Disclaimer: Twilight and characters belong to Stephenie Meyer.

A few weeks had passed since Edward and Bella last spoke. Her words had knocked him on his ass. Of course, the class they shared had been a bit awkward, but Edward made sure he came across as nothing but indifferent. She barely even looked his way, anyway. He made sure to flirt back with all the girls that bounced around him, but they couldn't really distract him. Lunch was the worse since Bella and James shared his table. Even though different girls tried sitting next to Edward every day, the idea that maybe it could make Bella jealous didn't outweigh the queasiness of seeing them together. So, he took to skipping lunch and hiding.

Edward had found a hideaway nestled in the woods near the gym where he could escape from everyone. It was just a small clearing and the trail that lead there was pretty narrow, so it was almost undetectable to those passing by. He could sneak in an afternoon cigarette as well, but it was mostly to hide from a certain couple during lunch. James seemed like he couldn't go without holding Bella's hand for five seconds. He was always stroking her hair or rubbing his hand up and down her arm. Edward despised him.

However, on this day, his refuge was compromised. Two girls were nestled closely together on the ground. One seemed to be comforting the other. He didn't normally give a damn about girl troubles, but the little redhead was pretty hot, and she was the one trying to hold back her sobs. Carefully lighting his cigarette, he kept his presence unknown and listened.

"Victoria, honestly, you need to stop letting him treat you like shit."

The redhead known as Victoria let out another sob and leaked more tears. Her friend brushed them from her face and hugged her close.

Through her sobs, Victoria muffled out, "I know."

Edward was beginning to feel like an ass. Right as he was going to make himself known, Victoria spoke up again. "James never lied to me. I mean, I'm not trying to make excuses or anything for him, but he did tell me up front. But… after last night… I just figured he changed his mind. God, I am so stupid!" Victoria let out a frustrated groan. "I should kick that Bella girl's ass." Her friend laughed a little, and Victoria returned it with a giggle.

"I mean, I don't get it. She won't even let him get passed second base. She's such a goody-two-shoes. What does he see in her?" Victoria let out a breath and stuck her head in her hands. Edward heard Victoria repeat, "God, I am so stupid," again as he walked away.

Edward contemplated everything he had heard until he couldn't control his temper any longer. All the conclusions he had drawn were not pretty. He had been extra tense next to Bella during biology, and when the bell rang to end the day, Edward was out the door in a flash. The ground was still soft from the rain, and his shoes were getting soaked as he made his way across the campus searching for him. His messy auburn hair hung in his eyes, and he brushed it aside as he removed his sunglasses. When he spotted his target, he stuffed the glasses in his jacket pocket and balled his fists. With quick, fluid motions he sprang from the ground. His right fist made perfect contact with James's chin, causing James to lose his balance. He staggered a bit, but didn't fall. Edward had used his full weight behind the hit, and it was effective, but this wasn't the first punch James had taken to the face. He recovered quickly, swinging full force, and returned the hit. Then, there was nothing but fists and knees. The crunching of bone and flesh echoed through the halls.

No one had ever looked at Edward as someone who was weak, but this was a far cry from anything they would have suspected. He was nimble. He was taking hits and returning them full force until James finally hit the pavement and didn't get back up.

Edward took the glasses from his pocket and carefully opened one leg at a time. Then, he placed them back on his bloody face. His lip was busted, and he would have a bruised eye, but otherwise he seemed unscathed.

"I'll see you around, James. Take care of that leg," was all he said as he broke through the encircling crowd.

At the water fountain, he stretched out the sleeve of his jacket and soaked it under the faucet. He used the damp material to wipe away some of the blood from his chin and mouth. He messed with his hair a little and then staggered over to Bella's locker to wait, which he didn't have to do for very long.

She emerged through the crowd with four of her friends. She hadn't noticed him yet, but her smile was fading slowly as her one of her friends leaned in close. Lauren was doing all the talking and seemed to be speaking quite rapidly. Edward expected this. News of a fight on campus spread faster than a forest fire. He leaned his back against her locker and crossed his arms. He was set to win another fight. He had to be. This fight was more important to him.

Lauren was still talking as they approached the lockers. Edward was able to overhear some of her tirade before he was spotted.

"…and he just walked back into the school. I bet he's going to be expelled. If James can't play, I mean, can you imagine my poor brother…." It was then Lauren caught sight of him. When she stopped talking, the rest of them looked up to see what had distracted her.

Bella let out a gasp before covering her mouth with her hand.

"Oh my, are you ok?" she breathed as she made her way to Edward's side.

This threw him. He was expecting some shouting, or hurtful words, or at least a tone. He took her hand, the one that had starting touching the marks on his face.

"I'm fine. Listen, can I talk to you…alone?" His eyes flicked over to her friends and then back on her. He needed to act fast. He was sure security or some asinine teacher would spot him soon. If he was going to get off campus today, without consequences, he needed to leave…now.

Bella had to swallow. His emerald colored eyes shimmered. She always had to catch her breath after looking at his eyes. She could feel the rage pouring off Lauren behind her. She knew her reaction to Edward's injuries was all wrong in her friend's eyes.

Bella was nothing but a ball of nerves. She was sure she was going to have a mental breakdown soon. Between James's pushiness and trying to not notice Edward, she was going crazy. Edward hadn't spoken to her or initiated any form of communication since the note passing incident. And the constant parade of girls that swarmed around him was close to sending her over the edge. She thanked her lucky stars when he took to skipping lunch with them. She lost her appetite every time she saw some harpy rubbing all over him.

Then there was James. He was always looking to 'spend more time together…alone'. It had become the phrase of the day. She knew it wasn't a good sign when she reveled in the days he went out with his friends or stayed late for football practice, and she didn't have to see him.

Bella wanted to talk to Edward desperately. This seemed to be the perfect opportunity. With her hand still in his, she said, "Sure."

Edward didn't hesitate. He escorted her off campus in a hurry and led her to his car.

Bella knew this was all kinds of wrong. She should be checking up on James. She should be back there, with James, but she was getting into Edward's car. She just didn't care.

The car had already left the lot before she managed to secure her seatbelt. Edward kept his eyes on the road, only making a move when he went to switch gears. When he pulled into his driveway, he turned off the engine and faced his body towards hers.

"I'm really sorry. I know you heard what happened," Edward began, "I'm sure you are super pissed at me right now."

"Why, Edward?" Bella asked.

"Why…because he deserved it."

She wasn't happy with this answer. "Edward, don't piss me off…why?"

"I overheard some things. Some things about James. The only conclusion I came up with was that he cheated on you. I felt, as a neighbor, I needed to stick up for you." He couldn't help but throw in the neighbor dig. He was still pretty bitter about it.

Bella kept quiet, but inside she was screaming. First, James had supposedly, or still is, cheating on her. Her first real boyfriend. Secondly, Edward out of all people knew about it. Like it already wasn't embarrassing enough. Finally, Edward had stood up for her. What the hell did that mean?

"Why would you say that?" she mumbled as she nervously played with the sleeves of her jacket.

"I overheard these girls during lunch. One of them was crying… crying over a guy named James. I guess he was out with her last night… was he with you?"

"No." Bella thought back to last night. He told her that he was hanging out with Laurent after school. She never questioned it. She was actually happy because she wanted to finish the book she'd been reading.

She opened the car door and moved to get out. Edward placed his hand on her arm as if to stop her.

"I'm sorry, Edward. I need to be alone right now. I'll talk to you later, ok?" She climbed out and then bent down to meet his eyes. "But thank you."

She closed the car door and made her way back to her house using a neglected route she thought she'd never use again.

Hugs & kisses to Jess

And thanks for all the reviews & followers… You guys are great :)

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