Never Again, Chapter 17: Fresh Start

I don't own Twilight. I just like to screw with the characters.

I wrote you guys an extra long chapter for the wait! See, thats how much I love you :)

***

"You OK?" Edward asked again, as we got out the car at school.

I sighed. "I'm fine," I muttered. "How many more times?"

"Bella, don't give me that crap. You've been pissy with me since you came back from the store on Saturday. What's going on?"

I sighed again. Boyfriends weren't supposed to be this observant. My eyes scanned the lot, and gasped as a black VW Rabbit pulled in.

"That," I whispered, nodding towards it.

"Why? What is it?"

I shook my head as Jacob parked up. He stepped out the car, went round to the passenger's side, and opened the door for Leah. She got out, grabbed his hand and they walked towards us.

"Hey, Bella," Leah said politely. "It's nice to see you again."

"Hey, Leah."

Edward looked pretty confused. He'd never met these people; he'd never even been to La Push. "This is Edward, my boyfriend. Edward, this is Leah. And Jacob."

I felt Edward stiffen next to me, and he stared at me, his green eyes full of question. I just nodded. He turned back to Jacob, shooting him with a death glare.

Jacob seemed to sense the awkwardness, and quickly hustled Leah off, mumbling something about signing in and schedules, for which I was grateful.

I went to walk to class, but Edward had a firm grip on my hand.

"You knew he was going to be here." It wasn't a question. I nodded unwillingly. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"There wasn't a time," I shrugged. I went to move away again, but he gripped tighter. "Edward. Let go. You're hurting me," I told him quietly.

"Does Jasper know?"

I shrugged again. "This is Forks, Edward. I'm sure he'll find out soon enough. C'mon, lets go."

"I'm not having that monster anywhere near you."

"Edward. I'm fine. It's not a problem."

"Not a problem? Bella, he tried to kill you!" He was yelling now.

I closed my eyes. "Edward. There's no need to be melodramatic. People are looking. Now, let go of my arm."

He released me, muttering "Sorry."

He went to walk into school, but I stopped him.

"Listen, Edward. What happened with Jacob…it's not important. It's over. I don't want it brought up again."

He nodded.

"I mean it. I'm over it. We've both had a fresh start. I always thought Leah was made for him."

He nodded again, but his face was still twisted into an expression of angst.

I sighed again, and walked into school. What a way to start the week.

I walked into English in a dark mood, therefore not watching where I was going. Not good. A table leg jumped out and stubbed my toe, and then another one tripped me up. It has to be a conspiracy or something. I stumbled, lost my footing, and then was left wondering why the floor was moving closer towards my head.

"Whoa there, Bells," a familiar voice laughed as something grabbed my arm and pulled me up again. "You haven't changed a bit, babe."

I wasn't having that.

"Babe?! Don't you dare babe me! Don't even look at me, you complete and utter twat!"

Jacob looked a bit taken aback at that. I had to admit, I'd never snapped at him or anything like that before. It felt kinda good, actually.

"Sorry, Bella," he mumbled. "I guess I just…thought we'd forget everything that happened. My mistake. I'll just...leave you and your new boyfriend alone." He turned away and sat down.

That was mean. He had the poor pathetic ex-boyfriend thing nailed.

"Hey," I said, punching his arm lightly as I sat in the seat next to him. "Good one. You took drama at La Push?"

He turned to face me, grinning. "No. You made me sit through to many chick flicks."

I laughed at that. It was easier than being upset.

We spent the rest of the lesson catching up, pissing about and annoying the teacher. It was just like it used to be with me and him. I'd forgotten school should be like this, with mates. (Wooo! Sally!! Zoé!!) Everything was so serious now I was with Edward.

"So, you and this Edward guy. He seems…nice."

"He is nice, Jake. He's perfect."

"You been going out long?"

I nodded. "Just over six months."

Jake just nodded.

"What about you and Leah?" I asked.

"A couple months. She doesn't like commitment," he smiled fondly. "We haven't even had sex yet." He looked at me. "Sorry. I guess you didn't really need to know that."

I chuckled. "Nah, I think it's sweet. Waiting for the right moment and all that." I sighed kinda wistfully.

"So, you and Edward…"

"Yeah. He, uh…he's moved in, actually."

Jacob stared at me. "Really?"

I nodded.

"Wow. I'm glad you're happy, Bells. I really am," he smiled genuinely. "I didn't think…I mean, I thought I'd…" he shook his head. He leaned closer to me, his lips millimetres away from my ear. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I'm so, so sorry Bella. If I could turn back the clock…"

"I know," I whispered back.

"I mean it, Bella. I don't even know why I did it. I was such a dick to you, and now, I'm just-"

"Jake. I know. It's OK. I'm over it, yeah?"

He looked like he had more to say, but instead he smiled, pulled away from me and turned back to his work. I didn't need this conversation. I didn't want it all brought back up again. It was over with- no use crying over spilt milk, as Grandma Swan would say.

After Spanish, Edward was waiting to walk me to lunch as usual. But, as I walked out of the classroom, I noticed he was with someone.

"Hey," he said, kissing me swiftly.

"Hi," I looked over Edward's shoulder. "You alright, Jake?"

"I'm good. We just had History, so…"

"He came with me to meet you," Edward smiled. Fakely. I glared at him.

"Good," I said sternly. "Lets go get some lunch."

Wow. Awkward turtle. (Shout out to Sally and Zoé!! Again ;) I think I need new friends)

Leah was already in the canteen, sat with a little salad and a can of soda at a far table. We grabbed some food and then went to join her.

"Hey," she smiled sweetly, patting the seat next to her for Jake to sit there. Edward and I sat opposite them. He was very still, watching Jacob cautiously.

"Will you just relax?" I hissed into his ear.

He glared at me from the corner of his eye, but otherwise, his posture stayed the same. I rolled my eyes. Talk about the most awkward lunch ever. And I had a whole hour of Biology with him to endure next, and then whatever was waiting for me when we got home. Ugh. You know, it's times like these that make girls go lesbian.

But I really, really like dick.

Anyway.

Jake and Leah both had Gym now, so we left them there and then walked to Biology in silence. I glanced at Edward out of the corner of my eye, and saw that his posture was the same as it had been in the canteen. I sighed. I really didn't get his problem. Jacob wasn't going to hurt me again. Emmett had made sure of that. Edward knew that. So what was his problem Jake and I had both moved on, we were in new relationships, for crying out loud…

No. He knew better than to be jealous, right?

We were some of the first ones in the Biology room, and walked to the back and took our seats. Edward sat in his seat, pointedly looking away from me, towards the front of the room.

How childish. Well. Two could play at that game.

I sat down next to him, took out my books, and faced the front.

We sat, never looking at each other, seemingly listening to whatever Mr Varner was rambling on about at the front there. Seriously, the man had problems if he thought anyone was actually listening to him. I glanced around and saw that Lauren Mallory had her phone out under the desk; Tyler Crowley was reading a magazine under his textbook…

Hello. A little bit of paper fluttered into my lap. I unfolded it, and saw in Edward's neat writing the word sorry. Then there were a lot of kisses.

I whipped out my pen and wrote back.

What for?

Today. I've been stupid. I'm sorry xxx

I'm sorry, I don't know what you're talking about.

What? I wasn't in a very forgiving kind of mood. In fact, I was in full on BITCH.

Bella, don't. It was just a shock, that's all.

Yeah, it was for me, too. You think I really wanna see him again?

Of course not. But it's not exactly a bed of roses for me, either.

OK, who even says that? No seventeen year old boy I know. Maybe Edward's actually gay...

I've told you, you don't need to worry.

I know. I'm not worried about him hurting you.

Well, what then?

It doesn't matter.

Oh, God. Was I right? No…I can't be. Ugh, I'll ask.

Edward, you know better than to be jealous, right?

Or...maybe...he's GAY?? No way. No. We're red hot in bed...

Do I?

Oh my God. What a mess.

I didn't write back. I just gave him a small smile and reached for his hand under the desk, letting him know we were OK. He squeezed gratefully, and we sat like that till the end of the lesson.

As we walked out into the parking lot, I heard someone calling my name. I turned to see Leah running towards me, waving. We stopped to wait for her.

"Hey, you guys, what are you doing tomorrow night?" she asked.

I looked up at Edward. "Nothing," he smiled. It looked pretty genuine.

"Good. How about you come to the movies with me and Jake?"

Uh. I looked back to the official spokesperson of the moment, expecting to hear him make some kind of excuse. Homework, or a sick relative perhaps.

"That sounds great Leah. We'll be there."

Yeah, sorry Leah…what? I turned back to Edward again, feeling my jaw drop.

"Great!" Leah exclaimed happily, before skipping of towards Jacob's car. I watched her go, and noticed something I hadn't noticed before.

A bruise stood out on the dark skin of her arm.

***

Before you ask, no. No, I'm not gonna make Edward gay. I just put that in for my GBF, Lee. Who I'm still not talking to, btw. Lee!!! I know you're reading this!!! GROVEL, BITCH!!

Oh, and thanks, Chloe!

And everyone else who voted. But Chloe especially for the whole idea :) ly xx

Reviews make me write faster. I promise.