Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, and no copyright infringement is intended.

The next few days at school passed in a blur, every lunchtime was spent with Jessica and her gang, occupying the table at the center of the cafeteria, and in turn, the center of everyone else's attention. I was welcomed into their group with any further question now Jessica had obviously approved my inclusion. It was obvious she now ruled the roost, and Bella was no longer the center of their universe, or real interest to them. In fact, I was shocked and surprised that they made no reference to her.

I was getting ready to leave the house to pick her up when my mom stepped behind me as I was checking my appearance in the mirror.

"You look nice sweetheart, going anywhere nice?" She asked as she brushed imaginary pieces of fluff from my shoulder.

"Just going to the movies in Port Angeles, nothing special."

"Are you not a little dressed up for catching a movie with Jake?"

"Erm, I'm not going with Jake." I hoped that she wouldn't ask who I was going with.

"Oooh do you have a date?" She teased. I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment, of course this did not go unnoticed. "Are you taking Bella?" She turned and hurried away, returning with her wallet in her hand as she produced a couple of $20 notes. "I'm so glad that you two have finally made it up, you are perfect together."

I couldn't speak, the words were there, but they refused to allow themselves to be free. Speaking them would mean that it was true, and seeing my mom so happy at the thought of me being happy would burst the bubble that we were in. Mom took my silence as confirmation of her assumption and continued to talk.

"I told your father that I was right and that you would get back together given enough time and space. You remind me of us at the same age. We were high school sweethearts, so in love and-"

Screwing my eyes closed, I had to say it. "I'm not going with Bella, and we are not getting back together."

Silence descended between us, I opened my eyes to see the look of horror that was painted on Mom's face.

"If you're not going with Bella, then who are you going with? Because you I know it's not Jake so don't think you can lie to me."

Taking a deep breath I answered. "Jessica."

"Sorry sweetheart, I could have sworn I heard you say that you're taking Jessica Stanley to the movies, on a date?" The look on her face told me that she was shocked.

"Yes, you heard that right. Now please, if you will excuse me, I am running late already." I snatched the notes from her fingers before I dashed out of the door, leaving my mom standing staring after me. I made it to the car before she got her wits about her enough to follow me outside.

"Edward Cullen!" I turned to face her. "Don't you dare walk away from me." The look on her face stopped me dead in my tracks. Watching as he walked from the house toward me.

"I'm gonna be late, the movie-" I countered, my hand frozen on the door handle.

"I don't care what time the movie starts, you can't just drop a bombshell like that and walk away from me. I thought that there were to be no more secrets around here, yet here you are sneaking out on a date with Jessica Stanley."

Great, the guilt card. "Mom, can we discuss this later? I wasn't keeping anything from you, we're just going to the movies together, it's really no big deal."

She folded her arms across her chest, but I could tell that she wasn't really angry at me.

"I promise when I get in tonight we'll talk, okay?"

A feint smile graced her lips. "Okay. Now, go, have fun. But not too much fun."

I kissed her cheek before I jumped in the car and sped out of the drive.

Picking Jessica up I rolled my eyes when I saw her come bouncing down the front steps and toward the car, despite the chill in the air, she was wearing a short denim skirt, fake leather jacket and a pair of those furry boots that everyone seemed to be wearing. As she climbed into the car I was treated to a flash of her legs. From the smile that played on her lips, she knew what she was doing with her choice of clothing.

"You look, erm, nice Jessica." I wasn't sure what to say to her. "Are you not cold?"

She giggled. "No, anyway if I get cold, I will at least have you to warm me up won't I?"

With that, she settled back in the seat, securing her seat belt before she turned back toward me.

I wasn't sure what to say to that comment, she really was making it obvious that she was interested in me. I concentrated on the road, getting us to Port Angeles in record time.

Once we got to the movie theatre, I played the perfect gentleman. I showed her respect, opening doors and paid for our tickets, popcorn and soda's. Once inside the auditorium Jessica started to make her way to the back row. I hesitated, resulting in her pulling me to follow her She chose seats in the center of the back row and when we were seated, she spoke.

"There's no need to be afraid Edward, I don't bite." Jessica leaned closer into me, so close that I could feel her breath on my cheek. Her words were barely a whisper, but were spoken in a way that didn't hide the double meaning "Unless you want me to."

I thanked my lucky stars that it was dark In the auditorium so she would not see the fact that I was blushing furiously. I knew she wasn't joking, but I had no idea how to react without her taking my actions the wrong way.

She giggled as she settled into her seat, helping herself to popcorn from the carton that rested between us. I was grateful when then the film began, it seemed to hold her attention, which was good as it kept it away from me.

The movie was about halfway in when I felt her hand make contact with my knee. The initial touch made me jump slightly, but it stayed still and I almost forget it was there until it began to make its way, slowly, so very slowly up the inside of my thigh. The gentle touch of her fingers tracing lines through the denim of my jeans. It felt like heaven, I wanted more, so much more. My body began to react to the unexpected stimulation, without speaking of my need she seemed to sense it. More pressure was applied as her fingers crept further towards their intended goal, but they never quite reached it. I closed my eyes and gave into the feeling. My head fell backwards and I let out a low groan. Then just as quickly as it started, it stopped and her hand was removed.

My eyes snapped open, seeking her out in the relative darkness. I watched as she turned to me, a coy smile on her face as she toyed with the straw that was in her soda cup. Damn! Had I just been played by Jessica Stanley? What was she doing, why would she do that to me and then just stop? It must be some part of her plan. I knew full well that had she continued, I wouldn't have stopped her.

The rest of the movie played out before us, and I kept glancing over toward her, just to ensure that she couldn't catch me unawares again. Once the movie ended and the credits rolled Jessica turned to me, a bright smile on her face as she got to her feet. I was confused to say the very least and I remained in my seat, staring at her.

"C'mon, let's go grab an ice-cream sundae at that new place over the road." She reached out her hand to me. When I didn't move, she pouted. "Please?"

I got to my feet as I said. "Okay, then. What time do you have to be back though?" I glanced at my watch and could see that despite the fact we had caught the early evening screening, it was well after 9pm.

"I don't, it's the weekend Edward, let's just kick back and enjoy."

How could I refuse? We were soon heading out of the movie theatre, my arm found its way around Jessica's shoulder, hers went round my waist. We walked over the road and into the ice cream parlor, it was new in town so I hadn't been here before, it seemed that Jessica had as she was telling me how good it was. Once we were sat at a table for two overlooking the sidewalk I examined the menu, it became hard to choose and we just couldn't decide on what to have as we wanted different things. The waitress who came over made a joke about it obviously being our first date, so suggested we went for their giant sharing sundae called a half and half. I quickly agreed, just she would leave us we waited we chatted about the film, and how it was obvious who the killer was from the start.

My eyes nearly popped out of my head at the size of the sundae. "Geez, I hadn't expected it to be so big." I exclaimed.

Jessica muttered under her breath. "You ain't the only one honey."

I stared at her, sure that there was more to that than an innocent comment about our sundae. I could feel the traitorous blush begin to creep up my cheeks. I coughed to try and hide my embarrassment, but it only served to draw more attention to me.

Her hand extended out across the table as she placed it gently against my cheek. "Oh Edward, please don't look so embarrassed. I was referring to the sundae, nothing else." A coy smile light up her face as she swiped some of the whipped cream from the cold confection on the tip of her finger and popped it into her mouth.

I couldn't stop staring at her. Jessica was so brazen about her own sexualility and what she wanted, she normally got. The scariest thing about this was that she clearly wanted me. How had I gone from being the geeky class outcast, to the boy who had Jessica Stanley hanging off his arm?

We had nearly finished our sundae when there was some commotion outside. Turning to look outside, I was surprised to see Jake and a couple of the lads from the rez shouting and messing around, then to my horror they came inside. I turned my head away, not wanting him to see me sitting here with Jessica right now. I knew that he didn't approve of this and as much as I respected him as a friend, he just wouldn't understand. They passed us by unnoticed and made their way to the counter and were busy examining the menu. All I had to do now was hope that he wouldn't see me on the way out. Unfortunately, Jessica had also seen him and nudged my arm.

"Hey, isn't that your friend over there, Jason isn't it?"

I groaned internally before I answered her. "Jacob, his name Jacob."

"Oh yeah, silly me." She then began to twirl her hair around one of her fingers as she tilted her head to once side and stared at the small group at the counter. "Who's that with them?"

I glanced over, making out Sam with his girlfriend Emily, there was also Paul, Embry and Leah.

"Just the usual gang from the Rez." I dropped my head down and attempted to shield my face with my hand as they were served and turned around to walk out of the door. I was grateful that my back was toward them, thinking that it would make me invisible. Really? I should have known better.

Jessica chose that moment to throw her head back and laugh, loudly. My head snapped up as I realized what she was doing.

Before I could tell her to knock it off, out of the corner of my eye I saw someone standing next to me. Turning toward them, I was faced with a very pissed looking Jake.

"Evening Edward, Jessica." He all but spat at me.

"Jake." Was all I could think to say before I looked past him to the group behind him, curious to find out who else was there. He moved to block my view.

"Wow, bringing her here for a date? Nice, cheap. A bit like-"

I was on my feet. "Don't go there Jake. Yes, I am here on a date with Jessica, not that you would know what it's like to actually get a date with a real girl." I could feel the anger building inside of me.

Jessica took the chance to try and explain, but the words fell from her in a rush, hardly stopping to draw breath. "No, we've been to the movies, Edward picked me up, paid for the tickets and everything. We even sat on the back row, like a proper couple."

My head snapped toward her as I hissed. "Not now Jessica."

A muffled noise which sounded like a sob, came from behind Jake, but I didn't see clearly who it was as they were ushered way while Jake attempted to block my view before he pushed me back into my seat.

"Who is that?" I asked.

"None of your concern." Jake towered over me as he stepped forward, and his friends left while I was distracted. Once the door closed behind them, I turned to try and see outside, but they quickly crossed the road. Only when they were clear did Jake move back away from me, never once turning his back on me as he made his way to the door, before pausing and sneering at me. "I thought I knew you better than this Edward, clearly I was wrong."

All I could do was stare at him as he walked away from me. Jessica was reaching across the table at me. "Are you okay?"

I shook my head, getting to my feet and fishing a couple of notes from my pocket, throwing them onto the table before I turned back to her. "Let's go." I didn't wait to see if she was following me, although I knew she would be.

Out on the sidewalk there was no sign of Jake or his friends. Jessica appeared at my side. "So what was all that about?" I ignored her, walking to where I had parked the car. Of course, Jessica followed behind me. Climbing into the passenger seat, and attempting to pull her skirt down over her exposed legs as the night held a chill, and I really couldn't be concerned enough to turn the heater on.

The drive back to Forks was silent, the tension hanging in the air between us. Once back in town, I drove straight to Jessica's house and parked the car outside. Only then did she turn to me, a sad look on her face, it instantly made me feel guilty for ignoring her on the drive home.

"I'm sorry." I said as I unbuckled my seat belt, which allowed me to turn toward her. The smile that greeted me was like someone turning on a light in a dark room.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Jason was a complete ass to you, and to me. I mean, he called me cheap."

I fought back the urge to correct her again, instead watching as Jessica mirrored my actions, leaning closer to me. We were dangerously close, I could feel her breath on my face. The thought of how Jake had spoken about her filled me with anger, and I knew I would have to talk to him about it, find out what his damage was.

I was brought out of my musing by the feel of her lips on mine. Her eyes were closed, and I allowed mine to follow suit. Our lips brushed against each other. I could feel my brows knit together at the feelings this simple interaction was stirring deep within me. I knew full well where this could lead to, and I wondered if Jessica knew the full details of my past? Then I remembered, of course she did. How foolish of me to think otherwise, how easily I forgot. She was one of those that forged the alliance with Tanya, it was her that eventually told the world about Bella and I being together. Jessica was part of the reason that my world came crashing down around my ears in such spectacular fashion.

The memory of that night and Bella's face as she stood on the stage flashed into my mind, causing me to pull away from Jessica. Her breathing became shallow and I was torn between following through on my instincts to push things further tonight, or backing off and getting my head together.

She decided this for me, pulling back. Her breathing was shallow and came in small pants as her eyes opened so slowly. There was a smile on her lips as her eyes fluttered open. I watched her reaction to me in detail, surveying her body as it gave a small shudder. Her eyes met mine, there was a spark in them and I knew then, Jessica she wanted more, so much more from me.

"Wow Edward, that was.." She breathed.

I simply gave her my best crooked smile. "Yeah, I have been told that before." A small laugh escaped me as she punched my arm playfully before she turned to look toward the house.

"You want to come inside?"

As much as I wanted to, I knew that it was wrong to do this now. I shook my head slowly. "No, sorry. Not tonight Jessica. Another time, though." I leaned back across and placed a kiss on her lips. "Promise."

Jessica nodded, before she climbed out of the car. I watched as she skipped up to the path to her door. I waited until I saw her step inside before I turned the key in the ignition and pulled away from the curb.

Driving through the quiet streets of Forks I allowed my mind to wander.

Jessica was turning out to be an interesting prospect for me. Someone I could use without fear of feelings getting involved or emotional attachments being formed, on my part at least. If Jessica got too close and it turned out that I couldn't handle it, I would deal with it when it happened. There was no way I was giving her, or anyone else the power to hurt me This was on my terms, just how I wanted it to be.

As my car came to a halt in the driveway, I saw that the lights were still on downstairs. I groaned inwardly as I knew this meant that mom was making good on her 'we'll talk later' promise. There was no getting away from this, it was time to face the music.

I walked slowly, like a condemned man to meet his fate. Suddenly there was a noise behind me, I turned to see Jake marching towards me, the look on his face was one of pure anger. Then, he was there, right in front of me. Pain radiated through me as I fell to the ground. Once I was able to work out what happened I yelled.

"What the fuck?"

He leaned down, grabbing the lapels on my jacket, pulling me toward him he sneered in my face. "Not such a big guy now are you?"

The front door opened, flooding the path with light. "What's going on out here?" My mom shrieked. "Carlisle!"

Jake backed off slightly, his hands curled into fists and then opened again. He never took his eyes off me. My father appeared in the door, a look of shock on his face. When he managed to take in the scene, he looked between us before he spoke.

"Jacob, go home. Edward, get inside."

His voice gave no room for argument and Jake spat at me. "That was for earlier. You upset Bella, asshole."

Then I realized what he was referring to. The person they were shielding earlier must've been Bella. The realization must've shown on my face as Jake simply smiled at me before jogging away.

I got to my feet, clutching my jaw where Jake's fist made contact and walked into the house. The door closed with a slam as I was faced by both my parents. Serious looks on their faces as my father asked me.

"What the hell is going on Edward?"

Authors Notes:

Firstly… TRUST ME! Secondly, thank you for reading and also a massive thank you to my wonderful pre-reader ETPhonehome.

I hope you have enjoyed this, there is more to come! I will be updating really soon - promise, if I manage to come out of hiding after this...