Note: I really am disappointed and hurt here! No one ever reads my stories - seriously! I have some good ideas if people would just take a look at them! L The good part is coming soon…ish, so stay tuned! I also am in the progress of creating a story called Nothing to Lose, So Much to Gain (it will be a Twilight FanFic, of course), so wait please! By the way, this is sort of out of character since Bella has a slight crush on Jacob and isn't madly in love with Edward…yet! Of course this is ExB! What kind of person would try to break up Edward and Bella?!
BPOV (age 15, 2006)
"Bella. Don't turn around, but Jacob Black is staring at you," Alice whispered to me. My back was to him since the lunch table he always sat at was opposite ours in the cafeteria.
"Really?" Alice was the only one that knew I had a little bit of a crush on him. I don't think she likes him very much, though - whenever I talk about him, she sort of makes a face. But, being the loyal friend she is, Alice keeps me 'up to date'.
"Yes," she replied, half-sighing. "Maybe you should go sit with him."
"I really don't get why you don't like Jake. I mean, he's really nice."
Alice rolled her eyes. "So is my dog, but you don't see me drooling over Smiley."
"I am not drooling over -" A shadow loomed over the round table, and I looked up, horrified to find…
"Hi. Mind if I join you?" Jacob asked me, grinning. I almost blushed - almost, but I somehow managed to rein it in.
"Have a seat," I offered.
"Thanks. So, Edward, how's life?" Jake asked, completely at ease.
"Fine," Edward replied shortly. I forgot to mention that Edward dislikes him a lot, too - a completely unreasonable attitude.
"Will you meet me after school, Bella? I need to talk to you, but the bell's about to ring."
"Su…sure," I stuttered, not able to believe my good luck. Jacob was the second most popular guy in school. The first was probably Edward - all the other girls thought he was super hot.
"OK. See you later - meet me in the parking lot." Jake got up, taking his tray with him, leaving me stunned - probably with my mouth slightly hanging open, too - behind. I looked over at Alice and Edward, who were totally the opposite. Their mouths were pressed in hard, annoyed lines.
"What?" I asked. "Seriously, guys. What's your problem?"
"Jacob - he's the problem. What if he hurts you?" Edward said, his arms crossed.
"What?!" This time, I spoke in a completely different tone. "Is that what you think? You're being way too…overprotective. Grow up, OK? You don't have to treat me like your little sister." I watched Edward's face crumple in pain, and I felt bad for what I said.
"Fine. I'll save you some annoyance and just leave." And with that, he threw his trash away and stormed out of the cafeteria just as the bell rang.
I felt water well up in my eyes and I quickly wiped the traitorous tears away. I wanted to say something - to tell Edward that I was sorry - but he was already long gone.
Edward didn't speak much to me for the rest of the day, which was pretty impressive considering that we had six periods together and are Biology partners. I did not blame him for acting childish - I deserved it. I knew that Edward was just worried about me. I mean, we are basically siblings, but Jacob would never physically hurt me. Ironically, I'm the one who hurts people.
It was soon time to meet Jacob in the parking lot. Before I left the classroom, I jotted down a note on a piece of paper and slipped it to Edward. Then, I took a deep breath and headed towards his Rabbit which he leaned against, waiting.
"Hey, Bella. Thanks for agreeing to come here."
"It's fine. So, what did you want to tell me?" I asked, not wanting to sound too eager.
"Well…the thing is, I've liked you for a long time - ever since we were thirteen. Would you like to be my girlfriend?" he asked hesitantly.
I couldn't answer for a moment, and Jacob apparently took my silence the wrong way.
"I understand -"
"No, wait. I'd love to be your girlfriend, Jake." His expression lightened considerably, and he flashed a smile.
"I'll come pick you up at seven on Friday if that's alright with you," he offered.
"Sure. I'll see you tomorrow." I waved and walked off to find my truck. I was, of course, excited and happy, but at the same time, something didn't feel…right. I shook off the feeling and got into my car. Surely it was nothing. Jacob would be a great boyfriend - he was nice, funny, and handsome. He was everything I could want…or so I thought.
"Alice! Guess what? Jake is…my boyfriend!" I exclaimed, opening the Cullens' door (they'd given me a key long ago), only to find Edward standing there with a shocked expression his face.
"Jake's what?"
"Umm…we're dating," I whispered.
He shook his head as if I'd confirmed his worst nightmare. "I should've told you years ago, Bella. It's all my fault that I waited this long. But I can't hold it in any longer. Since the age of five, we've been best friends, but lately…I've been feeling something more than friendship. Bella…I think I'm in love with you."
I stood there, shocked. Edward…loved me? My mind couldn't comprehend it. Of course I loved him, too - just as a brother. What would I tell him? This could completely ruin our friendship!
I decided on the truth. "Edward, I love…just not like the way you want me to. I'm sorry, I really am."
He sighed. "I understand, Bella. I…I need some time alone." Edward looked away and half-ran to his bedroom. What had I done and, more importantly, where does this leave us now??
