Disclaimer: As always I do not own Twilight or any of these characters. No copyright infringement is intended.

I bolted out of the school gym as fast as I could, running across the yard before I stopped, doubling over to vomit. My whole world had just fallen apart in front of my eyes and there was nothing that I could do to stop it. What hurt the most was the fact that she lied. We made a pact to come clean about us, to tell everyone and to hell with the consequences and what they thought. Okay, this didn't go according to plan, it was far from ideal. But, hell, our secret is out there now. I can't believe she laughed in my face. I thought that she loved me, wanted to be with me and I didn't know what was going on.

I could hear the music blaring out from the gym as the doors flew open. I glanced around knowing that whoever it was they had probably come to mock and laugh at me some more. I was more than a little surprised when I saw Jake come outside with Bella following shortly after him. Why was she coming after me? Had she not hurt and humiliated me enough this evening? I didn't intend to find out what they had to say so I ran, and I ran fast not stopping although I could hear them frantically shouting my name.

Once I reached the football field I headed under the bleachers and hid. Pathetic, I know. Hiding from my best friend and my, well what exactly was she? Girlfriend? Fuck buddy? I didn't know anymore, and right now I don't care. She humiliated me and it was pretty obvious that she didn't care. Everything she ever said to me must've been a lie. Every time she told me that she loved me was worthless. Shemade me feel worthless. I heard them approach, shouting my name. I didn't care so I curled myself up into a ball and try to shut out the noise of my name being called. They must've stopped right in front of me as I could hear them talking. Jake sounded really pissed.

"Bella, what the fuck is going on here? I mean you and Edward. Really?"

"Look, I don't expect you to understand. It's got fuck all to do with you anyway, so butt out."

"No, you butt out. He is my best friend, but yet he didn't tell me that he was screwing the school bitch. Nice. He was obviously so proud of what he was doing, or should I say ashamed? Yeah, he was ashamed of you, his dirty little secret-"

The sound of a slap cracked through the air and I froze in place, thinking that Bella must've hit Jake. I've gotta agree, he did push it.

"How fucking dare you. You know nothing about us. You wonder why he didn't tell you. With friends like you who needs enemies, Jake. We need to find him, I need to explain why I-"

"Why you what? Rejected him? Threw him to the wolves? Go home Bella. You are not wanted here, not by me, and not by him, that much is evident. Run along to your little bitches, see if the will take you back into their little coven. I will find myfriend while you, well go file your nails or what ever it is you do together."

"Screw you, Jacob Black!"

I heard her retreat and Jake walk away, muttering under his breath. I stayed where I was, huddled up in a ball, shivering from the cold. I left in such a rush that I didn't pick up my jacket. Not that I cared, I was just so glad to be out of there. Finally, I stopped shivering and I felt my eyes start to close. I was brought back into the here and now by my phone ringing in my pocket. Damn, I forgot that it was there. Choosing not to answer I ignored the call without looking to see who it was. Then I heard Jake shouting,

"Edward? Edward! I know you are here somewhere. I heard your phone."

I didn't answer, allowing tiredness to wash over me my eyes begin to close again. Next thing I knew, I was being shaken. As I look up, I realize it's Jake.

"Fuck Edward! You're freezing. What the hell are you doing under here?"

"Lllleeaavvee me alone" I said, out through chattering teeth.

"Like hell I will! Let's get you back inside-"

"No! Jake, please. I can't go back in there." I begged.

"Okay, okay. Let's just get you to my car, and we can go to my place. "

He helped me to my feet, and I was unsure that I could walk. I felt so unsteady and he put his arm round me, holding me up. We made it to the car and I slumped in the seat. We went to his place and instead of going to the main house, we headed to the garage. I threw myself on the couch and he offered me blanket before he went to get me a hot drink. Once he was back I knew full well that he would want answers. However, I was just not sure that I was ready to give them, but he deserved to know the truth. I had hidden it from him for too long.

He pulled a chair up and sat facing me when it became apparent that he would be the first to speak.

"So, Bella? Really, Edward? Were you really that desperate to get laid that you picked her? I mean of all the people you could have chosen, Bella fucking Swan? She eats people alive!

I looked at him, feeling broken and betrayed. I barely managed to get my voice out.

"Jake, I'm sorry. You wouldn't have understood. It's not some fling, we have been together, well for six months now. I, I,-"

"I swear if you're about to say I love her, I will punch you Cullen. I'm serious. Don't you dare!"

I managed to laugh at him. If only he knew.

"Okay then, I won't say it. But if you want to know the truth, you need to listen to me."

Jake just nodded and said one word, "Okay".

I spent the next hour recounting the story from my side, how we met on the beach, through to the events that brought me here, and then our night out to celebrate our six month anniversary. I told him how different she is away from school, how when it's just the two of she is like a different person. He nodded and said nothing. I wondered if he was just trying to humor me or if he was genuinely interested. When I finished talking, I looked at him, waiting for a sarcastic response, but none came. He, for once,managed to surprise me.

"Wow, who would have thought it. Edward Cullen, bagging Bella Swan. Respect to you bro, seriously. So, is she hot in the sack?"

"Jake! You should know that I would never kiss and tell, I never have before-"

"Whoa, back up. Never have before? So there was someone before her then? Are you holding out on me, Cullen? C'mon,spill the beans."

I laughed at him. Revealing one secret was enough for tonight. I really didn't think he could take knowing about Tanya, so I told him a little white lie. It wasn't really like one more lie was going to hurt. Was it?

"There was someone before Bella, but it was nothing. Just a fling. It would never have lasted."

"How did you manage that? I mean no disrespect but you aren't exactly Brad Pitt."

"Make me feel good about myself why don't you! Look Jake, can I stay here tonight? I don't think I can face going home. She will look for me there and I really don't want to face her just yet."

He looked at me, "Sure, just tell your folks where you are so they don't panic. Trust me, she won't be looking for you anywhere tonight. Give me your cell and I will call and tell her to leave you alone tonight."

I managed a weak smile as I passed him my cell phone. He walked away from me, but I could still hear his side of the conversation.

"No, it's not Edward… No Bella, he doesn't want to speak to you right now… No!... Listen to me and listen good. You are to leave him alone tonight. He doesn't want to see or speak to you." He dropped his voice low but I could still hear him. "Yes I found him, he was in a pretty bad state… No I won't tell you where he was, but what I will tell you is that if you show up either here, or at his home tonight you will wish you had never been born. Leave him alone, he doesn't want to see you, or speak to you… Maybe, just give him time… Okay,I gotta go. Bye."

He walked back over to me. I could see that he was working out how to tell me what she said, but I didn't want to hear it. I put my hand up to stop him.

"I don't want to know what she said. But thanks for calling her, I couldn't face her tonight."

He smiled at me and I could see the pity on his face. Great. Just what I needed, my best friend pitying me. I rang Mom and told her that the dance was a washout, so I was back at Jake's and going to stay the night. She didn't question it; she just said that she would see me in the morning. Hopefully that will give me time to work things out in my head.

I woke the next morning, not feeling at all like I had slept. I'd had a restless night, waking up every hour, the events from the gym playing over in my mind. The screen lighting up with images of Bella and me in compromising positions, taken through the window of her house. On the couch, pinning her up against the wall, her legs wrapped around my waist while I fucked her. Not once did we notice that someone was peering through the window at us and the thought made me feel quite sick. How long had they been watching and what had they seen exactly? Someone out there had done this on purpose; they had seen us and followed us. Obviously they wanted to humiliate and degrade us. Well, I just hoped that they got a front row seat for the fireworks. Bella's face as the pictures came up on the screen; she was horrified, as was I. Who could do this to me, to us? I scrambled to come up with ideas and came up blank. Maybe Bella knows someone who could be so vindictive. That, however,would involve talking to her, and following her outright dismissal of me, of us, our relationship and everything we meant to each other. With that said, she was the last person that I wanted to speak to.

My brain was frantically trying to make sense of who would do this. We were so careful not to be seen together other than study sessions, but even then we didn't talk or act like any other than study buddies when other people were around. I couldn't make any sense of this at all.

My phone rang. When I saw it was Bella, I dropped the call. She called again and again and each time I ignored the call, before finally switching it off. I knew that it was only matter of time before word reached my family. How exactly was I going to explain this to them? What were they going to say? My mind flooded with a million and one thoughts and I couldn't stop them. I wished I could take a magic pill and all this would just disappear, like it never happened, as if I never existed.

Jake walked in,a half smile on his face,

"You sleep okay? Cause man,you look like shit."

I managed a chuckle, "Thanks. You know how to make me feel good about myself."

"That's what friends are for...all part of the service"

I got up and prepared to leave but Jake grabbed my arm and looked serious for a moment, "Look, if you ever need me, you know where I am. Anytime."

"Thanks Jake, things will be fine,I'm sure." With that I left. I just wished that I was as confident as I sounded.

I made it home, dreading the kind of reception I would probably get if word made it back that I was seeing Bella. I bet Mom would be thrilled; she had always liked Bella and would have been so happy to know about us. Bella had pushed for me to tell her, but I said no. It wasn't the right time for that. I needed to be sure of where this was going and I didn't want mom planning a wedding as I knew her excitement would get out of control.

I was surprised that there was no one at home. I walked across the kitchen to the fridge and there was a note stuck to the front in mom's handwriting,

Edward,
We have gone out to Seattle shopping, and catching a show so will be back very late.
Don't wait up!
Love
Mom & Dad x x

Phew! At least I would have some time to myself to work out what was going on here. I took my phone out of my pocket where I realized it had been since I turned it off last night. I was not surprised that my phone lit up with messages received. Many of the messages were insults or people making jokes at my expense,so I deleted them. Then I saw that Bella had text me. I just deleted them. I had nothing to say to her, nor did I want to listen to anything that she had to say to me. There were voicemails, too; I listened to the first one,

"Edward, I am so sorry. Please don't hate me. Just call me and we can work this out. Please,baby."

I felt my broken heart sink. I couldn't give in and call her. I wanted to call her, but I had to be strong, so the message was erased along with the others that she left me. I didn't need to hear her beg anymore.

I walked through into the lounge and found myself staring out of the window into the distance. How long I stood there I cannot say, but my musings were interrupted by the phone ringing. Without thinking,I answered but I didn't hear the voice at the other end as it fell away from my ear and I hang up as I saw a familiar car pull up outside the house. My blood ran cold. It was Bella.

She stepped out of the car and nervously looked up. Seeing me watching her,she waved tentatively at me. I just stared with a blank face. The doorbell rang and I took a deep breath before answering. I was wondering why she was here, what could she possibly have to say to me that I wanted to hear? I opened the door, a grim look on my face,

"What do you want,Bella?"

"I want to talk and you won't answer my calls. What am I supposed to do?"

"Oh, I don't know, Bella. Maybe take the fucking hint? You made your feelings towards me quite clear last night if I remember correctly. What was it you said? Oh yeah, 'as if I would be seen dead with him?', among other things." I moved to close the door in her face, and she pushed it back open.

"Edward, please. Give me five minutes to explain, that is all I ask of you."

I stood there, not knowing what to do. Would five minutes really hurt? Surely, I owed her that much after everything we had been through. Besides, even after what she did, I just couldn't find the strength to deny her.

Reopening the door, I motioned for her to come inside.

"You have five minutes. Come in. I would hate for you to be seen fraternizing with the school freak by choice. People will talk."

There was a hard edge to my voice and she visibly winced before stepping around me. I knew that I had to cut off my emotions and feelings that I had for her at this point. Twenty four hours ago I would have walked across hot coals for this girl, and now, well now I felt such conflicting emotions towards her. Because of her, I'd had my heart ripped out of my chest and trampled all over like it was worthless. She had her chance to show the world that she loved me, that we were happy and together, and yet she betrayed and belittled me. How exactly was I supposed to react to her now? So much had changed and I didn't know if there was any way back for us from this.

Authors note:
Thanks as always to the fab Cosmom who is my ever loving/enduring beta – mwah! Thanks to everyone who reads/reviews/alerts this. Knowing that you guys are with me is making this ride so much better.

Hope you are all still with me and will leave me a review below. Anyone who is following Duplicity please don't panic, it will be back I have been a bit under the weather this week and haven't finalised the chapter yet.

If you have any questions about anything, just drop me a PM I will answer as far as possible without giving anything away ;-) Until next time x x