A/N

Second update of the day, because you guys are awesome.

You know who else is awesome? Jemster23.

Who's up for some gatecrashing?

—-

By the time school is over, I'm a confused mess, and it's manifesting itself in anger.

"Bella!"

Turning, I force a smile onto my face as Mike and Clive -another football player- stop in front of me. "Hi," I smile.

"We're heading to the beach tonight, you in?"

I think about it for a moment; knowing I can't stay out too late -it's a school night. But then I think about blowing off some steam and I nod, agreeing. "Yeah, why not. When?" It's not like my dad, Charlie, will care. He wont even be home to realise I'm gone.

"I can pick you up at six?" Mike offers, throwing a warning glance in Clive's direction when he opens his mouth to argue.

"Sure, I'll be ready." Winking, I turn on my heel and jog to catch up with Rosalie who's waiting up ahead for me. I meet Edward's eye briefly, my expression smug and goading, his furious.

"Ooh, Bella's got a date!" Rose sings, loud enough for Edward to hear and I laugh, playing along, hoping he chokes on his fury.

—-

I walk around my room naked for a while, taking time putting my makeup on, knowing Edward is on his roof, facing this direction. He stays out there the whole time I'm in my room -it's all the validation I need that he can see me.

"Have a good look at what you can't have," I speak in Edward's direction as I turn my light off and head downstairs.

Mike is punctual -of course he is.

"Hey," he greets as I lower myself into the passenger seat of his car.

"Hi."

"You look ... fucking amazing," he whispers, blushing, so unsure of himself it's cute.

"Thanks," I smile, "you look good too." Fluttering my lashes, acting as flirty as I can under the circumstances, I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. He stutters something, pulling away from the street and onto the road.

—

The beach is relatively quiet, a small cluster of Forks students congregated in the centre of the vast expanse of sand; the waves crash against the shore, angry and grey. It's windy, my hair a wild mess across the front of my face, refusing to stay in place. I feel carefree and relaxed as the cold wind cuts through the tight denim of my jeans, the sea-spray tickling my skin, tinting my cheeks pink.

Mike and I head in the direction of a small fire that's glowing against the darkening sky, having been built by his friends. They greet us eagerly, his friends equally as disbelieving and appreciative of Mike's companion -me. I'm used to it. Most of the time I don't care for it, but if they want to start rumours -all the better for me. I know I could have any of these boys, and I find myself looking at each of them individually, weighing up my options, knowing there's only one boy I want, and he's not here.

Tequila is handed around the small circle, each of us taking turns to swig from the flask, cringing against the burn in our throats; followed closely by a joint, which I eagerly accept, soggy with saliva, but I can't find it within myself to care.

Two hours in, and I'm dancing around the fire, loving the attention -being the only girl here. We're all laughing, singing and acting stupid. I'm having a great time, no longer feeling the cold on my back, nor the heat from the flames against my front.

"You're crazy," Mike tells me as I drop down into the sand beside him.

"I know!" Laughing, I bury my hands into the cool sand at my side, grabbing handfuls and watching the grains fall as they're funnelled through my fingers.

"You're beautiful," he adds, and I turn m head to look at him, resting my cheek against my shoulder, biting my lip.

"Yeah?"

He nods, his eyes nervously roaming my body, his blonde hair glowing white in the light from the fire.

"Then why haven't you kissed me?" I ask, chuckling when his eyes almost bug out of his head.

"You want me to kiss you?" he splutters, his cheeks reddening. Truthfully, I don't care either way, but fuck, I'm horny. Any action is better than going home to an empty bed ...

He leans forward, licking his lips, his eyes closing. And then there's deep shouts and all our attention is drawn back in the direction of the parked cars, where a group of dark, large silhouettes are making their way toward us.

All the guys congregated around the fire stand, defensive, eyes narrowed as they try to figure out who has joined us and whether or not they're a threat.

Through the darkness, one particular figure stands out and I know who it is straight away. I roll my eyes, groaning as the intimidating group comes to a stop before us.

Edward fucking Cullen.

—

How do we think this is going to go?

Did Edward hear Mike asking Bella about the beach and decide to interrupt their fun?

Until tomorrow ... Let me know what you're think and THANK YOU for reading.