A/N: I only own the plot. Everything else belongs to Stephenie Meyer. :)

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Hope you all enjoy!

I woke up the next day to my alarm. I was surprised that I wasn't screaming, nor was I totally dreading the day. Not that my sleep was totally sound, but I would take what I could get. It was a nice change to wake up without the terror that normally overtook my peace in the morning.

I found out that morning at school that James got sent to the recovery (ISS) room for the rest of the week, so I didn't have to worry about running into him as much as the past two days.

Had it really just been two days? It felt like a year had already happened. I put my face in my hands as I thought about this in my English class, where Rosalie and Jessica kept smirking in my direction. Alice kept trying to get me to focus on the class, but I knew those two had to be up to something with James.

Alice and Edward kept talking to me in class and at lunch. Emmett seemed to be fine with my sitting at their lunch table, too. He'd glance over at me and laugh when I said something sometimes. He mainly talked to Edward though.

Rosalie and Jessica kept their distance for the most part with James stuck in his confinement, so I had a little bit of peace for the moment.

I remembered when we were all still friends this time last year. We had gone to a carnival in Port Ángeles, and Angela Weber had come with us. She seemed indifferent to me now. I could hardly blame her. I was so aloof toward everyone after everything fell apart that I probably really hurt her feelings. But I would just repulse her now if I tried to talk to her. Anyway, we had all decided to do the scrambler, and James was holding Rosalie's hand. She had looked so beautiful, with her eyes full of longing for him. That's why they hated me. They thought I was trying to take James away from them...and he let them believe it. The most ridiculous accusation, and they truly believed it. However, it did make me wonder about Rose and him now. They weren't together, and I didn't know why, but sometimes Rosalie seemed wary of him. I hoped she was okay. What if James had done something…? I sighed to myself and Edward looked at me.

"What?"

"Oh, it's nothing." I shook my head and went back to my tray. Suddenly, Emmett laughed.

"Do you always have a red face?" I smiled at him, and he chuckled.

"Maybe I should hold off on the tomatoes…"

Now everyone laughed, and Edward looked surprised. He shook his head but smiled and looked at Alice. Her tiny frame was bouncing with excitement. She seemed to be looking at something near the cafeteria doors. I was curious, but also too anxious to actually look. I went back to my chicken sandwich and fries, mostly focusing on the fries.

I kept my head down, not wanting to see the numerous pairs of eyes looking wary of me. What was this, anyways? It's not like I had a baby with the town religious leader, like in the Scarlet Letter. What century were we living in? I mean, I knew I messed up somehow, somewhere, but did I really need the stupid 'She's the town's adulterer' treatment? James' side of things wasn't the complete truth, but there was always multiple sides to everything. Most people, I guessed, just didn't care about the fact that when more than one person is involved, the truth comes out of multiple perspectives. I tried to reign in my anger, but it just wasn't fair. However, dwelling on that fact wouldn't solve anything. I knew it was hard to combat what James said. He could be quite intimidating, and his father, the mayor, usually believed James when he was accused of something. Maybe he felt bad for being more attentive to the town than his son. James had felt like he wasn't truly cared for by his father, and maybe that was why he lashed out in the ways he did. As I finished my fries, I moved on to my chicken sandwich.

"Bella?!" A familiar voice called my name and pulled me out of my reverie. It was a good voice, but it still took me back to that night...no no no! I had to work to keep a straight face.

I looked up, toward the cafeteria doors, and there stood Jasper Hale. Rosalie's brother. He had unkempt blonde hair with a pale complexion and a round handsome face. Alice's face was expectant, and Edward looked wary of the guy. I smiled, although I wasn't sure what caused that. Jasper walked towards my seat, and the others followed his movements with surprise.

"I've been at a summer internship, and today was my first day back to school. Can I talk with you?"

I grimaced, but I nodded. Edward looked nervous, but I assured him with a nod.

I hesitantly walked over toward the vending machines near the hallway doors with Jasper as he looked at me. "Y-yes?"

"Are you okay, Bella? My sisters...I know they don't talk to you. What happened after…?" He saw my face and stopped talking.

I was starting to shake.

"Bella, I'm so sorry." Why was he sorry? I would have been in worse shape than I already was if it wasn't because of him. He truly saved me.

"I'm the one who should be sorry. I caused all this. I should have known. Should have seen the signs. I just don't know."

Jasper looked shocked.

"Do not blame yourself Bella. You didn't bring any of that upon yourself. James was wrong...and so were my sisters, for that matter. Is he still…?"

Around? Tormenting me? I nodded. He looked angry.

"To answer your question, I'm not okay, no. But it seems I have some friends. For the time being." I smirked. He looked confused. He had to leave right after finals, so he didn't know that everyone assumed I was a home-wrecker, therefore, I deserved nothing.

"You'll see."

I walked back to the table, hoping I could hold back the panic from the memories that Jasper's presence and chatter about James brought to my mind.

They all looked warily at me.

"Who is that?" Emmett was looking from him to me, trying to figure out the connection.

"That's Jasper. Rosalie's brother," I breathed.

Alice looked at me and asked, "Is he your boyfriend?" Edward looked at me curiously, but there was an edge to his expression that I couldn't name.

I laughed, mortified by that thought.

"No, he's just like an older brother." I tightened my body so that I wouldn't tremble from the memories Jasper's conversation had brought up. I counted the amount of tables around the room then labeled all the colors around me in my head.

Then I said, "Really, he's just taken care of his sisters, so he always saw me as one of his little sisters, too." I shrugged, not knowing if he'd still see me like that now. But he knew the truth, and that gave me hope. He seemed to be supportive, but he hadn't heard the rumors yet.

Alice and Edward looked at each other, then smiled.

"I like him. Jasper? He's very calm. And easy on the eyes." I gagged.

"Uh calming, sure. He likes to help people." I was more thankful for him than I could ever say.

Alice looked toward him, now sitting with his sisters, and sighed. He looked angry, and they seemed to be arguing. I glanced back at Edward and said, "So…" I didn't know what to say.

"Why did you get tense after talking to Jasper? If he's someone who has helped you?"

"Just a memory I try not to think about. The one thing I can't think about...but he did help me." I tensed up again, pushing the memory back.

"I'm sorry. I-" he looked down at his tray. "I'm sorry."

"Please don't. It's not your fault. You're helping me, too. Just by, you know, tolerating me." He looked at me, and my heart skipped a beat before I could squash the response. He smiled a little, and nodded. He mumbled something under his breath, but I couldn't make it out.

The next day went by in much of the same fashion. Jasper was still my big brother, just not around the other girls. I read and journaled at night. I cried in my bed, and woke up screaming in the morning, though not as bad as the first day back. I had dealt with having nightmares all summer, but I didn't have the reactions like I did when I had to face them all that first day. Rosalie and Jessica seemed to be at odds when I saw them, but Jasper always sat with them at lunch. Mike waved at me sometimes and usually said hi in the classes we had together. I'm sure James would be up to no good once he was out of ISS, though. Next week could be Monday all over again.

Friday morning, Alice was bounding towards me in the parking lot.

"Hey Bella!"

"Hey Alice."

"You're still talking to her?" Jessica decided to join us with her presence.

"You talked to me for years, you know." I was surprised at myself, but it was already out.

"Because I was naive and ignorant." I stared hard at her. Had James put so many crazy ideas in her head that she believed that, or did she truly think that I was the monster that they saw? Maybe I was. I mean, I hadn't even seen the signs. I didn't pay enough attention to the little things. I guess I had ruined everything between us all, but it wasn't intentional. Even now, the last thing I wanted was to hurt them. But I couldn't shake the feeling that everything I thought I'd had with them had been a huge lie. An illusion. I didn't know what was real and what wasn't. I didn't know how to trust myself anymore, even though I usually had good instincts about people and situations.

"I like talking to Bella, thank you very much," Alice chimed in. I didn't know why, and I was still preparing myself for her and her brothers to reject me. However, I was extremely grateful that she was able to see some sort of good in me. She glared at Jessica, daring her to say something.

"For now." Jessica winked, and I cringed. What was she planning? Is it what she and Rosalie were fighting about yesterday?

Alice and I walked to English, and she was giving me a run down of what we needed to hang out that night at her house. I tried to stop thinking it wouldn't happen, but if Jessica was planning something...I guess it was inevitable. I had to keep myself from thinking like this!

Edward was getting pats on the back from the baseball team outside the building. I rolled my eyes and thought, of course! He was probably going to try out for the team later in the year, and they were already welcoming him into their little group. I mean, not that they weren't good or nice guys...just that popularity meant keeping up a certain image. Just then, nausea took over my stomach thinking about how all of those jocks would tell him...and he wouldn't want to be around me anymore. I mean, what other rational response would there be? Bella, the home-wrecker? Who would want to keep hanging around someone who was known for that, whether it was the truth or not? I realized that I was hoping that this wouldn't occur, however, because disappointment came in waves when I thought about his potential reactions to being seen with me. Plus, the night's plans would get pretty awkward if Edward didn't want to associate with me. I couldn't blame any of them though. I would cause them to be ostracized, or at least berated and bullied by the rest of the school.

Alice saw me looking, probably grimacing, and said, "What's the matter? You got a problem with baseball? Edward played for our last school." Just as I suspected. That must be why the team had already accepted him. That, and he would attract pretty girls. Well, and, he had a quiet way of being open and charismatic. It wasn't like Jasper's way of being open and friendly to everyone. It was obvious with him. But not completely obvious with Edward. I didn't think he even knew how people were drawn to him.

I smirked and said, "No. I like baseball just fine. It's nothing." My stomach still heaved, wondering what the team was going to say to Edward to keep him away from me. Alice would do the same, no doubt. I shook my head and smiled at her. We took our seats, and Jessica glared at us.

Her eyes were like daggers. I looked to the front of the room, as an announcement came on the intercom.

"All staff and students can make their way to the gym now. There is a school wide assembly this morning."

What?! That wasn't on the schedule. Sweat seared out from my pores, automatically soaking my forehead. My heart was thumping erratically, and I felt like I couldn't move. Completely irrational, but how could I stop my brain's way of responding? Why did I have an eerie feeling about this? Alice grabbed my arm and I realized everyone was lining up.

She took in my panic, and pulled me forward.

"Are you scared of assemblies?"

I gulped. "Just unplanned ones." Who knew if Jessica and Rosalie had done something to cause this assembly? What was this all about? I hoped against hope that it had absolutely nothing to do with me or that awful night that I couldn't allow myself to think about. I knew it wasn't logical to think that this school wide assembly could have anything to do with that, of course. However, I still had an ominous feeling as Alice led me with the rest of the school toward the gymnasium. My instincts told me to bolt and plop back into my truck to go home right now. I was able to get a hold of myself enough to walk, thankful that Alice was with me. We sat down with our class as we arrived at the gym to sit in the bleachers that pulled out from the side of the walls. It filled up fairly quickly, and the principal, Mrs. Becker, stood at the podium. We had a very small school, so it didn't take long to gather everyone.

"Hello! We are gathering this morning to acknowledge a new staff member, and to see a performance by the drama team. Afterwards, all students are expected to return to their classrooms. As it happens, we will have a new head custodian joining us this school year, and her name is Ms. Dinworthy. Everyone, let's give a round of applause for her."

"Hello, students of Forks. I am so excited to be here, and I'll be working with the custodial team in order to make necessary changes to make improvements where they are needed. Thank you for having me in your school."

I began to calm down as we sat there. They always did assemblies like this for any new staff. I think they wanted to boost teacher morale, but who knew if it worked. I was wary of the production. It was the fifth day of school, so there was no way the drama team could have learned a real play by now. Was there? I mean, that required weeks and weeks of practice. Ms. Dinworthy continued her speech.

"I am looking to truly improve the janitorial services here at Forks High School. I am also accepting applications to volunteer to assisting me in the efforts of keeping the school clean and tidy until the end of September. I will choose several students to help out. Keep in mind that colleges will be looking for these types of activities on their applications, especially those of you who are looking to go Ivy League. Anything you can do to stand out is helpful regarding those situations and decisions."

I smirked. Of course the only way to get enough people signed up for janitorial work would be to remind them of college applications. I almost rolled my eyes. I mean, I thought it was a great idea, personally, but without details of the tasks, it seemed like a weak argument to me...even if it would improve a college application.

The drama team was introduced, then, by none other than Jessica Stanley. I had all but forgotten that she had been elected as the student body president.

"Hello, Forks High School staff and students! This fantabulous Friday morning brings us to witnessing an incredible performance by our drama team. They have been working diligently to give you entertainment, and to raise school spirit." She paused, and seemed to be grinning, but it looked mischievous to me. "This production has been deemed, "The Lovely Tragedy," written by our very own Rosalie Hale, with assistance from Jessica Stanley (Oh, that's me!). Without further ado, here is your 2005 drama team!"

The drama team came toward the middle of the gym floor, and they were dressed in everyday clothes as they stepped to the side of the podium. Except one of them was wearing a shirt identical to the one I had been wearing on that fateful night. Holy. Crow. No way. This could not be happening! How was this even allowed during a school assembly? I mean, it couldn't be, could it? I was about to lose consciousness already.

"Oh Becca, let's go!" "Fine, Rachael and Juniper." The first lines of the play began when Rosalie and Jessica had decided to come pick me up after denying every no I had given them. The scene looked so similar to the real life scenario, I started having trouble knowing where I was. I started to shake in my seat next to Alice. I didn't know what showed on my face, but I saw Jessica glancing smugly at me. My stomach roiled. Somewhere, I heard someone laugh. Somewhere, I heard the crowd gasping. I couldn't pay attention. I was losing it. Literally.

Alice bumped me. She was calling my name. "Bella. Bella? What's happening? These characters are crazy. Especially Juniper. I mean, how could any of them believe this Jonathan dude?"

I came out of the weird stupor, shaking, and saw Alice's horrified expression.

I got up, sensing the nausea, and heard someone laugh. I didn't want to think about who belonged to that voice. Then the rest of the gym was pointing and laughing at me. I couldn't stay for the rest of this performance. I ran to the bathroom, where I emptied the morning's contents into the toilet bowl. I sat down on the floor and shook, letting the tears fall. I puked once more, and the world fell to black.

I came to when the bell rang, but I just lay there, in the smelly stall, and continued shedding tears as I woke back up. I didn't think I could sit through a class. My fight was gone. I didn't know what the skit showed them or what it had said about me, but I didn't think I could face anyone. Especially Alice and Edward. I didn't even know how I would leave the stupid building. How would I drive home after I just had a fainting spell? I had come to the most inconvenient bathroom, so if someone were looking for me, this was probably the last place they would look. It was still close to the gym, though. I could hear students walking by...or maybe making out in the stairwell? I didn't know if I could stand up right now without falling over. I felt like such a moron. I didn't want to hide though either. I didn't want Jessica and James and Rosalie to think they won. But it felt like they had. Every. single. day. I heard the door open.

"Bella?" I groaned. I didn't want to be found looking like this.

"I-" My voice was hoarse, and it was difficult to speak. Suddenly arms putting my head into a lap. I looked up, and instantly felt guilty.

"Angela? Oh gosh." I started to cry, and she made soothing noises as she rubbed my hair. I'd forgotten how kind and motherly she could be. "I'm-I'm sorry. I-"

"Bella, I just want to help. I'm not mad, and I know it may take time, but one day, I hope we can be good friends again. Are you alright?" I laughed.

"Okay, yeah. Thanks, Angela. I'll be okay, though. I would like that, too. I just have a lot to sort out." Angela nodded, and she helped me up. "I have to get to class, but you should probably do the same. You have been in here for a while." I grimaced as she opened the door to the noisy hallway.

I brushed off my jeans and washed my face in the sink. I redid my hair and walked out of the bathroom. I found my classroom, and the period was halfway over. I sighed, but found my seat in the back corner. Mr. Varner gave me a warning because I wasn't usually tardy. I received some sympathetic looks from him throughout the lecture, which made me think he may have heard about what happened, but it wasn't like he was doing anything to change things. Jessica looked shocked. I sat up straighter in my desk, letting her know she couldn't break me. Or, I would at least want her to think that. I was already broken.

Alice found me at lunch, but took me off to the side. Here it was. I braced myself for the blow when she said we were done. That she couldn't be friends with someone like me. What I wasn't braced for was the hug she enveloped me into.

I was confused, but she said "Bella, are you all right?," as she pulled away.

I nodded. "I'm okay. But everyone is gonna stare at you...I should just sit by myself somewhere." She shook her head at me, incredulous.

"It's nice outside today. Well, not raining. Let's go out there."

"Okay." I shrugged, wondering what the cafeteria would be like. Edward was already sitting down at our usual spot, along with Emmett, and to my surprise, Jasper. Rosalie and Jessica were nowhere to be seen. However, most of the students in the cafeteria were looking amused, and would not stop staring. Heat flooded my face and I focused on getting my food as Alice got hers. We walked toward the outside tables, and Alice waved the others over. They got up at once to join us.

"Thanks for sitting out here." I was sitting on a bench that put my back to the building so I couldn't see the other students. Only a few others were sitting outside. It wasn't always favorable because the benches were on muddy grass. Living in a place with steady torrential rain can do that to the ground.

"What, you don't want all that attention?" Emmett laughed.

"Uhm no. I really don't." We all ate from our trays, and all of us except Alice had gotten pizza. She had chosen the caesar salad option instead.

"Bella...what was that this morning? Where did you go?" Jasper still had no idea why I was so ostracized. I guessed the stupid skit that morning hadn't explained that part, then. Either that, or Jasper hadn't been paying attention to the whole thing.

I shook my head. I would have another meltdown if I had to relive that. A new memory to make the original one stronger.

"Jasper...I can't." I pleaded with a breath. I started to shake, and I took deep breaths.

He just looked alarmed, but nodded.

"Look, a squirrel!" Emmett's voice boomed, and I jumped out of my seat with a startled laugh. He winked at me.

Edward glanced at me, and his eyes were warm.

"Why aren't you sitting with the jocks?"

His brow furrowed. "Would you rather I sat with them?"

"No, that's not what I meant. Didn't they tell you to stay away from me?"

He shrugged. "I don't listen to rumors. Besides, the party scene really isn't my thing. And I like our little group here."

"Okay. Me too." I wanted to say more, but it didn't come out.

"Bella, why do you keep thinking this is all your fault? James would do anything to clear his name. Unfortunately, it is not so easy to apprehend the fiend." Jasper seemed morose.

"The performance. Did you watch it?"

Jasper nodded. "It was a very cruel thing my sisters did this morning. They are suspended, because I ratted them out. I couldn't believe what I was watching in there." He shuddered.

"Hard to believe I ever thought they cared about me at all." I laughed, but it was hollow.

"Wait. It was about you?" Edward's expression was unreadable.

"Stop. Not here." I held up my hand as I said the words. Edward's eyes went wide, then narrowed in anger and suspicion.

"So about tonight... I thought we could bake chocolate chip cookies or snickerdoodles or anything! What's your favorite, Bella?" Alice was clearly changing the subject. I was honestly grateful at this point.

"Uhm...my favorite? Chocolate chocolate chip! But I love snickerdoodles and Oreo balls too."

"Oreo balls! Yes!"

"What movie were you planning on, Alice?"

"Edward, I don't plan that far ahead! I don't know what Bella likes. Besides, we can choose while we bake. We have lots at home." She smiled, excited.

"Are you sure you want me to come? I mean I can just stay home like normal."

"That isn't normal on a Friday, Bella! Live it up!"

I grimaced. The last time I did that, I ended up needing Jasper to rescue me.

"Oh, Jasper is coming too!" I sighed in relief.

"Emmett has some good video games." He smiled and I chuckled.

"What system?" Alice and Edward looked surprised.

"Well, apparently the old school Nintendo 64 and the Wii U. He also has PlayStation 4, but I like Mario."

"N64? I wonder if he has Ocarina of Time? That was my favorite video game growing up. However, baking is always enjoyable as well."

"You play video games?" Edward looked surprised.

"I used to. With the cronies." Jasper winced, but didn't say anything. I mouthed "sorry" at him. He shrugged.

Alice and Edward chuckled at my nickname for the girls. And James.

Edward and I walked to Biology together, and he was making conversation.

"So..what else do you like to do? Besides video games and being outside?"

"Well, mainly, I like to read or listen to music. Which you already know. I also like to hike, but it takes me a long time because I'll trip if I go too fast. I like Zumba, too, but I have no grace or poise when it comes to those things." I shrugged and said, "What about you?"

"Uhm...I like to read, too. We have a lot of the same taste in books too, it seems. I also enjoy music. I highly enjoy watching movies, especially at the theater. I usually go dancing with Alice, but that's mainly so she's not alone when she goes out. I like to play sports like volleyball and baseball and soccer. Outdoor sports. My family goes camping every summer."

I nodded. "The movie theater is always a good time for me, too. I go by myself sometimes."

He looked surprised, but nodded.

"Looks like we have quite a bit in common," he smiled as he replied.

"That's always helpful when making friends." I looked down, not sure how long this was going to last. I was baffled they still hadn't decided to shun me.

He laughed, and I warmed to the sound.

"Finally. Bella, you can be so exasperating."

I scowled, and stomped off in front of him.

"No, wait, I'm sorry! That was rude. It was just nice to hear you say the word friends. You keep thinking we're going to abandon you like everyone else."

"You're hanging out with the baseball jocks. You'll eventually get tired of them ragging on you, and-" I stopped when I saw his expression.

"I'm not going to do that to you, Bella." His intense gaze made my heart stutter, but I worked to squash down my reaction. I also worked to quash the hope that his words incited within me.

I walked into the classroom and he followed me.

"So, I wonder what Mr. Banner will have us do today?" Edward shrugged, appearing embarrassed for some reason. Heat had flooded his cheeks, and most of the class was giving me amused looks, or looking at me and whispering to themselves.

I looked forward, trying to hide my anger, but the students in front of me were also looking my way. I wanted to groan.

I put my head down on the table on top of my arms, and almost asked Mr. Banner if I could just go home. But I couldn't let them win. I could do this. Well, I would try, anyway.

"Bella?" Edward whispered, "are you all right?"

I peeked up at him, barely moving my head.

"Everyone is staring," I whispered back. Everyone but Mike. He was trying to distract a girl, but was being very loud about it.

"Hey, Mike," I heard Edward yell, "Try this!" I didn't know what Mike was supposed to try, but after a minute, Edward tapped my arm.

"It's safe now." I cautiously raised my head up. Curiously, everyone was now gawking at Mike and this girl, her name was Katie I think, as he got down on one knee and said, "Katie. I like you. Please go on a date with me!"

She looked embarrassed, but also pleased.

"Of course," she sounded flustered.

People clapped and laughed, and I mouthed "thank you" to him. He winked at me, then turned his attention back to Katie.

I smiled at Edward, who was looking cautiously at me. He smiled back, and I said "Thanks. That was really nice of you." I had to hold back tears. I was going to cry because of his sincere kindness. He frowned, "Did that remind you of something?" "No," I shook my head. "I'm just a sucker for kindness." I smiled and swiped away the wetness forming in my eyes.

Mr. Banner was having us create a plant cell using everyday items outside of school. We could partner up, or do it on our own. He was going to use this class time to explain the workings of the cell, and give an overview of how it operates. He would use future class periods to explain different functions of the parts of a plant cell, too.

Edward turned toward me in his seat after the assignment was explained.

"Uhm, do you want to work together as partners? Or do you want to work on your own?" He looked nervous.

"We can be partners." I said it before actually thinking about it, but I wanted to learn to trust again. And he said he wouldn't abandon me, and for some reason, I believed him. At least, I wanted to. He really smiled at me, and my brain seemed to have turned into goo. I couldn't help but smile back, and Mr. Banner drew the class back to his lecture. I took all the notes, and Edward seemed to be doing the same. I smiled to myself, surprised at how natural it felt.

For the first time in four months, I was looking forward to what may come.