Author's note: The first part of this chapter is in Edward's point of view; it's my first time writing his point of view, it's a summary of his thoughts and feelings the last two chapters and in particular his exchange at the Halloween party with Tanya

Disclaimer: I still don't own Twilight, SM does

Chapter songs: Shooting the Moon – Ok Go, Cruel – Dane Rumble

Edward's point of view

Bella hadn't shown up to have lunch with us today; Alice informed me that she was hurrying to finish an assignment before the weekend.

I had the rest of the afternoon off so I decided to pick up some lunch for her and go and find her in the library. I found her tucked in a corner, staring at her lap top running her hand through her hair.

Even when she was frustrated she was beautiful, I knew I was falling for her, I had been since the first day I saw her when she arrived in Seattle.

I walked over to her "Hey" I said softly pulling up a chair beside her, "You weren't at lunch and Alice said you were in here trying to finish your assignment. I bought you lunch" I said smiling holding up a paper bag.

"Thanks" she replied smiling, "But you didn't have to do that" she scolded.

"I wanted to Bella" I assured her, "What are you working on?" I asked.

She filled me in on the English assignment she was working on; it was a paper about the classic author Emily Bronte. I had read her work and I rather liked it which I wasn't ashamed to admit, she seemed pleased by this revelation. We discussed her paper and within no time she was finished.

"Have you got anymore classes today?" I asked her.

"Nope, but I'm just going to hang around here a while and wait for Alice so I don't have to walk home" she replied frowning.

"Listen, I don't have any classes either, I could give you a lift" I told her, I was hoping she would say yes, she bit her lip, I could tell she was debating about whether or not I really wanted to give her a lift home "I really don't mind" I assured her.

We walked together to my car, I opened the passenger side door for her and shut it softly behind her, as I walked around the car I snuck a glance at her, she was watching me. My heart soared, I hoped she felt the same, I figured I would have to tell her how I felt soon. I was driving Em and Jasper crazy and myself I thought. I saw her glancing at the clock as we drove home.

"Have you got much planned for your afternoon off?" I asked, hoping that she didn't.

"No not really, Alice doesn't need me for Bella Barbie for a couple of hours" she said smiling.

"Well maybe we could hang out?" I asked her.

"I'd like that" she replied smiling, her smile dazzled me; I grinned at her in return.

I pulled up our drive and into the garage, I led her into the house "What would you like to do?" I asked her.

"Ummm" she replied.

"Listen to music, watch a DVD?" I suggested.

"Whatever you like" she told me.

"Follow me" I said, leading her upstairs to my room, I figured perhaps we could watch a DVD, somewhere quiet.

"Wow" she breathed looking around my room, I smiled, pleased with her reaction.

"You have so much music and movies" she stated.

I chuckled "I like to collect both and this is just part of my collection. The rest I had to leave at home" I told her shrugging.

"And you play?" she asked gesturing to where my guitar stood, she sounded impressed.

"Yes, I do and the piano but that kind of wouldn't fit in here. I have a grand piano, also at home" I replied wistfully, I missed my piano and composing songs.

"You will have to play for me sometime?" she questioned.

"I'd love to" I said earnestly. "Why don't you pick a movie and I'll put it on" I added.

I watched her walk over to the shelf containing my DVD's, I almost couldn't believe she was actually in my room, I was thrilled and internally I felt like a teenage boy. I had to pull myself together, I walked over to her.

"I can't decide" she told me.

"You'll like this" I told her grabbing a movie off the shelf; I had just bought this thriller the other day and hadn't watched it yet. "Make yourself comfortable" I said pointing in the general direction of my bed, I put the movie in the player and turned around, Bella hadn't moved.

She stood looking between the bed and my black leather sofa, I smiled and settled on my bed "Come on" I said patting the space beside me, she walked over and settled herself beside me, my heart began to beat erratically at the sight of her sitting on my bed, I really have to get it together I thought. But she was so close, closer than she had ever been to me, our arms bumped together.

She gasped during a part during the movie that obviously scared her, I grabbed her hand gently.

When I touched her hand it sent a jolt of electricity through my skin, momentarily it shocked me, I looked at our intertwined hands my mouth open. I looked up to see if she had felt the same, she had, I smiled at her and held her hand tighter.

I didn't let go of her hand until the end of the movie. I walked her home, feeling a little sad to be leaving her even if only for a few hours, I had no idea what was wrong with me and I hadn't felt like this before. I certainly couldn't tell the guys about that, it certainly wasn't manly and they would be relentless.

"Hey Ed" said Emmett walking into the living room and collapsing heavily on the sofa, "Partay tonight!" he said happily.

I laughed. "So where did you disappear to this afternoon?" asked Jasper, man he was really starting to turn into a male version of Alice!

"I gave Bella a ride home and we watched a movie" I told them.

"Did you finally make a move?" asked Emmett, I shook my head. "What the f..." Emmett started.

Jasper interrupted him, "Edward you really better do it soon, she won't stay single for long, I mean there are guys queuing up to ask her out" he said, I knew this, the thought of her dating someone else was not something I wanted to think about. "We should go get ready" Jasper said looking at his watch.

I got ready quickly and pulled on my costume, Alice had suggested this vampire costume, I decided not to argue.

I figured the little pixie had a plan up her sleeve and I didn't want to ruin her fun.

We all headed next door and let ourselves in, Alice and Rosalie looked great in their costumes, but nothing could have prepared me for how Bella looked.

She was also dressed as a vampire, a hot, sexy vampire. I knew I was staring and possibly drooling but I didn't care, I looked her up and down and caught her watching me curiously "We match" I said beaming at her, she smiled back.

Emmett whistled "Nice Bella! Looking good!" she blushed, I loved it when she did that.

"Thanks Em, you guys all look amazing!" she added.

"Group photos" announced Alice.

After photos we headed out to the waiting taxi, I saw Rose put her arm around Bella and whisper something to her, making Bella laugh, I wondered what they were up to?

"Man, you will have to keep a close eye on our Bella tonight" Emmett said to me, "She is looking hot!"

"I will Em" I told my brother, "I have no intentions of leaving her side".

When we reached Riley's parents place we headed straight inside to the bar and grabbed a drink. I was standing as close as physically possible to Bella as we chatted. I noticed Riley walking over to us, with James. Fuck, I hated James; he was the kind of guy that treated women like shit.

I noticed him staring at Bella, assessing her like a piece of meat. I balled my hands up at my side, infuriated.

"Hey! Glad you could all make it, love the costumes!" Riley shouted over the noise.

"Looking good man!" said Emmett.

"Thanks for the invite" added Jasper.

"No problem, looking lovely as always" he said to Alice and Rosalie who smiled and thanked him. He turned to me "Edward! Love it" he said gesturing at his costume, I laughed. While I hated James, Riley was a good guy; you could always count on him. We had been friends since first grade

"And who is this?" he asked smiling at Bella.

"Riley, this is Bella, Bella this is Riley" I replied.

"Nice to meet you Bella" he said earnestly, "I've heard a lot about you! How's Seattle treating you?" he asked her.

"You too, good, I really like it here" she replied enthusiastically.

"Oh and Bella this is James" Riley said, James was still staring at Bella and I could tell he was making her uncomfortable.

I narrowed my eyes at James and put my arm around her.

"It's a pleasure Bella" drawled James "I'll come and find you later for a dance" he added winking.

Like hell you will I thought angrily.

"Yuck, he is so gross" said Alice when they had walked away, nodding in agreement Rose added "Watch out for him Bells, he is a total sleaze bag. He will take any opportunity to make a move on you"

"And if he tries his face will meet my fist" Emmett said "I have been waiting for the opportunity to get that slimy bastard for years" Bella looked worried,

"Don't worry Bella, I'll keep you safe" I told her.

About an hour later we were all pretty drunk, "Holy shit!" exclaimed Jasper "A giant hot dog!"

We all looked in the direction he was looking in and saw a man ambling along in a hot dog suit. We all watched and laughed as he attempted to manoeuvre through the crowd hitting people with the end of his costume.

"Great, look who's arrived" said Rosalie sarcastically.

"With such original costumes too" Alice added, I felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach; I knew exactly who they were talking about.

I glanced towards the door and saw Tanya and Lauren walking in.

Fuck, after our break up she seemed to be everywhere I went. She made my life a living hell for a long time as she was unable to let go after I dumped her ass after walking in on her with another guy.

What the hell was I thinking dating her? I wondered what I ever saw in her, I was young and stupid. Tanya was dressed as a nurse, I grimaced and she looked around the room with eagerly looking for something, Lauren was dressed as a playboy bunny and appeared to already be drunk. I hoped she wasn't looking for me, I didn't want tonight to be another night like so many before when I had to spend the whole night avoiding her.

"They're friends?" Bella asked nervously, I glanced at her, she looked so worried. That made me angry, I had had enough of the way they had both treated Bella these last few weeks.

"Oh yes, BFF"S" chanted Jasper in a high pitched voice making Bella laugh.

Tanya looked our way, "Let's go get another drink Bella" I said leading her away, she followed me gratefully.

I got us both a strong drink, which Bella gulped down before I had even picked up my glass.

"Bella, hey slow down" I said softly, she looked up at me wincing "Don't worry about those two" I reassured her.

"You're right" she said sighing. "Come on let's grab another drink and head back to the group so I can face those two head on." she said. We walked back to where the others were still standing observing the crowd.

"Oh joy" said Rosalie sarcastically, I looked up and saw Tanya and Lauren walking towards us.

Great, so it was going to be one of those nights, I grabbed my drink and downed it quickly.

Jasper and Rosalie began to snigger at the way Tanya was trying to walk sexily towards me, she looked ridiculous.

"Hi Edward, hi boys!" purred Tanya, Lauren just did this weird blinking thing, I looked at them both feeling completely repulsed. "So Edward, I just love your costume!" she continued, no one said a word, but that wouldn't stop Tanya, "And Emmett and Jasper, you both look great too" she added. "Oh and hi girls" she sneered at Bella, Alice and Rose.

"What are you all supposed to be?" added Lauren.

Furious I jumped in and stated the obvious, struggling to keep my temper under control.

"Oh I see now!" said Lauren stupidly; "Your costumes are actually kind of cool" Tanya glared at her. "So what do you think of our costumes?" Lauren asked, "I bet you think they are like just amazing" she said.

"Yeah something like that" muttered Rose.

Tanya narrowed her eyes, "Edward, I was wondering if you'd like to dance with me?" she purred.

I raised one eyebrow at her, was she kidding? "I know you think my costume is sexy" she added, I stared at her in shock, that couldn't be further from the truth.

"Actually Tanya, I was just about to ask Bella to dance with me" I replied, I felt Bella freeze beside me, "Also I don't really find the whole nurse thing that sexy" I continued "But I do think vampire costumes are" I added sneaking a glance at Bella and smiling, she looked amazing tonight. It was hard not to stare at her.

"Well I don't think her costume is at all sexy" Tanya sneered, my head snapped up "And I also really don't like ugly, stupid bitches like you moving in on my territory" she spat moving closer to Bella, I looked at her, I was furious, my jaw clenched and hands in fists I glared at her.

"Edward would never go for someone like you, I don't know why you would even waste your time. Maybe you should just go back to wherever it is you came from because people like Edward are just too nice to tell someone that they don't want them around. Besides look at you, you are just so plain, boring, average" she spat.

"Back off Tanya you bitch" warned a furious Rosalie, "You wouldn't want security to drag your skanky ass out of here would you? I don't think that would look good for your reputation" snarled Alice.

"Fine" she spat, "But Swan you have been warned" I couldn't open my mouth, I was so angry I could barely breathe, just as I was about to retort she had disappeared. I turned around to Bella, she looked to be on the verge of tears and it broke my heart. I stepped towards her.

"I ummm I'm just going to go get some air, alone" she spluttered before running off.

"I have to go after her" I announced immediately pushing my way through the crowd in the direction Bella had gone in.

Why couldn't I have jumped in and said something I thought angrily as I searched desperately through the crowd for her. I looked in every room with no luck; I found a door leading to a small court yard.

"Bella" I called out, there was no answer, I decided to look around anyway, I didn't want her to be alone right now.

I turned the corner and saw her, sitting down on a bench, she looked scared and upset and that fucking bastard James was sitting beside her, touching her leg.

"Get your hands off her" I snarled venomously, he jumped up quickly glaring at me as he made a hasty exit. "Bella, are you okay? Did he hurt you?" I asked concerned.

"No" she whispered.

I sat down next to her and put my arm around her, it killed me to see her so upset "Bella, nothing that Tanya said is true" I said softly, "You are far from plain, did I tell you that you look beautiful tonight?" she stared at me, "She is just jealous, she always has been, of girls who are prettier than her, that's why she is so horrible to you" this was the moment, I had to tell her how I felt about her "Bella" I said softly "You are far from boring, far from average, far from plain. You just don't see yourself clearly"

I opened my mouth to finally tell her how I felt about her when the court yard door was flung open and shouts filled the air. I felt so defeated, "Come on" I encouraged "It's cold out here, let's go back in" I put my arm around her and led her inside. I guess I would have to find another moment to tell her.

"Bella!" they all yelled as we reached the group.

"Honey are you okay?" asked Alice.

"I'm fine" she said.

"I really hate that bitch" stated Rosalie, "I have had enough of her giving you a hard time"

"You know what?" I said loudly, "I think I have been far too nice to her, there's something I should have done a long time ago. I'll be right back" I said determined, before making my way through the crowd to where she was standing with Lauren.

When she noticed me walking towards her she looked pleased with herself. She was delusional and was not going to enjoy what I was about to say to her.

"Tanya" I said sharply "A word alone now" I demanded.

She smirked at me "Sure!" she exclaimed.

I led her a little way away from Lauren but still in view of the group as I figured they would all want to see this, I glanced at them briefly.

Sure enough they were all staring at us, their curiosity evident.

"Look Tanya" I said bluntly "I have something I need to say to you, it's been a long time coming so please just listen carefully", she flicked her hair and smiled happily.

"Okay!" she replied.

I took a deep breath, "Tanya" I began "I don't know why you think otherwise but I don't have feelings for you anymore. I broke up with you and you know why I did it. I want you to leave me the fuck alone, I want you to leave my family alone and most of all I want you to leave Bella alone. I am sick to death of you thinking I still want you, I don't. I have tried to be nice to you and time and time again you tried to make my life hell. I have had enough. This ends now" I ranted.

The smirk on her face was gone, she looked at me disbelief and anger visible on her overly made up face.

"Do not ever speak to Bella like that again" I was on a roll now, all my pent up emotions flowing freely, damn it felt good!

"If you ever bother us again I will lay harassment charges against you. I have enough against you and you know it. Tanya, we are over. Please just let me go" I finished and with that I walked away feeling better than I had in a long time.

"Fuck you!" she screamed, "You will never find another girl like me!"

I spun around, "Fine be with that stupid little bitch" she said lowering her tone, she looked livid, "But don't come crawling back to me when she can't satisfy you the way I could!" she spat. I laughed, I couldn't help it.

"Fuck Tanya, I would never come crawling back to you. You cheated on me with half the guys on campus" I growled, she looked shocked. "Yes, that's right, I found out" I said.

"Please Edward, I'm sorry. I love you!" she exclaimed tears welling up in her eyes; here we go again, fake tears. She always uses them to try and get her way.

"Well I don't love you" I said bluntly, "We are done Tanya, we have been for a long time" she looked defeated. I shook my head and walked away.

"What happened?" asked Alice, I looked at Bella; she looked pale, worried and sad.

I filled them in on what happened, "It's about fucking time!" yelled Emmett, the others nodding in agreement. "This calls for shots" he announced beckoning a bar tender over.

I took one gladly and went and stood beside Bella. She smiled at me; she looked so beautiful when she smiled. I clinked my shot glass to hers and downed my shot. "Let's let loose and partay!" yelled Jasper.

"Wooohoooo!" shouted Emmett in agreement.

The rest of the party went smoothly; I was finally able to enjoy myself knowing that Tanya wouldn't bother me anymore.

Bella's Point of View

I watched as Edward made his way across the crowd to where Tanya was standing downing drinks and flirting with every male that approached her.

I felt sick, what if he was going to tell her he still wanted her, loved her even? I swallowed nervously; I didn't know how I would handle that. Alice and Rose flanked me, putting their arms around me.

"Don't worry sweetie" said Rose comfortingly "He doesn't want her anymore, he wants you" I shook my head.

"You'll see" added Alice. We all watched, trying to figure out what was happening.

"Ha! She doesn't look happy" commented Emmett.

"Looks like he just told her to beat it!" exclaimed Jasper.

We saw him turn away from her and begin to walk away, just then she yelled something at him and he spun around stalking back towards her.

People blocked our view and I couldn't see what was happening anymore.

Then suddenly Edward was just a few feet away.

"What happened?" asked Alice as he reached us, he looked at me and smiled.

He began to fill us in on what had happened.

Relief washed over me as I learnt that he had told her that he didn't love her, didn't want her and that he stood up for me.

My heart soared "It's about fucking time!" yelled Emmett, the others nodding in agreement. "This calls for shots" he announced beckoning a bar tender over.

We all took one eagerly and Edward came and stood beside me. I smiled at me and in return he smiled his dazzling smile back at me. He clinked his shot glass to mine before downing his shot. "Let's let loose and partay!" yelled Jasper.

"Wooohoooo!" shouted Emmett. For the rest of the night Edward stayed by my side, laughing and joking. He looked happy, relieved, I felt hopeful. Maybe one day I would be able to tell him how I felt.