Disclaimer: I own nothing. But I have my dreams and you can't take that away, because I'm asleep when I have them.

Authors note: Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. I didn't think I would be able to get this chapter out until next week. I've had a bit of a block because I hated the way last chapter turned out but I sat down to try and write and it just flowed so YAY!

Please keep reviewing guy. It makes me smile to see that you are enjoying my little story.

Chapter 5

Oh but I
Need some time off from that emotion
Time to pick my heart up off the floor
And when that love comes down
Without devotion
Well it takes a strong man baby
But I'm showing you the door

'Cause I gotta have faith...

George Michael - Faith

Bella POV

I cannot believe I am doing this.

Wait scratch that.

I cannot believe Edward and I are doing this.

No good can come of two friends pretending to be together to get back at an ex.

But I love him for agreeing. I really hope that we can make this work because I don't think my heart could take anymore heartbreak.

Once this month is over I'm going to start fresh. Start looking for a new job and stay away from bad memories.

I sighed.

I had just finished packing my suitcase with a great deal of new clothes aimed to tease the jerk, thanks to Alice and Rose.

They really are too good to me.

Knock knock

"Come in." I knew it was Edward as I glanced at the clock and realized that we really should make a move if we wanted to get to the centre where everyone would be staying.

"Hey Bella. Are you ready?" Edward asked.

"Sure am", as I motioned to my suitcase.

Edward walked over to me and grabbed my bag and then my hand and we walked out to the car.

The past couple of days we have been walking around holding hands everywhere. We both agreed that holding hands as much as possible now would make it seem less weird when we have to put on a show.

When we arrived to the car he put my suitcase in the back where I noticed his bag was as well and then opened the front passenger door for me.

"Why thankyou."

"Anything for you my dear." He replied.

I rolled my eyes.

The drive took about 3 hours but time went so fast.

Edward and I listened to music and talked about movies and how crazy our friends were.

Just as I was about to ask how far away we were from our destination Edward said "Well we are not far away now. Do you want to go over our cover story one last time?"

"Sure" I replied. Better be safe than sorry.

"Ok so I'm the dashing prince who saved the sad princess from drowning in her tears"

"Oh please Edward. Keep dreaming" I smiled at him

"Fine then" He replied with a pout.

I laughed. I found I was laughing a lot more lately. After my heart was broken I didn't think I would find myself laughing again for a long time.

"So with me being such an awesome beautiful friend, you have always had a crush on me and when 'HE' dumped me, you took it as your chance to finally tell me your true feelings" I started.

"And with me being such a hunk of a friend, you of course had a hidden crush on me for years that you never acted on"

I rolled my eyes but Edward really wanted that part in our story so I humoured him.

He continued "and then that day when you came home crying I comforted you. Being the awesome friend I am. Then the week after I asked you out. Of course you said because who can resist this?"

And he gestured to his body.

"You do realize you are so full of yourself?" I asked him.

"Yeah but you love it. Otherwise we wouldn't be dating" He replied.

"Edward you know we are not really dating."

"Oh no babe." He gestured to the sign above us.

When did the car stop?

I looked out of the windshield and saw it.

Welcome staff of publishing House Washington.

"We are now officially a couple." Edward finished.

Edward POV

"We are now officially a couple." I said.

I looked over at Bella and she looked pale.

I grabbed her hand.

"Hey Bella, breathe. It's going to be fine ok. I'm here so you have nothing to worry about."

She nodded but didn't say anything.

She looked scared.

Where did my fun confident friend go?

But then I realized. He did this to her. The last time I saw her this affected was the night I found her crying. She tried to be brave and put on a front but I could always tell when she was feeling sad.

HONK.

I looked in my mirror and saw a car behind us. I put the car in drive and drove around to find the car park.

It wasn't that hard as it was were most of the cars seemed to be heading.

Once I found a spot, I parked and got out of the car.

I walked over to Bella's side of the car and helped her out. She seemed to be shaky.

All of a sudden I was really glad I had agreed to help her with this.

I couldn't imagine what she would be like if she had to do this by herself. But I have to give it to her. She has got balls for doing this. Most people I know would just tell her boss where to stick it and that would be the end of it. Not Bella.

The crowd of people seemed to be walking into a hall so I figured that would be the best bet of where Bella's workmates would be meeting to start this month of 'bonding' as her boss put it.

I took Bella's hand and walked into the hall.

I leaned into her and whispered "Relax Bella. I'm here."

She squeezed my hand but still didn't say anything. I didn't blame her.

Bella POV

"Relax Bella. I'm here."

And I couldn't be happier. I squeezed Edwards's hand. It was the only thing I could do.

I was scared and if I talked I'm almost positive I would throw up.

A few of my workmates came up to greet me. I just held onto Edwards hand and smiled.

Thankfully Edward had stepped in big time. Introducing himself as my boyfriend and then explaining that I wasn't feeling my best.

Oh he is like the best friend ever.

The more small talk with my fellow co-workers I went through the more I seemed to calm down. I had even seemed to have gotten my voice back and was able to contribute to conversation.

Although I was starting to calm down somewhat I was still nervous.

I just remember hearing.

"Bella you never told us you have a boyfriend."

"I can see why you never told us Bella. Keeping him to yourself."

"Bella if you ever break up with him let me know because I would love me a piece of that."

As time passed by it really was getting easier. I haven't seen him or his new excuse for a girlfriend.

That was until I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Bella. How great of you to come. I really thought you wouldn't"

I somehow found my voice. I was not going to let him get to me like this.

"Well I am a staff member here so it would seem that I have to be here according to my email." I replied.

"Oh why of course. And how nice you have brought a friend."

"A boyfriend actually." I interrupted.

He looked shocked.

Good.

"Babe this is my boss."

The look on Edwards face registered immediately. Edward knew who this guy was and I felt him tense up. But he knew he had to stay calm for this plan to work. So he took a deep breathe and held out his hand.

"Edward Cullen. Bella's boyfriend. "

Edward POV

When she introduced us as her boss I knew right away this was the low life that broke Bella's heart. But beating him to a pulp wasn't going to help Bella so I took a deep breathe, held out my hand and introduced myself.

"Edward Cullen. Bella's boyfriend."

He looked me up and down before putting his hand in mine.

"Jacob Black. Nice to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you from Bella. She loved to talk about her friend Edward."

Bella had warned me about this. Of course she talked about us.

I wrapped my arm around Bella's waist and I saw his eyes move with my arm.

"Well yeah we were friends but I think our friendship has progressed to a very good level wouldn't you say beautiful?"

Bella smiled. "Well I know I'm happy."

I was about to say something else when Bella continued.

"Actually I don't think I've been this happy in years." As she looked up at me and smiled.

Jacob was about to say something else when a co-worker called his name.

He excused himself and I gave Bella a hug.

Stage 1 completed.

Authors note: There you go guys another chapter.

I tried to make it unknown who Bella's ex was in the other Chapters but there are clues but there you go. Jacob is the big meanie who broke Bella's heart. But I can't be mad at him cos now I can have fun getting back at him for it.

Please review guys.

Until next time.