Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or these characters. I do however own this storyline. Song lyrics remain the property of their owners and I do not own these either.

I led her through the house to the living room. She looked nervous, and if I were totally honest, she looked like shit. She had red, puffy eyes as if she'd been crying all night; I hoped that she had. It really did pain me on some level to think of her hurting but I know that I had to stay strong and with as much anger as I can muster, I begin,

"Say what you have come to say, and then you can leave. I don't have time for games."

"Edward, I am so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?"

"Just get on with it, Bella."

Tears filled her eyes and I turned away from her while resuming my stance at the window. This would be so much harder if I don't have to see her face.

"Edward, I don't know who set up last night and I was just as shocked as you were. When I find out, trust me, they will pay."

"Words, Bella. They are only words, and you have proven how anything that comes out of that pretty little mouth of yours is worthless at this point."

"You are not going to give me a chance to explain, are you? Do I not deserve that?"

I turned on her, pure anger dripped from my words,

A chance to explain? Fuck! You stand there in front of your friends and the whole school and act like we never happened, we never had any form of contact and then when pictures flash up on the screen, you lie! You couldn't even look me in the eye afterwards. You threw me to the wolves and then just walked away, leaving them to rip me to shreds. You stood there and lied about us, about everything. Bella, you said it was for a bet for fuck's sake! You made what we had into something to be laughed at. You made it meaningless, and worthless and now you are here begging me for a chance to explain yourself?"

She was stunned at my words, I could tell. Not caring, I continued. "I trusted you, I gave you everything that I had, let you in when my head told me not to. Bella, you captured my heart and now, now you have ripped it clean out of my chest and trampled all over it. You seem to think that you have done nothing wrong here. This is killing me. I hoped that one day we would be able to walk hand in hand and show everyone how in love we were, but no. Whatever we had is gone, finished. I suppose it was fun while it lasted, but I really should've known better than to trust you at all."

She was sobbing, tears falling down her face as she faced me.

"Edward, if I could go back and change last night, do you not think that I would? I am ashamed of the way that I behaved towards you. You are quite right to hate me, but I do love you. I have been in love with you for a long time now and would never ever set out to hurt you like this. Believe me when I tell you that. This was serious for me. You are the first man I have loved and you were my first-"

"Oh please! I might've been your first, but I sure as hell won't be your last. You can always go running back to James now I have broken you in for him. I'm pretty sure he won't mind accepting damaged goods. At least you won't have to hide him away like you did with me-"

I am stopped mid-flow by a sharp pain as her hand made contact with my cheek. She had slapped me! Anger that was bubbling under the surface broke free. I grabbed her wrist, pulling her towards me, snarling in her face.

"You fucking bitch. How dare you act like the injured party here? Try that shit again and I... I..." I didn't know what to say to her, and saying the wrong thing now here would not get us anywhere. Balling my hands into and out of fists I took a couple of deep breaths as I calmed myself.

"Edward, you are not the only person who has been wronged here, there were two of us that were humiliated last night. I was in those pictures too, you know! You think that you are the only one hurt here? I had more to lose than you. Maybe you should remember that. Plus, don't even get me started on that bitch of an ex of yours, Tanya. Oh yeah, she told me everything. I just wish that I hadn't had to hear it from her, that you had been man enough to tell me yourself that you were screwing her before me. Not that I actually care, but it would have been nice to hear it from you and not her. Let me tell you, that really was a nice chat to have." She spat at me, anger filling her words with venom.

Panic flooded through me. I caught her comments about Tanya, and it felt like someone had punched me in the gut. I wanted to know what Tanya told her. I was fuelled by the anger I felt for her. I pushed her onto the couch as hard as I could without actually hurting her, and she covered her face with her hands. She was crying in earnest now.

"I don't have time for theatrics or fake emotions. I never ever want to see you again. You are nothing to me any more, other than someone that I used to fuck, and to be honest, you weren't all that good. Definite need for improvement in some areas if I am being honest. You know what Bella? I would say, it's not you it's me, but that would be a complete lie. It is you. Now do me a favor and get the fuck out of my home and out of my life. If I never see you again it will be too soon. As for me and Tanya, that really is none of your business, it was what it was, sex. Nothing more. It was over, done with. There was no need for me to tell you. She meant nothing to me."

She sat there, looking like she was about to shatter into a million pieces at my harsh explosion of emotion. She deserved every word that I levelled at her, so why did I feel so bad? Why was I fighting the urge to take her in my arms and hold her, to tell her that I didn't mean it and that I was sorry for being so horrible. Somehow she managed a response.

"Fuck you, Edward. Shame on me that I never saw what a prick you really are, shame I wasted my time on you. James is twice the man you will ever be. He might be a bastard, but at least he is honest about it."

Then I had a flashback to last night, seeing her standing there with Jessica and Lauren laughing at me as I stood there staring at her, asking her to explain what we had and what we meant to each other. She threw us away to protect herself and her social standing. I was such a fool.

"Get out, Get out! I don't want you here any more. The sight of you physically repulses me. Go on, leave!"

I was shouting at the top of my voice, shaking with pure rage. I had a firm hold of Bella now and was pulling her towards the door and she cried,

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it, any of it. Please Edward, please forgive me?"

We stopped about half way towards my goal. Pulling her towards me, I kissed her. The kiss was deep and harsh, no real feelings behind it, just pure passion mixed with the hatred I had inside of me which made a heady combination. They say that love and hate are connected. Well, in this moment I truly agreed. I pulled back, looking into her tear filled eyes. As I brushed some of the tears off her cheeks, she half smiled at me. I continued towards to door with her in tow, ignoring her desperate pleadings, managing to utter,

"Goodbye, Bella. "

Then I threw her out onto the porch, slamming the door firmly shut. Pressing my back to it, I slid down it until I was on the floor. I heard her banging on the door, pleading for forgiveness, for another chance to make it right. As painful as it was, I continued to ignore her. She carried on until she realized that I would not cave in. Finally, I heard her car retreat down the drive. Then, and only then did I open the floodgates on the emotions that I had been holding back so carefully while she was here, and I began to cry. Sobs wracked my chest as the depth of the hurt and anger that I felt came crashing down around me. I hugged my knees to my chest and remained in that foetal position, literally holding myself together.

I had no concept of how long I had been there. All I knew is that I felt empty, there was no anger, no fear and no more tears inside me to cry. I was devoid of any emotion. At least she couldn't hurt me any more. No one could now. I made myself a promise that no one would ever get this close to me again, no one would ever have this power over me again. Eventually, I got myself up from my position on the floor. I was emotionally drained, and I walked to the kitchen to get a drink from the fridge when the phone rang. I answered it, expecting it to be Mom and Dad checking in.

"Hello, Cullen residence."

There was silence at the other end of the phone, so I tried again.

"Hello? Who is this?"

"Edward, please don't hang up on me. I know I deserve it, but please, let me explain." She spoke so quickly that the words all come out in a long jumble, but I heard every word.

I swore that my heart stopped, and I froze, unable to move. Every part of me said that I should hang up, but I couldn't. Tanya was the last person that I expected to hear from, hearing her voice sent a chill through me. She wasn't as playful as I was used to and hearing her sound upset made my aching heart lurch, although I had no idea why. She brought up feelings in me that I thought I had laid to rest long ago. I could not let her back in so easily, so I pulled myself back together and answered her.

"What do you want?" I aimed to keep my voice harsh and business like.

"Edward, I, I…" She started to sob,

"I don't have the time or the patience for this. What. Do. You. Want?"

"I need to see you. Please? Meet me at First Beach? If you come then we can talk, if you don't then I will finally leave you alone."

I said nothing in response and the line went dead. Should I meet her? What could she possibly have to say that I would want to hear? There is only one way I was going to find out, plus, I wanted to confront her about what she had told Bella, to see if there was any truth in the statement that Tanya told her everything.

Next thing I knew, I found myself rushing to get to La Push to meet her, knowing that I would demand answers from her regarding her revelation to Bella. Christ, I knew that she could be spiteful but that really was a step too far. Once I pulled up at the beach I saw her standing on the edge of the ocean, I would recognize her body anywhere, the curves that I spent so much time getting to know intimately in our time together. But, that felt like a lifetime ago, she was staring out to sea. I almost turned around away from her to leave before she saw me, but something drew me in like a moth to a flame. Before I knew it I stood behind her, hands firmly in my pockets. I cleared my throat so she would know I was there. She turned, and to my horror I saw that she had fresh bruising on her face and her eye was swollen and bruised. Any anger that I felt towards her melted away in that exact moment.

"What the fuck? Who did this to you?"

Tears filled her eyes as she looked at me, and muttered.

"I'm sorry Edward. I just hope that you will forgive me one day."

I immediately lost my patience.

"I am growing tired of your fucking childish games. Tanya, just tell me!"

She started to cry. What was it with women and crying today? I paced up and down the beach behind her while she pulled herself together. Eventually she stopped with the waterworks and turned to me,her hand reaching out to my face, her eyes pleading.

"Can we go get a coffee? Please."

I sighed. "This isn't a date, Tanya. I'm having a shitty day and I don't need you making it any worse by making this out to be something it's not. Plus, you have done enough damage already."

"I ask one thing of you, just one fucking thing Edward, and you can't even spare me an hour of your time. Forget it! I needed to talk to someone, who won't judge me for making a mistake. But, obviously I picked the wrong person."

She started to walk away from me, and guilt washed through me. I owed her this much at least, didn't I?

"Tanya, wait. Let's head to the one on the Res, it's nearby."

"No! I don't want anyone to see me, can we head to the Red Brick Café out of town? Shouldn't be too busy down there."

I agreed and led her back to my car. When we arrived at the quiet café. We were the only people there, easily finding a corner booth. Tanya kept her head down, hiding her injuries. I would hate anyone to think that I had done this to her, so I was glad it was empty. I groaned when I saw who the waitress was. Jessica Stanley. She was front and center at last night's little show, and I knew that she wouldn't be able to resist saying something. I ordered the coffee and hoped that she would leave but I was left disappointed as she placed the cups on the table, saying,

"Hey Edward, nice to see you with some clothes on this time. So does-"

"Shut it Jessica. I'm really not in the mood." I snap, glaring at her.

She walked away the smile on her face that told me this wasn't the end of that particular conversation.

Tanya looked at me quizzically, "She doesn't seem your type Edward, or maybe you have changed more than I thought."

"She is just messing around. Ignore her, I do." There is a nervous edge to my voice and I didn't know what Tanya will read into Jessica's comments, hopefully nothing. "So what happened to you? Walk into a doordid we?"

She laughed nervously, "No, it's okay, it was an accident, he didn't mean to…"

She realized too late that she had said the wrong thing as my head snapped up in her direction.

"What? He? Who did this to you,Tanya?"

"No one, I'm fine." Tears filled her eyes, but I needed to know what happened. So I reached across, taking her hands in mine,and in a gentle voice I asked,

"Who did this to you Tanya? Please tell me. I want to make things right between us. I know we haven't been in touch much lately, please?"

We were interrupted by Jessica again, who brought us two menus. I ignored her, so she said "You really should check out the specials inside. Quite an eye opener." She sniggered. As she walked off, I noticed that the other girls behind the counter were all laughing too. I glanced at the menu and see an all too familiar piece of paper sticking out and my heart sank. I grabbed the menu away from Tanya but not before she reached the offending piece of paper and opened it up. The look on her face as she took in the pictures and words said it all. She got up from the table and dashed to the bathroom, dropping the paper on the floor. I picked it up and ripped it apart before dumping it back on the counter.

"Very fucking funny. Now grow up,Jessica" I snapped.

"Ooh, look at you! Manages to screw Bella and thinks he's the big fucking stud around town. Well Freakward,why don't you show me what you have, then?"

"Please! Not if you were the last person on earth. You're damaged goods Jessica, and everyone knows it." I sneered at her.

"Oh Edward, you don't realize do you. Look up the words 'pity fuck' in the dictionary and you should see your picture sitting right there. But then again, with these flyers all over town, you won't need to go too far to see your face. Bella told us everything. We know that this was some bet that she was trying to win. I just hope that the payout was large enough as I cannot imagine letting a freak like you touch me. It makes my skin crawl just looking at you. Now why don't you run back along home and wallow in your self pity. But be ready for Monday, cause I am telling you, your picture will be everywhere baby, and this is one story that is going to run and run."

I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. How anyone could be so vindictive and cruel is beyond me. I walked back over to the table to wait for Tanya to come back. She was taking her time in there and I hoped that she was okay. I was just about to go check on her when she appeared back at the table.

"C'mon Edward, let's get out of here." She walked towards the door and I followed her. When we were out on the street she linked her arm through mine and I made no attempt to stop her. This was safe, comfortable and familiar. She leaned her head on my shoulder as we walked in silence back towards the parking lot. Once we were at the car, I reached to open her door for her and I brushed against her. I felt a familiar warmth from her, and as she turned around she pushed her back against the car door placing her hands on my hips,pulling me closer.

Our faces were mere inches apart and I could feel her breath on my face. She was tantalizingly close to me, and I leaned forward to kiss her. Our lips met and it was like no time had passed. Our lips teased each other as the kiss intensified. Confusion ran through me, but instinct took over and I found myself pinning her to the car seeking something more with each second until I was suddenly grabbed from behind and spun around. To my horror I saw the face of James, and he looked angry. I didn't really know what happened next as it all unfolded so quickly. His expression changed in an instant and anger was replaced with a sneer as I saw his fist come towards me too quickly to take any action to protect myself.

Pain flooded through me as I fell to the ground. He certainly put some force behind it. I was clutching my face in pain where his fist made contact. Seeing the opening, he delivered a swift kick to my ribs and, wow, the pain was immense. He stood over me and I laid there unable to move clutching my side now hoping to get some relief.

"You fucker, Cullen. I always swore that I would have this moment, and it's more than I ever dreamed of. You took Bella away from me, and now that she has lost all interest you then try and take Tanya away? I don't think so. You are such a loser to think that she would want to be with you over me. You have nothing on me. Seriously, Cullen. So where's your little bitch boy McCarthy tonight? Oh yeah, that's right, he's over at his place fucking your whore of a sister."

I felt the anger rise in me and I tried to make it to my feet, only to have James take me in a head lock, sneering in my ear.

"Bring it on Cullen, bring it on. You will lose. So did you like our little show at the dance last night?" He threw me to the ground and I landed face down. I managed to push myself up slightly onto my elbows as his words fully registered.

"You? You did that at the dance? Why?" I managed to utter.

Tanya answered, this time her voice as cold as ice. No emotion registered on her face.

"Because you rejected me. I loved you. Yes, I fucking loved you Edward, and you used me for sex and then when you got a better offer you threw me away like a dirty rag. I would've given up anything for you, told anyone and everyone who would listened. Shouted it from the rooftops, but no. What Edward wants, Edward gets. You used me like a cheap whore. Then you replaced me with her!"

James took over. "You took what was mine. She was meant to be with me, not you. I should have been the one to fuck her first, but no. You came sweeping in and bang, I'm yesterday's news. But yet she couldn't bring herself to be seen in public with you. What does that tell you about your precious Isabella Swan? That she is ashamed to be seen with you. She needs a proper man to take care of her, not some high school freak." He laughed callously at his own joke. I however, am not laughing as he bent down next to me.

"You two were so busy sneaking around that you didn't see us following you. I got quite a show at times, and it was all documented. Made me quite horny watching you two fucking like rabbits whenever you got the chance, and I know Tanya here always appreciated it. Now we have had our payback, you know the truth. Have a nice life. Loser!"

Tanya walked over to him, pulling him up and kissing him, jumping up to wrap her legs around his waist as he pinned her to his car hood. Somehow I managed to get to my feet and dragged my aching, battered body to my car. Once inside I locked the doors and after fumbling with the keys, I managed to get the car to start and started to drive away. I had no idea where I would go, other than away from here but I needed a distraction, so I turned the stereo on and I could not believe fate would mock me like this. The song that was playing on the radio was our song, mine and Bella's. The lyrics are hauntingly beautiful and I listened to the words each one resonating inside me, feeling like someone was taking a dagger to my heart. This song had come to mean so much to me, to us, over the last six months since that first night at the beach.

If I lay here
If I just lay here
would you lie with me and just forget the world?

I don't quite know
How to say
How I feel

Those three words
Are said too much
They're not enough

If I lay here
If I just lay here
would you lie with me and just forget the world?

This came to symbolize what we meant to each other, the lyric If I just lay here would you lie with me and just forget the world? Made me think of all the times we lay in each other's arms after we made love. We would forget everyone. It was the two of us in own little world. No one else existed, it was perfect. I switched the radio off. I couldn't listen to any more of it, I felt nauseous. Pulling the car over, I got out and stood at the side of the road waiting to be sick, but it didn't happen. I knew that this feeling was a combination of feelings. Hurt, betrayal, humiliation, despair, all fighting for supremacy inside of me. I felt so alone as I stood there with the traffic racing past me. And in that moment I knew exactly what I had to do.

Authors Note:

Thanks to everyone who has read/alerted/recc'd this fic, I really do read every review and they mean so much to know what you are thinking/feeling. My heartfelt thanks go out to my beta Cosmom she really does bring out the best in me and this story, she works so hard on this you cannot imagine!

Anyone who reviews will get a sneak of the next chapter, which given the fact that I have left you on another cliffie I am sure that you will love. This of course subject to FF not failing on us again….

Until next week Lou x