35.

For the rest of the week, Bella and I talk on a daily basis about anything and everything. We're not allowed to see each other much after school, which is a bummer, but at least we have the phone and the computer.

We're now Facebook official. That is pretty cool.

I never thought the girl at the beach would end up meaning so much to me, but I'm damn glad she was able to see past the mask and get to know who I am.

As predicted, things go pretty smoothly until Friday when Lauren comes back to school. Apparently being suspended for a few days hasn't toned her down. Hell, I'm not even sure she's aware of the fact that her little posse has done nothing but badmouth her ever since Monday's outburst.

"What's with that?" I hear her shrill voice as Bella and I walk past her on our way toward the school entrance.

I don't pay her any mind, but I feel Bella stiffen next to me.

I can hear Jessica telling her to give it up, that we're seniors, and that she's above all this bullshit, but it doesn't stop Lauren from calling Bella a tramp.

Anger rises up inside me. This is all so uncalled for. In all the years I've endured this bullshit and hypocrisy, never have I felt like I wanted to just kill someone. Standing up for myself has always scared me, making me a pussy. But this, this I refuse to take lying down. How dare she?

"Edward, don't. She's not worth it." I feel Bella's hand on my arm as I turn to face Lauren and her group of "friends."

"She's not, but you are," I emphasize. "It's about damn time I stand up for myself around here." In the corner of my eye, I can see Emmett and Jasper ready to pounce and take my side, but Alice is standing in front of them, holding them off, nodding minutely, and encouraging me to do this.

I may just get suspended after all this, but I don't care.

Gritting my teeth, I take a few steps forward and face Lauren head-on. "What is your problem?"

"You and your little fling over there, that's my problem. So what, you go off on vacation and bring back a little prize? You know, if you wanted a little piece on the side, Edward, I'm sure that could have been arranged." She smiles and bats her lashes, but it does nothing for me. It never did, hence the problem between us.

"I don't know what I saw in you, but I'm glad nothing ever happened between us, Lauren. Seriously, you need to get a life and move on." I shake my head and look around. Her so-called friends are just standing there not really paying much attention, obviously embarrassed that we're creating a scene. None of them are coming to her defense, and I've got to admit, I'm a little grateful for that so I add, "Look around, Lauren, you're causing a scene. Hell, even your friends are embarrassed to be standing here with you. It's not very attractive."

"You know what, Edward? You're nothing. You never were and you never will be. I hope you're happy with her, because you've just lost your chance at getting with this." She points at herself and smirks, all proud, like she just burned me.

I scoff and start laughing. "You're so delusional it's embarrassing, really. I could care less what you think. I never have and I never will. Have a nice life, Lauren." I turn to walk away, but then turn around, walking backward toward Bella I add, "And by the way, leave my girlfriend out of this."

I'm high on adrenaline when I meet up with Bella who's now surrounded by our friends. "That was awesome," I tell her and take her face between my palms. "Together, right?" I grin and kiss her, taking my time to explore her mouth thoroughly before pulling back, breathless, and taking her hand in mine.

She's in shock, her face flushed, and her lips pink and swollen from our kiss, but she smiles and nods. "Definitely together."

…

Seeing him standing up for himself, yeah... sexiest thing ever. Well, almost... it's definitely a close second to a sun kissed Edward walking out of the ocean.

Tomorrow?

Thank you! :o)

xox

Missy