As I laid on my bed, I skimmed through the Port Angeles Angels website. I skimmed through the daily news and found out that Thomas and Megan are back together after the whole cheating scandal, which completely surprised me. I also saw that Rosalie Hale broke up with her longtime boyfriend, Royce Walker claiming that they grew apart from each other. I scrolled past the photos of other students until I saw Edwards face sitting at his usual lunch table. All the students at the table were laughing and held exaggerated poses.
I zoomed in on Edwards' face and noticed his smile wasn't as bright as the others. It seemed almost forced even. I couldn't tell if it was just me so I looked at the comments section to see if anyone has noticed but the comments were just full of lustful or jealous remarks. I typed in search #EdwardMasen
Hundreds of hits popped up for his name, many were photos of him playing basketball or hanging out with friends. There were a few photos when he wasn't with his friends that made him look like he was lost in his own world. I stared at those pictures the longest, his face was so beautiful but I felt like there was something hiding underneath it all.
I found an official Edward Masen thread that had dozens of comments from anonymous usernames:
-Edward is so freaking cute! I can't deal!
The top comment read adjoined with many emojis
-Edward Masen gives me life
-#perfection!
-Edward Masen is an asshole I don't know why everyone's crazy about him!
Another highly voted comment had many responses, most agreed with this comment such as:
-He's so rude and barely talks to anyone he doesn't deem worthy. I hate him!
-If he does talk to u it's just to seduce u into his bed. After that he won't even look u in the eyes again! #ManWHORE #STAYWOKE
I pondered that comment which had 12 likes to it. I wondered if that's how he treats the other girls because he wasn't treating me that way. He made lots of eye contact and even tried to talk to me. Still, the thought that he has wooed and hooked up with so many girls makes me uncomfortable and gross. I'm probably just another number to him.
I couldn't stop reading the comments about what other people said about him. A lot were comments that praised his looks while the others were negative because they actually talked to him.
-Masen's a freak in the sheets.
-Masen has the biggest fuckk book out of anyone in our school. Don't forget to wear a condom ladies!
Those comments made me cringe, this is when I tapped out of the thread feeling disgusted with myself and Edward. I had no clue if we wore condoms that night but I do know that I'm not pregnant because of my birth control and I did test for any STDs at a clinic. It was all negative thankfully, but I do know now to never get so drunk you'll disrespect yourself like that.
I was scrolling through the Edward Masen tag when an interview with Hailey O'Brien, one of Edwards ex-girlfriends, popped up and claiming to know the real Edward Masen. Her interview said that he's a guy who just saw women as desperate play toys "He doesn't have a care in the world about anyone's feelings!" she said in a quote. "He's a bad texter and any emotions that he did reveal were very vague and dark." She claimed that Edward was hot to look at but bad to be with and cautioned other girls to keep him as just eye-candy.
The interview was shocking and the comment section showed a divide again with many girls coming to Edwards aid. One side claimed that Edward is as selfish as Hailey said while the other side claimed that Hailey was known to be an exaggerated liar and that she's just bitter they broke up. I had no idea what to believe.
I've always heard how Edward Masen was an infamous playboy but seeing all these comments and posts really made him worse than I originally thought. My phone buzzed which made me jump.
Hey, it's Edward. Save my number ;) -E
"Oh god," I whispered to myself. All the comments I've been reading echoed in my mind as I stared at his lone blue text message. I had no desire to text him now. I was grateful for the new iPhone update because I could just hold his text and click the thumbs up reaction to 'like' his text message. I saved his number and double clicked my way back to the PAA website.
A black and white photo of him brushing his hair back with a grim face caught my attention. I wondered at that moment, what was Edwards side of the story. There were so many negative comments saying he was an emotionless player, but this photo made me wonder about what went on in Edwards personal life. Some people didn't have the ability to understand every life is complex and real, including Edward Masen. I wonder what happened to make him hurt so many girls?
So what are you up to? -E Another text buzzed my phone.
If only he knew... I thought sheepishly.
I'm just reading -B I technically wasn't lying I thought to myself as I hit the send button.
Nice. What u reading?-E
Okay, here's when I have to lie: Wuthering Heights, it's my favorite-B
If I wasn't stalking Edward on PAA I would normally be reading this book so I'm not totally lying... my old worn out copy of Wuthering Heights was laying just a couple inches from me on the corner of my bed.
Interesting choice. I'm re-reading the Great Gatsby now myself.-E His messages were responding almost instantly which I appreciated. I was intrigued even more with him because sadly, a lot of teens my age don't do much reading but Edward was reading a beautiful, gripping novel which tells me his character is a lot deeper then what most people thought.
I didn't know you liked to read. Not a lot of people do-B
I love to read, it's a way to escape reality and pretend you're someone else for a while. -E
I pondered his message Is being Edward Masen really that bad?-B I added a laughing emoji at the end to lighten the message
You wouldn't understand -E
I remembered the photos I saw on the website, there was no light in his eyes. Probably not-B I sent that message being honest, I couldn't tell if he seriously believed his life sucked or was he the type of person to be dramatic. Either way, I didn't feel ready to know what plagued him.
Edward replied with laughing emojis to my last text So... what's your favorite color?-E
Really? You're that bored?-B
Mines is brown-E
I had to laugh at that I guess you are that bored. You must really like the color of you're own shit then -B
You're so nasty ;) Brown is an underappreciated color. It's the color of chocolate, coffee, and nature.-E
...and shit-B
He sent a giant eye rolling emoji Whats you're favorite color then miss high and mighty-E
It changes from day to day-B I honestly didn't think too much about colors unlike someone...
Wow YoUr sO dEeP-E
I chuckled at his response and caved in Fine. Green -B
That text that had started a long game of 21 questions. I was stuck to my phone all night, almost neglecting my homework to text Edward. We only managed to ask like seven questions such as our favorite films and foods, to each other because every answer brought on a bunch of different conversations. For the first night in years, I fell asleep with happiness and excitement for tomorrow.
-x-
I parked my truck in my usual spot at the back of the lot. After I slammed my door and started walking, I focused my eyes on the magical and hellish world that is high school. I was excited and nervous as I wondered what would happen today after texting Edward Masen all last night.
Suddenly, I heard breaks squeal.
I looked up, frightened by the sound to see a white truck coming towards me. I screamed and covered my face instinctively, cursing myself for not looking before crossing the road. My heart stopped beating as we embraced for impact.
"What the fuck, Bella!"
I opened my eyes to see the truck stopped an inch or two away from me. The driver side door opened and revealed a distraught Ben Cheney. My face must have been white as a ghost "I'm so sorry, Ben, it's my fault I wasn't looking!"
I bit my lip, of all people to almost hit me, it had to be Ben.
I saw him take a few calming breathes before he looked at me with emotional eyes "Well, if you wanted to talk to me again you could have just come up to me like a normal person and not throw yourself at my car!"
I rolled my eyes. I knew I was never gonna hear the end of this now "It was an accident," I clipped before turning away from him and walking towards the school again. I heard his truck rev up again and watched the rusty truck pass me and park a couple cars down. I started walking faster now but Ben was just as quick getting out of his car.
I turned right and walked through another row of cars in hopes to avoid him. "Bella," I heard his voice call me. I saw that he was walking through the cars to me, I couldn't avoid him now.
"What?" I sighed as I watched him come up to me. Seeing him reminded me of the past, he even wore the same haircut and jeans from last year. But the feelings I had for him have left and the image of him is tainted.
He paused as he stared into my cold eyes "I just- don't you miss this? Us?" He asked softly.
"We're done, Ben." I shook my head slowly "I haven't talked to you all throughout the year for a reason." I hated being so harsh, but he needed the get this through his head. "Just move on!" I started walking away again.
"And you have?" I heard him ask angrily behind me.
"Maybe!" I huffed without turning around.
"Well, for your information, I have moved on! What is this even about, huh, are you acting like a bitch because I'm with Angela now?" He taunted.
I stopped dead on my tracks, feeling cold. I turned around, wishing I could punch off his smug look. "What are you talking about?" I snapped. Angela never once mentioned to me anything about my ex-boyfriend, Ben.
"Angelas my new girlfriend now. She didn't tell you?" His expression was mean, no surprise there.
I stood there feeling one thing: betrayal. Ben might be a major asshole but he isn't a liar. This whole time, Angela was sitting at lunch with us and even when we talked about guys, she never once asked me about my ex-boyfriend. Was this the reason why she was being so weird lately?!
"I'm guessing she didn't by the look of your face." Ben sneered "See, baby, I have moved on! Maybe it's you who needs to get over me!" I saw some students look over at our commotion and I turned red at his accusation.
"Fuck you!" I shouted at him and stomped off before I made anything worse. I tried to make it look like I was ok while walking into school, I really didn't want our stupid fight to end up on PAA. I was boiling on the inside, I couldn't believe Angela would be so deceiving!
I must have been doing a bad job at hiding my emotions because after I walked into our school, I heard Edwards' voice call from behind me "Hey, are you ok?"
I continued walking down the hall, mumbling curses. I thought today was gonna be a good day, the beginning of something new. But instead, everything literally shot to hell. "I'm fine," I growled at him, wishing he'd leave me alone. Edward was walking by my side now. His presence next to me was attracting more attention.
"You don't seem fine," He remarked, I could tell he was trying to peek at my face. I was so mortified that he was with me while I was having a break down in school. I've never been so angry and hurt at one of my best friends until today.
I made a sharp left to a deserted hallway for privacy. I leaned against the wall and used my hair as a curtain for my face. It was surreal that in just 24 hours my life has changed drastically and Edward Masen was now by my side. I looked at him now, he really did seem very concerned and I hated it.
"What happened? Do I need to kick someone's ass?" He demanded.
I spat out a hysteric chuckle. "No!" Maybe
I pictured Angela with Ben right now and I was filled with disgust. I left my relationship with Ben after coming to the realization that he was a psycho, I pitied whoever he dated next. I just couldn't believe it would be gentle Angela and behind my back too! I covered my face with my hands and took deep breaths.
"What happened then, Isabella? I hate seeing you so upset." I felt Edward place a hand on my arm in a comforting way. The hand reminded me to contain myself, I took one final deep breath and locked away my intense emotions.
I rearranged my face to hide the pain and looked at Edward Masen, who was being a better friend right now than Angela ever was. "Call me, Bella."
"I can do that," He smiled at that and ruffled my hair playfully. "Beautiful, Bella."
I returned his smile "Stop it," I joked and moved his hand away. It was really weird how much has changed since yesterday, my deranged emotions had my questioning if it was all a dream.
"Stop what, beautiful?"
His face was the picture of ease, just a few minutes ago I had felt like a bomb went off but now as I looked into his eyes, I felt calm. Like everything was gonna be okay. "Stop calling me beautiful." I looked away from him to stare at the tiled floor.
Edwards hand cupped my cheek "I don't know if I can do that, because you really are beautiful."
I felt like I was an average when it came to looks, nothing I ever complained about. It was just weird being sincerely called beautiful but the most beautiful boy at our school. The comments I read last night all swam in the back of my mind, I didn't understand Edward at all. I was scared if I fell to my knees with his charm, I'd be burned and bitter like the other girls.
After a bit of time passed, I looked back at Edwards dark green eyes and shyly said "Thanks," to the compliment. His hand remained on my cheek, filling my face with warmth. Even though my eyes were guarded, his pupils were dilated. I could tell by that he genuinely wanted me. He had the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen... it felt like we entered a trance together.
Finally, instead of staring at him from across the hall, we were now only inches away from each other and getting lost in each other's eyes. His eyes were so deep and mysterious yet inviting. My lips were tingly, everything in me just wanted to fall into Edward Masen and have another electrifying kiss.
Edwards' face was coming closer to mine when I pulled away. I wasn't thinking straight right now, I was still filled with some many negative emotions. I didn't need a kiss to bring more chaos into my life, I needed Alice.
"I-I got to go," I told Edward after breaking our connection.
"Where?" He whined at the loss of contact.
"I need to talk to my friend, sorry!" I said before dipping into the hallway. I walked quickly to the green halls of Port Angeles High School and whipped out my phone and called Alice.
She didn't answer, fuck. Now I was mad at my best friend for always having her phone on fucking silent! I noticed the time, class almost starts anyways. I sent her a text saying:
!-B
I had no choice but to go to first period, the class was about to start anyways. I sat in my seat and placed my head down. I was angry that Alice was with Jasper so I couldn't talk to her. I was proud yet also annoyed at myself for walking away from Edward. Worst of all, I was hurt and concerned for Angela.
When Ben and I dated, he slowly became an obsessive and controlling boyfriend, would Angela be able to stick up for herself? Argh, who cares! If she was dating him behind my back she deserves all that's coming to her for not talking to me about it first. I have to talk her out of this!
My thoughts were having a wild goose chase in my head throughout the day. I swear, time went by slowly to mess with me. I've been avoiding Edwards curious eyes all day since this morning. Once lunch came, I looked for Alice in the crowded halls. She responded to my text asking what was wrong earlier and I told her I had to tell her in person. Once I saw my best friends spikey hair and shiny clothes come through the crowd, I felt relieved.
Her eyes widened once she found me "What happened?!"
"It's so fucked up!" I groaned and walked us to a more secluded spot "Angela is dating Ben!"
She gasped "Our Angela?"
"Yeah!"
"And your ex!?"
It sounds crazy even coming from Alice's mouth. "Right? What the fuck!" School felt like the twilight zone today.
"Oh hell no!" Alice face turned dark in seconds. She grabbed my hand and started marching us towards the cafeteria. "This is insane. Angela is being so stupid to get with Ben and he's your ex, too! Talk about breaking girl code!" Alice ranted all the way to the cafeteria.
Before we entered, I pulled Alice back to me "Alice, relax. I'm the one who should be mad here," I peeked through the window and saw Angela sitting at our table twiddling her fingers. The bitter betrayal feeling returned at the sight of her. "We're not gonna make a scene," I said... mostly to myself.
Alice took deep breaths "You're right. Let's do this."
My heart was pounding as I opened the cafeteria door a little too harshly. Alice and I walked at the same pace to our table. Angela looked up at us and gave a queasy smile "What the fuck, Angela!" I growled as I took my seat "Ben?!"
"Have you lost your mind?!" Alice joined.
Angela flinched "I'm sorry, guys. It just happened!"
Her excuse was weak "How did it just happen?" I demanded.
Angela looked down at her hands "He liked a lot of my Instagram photos then messaged me on a couple of weeks ago. He seemed like a really good guy and I swear Bella I didn't realize he was your ex till recently!"
"You still should have talked to me when you knew," I said roughly.
"Yeah, why didn't you?" Alice asked in an annoyed tone.
"I didn't know how to bring it up," Angela was playing with her hands too much and barely looking at us in the eye. I had a strong intuition though and something about her excuse seemed truthful. I felt my anger easing away at her a bit.
"You should have found a way to talk to me and ask me why we broke up," I lectured her "You know I wouldn't be mad if you asked!"
"He's crazy!" Alice exclaimed "C-R-A-Z-Y coo coo type. He was always bringing Bella down and bossing her around, he's a horrible boyfriend! Not to mention I saw her less and less the longer they dated because he was just so possessive!"
"What?" Angela's eyes were wide with shock "No way, he doesn't seem that way at all!"
"It's true, it was bad." I warned her "He seems all nice and charming at first but he changes when you get to know him. My only regret in life was Ben Cheney." I frowned at the distant memory. Angela crossed her arms, taking in all that we were telling her.
Alice went on "Ang, I swear, he started stalking Bella after they broke up. He went crazy when he lost her, like he sent dozens of text messages a day, always waiting at her car before and after school. He even spread rumors about her." Alice started rubbing my arm to comfort me "He's truly a nightmare."
"If it was so bad, why didn't you guys ever mention him before?" Angela's brown eyes narrowed.
"Because it was that bad!" I groaned. I was trying to convey my distress to her through my eyes.
Alice agreed "So bad we don't ever talk about it, till today because you're with him now! Which is insane! Angela, listen to us and delete his number. Be smart!"
Angela chest expanded dramatically "I don't know what to believ-"
"Are you serious!" Alice nearly yelled before Angela even finished her sentence. "Oh my god!" Even I was shocked that Angela wasn't believing us!
"Angela, were your friends. You should listen to us!" I said
"True friends, huh? Please!" Angela's eyes began to water "You guys are changing and don't even realize it. How long till you all just forget about me and go hang out with your new friends like Misty!" She sneered her name "If I want to date a guy who I like and finally likes me back then I will! Your tales don't scare me, you just don't want me to finally have a boyfriend and have my own life!"
"What?!" Alice and I exchanged a look of disbelief, her accusations were outrageous!
"If you're asking to choose between you guys and Ben..." Angela grabbed her bookbag "I choose Ben." She gave us one nasty look before walking away from our table, leaving Alice and me with our jaws hanging wide open.
AN: Bet you didn't see that coming! This chapter took me a little longer to write because of my own drama I've been dealing with...hope you don't mind if I take out my stress with the upcoming chapters. Review away! Next chapter is the next party. Fun, drama plus lots of Edward ;) so follow for the next update!