Real

Edward

On Monday, I'm trying not to read too much into my anticipation for chemistry. It's definitely not Mrs. C. that I'm craving to see, it's Bella.

Twenty minutes after class began, Bella walked in. She was late.

"Hey," I whisper to her.

"Hey," she mumbles back. No smile, no bright eyes. Something is up, I can feel it in the pit of my stomach.

"Okay, class," Mrs. C. says pulling me out of my thoughts. "Get out your pencils. Let's see how well you've been paying attention."

While I silently curse today for not being a day with experiments so we can talk, I glance over at my lab partner. She looks totally unprepared but unfazed at the same time.

Like I said before, I feel very protective of her. And, even though I have no right I raised my hand.

"EJ?" Mrs. Cullen, asked staring at me.

"This is an open book test, right?"

Mrs. C glared at me, her brown eyes hard. "No, EJ, this is not an open book test. If you haven't been paying attention then you're going to earn yourself a big fat F. Understand?"

I rolled my eyes and dropped my books with a loud thud onto the floor. Yeah, I understand.

Once Mrs. C passed out all the tests, I read the first question. Why is the partial charge on a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative element more concentrated than for any other element?

After working out my answer that hydrogen atoms are very small so when bonded an electronegative atom pulls electrons away from the hydrogen atom, causing the positive charge that results is tightly concentrated.

See, I'm smart.

But, like I was saying, after working all the technical stuff out I stole a glance over at Bella. She was staring blankly at the test.

Moments later she noticed me watching her. Turning to me she sneered, "What?!"

"Nothing," I whisper-shouted back at her.

I took a deep breath to calm myself.

Jesus Christ! That's what I get for being concerned.

I turned back to my test with a huff. Bella's always so hot and cold.

Out the the corner of my eye, I see Bella raise her hand and ask for the bathroom pass which Mrs. Cullen hands to her.

I don't have the heart to tell her that escaping to the bathroom doesn't help her escape life. It keeps going even when you come out. Believe me, I've tried. And, if I haven't figured out a way to escape then no one will.

When Bella returned back to class, she laid her head on the lab table and continued her test.

I might not know her inside and out but I know her well enough to see she's doing a half-ass job right now.

What I couldn't understand was what happened. Last night she seemed fine after our talk. We appeared civil at least. Well, her mom is a little coo-coo for coco puffs, so maybe something happened at home.

At the end of class Cullen orders us to hand in our exams.

"If it makes you feel better, I failed that dumb test too," I whisper to her. Truth is, I more than likely aced it.

Without looking up at me, she sadly smirks. "Good for you."

I stood watching as Bella shuffled so fast out the classroom, she left her boyfriend behind in a cloud of dust.

Which reminds me. I have a bone to pick with dear old Mr. Newton.

Leaning against my lab station in amusement, I watch as Mike stares blankly at the door. Almost as if he was expecting Bella to come back. Just because he's Manhattan Prep's golden child doesn't mean everything is supposed to land in his lap, even Bella.

I have to work for everything I have. Nothing lands in my lap.

"Hey, EJ." Roxy is standing in front of my locker as I approach.

Okay. So maybe somethings do land in my lap.

"Yeah?"

My ex-girlfriend leans forward and purrs in my ear. "A bunch of us are gathering around a bottle of vodka after school." She smiles in a way that used to make my pants feel tighter. "My mom went to stay at her boyfriend's house this week, so I have an open crib."

"Tempting," I smile, hopefully convincingly enough. "But, I have to work."

Saturday was a bust. Getting drunk enough to drown my wounded ego was a dumb idea. I wanted to be with Bella, to hang out with her not only study but to find out what's underneath. My memory is hazy but I remember Bella blowing me off when Roxy didn't. And in my drunk, stoned, and ego-busted state, any girl would have felt good to me.

Roxy was there, offering, I know I shouldn't have taken the bait but I did and I screwed up. I'll have to apologize to her later.

After school, I'm leaning against the wall of the gym with a smile on my face.

"I don't want to hear it Mike!" Bella yelled.

Mike's voice sounded defeated, "I'm sorry! I don't know how many more ways to say it. I've called you non-stop all weekend. You refuse my calls and now you won't listen."

"Mike, I can't deal with this right now. Please."

I hear the double doors of the gym open angrily.

"Hello, Mike." I smile as he turns and stops short.

He attempts to stand tall, "Edward."

I wag my index finger at him as I push off the wall and walk towards him. "You see, that was your first mistake. But, I'll let that one slide. Now, the real reason I wanted to see you is because I saw what you did to Bella, Saturday night."

Like all guys, he cowered into himself and retreated backwards. "I didn't do anything, Masen."

"I only hate one thing more than assholes and that's liars." I placed my left palm flat on the wall next to his head and the index finger of my right hand was on his forehead, pushing his head into the wall. "If you ever – ever place your hands on Bella again, I got a .45, and I swear on my life no one will ever find your body."

I pushed his head one more time and then pushed myself off the wall. Walking away, he decided to grow balls.

"She won't ever be yours," Mike smirked when I turned to him.

I crossed my arms across my chest and raised my eyebrow at him.

"No matter what I may do to her, she'll always come back. We belong together and she'll never be yours, I can offer her everything she'll want in life when you can give her a home in Brooklyn's most luxurious housing project. You don't belong here."

Mike is one cocky ass bastard, I give him that. I held my hands in fists so hard my knuckles began to hurt. After his little rant, he walked off, pissed that I didn't show or indicate that he won this round.

Being left alone in the hallway by the gym, I began to worry about Bella. Letting out a dark chuckle, I walked into the gym and looked around. I am pathetic.

"Looking for someone?"

I turned around to see Tanya Denali, on of Bella's friends. "Is Bella around?"

"Who?"

I let out a exaggerated sigh, "Isabella, Bella. Do you get it now?"

"Oh," she rolled her eyes. "No, she not here."

This was getting tiring, its like talking to a brick wall. "Know, where she went?"

I was expecting a no or it's none of my business but instead I got, "She went home."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Stepping out the train station and walking to Bella's building was surreal.

It felt like I was in an episode of Sex in the City. Shit! I think I even seen this building on Sex in the City.

No, I don't watch that show. It's just on after Two and a Half Men.

I looked at the address Ally gave me and made sure I was at the right place.

Central Park South and 5th avenue. I was definitely in the right place.

I walked up the red carpet covered stairs to the center door. Finally realizing I might be totally out of my element.

"Excuse me, can I help you?" asked the doorman standing in front of me. "Are you checking in or visiting?"

"Checking in?" I asked. "Is this a hotel?"

"Yes," he said, opening the door for me. "Welcome, to The Plaza."

"I think I might have the wrong address." I mumbled, walking down the steps.

"The Plaza isn't only a hotel, sir. It's also has residential suites. There are only a few but who are you here to visit?"

"Um," I said, walking back up the steps and looking into the massive lobby. "Isabella Swan."

"Ah, yes," He smiled. "Ms. Swan is on the 20th floor in The Royal Terrace Suite, Mr..."

"Masen." I answered, as I walked through the door. "Edward Masen."

After navigating my way around the lobby and a ten minute elevator ride, I was knocking on Bella's apartment door. I tried to put on the I-am-a-cool-motherfucker stance. But when Bella opened her door wearing a baggy t-shirt and basketball shorts, I was thrown through a motherfucking loop.

"EJ, what are you doing here?" she asked her beautiful brown eyes wide.

"I wanted to see if you were alright. I overheard your talk with Mike."

She swallowed nervously, "It was nothing, okay? Let's talk at school."

She tried to close the door in my face. Pushing the door back open, I look like one of those guys in those serial stalker movies.

"EJ, don't."

"One minute, please. That's all I ask."

Bella sighed then hesitantly opens her door. I stepped inside. The walls are painted bright white, it reminded me of a hospital. And there was a staircase.

"You have a second floor?" I asked confused.

She nodded her head as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.

Mike is right. I don't belong here. It doesn't matter though, because even if I don't belong here, she's here and I want to be where she is.

"Well, what's so important it can't wait for school?"

I wish I had something to say to her because I have no idea what to tell her now that I'm here. Who am I kidding? I have no reason to be here other than the fact that I want to be near her. Screw the fucking bet.

I want to know how to make this girl laugh. I want to know what makes her happy, sad, angry and every other emotion in the world.

I want to know what it feels like to have her look at me as if I'm her knight in shining armor.

"Rwella!" A guy's voice shouts in the distance.

"Wait here," Bella orders, then hurries farther into the living room. "I'll be right back."

I'm not gonna stand here like a jackass in the middle of her entryway. I follow her, knowing damn well I'm about to get a glimpse into her private world.

Bella

I'm not ashamed of my brother. I'm responsible for what happened to him, so in reality I'm ashamed of myself. But when people see him, they judge him and I don't want EJ to judge him. Because if he laughs, I wouldn't be able to take it.

I hear his footsteps fall on the hard wood floor. "You're not good at following directions, are you?"

He smile turns to that infamous crooked one that somehow melts my heart. "I'm a gang member, what do you expect?"

I look everywhere but at him. "I have to check on my brother, do you mind?"

"Nope. That means I get to meet him." His smile turned from flirty to sincere, "Trust me."

And I did. His smile made the decision for me, I either had to trust him or I always did. Without another word, I lead him into the living room where Aaron is watching television.

When Aaron notices us walk into the room, his gazes shifts and he raises his eyebrows.

"This is EJ. A friend from school."

Aaron gives me a pointed look before hitting a couple of buttons on his keyboard. "Only friend?"

EJ barks out a laugh as I roll my eyes, "Brother bear stop trying to be over-protective. He's just a friend. Promise."

The crease in between his eyebrows relax and he smiles. "Hello," the male computerized voice says, "My name is Aaron."

EJ walks up up to my brother and kneels to his level. The simple act of respect claws at my heart. Mike used to respect my brother, now he treats him as if he's blind and deaf as well as physically disabled.

"What's up?" EJ smiles, taking Aaron's hand in his and shaking it. "Cool computer."

"Game," the computer voice says. "Television."

EJ moves beside Aaron and looks at the TV. "Oh, you're watching the basketball game."

"Like?"

"I'm more of a football guy," he smirks. "But I like basketball."

"Star Player."

"Aaron, was Manhattan Prep's MVP all four years he was there," I explain.

"That's awesome," EJ says happily. "Favorite team?"

"Cleveland."

"Yeah, they're my favorite too. LeBron is a great player."

I watched in silent amazement as this bad boy had a meaningful conversation with my big brother. Its enough to make my insides turn to mush.

"Do you mind if I make him his dinner?" I say, kind of desperate to leave the room.

"Nope," he smiles, not talking his eyes off the screen. "We're good."

He has a genuine smile on his face, without trying to act cocky or cool. It makes me even more desperate to escape.

The sound of the blender muffles the sounds of me hitting my head on the counter repeatedly.

What the hell am I doing?

It's EJ Masen. Manhattan Prep's resident bad boy. What the hell was I thinking when I let him into my house? No one besides Rose and Mike have seen my brother.

Shutting off the blender, I pour his food into a bowl and walk back into the living room.

"Knicks lost," EJ says flatly. "Again."

"Told you, Aaron." I smile and stick my tongue out at my brother, "I'm always right." I turn to EJ, "Is it okay if I feed him?"

"Go for it."

EJ is sitting next to me on my mom's gold colored sofa. This thing cost more than my first car. I place a tray in front of Aaron and start to feed him his dinner. It becomes a messy affair when his muscle spasms don't let him sit still for a little while. Tilting my head, I catch EJ watching me as I wipe the side of his mouth.

I'm hoping somewhere deep down inside that this whole scene doesn't gross EJ out. Maybe I'm testing him, to see if he can handle a glimpse into my home life. If so, he's passing. It's so weird having him inside my house, let alone inside my life. He doesn't belong, yet I don't mind that he's here.

When Aaron is done eating, I lead EJ into the kitchen.

As I open the fridge to get us each a drink he speaks, "Why were you in such a crappy mood today?"

"My life is falling apart." I'm surprised at my own honesty. "My parents want to send my brother away. Mike is just – he doesn't get that what he did was wrong. And I just wish there were Do Over Days."

"Sometimes I wish there were Do Over Years," he responds quietly. "Or Fast Forward Days."

"Unfortunately, real life doesn't have a remote control." I sigh, "My life doesn't seem so perfect after all, does it?"

EJ looks at me curiously and shrugs, "I guess we all have stuff to deal with. I've got more demons than a horror movie."

Nothing, is supposed to bother EJ. "What kind of demons?"

"If I told you about my demons," he says seriously. "You'll run like hell away from me."

"I think you'll be surprised what I run from."

We're lock in a staring contest when his phone beeps.

"I've got to go," he sighs, putting his phone back in his pocket. "What period do you have study hall?"

"Third," I answer, walking him to the door.

"Meet me in the balcony of the auditorium tomorrow, no one goes up there. We can study a little there and after school you can come to my house to study some more."

"Your house?" I gulp.

"Yeah, I'll give you a glimpse into my life. Cool?"

"Sure." Cool.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

During third period study hall, EJ and I are actually studying. Much to my surprise. But half way through the period two security guards walk up to us and ask for EJ.

"What now?" he sighs exasperatedly, closing his chemistry book in the process. "Whatever it is, I didn't do it."

"Vandalism on school property is a very serious offense."

"I didn't do anything," he tells the guards. I'm quiet throughout the whole conversation.

"We have to check your locker."

"Great idea," EJ mocks. "All you're gonna find is my jacket and books."

A short walk later, we're in front of his locker. He opens it then steps back and lets them inspect it.

"What did you do?" I whisper so only he can hear.

He looks at me and rolls his eyes, "I didn't do anything."

"Aha," the guard shouts, reaching in and pulling a can of black spray paint for the back. "Can't plead innocent now."

At the same time Mrs. Cullen is passing us in the hallway, "What's going on?"

The guards turn to acknowledge her, "Vandalism ma'am, on the gym wall."

"I didn't do it, Mrs. C. I'm being set up." He turns to her begging, "You got to believe me."

She shakes her head, "EJ, the evidence is right there. I want to believe you but it's really hard."

The two security guards move forward to flank EJ. Instinctively, my hand reaches out and clasps to his. I have no idea why, but I needed to hold on to him. The familiar jolt runs up my veins and his hand is warm in mine.

His eyes meet mine for a second and I silently tell him I believe him, even if they don't, I do.

Mrs. Cullen's gaze lands on our hands and she smiles softly. Turning to the officers, she holds her hand up to stop them. "Show it to us."

"Ma'am," the guard starts but is interrupted.

"Felix, Take us to the sight of the vandalism and let EJ plead his case."

I never let go of his hand on our walk towards the gym. Thankfully, it was still the middle of third and no one was in the hallways.

"The symbol is all wrong," EJ says matter-a-fact like, when we reach the gym wall. Lifting up his shirt sleeve, he shows us his forearm. "This is the symbol of my set. It's a five-point star with the word Pirus through the middle. That star has six points. Nobody in Blood would make that mistake. The five points represent the gang's five values. Truth, freedom, peace, love and tranquility. And Pirus, is the founding gang of Blood. Whoever tagged this, didn't know what they were doing."

Mrs. Cullen looked convinced, "Where's Mr. Cullen?"

"In a meeting with the superintendent. His secretary said he doesn't want to be disturbed."

"Demetri, radio Mr. Cullen on your walkie-talkie."

Demetri the security guard shrugs and radios for Mr. Cullen. When his secretary asks if it's an emergency, Mrs. Cullen takes the walkie-talkie and says she's considering it a personal emergency and if he doesn't want to sleep on the couch tonight, he'll be sure to meet us in the gym.

No less than two minutes later, Principal Cullen walks into the gym with a stern look on his face. "Esme, what's this all about?"

"Vandalism," Demetri informs him.

Mr. Cullen visibly stiffens, "Damn it, Masen. Not you again."

The hand I'm holding tightens, "I didn't do it."

"Do you know who did?"

"No."

"Carlisle," Mrs. Cullen says to her husband. "He's telling the truth. You can fire me if I'm wrong."

Mr. Cullen's body relaxes, then he turns to Felix and Demetri. "Get Julio and see what he can do to clean this stuff off."

When the officers leave, Mr. & Mrs. Cullen stay. "EJ, please. Esme and I, we're not the enemies."

"I know that," he says quietly.

Somewhere in his eyes I get the feeling that he knows they're telling him the truth.

"Good. Now, I was in the middle of a meeting. I'll be in my office."

Once Mr. Cullen is gone, EJ turns to Mrs. Cullen. "Thanks for believing me."

"Do you honestly not know who did this?" she asks again.

"I've got no idea," EJ responds looking her straight in the eye. "But, it wasn't one of my friends."

Mrs. Cullen nods and walks off towards class, leaving me alone with EJ.

"Thanks," EJ says, letting go of my hand.

"For what?"

"Believing me, when the others didn't."

"If you weren't in a gang, you wouldn't be getting yourself into these messes." I tell him seriously.

He looks me in the eye, and I see his mask fade if only for a moment. "Yeah, but I'd be in other ones."

Decided to take some time away from this,
I wanted to fall in love with this story again.

So I hope you enjoyed this reversed chapter even though its short.
Next one will be back to normal.

Review! Review! Review!