glare at me. I raise my eyebrows at her, trying to make her understand we don't know how their visit is to be received. She rolls her eyes at me, rubbing her hand over the spot I had planted my elbow, and huffs before turning around to continue her cleaning duties.

"Felix, Gianna." Esme curtly nods at the couple, and then turns to me. "Bella? Would you be so kind as to go inform every one of our two new guests? They'll need to put more chicken on, dear."

"Sure," I mumble, avoiding eye contact with Felix and Gianna. The two give me the creeps, and I'm not looking forward to spending the day with them. The chance to leave the room is one I should have jumped at, but I know I'm going to tell everyone who is here and that's something I'm not looking forward to. I make my way slowly out of the kitchen, not missing Angela's glare which is alternating between me and the couple of assholes standing, gaping at the mess in the kitchen.

I hear Gianna's pretentious, obnoxious voice as I exit, "Oh, Esme! You should have told me you needed help! I would have come earlier…" I walk a bit faster at that, and miss whatever she says after. Gianna is one of the most fake people I've ever met, and I haven't the slightest clue as to what she's trying to pull by being so nice to Esme. Esme has never hidden her distaste for the woman, I knew before Edward ever told me their history. I wonder why they're even here, why they would bother to come around people who obviously dislike them.

Shaking my head to try to forget about the two, I make my way through the den area and out into the back yard. I see the grill smoking, but there isn't anyone around it. I haven't any idea where Edward, Tanya, and Ben are, but know I need to find them, and fast. A thought pops into my head about Tanya…she never showed up in the kitchen earlier, and when Ben stopped Edward and I, he told us then Esme was in a 'tiff.' Tanya must know Felix and Gianna are here, and that's the reason she never came to the kitchen to help Angela and me. An image of her crying on Edward's shoulder flashes through my head, and the flames of jealousy are burning bright again.

He's done this for her before. He's helped her with Felix and Gianna before, but it doesn't seem to affect Edward—being around his ex—as it does Tanya. He told me she still has feelings for Felix though, she still thinks she loves him, and that's why it affects her the way it does. Still…I don't want to have to see it. I don't want to have to see Edward acting as the loving fiancé of Tanya, see him comfort her in light of the situation at hand. I realize this makes me a hypocrite; he had to watch me do just that for Jasper. They acted as a couple then for my benefit. So, why is this so hard for me to deal with now? The answer comes to me quickly—because I'm an irrational, selfish, jealous bitch, and I want Edward Cullen for myself. I don't want to share him with his best friend.

Ben's calm voice reaches my ears though I can't understand what he's saying. I turn in the direction of his voice, and am shocked when the trio comes into view. It's not Edward she's leaning, crying on, but Ben. He's speaking gently to her, much like he speaks to me when I'm panicking. Her body is shaking, and at that moment I can't be angry with her. I'm not jealous of her, instead I'm incredibly sad for her. This is something I wouldn't wish upon anyone because I've experienced Gianna firsthand, and I know how nasty she can be. To have to deal with her nastiness, and see her wrapped around the man you claim to love…well I wouldn't know what to do.

My eyes fly to Edward. He's sitting helplessly to the side, his face twisted in anguish and I want to go to him, to comfort him. I don't really want to interrupt their calming circle though, but at the same time, know I need to inform them of the couple's arrival.

I clear my throat, and all three heads whip to me. Quietly, I say, "They're here."

Ben nods, pulling Tanya's head away from his shoulders to tell her, "Just pretend like they're not even here. If you act, even for one minute, like she's bothering you, it will only provoke her more. Okay?"

Tanya nods, running a tissue under her eyes. "I know you're right. I just…"

She trails off, and no one says anything else for a moment. Edward's eyes are trained on me; I can feel his gaze, but can't tear my eyes from Tanya. I really, truly feel awful for her. Before I even realize what I'm doing, I'm kneeling in front of her on both knees. I tell her, "We can go, Tanya. I have my car here. We can go get a drink or something to eat—whatever, I don't care. Just tell me and we'll get out of here, okay?"

Her eyes show her shock at my statement, I'm guessing Edward talked with her about my jealousy issues. I can't be bothered to be jealous about her right now; she talked me down at my father's house, she was there for me when I needed her, and I need to suck it up and be there for her now. She takes a stuttering breath before telling me, "Thank you." She shakes her head. "I need to do this, I think. I'm just…not looking forward to the comments she's going to sling at me about Edward breaking our engagement."

"What?!" Her eyes widen at my outburst, but it can't be helped. "You're going to tell them? Why?"

Her brow furrows as she takes in my shocked appearance. "Because…" She glances to Edward before turning back to me and stating, "Because it's time. Because I wouldn't make Edward carry on this façade with me, not when you're here, and he's so happy with you. You really think I would do that?"

I blow out puff of breath before responding, "I just…assumed—"

"Well, stop assuming." I take her harsh tone for what it is—a reminder of my assumptions about her yesterday and today, and affirmation of how irrational I am. "Besides, there's not much else Gianna could say to me that would surprise me. She'll say what she wants, no matter what the truth of the matter is. There's nothing any of us can do about that. It's better this way."

I nod, understanding exactly what she means. She's ready to leave this part of her life behind, ready to move forward with no lies or secrets to keep her from doing so. She's giving the reigns of Edward to me, much more gracefully than I ever could. She's telling me to take care of him, telling me to let her be, telling me I'm wrong about her. Though…to be honest, I really didn't expect for the truth of Tanya and Edward to be announced today—in full or in part. It goes to show how big of a bitch I actually am, that I would assume such a thing about Tanya, who has shown me nothing but compassion. "Offer stands, just so you know. Say the word and you and I are drinking margaritas on the beach."

She laughs lightly and nods before standing. "Let's get this over with. Esme will have all our heads if we don't get the chicken started soon anyway." Her coloring is better now, and the puffiness under her eyes has lessened. She carries a determined look on her face and in her posture, as well. She makes to walk past me, but pauses to my side, grasping my hand with her own. Quietly, so as only I can hear, she tells me, "We need to talk, I know. We will. Just…thank you." Then she keeps on walking, Ben close on her heels. I'm reminded of the day Angela and Ben took me to La Popular the first time, Ben had followed me the same way, as if he was afraid I would bolt at the first opportunity.

A hand touches my elbow and I turn my head, meeting Edward's troubled gaze head on. "Thank you, angel."

My brow furrows. What on earth is he thanking me for? He answers my confused look immediately. "For being so understanding about the situation at hand. You could have handled that a number of different ways, and you took the high road. I'm thankful for that."

"Edward—" He cuts off my train of thought by pressing his lips to my forehead again. I close my eyes against the feel of his silky lips touching my skin.

He leaves his lips pressed against me while he murmurs, "You okay?"

My response is a whisper, barely audible. "Yes…I think so."

He pulls back, grasping my hand in his. "You're probably going to suffer some of Gianna's comments today as well. I'm not sure you're prepared—"

I scoff, "Let her talk. I've dealt with the likes of Alice. Before that, I dealt with Rosalie. You've never seen Rosalie McCarty née Whitlock when she unleashes her claws—trust me. Gianna will be a cake walk compared to her."

He looks doubtful. I contemplate retelling the various stories of Rose's less colorful side to him, but decide the best way to show him is to just meet Gianna head on. I tell him, "Please? Just trust me?"

Reluctantly, he nods his head and tightens his grip on my hand. "That offer you made Tanya goes for you, too. Shit gets to be too much, just tell me and we're out of here."

I smile at him and nod my head. "Deal."

~*~

Carlisle made it home just in time to eat with everyone. I'm very glad for that, as Esme looks about ready to pull her hair out. She's normally so calm, collected, and friendly…but she's slipping today. On more than one occasion Edward has taken her aside, everyone can see them speak heatedly to one another, and when they come back Esme is more her normal self. She constantly slips though, and it's actually quite amusing. At least, it is to me.

Felix asks the question; as he looks at Edward, Tanya, and I, about the lack of affection between the former couple. I try not to grimace at the suggestive grin he throws Tanya as he asks, and I wonder what she thinks of the subtle wink he throws at her. It's the look on Gianna's face that makes me want to punch them both though, when Edward announces his and Tanya's decision to end their engagement. He's still grasping my hand in his as he delivers the news, and I, in turn, am grasping Tanya's. Gianna looks from my hand in Edward's, to Tanya's hand in mine, and her smile turns downright ugly. Angela is shooting steam from her ears, and I'm grateful to Carlisle for speaking up at this moment.

Carlisle leads the conversation away from Tanya and Edward's broken engagement by addressing me. "So, Bella. Esme tells me your father is an avid fisherman?"

I take the bait, and launch into a long-winded retelling of growing up with Charlie. I'm pretty sure I shock everyone at the table when I instruct them on the proper way to gut a fish. This amuses me, as there are beaches in Florida, and ample opportunity to fish here. It would seem I'm becoming involved with a family who has no interest in catching their own meals, and I laugh as I tell them exactly that.

"Well, it's nice to know that Edward has found such a…well-rounded companion. Isn't it, Tanya?" Gianna's remark bites through Tanya, the distress shows on her face. The jab wasn't lost on me either. I realize being brought up by my father has exposed me to some of the more…colorful aspects of life, but it doesn't change the fact that my father did the best he could with what he had. Her comment successfully pisses me off. She's pleased with herself, anyone looking at the vicious smile on her face can see. "So, Bella. What do you do? Besides gutting fish, that is."

"I work at Cul de Sac. I'm a receptionist."

Gianna laughs at this; it's a mean-sounding kind of laugh, and I brace myself for whatever she's about to say. "Isn't that nice? So, Edward…. Do you find all of your girlfriends' jobs at your company?"

Angela is the one to answer; she even throws in a roll of her eyes to show her agitation. "Bella was already working there. They met at the last barbeque?"

I smile in thanks toward Angela, and she smirks in return. Both of our faces form a grimace at Gianna's next comment, however. "Oh, that's right. You were here with someone else. What was his name?"

Edward stiffens beside me, and I grasp his hand under the table. "His name is Jasper."

Gianna chuckles as she says, "Yes, that's right. He was quite the looker. Whatever happened to him?"

I swear to God above, I can't control my mouth. "Why? You want to hook up with him? He's not really into married women. Not even his own wife."

I close my eyes immediately after voicing the comment. What the hell, Bella?! Don't egg her on! Instead of the biting remark I'm expecting to come from Gianna…I hear a clap, and then another, and open my eyes to see Ben with his hands poised in front of him, preparing to clap again. I furrow my eyebrows at his goofy smile, and he immediately quiets down when he realizes I'm not the only one looking at him like he's gone mad. His hands retreat under the table, prompting Gianna to speak up again.

"Oh, my! A married man," she gasps. He tone is bordering on condescending as she says, "Well, I never…. Edward, did you know about this?"

He rolls his eyes but refrains from engaging her in conversation. This doesn't deter her though, she continues right on insulting my past. "How'd that work out for you, Bella? Oh! What am I saying? Obviously, not well—you decided to take Edward from poor, little Tanya instead—"

"Look here, you—" Angela starts but Ben stops her, laying a hand on her arm and shaking his head. Angela huffs and mutters, "This is it, I've found it, I'm in hell."

I can't help but chuckle at her petulance, in addition to her never-ending stock of quotes from her favorite movie. Tanya speaks up, bringing me out of my amused musings about Angela. Her tone is gentle yet firm, demanding the attention of everyone at the table. She reminds me of Esme in this moment. "Gianna, we both know the truth. Don't try to make yourself sound like something you aren't. I want this to stop. Now."

Gianna has the audacity to look shocked. "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just saying—"

"You're trying to accuse Bella of something she hasn't done. Stealing away my man? That's all you."

A flash of pride for Tanya ripples through me, and I grasp her hand tighter, trying to give her whatever strength she might take from me. Gianna scoffs and bites back with, "That's nice, Tanya. Trying to make me into a villain. Everyone knows all about you though, honey. So take your self-righteous, undignified ass—"

"I'm undignified? I'm undignified?" Tanya barks out a bitter laugh. "You want to talk undignified? How about coming home to find the man you love having sex with another woman? What do you call that?"

Gianna huffs, and tries to cover her ass. "You mean…" She gasps, "You walked in on Bella and Edward?! How could you do that, Edward? I thought—"

"Oh, please," Tanya scoffs. "Everyone here knows the story, Gianna. They all know about Edward and I walking in on the two of you. Don't try—"

"How dare you! How fucking dare you spread lies about me—"

Angela doesn't give Tanya a chance to reply, as she cuts off whatever Gianna was about to say. "Whoa, there! I'm sorry, but you've got some kind of nerve! After all the rumors you started about Tanya—"

"Least I had my facts straight," Gianna sniffs.

"Facts!" Tanya scoffs at Gianna's blatant lie. "Facts? What of anything you said was a fact? Because my doctor will tell you—I've never had a baby, I've never miscarried, I've never had an abortion, I've never even been pregnant to begin with!"

"I never said you were actually pregnant. I said you told Edward you were pregnant. Oh! Is that not true?" Gianna pouts her lips. I'm sure she thinks this makes her look innocent, when it actually just makes her look ridiculous.

"That's true, actually. I'll give you that much. Now, you tell me—why would you tell people that? What gave you the impression I ever told Edward such a thing?"

Gianna stumbles over her words for a few seconds; I'm sure trying to find the response to take the heat back off of herself. "W-well you said—"

Tanya shakes her head. "No, I didn't. I haven't spoken a word to you since I walked in on you and F-Felix." Tanya blushes as she stutters his name, and I cast a glance at him. His eyes are trained on her, and they're softer than I've ever seen them. A hint of a smile is playing on his lips. I want to slap it off his face. He doesn't deserve to look at her, especially not while he sits aside and lets his wife berate her.

Gianna, however, must have been completely unaware of her husband's lingering gaze at Tanya. She spouted another lie, flawlessly, obviously recovered from her shock. "I don't think I appreciate what you're insinuating about me."

"I'm not insinuating—"

Edward cuts her off, speaking up for the first time since announcing the engagement's end. "Don't Gianna. I've told everyone the truth. Everyone at this table knows what Tanya and I heard and what she saw that night. She's not insinuating anything, she's telling the truth."

Gianna purrs as she replies, obviously ecstatic over Edward's acknowledgment of her. "Edward…I'm not sure—"

"Oh, please," Angela scoffs, rolling her eyes. "You know exactly what he's talking about. And don't talk to my brother like that! You sound like a…a…a harlot!"

I bite my lip to control the laugh that is bubbling to the surface. Harlot? Really, Angela? Gianna, on the other hand, just rolls her eyes. "I don't remember anyone asking your opinion of me."

"Angela—" Ben warns her, but she doesn't hear him. Her face is as red as mine usually is, and the steam is almost visible from her ears.

"I don't remember anyone asking you here, today. Yet, here you sit. Did you just come to annoy me? 'Cause you're doing a good job!"

"Angela—" Ben tries again, and again, he's ignored.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you came because you have some 'Edward and Tanya' radar, and it's your life's enjoyment to bring them discomfort."

Gianna rolls her eyes and scoffs, but doesn't respond shy of that. Ben, once again says, "Angela—"

Only for her to, once again, ignore him. "And by the way, you say one more thing about Bella, and you're likely to get my fist shoved down your throat. She's my best friend!"

I look down, to hide the smile that crosses my face at her comment, but my defenses immediately kick in when Gianna bites back. "Some kind of best friend. Better watch Ben around her, she seems to like them married."

"Hey now—" Ben says, but Angela, once again doesn't let him continue.

"Ben! Don't indulge her fantasies by taking up for yourself, or Bella. She's obviously delusional—"

"You don't know a thing about me, Angela. You should shut-up while you're ahead."

Angela opens her mouth to reply, once again, but is cut off this time before she gets a word out. It isn't her husband, this time though. "You're making a fool out of yourself, Gianna. You should stop while you're ahead," Esme says. Her voice is not the usual, gentle tone, but hard and cold. Gianna's eyes fly to her as she opens her mouth, presumably to spew more untruths, but Esme shakes her head and speaks again. "I've allowed you over, countless times, because my son has asked this of me. To keep my mouth shut about what happened in the past between you and him, and Tanya and Felix. However…today he informed me of his decision to spare me the uncomfortable atmosphere which takes over my house when you are inside of it. He told me he has no intention of having anything to do with you or Felix, ever again. I'm telling you—neither do I. He's allowed me to finally, finally, treat you in the manner I wish—which is to not have to treat you any way, at all. I don't want to deal with your or your lies. Not any longer. You will leave my house, and you will not return."

"Esme—"

"Do not interrupt me." My head whips toward Esme, the cold tone she uses slices through me, and I'm sure, everyone else at the table. "I have endured your presence for as long as I'm willing. Leave. Now."

Gianna pouts her lips again, and turns to Felix. "Are you going to let her talk to me like that?"

It's my voice that answers her, as I'm not in control of my mouth. Again. "I don't really think he has a say in what Esme says to you or how she says it. This is her house, and she asked you to leave."

She whips her head to me, spitting, "You don't talk to me! You don't know anything about me! You're not even family! And don't think he'll marry you, either!"

"I know enough about you to know I'm nothing like you. And I don't ever want to be. You're an ugly person with a pretty face, but everyone sees through you—"

"Bella—" Tanya grabs hold of my arm, trying to stop me. I don't let it deter me.

"What you did was wrong; you should both be ashamed of yourselves. But, I know you aren't. You're too busy making each other miserable to bother with an emotion as complex as shame, and you jump at the chance to inflict your unhappiness on others. One day, you'll grow tired of how awful your lives have become, and you'll find yourselves all alone. No one around to bear the weight of your sins but yourselves, and then, and only then, will you remember this day. And I hope you are ashamed of the manner in which you have conducted yourselves, then. This could have gone so different—you could have admitted what you'd done wrong, and possibly asked for forgiveness, now that you're forced to face it. But you didn't, you tried to lie your way out of your lies and everything has backfired on you. What will you do now?"

Everyone is quiet—probably frozen in shock and amusement at my, extremely-not-my-place-but-I-said-it-anyway, outburst. I can't tear my eyes from Gianna's seething glare though. She reminds me of Rosalie in this moment, before I really knew Rose, that is. She reminds me of the Rose that would insult me for her own enjoyment, and go out of her way to make me feel awkward. I briefly wonder how much Rose would enjoy this showdown, of sorts. I firmly believe Gianna wouldn't stand a chance against Rose, and I wish Rose was here to put her in her place.

Angela, ever the sweetheart, breaks the tension. She speaks in her exaggerated, Southern accent, quoting her favorite movie again. "I think we should pray!"

A smile cracks on my face—I won't let Gianna ruin this day, not any more than she has already. "Oh, I'd rather eat dirt!"

Angela bites her lip, contemplating her response. Her eyes light up, and I know she's found it. "I am just about at the end of my rope with you!"

She cuts her eyes to Gianna as she says it, and the message is clear—she wants them gone. I respond appropriately, "Well then, why don't you tie a noose and slip it 'round your head?"

She laughs, the sound is full of joy, and then she nods, once at me. "Very good, Annelle, spoken like a true smart-ass!"

Tanya gasps beside me before bursting into giggles. She claps her hands together as she says, "Oh my goodness! I love that part!"

That was all it took, apparently. Gianna realizes she isn't going to provoke Tanya, not anymore, and most certainly not anymore, today. She huffs, and then huffs again when not one soul turns to her at the sound. She stands and mumbles something at Felix, who rolls his eyes and shrugs in response.

Carlisle, who has remained quiet throughout, clears his throat, and everyone turns to look at him. "Well, Gianna. I'd say you've succeeded in humiliating everyone at the table, yourself included. Now, I do believe my wife asked you to leave. While I would never presume to overstep my wife's commands, I will further her request. She asked you to leave. I'm telling you to leave. I'm also telling you to never come back. I believe you know the way. Felix, son, show your wife out, and don't come back until you're ready to issue the proper apologies to the appropriate parties."

I think my mouth, along with the mouths of everyone at the table, Esme excluded, hits the ground at Carlisle's short speech. He struck me as such a gentle-hearted person, and I guess he is, but the couple sitting at the end of the table have pushed his kindness to the limit. Felix nods, rising from his spot to stand beside Gianna. He grabs her by the elbow as he tells us all goodbye. That's it, just goodbye. Not an 'I'm sorry,' or a 'please forgive my wife's rudeness.' Only goodbye. I wonder if any of us will ever hear from him again. I realize he's family, but he made a decision a long time ago, to wrong a member of his family. This is his consequence.

We sit in silence, listening as Gianna screeches the entire way to the car, and then we listen as they speed down the gravel toward the highway. When we can't hear them any longer, everyone just sorta…looks at everyone else.

It's Angela who breaks the silence, yet again. "I don't like her. I don't trust anyone who does their own hair." I roll my eyes at her, but crack a smile. Esme and Tanya chuckle, while Carlisle turns a loving gaze toward his daughter. Edward sighs—he's annoyed still, but I just know he wants to laugh at his sister's silliness.

Ben turns to her, and says, "You do realize she probably doesn't do her own hair, right?"

Angela rolls her eyes at him. "I don't care! I was just expressing my distaste for the woman in my favorite way—by quoting my favorite movie. Edward pass the slaw, will you?"

~*~

The rest of the afternoon is wonderful, almost dreamlike in it's lack of drama. Tanya and I talk briefly, and set up a time tomorrow to meet for coffee so we can really talk. Angela pouts at being excluded, and I promise to come over after, reluctantly agreeing to watch Steel Magnolias. Again. Ben pulls me to the side as everyone is getting ready to leave, asking if he and Angela can drive Tanya in my car. He tells me Edward really wants to do something, alone, with me this evening, and the car situation is remedied like this. I agree with Ben, and hand over my keys as we make plans for later—so I can get my car back from him.

I hug Esme and Carlisle goodbye, promising to come back soon, and walk out the front door in time to see Angela and Edward hugging each other goodbye. Tanya is already seated in the back of my car, and Ben is in the driver's seat, so I walk that way. I knock once on each window, waving at the two and make my way to Angela for a hug. She makes me promise, again, to come over tomorrow after my coffee date with Tanya, and I roll my eyes but tell her what she wants to hear. Edward pouts, telling Angela that she and Tanya are monopolizing too much of my weekend time. I smile goofily at his childishness, but really at the fact he wants to spend so much time with me.

Edward and I stand side by side as we watch my car drive off, and when we can no longer see it's tail lights, we turn to one another. He reaches a hand forward, running one single finger over the palm of my right hand before slipping the rest of his digits into my grasp. Our fingers link together, and he smiles that crooked grin at me.

"So…"

"So?"

He cocks his head to the side and squints one eye as he asks, "How do you feel about ice cream?"

I'm distracted by the way his tongue darts out to wet first his top lip, then his bottom before he pulls it back inside of his mouth. His teeth catch on his bottom lip, and I wish it were between my own. "Bella?"

Oh, right, he asked me something. Uh…um…yeah, no. Don't remember what he said.

"Yeah?"

He chuckles as he repeats the question, and now I'm distracted by the way his throat bobs as he swallows. He seems a little…nervous? "Ice cream?"

"Huh?"

He looks more confident at my lack of response, and I know it's because he's realized how incapable of speech I am when in his presence. He speaks slowly this time, as if I won't understand the question. Again. "Would you like to go for some ice cream?"

"Oh! Um…like a date?" It's quite annoying, actually, the way my voice squeaks on the word 'date.'

"No. Friends go for ice cream, too. Doesn't have to be a date."

"Oh," I murmur, processing what he's just said. He's right—friends do go for ice cream, but it does seem rather date-like. Then I remember we've already had phone sex, as friends, and ice cream sounds so much more innocent than that. "Okay."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

His smile is blinding, and beautiful as he simply replies, "Okay."