AN: Omg, I had three reviews within three hours of posting! I guess my posting is fairly regular. At least I try. I know we all think Jake is a jerk … Jane is a slut … and Bella shouldn't let people take advantage of her.

To teamjake216 and Ravenspetater1032 thanks for consistently reviewing and being the firsts to review the last chapter almost the second it was posted.

To all the others, my regulars and the newbies, I love and need to hear what you think so keep on reviewing.

To my anonymous reviewers thanks for being so vocal and letting us know how you really feel.

I don't own Party Rock Anthem. It belongs to LMFAO.

I don't own anything, but the plot. Enjoy.

Chapter 8 – Moving On

I kept walking to the field stadium bleachers and took out my textbook, preparing for a chem lesson. He showed up after a few minutes. At least he didn't stand me up.

"Hey how was chem?" he asked.

"Fine," I uttered with no emotion. "We began with some chemical equations. We changed one solution to another with a catalyst. You remember how to balance the equations, Volcano?"

"I thought I told you to call me Jacob."

"Well?"

"Yeah, I remember. What's wrong?"

"Nothing." I continued with the lesson and we began starting the homework.

"I know something is bothering you," he said after I had done three problems with him.

"You know if you like her you could say so. It's fine. I can take it. But you said she was a fake," I suddenly said.

"What?"

"Jane."

"Who told you I like her?" he questioned.

"Nobody. I have eyes. I saw you two. She was kissing your neck and you weren't exactly resisting the smooches." I was beginning to lose it. I never fell apart over a boy.

"Hold up, hold up. You can't believe everything you see," he explained.

"You're telling me I can't trust my own vision?"

"No, I'm telling you it's not what it seems."

"Well it seems to me that Jane is your girlfriend and you're hiding me!"

"Yes —I mean no. I mean . . . wait!"

I began gathering my books to leave.

"Let me explain! She's not my girlfriend, but she's supposed to look like she is."

I stopped to face him with my book bag over my shoulder. "Why?"

"She has a reputation. You don't," he said. "You need to understand."

"What bull crap!" I swore. "I'm not bad enough for you? Screw you, Volcano!" I ran off.

I made it to my car and began sobbing. I couldn't figure out how I let this happen. How had I grown so attached? It was those idiotic dreams of him over the years. It made me believe he was someone else, someone impossible.

Once my eyes cleared up a bit, I checked my makeup — streaked of course. I took out my makeup wipes and wiped my entire face down. There wasn't a bit of cosmetics left on me and I liked it.

The second I got home, I stuffed the color sprays into the trash. I took a long shower to remove whatever residual coloring was left in my hair and put on some sweats. I hadn't been in sweats during the day since beginning high school. It was liberating. I phone conferenced the girls to tell them of the break up and immediately got off the phone. I didn't feel like thinking about him for even another minute.

The next morning, I was still in a be-natural mood. I put on some Jbrands blue jeans and a Loft plain white cotton blouse. I left my auburn hair wavy and slipped on a pink headband. I ran down to breakfast where both my parents stared as I ate my eggs.

"What?" I quarried.

"Nothing. We haven't seen you without any cosmetics on in a while. Is something the matter?" my mother voiced.

"No, everything is fine. You know us kids go through phases. First covered in makeup was cool, now it's the natural look. God Mom, you need to keep up," I answered to deflect.

"Okay honey, but next time you change, send me a memo. I'm having trouble keeping track," my dad joked. "I'm off to work. Have a good day."

"Love you, Dad." He kissed my forehead and took my mother in his arms. I turned my head. I wasn't able to stand my parents' PDA at the moment. It reminded me too much of my nightmare.

*0*

When I got to school, I earned a few stares. I had broken down on the way and put on my mocha frosted lip gloss, but the rest of my face was bare. Jacob and the stooges were parked right in front of the school entrance. They lounged on their bikes hassling all that passed them. I walked slowly toward the opening mostly keeping my head down. Just as I was getting close, someone pushed me from behind in their haste.

"Hey Volcano," a nasal voice called out. She turned around. "Oh, I didn't recognize you without your yellow hair." She gave a long giggle and continued on her way.

I looked at Jacob and frowned. "It's alright Jessica," I mumbled to the air. I wasn't going to let her get to me.

Jessica Stanley was a girl that took pleasure in kicking people when they were down. She wasn't malicious, really. More like the person that watches you bleed to death rather than the person who actually did the stabbing.

I had no idea why she was going over to Jacob, but he didn't appear to give her any attention. He just walked into school with the three stooges. The crowd of students parted at their approach.

During second period Jacob sat in the back of class. He kept quiet writing down in his notebook. He probably realized correctly I wasn't planning on helping any further. Mr. Banner called on him a few times and made a derogatory comment under his breath when Jacob refused to answer.

I spent my next two periods feeling bad about Jacob, but I mainly focused on class. I wasn't going to let him be the distraction to ruin my grades. I worked too hard to become a top 10 student.

When lunch came I was showered with compliments by my friends, hoping to soften me up enough to tell them what happened.

"He just didn't think I was good enough," I explained.

"That is ludicrous. You are at the very least the crème de la crème," Angela said.

I put on a sour face. I knew she was just saying it to make me feel better. "Thanks, but you shouldn't bother. I know I can't compete with Jane Reece in the slut department. If he wants that type of girl, he can have her."

At that moment the aforementioned girl came passing by carrying a loaded tray of cafeteria food. We were being served something resembling pizza. Asia went out after her, curious to see where Jane was going. Asia came back after a few seconds.

"Well?" Rose asked. Asia shook her head.

"She took it to Volcano, didn't she?" I mused. She nodded apologetically. "I knew it."

During PE I kept an eye out for the "Amazing Red," but she must've been absent that day. I went to Coach Clapp and got an excuse to get out of class. I was in no mood for cheering anyways.

*0*

Over the course of the next week my makeup slowly returned and the school atmosphere lightened or should I say darkened with Halloween spirit. The weather got colder and there were rumors of snow in the near future. I always stayed an extra hour out before returning home. I had supplied an excuse to my mom and it seemed like a waste to not use it even though I was no longer tutoring Jacob. Sometimes I went with the girls costume shopping, but on most days I stayed in one of the empty rooms at school studying.

Asia and Rose had gotten dates to this party over Ben Cheney's house. His parties were always epic. We all readied ourselves at Asia's house because she was so nervous. Her costume was of a good witch, which basically comprised of white witch's hat and gown, a blond hair wig and enough sparkly makeup to make her reflect in the sunlight.

For a laugh, Angela and I dressed as conjoined twins. We wore the same plain black and white outfits and tied ourselves together at the waist and down our leg. We held each other close as we repeated with each footstep, "inside outside," so not to trip. It took us a few minutes, but we got the hang of it.

Rosalie was dressed as a blue genie. The fabric was sheer and barely covered her body. She wore underneath a nude full bodysuit. She didn't want to give her date the wrong impression, thought it still looked like she was dressed pretty sexy. She carried an elaborately decorated plastic bottle to complete the look. She wore a wool long coat because she was sure she was going to be cold. Their dates were going to meet Asia and Rose at the party.

When we got there, the party was in full swing. We each got a cup of beer, though I decided to just hold on to mine. I hated the taste.

"Do you think he's here?" Angela yelled over the music.

"Who?" I asked.

"You know, Volcano."

"I really don't care," I stated.

"Oh I see them," Rose uttered pulling Asia along.

It was very hard to maneuver being attached to Angela, so we untied ourselves. Instead we just linked arms. Asia and Rose were dancing with their dates to Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO. It felt like the entire house was shaking.

Ben came over to Angela and me. "What are you guys supposed to be?"

"We are conjoined twins. See we are attached," Angela said into his ear and held out our entwined hands.

"Oh I get it." He looked over at me. "Hey do you mind if I take half your costume away to dance?"

I smiled. "It's her choice, but thanks for consulting me."

He offered his hand to her. She took it and waved a goodbye.

I went to sit on the couch to watch my friends enjoying themselves. I felt a tinge of sadness though. I was alone at a smashing party. I tried not to let it get me down. I looked over to my side to notice other party-goers that were unattached. Unattached — a very good quality in a possible boyfriend or at least a date for the evening. This guy, Mike something, sat beside me covered in bandages.

"Hey, what are you supposed to be?" he screamed into my ear canal. I instinctively winced and lifted my hand to protect what was left of my hearing. "Oh sorry."

"Yes well, it is loud enough in here without adding to it."

"You want to take a walk outside? It is a great deal quieter," he asked in another yell. This time he aimed away from my direct hearing.

"Sure," I agreed. I grabbed my coat from the hook placing my arms through it.

We walked down the block for a bit before speaking. I think we were waiting for our ears to stop ringing. I knew I was.

"So you're the mysterious Isabella Swan," he spoke to break the now uncomfortable silence.

"I prefer just Bella," I explained. "Your name is Mike, right? I remember we had Global History last year. I'm not sure of your last name."

"It's Newton, Mike Newton, but people on my team call me Newt." He paused at his step as he extended his hand for a proper introductory shake.

"Like the Amphibian," I giggled as my hand touched his.

He averted his eyes to the ground. "Yeah." Our hands separated and our stroll continued.

"So you're on a team?" I asked to change the subject. "In what sport?"

"Wrestling. I had to do plenty of weight lifting to keep up with my opponents." Last year Mike was a skinny tooth pick, easy pickings for the three stooges. "I could now bench press my own body weight."

"Impressive," I feigned interest. I really couldn't get into sports. "Your mummy costume is actually cool. How do you keep those bandages on?"

"A special adhesive. It is water soluble so it will wash out of my clothes," he explained.

"Really? I didn't know they made such a thing."

"It's also edible." He held an arm out. "Take a lick."

"No." I pressed his arm down. "I believe you."

I glanced over his shoulder and noticed one of the three stooges, Ugly Moe, making out on one of the park benches with an oddly familiar redhead. She must've been drunk to suck face with that guy. It made me nauseated to think Jacob could be doing this with Jane.

"You know Mike I'm not feeling very well, too much beer I think. Could we head back to the party? I want to ask my friends to take me home."

"I could take you," he offered. "I hadn't had a drop to drink. It's my turn to be the designated driver. I'm sure Lee and Austin wouldn't mind if I gave you a ride and came back for them later."

"You sure they won't mind? I wouldn't want to impose even though my friends are probably occupied with their dates."

He smiled. "No, I don't think they would mind at all."

*0*

After telling my friends I was headed home, I got into Mike's SUV and headed out toward my house. He drove with one hand, having the other extended to rest behind my headrest. We stopped at a red light.

"Omigod, look!" he called out pointing to a nice home getting vandalized with toilet paper.

"Isn't that Principal Greene's house?" I asked.

"I think you're right. Whoa, he is going to be angry."

I took a good look at who would have the audacity to TP the principal's home. There were five or so males in devil costumes and one in particular I recognized, Jacob. He didn't even bother covering his face with his hood like the others. He had no shame, which made me wonder if he worried at all about getting caught. The light changed and we sped off, but not before I caught a glimpse of Jacob glaring in my direction.

Mike finally arrived at my house.

"So . . . this was fun. How about we do this again, like on a date?" he asked.

"That's sweet Mike, but I can't. My parents are ultra strict about boys and I don't know if you could pass my dad's physical challenge. He's a big burly professional wrestler."

"You're joking right?"

"I wish I were," I said with a straight face then I burst out laughing. "Yes I'm joking, but I still can't. Sorry. Thanks for the ride."

"No problem. I'll see you around school?"

"Okay, we could do school lunch —provided it's edible." I stepped out of his black car giving him an innocent wave goodbye.

I walked into my house quietly, tip-toeing so not to wake my parents. Suddenly the lights went on.

"So let me get this straight, you really thought we'd be asleep at 10:00PM?" my dad investigated.

"Um, is it really that early?" I looked at my watch.

"Come here and give your dad a good night kiss," he ordered.

I walked over, kissed his cheek and gave him a hug. I heard him sniff at me and his hands moved my collar around.

"DAD!"

"No alcohol and no hickies. It must have been a really boring party. No wonder you came home," he uttered.

"I came home because I didn't like being the third wheel. Asia, Rose, and Angela were all being entertained. Where I am unattached and will be until I'm 40."

"That's right!" he stated. "Or at least until you go to college."

"Could I go now? I have school in the morning."

He gave me another hug and I scurried upstairs. I had just put my pajamas on when my cell phone began to vibrate against my night table. I checked who was calling. It was Jacob. I left it to go to voicemail.

The phone gave a short vibration. He sent me a text.

HEY SAW U

While I contemplated answering, it went off again.

U W MIKE NOW?

Grr!

Y U CARE?

NOT UR TYPE

O?

U LIKE BAD BOYS

My blood began to boil.

SPEAK OF BAD, U TP GREENE

& PRD OF IT

Y?

JUST CUZ

I had enough. I was starting to think about what he'd look like while texting this. He probably had a sly smile over those white teeth. My thoughts meandered to how his lips felt against mine and my eyes closed. The little devil mustache he had drawn on tonight danced behind my eyelids. I was still angry and this wasn't going to help me get over him.

GNITE

FINE

*0*

The days at school were slightly different from then on. The collective wardrobe choices of my fellow students tended to be thicker in response to the weather. I always managed to stay stylish, but I couldn't say the same for others. To say the least my friends and I considered them "laughable." I guess for some people it was hard to coordinate when there was a foot of snow on the ground.

Ben and Mike began sitting at our lunch table sporadically. It was kind of cute to watch Angela and her new beau sitting together. He always focused on her when she spoke and if it was to him you could see his eyes alight. When Mike sat the conversation always turned to him, what new training exercise the coach had given him to bulk up or when was his next Meet. We humored him since he was pretty harmless.

Jacob always sat in the back during chemistry. He had a long black overcoat instead of his usual leather jacket.

By mid November, we had taken our chemistry exam and were receiving it back. I felt awful about not studying with Jacob. It tormented me that he may have failed because of me. When the end of class bell rang, Mr. Banner asked to speak to Jacob. My curiosity got the better of me and I lagged behind in the hallway. Jacob stepped out a few moments later.

"Hi," he said slowly.

I tried to keep my eyes from looking at him. "Hello. What did Mr. Banner say?"

He didn't speak for a moment and I stuck a peek at his face. It was a little ragged as if he hadn't slept in a while. I didn't want to ponder what or who he may have been doing in lieu of sleeping.

"He thinks I shouldn't be sitting in the back of class," he said softly.

"Oh." I lowered my eyes. He probably did so badly on his test. "Sorry."

"It would be easier if we could review chemistry after school again," he suggested.

I was almost tempted to agree, but images of Jane jumping onto his back popped into my head. "I don't think so," I uttered. I hurried off to my next class knowing that now I was late.

It's not my problem, I echoed in my head. The guilt was getting to me. I knew I should help, but I just couldn't handle being alone with him.

AN: Oh ohh. What should she do? Do you think Jake learned his lesson or had the decision been made for him? Please send me your thoughts and reviews. I'd really like to know what you think.

I would like to wish you all a happy holidays. My birthday is this Sunday, yes on Xmas. What's the best present? Lots of reviews.