The next day at school was pretty much the same thing. Jacob telling me he misses me, then acting like I was just another classmate. Alice and Jasper flirting, Alice telling me to forget about Jacob, and then there was Locker Boy. He didn't annoy me as much today, but things between us were still awkward. Most of the time, he caught me off guard, because I never expected him to talk to me. Dr. Banner (?) made us work with partners in Chemistry today, so Locker Boy and I had to think up a way to put models of molecules together, make believe they were actual people or animals, and make up a storyline. Everyone thought it was a dumb idea, but we were told that this was the only "fun" we would have in the class this year. And if I was being honest with myself, I was kind of glad Locker Boy and I would be working together.

Today, I thought about Jake even less than I did yesterday, so at least there was that. I still felt sad almost all the time, but I think that feeling will always be there, even after I get over Jacob - if I ever get over him.

Now I was walking to softball practice, and as much as I love softball, I'd rather be at Rose's house decorating right now. I pushed through the locker room doors with a sigh, and began changing into my t-shirt and leggings. I got a fresh bruise on my outer thigh this morning, and I didn't want to answer people's questions about it, so I had to cover it up.

"Hey, Bella."

I looked up to see Angela Weber, one of my teammates. "Hey, Ang."

Her position was second base and mine was shortstop, so we usually worked together – meaning, we talked a lot on the field. There wasn't much working together. Everyone just did their job during practice.

I was surprised Coach Caius hadn't separated us yet, but I guess he couldn't. Angela was the best on second and I was the best on shortstop. And as much as we talked during practice, we were amazing during games. Well, that's what we were told. I know I sound arrogant, but I take pride in being great in softball, because it's the only sport I'm naturally good at. My aim in basketball is good, but I wouldn't say I'm that great at playing basketball – or another sport. Not without a lot of practice, anyway.

As we made our way through the gym, I felt my heart skip a beat. The boys' basketball team was practicing, and I watched as Emmett and Locker Boy took a few lay-up shots with the other guys. Then just as Angela and I were walking out the door, I saw Locker Boy dunk.

WHOA.

I backtracked back into the gym and stared in disbelief. I'd never seen a boy at this school dunk. And Locker Boy had done it so gracefully. Was he even tall enough to dunk? I'm guessing he was just above six feet. Emmett was slightly taller than he was, but even Em couldn't dunk.

I watched Locker Boy's body shake with laughter as everyone exclaimed their approval around him. His muscles rippled under his dark grey tank top, and I noticed how defined his calves were now that he was wearing shorts. He was already dripping sweat, and he ran a hand through his hair, making it stick up in every direction. When he turned around to get the ball, he saw me and his smile grew as he waved. I couldn't help but smile back, and I waved quickly, leaving the gym before he saw how badly I was blushing. Wasn't I supposed to be sad about something...?

I pushed that thought out of my head as I made my way to the baseball field. I wasn't going to force myself to think of something sad when I felt genuine happiness for the first time since I don't even know when.

Jessica Stanley, another one of my teammates, came jogging up to me as soon as I stepped foot outside.

"Bella! Coach said you better get your butt out there because he's announcing captains."

Shit, I hope he's not mad. I worked so hard these past few years to be captain of the varsity team this year.

I sprinted behind Jess to the middle of the baseball field, where Coach Caius was standing on the pitcher's mound, looking at us. The school's field was pretty huge, with two baseball fields, and open grass area, and a football field. There was also a half basketball court right outside the gym doors, but obviously no games were played there.

"Bella, how nice of you to join us. What kept you so long?"

I blushed again when I thought of Locker Boy. "Sorry, Coach."

"Alright, girls. I know you've all been waiting for this day to see who will be helping you all push yourselves to do your best. This year's captains are..." A few girls started tapping their hands on their thighs to mimic a drumroll. Coach took a deep breath and held it.

"Come on!" One of the girls yelled impatiently.

"Jane and Bella!"

Oh, my God! I'm freaking captain! Ahhhhh!

I squealed and turned to hug Jane, who was jumping up and down in excitement. Sports were a big deal at John Valley High, and being varsity captain was just...a dream come true. God, I've wanted this for so long. I didn't even realize how nervous I was about it until Coach Caius had said my name. I couldn't wait to tell Alice.

After everyone congratulated us and the seniors complained that two juniors had become captains, we got in place to begin a practice game to see where we stood as far as skills go.

I got in position next to Angela, spread my feet, crouched down a bit, and held my glove up a bit to prepare for the batter. As soon as I heard the clink of the metal bat hitting the ball, I felt the familiar rush within me. The ball was coming toward me, and I put my glove up reflexively.

FUCK! Fuckfuckfuck! "Fuckkk!" My glove flew up to my forehead, where the ball had tipped the end if my glove and hit me. My head flew back and then I fell to my knees. Everyone gathered around me and I looked up at them. I hated attention like this. "I'm fine," I whimpered. I was far from fine. I'd gotten hit with a ball before, but never a line drive, straight from a bat. I moved my glove, and the pain went away a bit. I touched it with my finger, and winced at the pain that shot through the side of my face. I checked for blood, and was relieved to see that there wasn't any.

I closed my eyes and laid down in the sand. I couldn't move because of the pain on my forehead. Then I heard a familiar voice and felt myself being picked up. I opened my eyes and realized they were tearing. I wasn't crying, but they were tearing from the pain. "Hi," I said weakly.

"Hey," Emmett smiled down at me. "You took that hit like a champ, Bells."

"Tell me about it." And then I closed my eyes. When I opened them again, I was in the trainer's room, laying down while the trainer put some type of gel on my forehead and an ice pack over it. "Owww..." I pouted.

"You have to keep the ice on the bump. Even if it hurts."

I held the ice pack in place and looked at Emmett sitting in the chair next to me. "I'm gonna go get more ice."

I nodded as he got up, and the trainer left to get some more gel for me. I dusted the sand off my pants as best I could while still sitting, and laid my head back again.

A few seconds later, I heard another familiar voice. "You okay?"

My eyes snapped open at his voice, and it scared me that I felt better once I saw him. "Yeah. Thanks."

"You really scared Emmett."

"I didn't mean to. Aren't you supposed to be at practice?"

"Nope. Locker Boys get to leave early," he spoke matter-of-factly.

My mouth dropped open and my eyes got wide, causing my forehead to throb. "Oh, my God. Who told -"

"I just know these things."

Oh, my God. "No. Really. Who?"

"Alice told Emmett and Emmett told me."

"Oh." What else could I say? "Sorry."

"It's okay. I'm not offended. But can I ask how I got that nickname?" He sat in a chair and leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees.

Where were Emmett and the trainer...? "The locker next to mine has been empty since...forever. And now you took it."

"I took it, huh?" He smirked. Stupid smirk. "It wasn't assigned to me?"

"Ugh, okay! I know it was stupid of me to get mad but I just got annoyed!"

"Do I annoy you that much?" There's that stupid smirk again.

"That's not what I said." Why is he acting like this? I didn't need this right now. "Can we just drop this? I didn't know your name at the time, so I just made one up."

"Hmmm..." He tapped his chin with his finger.

"What?" This guy is pushing all my buttons...

"Maybe I should make up a name for you. It's only fair."

"Like what kind of nickname?"

"I'll think of something." I'm not gonna lie. I was kind of scared of what he'd think up. "But from now on, you're going to call me Edward." It wasn't a question, and he made sure I knew that.

"But I like Locker Boy."

"Well, I like Master Edward. Maybe you should call me THAT."

Ew. "Okay, fine. Edward."

"Say it again."

I raised an eyebrow. What the...? "Um...Edward?"

He gave me a tight-lipped smile and I gave him a weird look. Um...what the heck? Weirdo.

Thank God Em came back in right then. He and Locker Boy pounded fists.

"How did you even know what happened?" I asked Em.

"We heard you scream. 'Fuuuuuuck!'" Locker Boy opened his mouth really wide and whisper-yelled, mimicking my scream.

I let out a small laugh and kicked his knee lightly. "Shut up. I didn't ask you. And I don't sound like that!" I felt the throbbing pain in my forehead again, and laid back down.

"I don't sound like thaaat!" Edward mimicked in a high-pitched voice. I gave him my best scowl, to which he just laughed.

"You still coming to Rosalie's tonight, Bells?" Emmett asked, a hopeful look on his face.

"Hell yeah." I was glad I told Rose I'd go. I was excited now. Besides, I could rest tomorrow and Sunday.

"You want me to walk you home?"

I shook my head slowly. "No, it's okay. I'm going straight to Rose's."

"I can walk you there."

I smiled at Emmett's caring nature. "Thanks, but I'll be fine. It's just a bump, and I don't have a concussion." I smiled so that he knew I was okay. Emmett's house was in the opposite direction of Rosalie's. There was no point in him walking all the way to her house.

He gave me more ice and left when the trainer came back in, and I closed my eyes to rest some more after the trainer gave me a tube of the gel to take home with me.

I felt a very hot touch on the bump on my forehead, followed by a small shock. I hissed at the pain shooting through my head and whimpered as my hand immediately flew up to my forehead and I opened my eyes.

Locker Boy was quicker. He held my wrist before it could reach my head and put my hand back down by my side. "Please don't yell. I'm sorry, I know it hurts. But it'll get better." He kept rubbing circles over the bump with his thumb, and I whimpered uncontrollably at the pain.

After several seconds, the pain started to become bearable, and after some more time, it lessened dramatically to just a dull sensation.

"What are you doing?" I asked warily.

I looked up at Locker Boy as he kept rubbing my skin.

"Are you okay?"

I was shocked to see genuine concern in his eyes. "Yeah..." How did he do that?!

"Pain is gone?" He pulled his hand away slowly and as hard as I tried, I couldn't look away from his eyes.

"Yeah," I breathed out. Oh, God, Bella. Pull yourself together! "...For the most part. How did you do that?"

"Ummm...would you believe me if I said it was magic?"

I let out a guffaw and my hand immediately flew up to cover my mouth as I shook my head. "Not a chance."

"Suit yourself." He shrugged and smiled. I felt my stomach do a flip. Oh, my God, Bella. No, no, no. Don't act this way! "I can't force you to believe me."

Magic? But magic doesn't exist. It can't be that. Am I dreaming? How can someone just take away pain? "You're so hot."

"Why, thank you," he drawled smugly.

Ugh. I scrunched up my face in disgust. "I mean your skin is hot!" Jesus Christ.

His lips were a tight line as he nodded. "That's USUALLY what happens when animals are warm-blooded..."

I kicked his shin. "Shut up! Stop making fun of me."

"Ow! Stop kicking me! I wasn't making fun of you. I was just teasing you." He rubbed his shin as he looked up at me with furrowed brows. He looked pissed. I kind of liked that. Then he perked up. "Why? Am I annoying you?"

"No," I squinted at him as I hopped off the bed. Was he TRYING to annoy me?

I went into the trainer's office and was glad I got the okay to leave. I had to get to Rosalie's as soon as possible to help decorate and get ready.

I heard Locker Boy walking behind me in the hall and turned to look at him before I continued walking. Should I slow down and walk with him? Is it rude if I keep walking and don't speak to him?

I hate when I don't know what to do. And then things get so awkward that it's too late to do anything.

Fuck it. I'll just see him at my locker. Wait, what if he's not going to his locker? Ugh, I wish he was in front of me so I could see where he was going. And what if he's mad that I'm not talking to him while we're walking?

Holy crap, Bella. Relax. He has no reason to be mad at you. And even if he is mad, who cares?

IIIII do. I can't explain how much it scares me that I feel something to for this kid already. I obviously can't deny it to myself. It took me a month to fall for Jacob, and I'm falling for Locker Boy after one day!

Yes! He followed me to my locker. Well, he didn't follow me. He's packing up his things.

I could smell his sweet scent as he was moving around to gather everything he needed. He shut his locker and turned, going on his tippy toes to look at me over my locker door. I closed the door slightly and looked up at him with a sheepish smile. God, please don't let him see the picture of Jake Gyllenhaal hanging inside my locker.

"Let me take you to Rosalie's."

"WHAT?" I felt my face flame as I looked up at him. How forward could he be...?

ARE YOU COMPLAINING? No!

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening them. "Sorry. I mean you don't have to walk. I can drive you, if you'd like."

I'd like! "Um...no, it's okay." ARE YOU CRAZY, BELLA SWAN? Shush. He probably just feels obligated because you two are the only ones here.

"I insist." He looked down at his hands and began playing with his fingernails. "As your chemistry partner, I'm not letting you walk after taking a hit to the head."

Um...how does that make any sense? He looked up then, waiting. Oh. Right. I have to answer. "Really, Lock- Edward. It's fine. I'm fine. I've walked to her house so many times before."

I closed my locker and turned to walk toward the front doors.

Edward jogged ahead of me and turned toward me, walking backwards. "Alright, Isabella. I won't push it."

Hell no, he did not just call me Isabella. "It's Bel-"

He held his hands up, effectively stopping me mid-breath. "I told you not to call me Locker Boy."

"You can't stop me. I can call you whatever I want to." Let's see how far I can push his buttons. He held door open for me which I will admit is a nice change from all the people at this school who let the door go in your face.

"I can also call you whatever I want," he stated matter-of-factly.

Ass on as I stepped outside, I stopped and closed my eyes to breathe in the air. What perfect weather. The sun was out, and it wasn't too hot or too cold. The air felt clean, and I stayed there a while before opening my eyes and realizing Edward had also stopped and was looking at me.

"You done?"

Was he judging me? "Yeah," I scowled. "I just like to appreciate the weather when it's nice. Is that a crime?"

"No, not at all," he put his hands up defensively before we started walking again. I fell behind step slightly, and noticed something strange when I looked at Edward. Were those...bumps? Through his shirt, I could see two fist-sized bumps on his back, by his shoulder blades. I didn't want to be rude by asking, and luckily Edward drew my attention away from them.

"...okay, Izzy?"

"Izzy?!" Ugh! What a disgusting name!

Edward shrugged. "You said you can call me whatever you want to. So I can call you whatever I want to as well."

"Anything but that."

"Are you avoiding what I said?" He asked, walking backwards again.

What had he said? "I didn't hear you."

"Tsk, tsk. I said we'll get something to eat on the way to Rose's."

What was he talking about? Why would we get something to eat? "No, it's fine. I'll just see you later if you're gonna go to the party." I stopped walking, realizing that I'd followed him through the parking lot to his car, all the way up to the passenger's side door

He unlocked the doors and opened the door on the passenger's side. "Get in," he motioned inside the car.

I shook my head, holding my hands up. "No, really. I'm fine with walking. Thanks, though."

The look on Edward's face changed then. His thick eyebrows dropped lower, and I saw his jaw flex as the purple color of his eyes got darker. "Get. In." He waited a few seconds, but I was actually too scared to move. "Now, Isabella," he added.

I all but gulped and turned my head to the right to look up at the car. It was an all-black Jeep Wrangler, with black leather interior, lifted up high on huge wheels.

It looked just as intimidating as Locker Boy did right now. Why was he pushing this so much? I turned back to him, and tried to look like he didn't faze me.

I cocked one foot out and put one hand on my hip. "Why? Maybe I just want to walk," I challenged him. We'll see who gets their way, Edward Cullen.

He draped an arm over the top of the door and leaned into me, effectively making me lose my breath and making me back away. How were his arms so...muscular? Stand your ground, Bella! I CAN'T! JUST LOOK AT HIM! HE'S HUGE! Ugh. I mentally rolled your eyes at myself.

"I don't think you realize how badly you were hit. It's safer if you let me drive you there. And you need something to eat. I don't want you fainting."

I stared into his eyes, forcing myself not to look away from his piercing gaze. "I don't even know you! How is it safer to get into a car with a stranger?" I felt my anxiety shoot up, and then just as quickly dissipate.

He hung his head and sighed before looking back up, his normal features back again. "Will you just get in? I'm not gonna kidnap you."

I rolled my eyes and turned toward the car, stepping onto the foot step and literally having to jump up and onto the seat. Edward closed the door and I heard him mumble something about difficult women as he made his way over to the driver's side.

BELLA, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING IN THIS GUY'S CAR?! Shush.

He reached to the back seat and grabbed a black baseball cap, putting it on backwards, making his hair stick out from the sides. Then he finally turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life. "What do you feel like eating?"

"Anything," I shrugged, looking out the window.

"Pizza?"

"Sure." I love pizza.

"So do I."

"Huh?" I turned toward him.

"I love pizza, too."

Had I said that out loud? Suddenly I felt my face burn with embarrassment at what else I might have said out loud without realizing it. "Oh." He smirked as he put on a pair of black Ray Bans, and I looked at him quizzically. "Do you wear any other color?"

"Sure I do. Why wouldn't I?"

"I don't know. Why are you wearing all black?"

"Because it matches," he said simply.

Oh. How had he managed to make me feel completely stupid?

We pulled up to Sargento's Pizzeria and before I was even ready to get out of the car, Locker Boy was already opening my door.

I thanked him and jumped out, almost losing my balance. I held my arm out when he tried to steady me. "I'm fine," I brushed it off. The last thing I needed was him getting comfortable enough to touch me. "Can we just get the pizzas to go?" I didn't really feel like sitting down and talking with him, and I really did need to get to Rosalie's house.

"Why? Do you not want to eat with me, Izzy?"

I rolled my eyes at the nickname. "It's not that. It's just I- the girls are waiting and-" I racked my brain for an excuse.

"I'm joking," he smiled. "Just teasing you. I actually need to get to work soon so getting a slice to go would be great."

I relaxed as we finally walked into the pizzeria. I felt bad for suggesting getting a slice to go, but who had time to sit and have an awkward conversation right now? Not me.

Well, if I was being honest, it most likely wouldn't have been awkward. I actually felt at ease with Locker Boy, and conversations with him flowed easily.

I noticed girls staring, and almost rolled my eyes at them. It's like they have never seen a girl in shorts!

We each got a slice – I got buffalo chicken and Edward got pepperoni – and he paid before we quickly made our way back to his car. It wasn't until then that I realized they weren't staring at me. They were staring at him. I looked at him and you know what? I didn't blame them for staring. He was very handsome, but also cute and hot at the same time. How was that even possible? Okay, stop it, Bella. He's just a guy.

"Thanks for paying," I said as I shoved the pizza in my mouth. Smooth, Bella. Shush. I don't care how I eat around him. "But you didn't have to."

He started the car before backing out of the parking spot and looking over at me. "You're welcome. And I wanted to. But...can you please not eat in here?"

"Oh! Sorry!" I felt myself blush again. I don't know why I didn't ask if it was okay. Maybe because my brain seems to be short-circuiting recently. I should have known. Men and their cars...it was like the car was their child or something. I went to put the slice of pizza back into the box, and a piece of cheese fell on the seat between my thighs. Oh, my God. He's gonna kill me. He's gonna kill me! I peered over at him without moving my head. He was concentrating on the road, thank God. I pick up the piece of cheese and quickly threw it in the pizza box, covering the stain with my leg. Phew.

We finally reached Rose's house and Edward came over to open my door again. I kind of liked this...

Women don't need their door opened! That's sexist! Oh, shut up.

I hopped out and almost lost my balance again, but this time Edward didn't reach out to steady me.

"Thank you. For the ride," I said and gave a thumbs-up.

Locker Boy raised an eyebrow at my thumb and I quickly put my hand down. Awkward...ugh.

"Anytime. Sorry about the pizza thing. It's not that I don't trust you not to spill anything. I just don't like anybody eating in the car. It gets all smelly and then..." he made a disgusted face.

Did he know...? "It's okay, I totally understand."

"How's the head?" He asked softly as he looked at my forehead.

"It's alright," I shrugged. "No pain."

"No headaches?"

I shook my head, looking down, because, well, I didn't know where else to look. Sometimes his eyes were just...too much, for lack of a better word.

I saw Edward's hand come up, but then drop to his side again. Something inside me kind of wished he would have brought his hand up, and just – I don't know – touched me? Well, you made it clear to him that you don't want to be touched.

I looked up at him and waved goodbye, I threw my bookbag over my shoulder and turned to walk toward Rose's front door. I turned around halfway up the walkway, surprised to see Edward leaning against his car, arms crossed and watching me. "Are you...coming later?"

"Probably," he nodded. "But I'll be late. I have to close the cafe today."

I tried hard not to stare at his biceps. And failed. "Okay," I said to his arms. "See you later." Get it together, Bella.

I turned around and made my way to the house as quickly as I could without running.

Alice answered the door and waved to Edward before letting me in. I heard him drive away as she closed the door behind me and turned to me with a smirk. "So..."

"Don't start!" I pointed at her with the pizza before biting into it. I dropped my bag on the floor and went into the living room to help Rosalie.

"Start what?" Rosalie looked down at us from the chair she was standing on.

I handed her the doilies to hang from the ceiling and rolled my eyes. "Nothing."

"Bella went on a date...with Edward Cullen!" Alice squealed.

"I did not!" Oh, my God. I felt my face flame up yet again. Why the hell am I blushing every two seconds?!

"Did too. He drove her here. And I'm guessing you guys got pizza before you came here? Sounds like a date to me!" Alice was way too excited about this. I mean excited about nothing.

"He wouldn't let me walk here because I got hit in the head with a softball, and then he said I had to eat something and he said pizza and I love pizza so I said okay." I stopped talking, realizing I was out of breath, and both girls were staring at me.

"Okay...Bella? Breathe," Alice came up behind me and put her hands on my shoulders. "I was just teasing."

"Sorry," I shook my head.

"How's your head?" Rosalie stepped down from the chair and look at me with concern.

"It's fine. I'm fine. Just..." confused.

"You don't have to help us decorate. You can go to my room and lay down if you want."

"No, I want to help." I love decorating. I grabbed a bunch of white Christmas lights and went into the hallway to hang them up to give the house a nice glow. After we finished up, we prepared some finger foods and ordered pizza and Chinese food. We set everything up on the dining room table and went upstairs to change and do our hair.

I was sitting on the floor in front of Rosalie's full-length mirror, straightening my hair, when I heard the familiar ping of a text message on my phone.

I reached over and saw it was an unfamiliar number. My heart dropped into my stomach when I opened the message. It was a picture of a stained car seat. Edward. I received another message underneath it.

*Please do not lie to me again.*

I felt my eyes go wide before putting my phone down and continuing with my hair.

"Who is it?" Alice asked, curling her hair.

"Wrong number," I waved it off. Had I lied to him? I don't think so. I just omitted some information. Ugh. Same thing, I know. I felt guilt wash over me for not telling him about the pizza stain, but I was afraid he would get mad at me!

Since when do you care about random people getting mad at you?

I told my mind to be quiet. I didn't need this right now. I had to look hot for tonight. Maybe Jake would comment on how nice I looked and forget about that stupid slut.

Alice wore a pair of black shorts with a loose lace black tank, I wore a tight blue dress with black heels, and Rose wore black jeans with a red strapless top.

We checked ourselves in the mirror once more before giving each the other big smiles and heading downstairs to start making the drinks.

"Bella, are you sure you'll be okay with Jacob here tonight?" Rose stopped mixing the punch and looked over at me.

"I'm positive." I tasted the Bacardi and coke I was making and decided to add in some more rum. "Besides, I'm planning on getting lucky tonight, and not with Jacob." Maybe that would get my mind off of him.

"Ooooh, with who?!" Alice looked at me excitedly.

"I dunno," I shrugged. And I really didn't know. I just needed to...fuck somebody.

"I know who. Your new boyyyfrienddd, Eduardo."

I literally gagged. "Ew, no!" Was Alice insane? I would never. "And he's not my boyfriend." As we kept making the drinks, my mind wandered to Locker Boy. Why did he take a year off school? And what the heck were those things on his back? His shoulder blades? They looked too big to be shoulder blades. I decided I'd ask him when I saw him later tonight.

As it got dark outside, people finally started showing up. The house was packed within an hour, and the food was going quick. I ate as much as I could because I already started feeling the effects of the alcohol, and I wasn't going to stop drinking any time soon. I mean, I couldn't! The party was just getting started.

I was talking to a few in the hallway when I saw Jake come in through the front door. Ohmigod. Why did he have to look so good? I tried to hear what he was saying to the people he saw, but I couldn't hear anything over the blaring music. I started making conversation with the people next to me, then the people next to them, and then the people next to them, slowly making my way toward Jake.

Yes! He finally saw me and made his way over to me with a smile.

"Whoaaa, Bella. You look fucking hot!" He reached in for a kiss and a hug, and I felt proud as I pulled back and took a sip of my drink. A guy I didn't know came up and asked Jacob where Victoria was, and I was so happy to hear that she had to go out to a family dinner.

Tonight was my chance! I can start getting Jake back from that evil witch.

I felt a little dizzy and was grateful that Jake steadied me. "You okay?"

"Yeah," I nodded. "Just...drunk." And then I burst out laughing.

"Well, you know what the cure for that is? Drink some more!" And with that, he gave me a shot glass full of...I don't know what. Rum? Vodka? He had one as well, and we clinked our shot glasses together before downing it in one gulp. At this point, I couldn't even tell what it was.

Alice and Jasper came over then, and Alice looked pissed. "Bella! What are you doing?"

She grabbed my arm and yanked me toward her. "Ow, let go! You're hurting me!" She finally let go and I rubbed my arm.

"Why are you drinking with Jacob? Why are you even talking to him?! Did you forget whathell he put you through?!"

Ugh. "No, I haven't forgotten," I rolled my eyes. "But I want to talk to him." I tried as hard as I could not to slur my speech. "I want him back, Alice! Why can't you just be supportive?" I seethed. She was so annoying! Why couldn't she just be happy for me? I turned to see that Jake was gone from the spot we were standing in, and turned back to Alice, fuming. "See what you did? He left!"

"Look at yourself," she shook her head. "You're a mess. He's like poison for you, Bella. Why can't you see that? You're right. I'm not supporting this. Why would I? He's so bad for you. Do whatever you want, Bella. I'm done caring."

She turned to walk away and Jasper just looked down at me. "Please be careful, darling. She doesn't mean what she says about not caring."

"Well, tell her I don't care if she cares or not." I crossed my arms and walked away before he could say anything else.

Where did Jake run off to?

I saw him talking to some people on the back porch, and did my best to walk toward him. Whose bright idea was it to wear heels? I should have brought some flats. I decided to just take my shoes off and put them in a corner somewhere before stepping outside.

Ah, fresh air. The cool night air felt amazing against my skin. I was burning up.

I made my way over to Jake and waited for him to introduce me to whoever he was talking to. These people were definitely not from our school. But there were no introductions. Jake just turned to me and gave me his drink. I look at him questioningly and then down at the drink.

"Drink up, Bella. You'll have a better time. Trust me." He smiled down at me and that was all the incentive I needed. I drank whatever it was as I talked to him, and I couldn't help but stare at him as he spoke. Why was he so hot?!

After a few minutes, Rosalie came out and called for everybody to listen to her. "Can you guys please keep it down a little bit? We're all underage and I don't think any of you want to go to jail and have your parents pick you up from the police department. Thank you!" And then she was gone as quickly as she had arrived.

"It is pretty loud out here. And inside, too. Do you want to go upstairs? We can talk without yelling."

Oh, my gosh. Yes. Yes yes yes! Finally. "Yeah," I nodded, trying to play it cool.

Jake took my hand and we weaved our way through the crowd of people inside. I almost gasped when I caught sight of Locker Boy talking with the basketball team. He was in a dark green t-shirt and jeans, and...wow.

He looked at me and his eyebrows rose up as he lifted his drink in greeting before his eyes dropped to my hand in Jake's, and he smiled quickly before looking away again. I don't even know if I said hi back or not, but too late to think about it now because we were already on the other side of the house, going upstairs.

I tried not to stare at the couples making out on the stairs, and focused on Jake's back instead.

Jake lead me into a room and I looked around as we sat on the bed. He turned on the bedside lamp and leaned in to kiss me as I backed away. "I thought we were gonna talk?"

"Would you rather talk, or would you rather kiss?" He smirked.

I smiled as I leaned in to kiss him, and melted into him when he kissed me back. Finally. I can't believe how much I'd missed this. I pushed him back on the bed and he pushed himself up toward the pillows, pulling me up with him.

I pulled back and looked down at him, smiling as he tucked my hair behind my ear. "I missed you, Jake."

"I missed you too," he said quickly as his hands went to the bottom of my dress.

"Wait." He stopped and looked up at me. "What about your girlfriend?"

"So what?" He looked annoyed and waved it off. I felt glad that he didn't seem to care about her. Well, not in this moment anyway. He only cared about me right now, and that was all I wanted. I straddled his waist and ran my hands up his chest as he flexed his pecs. God, he was so hot.

He brought his hands to my waist and pushed my dress up high enough to expose my lace thong. He bit his lip and looked up at me as he thrust his hips up against me. "Fucking sexy."

I giggled and moaned as I ground my hips against his, reveling in the feel of something finally rubbing against me. I was beyond horny at this point, desperate for any kind of friction. We were grinding with the muffled beat of the music from downstairs, and Jake let out a loud moan before lifting my dress up. I put my arms up to help him, glad that he was used to my bruises so he didn't comment on them. I unbuckled his belt and made my way down his body, pulling his pants and boxers along with me.

He was already rock hard, which was good because as much as I loved giving head, I couldn't wait any longer. I slid down on his cock as we both groaned in pleasure and he pushed my bra cups down, making my breasts spill over. He sat up as best he could and took a nipple in his mouth, and I threw my head back. Oh, God.

"Ugh, Jakey! More..." I panted as he plunged his cock in me, my pussy gripping it like a vice.

Suddenly the music got louder and I lifted my head, only to scream in horror. Jake turned his head around and we both stared at a stammering Edward standing in the doorway.

"I- I- I- I'm sorry. Sorry! I didn't see anything." He covered his eyes and closed the door. I all but cried in humiliation, and got off Jake, trying not to fall over in my drunken stupor.

"Where are you going?" Jake was angry, and suddenly I felt scared.

"Do you think the moment wasn't just ruined?" I asked as I collected my clothing and put it on.

"I want to fucking get off!" He yelled as he slammed his fist against the bed.

"Well so did I..." And then I had to ask. "Was that all this was? To you, I mean. Was it just a fuck?"

"Yeah," he shrugged. "Wasn't it for you?"

"I guess...well not really. Jake, I still like you. A lot." Why was I saying all this?! "I just want to...be with you. And I thought..." I motioned toward the bed.

"That I still want you, too?"

"You said you did." I felt tears well up in my eyes because I realized now that I was losing him. Did you ever even have him, Bella?

"I have a girlfriend."

"But you...you waved that off." I will not cry. I will not cry.

"Yeah because I obviously don't want to be thinking about her as I'm cheating on her. And don't even try to act like I'm the one that's fucked up here. You're the one that fucks everybody like it's nothing. Why now? Why are you acting like sex is a big deal now? Aren't you the one that sees it as a casual activity?" He was fully dressed now, breathing heavy with anger.

"It is a big deal, if it's with you. I care about you! I don't fuck everybody! And do what if I did? It's none of your business. And you are fucked up. You're cheating on Victoria with your ex." I know I sounded immature, but I had nothing else to say to him. I was at a loss for words, and on top of all this, I was starting to get really nauseous. I tried to breathe in and out deeply to calm myself.

"Yeah? Well you're the other woman right now. The side chick. What did you think? That I would leave her for you?" All I could do was stare at him. "Ha! Are you fucking kidding me? She's amazing. Why would I leave her and come back to you? Everybody says you're a walking STD. You don't even use condoms. And you fucked me in your best friend's bedroom!" He looked disgusted. Exactly how I felt. Disgusted with myself.

I looked around in horror and realized that we were in Rose's room. Oh, fuck.

"I..." My voice trailed off. I had nothing left to say.

He opened the door, and turned around to give me the once over. "Do me a favor. If you don't just want a quick fuck here and there, don't talk to me. And don't tell anybody we did anything. Oh and tell your friend Edward not to say a word either. I don't need this shit getting out."

He left the door open behind him, and I turned off the light and closed the door. I stood in shock for a moment, and then curled up on Rose's bed, finally letting myself cry.

Why? Why did it have to go down like this?

I woke up and realized I must have fallen asleep while crying. I sat up and immediately ran to the bathroom down the hall, barely making it to the toilet before throwing up everything I'd eaten that day.

I sighed in relief as I flushed the toilet and found some mouthwash in the mirror cabinet. I groaned when I saw myself in the mirror. I was such a mess. My makeup was all over my face and my hair looked like a bird's nest. On my way back to Rose's room, I realized that the music had stopped, but I could still hear a few people talking downstairs. I wonder where Alice was. Wasn't she wondering where I was?

No, because you pushed her away when she tried to care.

I groaned at the pain in my head and in my heart as I curled up in Rose's bed again.

I heard a knock on the door and closed my eyes to pretend I was asleep. I couldn't deal with anybody right now.

I heard the door open and tried to regulate my breathing before I felt somebody sit at the foot of the bed. Wait. What if it's Jacob? I felt my heart begin to hammer in fear and peeked with one eye to see who it was, and quickly closed my eye again. There was enough moonlight in the room for me to see that it was Locker Boy. Can the world just swallow me up right now? Haven't I been humiliated enough for one night?

"Bella?" He whispered. I didn't answer, but he wouldn't give up. "I know you're awake. I just want to know if you're okay."

"Go away," I said into the pillows.

"Are you alright?"

"Why do you care?" I asked accusingly. I opened my eyes to look at him, and tried to give him the dirtiest look I could, even if he couldn't see it in the darkness. I realized that half of my ass was hanging out of the dress and pulled my dress down before going back to my previous position.

"I don't know," he shrugged, his eyes never leaving my face. It was silent for a few moments before he sighed. "I just wanted to apologize for before."

"Can we not talk about it?" I whined. I didn't even know the kid, and he'd already seen me naked. While having sex – with Jacob!

Edward reached over to turn on the bedside lamp and I quickly covered my face with my hands.

"What's wrong?"

"Don't look at me." I looked like a zombie. And I'm sure my breath smelled even worse.

I felt him move before I heard his smooth voice, closer than it had been a second ago. "This may sound weird, but are you gonna freak if I touch you?"

What the hell? "Uh...what?"

He reached over and pulled my hands down, both of us gasping at the small shock we felt.

"You were very much against me touching you when we were by my car."

"Oh. Yeah. Sorry about that."

"It's okay. No need to apologize," he smiled weakly, but I couldn't bring myself to smile back.

"My head..." I groaned as I held my head in my hands.

"I'll be right back."

Locker Boy left and came back with a glass of water. "Here. Drink it all. I couldn't find any aspirin. Sorry."

I looked at the water suspiciously, then back up at him. "How do I know you didn't put something in this water?"

He shrugged. "You don't know. You don't have to drink it. I won't be offended."

But you weren't worried when asshole Jake gave you drinks. Shut up! Sometimes I wondered if the voice in my head was actually Alice.

I decided not to drink the water, but after a while couldn't stand the pain anymore. The water didn't miraculously cure me, but I knew it would help later. We sat there for a long while until I broke the silence.

"Why aren't you downstairs enjoying the party?"

"I enjoyed enough. Besides, it's winding down. And I'm really tired." He plopped back across the foot of the bed.

"Oh. Tired from work?" I looked at him curiously.

"Yeah. And from drinking. And it's late."

I looked at the bright blue numbers on the digital clock next the bed. "It's 2:45 already?!" Geez.

"Yeah," he sighed.

I looked over at him and saw that his eyes were closed. "Are you gonna sleep?" I whispered.

"No," he laughed as he opened his eyes and turned his head toward me. I pushed myself up and leaned against the headboard, pulling my knees against my chest and resting my head against them with a sigh. I turned my head toward the wall, away from Edward. I felt an overwhelming urge to cry again, and let myself cry, forcing myself not to make a peep, not even to breathe harder than usual. Even with all my efforts, a whimper escaped and then I had to sniffle. Damn it. "Isabella, please don't cry." I picked up on the full name, but oddly, it didn't bother me. "It wasn't a big deal, I promise. Besides, everybody has sex, right? Don't be ashamed of it."

I let out a laugh, though I didn't find anything funny. "It's not that. I mean, yeah, I was embarrassing, but that's not what hurts," I said through tears.

"Can you please look at me?"

"No." He couldn't see me like this. It was bad enough that he was with me when I was crying.

"Please. I promise you, I won't judge." I turned my face toward him and when he saw me he sat up, scooting closer. He reached out and I braced myself for the shock that never came. He wiped my tears away and tucked my hair behind my ear. "What is it that hurts?"

"Everything," I said simply. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure." He lay down next to me and crossed his fingers, letting his hands rest over his stomach.

"Why are you being so nice to me?"

"Why wouldn't I be nice to you? I don't like seeing my friends hurt."

"Am I your friend?" I let out a small laugh.

"Ummm...we can call it that," he joked.

"Okay. I'll take that." I lay down as well, looking up at the ceiling.

"Now can you answer my question? What hurts?" For once, somebody besides Alice and Rosalie were checking up on how I was doing. But...why weren't Alice and Rosalie checking up on how I was doing this time?

"Just...everything, Edward." I started crying again. Pull yourself together, Bella! "I'm sorry." I wiped my eyes as quickly as I could.

"Don't be. Why would you be sorry for showing emotion?"

I shrugged, because really, I had no answer. "I can't believe I...ugh, I'm so disgusted with myself! I can't believe I fucked him, Edward. Knowing full well that he has a girlfriend. He cheated on me – and then he cheated on her with me! Why did I think he would want to be with me again? Why am I so dumb? And now Alice won't even talk to me because she was just trying to look out for me and I yelled at her for it, all because I wanted to have sex with him. And I act like Victoria is the worst person ever when she never even did anything to me. She's not even a bad person. And then you walk in on us and the look on your face and...now everybody's gonna be talking about it and..." I almost mentioned my bruises but didn't need to get into that. I was hyperventilating at this point, and my face literally hurt from crying so much.

Edward pushed himself up and held me by my shoulders, rubbing up and down my arms. "Shhh...calm down. It's gonna be fine, I promise," he whispered.

"I'm sorry- I- you don't need this..." I blabbered on.

"Isabella. Look at me."

I didn't want to, but he was using that voice – the voice he had used to tell me to get into his car – and I felt obligated to look. But no, I couldn't look him in the face. Not after burdening him with all that crap. I shook my head, looking down into my lap.

He ran his hand through my hair, calming me automatically. "Look. At. Me," he said sternly. I looked up at him then, barely able to make out his eyes in the dark. "It will be fine, I promise. I'll make sure of it."

"How can you be so sure?" I couldn't believe him. Not until I saw it with my own eyes.

"Do you think he'll tell people?"

"No," I shook my head. "He told me not to tell anybody. And he told me to tell you not to say anything either."

"I wouldn't. It's not my place to say anything to anybody. But see? Everybody won't be talking about it, because I'm sure he won't say anything."

I felt a little better once I realized that. But then... "It's because he's so ashamed of me"

"No, Bella. It's because he's ashamed of himself for cheating on her. He doesn't want to lose Victoria because...well because then she won't have sex with him. And also maybe because he does like her."

"That's not what I want to hear," I fumed.

"But you need to accept that it may be true. That he may actually like her and want to be with her. But we don't need to dwell on that right now." He continued to run his hands through my hair, calming me more with each passing minute. "And I'm sure Alice will come around. She's your friend. She wouldn't just cut you out of her life like that."

"Yeah," I realized he was right. I wasn't thinking rationally. "You're right. But I was so mean to her. If she ever acted that way toward me when I tried to help her..."

"It happens," he shrugged.

Suddenly I remembered what I had wanted to ask him earlier today. "Can I ask you something else?"

"Shoot."

"Why were you gone for a whole year?"

"Wow. Um...I wasn't expecting that. It's actually a long story. I'll have to get back to you on that one."

"Okay," I pouted. I wanted to know!

"Put that lip back," he joked.

Instead of asking my next question, I wondered if I could just...I slowly reached behind him and went to touch one of the bumps on his back. As soon as I touched it, Edward gasped and pushed himself away from me hastily. "Do not touch those. Ever."

"Sorry." Suddenly I felt ashamed of myself, for just touching him like that. "Does it hurt?"

He shook his head without a word.

"What are they?"

"That question is off limits," he said with a scowl.

"Are you mad? I'm sorry!" I felt myself start to panic, because I didn't want him to be mad at me. Right now, he was the only person I had in my life.

"It's fine. Just...no touching those. And no questions about them," he said as he looked out the window.

"Are they part of the reason you had to leave last year?"

"What did I just say?" He glared at me.

"Okay, okay." Sheesh.

He came back to the bed and sat down next to me. "Can I ask you something?"

Please don't let him ask anything too personal. "Sure."

"Why did you lie about spilling pizza in my car?"

Ohmigod. "Because. Because I didn't want you to get mad."

"Yeah? How did that work out for you?" His voice was oozing with sarcasm.

"Okay, you're right. I know. I shouldn't have eaten in your car and then lied about it." Was that what he wanted to hear?

"Bella, I wasn't upset that you ate in my car. I was upset that you lied to me. I don't like being liked to., and I won't accept it, especially from you." Was he still mad at me, or...? He didn't seem mad. He was calm.

"I'm sorry."

"You're forgiven. Anyway, I apologize. I shouldn't have bombarded you with this pizza talk. You've been through enough tonight. I just wanted to know why."

I nodded as I stood up. I needed to get home and go to sleep. My head was killing me. "Edward, thank you so much for tonight. And for earlier today. It means a lot." And it did. If it wasn't for him, I would have been completely alone up here. I hope he knew how much I appreciated it.

He stood up quickly and came over to me. "You're leaving?"

"Yeah, I need to get to sleep. It's late." And as if on queue, I yawned, eliciting a chuckle from Locker Boy.

"I see that. Let me drive you home."

No this again. "I can walk. My house is close. And the fresh air might help me feel better."

"You're gonna have a hell of a headache tomorrow, Bella. Especially after that hit with the ball."

"Ugh," I groaned. I'd forgotten about that.

"Just sleep as much as you can." He opened the door and motioned toward the hallway. "Let me at least walk you downstairs."

I smiled as I walked past him. He could most definitely walk me downstairs. I don't think I could deal with seeing everybody by myself.

We walked downstairs slowly, only to find that everybody had fallen asleep. The only people left were Emmett, Alice, Rosalie, Jasper, and a few other kids from our school. Edward turned the stereo off and we crept through the house to the front door.

When we got outside, Edward draped his jacket over me, not giving me a chance to protest. He held his finger up, silencing me before I could say anything. He held my gaze, towering over me. "You're walking, and it's chilly tonight. I'm driving. I don't need it."

I nodded, deciding to accept this without a protest. "Thank you. For everything."

"Anytime," he beamed down at me, a big cheesy grin plastered on his face. I couldn't help but crack up, needing a moment to compose myself. "Text me when you get home."

"I will," I said as I waved goodbye and began to turn around.

"Good night, Bella."

"Good night, Locker Boy," I said over my shoulder.

I got home pretty quickly, and trudged my way into my room before taking my dress off and collapsing on my bed, not even bothering to take off my makeup.

My eyes shot open to the familiar ping of my phone, and I immediately sat up. I forgot to text Edward!

I checked my phone and felt guilty for the umpteenth time tonight. I'd gotten home half an hour ago.

Edward had messaged me twice in the last twenty minutes.

*Are you home yet?*

*Bella, please let me know if you are home. I'll be waiting for your text.*

My fingers couldn't move fast enough across the keyboard.

*Omg I'm sooo sry. I forgot to txt u and then I fell asleep. I'm home.*

My phone chimed again a few seconds later.

*Okay. Good night, Isabella.*

I frowned at the screen. Was he mad? Why did he keep getting mad at everything? Whatever. I really couldn't think about anything more tonight.

*Good night, Edward.*

Then I plopped down face-first into bed. Now I can finally sleep.
_

Thank you so much for reading. Please let me know what you thought of this chapter, how I can improve on anything, and what you liked and didn't like! What do you all think is going on with Edward and his back?

Thanks again!