The idea of me owning Twilight is laughable.

Chapter 16

Bella waited until after Edward had gone to lunch to spring her idea on Tyler. They were just finishing The Goblet of Fire and were due to start The Order of the Phoenix soon. It would be a perfect time to take a break.

Bella's grand idea was a movie marathon. Thanksgiving was next week, there was no school on Friday and no where to shop in town. Not that Bella wanted to go shopping. Charlie went on an annual fishing trip the day after Thanksgiving and Bella would be alone for the rest of the weekend.

Tyler was more than game to join but he had to ask his parent's permission. There were several Aunts, Uncles and Cousins scheduled to arrive at his house for the holiday. Tyler was the oldest by several years and did not like the idea of watching cartoons all weekend. He called his dad on his lunch break and was quite happy that his dad agreed. There was little actual reading done that afternoon but lots of planning for the fun day that was to come. After comparing Thanksgiving menus and the acknowledgement that Mrs. Crowley is a lousy cook it was decided that Bella's leftovers would be better than Tyler's. Tyler agreed to bring the movies and an appetite. Bella was very happy because there was always too many leftovers and after a few days she was sick and tired of turkey.

As soon as school was over Bella got in touch with Alice for the second part of her grand idea. Alice was more than happy to grant Bella's favour because it was something in which she could include Jasper. Also because Bella never, ever asked for anything. Alice was ecstatic for the chance to do something for her friend. Bella mailed Alice a check and made note to pick up an extra shift or two at Newton's soon.

Bella settled in to do her homework. As she was pulling her books from her bag one of the notes fell out and on to the floor. She reached in her bag and grabbed the others deciding that reading them would be a laugh before the boredom of homework.

The first note was unsigned and just said "I'm sorry." The next note was signed by a girl who hung out with Katie.

Dear Bella,

I'm sorry for treating you badly. It was a really stupid thing to do and I didn't think about your feelings when I started doing it. It was really brave of you to come to school day after day when everyone was so mean to you. I really admire that about you. I know I should approach you in person but I'm afraid and it seemed easier to write a note. I hope that maybe we could be friends one day. When Edward Cullen pointed out to Katie how awful we had been we all felt really bad and I know Katie has been trying to make it up to you. She talked to everyone she hangs out with and we all agreed. And then after when Tyler yelled at everyone else, well, it made me want to get in touch with you. I don't know if that means anything to you or if we are too late but we would really like it if you'd come sit with us at lunch one day. If you want, that is.

See you at school,

Jane

Bella read the note over twice. It was nice. It made her feel a little less lonely. Katie was nice and she had tried to be more friendly to her before Tyler let the school have it. Maybe Bella could trust the sincerity of these girls. However she did wonder what Edward had to do with it. Why had he been talking to Katie about her? And when had he done that?

As much as she didn't want to she kept thinking about Edward. About kissing Edward. About beating Edward with his stupid flowers. She really needed to apologize to him about that. It had taken her all that evening to get the remains of the bouquet out of the carpet. The house smelled like carnations for almost all weekend.

Bella turned her attention to the last note in the bunch. This one was not simply a folded piece of paper like the others. This one was in a small envelope, her name typed on the front. It looked like a invitation. The letter inside was also typewritten.

I see you.

I should have seen you before but I was clouded by my ignorance.

I see a person with a softness that belies her strength.

I see a person of beauty to whom beauty had no importance.

I see a person of grace who forgives the coarseness of others.

I see you.

I want you to see me.

But I'm not ready yet.

I have to earn it.

Your Secret Admirer.

Bella read the note and searched the envelope for any clues. There was nothing. She tossed the note on to her bed. Of all the cruel bullshit she had gone through in the past few years this was the worst. Was she really supposed to believe that someone liked her, that someone saw her for who she was? What utter crap.

She had spent the last year of her school life being the whipping girl for the school population. They blamed her and now that someone had told them to pull their heads out of their asses she was supposed to believe she had a genuine admirer. A secret admirer. This was just another sick game to the troglodytes with whom she spent her day.

She had to give them credit though. It was well written for a prank. She could just see them plotting, thesaurus in hand, sounding out the words to make up this shit. Gee, how can we torture Swan today? Let's write her a note, make her think someone likes her and then we will….what? What could they do to her now? What fresh hell did they have planned?

Bella lay back on her bed and stared at her ceiling. What if it wasn't a prank? What if someone did actually like her? It was a big leap to that what if. Bella didn't know if she had the energy for a leap of that size.

AN: If you were Bella what would you believe? I think she has earned the right to be a bit jaded.