A/N

I have an entry in the Naughty Heels 80s music contest. I couldn't resist. Please go to the site to read and vote for some awesome stories.

The link:

www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/u/2060377/

I don't own Twilight. If I did, I probably could get RPatz as my boy toy.

Chapter 12

Bizarre Love Triangle

Well, I got my jeans zipped without assistance. I duplicated Alice's 'look' for today's manhunt. These were things I could handle. Seduction, not so much.

I didn't think I could go through with it. I was not a seductress by any stretch of the imagination. Alice seemed to think I was going to sashay into English class and leave a wake of love devastation. I was just hoping not to trip and fall again.

I was dressed and ready for school when I realized I didn't want to play any games with Edward. Whether or not he was playing with me wasn't the issue, it was a matter of my own integrity. I decided to just go to school and let things happen. I just had to convince Alice. She wanted me to loosen up and make Edward jealous in the process. I didn't even know if Edward was still interested. He had asked me out last week and there was that whole iPod thing, but I hadn't heard from him since. I was curious to see how he was going to act today. I guess I would have my answers soon enough.

I thought about my conversation with my sister Rose last night. Alice wasn't the only one who wanted me to step out of my comfort zone. Rose called to talk about some wedding details and about her bachelorette party on Friday night. Of course she had planned it herself, even though I was the maid of honor. I think she was forced to have me in that role. We didn't exactly get along well. We didn't fight, but we had nothing in common and we rarely spoke.

It was probably best, though, that I didn't plan the party, because I had no experience in such things except for watching movies about bachelorette parties. My idea of fun would be pizza and a DVD or reading some Harry Potter fanfiction. Luckily, instead of tipping strippers, we were having spa treatments in a suite at the hotel where she was getting married. Thank god, I don't think I could have stomached naked guys rubbing themselves on me.

While we were having a semi-decent conversation, which was unusual because Rose was, well, Rose, she tried to set me up with her soon-to-be brother in law. Apparently he had seen a picture of me and wanted to meet me. He must be desperate if he wanted a blind date with me. And what picture did she show him? She couldn't possibly have a decent picture of me. She claimed he was super hot and a total brain, but I didn't really want to go out with a strange guy. It just wasn't me. But then again, how was I supposed to know what a date was like unless I actually went on one? Aaahhh. So confusing. She really pushed hard about the date, even saying Emmett would consider it a personal favor. I guess he couldn't be too horrible, Emmett was hot in a beefcake way. I finally gave her a maybe for an answer.

I walked towards the kitchen to eat breakfast, only to be greeted by my new friend, James. "What's 'appeneen, 'ot stuff?" he asked me with a grin. "Zis Edward weel not be able to control 'eemself."

I laughed at his absurd statement. "I can't believe you're home. Have you already hooked up with every available guy in Forks?"

"I believe zee term eez 'sleem peekings'? You and Aleece have zee best men."

I sighed. "I don't have anyone, James."

"But you weel," he said with confidence. He gave me a double "air kiss" and left for, well, I don't know where. He was taking advantage of his new surroundings, for sure.

"Good morning, everyone," I said with a fake smile as I entered the kitchen. I didn't want to answer questions all morning about why I had a frown on my face.

"Morning, Bells," my dad said. "How was the dance? We haven't really seen you all weekend."

I faltered slightly, then answered. "Uh, it was OK. You know I'm not a great dancer."

"Nonsense. You had 5 years of tap and ballet," my mother retorted. "How were the outfits? I wish I could have seen everyone."

"It was fun, mom."

"Did you meet any cute boys? If not, you know Emmett's brother will be at the wedding, and he is sooo good-looking, just like his father. Now that man," my mother was fanning herself, "is de-lish."

"Mom!" I exclaimed, horrified. My dad chuckled. "I can't believe you were ogling your in-laws. You are probably going to have to spend a lot of time with them."

"I hope so," she said dreamily. "That son of his will be even hotter, I guarantee. That whole family is too perfect."

"Well, I guess Rose finally met her perfect match. So, what are you up to today?" I said, trying to change the subject.

"We're taking Grandma and Grandpa sight seeing."

"Have fun. Oh, Alice is here to take me to school," I said when I heard her familiar knock. "See ya."

We arrived at school in a short amount of time because Alice was driving. I complained about how fast she was going the whole way. "I hope you get a car for your birthday so I don't have to hear your whining anymore," she snapped.

"I wouldn't hold your breath. They haven't even mentioned my birthday in weeks."

"You should have a big party with a band and tons of people, and a new car in the driveway with a ribbon on it. And Edward is your date and MTV films it for My Super Sweet Sixteen," said Alice.

"Yeah, that's going to happen. I bet I won't even get a 'happy birthday.' Besides, I'm going to be seventeen."

We walked into school towards our lockers. "I didn't say it before, but you look awesome, Bella. Edward is going to eat his heart out," Alice gushed and rubbed her hands together.

"Yeah, about that-" I stopped talking because the bane of my existence was standing near my locker talking to her friends. Loudly. Like she wanted me to hear everything.

"So Edward was soo sweet on Sunday. After that big misunderstanding with that new girl, I decided to forgive him and let him make it up to me. He explained he was just trying to make me jealous with that dumb song he dedicated to her. Oh, the things he did to me to make up for it." she laughed, or should I say cackled, as her friends Jessica and Lauren smiled smugly at me.

I was speechless. I froze in my spot in front of the lockers. Alice must have noticed my discomfort, because she said loudly, "Damn, Bella. Why didn't you tell me that the Rock of Love bus was auditioning new skanks today? I would have brought my Poison CD for Bret Michaels to sign." Tanya looked like she smelled rotten eggs. "Aw, what's wrong, Tanya? Not slutty enough to make the show? I'm sure they didn't get to know the real you, or you would be on the bus right now." I was barely breathing, but I knew Alice had struck a nerve because Tanya was beet red, and the vein in her forehead looked like it would burst at any moment.

"Fuck off, midget," she spat. "You and new girl are just jealous of our popularity."

"Oh, is that the new term for being a total whore, 'popular'? And by the way, nice vocab. I can see why you are the top of your remedial English class. Bella," she emphasized my name, "let's get out of here before we catch something nasty and need penicillin." With that statement, we walked off. I tried to look confident, but I probably failed miserably.

"Oh my god, Alice. Did you hear what she said?"

"Of course I did. But you know she did it on purpose, Bella. She was trying to make you feel bad."

"She was pretty successful. But you, you were awesome. Thank you for sticking up for me."

"You are my best friend. I'd do anything for you." We got to our first class and settled in. "So, are you ready for today?"

"Obviously I'm not trying to get Edward, Alice. She can have him."

"I'm telling you to make him eat his heart out. Let him know what he's missing. If he's dumb enough to be with that bimbo, he deserves what he gets. You don't have to take him from Tanya, just make him wish she was you. You can take your pick of the other guys at school. Well, except for Jasper."

"You're right, Alice. I need to break out of my shell. I'm not going to chase guys, but if they come to me, well, good. I'm going to go for it," I mustered my confidence as best I could. We talked through the rest of class about her relationship with Jasper. She was so happy that things were working out between them. They had talked on the phone for a few hours last night, and he asked her to go to the bonfire with him. Soon, class was over. Honestly, I needed to start paying attention to my class work.

When first period was over, I felt my knees buckle. I knew I had to face Edward. I walked to English class hoping it wouldn't be awkward. I guess I got lucky, because I sat down before the rest of the class got there. When Tyler walked in, I beamed at him. He looked at me like he just got a new toy for Christmas. He walked over and sat next to me, his eyes shining with confidence. Here we go. "Hey, beautiful. How's it going?" Wow. Such a charmer. Oh, oh. Here comes Edward. Hold it together, Swan.

"Good, Tyler. Um, How's the football team doing?" I said as Edward glanced at me, then Tyler. He looked pissed.

"Our first game is on Thursday. We're going to crush Port Angeles," he said with enthusiasm. Edward sat near us. He seemed like he was listening to us. "You know we have a pep rally on Wednesday night?"

"Oh yeah. I heard about it. What's it like?" I asked innocently.

"Why don't you go with me and I can show you personally?" Edward dropped his books on the floor with a loud whack. We turned to look at him.

"Sorry," he barked out. "Don't let me interrupt," he sneered at us.

"So, what about the pep rally?" Tyler turned back to me. He flashed what I must assume was his panty-dropping smile. I, however, clamped my legs shut. I took a deep breath and answered him. It was only a date, right?

"That sounds super fun, Ty." I wanted to punch myself. How did girls act like this? Crack! Edward snapped his pencil in half.

"Oops," Edwards said with venom in his voice. Why the hell was he so bent out of shape?

"Awesome. I'll pick you up. Hey, can I get your number?'' Tyler asked. Edward was choking now. "You alright there, bro?"

"Fine. Just swallowed my gum." His tone was murderous. He glared at both of us. Jeez, what did I do? Why the hell is he pissed?

"Is something wrong Edward? You seem upset." See, Tyler noticed, too.

"Everything is freaking fabulous, TY. I'm so glad you found a date. But what are the rest of your groupies going to do?" Edward's voice dripped with sarcasm. "We may have a cheerleader mutiny."

"Ha, good one dude. Those girls can't compete with Bella, anyway." Tyler smiled at me, and I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.

"Yes. I know. Bella is special," he said softly, gazing at me, his eyes filled with an emotion I did not recognize.

I sucked in a breath and my eyes widened in reaction to his intense stare. How did he do this to me? Why would he do this? Thank goodness class started and we didn't have any more conversations, but he continued to look at me with the same emotion in his eyes. I hid behind my curtain of hair, but I could peek through the strands to see him staring at me. Why were boys so confusing? I guess my inexperience with the opposite sex has left me with a disadvantage. I couldn't learn about this stuff in books or movies.

I was tempted to take a picture of his face and send it to Rose. She'd know that look. She'd seen them all. Ah ha! This was something my dear sister could help me with. She knew everything about boys and dating. I needed more experience in this area. So I made a decision. I texted her,

Want to meet Emmett's bro. Please help me. Need date lessons. –B

Absolutely. U wont regret it. –R

There. Now I had two dates. That was a 200% increase over my previous total.

EPOV

Was she trying to kill me? A date with Tyler? He was a total sleazebag. I should know, he told Jazz and me about every one of his conquests. What an idiot I am! I couldn't sleep all night because I was so worried that she would be hurt about Saturday, and this morning she's dressed to kill and passing out phone numbers. I am apparently under a misapprehension. I thought she knew I liked her.

I thought about what had just occurred in second period. I had walked to English class hoping that I might at least get a greeting from her. I had intended on giving her space after she ran away from me at the dance, but not so much that she would think I wasn't interested. She, however, had an entirely different plan in mind. She looked incredible and was smiling at Tyler. She flirted with him and he asked her out. Asked. Her. Out. In front of me. She said yes and called him Ty. I wanted to hurl at the sound of her musical voice saying his name. I tried in vain to distract them by dropping my books and snapping my pencil, but it didn't work.

I tried to come up with the words to explain how wrong this was, but I just ended up making some sarcastic remarks. Then I looked at her and told her she was special. I held her gaze for a moment, as she reacted in disbelief. Her reaction told me she couldn't possibly know how I felt about her. If she had any idea, she wouldn't have done this shit. That date is not going to happen.

I sat there in class lost in thought about how to fix this mess. That kid Mike said I needed to be honest. I really hadn't. Bella didn't know the story about Tanya and that was the main problem. On top of that, I had never told her directly of my feelings for her. I just assumed she knew. For chrissakes, I was a relationship retard. Yet another example of hiding my true self away. A sophomore geek had to explain the nuts and bolts of dating to me. I ran my hand through my hair in frustration. Just then, I got a text message.

Good news. U got a date w/ur hottie. Sat. bring ur A-game. –Em

My A-game? What the hell would that be? So far I was failing miserably. Too bad this wasn't Calculus or basketball. I needed Emmett to help me. My panic subsided and slowly I started to smile as I realized I had a date. With Bella. She just didn't know it yet.

A/N

Should she go on the date with Tyler? And who totally hates Tanya?

Give me some ideas on what love song Edward should play at the wedding.

Review, my friends. You know you want to.