Disclaimer:I of course do not own Twilight or any of these characters. No copyright infringement is intended. I do however own this storyline and a secure hiding place for when you guys have finished reading.

This is the night that would mark a change for me and Bella. We had made a pact and we intended to see it through; to tell people about us, just not right now the timing needed to be right, and going public here would not be the best way to go about it. We were going to keep away from each other at the dance. Business as usual, I called it. She would be with her friends and I with mine. Well, Jake mainly.

As I pulled into the parking lot,I could see her getting out of Mike Newton's car. He was being the perfect gentleman, although I could see his hand dipping a little too low on her back for my liking, and obviously Bella's as I saw her push it away. She glared at him, and he held up his hands in mock surrender. I could see that she was mad. My girl looked hot when she was angry. Mike had asked to pick her up from home. She mainly accepted to stop others from asking. I just wished that it was me that had her on my arm, that people were looking at us as a couple, talking about how good we looked together. But no, I was alone and would fade into the background. My time would come, and I could not wait for it to be me they staring at.

It was bad enough that I was going, but I wanted to see Bella and this is the only way. We were hoping that we might be able to manage some time alone, sneak out unseen into one of the changing rooms and have some real fun. Then again,she looked stunning. She wore a midnight blue that accentuated her every curve. The dress was short and showed off her long legs and I felt that familiar stirring within me. My Bella had an amazing body and curves that I spent hours appreciating. Just the thought of another man looking at her, let alone putting his hands on her filled me with jealousy.

Then Jake tapped on the window of my car, and I jumped in fright. I got out of the car and we made our way into the school gym where the dance was being held.

"Wow looks like the Snow Queens Palace in here. Bella should be quite at home." Snickered Jake.

I just laughed at him. She had gained quite the reputation as none of the boys at school could win that stupid bet that they had going, and none of them could work out why. If only they knew the truth. I wasn't sure if I would be the school hero or not. Would they believe me?

The gym had been transformed and into what looked like a winter wonderland with lights everywhere and the tables bedecked in white and pale blue. There was a DJ set up in the corner, and a massive dance floor. Jake and I kept away from the main groups that were hanging out together, but I always knew where my Bella was at any given moment. I sent her a text to let her know that I was thinking of her.

'You look stunning tonight x'

I saw her reaction as a smile lit up her face when she read it before replying to me.

'You look hot in a tux babes. Let's try to sneak off later'

Managing a sly smile to myself, I knew that she wanted to get together, and so did I. I would've loved nothing more than to show her exactly how hot she looked tonight, and how she was mine and mine alone.

I watched her as she mingled with her cronies in the crowd. They were buzzing around her like the Queen Bee as they viewed her. They were all desperate for her attention and approval. In reality, these people meant nothing to her. The Bella I knew and loved hated being the center of their universe and wanted nothing more than to be left alone.

The DJ started his set and people flocked to the dance floor. Of course I didn't. Dancing was definitely not my thing. It required some degree of coordination and of course I had no one to dance with. Well, not in public anyway. Jake got up and tried to dance with a couple of girls but they rejected him. This of course, didn't deter him in the least, as I saw him try again and again. I found myself laughing at him, as he rejoined me at the table.

"Why don't they want me? You'd think they wouldn't be able to resist?"

"Oh Jake, you really do crack me up. So, how many of them turned you down then?"

"One or two… Okay so,six of them. What's wrong with them, look at me."

He stood up doing a silly dance, only to be mocked by Jessica and Lauren as they passed by with Bella. Jessica with a huge sneer.

"Oh look,Freakward and his puppy."

She laughed at her own joke, and Lauren joined in, but Bella just walked away. They quickly rushed to catch up with her. Jake was not willing to let it lie and shouted after them,

"Oh C'mon ladies, you know you want some of me. Just stop fighting it."

I snickered at him, knowing full well that Bella and I would be laughing about this later. The dance was in full swing and everyone was having a great time. Hell,even I was enjoying myself when my cell beeped in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw a message from Bella.

'I'm in the boys locker room. Come find me…'

I never could resist a challenge, so I told Jake I was getting some air, and went to find her. The locker room was dark, and there was no way I was risking it by turning on a light. Besides, playing games in the dark was fun, and we had certainly done that a few times before.

Closing the door silently behind me, I made my way to the middle of the dark room and listened for her tell tale breathing. Her breathing hitched as she knew that I was here for her, and her alone. I smiled as I knew exactly where she was but I decided to play her game as I whispered.

"Bella, Bella, where are you? I can't find you?"

She stifled a giggle, giving away her location. Like I didn't know already. Rounding the corner, I grabbed her and took her firmly in my arms. As we kissed, I pinned her against the nearest wall,taking control of the situation. Our kiss was heated, and we both knew that if we didn't stop soon things would get out of control. Neither of us would be able to stop and it was too risky. Too many people could just walk in and see us, so I pulled back and pressed my forehead against hers, my eyes closed my breathing heavy.

"Save me some for later,baby." I murmured.

She mumbled something that I didn't hear as the doors burst open and we heard voices. It appeared that someone else had the same idea as us. We stayed where we were until they were too occupied to notice us slip out. Once outside,I went first back into the dance, to be followed by Bella a few minutes later. She gave me a wink as she walked past me and made her way to the dance floor and gave me the best show ever. Only I knew that each provocative sway of her hips was meant to drive me wild, and it did . She would glance over to me every now and again and tease me directly. Everyone sat around me thought that this was meant for them. Her continued teasing caused me to shift uncomfortably in my seat.

I watched the people around me, laughing and enjoying the night, and I wanted to be the one up there with Bella, holding her body as we danced. I wanted everyone to watch us, and envy me for being the one that she had chosen to be with. Jake waved to me across the dance floor. He had his arm around one of the girls from our grade and she was not pushing him away. It was definitely a step up from his earlier efforts. I was happy to observe him having such a blast. It was a great night all around.

About three or four songs later, Jake was still in the arms of his latest conquest. I could see that this was going to be his night, finally. The music stopped and spotlight light up the stage. Snobby Jessica Stanley took stepped into the middle of it. Everyone looked at each other because there had been no mention of any speeches. We pushed forward as Jessica began to speak.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have been asked to give a special presentation this evening. This is to honor some very special people, one of whom is very close to my heart." She paused as she looked around the group before continuing. "I know that we are approaching the end of our high school journey together, and I have to say that this has been a special one for me. I have made some friends for life, and there are some people that I just don't care for. You all know who you are. I would like to single out a couple of people for special mentions,though. The first is my best friend, Bella Swan"

She paused as a spot light searched for and found Bella.

"Bella, you are my best friend, and confidante. I love you babes, so much, you have always been there for me through thick and thin. Since you arrived at our small town you have made a real impression. Girls want to be you, and our boys, well there is no real secret surrounding the fact that they want to be with you. Bella, you stole my crown as being the most popular girl in school and most of the boys hearts. Now? Well,now I move on from the most popular girl in school to the least popular."

She paused to laugh at her own joke.

"That title is held by one person, and we all know who he is. The one and only, Edward Cullen."

A murmur ran through the crowd and a spotlight picked me out, as I began to blush furiously. A chill ran through me. What was she doing? She smiled, but this did nothing to comfort me. I had a bad feeling about this but there was nothing that I could do.

"Edward... well, what can I say about Edward? He is not the most coordinated people, and no-one really notices him. He does tend to fade into the background. He could use a make over, chop the hair, ditch the spectacles, get a personal shopper. Hey,you never know, there could be a hidden gem under that geeky freaky exterior. Well, let me take a guess that there must be, because why would the hottest girl in school be having a secret relationship with him?"

She paused for effect and a collective gasp went through the group. I felt sick. People were staring at me and Bella. She smiled nervously looking around the room, hoping to find a friend. All her 'friends' were huddled together like frightened children, looking at her with shocked looks. She slowly made her way over to the stage joining Jessica, trying to look confident. I just hoped she could pull this one off. Clearing her throat and taking the microphone in her hand,she spoke.

"Oh come on guys. Me and Edward? Really? Jess, what on earth have you been drinking?" She laughed nervously. "He tutors me, that is all. There is nothing going on between us, never has been and certainly never fucking will be. As if! I mean, me and the school freak? Come on people. I only go near him for school purposes. Why on earth would you think for one second that I would stoop so low as to let a freak like that lay a single finger on me? I wouldn't be seen dead with him! He might have a crush on me, and I can't say that I blame him but, ewww."

I looked at her,not really surprised by her denial. I would've done the same thing, but I was hurt by her words more than I cared to admit. Jessica took control of the microphone again, pulling her friend closer to her.

"Oh Bella, You do you really think that you can fool us by acting all innocent here? You think that I would get up here without knowing the facts, or having some hard evidence? Tut, tut Bella. Now,I would like to present to the good people of Forks High School our entertainment for the evening. Feast your eyes on this!"

With a dramatic wave of her arm, the large screen behind her lit up. What I saw took my breath away and the people stood around me stared and gasped in, well,I can only assume shock or maybe horror.

There were pictures of me and Bella together, obviously didn't know that these pictures are being taken. There were some taken of us innocently walking on the beach. Then,they switched to us fooling around hugging and kissing, followed by others showing us in my car and at Bella's house. There were even some where we were having sex downstairs at her house, taken through the window. I was frozen to the spot. My heart sank to my feet and I felt sick. I looked over at Bella and she had tears in her eyes. She shook her head at me before grabbing the microphone out of Jessica's hand and spoke into it. What she was about to say would change things forever for us, and I could only hope that this was for the better.

"Hey, listen!"

People stopped their mutterings and turned to listen to her. I saw Jake staring at me, his arm still around the girl. I stared back as I didn't know what to say, then my attention was drawn to the stage, where my Bella stood there commanding attention.

"Look, I don't know what kind of joke the lovely Jessica here is playing on you, but enough is enough. We all know what you can do with Photoshop these days. Don't we guys? And by Jessica's own admission she has been sidelined since I came to town. Way to go Jess. Nice case of sour grapes,I do think. I expected more from you, than trying to win back your waning popularity with such a cheap trick."

A ripple of agreement went through my classmates, and I breathed a sigh of relief. They were obviously taking in what she said, so she continued.

She desperately looked around the room to see if anyone would believe her. Jessica stepped forward once again.

"Guys, Bella Swan is fucking the school freak. In fact, she has been for months. No wonder she kept it a big secret, I mean would youreally want to admit to it? She has lied to me, and lied to us tonight. There is hard evidence in front of you, and if you need any further clarification, listen to this."

She motioned to the DJ, then over the sound system comes a voice I recognize. It's mine. Shit! This was a voicemail that I left her when we were together about a week ago after a romantic meal I cooked at my house while my parents were at a hospital gala dinner. After dinner, we made love for what felt like hours on end. It was perfect.

"Hey Bella. Just wanted to say that as always you are amazing, baby. I love you more each and every day. Tonight, well tonight was amazing, as usual. You never cease to amaze me every single time we are together. You complete me baby and make me feel alive. Sleep well and remember,speak soon and remember, I love you."

The look on her face was one of total shock would she be able to deny this now? The message was retrieved from her voicemail and the question is how was it obtained. The color drained from her face. People started to laugh and joke, I heard them mocking me and my head fell into my hands. Next, I heard words that I would never, ever forget.

"It was a joke, the whole thing. I was doing it for a bet, with James. See if I could get the freak to fall in love with me, and hey it worked! I did it-"

I didn't hear anymore as I was out of my seat, bolting for the nearest exit. I felt truly humiliated and betrayed. I let my guard down and loved her and this is what I got in return? I felt like my body wasn't my own but somehow my legs carried me towards the exit, and to freedom.

Authors Note:
Peeks out from her secure hiding place, is it safe yet? So guys how do you feel about Bella and Edwards relationship being exposed in such a brutal way? Will Bella go after him? Will she admit to the truth? Tune in next week for some answers (said in cheesy daytime soap opera voiceover way)

Thanks and hugs go out as always to Cosmom my beta who is just as hooked as the rest of you. She also hates the cliffhangers at the end of chapters – sorry everyone!

I have a recc for you this week, someone who has just written her first fic. I have had the honour of pre-reading this for her, and am so looking forward to reading more and more. Let Love In by Earthsista http :/ www . fanfiction . net /r/7757925/. You know the drill with the blanks. Please do check it out and leave her a review, it's very daunting when you post your first fic.

Until next week - take care peeps! Lou x x