A/N: Sorry for the delay. I had a rough day at work and didn't feel like writing last night. I watched twilight and went to bed early. Anyway, here we go.
BELLA
Once I calmed down from my awkward and rather embarrassing break down in front of Jake, he promised me that he wouldn't tell Seth and Leah what we talked about. I really appreciated that. I didn't want them to know how upset Edward was making me.
In return, I promised Jacob that I wouldn't even think about Edward for the rest of the day. I pushed the sex issue and the realization that he was actually pressuring me to the back of my mind. It was someithing that I needed to talk to Edward about and since he wasn't there, there was no point in stressing about it. I decided that I was just going to spend the rest of the day having fun with my friends.
Which is exactly what we did. We spent some time in the garage just talking and laughing. We went for a walk be the beach around noon where we run into Leash's boyfriend, Sam, and Jacob's other two best friends, Quil and Embry. The three had plans to go cliff diving that day and spent an hour trying to convince us to come with them.
Thankfully, Jacob knew that I was accident prone and turned them down. He stuck with the decision knowing that no matter how safe Sam said it was, I would find some way to get hurt. We did go for a swim after the left though.
Everything was fine until around nine o'clock that night. I started feeling really aching all over and the muscles in my stomach had clenched just slightly. And I was could tell I was a little warmer than normal. I blamed it on the stress of my relationship with Edward and ignored it.
"Bells, are you alright?" Seth asked a half hour later. "You look really pale and sweaty?"
"I'm fine." I replied. "It's just lack my lack of sleep."
Even as I said it, my stomach muscles clenched even more and I started throwing up on the garage floor. Jacob, even the gentleman, raced over to my chair and held my hair back. Leah, who had a very weak stomach, dashed from the garage.
Leah came back with a towel and glass of water once I was finished. Seth, who had the strongest stomach of any man I knew, began to clean up the pile of vomit. I wiped my mouth then drank the water.
I felt Jacob's cool hand touch my forehead as I tried to get my breathing back under control. I didn't noticed how warm I was until then. His hand felt so soothing that I was sad when he took it away.
"You have a bit of a fever. Leah, can you call Charlie and tell him that Bella got sick so I took her home. Tell him that I'll stay with her until he gets home." Jacob told Leah who nodded and headed out of the garage. "Can you walk?" he asked me. I nodded slowly and regretted it because my head throbbed.
He helped me stand up but my knees gave under my weight. Was I really that sick? Jake chuckled slightly, slid his arms around me and picked me up bridal style. He carried me to his rabbit and sat me gently in the passenger seat.
When we got to my house, he helped me change into sweats (He's been my best friend since before we could even hold our heads up, I didn't mind him seeing me naked) and climb into bed. Then, to my surprise, he called in next to me and wrapped his arms around me.
He was there to hold my hair the next two times I threw up. He even had a glass of water, a towel, and some tylonel ready when I was finished. I fell asleep in his arms around 11:00.
Sadly, he was gone when I had another bout of throwing up at three thirty. My day was there to hold my hair and get me what I needed though. I was glad for that. I knew hgow awkward this kind of thing was for him. He was still sitting in my rocking chair when I fell back to sleep around five.
When I woke up again at seven, I felt a little better. My head was still throbbing and my body ached but I didn't feel like I had a fever anymore. I no longer felt nauseated but my stomach muscles were very sore from all of the throwing up. Charlie was no where to be found but there was note from him on my pillow.
Bells,
I called the school and told them that you weren't going to be in today. I wanted to take the day off to keep an eye on you but I knew that you would probably yell at me. There is some ginger ale in the fridge and Saltines on the table if you feel like eating. Get some rest.
Love,
Dad
I laughed as I read the note. My dad knew me too well. I hated it when people had to change their schedules and what not for me. I mean, there was no reason, in this particuliar case, for him to take the day off work. I was perfectly capable of taking care of myself today. Even if I was sick.
I supposed I should call Alice. She tended to worry abotu me, especially if I missed school. She was so bad that I somnetimes felt she was channeling my mom.
I picked up and flipped my phone open to find that I had a text from Jake. I smiled. Of course, he would be doing a follow up on how I was feeling. I opened the text and sure enough,
Hey sweetie how ru feeling?
I smiled and typed my reply.
Better but still crappy. I think I'm done throwing up.
I only had to wait a minute before I got a reply.
Good. I mean that ur feeling even a little better. I'm going 2 visit u l8er. Just 2 b sure.
I smiled again. Jacob was such a wonderful friend. I really didn't know what I'd do with him.
Look forward 2 it. I g2g. Need 2 call Al and tell her I won't b in school 2day. Then more rest. ttyl.
K. Feel better soon.
Was his reply. I flipped from my messages to my contacts, found Alice, and hit send.
ALICE
I stood in front of my mirror admiring the outfit I had just bought on Saturday. It was a lonsleeved baby blue shirt with a square neck that revealed a little less than an inch of cleavage (Which was an inch higher than the dress code called for) with a black skirt that came down to about mid thigh. It was a little cold so I added a pair of black leggings. The oufit would've looked best with my black Jimmy Choo's but I didn't feel like walking around in heels all day. I settled for a pair of black ballet flats.
I was just clipping my locket around my neck when my phone started blaring Katy Perry's I Kissed a Girl. I wondered why Bella was calling me at seven fifteen when we were going to see each other in forty five minutes anyway. I grabbed the phone off of my dresser and flipped it open.
"Hey Bella, what's up?" I answered.
"Hey Al." Bella replied. She sounded a little weak and hoarse. "I just wanted to tell you that I wouldn't be in school today."
"Why not?" I asked. Okay, I wasn't a omplete idiot. I knew she was sick but it seemed the most natural way to continue the conversation. (A/N: Don't ask.)
"I got sick at Jake's last night." she replied. "I think I have a touch of the flu. I feel a lot better today but I don't think I could make it at school. Could you get my homework for me?"
"Of course." I replied. "Hey, do you want me to come over after school? I can make you my famous chicken noodle soup in a can."
She laughed along with me. It was common knowledge that I couldn't cook to save my life. Hell, I could barely boil water. However, cans and mocrowaves were very safe for me. I used them whenever possible
"That would be nice." she replied through her laughter.
"Okay, I'll be there right after school."
"Great and can you do one more thing for me?"
"Sure."
"Would you tell Edward that I'm not going to be in school?"
'No problem." I replied rolling my eyes.
"I'll let you finish getting ready for school now."
"Okay, try to get some rest."
"I will. I see you later."
"Bye." I replied and flipped the phone shut.
I sighed. Great, it was another boring day at school and Bella wouldn't even be there to try to make it better. I guess, I'd just have to deal. I grabbed my bookbag and headed downstairs for a quick bowl of Count Chocula (A/N: Points for anyone who can think of another of our favorite characters who enjoys Count Chocual cereal.).
Edward was already eating a bowl of fruit loops when I made it to the dining room.
"Good morning." he said apathetically.
"Morning." I answered in the same tone then headed to the kitchen. "I just talked to Bella." I yelled to him as I fixed myself a bowl cereal. "She has the flu and won't be at school today."
"Oh." he replied in a semi concerned tone. "Is she doing alright?"
"She says she's better than last night." I told him.
"I guess I'll have to go visit her later."
There was something about his tone that was off. It was like he was concerned for her health but happy that she wasn't going to be at school. I shrugged it off as my paranoia about him hurting her and ate my cereal.
It was a fifteen minute drive from our house to the school. Or at least that's who long it took me in my porsche. It should've taken at last thirty but me and driving slow, especially in the porsche, just don't mix.
My first class of the day went by in a boring lull. It was literature. I swear, the only thing worse than reading thoise stupid books was listening to my teacher talking about those stupid books. It would've been so much more fun if we could read books like the Harry Potter and House of Night series (A/N:Both majorly awesome series). But no, we had to read things like The Scarlet Letter and A Farewell to Arms.
Needless to say, I spent most of the period writing a note to Jasper and reading a fashion magazine under my desk. I knew Bella would help me study for the test later. The bell finally rang and not a moment to soon.
I normally had a study hall for second hour but I had gotten permission to make up an Algebra test today. So, I headed upstairs instead of down.
Mr. Anderson, the algebra teacher, was writing some problems for his next class on the board and didn't notice my arrival. I cleared my throat to make him aware of my presence. He jumped slightly when he turned around.
"Miss Brandon, what can I do for you?" he asked when he recovered.
"We arranged for me to retake the test I missed last Wednesday." I reminded him.
"Right." he replied.
He rummaged over his desk that was covered in papers. I knew it would take him awhile, it always did. Curious at who was in this class, I turned to watch the kids come in. I got an interesting shock.
Edward's best friend, James was walking in with his girlfriend, Victoria draped all ove him. Behind him was Edward and Jessica "the whore" Stanley. And she was dressed for her title too.
She was wearing a longsleeved black v-neck shirt. It should so much cleavage that it definitely made teachers wonder if it was legal. She had on a short black skirt (Once again, pushing the dress code to the limit) with a pair of black high heeled knee high leather boots that zipped up the side. I found myself thinking how Bella, Rose, and I could've ever been friends with her.
It wasn't her appearance with Edward that shocked me. It was common knowledge that Jessica was best friends with Victoria which meant she hung out with James and Victoria often. That also meant that Edward spent a good deal of time with her. So it wasn't shocking that the walked in together. It was the fact that her arm was linked through his and he was carrying her books.
The minute Edward saw me, he pulled his arm away from her and handed her back her books. She pouted for a minute then her eyes fell on me and she quickly walked to her desk.
"Here you are Miss Brandon." Mr. Anderson said and I jumped slightly before I turned around.
"Thank you, Mr. Anderson." I replied taking the test.
"You can have a seat in the back of the room."
I nodded and headed for a desk in the corner of the back row while Mr. Anderson began teaching his class.
"As you all know we have a big test at the end of the week. And I want to make sure that all of you pass so we are going to spend the rest of the week reviewing. Today, I simply want you to split into groups of two and do all of the problems from page 474-477. Then tomorrow, will go over them and find out who needs to improve on what. You can choose your own partners." he explained and went back to his desk.
I watched as Edward and Jessica chose each other. I wondered what in the hell that was about. Yes, they were on friendly terms with each other but I didn't think it extended to touching and flirting. And they were definitely flirting the whole time. I tried to concentrate on my test but Jessica laughter kept cathing my attention. Edward, who was usually revolted by her skanky attempts to get him, looked like he was actually enjoying himself.
Halfway through the period, she leaned over and whispered something in his ear. He nodded in return and they went bad to work. They spent the rest of the period working/flirting. I watched them the best I could while I filled in the answers on the test.
I tried to figure out what the hell was going on. There was only one thought that came to mind. I hoped I was wrong because if he was chesting on Bella, I was going to hvae to kill him. I wasn't completely sure which action Bella would be most upset about.
The bell scared the hell out of me when it rang. I quickly marked anything for the last few questions and handed the test into Mr. Anderson. Edward was still in the hall with Jessica when I walked out. Thankfully, my locker was right across the hall so I cold easily eavesdrop.
Their goodbye wasn't out of the ordinary. They finished their conversation (flirting) and hugged (a little awkward but everyobody did it) then went their seperate ways. I would've just let it go had it noit been for the fact that Edward had lunch this period but he was headed in the opposite direction.
I, of course, followed him. I needed to find out what he was up to. For Bella's sake. Thankfully, there was enough people in the hall to keep him from seeing or hearing me as we walked.
Edward came to a stop outside the library and quickly hid around the corner. He looked around to make sure that no one had followed him before going inside. I waited a couple minutes before I went in. I didn't want to get caught because I knew he would be furious. I was most definitely butting into his life. Then again, he still owed me for Bella.
I walked in and looked around. The big room was unusually empty for this time of day but I couldn't see Edward anywhere. I began walking up and down the rows of books in search of him. I had only been looking for about five minutes when I heard a soft moan from the other side of a book case. As stepped around it, into the darkest part of the library, I was met with a disgusting sight.
Edward, with his back to me, had Jessica pinned to a book shelf with his body. Jessica had her legs wrapped around Edward's waist. He had her hands pinned above his head. Jessica was facing me but her eyes were closed and her mouth open in pleasure while Edward did god only knew what disgusting things to her neck and breasts.
I couldn't believe what I was seeign. Edward really was cheating on Bella. And to make matters worse, it's with Bella's worst enemy. I was so shocked and angry I didn't know what to do. Part of me wanted to turn around and pretend like I hadn't seen anything. However, the loyal part of me forced me to stay. I couldn't just let him get away with doing this to my best friend. I knew, however, that if I spoke, it wasn't going to end well. I simply cleared my throat.
Jessica's eyes snapped open. When she realized who it was they widened in fear and shock. She quickly pulled her feet off of Edward. Edward spun around before she had a chance to get her balance and he fell on her arse. Had the situation not been so serious, I probably would've laughed at the pouty expression on her face.
When Edward got all the way around and his eyes met mine, the widen with the same emotions as Jessica's had. He raised his arms in surrender and said,
"Alice, this isn't what it looks like."
A/N: What do you think? I hope it didn't go too quickly. I promise there's going to be more to the plot than just this. And, no, Edward is not stupid. He just didn't expect Alice to be in his class or to be looking that closely. Anyway, I hope you liked and please review.
