Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Twilight or Gossip Girl. Those rights are reserved for Stephanie Myer, Stephanie Savage, and Josh Schwartz. I do own the original characters made up for this storyline. Thank you.

Writer's Notes: Thank you Sassy, Tlyn, and Roxhall for your reviews! I apologize for not getting this chapter out last night, I had a really bad migraine that lasted up until the late part of this morning, and then I had my youngest 5th birthday party. I hope you all enjoy this chapter. More to come tomorrow! As always, don't forget to follow, favorite, and review!

Christmas is right around the corner, and who doesn't love good drama? Rumor has it, Bella Dwyer has been seen with the elite Bass son after school hours. I wonder what this could mean? Drop me the deets. Xoxo – Gossip Girl.

[December 12th]

Winter break was around the corner. As with every change of the season, came the change in wardrobe in UES. Fall was pleasant, fun, brightly colored with oranges, yellows, and reds, and now as winter was knocking on the door, the dark colors of winter made their appearance. New York was cold, much like Forks was, so Bella was used to the bitter cold. Despite it being colder out, the uniformed skirts were still in season, and Bella wore fleece lined tights so she wouldn't freeze to death, as did the other skirt wearing population at school.

"So, when are your parents supposed to be back stateside?" Nate asked Bella as they walked down the hall. They were really good friends to say the least. Nate was a buffer for Blair, who wasn't as terrible lately towards Bella, when Rosalie Hale was around, because now Blair was battling Rosalie, which made Bella thankful that someone else was a target for a change.

"Right before Christmas. They're on vacation before Phil starts the season. Mom has always loved to travel. Fortunately, I'm 18, and don't need much parental guidance." Bella said with a smile, and they walked into the cafeteria to get food.

Nate smiled. "You should have a party or something."

"No thank you. Strangers and drunk teens in my house, absolutely not my idea of a party or fun." Bella said and sat down at the table, with her tray, and Nate beside her.

Blair walked in and plopped down next to Bella on one side of her and sighed heavily. Bella passed her, her apple, and lifted her soda and took a drink.

"What's wrong Blair?" Bella ventured to ask.

Blair took the apple. "The Winter formal is coming up, and Rosalie was chosen to lead the court." She bit the apple because it was in her hand.

"It's not the end of the world babe. You get super stressed about these things anyways. Take the time to relax and have fun for a change." Nate coaxed.

Bella nodded. "Listen to Nate Blair, have fun, let loose once in a while."

Blair blew out a breath. "You wouldn't understand. This is my life. I have to- "

"You don't have to do anything." Bella interrupted. "Blair, you're a Waldorf, and as much as I don't like you, seeing you stressed and bitchy is not on my agenda of things to see or do this Christmas. Have fun, relax, and spend time on you and Nate. Don't focus on Rosalie, and her own bitchiness." She had to admit that Rosalie took the cake for biggest bitch of the school. Blair was a puppy compared to Rosalie, and that was saying a lot. Blair groaned and just leaned her head on Bella's shoulder.

Serena and Dan joined the table, looking at Bella confused why Blair was laying her head on Bella's shoulder. "Uh, Blair, you feel sick or something?" Dan dared to ask.

"Headed that way." Blair groaned again, and then looked at Bella. "If she asks you to be on the court, please decline. I don't want to give her any pretty models for her agenda."

"Don't have to tell me twice." Bella said. "The only school queen I'll torture myself in a dress for is you, Blair."

Blair smiled. "Really?"

"Yes." Bella said with a nod. "But only because of Nate, seeing how Nate is my friend."

Blair rolled her eyes. "Of course." She said and stood. "I've got some planning to do. I think I'm going to throw a….an anti-winter formal." She said and then she was off again.

Nate sighed. "She didn't listen."

"She never does." Bella said and ate on her food.

Serena chuckled a little. "Well, it's Blair. She's got to have control. Watching her and Rosalie go back and forward is exhausting."

"Tell me about it." Nate said with a sigh.

Bella slapped a hand on Nate's back to cheer him up. "Just wait until you two are married." She smiled and then she got up, taking her tray with her. "See you guys later." She said and dumped her tray and left to go to her next class.

Bella felt like the whole day took forever, but finally the day was over. It was Friday, and she just wanted to go to the art store to get some more art supplies. She was venturing into pastels for art class, and she wanted to practice more. When she walked outside into the front courtyard, someone caught her attention. She did a double take. "Jared? Sam?" She murmured, and she walked towards them.

They were wearing their army uniforms. Formal wear. Jared and Sam left for the military at the same time, and Jared was close to her, and Jake at one point. Jake missed Jared mostly because they were best friends too.

"Bella." Jared said, his face was serious, and he looked sad.

"What are you guys doing here?" Bella asked, looking from Sam to Jared.

"Bella," Jared swallowed. That's when Bella noticed the two other army guys standing off to the side. "They sent me, to tell you…. that Charlie was killed in action. Since the details surrounding his mission is classified, I do not know where his death took place, but his death was recorded…. four hours ago. On behalf of the Secretary of Defense, we offer you our deepest condolences and sympathy for your loss." He said, relaying the scripted announcement that he was supposed to give. But he reached out, his hands steadying Bella, as she shook, her face holding a stunned look as Jared delivered the news of her father's death.

"Bella." Jared's voice was tight, and when he saw her legs buckling, he caught her, his arms were strong around her. "Bella, breathe." He murmured in her ear as he held her close. "I need you to breathe."

Bella shuddered, her chest constricting. She hadn't realized that she was sobbing until she heard herself. Her crying gathered attention. She couldn't breathe, her world was crashing down around her. Her father was dead. Charlie was everything to her. She was a daddy's girl through and through, and he was just gone.

"Please Bella…I need you to breathe. Catch your breath, you're going to hyperventilate." Jared murmured. He couldn't stand to see her like this. He looked up to see a small group rushing over to her. One boy reached for her, his hands going to shoulders.

"I got her." He spoke, and Jared released Bella to him.

Bella looked up at Chuck, a solemn expression on his face. His arms wrapped around her tight, keeping her against him, and she just cried harder. Chuck supported her with one arm and brushed a hand up over her face.

"Bella…. take a deep breath." He said calmly. "Look at me, it's just me here. Ignore everything else. Take a breath."

Bella swallowed, taking in a deep breath as she felt the dizziness come over her.

"Yes, like that." Chuck murmured. "More deep breaths."

Bella complied, taking deep breaths, but her body still shook.

Chuck leaned forward, kissing her forehead, and tucked her head on his shoulder, and he held her. His eyes met Jared's. "What happened?"

Jared swallowed. He had heard from Jake that him and Bella broke up, but Jake didn't say why, it was clear what the reason was now. "Her father was killed in action."

"And you told her by herself?" Jasper spoke now. Serena and Dan were there too, all concerned for Bella. Edward made his way over, pushing through some people that started to crowd.

"Go home." Edward turned and looked at the gawking students. "For fuck's sake people." He muttered and walked over to the small group. "Chuck, I'll take her home." He said, walking over to Chuck and Bella.

Bella shook her head. "I can't."

"She can't be alone when she's like this." Chuck said to Edward quickly. "Jasper, take her back to my hotel please. I'll be there shortly."

Jasper nodded, his hands gentle on Bella, as Bella moved from Chuck to Jasper.

Bella's legs were weak, so Jasper bent, picking her up in his arms. He kissed her forehead, murmuring lowly to her, telling her it was going to be okay.

Chuck looked back at Jared. "Bella has an anxiety disorder she tries har- "

"I know." Jared said. "I thought she was moving past it. She was doing well when on the rez." He explained.

"So, you're a friend of Bella's." Edward said.

Jared looked at him. "Something like that." He said and looked back at Chuck. "The memorial is Sunday in Portland."

"I'll have her there." Chuck said and then fished a card out of his pocket, and flipped it over, and took the pen from his front pocket and jotted down his cell phone number. "Send me all the details." He said and handed Jared the card.

Jared looked at the card. Bass Industries. He assumed that Bartholomew was his father, seeing how Chuck was in school currently. "Alright. Your name?"

"Chuck." He said simply, sliding a hand in his pocket. "I'm going to go take care of her now and make sure she's okay." He said and then looked at Serena. "S, come with me. She might want you over me seeing how you're her best friend, and I'm just…Chuck." He said.

Serena nodded. "Of course. Dan, tell your sister I'll see her tomorrow. Love you." She said and kissed him softly.

Edward nodded. "I'll get in contact with Renee and Phil. They're out of the country, so I'll make sure they know what's going on." He told Chuck.

Chuck nodded, and then fist bumped Edward. "Thanks man." He said and then didn't offer another glance to Jared, as him and Serena walked off towards some town cars sitting and waiting at the street. They ducked inside one, and then they were gone.

Edward stood there, taking his phone out. "Bella was close to her father. Giving a notification of death without a support person in place…." He said and looked up at Jared. "You're a friend of Jake's too, I'm assuming."

"I am. I just…thought, that I would be enough." Jared said. "We loved each other once upon a time."

Edward nodded. "I'm sure. Bella is a different person now. Despite her strength, which she has a lot of, she still is human. Her father meant everything to her, and is now gone." He said and then lifted his phone to his ear. "She'll be in Portland Sunday. Safe travels." He said and turned around. "Edward Cullen, calling for Renee Dwyer." He said as he walked a few steps away. Edward's dad helped get reservations at one of the hotels Renee and Phil were staying at.

"Hello?"

"Renee Dwyer. We haven't formally spoke. My father is Carlisle Cullen." He explained.

"Oh yes, one of Bella's friends. Is everything okay?" Renee's voice sounded in Edward's ear.

"Not exactly. Bella is fine, but it's been notified that Bella's father was killed in action. There's a memorial service Sunday."

"Charlie is dead?" Renee asked with a gasp.

"Yes ma'am. I knew that you would want to know what was going on. Bella is okay. We're taking care of her. The Bass family will be assisting in getting her to the memorial on Sunday. I'll have those details forwarded to you as soon as I get them."

Renee was silent for a moment. "She was close to her father." She sighed. "Okay. Keep me informed Edward. We'll be back in New York December 20th."

"Of course." He said, and then the call ended. He sighed. What sort of mother didn't immediately want to come back and be there for their daughter? Then again, this was Upper East Side. He shouldn't be surprised anymore that parents neglected their children.

[The Palace Hotel: Chuck's Suite]

Jasper made it back to the hotel with Bella, letting her down on the couch in the sitting area, and moving to get her a drink. Her tears had finally stopped, and now she was just quiet, grieving internally. "Here you go darling." He handed her the bourbon, and then sat down next to her. They've known each other for two and a half months. Since that night after the Fall Ball, they hadn't explored anything else. It was just mostly, talking at school. He didn't know what to think about that night. He knew he had the most fun he's ever had, and that was his first time being with a woman, bare like that, and his first time in a threesome. He could mark that off his bucket list at least, but he genuinely liked Bella. She was funny and sarcastic most of the time, and you couldn't tell by looking at her, that she had a weakness. He hadn't known how anxious she was at a person, but that was just it, wasn't it? People could generally hide their pain from others if they wanted to.

Bella took the bourbon and drank it down fast, holding the glass in both her hands when she was done. She was remembering the last time she spoke to him. It was two months ago, right before he went on his mission. He could never talk about what he did because it was always classified. She knew her dad was special forces, and that his job was dangerous. She knew every time he was deployed, that there was this possibility of him not coming back. She just wished that she spent more time talking with him. Charlie was her savior, from when Renee married Phil, and they moved all over the place. Despite Charlie being in the army, she was comfortable in Forks. She spent her summers there as a girl, but when she went to live with Charlie permanently, she was able to make a life there. Make friends and have love. Anytime he deployed, and her mother was also out of the country, she stayed with Billy, or with Harry Clearwater. Which is why she was so used to La Push.

But her mother wanted her this time. She moved here to New York to appease her mom, which she did love and care about. She wanted her mom to be happy, and Phil made her happy and Phil was a great guy too. She was thankful for her parents. Charlie had told her it was a great opportunity for her to see New York and get great opportunities for college since she was a Senior this year, and she agreed. She came here to not be a burden.

"You know, my dad always had this way with people." Bella finally spoke. "He knew how to make people laugh, and smile. This was going to be his last deployment." She said with a nod. "He was getting out of the army and formally taking the Police chief position in Forks. He's been in the army for nearly 20 years now."

Jasper listened to her talk, understanding that she needed this.

"I can't remember a time that I wasn't so in love with my dad. I remember being six, and thinking he was my prince charming. I often said that I would marry him, because who wouldn't want to marry a daddy like him?" Bella said with a small smile. "He would dance around, and I would stand on his feet, and we would just be dancing together. Didn't even have to have any music." She looked at her empty glass. "He was always there for me. Worked hard to make sure I had what I needed. He never argued with my mom. When her and Phil got married, dad was there, shaking Phil's hand, and congratulating them both. My dad was so happy for my mom, that she finally was happy, because he knew she wasn't with him, and he accepted that fate."

Jasper poured more bourbon in her glass as he listened to her talk.

Bella lifted the glass, taking a small drink, and then went back to holding it with both hands, cupping the glass carefully. "When I was a kid, I would stay a lot on the rez when dad was deployed, and mom wasn't in the country. I had to go somewhere, and I didn't have a lot of family. So, I would stay with Jake and his dad, or Harry and Leah. That's how Jake and I got so close. We were inseparable as kids, and when we got older and hormones started raging, that's when I noticed that maybe being friends wasn't enough, and that we should try the dating life." She took another drink. "I didn't even tell my dad when I talked to him last that me and Jake broke up, because dad loved Jake. Thought that one day Jake and I would get married. I thought maybe he would be disappointed in me, so I didn't bother to bring it up." She sighed, thinking about everything again, lifting her glass to take another drink.

Serena and Chuck got there, and Bella didn't even glance up at them, not like Jasper had done.

"My dad was fearless, or at least, that's how I saw him. Made me less afraid of anything. He's a hero. I'm so proud of him. Proud of his commitment to this country and its people. Proud that he was my dad." She said and finished the rest of bourbon in her glass. "I always knew…knew that this day would come, and after telling myself, over and over…. that this could happen, I still lost myself."

"You didn't lose yourself." Serena said softly, and joined Bella, sitting next to her.

Bella looked at Serena. "I did a little." She said and then swallowed. "I feel like there is just this weight crushing me. It makes it hard to breathe and I'm just…not sure what I'm supposed to do without my dad. I'll never get to hear his voice. I'll never see his face again. I'll never get to hear him say I love you kiddo. Not anymore, and it's just this crushing feeling."

Serena wrapped her arms around Bella, and Bella leaned her head on her shoulder. "I know…." She murmured. "I wish I could say something that would make you feel better, but I don't know. I can only tell you how sorry I am that you're going through this and hope to just be here for you."

Bella nodded, sniffing a little. "Thank you." She said, and then leaned away from her. "Um. You should be with Jenny right now."

"No, that can wait." Serena said softly.

"That's important too. I'll be okay. I'll go to the memorial, say my goodbyes, and just try and push forward because I know that's what my dad would want. He would want me to remember all the good times, and just keep pressing forward. If I let it consume me, then I'm dead too." She said and then wiped a tear as it escaped. "So go, be with Jenny. I'll be okay. I'm probably going to drink more bourbon and see if I can't talk Chuck into running a bath for me to relax."

Chuck nodded. "You don't have to talk me into anything." He said and disappeared towards the bathroom. Since that night after the Fall Ball, he had enjoyed sex with Bella off and on. At school, she was still curt with him, and she was often sarcastic, but sex was amazing he admitted. He was the school's playboy, so it wouldn't be long before he lost that sex drive for one woman after too long. But he did care about her. So, he would start her the bath, and make sure she was okay, because losing a parent was hard. He would know. He lost his own mother and was left alone on this planet with his father.

Serena studied her a moment and then sighed. "You want me to leave you here alone with Chuck?"

"I'll be here. I won't let anything happen to her." Jasper said with a smile.

Serena looked at Jasper and then back to Bella. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure." Bella said with a nod.

Serena nodded. "Okay. Text me if you need anything. I'll come straight back." She said and hugged her friend.

Bella hugged Serena back. "Go have fun with Jenny." She said and then watched Serena leave. She sighed and then stood, wobbling a bit, but Jasper was there to help her, his hands steadying her.

Chuck returned. "Bath is ready for you. I'll have some fresh clothes ready for you." He said, and his phone rang. He looked at it. "Hello?"

"Son, can you come to my office?"

"What did I do this time?"

"You're not in trouble."

Chuck sighed. "Alright." He said and then hung up. "I'll be back. I must go see my father. Jasper?"

"I've got her." Jasper said with a nod, and then helped Bella to the bathroom. The bubble bath was steaming and looked welcoming.

Bella turned, shrugging off her school uniform jacket, and then her fingers fumbled with her buttons on her shirt.

Jasper reached up, his own hands unbuttoning her shirt for her. "Let me." He murmured.

Bella watched him as he undressed her, her muscles were tired from the anxiety and stress from earlier. When she was just in her bra and panties, she stood there, watching him. "Touch me." She murmured.

"Bella, I don't think-"

"Please." She murmured softly.

Jasper moved towards her, his hands going to her waist, drawing her close against him. He reached a hand up and unsnapped her bra for her, and then her mouth tipped up, capturing his. He slid his hands down to her panties, pushing them away, and breaking the kiss to finish getting the panties off her. She was naked in front of him now, and her hands moved to his shirt, untucking it, and unbuttoning it the best she could.

"Bella." Jasper said softly. "You don't need this right now." he said and then took a step back. "The bath will help you." He said and looked at the tub.

"Join me." She said as she shifted towards the tub. She turned her back, stepping in the tub, and sinking down into the hot water. It soothed her muscles instantly, and she let out a sigh.

Jasper watched her. "Bella I can't. You're grieving your father, and your emotions are- "

"I know my own emotions."

Chuck returned. "Why call me and tell me to come to the office, and then call and say never mind." He muttered, and then stopped at the bathroom door. "Feel nice?" He asked, leaning against the doorframe. He looked at Jasper's ruffled appearance, but he didn't say anything.

Bella nodded. "It's perfect. Thank you, Chuck."

"Of course." He said with a nod. "Want us to join you?"

Jasper frowned and looked at Chuck. "I'm not…" He sighed. "I'll check on you later Bella." He murmured, looking at her.

Bella frowned back. "Jasper…I promise I'm- "

"I don't want to be a distraction." Jasper said, looking at her. "Fall Ball night…. that was amazing, and I enjoyed it thoroughly, but I don't want you to make decisions when feeling like this." He said and then he walked out, brushing past Chuck on the way out.

Bella sighed, leaning her head back against the tub, and closing her eyes.

"He's right you know." Chuck said.

Bella opened her eyes and looked at Chuck. "How so?"

"Making decisions when you're feeling like this after your father. Meaningless sex isn't the answer." Chuck said.

"It wouldn't be meaningless." Bella said, sighing.

"Hmm. Well, fortunately for you, I love having sex, especially meaningless sex." He said and pushed away from the door frame, unbuttoning his shirt. "You need a distraction…. I'll be the distraction."

Bella watched Chuck undress, before stepping into the tub, shifting her to where she could lean against him as the hot water washed over them. His hands felt nice over her body. She sighed, leaning into him, feeling better. His fingers ignited the fire in her, and rolled over her clit, causing her to moan. With his other hand he shifted her hair to the side, his mouth kissing her neck, his tongue grazing her skin in her most sensitive places. He was focused only on her, driving her towards the release her body begged for. When she shuddered, moaning as she came, he smiled, kissing her neck again. They sat together like that in the tub for a few moments, just soaking in the heat of the water. Bella felt the buzz of relaxation after orgasm, and just relaxed in Chuck's arms. It felt nice to be here with him like this. She never saw Chuck as the tender type, but he had surprised her a few times.

Chuck got out of the tub, wrapping the towel around him, and then got one for her. They went to the bedroom, where they continued their foreplay with each other, one of Chuck's favorite things to do, and Bella wasn't going to complain.

His mouth moved over her mouth to her throat, to her breast, his tongue was magic, igniting her everywhere he tasted. He shifted back to her mouth as his hard cock waited at her entrance. She was wet, and ready for him, wanting the invasion. The need to quench that internal thirst. He gave to her, rocking into her, taking the plunge as he sheathed himself inside her. Her moist walls squeezed around him continuously, pulling him into the depths. His thrusts were even, fast, and deep. He untwisted all the emotion inside her with each push, until she was spilling over again, at the same time, rope after rope of hot semen splashed inside her.

He kissed her softly, before pulling out of her and rolling to his side, gathering her against him like their normal encounters.

Bella was quiet as she lay there. She thought about everything in her life, those thoughts made her drift to sleep, and soon she was relaxed completely in bed with Chuck.

Chuck stroked his hand down her hand softly when his phone buzzed on the nightstand. He reached over and grabbed it, seeing his father's name light up the screen. He sighed, and answered. "Hey dad." He said lowly, careful to keep quiet so his voice wouldn't wake Bella.

"I need…why are you talking so low?"

"Because the woman lying in bed next to me is sleeping."

Bart made a hmph noise. "You didn't kick this one out right after. Is she a special girl?" He pried.

"Yes dad. What is it you need?"

"Are you borrowing the jet tomorrow?"

"I am. My special girl needs to get to Portland tomorrow for her father's funeral."

"The Dwyer girl?"

"How did you know?"

Bart was silent. "Alright. I'll see you when you get back." He said and hung up.

Chuck sighed, looking at his phone. His father was so mysterious sometimes. His phone dinged, and it was from Edward.

[Edward:] Informed Bella's parents of her father's death. They'll be back in New York December 20th.

[Chuck:] Thanks man.

Chuck set his phone back, and pulled the blankets up over them more, and just kissed the top of her head. Bella was special, he admitted. Something about her just made you want to care more about life. Soon he was falling asleep, even though it wasn't late.

[Saturday: Forks: Bella's old house]

Bella looked up at the old house that held so many childhood memories for her. It was the house she grew up in. The house that she loved.

"This was your home?" Serena asked. She came with Chuck, Jasper, Dan, and Edward to Forks to be with Bella during this hard time. Bella told her about her and Chuck doing this weird dance they were doing, and while Serena didn't see the value of Chuck Bass, she was at least glad that Chuck was being normal for a change, and showing compassion for another human being.

"It was." Bella murmured as she opened the door and walked inside. Everything was the same from when she left it. She walked into the living room, the pictures that Charlie had was few but the ones he did have were good ones. She smiled as she picked up a picture of her, Jake, and Jared when they were younger. She was missing two teeth in the front, and Jake was missing the other. Jared was older than they were by a couple years, but he was still always there.

Chuck looked around at the older styled home. It was like walking into a hallmark movie, seeing the decoration. The simplicity seemed like Bella. Or at least the old Bella, before she was forced into a social elite. He saw a picture of Bella and her dad. She favored her father with the dark hair and eyes. He was a handsome man, he mused.

They moved around the house, and Bella just looked at things, silently enjoying the memories. The others were quiet, letting her seep into her thoughts and feelings. She was thankful that she had friends like this.

There was a faint knock on the door, and Chuck moved towards it, so Bella didn't have to come down the stairs. He opened it; Jake was standing at the door.

"I saw the car, and…I didn't realize you were here too." Jake said, a little bitterness in his tone.

Chuck raised a brow. "Oh?"

Bella jogged down the stairs. "Chuck, who is it?" She said as she came to stand next to him. "Jake?"

"Um. I heard about Charlie." Jake said, his eyes moving to Bella's.

Bella swallowed and nodded. "Jared told you."

"He did."

"You came to check on me?"

"I knew you would be here today; I just didn't realize you had company I suppose."

Chuck rolled his eyes, and then looked at Bella. "I'm going to go help Edward in the kitchen." He said, kissing her softly, on purpose, before walking away.

"You're dating that tool?"

Bella crossed her arms and glared at Jake. "Seriously? We're going to do this?"

"That's not…." Jake sighed. "I just wanted to see if you were okay. That's all."

"I'm fine. I have my friends with me. I'm not weak Jake. Jared caught me off guard. I had my meltdown, and emotional moment, but I'm okay. There's no reason for you to come here and try to be hero. I once hoped we could move past the whole incident and be the best friends we used to be, but your reaction to Chuck tells me, you're not ready for that." She said.

"You are dating then?"

Bella looked at Jake, shaking her head. "Why does it matter?"

"I just don't want to see you get hurt. He's not right for you Bella." Jake said, raising his voice a little.

"Don't want to see me get hurt? Jake, you just fucking showed up to what, make it worse? I just lost my father!" She yelled at him.

Chuck heard her shouting and sighed. He looked at Jasper. "If I deck the bronze statue out there, will you back me up?"

"Shit, we'll all back you up." Serena muttered.

Chuck nodded and then went to the front door again. He hooked an arm around Bella's waist, and moved her back a little. "Bella…" He murmured.

"It was just a question." Jake defended, ignoring Bella.

"You don't have a right to ask those sorts of questions."

Jake shook his head. "You always do this. Avoidance. If you're dating him then- "

"We are." Chuck said, cutting Jake off. "You don't get to ask Bella questions anymore. Her life isn't your concern." He said and then looked at Bella. "Do you want to go in the kitchen? Maybe cool off and get something to drink?"

Bella nodded. "Thank you." She said and then turned her back on Jake and walked away, her fists tightening, and tears threatened.

"You're a playboy. There's no fucking way Bella would ever consider dating you." Jake said once Bella was out of ear shot.

Chuck smiled. "Well, you don't know me very well Jake."

"No, that's exactly what you are. Sleeping with different women all the time. I looked you up. Chuck Bass, you make the headlines for the creeps that follow around Upper East Side, like you are all fucking celebrities." Jake spat.

Chuck's temper wanted to flare, but he continued to hold back. "Hmm. That's because we're worth something Jake. If you bothered to look up more about me, since you seem to know so much. You'll know that I'm the heir to Bass Industries. You know what that means?"

"What?" Jake barked, anger filling him more.

"It means, that my family is the 4th richest family in the world." Chuck said. "And while that's not an exaggeration, it does give those creeps, a reason to follow me around and sneak pictures, and make up taglines wherever they see fit, because that's exactly what I am. A celebrity to them. But to Bella, I'm the boyfriend, that is going to support her in her time of need, and do whatever it is she needs me to do. I'm letting her be herself. I'm letting her grieve, and I'll be there to hold her, intimately."

Jake growled a little. "You're disgusting."

"Am I? Seems like to me, it's disgusting to show up on your ex-girlfriend's doorstep, to take advantage of her sorrow, in hopes of what? Rekindling something? Did you not think that after all these months, that she would what wallowing in despair over a broken relationship that was doomed to end the moment she moved away because you couldn't keep it in your fucking pants?" Chuck retorted.

Jake clenched his fist. "You don't know Bella like I do."

"Oh, and what way is that?"

"Before she got rich and stuck up."

Chuck nodded. "There it is." He said.

Bella's mouth fell open. She came back to yell at Jake to go away and to stop harassing her friends, catching Jake's words. "Seriously?" She said, flying into her own temper now. She pushed past Chuck, and struck at Jake, and he caught her hand. She maneuvered, and then she was just striking at him, and he was defending her blows.

"Goddamnit Bella, I don't want to hurt you." Jake yelled, as he tried not to use strength against her.

"I fucking loved you!" She yelled at him, their sparring getting faster, and she swung her leg around in a crescent kick, but he grabbed her leg, his arm sliding up, and hooking her waist, and spinning with her, got her on the ground, but she rolled and kicked at him, her foot connecting with his chest.

"I didn't mean it that way!" Jake yelled at her. "You're acting like a child!"

Bella shook her head. "You always made me feel like I was the dull one. The one that was supposed to feel like I was meant to be that insecure. You were my best friend. I bared my soul to you, and you show up, the day after my father dies, and you start shit." She spat. She punched at him, her fist meeting his block, and he blocked again, her next punch slipped his guard and caught him in the jaw.

Jake clenched his jaw and then spit blood on the ground, taking a step back from her. He was clearly still angry. "You ran away to New York. We were perfectly happy until you left. You were 18, you could have stayed. I didn't mean enough for you to stay and try."

"I left because my father told me to. That I should spend time with my mom and look at my possibilities. There are amazing opportunities for career there." Bella explained her voice wavering a little because she was breathing hard.

"I wanted to marry you, Bella." Jake said, throwing his hands up. "I had the ring and your father's blessing, and you disappeared on me." He said, exhausted from the argument. "Our promises to each other didn't matter anymore once you moved away. We were pretending to be what?"

Bella shook her head. "We were seven when we promised to marry each other, Jake!"

"You can't say you don't love me anymore. I still love you. All of you." Jake said.

"Then you wouldn't have slept with Leah." Bella pointed out, her voice holding a certain level of venom to it.

Jake shook his head. "It's not a proud moment. I never said I didn't fuck up because I did. But I thought that our love was stronger than that, but it was clear that it wasn't. I looked past the shit you did too, so- "

"A kiss is different than fucking someone Jake." Bella said.

Jake nodded. "Maybe so, but I still put up with it."

"And I put up with going into a threesome with you and Jared. Or did you forget that?" Bella asked. "As much as I loved Jared too, I didn't want to venture into that with you because I only wanted you. But you said it would be fun, that it was something we should try. I had to get myself drunk to do it." Bella said. "And even when I said stop…"

Jake closed his eyes. "Bella." He said and reached for her.

"No. You don't touch me." Bella said. "I took punishments for doing stuff I wasn't supposed to do. Do you remember? Hmm? Do you remember you fucking me so hard I cried once?" She spat. "Not even once."

Jake didn't look at her.

"See you can't even look me in the eye. Because you know what you were doing. You were breaking me. Because you wanted me to just easily comply and stay complacent in a town that is too small for me. You were too small for me Jake. I've moved on, you should too. Don't fucking come near me again. Next time I won't hold myself back." She said and turned away from him and looked back at everyone that had come out on the porch to watch the show. "Go home Jake. I don't want to see you again." She said and walked back towards her friends.

Jasper was the one to reach for her, and she went into his arms, and he hugged her. Chuck only stared at Jake, feeling some sort of anger at him for hurting Bella like he did. No woman deserved to be guilted into anything.

Jasper tilted Bella's face up to look at him. "Hey, it's okay." He said with a nod. "Everything is okay. If you need to cry…"

Bella nodded, swallowing. "Thanks Jasper." She murmured, and then she let him kiss her softly.

The small kiss between Jasper and Bella made Jake realize that maybe he assumed things were going on between Chuck and Bella.

Chuck turned away and looked at Jasper and Bella, walking over to them, and sliding a hand on Bella's waist, and leaning in to say something to Jasper.

Jake couldn't make out what they said, but Jasper nodded, letting Bella go to Chuck, before looking over at Jake. "Go home." Jasper called to Jake.

"I'm not- "

Jasper rolled up his sleeves. "I know you know at least karate." He said. "Chuck isn't a fighter, but I am." He said. "I will remove you by force, if necessary."

Chuck moved Bella inside, Serena and Dan going with him, but Edward hung back, his hands in his pockets still.

"Are you serious?" Jake said, shaking his head. "I can't believe this."

"Believe it or not." Edward said. "Bella made it clear what she wants."

"She's fucking all of you…. isn't she?" Jake scoffed.

Edward laughed. "Oh, no. Bella is just a really special person. I guess you were too blind to see that. I suggest you leave." He said simply.

Jasper was prepared to fight Jake scoffed, and turned and walked away.

Edward was silent a few moments. "You and Bella?"

"No, we're not dating." Jasper said and looked over at Edward. "She said that Jake punished her?"

Edward let out a sigh. "I don't know." He murmured. "Let Chuck handle that. It's clear that they're something more than friends."

There were too many people surrounding Bella that cared about her to let anyone hurt her. But it was clear that Bella could handle herself, and would handle herself.

"Maybe." Jasper murmured, and then walked back in the house, Edward following behind him. They would finish helping Bella with some light packing before the memorial tomorrow.