A/n: This is written from Angela's point of view to give you an idea of what someone outside of Bella thought of everything. Not my best, but it'll do

Disclaimer: I do not own the Twilight series or the characters. I can only wish.

I watched her today. I'm always watching, finding excuses to be in her general vicinity so that I can observe her easier. I've been keeping an eye on her since Edward left her. I've seen her struggle with her self-esteem. It's not obvious to those who don't really know her or care to know her. But to me it's easy to spot. Whatever he said, it destroyed the way she viewed herself, the bastard. I knew she was at least a little insecure before he left, but she was still strong and holding her head up high. At least, she did before he left her.

I watched her for months. As time passed, I saw her slowly start to come alive more often. She would smile more, if only just a little. I guessed that she found a way to deal. But maybe I was wrong. She was fine one week and the next she looked even more destroyed than before, if that was even possible.

And now she sits listlessly at her own table again. Just staring into space, not letting anyone break through her walls. She didn't react when Jessica and Lauren, skanks that they are, picked on her daily. Picking apart her choice of clothing to the reason why she wasn't hanging around with that guy from the reservation anymore. Anything was fair game.

But she just sat there and didn't respond. Normally I would say she didn't respond because they weren't worth her time, which was definitely true. But somehow I don't think that's the case. Is it possible that she actually believes their words? I hoped not.

After a few days Mike and I came to an agreement to stand up for her if she wouldn't stand up for herself, no matter what it cost us. We knew that behind those walls she was vulnerable, and needed someone to stand by her no matter how difficult it got. No matter how mean she could be to us. And she could be really mean at times.

I got into a fight with Eric one night when he decided to join Lauren that day in her "pick on Bella" tirade. I couldn't believe that he didn't see the problem. Eventually after a second screaming match over the phone (I know, not normal for me, but I had never been so upset before), I broke things off with him.

It was one thing that I can honestly say was one of the best decisions of my life. I didn't want to be with someone who could kick someone when they are down. It also gave me more time to spend around Bella. More time to break down her walls and show her all that she could have if she allowed it.

For the first few weeks, it was difficult. But the longer we chose to stick by her, the more she thawed towards us.

I wished she would see that Mike and I weren't going anywhere. I wish that she would see just how we see her. She was beautiful, both inside and out. Her most noticeable trait was her complete and utter selflessness.

I mean, she tried to push me away the second she found out that Eric and I broke up fighting over her,

"Go back to him, Angela. You two were good together. Don't make yourself miserable for my sake. I'll be ok if we can't hang out anymore."

It was a lie, and we both knew it. I shook my head at her, "I can't do that. I can't be with someone who thinks its okay to kick someone when they are down. Besides, I'm happy I did break up with him."

She looked at me like I grew three heads, "Why? You love him, don't you? I can't live with the guilt of making you lose the guy you love."

"Don't think so. I loved the idea of him actually. Besides, he was pressuring me into sex Bella and believe me when I say that I probably would have eventually ended things just for that. Don't feel guilty. I'm happier without him. Please?"

She stared at me for a moment before looking back down and mumbling, "What a jerk."

I laughed in agreement. What a jerk, indeed.

Her guilt was unnecessary. If she was guilty of anything, it was not seeing herself clearly. But one day, I hoped she would.