Chapter 4- Chemicals React

I headed toward my first class of the day as I thought about the past month. I still couldn't believe that Jessica was my best friend and that I was dating James. Then there was Edward. He and I didn't get along at all. He claims that its because I destroyed his ego and pride. I think its because I'm dating James. I sat in my regular seat as I waited for the class to fill up and the Professor to make an appearance.

Class flew by as the Professor explained our assignments. The bell rang causing everyone to rush out the room. I gathered my things and slowly made my way out. I smiled as James waited outside. "How is the most beautiful girl in the world?" He smiled. "Depends, how's the most gorgeous boyfriend?" I shot back. James chuckled and pulled me closer. He pressed his lips against mine.

"Ewe, break it up before I vomit." Jessica teased. "Hey, Jess." James and I chimed. "So this Saturday is the costume ball and I just got us the last three tickets!" She cried excitedly. "Jess, you know Bella isn't big on the whole party thing." James stated. Jessica pouted her lips and gave me a puppy dog look. "Fine I'll go." I sighed in defeat. Jessica squealed and hugged me tightly. "Can't breathe." I said gasping for air.

"Bella, you won't regret it." She promised. Jessica skipped off as James faced me. "Are you sure?" He asked curiously. "Yes, I'm doing really good in school and I deserve a little break." I announced happily. James kissed me softly. "You have class." I said reluctantly pulling away from his lips. James and I went our separate ways when someone grabbed my wrist.

"Wow, who knew you had self control?" Edward smirked. "At least I loose control with the same person." I snapped back. "Ouch, Bella Swan strikes back." Edward said slightly impressed. I pulled my arm away; "What do you want?" "I need a favor?" He asked desperately. "You're asking me for a favor?" I repeated in disbelief.

"Yes Ms. Swan." He said dramatically. "What could I possible help you with besides maybe tutor you in Chemistry." I snickered. He let out a low chuckle while staring into my brown eyes; "I need to know if Jessica is attending the Costume Ball?" "Oh, I'm not sure." I lied quickly. "Well if you could find out I'd appreciate it." "Ok." I answered nervously.

"Thanks." He smiled a crooked smile. What was wrong with me? Why did I lie to him? Something about Edward wanting to know about Jessica infuriated me. I shook the thoughts away. I rushed to the dorm hoping to find Jessica. "Hey, so I was thinking we could go costume shopping today. Which gives us two days before the ball." She proposed.

"Ok." I responded. Jessica raised her head and looked in my direction; "What's wrong?" "Nothing I'm just excited." I lied convincingly. "So who are you going to go with?" I asked trying to hide the curiosity in my voice. "I don't know yet. I want to explore my options." She giggled. "What about Mike?" I suggested. "Eh maybe." She shrugged her shoulders. "What about Edward Cullen?" I sat down on my bed hoping Jessica would mimic her reaction for Mike.

Her eyes lit up with excitement; "That would be incredible. I mean he is one of the hottest guys on campus." The guilt began to creep up on me. "But Edward doesn't attend these functions and we barely speak." Jess said with a hint of sadness in her voice. I sighed knowing what I had to do. "Actually that's not accurate." I stated. Jessica sat up waiting for me to elaborate. "Edward approached me after you left and asked me if you were going to the ball." I revealed.

Jessica screamed as she jumped on her bed. I smiled slightly happy to see my best friend enthused. "What did you tell him?" She asked out of breath. "That I would find out." I said bluntly. Jessica shot me an evil glare. "I wanted to make sure you were interested first." I quickly recovered hoping Jessica wouldn't see through my lie. She bit her lip and nodded her head. "Go find him and tell him yes. And if he's interested in taking me to meet me at the plaza by five." Jessica explained to me.

I walked out of the dorm with a weird feeling of sadness and anger. What was going on with me? I walked around the halls looking for Edward. "Bella!" Edward shouted. I rolled my eyes as he approached me. "I heard you're looking for me." He said with a huge grin plastered on his face. "Jessica is attending and told me to tell you that if you're interested in going with her you'll meet her at the plaza by five." I informed him. "Perfect." He smiled.

"Edward, why are you going with Jessica?" I asked innocently. "Why? Do you want me to go with you?" He teased. "Of course not I'd rather be chopped up, and thrown into a sewer than go anywhere with you." I snapped viciously. Edward's smile faded as anger consumed his face. "You know what? I'm so sick of you!" He shouted. "You think you're so much better than me but you're not Bella. You're dating a piece of shit and that will never change." Edward gritted through his teeth.

I slapped Edward as his description of James stung. "You have no right to speak to me nor James that way. What did he ever do to you?" I yelled back completely infuriated. Edward clenched his fist punching the locker next to me. I jumped back as his eyes were filled with hate and remorse. "Tell Jessica I won't be attending the ball." He demanded. "Oh so you're just going to bail?" I shot back.

"Tell her whatever you want. We're done." Edward said sternly storming off. Tears began to trickle down my face. I was so angry I could just punch him. I blushed as a few students witnessed my quarrel with Edward. Edward's last words lingered in my head. I mean we weren't friends but we were able to tolerate one another. Now I wasn't so sure we were anything. "Hey, Bells. How did it go?" Jessica asked ecstatic.

"He said he would love to take you but he has something to take care of. So he'll be here tomorrow to ask you officially." I said nervously. Jessica hugged me and jetted down the hall. I had to convince Edward to take Jessica. I messed up this situation now it was up to me to fix it. I took a deep breath and pulled out my phone. There was only one thing to do. I hit number three on my speed dial and waited patiently for an answer.

"Hey, it's Bella Swan. I need you're help." I pleaded.

A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed. Please review =)