Into You
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Twilight characters or anything Twilight related.
Alright guys, here we go! Thanks for the reviews. You guys thought this was going to be easy in this next chapter, huh. Well, guess we will find out. ;)
Chapter 19 – Let Me Explain
It's been a long time
I guess I just miss the old days
You remember, all them times
You used to come keep me company
Tell me you love me and just me
Oh, and it took a while to trust me
Girl, I had to work for it
Still you don't judge me
I love the way you touch me
I'm feeling like I'm 'bout to lose you
With all the shady shit I do to you
Some things are better left unsaid
I can't get it out my head
Better left unsaid
Everything that I regret
~ Bryson Tiller
Edward's POV
"What the fuck is this bullshit?!" I asked in outraged looking at the cover of the magazine that is in my hands as I stared at the photo of me and Tanya together.
"Well, apparently, people are believing that you are cheating on America's Princess with another girl." Jane said like it was that obvious.
"I-I know about that!" I said like I already get it. What I don't get is how this happened!
"Hey, you asked the question." Ben asked causing me to glare at him as he raised his hands up in surrender.
"Edward, what's going on? What's your cousin doing back in Forks and not in Alaska?" Angela asked.
"She and her family were visiting since her dad got a new position at his firm in Forks. They're moving here this week." I explained.
"Wait, she is?" Alec said in surprised. Before I could answer, Seth cut in.
"So wait, what was going on in that photo?" He asked.
"I gave her a ride to her family since she came to school by Uber. It was after I made the announcement to go to UW at the assembly." I answered. "She just gave me a thank you for the help."
"Well it doesn't look like she was thanking you in this photo, looks like something serious is going on between you two like an actual couple dating behind Bella." Heidi said as she took the magazine and look through it.
"But that's my cousin!" I stated.
"Well, we know that since we know her, but I don't think everyone here does." Jessica said as I looked to see some students watching me from afar. A lot of glares in my directions. One guy even pretended to slit his throat, indicating it on me.
"Dude, you're dating your cousin? That's creepy weird. OW!" Demetri cried when I smacked him in the back of the head with the magazine I whipped off from Heidi's hands.
"Quit joking around here, this is serious!" I said in annoyance and turned to Jessica. "Explain this!"
"Well according to what Laurent said from the photograph his friend took, you were seen walking a girl to your car being all happy. That's when she went up and kissed you thus showing that you two are dating behind Bella's back." Jessica explained as she took the magazine and opened it to read through it.
"I don't fucking believe this." I said. "How did I not know a paparazzi was following me? It was just the two of us the whole time from the gym to the parking lot after school." Was I so frustrated with what I've been dealing with this past week that I didn't pay attention to my surroundings? I mean, I was venting out my feelings with Tanya as she listens but I was sure there wasn't anyone around.
"What did you expect? This is the paparazzi we're talking about here. When they go finding the dirt on celebrities or anyone related or close to them, they have to be all sneaky along with being sleazy and disgusting." Jessica pointed out.
"Not to mention failing to have evidence since they left out what was going on between you two, if they even heard the conversation that is." Alec said.
"Well, well, well," Oh for the love of god. I thought as I turned around to see Mike and his friends coming up to us. "Look who decided to show up to school today." Mike said sounding pleased.
"We didn't think you would come to school after we heard what's going on between you and this girl, whoever she is." Austin said teasingly causing me to tighten my fists that my nails are digging into my skin.
"Say, if that girl dumps you and since it's over between you and Bella, can you hook me up with the hot blonde?" Tyler asked with a grin.
"Fuck you!" I spat causing Demetri and Alec to put their hands on my shoulders to prevent me from launching myself at them.
"No thanks, I'm into chicks and you know that." Tyler said with his hands up in surrender.
"So what was that about you were saying about me using Bella for my own selfish gain of pleasure without any ounce of regard to how she feels?" Mike said with a smirk as he held out his copy of the magazine. "Well look who's talking? Hate to say I told you so, Cullen, but I knew you were up to something and it looks like Laurent and his team know their shit on you. And you once said that you genuinely love Bella. Well, now she sees the kind of guy you really are from this." Mike said as he and his laughed. That's when it hit me.
"Oh no, Bella." I said quietly in horror as I took off away from everyone and ran down some hallways passing everyone who is calling me out believing I'm cheating on Bella. Once I found a deserted corner, I pulled out my phone and started calling. The phone kept ringing until it went to voicemail.
"Hey, this is Bella, sorry that I can't pick up, but um, you can just leave a message after the beep. … Bye."
"Fuck." I said in frustration as I tried to call again a few times only to do the same thing and I fear the worse. No, she couldn't. She can't believe that I…
"Edward!" I turned around and saw Tanya along with her two sisters running up to me.
"I take it as in you guys heard?" I asked.
"Well, the boos we got the minute we entered the building was quite the welcoming." Kate said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes.
"And then there's us getting dosed with water from those little freshmen brats who claim us as witches to see us melted." Irina said in disbelief as she was squeezing the end of her shirt to let out the water and I saw the three of them were indeed wet, but thankfully not completely.
"Everyone is really believing about you and me, Edward. It's hard to tell who they hate more." Tanya said.
"Tanya, I'm so sorry you got dragged into this." I said, feeling bad for how she's being treated. Some welcome she's getting on her first day of school here in Forks.
"No Edward," Tanya shook her head and then gave me a sad look. "I'm the one who's sorry. I did those things that made it look like we were together. I mean," She shudders. "No offense, you're good looking and all, but you're my cousin for god sakes." I chuckled a little bit. That's when I saw my friends rushing over to us.
"Oh, uh, hey Tanya." Alec said when they saw Tanya and her sisters.
"Hey, um, welcome to Forks High." Heidi welcomed my cousins awkwardly.
"Thanks, although I wish we were greeted in better circumstances." Irina said.
"You okay man?" Seth asked me, worriedly.
"No. I tried calling Bella but she's not picking up." I asked after seeing on my phone that I've called her like ten times with no answer. "You don't think she saw the photos and think…" I asked as if I feel the worse.
"Well, I would assure you that she's busy but it sounds like she does believe Laurent, based on Rosalie's tweet." Jane said when she was on her phone and then showed it to me where I saw Rosalie on Twitter and her latest post and what it reads. Fuck!
Hey asshole, if you're reading this or your friends are, you got some fucking nerve to use Bella that way. I should've known all along that you would use Bella for your own gain and pleasure not giving a damn about how she feels and I can assure you karma is about to bite your ass hard!
You and your dumb blonde bimbo friend can go fuck yourselves while the whole world gives you shit for hurting Bella and if I ever see your face again, which I probably will, you will so lose your balls!
Enjoy being the number one jerk face!
"Unfuckingbelievable." I said after reading the tweet.
"And I thought Jane was scary." Demetri commented.
"Hey!" Jane snapped causing Demetri to jump as he coward behind Heidi.
"Well Rosalie isn't the only one calling you out," Jessica said as she pulled out her laptop and opened her website forum to show the display. "Everyone on my fan page saying not so nice things about you worse than how they questioned about who you even are. They even posted links to a lot of social media accounts dedicated to you being the most hated person in America."
"Are you kidding me?!"
"I wish she wasn't, but it's all there." Ben said as he showed me his phone where there's a Facebook page where a photo of me was shown in my football uniform except that there were markings on my face with the title "Jerk Face" on it.
"Jess, you're the admin of the website, stop those spammers from calling out Edward." Seth said like it was that easy.
"Hey, this isn't like having a magic wand and with a flick of a wrist make things will go away," Jessica snapped as she shut her laptop. "Besides, even if I were to do it, they keep on responding on the website. I've been getting emails nonstop since I woke up. It's a new record I might add." She said as she pulled out her phone and looking at the screen in amazement.
"Excuse me?!" I said in a "Hello" tone.
"Sorry." Jessica said.
"Dude, you really need to chill out. I know you're pissed about this, so are we, but getting angry isn't going to do anything." Alec said as he placed a hand on my shoulder.
I sighed in frustration as I ran a hand through my hair. "Man, I don't know if this could get any worse."
"Cullen." We all turned and saw Coach Clapp coming over to us. Oh no, don't tell me. "We need to talk."
"Look coach, if it's about what's going on, Tanya and I aren't having an affair." I explained.
"I know," Coach said causing us to be surprised. "I saw your cousin come here after everyone was gone from the national signing. She told me who she was and asked me where you were." He nodded to Tanya who smiled in appreciation. "Anyway, I got some bad news. The University of Washington has revoked your admissions to their school. You won't be playing for them next year."
"WHAT?!"
"What the fuck do you mean? Why?" I asked.
"I was contacted by my wife's sister who heard about it. She was shocked to hear how the admissions office would do such a thing." Coach said. "But that's not all. When I was told about it, I went to Nick Saban, head coach from Alabama, to see if he still wants you to play for his team, but he instantly said no. Said something about hearing from Washington already that you were difficult to work with."
"Wow, that school didn't waste time." Ben commented.
"That's bullshit!" I asked in outrage.
"I know. It made me a little suspicious, so I contacted some of my friends from other schools. Apparently, Oregon and LSU have been told the same thing. I'd bet every other school has too."
"What?! Why am I being blacklisted?" I asked.
"I don't know, and I'm going to get to the bottom of it. A school shouldn't blacklist a student from admissions, especially one as talented as you, Cullen. I gotta go. You all better get to class." Right on cue, the warning bell rang for everyone to get to class. "Go, and Cullen, just try your best to stay out of trouble, okay?" I nodded my head as we all went separate ways to class.
I made my way to Spanish where I was greeted with glares from the students. The teacher didn't react but told everyone to be ready for class. I made my way to my seat and pulled out my stuff. Once the teacher began the lesson, I pulled out my phone and texted underneath my desk.
Bella, why aren't you answering my calls? – Edward
No response and I waited five minutes before I typed another message.
You need to listen to me. What you saw in those photos, it's not what you and everyone else thinks. – Edward
Still nothing, and my heart is breaking for what it has come to.
Love, it pains me to believe you are hurting, but not the reason you think. You can't possibly believe what they say over me, are you? – Edward
Nothing, and I'm on the urge to break down.
Bella, just please call me or answer back. You don't know how this hurts me to see that you won't even talk to me about this. Please, you got to believe me. If we don't have trust, what don't we have? – Edward
And still nothing, and I decided to give up for now until class is over. I looked up as the teacher was on the board writing something when something hit me on the side of my head and landed on my desk. It was a crumpled paper ball and I looked to my right to see two guys with their desks away from mine. They were glaring; one of them pulled his eyelid down and stuck his tongue at me. I sighed as left the paper ball alone not wanting to know what happens when I unwrap it.
I just can't believe it. Everyone is mad at me because they actually from Laurent and his magazine that I am cheating on Bella, I lost my spot to play college football and have been blacklisted from even playing there meaning my dreams playing in the NFL are gone, and worse of all, Bella doesn't believe me. I can't believe Bella chose to believe the media over me. Why won't she give me a chance to explain? And what about her friends, and Charlie? No doubt Renee "claims" that she's right about me, and there's no doubt that Charlie and the others will think different of me now because of the article.
This is all fucking Laurent's fault! I don't know how he did it but he's going to fucking pay for making that lie about me! He just had to have someone follow me and then make an assumption that Tanya and I are having an affair. How can everyone actually believe him over me? Maybe to the public I understand but the people in Forks, THEY KNOW ME! They should know the kind of person I am. I am mad, and hurt. Why is this happening to me? What did I ever do to deserve this? If this keeps up, I will lose everything. My life, my dreams, my future… and Bella.
I will forever lose Bella all because she chose to listen to some news report over me. And I can't let that happen.
"Mrs. Goff, can I go to the nurse's office?" I said, raising my hand.
The teacher turned to me. "Sure, Senior Edward, you might as well take your things with you since there's only ten minutes left of class." She said as sure enough, I saw the clock that says that class is over in ten minutes.
I grabbed my things and rushed out of the classroom as students were whispering but ignored them. I rushed in the deserted hallway until I arrived at the bathroom and I went inside and locked myself into the stall. Thankfully, the bathroom is empty.
"Come on, come on," I said as I pulled out my phone and tried calling Bella again. The phone kept ringing and it seems like once again, she's ignoring me and with each passing second, I feel like I'm about to fall apart.
That's when it happened after the seventh ring.
"Hello." I was relieved that Bella finally answered. From the other line, I heard some sniffling. No doubt she was crying which confirms what's going on.
"Oh Bella, I'm so glad you answered." I said. "You have no idea how worried I was when you didn't answer my calls or text messages."
"Oh really?" Bella asked, still sniffling.
"Listen, what you saw in those photos, it's not what it looks like." I explained.
"Really, it doesn't look like you were cheating on me with another girl?" Bella asked, shattering my heart right there at that statement.
"No! It's not like that! She was here to see me and I was venting out about how everyone was treating me different since you and I were found out and Tanya just gave me advice on what to do. She came here by Uber so I offered her a ride home." I explained, hoping she would see through that.
"And you accepted this Tanya's payment with a hug and kiss?" Bella sniffed.
"Bella, you know it's not like that!" I said.
"Then what does it look like?!" Bella yelled as she broke down and cried causing my heart to break to hear her like this. "As you said, she came to see you which means you were expecting her! I can't believe I wasted the last few months on you."
"Love, don't say that." I pleaded. "These last few months have been nothing but amazing with you. Everything that has happened to us were real, how I feel about you was real. Everything I said to you about us, was real."
"And yet here you are cheating on me with another girl." Bella said as started crying.
"I would never cheat on you! That girl means nothing to me at all! Bella, you are the one I love, the one I want to be with, everything that Laurent and his magazine said was total bullshit! I would never cheat on you, especially with my cousin." I said.
That's when Bella stopped crying, though she gave out a hiccup as she sniffled. "W-What?" She said. "Your… Your cousin?"
"Yes, my cousin." I said as I start explaining. "Her mom and my mom are sisters. She came here to see me while her dad was getting things straighten out at his new law firm in Forks since they are moving here from Alaska. She and her sisters transferred to my school." I then raised an eyebrow when I remembered something. "I told you about her, remember?"
There was silence on the other hand and I was afraid that she went back to not believing me. That's when Bella gave out a small gasp. "So you and her… you didn't… you never…"
"No Bella," I said as I sigh in relief. "Nothing happened between us. Those photos you saw were completely taken out of context. Tanya and I may have a close relationship, but she's my cousin. Even if she's not, I love you. It's always you."
There was silence again as Bella's crying started calm down for a while. That's when Bella let out a loud gasp this time. "ARGH, THAT BITCH!"
"Hey, that's my cousin you're talking about." I defended. "She may be a piece of work but I wouldn't call her a bitch."
"Not her, my mother." Bella said.
"What's your mother got to do with it?" I asked in confusion.
"She saw Eclipse's article of you and your cousin when it came out and took it upon herself to forward it to every articles and the media to show off of what she thinks of you before telling me what she did after she told me what you… well what she thinks you did." Bella explained.
Of course, fucking Renee. She had to get the chance to oust me to the world so that my relationship with her daughter is officially over. Well, she only got half of her hopes to come true.
"Edward, I am so sorry. I should've known better." Bella said.
"Love, it's okay." I said, feeling relieved that she now believes me.
"No it's not! I shouldn't have acted how I did and I should've known you better than how my mother has." Bella said. "I should've known you would never cheat on me."
"Well I'm glad you believe me now, unlike everyone at my school apart from my friends who think otherwise." I said with a sigh.
"Oh no." Bella said sadly.
"Yeah, everyone is really giving me shit and I got rejected from playing football at UW, or any other colleges as I have been blacklisted." I said causing Bella to gasp.
"No!" She said. "Edward, don't worry, I will get things straight with the media about you. Charlie will get a lawyer to file a lawsuit for you for that article."
"Bella, you don't have to do that." I said. And it's not because she didn't have to do it because she feels bad for how she acted. My family and I have a lawyer who is a close friend of Aro, Caius. And that guy is a serious shark as an attorney. He hits them hard suing them twice than what a person makes in a lifetime. He can triple it when he counter sues them. He's just as good as Uncle Eleazar.
"Edward, Laurent has gone too far! He has been trashing every celebrity, ruining their lives and reputation by defaming them and making up lies that are not even close to the truth , not to mention their careers without a care in the world as long he makes big money out of them. And now he crossed the line taking things out of context from the photos he took from stalking you, an innocent guy who people don't even know about and is about to ruin your life. I won't have it! He's about to regret publishing that article about you." Bella said angrily with determination, something that makes love her even more how she's willing to fight for me.
"Bella,"
"No, I am doing this because I love you Edward. I'm not going to let Laurent ruin your life and I won't let the world treat you like this anymore. They have to see how much you mean to me and that you're the one I love." Bella said.
"I was going to say that I love you." I smiled.
"Oh." Bella said sounding embarrassed causing me to chuckle. "So…"
"So…" I encouraged teasingly remembering when I first thought Bella actually confessed she loves Rider when that scandal came out.
"So, do you forgive me, for how I acted?" Bella asked nervously.
"Love, there is nothing to apologize for." I said. "You didn't know so it's all good."
"Except that people believe you are cheating on me." She pointed out.
"I'll deal with it." I said as the bell rang indicating that class is over. "I better go."
"Okay Edward, just be careful." Bella said.
"I will."
"And Edward, I love you too." Bella said and with that she hung up. I got out of the stall and washed my hands to make to things convincing in case of students coming in and then exited the bathroom.
I ignored all the boos, the glaring, and the hateful comments at me as I met up with my friends.
"Hey, everything okay man?" Demetri asked with concern. "You know, besides the obvious I mean."
"Actually it's good." I gave them a smile. "Bella finally believed me when I told her that Tanya's my cousin and not my lover."
"Well that's good to hear." Heidi said as everyone else feels relieved. "At least with Bella now knowing the truth, I'm sure everyone will believe that you are innocent about what the whole affair thing."
"Well it's going to be harder than you make it sound Heidi, because this whole Edward cheating on Bella is still trending." Jane said. "It's already going on at TMZ and E News." Ah man. I thought as I sighed.
"How are we going to convince everyone that Laurent got it wrong and that Edward never cheated on Bella?" Angela asked.
"It all depends on if Laurent confesses he got it all wrong." Jessica answered. "But according to what Alice told me about him, he doesn't confess about his articles even when they are not even close to the truth. And those who tried to sue Laurent for defamation and such, they ended up losing the case no matter what."
"How?" Ben asked.
"I don't know but I'm certain that Laurent has good connections with his attorneys to be sure the court rules in his favor." Jessica said. Unfuckingbelievable. I thought. No wonder people believe in what Laurent says.
"Well, we could try to tell everyone in school that Edward is not cheating on Bella ourselves," Seth suggested.
"But then like they ever going to believe someone like us over Laurent." Alec pointed out.
"Well we'll just have to endure it until Bella can tell everyone herself about the truth." Demetri said.
"You really think she'll be able to do that?" Ben asked.
"She is America's Princess, how hard can it be for people to not believe her." Demetri asked with a shrug.
"In the meantime," Alec said as he turned to me.
"Yeah, yeah, I know, don't draw so much attention." I said like I know the drill as the warning bell for the next class rang and we all went our separate ways for class.
The next few classes continue on with everyone in school believing I am having an affair behind Bella's back. People glare at me everywhere I go, whispers came from them, and they're not even close to a whisper. They're just so I can purposely hear them. Most posts on social media I find with a lot hate from fans and people online. I had to set my accounts to private and block all comments and messages when I received a lot hate and death threats. These people are so blind. I get that they love Bella and they're defending her but must they go out of their way to attack me? I mean, how much does everyone hate me? How much further can this go? At least the teachers aren't being disrespectful to me. I can see through them that from all the taunting and hate I've been given in class, the teachers are getting to behave themselves, even if its out of their hands.
"Did you really had to do that?" I asked Demetri as we left physics signaling lunch time.
"Hey, someone had to teach that little shit a lesson for giving you crap." Demetri defended.
"You got yourself detention for it." I pointed out as we met up with the others.
"So?"
"You slipped a jar of ants into his pants!" I said.
"Well it's his fault for not wearing a belt to school." Demetri said with a shrug.
"You got detention again? What am I going to do after school now that you got in trouble again?" Heidi asked with a sigh as she shook her head.
"You could get yourself in trouble and join me in detention." Demetri smirked causing me to playfully shove him as Heidi smacked his chest.
"She does that and then everyone would be begging to get out of detention with you two making out." Alec said causing us to laugh as we arrived at the cafeteria.
The minute we entered, we were surprised to see that it wasn't packed as it always was during lunch time. The chattering was barely loud to cover the whole room as there were a few students sitting around at their tables, even if they were staring in our direction.
"Where is everyone?" Jessica asked as we all looked around.
"I don't know but it doesn't look like they all went out for lunch." Seth said then something came to him. "Unless there's a big sale at McDonalds!"
"Always thinking about food." Jane sighed as she shook her head.
"So what's going on then?" Angela asked.
"Oh, everyone went out, but they're still in school." We all turned to see some scrawny kid who we know as Randall Poyer, the school snitch who is disliked by us and the entire school.
"What do you want Randall?" Demetri asked in annoyance as if he doesn't have time to deal with him.
"I'm just being a good friend to tell you what's going on." Randall smirked.
"Since when the hell did we became friends?" Heidi asked in disgust.
"What's going on? Where is everybody?" I asked Randall.
"Oh, let's just say that they are all organizing a special event that involves you, Cullen." Randall chuckled as he plays with his fingers looking very pleased causing me to be so annoyed. That's when Jane grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him close to her until their noses touched in such fast motion. There, Randall's expression quickly changed to fear and being intimidated.
"Do you wanna be on team faculty or team students?! Just don't get me to make you team pussy!" Jane snapped.
"Y-You have to go to the student parking lot now! It's really bad!" Randall stuttered as he pointed to where we came out.
Jane let go of him as we all rushed down the hallways and out the of the building.
"Look, over there!" Seth said as we all saw a lot of students gathering around in the parking lot where they seem to be surrounding something. We ran towards the parking lot until we stopped midway when we saw what they were doing.
"Oh my gosh!" Angela gasped.
"Holy shit!" Demetri exclaimed.
"NO!" I cried when we saw my Volvo being scratched being dented while every tires was slashed. Spray paint was on every windows with hateful words about me along with silly strings while unknown liquid was being sprayed by water guns. All of it caused by the students who are vandalizing my car, Mike, Tyler, Paul, Jared, Embry and Quil the closet to my car, and many others included on damaging my car as Lauren and her friends were recording, cheering them on in encouragement while Austin was jumping up and down on top of my car.
"HEY!" Alec said as I saw Jane grabbed his football and threw it hard for a bullseye on Austin causing him to double over as he fell off my car and landed on the ground. As he did so before everyone could react, I shoved Mike out of the way as Alec and Ben did the same to Embry and Quil while Seth tackled both Jared and Paul to the ground and Demetri punched Tyler right in the face. Everyone backed away as my friends and I gathered around my car as if we were ready to fight.
"What the hell you guys?!" I asked in outraged. "That was my car you fucking vandalized!"
"Exactly! Gotta teach you a lesson for cheating on Bella you jerk!" One of Lauren's friends said as she held out her phone aiming at me.
"And to think I used have a thing for you." Lauren said to me.
"Okay, that is a new low for you guys!" Jessica said as Austin slowly got up while covering his balls.
"Yeah, are you really that stupid? You really believed in that bullshit of Edward cheating on Bella?" Heidi asked in disbelief.
"Well everything in the photos says so. So if Laurent and his team took those then it's true!"
"Are you guys even listening to yourselves?!" Alec asked in disbelief. "You're actually going to believe in the guy who goes trashing every celebrity over the guy you knew your whole life?!"
"We know how Edward has been so discreet over his relationship first with this Isabella who turns out to Bella who she did date, who else could Edward be seeing?" Mike said as everyone else was in agreement.
"And Bella hasn't said anything, so it must be true!" Tyler said as the crowd agreed.
"You guys are unbelievable!" Jessica said. "You are so blinded on your loyalty to Bella that you failed to remember who you know, not to mention how guys missed out one detail about the girl who I thought you guys remembered is related to Edward as her cousin." That there stopped everyone as they suddenly went silent having confused looks on their faces.
"Cousin?"
"Yes, cousin." We all turned to see Tanya and her sisters coming in with their arms crossed and their expression very stern. "Edward is my cousin by blood. His mom is my mom's younger sister. The reason of the affection I gave Edward in those photos is because I was grateful for him offering me a ride back to my family when I came to see him to let him know we were moving here because of our dad's job." Tanya said.
"Oh that's bullshit." Mike scoffed.
"Yeah, bravo on the acting ladies." Lauren applauded sarcastically as many of the students sniggered. "You guys will definitely be awarded Succubus of the Year."
"Oh you like spirit?" Kate asked Lauren. "You're about to become one!" Irina and Tanya held on to Kate when she about to launched herself at Lauren who backed away.
"No not the nose, it was a birthday gift." She said as she covered her nose.
"Well the point is, there's no need to pull out a fake story to save your ass." Paul said to my cousins and then looked at me.
"Uh actually, I don't think they are making it up." Someone said and we all turned to one of the students that spoke and he looked like he was realizing something.
That's when his eyes slowly widened and he looked horrified. "We saw photos of her before."
"Well yeah, I'm sure it's all over the internet." Mike said like it was that obvious.
"No! I've seen those photos of her and I'm sure you guys have too!" He told everyone. "Remember when we go to Edward's house every year after the opening night game at the beginning of the school year? And those times we were at Edward's birthday party? There were photos of Edward and his family on the wall. In those photos were those girls." He pointed at my cousins causing the students to be confused.
"I… I think he's on to something." Another student said.
"What? You can't possibly believe that Edward and his side chick are cousins." Mike scoffed.
"They're not lying." He said as he realized something sounding like he was horrified. "Her dad is Eleazar Denali, the notorious attorney who has never lost a case. His family is from Alaska."
"I… I think I heard about them." A girl said. "I even heard that they were moving to Forks since their dad transferred law firms here. His three daughters were Tanya, Kate and Irina who are all coming to Forks High." She said as her eyes widened while the students started murmuring as their expression changed.
"So wait, you're saying that girl really is Edward's cousin?"
"But if they are indeed cousins, then that would mean…" Lauren trailed off and then she had a horrified look on her face. About fucking time. "Oh shit."
"Oh shit is right." Tanya said, glaring at the students.
"Thanks for the welcoming you all gave us." Kate said sarcastically.
"Yeah, I'm sure the greetings, being sprayed on and, what was it you called us, giving us the title of Succubus of the Year award was very welcoming." Irina said. Lauren and her friends gulped as they shrunk down and back away nervously.
"You're lucky that black shiner I gave you matches your skin." Demetri said to Tyler who covered his black eye in shame as everyone else realized what they did and literally dropped what they are doing as if they were holding something very contagious causing the items to make clanging noises.
"You're all should be ashamed of yourselves!" Angela said disapprovingly with her hands on her hips while my friends were all glaring at the entire student body as I was still angry at them. "You called yourselves Little Swans?"
"Little Swans are supposed to be kind, loving and respectful to others apart from being loyal to Bella." Jessica said. "What they aren't supposed to be are cruel and demeaning to attack others as their way of defending Bella Swan!"
"For god sakes you guys, you know Edward Cullen your whole lives before you even heard about Bella Swan!" Seth said. "This guy didn't just won you championships, he has done great things here in Forks such as being a good friend to you! That means you should know Edward isn't the type of guy to cheat on a girl at all!"
"But I guess all you dumbasses care about is Bella this, Bella that. Bella, Bella, Bella." Jane said. "You choose her right away when you hear things about her coming from Laurent and the others instead of hearing from Edward and marked him as the enemy!"
"I don't know what is it with you guys." Demetri said. "There's a difference between you all and us." He pointed at Heidi and the others. "The big difference between us is that we know Edward for who he is and we didn't treat him any different when we found out he and Bella are dating. You on the other hand, did!"
"I don't know if it's because you don't think Edward's the right guy for Bella or whatever bullshit reason, but whatever reason you guys are acting is bullshit!" Alec said.
"Yeah, if Bella was here right now, she'd be extremely disappointed in each and everyone of you for what you did, even if Edward wasn't her boyfriend." Heidi said as the students looked extremely embarrassed.
"Well I'm sure she will be when winter break comes and she and her friends come over for the event that is happening for the holidays when we tell them the news." Ben said. At those words, heads sprung up like meerkats.
"Wait, what?" The students were looking at us in shock at what Ben said.
"Oh, did we forget to mention? Bella and her friends are coming back for the holidays and are spending it with Edward at his house, where the party is at." Ben said with a smirk causing everyone's eyes widened as they turned to me to see if it's true while I was this close to losing my temper.
"I was going to announce the Christmas party for the school as a celebration for winter break. It was for you guys to get the chance to meet Bella and her friends. That way you guys would see that I am the same guy you all know from before." I said angrily. "It was an open invite, but I changed my mind, only my friends and family are allowed to come." And with that, I turned around with my friends and cousins behind me, not before Seth informed them that his sister and the police force are on their way, as I marched my way back inside the school building as everyone was calling me back from the parking lot while dealing with the police who have arrived.
The rest of the afternoon was nothing but annoyance as students, after getting in trouble with the police for vandalism and have been reported to their parents to pay the damages, were now all up on my ass begging me to reconsider the invite to the Christmas party at my place where Bella and her friends will be, in class and on social media. But I wouldn't budge. Since they treated me badly for believing in Laurent and ruining my car, there was no going back. They did the crime and now they're paying for it. I don't care how bad they feel. Why should I give them a benefit of a doubt? It's their own fault.
"Please, please, PLEASE!" They begged as a lot of students were following me to my locker when school was over. "Let us meet Bella."
"For the billionth time, no!" I said for what has been the billionth time as I was getting annoyed by their presence now.
"B-But come on, we said we were sorry." Tyler pleaded.
"No, you said would it help if we say we're sorry. That's not close to a damn apology at all." I snapped as we arrived at my locker.
"A-And you didn't answer, so who owes who an apology now?" Lauren said as if she made her point.
"A few hours ago, you all were giving me shit, treating me like the bad guy believing what Laurent published that I was cheating on Bella." I said as I was doing the combination to open my locker. "So why should I even consider inviting you all to come over to my house for the Christmas party?"
"Uh because you're a gentleman and that would bring bad karma if you don't respect our wishes?" Embry guessed causing me to give them a piss off look.
"I was getting bad karma for some bullshit you all believe in when I did nothing at all. You think I'll get good karma regardless?" I asked.
"Look Edward, we didn't know that was your cousin you were always telling us about. Just please! We really want to meet Bella."
At those words, I slammed my locker shut so loudly that I'm sure the whole school can hear it as evident by the students making a jump from the sound of it as I turned to them and snapped.
"You all suck! You know that?!" I asked in outraged.
"Yeah, you all suck." Tyer said to everyone as he makes his way through the crowd and comes over to me. "Come on, Edward." But I stopped him right there.
"No," I said as I shoved him back to the crowd hard causing Tyler to stumble. "All of you! You're all just using me to get close to Bella and her famous friends. You know how that makes me feel?"
"Flattered?" Austin guessed causing me to get even more pissed.
"Used!"
"I was gonna guess that." Paul said to Austin.
"All my life, I know you guys since we were in diapers, and through all the times we've been through, you have been given me nothing but respect. You guys heard about me and know about my life, my goals and everything about me. Now ever since you found out about me and Bella, you all treat me first as you are unsure about my relationship with Bella and now you actually believed that I'm the type of guy to actually cheat on women or treat any women with no respect! And even so if you didn't believe in those lies, you all only care about me as a way to be close to Bella.
You wanna know how I'm still me, regardless of if Bella's famous or not when I'm dating her? Because I never lost touch of my roots! I never forgot about who I am and where I came from, and I certainly wouldn't change if I were to become famous myself. And if it was someone else in this school that is dating Bella instead of me, I wouldn't get all pissed off, or treat that person differently because I know them as before. I wouldn't use them to get close to Bella even though I'm a big fan. But it's obvious you all don't care about me or how I feel about this as long as you get what you want and you're too blinded to remember the people you once knew. If that's how you wanted to be and how you'll treat me when I make it into the NFL, then fuck all of you!" And with that, I walked away from the crowd in anger leaving the students in silence.
"If I make into the NFL with what is happening to me that is." I said to myself.
"To ask the right question is already half the solution of a problem." I stopped when I was facing Aro.
"Forgive me for saying this sir, but my life is completely fucked up now since my relationship with Bella came out." I said.
"Yes, one day, your life was completely normal, and now, your life is turned a completely one-eighty out of nowhere right into your face." Aro nodded in agreement.
"Why?" I asked. Why is my life now is thrown into chaos? What did I ever do to deserve this?
"That is just how life goes." Aro said. "You may be building your own path but that path doesn't come without obstacles. Everyone faces them, and it's how we face them is what makes the person they are today."
"Will I be able to get through this?" I asked if there was any hope in my life.
"All you have to do now Edward, is take things one step at a time." Aro said with an encouraging smile. "Things will work out for you; you and Bella. Remember how much she loves you as you love her, and don't forget about those closest to you. Your real friends who are there for you and know the kind of person you." I nodded my head, though I'm not sure things will be that easy.
I said goodbye to Aro as I left the school building and made it to my car, still vandalized. The guys all used their spare tires to replace all four of mine until I get them fixed. At least my car still runs no problem. I just can't fucking believe Mike, Tyler, Paul, Lauren and many other of the students would stoop so low by damaging my car. I'd rather have the beating than letting them damage something that is precious to me.
How did it come to this, that's on them for believing I was the bad guy. I don't know if my life could get any worse. My car is ruined, I lost my admission to play college football in UW and I've been blacklisted from any colleges, and minus the school that realizes the truth, the whole world believes I cheated on Bella Swan and are treating me badly. All because of Laurent. I don't care if I end up in jail, but when I see him, I will beat his face until he wishes he just kept his mouth shut.
I got out of the parking lot and drove to Renesmee's school and parked near the school. I arrived at the place where I were to pick her up. As I arrived, I saw a lot of parents who were already here, looking at me. I ignored them as I waited until the school bell rang and soon kids were coming out of the classrooms. I found my sister's class though I couldn't find her. It wasn't until I saw my sister's friends Alison, Kat, and Jason coming over to me with nervous looks. I was concern when I saw Alison and Kat all cover in glitter and Jason had a black eye for some reason. That's when Jason moved aside and what I saw shocks me.
"Renesmee!" I cried when I rushed over to her and got down on my knee to her level. "What happened to you?!" I asked, horrified as I saw my sister's beautiful long hair where it looks like it was cut off unevenly. I saw how some of her hair were all put together and realized it was glued adding with glitter. There were bruises on her arms along with her backpacked being ruined and I don't think that's what making her cry. "Nessie, say something." She didn't say anything and I turned to her friends frantically. "What happened to her?"
"Everyone in our class were being mean to her." Kat answered causing me to be shocked and confused.
"Why? Renesmee's the nicest girl ever, why would they do this to her?" I asked.
"They were laughing at her because of some man taking photos at our school." Alison said.
"What man?" I asked in alarm.
"We don't know, but this man with long brown hair was on the other side of the fence while we were outside playing during recess." Jason explained. "He had a camera in his hands and he was trying to take pictures of Nessie. We don't know why, but we really didn't like it coming from him so we tried to cover her and then he gave up and ran. That's when everyone saw it and started making fun of Nessie." He finished sadly as I froze from the news.
A paparazzi was here? At this school? And he was trying to take pictures of my little sister?! That fucker is going to get it for harassing Renesmee!
"And they did this to her?" I asked them and they nodded their hands.
"Yes, all the girls started throwing glitter at her and even poured some glue on her. Then they tried cutting off her hair." Alison said sadly.
"The boys were teasing Nessie, throwing things at her, tripping her, even kicking her when she was down." Jason said angrily.
"We tried to stop them, but they started attacking us as well for helping Nessie. We tried Edward, we did." Kat said as she sniffed. I just stood there as all I saw was red while my body was shaking to where the point blood was at its highest point.
"And the teacher didn't do a thing about it?!" I said, holding back a growl.
"We had a substitute today, and she didn't do a thing. She seems okay about it." Jason answered, pointing and I looked around to see Renesmee's classmates laughing and pointing at her causing me to be extremely pissed, just as pissed to see the young teacher who is at the classroom they came out of talking to the principal.
"Wait here." I said to my sister and her friends and marched my way to the two adults. "Excuse me,"
The principal, Mr. Mitchel turned and smiled to me. "Oh hello Edward, it's been awhile. How are you?"
"How about you explain to me why you hired her to allow Mrs. Hawkins' class to bully my little sister?!" I snapped as I pointed at the teacher who jumped when I yelled at her.
Mr. Mitchel was shocked while concerned as he turned to the teacher. "What is he talking about?"
"I-I-I don't know what he means." She stuttered.
"You're calling my sister's friends liars?! I'm talking about how your staff failed to see an unwanted guest on your school grounds trying to take pictures of Renesmee and her class started bullying her and her friends!" I said to them angrily.
"What?!"
"T-That's not what's happening. I don't know anything about a paparazzi taking pictures of the students." She defended.
"Who said anything about the paparazzi?" I asked with a raised eyebrow causing the teacher to go pale as Mr. Mitchel looked livid.
"Ms. Dean, you, meet me in my office! Right now!" He snapped at her causing the teacher to have her head down as she scurried into the building. The principal then turned to me with apologetic look. "I am so sorry about this, Edward. I didn't know."
"Try explaining that to my parents when they bring our lawyer into this!" I snapped and walked away before he could say anything.
I walked over to the girls in my sister's class who's laughing expression changed when they saw my anger as I approached them.
"You think it's funny to give my sister a haircut?! Huh, do you?!" I asked as the girls looked completely scared now. "How would you like it if I had some of my friends come to your house and give you a look you wouldn't like?! And YOU!" I then came at the boys. "If you EVER pick on my sister ever again, I swear to god that is the last thing you'll ever do!" At my words, all the boys simultaneously pissed in their pants. "Come on, Renesmee!" I said as I came to her and Renesmee immediately rushed over to my side as we walked away from school passed the parents who were shocked and stunned to say or do anything.
"I'm sorry, Edward." Renesmee said quietly as we arrived at my car. Oh thank goodness she spoke. I was worried she was traumatized or something.
"Hey," I said softly as I got down on her level. "There's nothing to be sorry about. You didn't do anything wrong. That teacher and your classmates did this, not you. It'll be okay." I said as I stroke her hair. Renesmee remained quiet and my heart broke at what she's been through.
"I got an idea, how about we go for some ice cream? That'll cheer you up." I asked her and she looked at me where I saw a little glimmer of happiness shown in her eyes as she nodded her head.
My sister got into the back of my car and I called my father, who happens to be at home with my mother for some reason instead of work, about what happened. Telling him the news, to say my parents were pissed was an understatement. Carlisle had to control Esme from going all mama bear mode so she can rushed over to the school to give them a piece of her mind. But that's not all what happened during the phone call. It seems my sister and I aren't the only ones having it rough today.
Words gets around fast here in Forks, faster than a barefoot jackrabbit on a hot greasy griddle in the middle of August. Turns out everyone where my parents work are believing what Laurent wrote about me and are questioning my parents the kind they are to raise me, even doubting about their love for each other which is bullshit! Carlisle told the hospital that he was taking a sabbatical until further notices in such a calm "Carlisle way" when questioned him, using some bullshit evidence of how the nurses always fall for him. Esme on the other hand, quit her job. Apparently her coworker told her boss when he heard about it and he somehow believed hi and Laurent's article. There was arguing back and forth until Esme told them that she quit and packed her things from her office without a word to the company.
I was angry at how the people at Forks are treating my parents, but I also feel bad. They are taking the hate and the backlash because of me. Now their jobs are in jeopardy because their employees turned on them. That's just fucking fantastic.
I got into my car and drove my sister and I to Baskin Robins a few minutes later where we arrived. We walked inside where there wasn't many people inside and approached the counter.
"Hello, what can I do for you?" She asked us with a smile, which seems genuine.
Renesmee told me her favorite before I can order. "My sister will have the Oreo Cookies and Cream and I'll have the chocolate chip." I said as the worker smiled as she puts in the order.
"Can't believe he's actually here." I hear a whisper. I remain still as I looked through the corner of my eye on the left to see two other employees close together, watching me and my sister.
"I'll say. I'm surprised he would bring the little brat in this state." The other one whispered to her.
"I hope that jerk gets what's coming to him because she sure deserved it." She said.
"Is there something you wanna say?!" I snapped loudly as I turned to them causing the one taking our order to jump from being startled as she looked at me and then at her coworkers in confusion.
"I don't know what you're talking about." She said to me.
"You got a lot of nerve to insult my sister and me!" I snapped.
"What is going on here?" A older man appeared as he came from his office looking at us all.
"I don't know, I swear! I was taking this guy's order when he yelled at them for something." The girl taking my orders explained, though scared.
"I was trying to cheer my sister up for what she went through at school and I heard your two employees over there were insulting us! They even said that she deserved it!" I said pointing at the two employees causing their eyes to widen.
The man was furious. "You two, in my office! We do not treat customers that way!" The two employees went inside, but not before they gave me glares. "I am so sorry young man." He said to me.
"Listen, I already been through enough bullshit because of that article making lies about me and what it has done! So just give me and my sister our order so we can eat in peace!" I snapped.
"I understand, don't worry. It's on the house." The man said as he turned to the girl that stayed. She nodded and began making our ice cream.
I sighed as I pulled out my wallet. "Here," I said to Renesmee, handing her a dollar bill. "Sorry about that."
Renesmee, however, shook her head. "No Edward," She said as she gently pushed my hand away. "Don't worry, I won't tell mommy." I wasn't going to argue with her since she's been through a lot.
My sister and I waited until the girl finished our order and handed us our ice cream, though she was scared and wouldn't look at me now causing me to feel bad. She didn't do anything to me or Renesmee nor did she treat me badly. I'm such an ass now. I placed a five dollar bill in the tip jar before Renesmee and I found a table and ate. Just as we did, I saw the two girls who worked here, were walking out of the office with no uniform, their heads down in shame as they left.
"How's your ice cream?" I asked Renesmee after a few minutes of eating.
"It's good." She answered as she ate. She was silent until she spoke. "Edward, why is everybody so mean to us? They liked us before, why do they treat us differently now?" She looked at me with those eyes of innocence. And that pains me to be the one to be asked because she's only a kid and she's suffering because of me. Her, my parents, my family and my friends are all taking it because of me. I didn't know how I would explain it but I couldn't just dropped the ball on her, nor can I just lie.
Feeling defeated, I sighed and took a deep breath. "It's… complicated." I said. Renesmee just looked at me and I sighed again. "Well, you remember our cousin Tanya?"
"Mmhmm, she and her family are here now, right? I can't wait to see them." Renesmee said.
"Well… before that, Tanya came to see me the day before thanksgiving, at my school when it was over. And while we were talking, someone took photos of us that made it seem like… we're a couple." I explained.
"Like… mommy and daddy and you and Bella?" Renesmee asked, tilting her head.
"Yeah, like that." I said, cringing at the thought.
"Ew, that's weird." Renesmee said with a giggle as I was happy to see her slowly back to her own self.
"Yeah, it is." I gave a light chuckle but then sighed. "However, everyone believes that I'm cheating on Bella with Tanya when they saw the pictures of us in the magazines."
"But you're not, she's our cousin." Renesmee stated.
"I know that, you know that, our friends and family know that, but everyone who doesn't know, believe that." I said sadly.
"But why?" Renesmee asked. "We're good people. We didn't do anything. Why did they make up a story to make people don't like us?"
I was silent as I was figuring out how to say it until it came to me. "Renesmee, I know you're curious after what you and I have been through, but this is something that involves Bella and I. What's happening between us, is something everyone wants to talk about in many ways that you're too young to understand. One day when you get older, you will understand." Renesmee nodded her head as she continues eating her ice cream.
I just hope it will ease my sister. I also hope she doesn't deal with this more than what happened to her at school. If the world is mad believing I cheated on Bella, which I am not, they should be hating on me, me only. Not my friends, not my parents and definitely not my sister. They have nothing to do with this.
My sister and I were done eating our ice cream and left the restaurant.
"How about when we get home, we get Heidi, Jane, Jessica, and Angela to help with your hair? I'm sure we can make it look beautiful." I said as we got into my car.
"Okay." Renesmee said.
"Well first, let's see if dad can take care of the glue that is in your hair." I said and Renesmee nodded her head. I started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot just as the rain began.
I just got on the road when my phone went to Bluetooth in my car and I saw Carlisle's ID on it. I hit the button and answered the phone.
"Hey dad, what's up?" I asked as I was driving.
"Edward, where are you guys?" Carlisle asked, and he sounded worried.
"We just left Baskin Robins. We'll be home in about ten minutes or so." I answered.
"Don't come home!"
"What? Why?" I asked in confusion as I stopped at a stoplight.
"Because right now we got people at home outside." Carlisle explained causing me to be shocked at the news. "They got cameras, microphones and vans are parked outside and it seems like they are reporters who wants questions out of you."
"Fuck! Sorry Renesmee." I said to her which she said it's fine. Great, now they know where I live? I cannot catch a fucking break here!
"Listen, your mother is right now calling Leah so she and the police force can get those damn reporters and paparazzi out of our property and to leave us alone. But until then, you need to lay low and go somewhere to stay until the coast is clear. We can't have you being hounded by them the minute you get home."
"Okay, we'll go to Aro's. His place is closet." And with that, my father hung up. "Sorry Renesmee, but there's a change of plans."
"Is everything okay?" Renesmee asked sounding scared.
"Don't worry, mom and dad got it covered. We'll just going to stay with Alec and Jane until everything is okay." I assured her as I called Alec and Jane explaining them of the situation. They said will be waiting for me and I resumed driving when the light hit green.
Shit, this is crazy. Everything that is happening in my life; the Laurent lying scandal, everybody hating me, my sister getting bullied, my parents' life long careers are ruined, my dreams to be in the NFL are taken away and now the paparazzi and the media knows where I live! It's a fucking shit storm! Why can't they leave me alone?! I don't know if this could get any fucking worst.
"Edward," I looked at the rear mirror when Renesmee spoke. "There's someone following us." I was confused as I looked out the back from the mirror, I saw a maroon sedan driving a bit close to us. I couldn't make out the driver because the windows were tinted. Not to mention that the rain is making it hard to see, plus there's no license plate. I don't know why, but I got an uneasy feeling about this.
"I-It's probably nothing." I assured her. But I still don't like the looks of it. Cars shouldn't be that close behind giving the chance of a rear end collision. Just to be sure, the direction I was taking to Alec and Jane, I decided to take a right, opposite of where I was supposed to go. As soon as I did, the sedan turned right as well.
"Edward," Renesmee sounded scared when she saw it and the car decided to get close to us again.
"He's probably going the same direction as we are. Just don't look." I said to her. Just what does this motherfucker want? Seeing if my sister's right, I sped up a little… and he soon caught up to me.
"Edward!"
"I know, hang on!" I said and hit the pedal hard driving to who knows where.
You know, I was originally going to go further, but then I thought, you know what, let's leave that to the next chapter because it would make a lot of sense. Haha Don't hate me please.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Although that may be a bad way to say it considering what Edward is going through. Now, we got one more chapter before I lay out the big news! So hang tight! For now, just review! I will go back to the last chapter and this one to edit when I have the chance in case of errors.