~Curse this mouth that speaks before my mind thinks.~

CHAPTER NINE - LIES

Bella clung to me as we sat on the couch in the living room the next morning, her eyes wide and glittering as she begged me to recite what exactly happened with Jasper and I that resulted in him profusely apologizing as if he had personally wronged me. I confess that Rosalie and Alice had barraged me with questions during lunch but they made sure Jasper couldn't come to help ward them off. I could guess why he felt bad about it, but he wouldn't stop saying sorry all the way up to me meeting Bella in the parking lot to go home–it almost drove me insane.

She audibly gasped at the news, shocked into silence. "I know." I agreed, nodding a bit. I purposely left out that they asked about dating and Jasper because that would have sent Bella's imagination shooting off into too many directions, and none of them would be correct. I couldn't be too upset though because Bella's meddling into my life had kept her from being miserable here, I mean she didn't like it but she wasn't on the cusp of sinking into such a sad state even mom would be able to tell from her emails and calls. Speaking of her…I should send an email…tomorrow. That is definitely a task for tomorrow.

Bella's phone rings, pulling both of our attention from the conversation at hand. I glance at her questioningly–because who calls someone this early on a Tuesday–when she makes a face at the caller ID. I silently ask who it is and she grumbles, "Jessica."

"I thought she was your friend?" I ask her with an eyebrow raised.

She huffs and waves her hand at me to be quiet as she answers the phone and I lean my ear closer, putting almost all my weight on Bella instead of the position that was opposite a moment ago. "Hi! Bella!" The voice is piercing and I wince, pulling away a little before listening again. "So…uhm, I was wondering if I could ask Mike to prom. You know with spring formal being girls' choices and all I thought I might get ahead for prom…hahah…" Bella's face is probably mirroring my own which no doubt was puzzled. Because Bella has nothing to do with Mike. The thought was actually so funny I had to fight the cackle that wanted to be released.

Bella awkwardly gives permission? Jessica squeals so loud I was worried Bella might've lost her hearing. The ride to school was filled with me finally teasing Bella. She both loathed and loved it–and I know that because she laughed at least twice. We were captured as soon as we stepped out of the truck. I say captured because that's what it felt like when Bella and I were suddenly in between Jessica and Angela. At least Angela was next to me, she was far easier to handle. And a little too nice for her own good but that was neither here nor there. "Oh my gosh so what are you guys wearing to spring formal?"

"Oh we're going to be out of town." Bella instantly lies for us both. I don't even know when spring formal is.

The lie had Angela's jaw drop as she looked at me in confusion, ''It's your last spring formal though?"

I chuckle a bit, "I'm not much of a dancer." Lie. But they don't need to know that. Jessica goes on to try and convince us to go, especially Bella, almost begging. Bella is adamant and refuses to back down.

During the second period Bella texts me asking why we're so popular here. I laugh a little and tell her it's only because we're new and the boys didn't have to witness our awkward puberty years. She only responds with one word–ridiculous. I agree with her.

When I see Jasper in art I tell him all about the chaotic morning Bella and I have endured. He shakes his head and laughs at the news which I found to be rude–not really but I liked making him sweat and think he did something wrong. His reactions were always so fun.

"It is a girl's choice so there are probably a few guys anxiously awaiting your invitation."

"They can wait until the next big bang." I quip, not pausing as I finish my painting, leaning back to look at. It's…passable. I never said I was gifted in art. Jasper found my remark very amusing, I could tell by the twinkle in his eyes.

"So you're not asking anyone?" He confirms, setting his own paintbrush down.

I don't even try to be discreet as I stare open mouthed at his painting–being a vampire is such a cheat. It's the stray cat we found in Port Angeles and took to a shelter. I wanted to keep the poor little thing but dad was allergic and so I had to part ways with Cookie–what I named the little creature in the half hour we spent with it.

"You aiming to be a professional or something?" I wonder, not purposefully ignoring his question, just distracted.

Then I remember what he asked and respond that I have no intention of going to the spring formal and Bella has already volunteered me to go out of town with her. To where? His guess was as good as mine. Okay, maybe if he asked Alice his guess would be better than mine.

"I don't plan on going to senior prom either." I say, already debating what I'll do when that time comes.

"You only go to senior prom once." He informs me and I have to stop myself from staring at him. But his words trigger my own memories of a time lost, of a person lost and I feel the melancholy flood my entire system.

"I suppose." I give him a coy smile as disco balls and flashing lights invade my mind. I can tell he's thrown off but I don't give any details as I cut to asking if he was going, "You don't like crowds, right? Prom is nothing but a sea of sweaty–drunk if someone sneaks in liquor–teenage bodies."

His face visibly twists with disgust at the mere thought, "I think I might be sitting it out as well. Including spring formal. Plus, I don't think there's anyone who would ask me."

The thought makes me sad but also happy–it's conflicting. But I try to reassure him, "If it was my scene I would totally take you as my plus one. It's my duty as your self proclaimed best friend. We could cut it up on the dance floor. Show them all how it's really done." I have no idea if Jasper can even dance and I don't think Jasper would dance the same way I do. It's hard to picture.

"You think you're my best friend?" He jokes back before saying he can't dance so it's better for everyone that we won't be attending. But now my curiosity has peaked and I want to see Jasper on the dance floor.

"I know I'm your best friend. You'll have to tell Alice to search for a new title." I giggle with delight, the flickering flame inside me whenever Jasper is nearby roars to life as the sweet, comforting heat warms me from the inside out. The bell rings and we walk to the library together, having decided that today we would have lunch together since yesterday was an oddity and tomorrow I'd eat with Bella and her–our?–friends.

The rest of the day is a blur and I have done my best to ignore the piercing gazes of the male population. But then Bella and I get to the truck after running into each other in the hallway and there stands Eric and Liam, a boy from my English class. He was nice enough and we usually partnered up since he was quiet and didn't stare at me like I was a meal to eat.

I had to physically fight myself from flinching as my eyes made contact with his blue. Liam was a sweetheart. A little nerdy and talked a little too much about Star Wars but he was genuine and it almost made me want to say yes. Not because I liked him but because I was worried he wouldn't ask anyone else if he was rejected once. I plaster on a forced smile and chuckle under my breathe while mumbling "oh fuck" and Bella seemed to get even more uncomfortable at seeing the potential disaster ahead of us.

Bella is accosted by Eric while Liam looks so nervous I almost feel bad and wonder if someone forced him into this. The parking lot after school was just so…open? "Vega, Hi. i was wanted to know if-if you wanted, of course if you're not busy or going with Hale already–"

"I'm sorry Liam but I'm not going to any dances. At all." I almost recoiled at how harsh it seemed since I cut him off but he was rambling and I was already feeling stressed.

His entire body flushed red, even his ears, as he mumbles an apology, "This doesn't change anything right? Can we still be partners in English?" his eyes are glassy–like he wants to cry and then I see the group of three guys from the football team all watching intently.

I give him a soothing smile, "Of course." He moves to walk away but I stop him, "Did they make you ask me?"

His eyes widened and if it wasn't so cold he might be sweating buckets, "No! No. I really wanted to go to prom with you." That was probably the only truth because from the way the guys are grinning wickedly they definitely had a hand in this.

"Okay. I'm really sorry, Liam. It's just that Bella and I are going to be out of town."

He gives me a relieved smile, "Oh. I hope you guys have fun." He walks away and my heart hurts for such a sweet boy. I actually feel awful for lying to him.

By the time I turned around, Bella had already finished her conversation with Eric. I almost shivered as Edward passed by me but my worries were unfounded as he kept walking, barely sparing even Bella a glance. I see Bella's fist clench and I send a silent prayer that she doesn't try to swing on the vampire. I rush to the passenger side and as we settle in, Bella lets out a growl before swinging her head to me, "Did you hear him chuckle?" I did not but Bella didn't even give me time to respond before she starts going off about the audacity of teenage males. And I agree with her wholeheartedly as I eye the three buffoons from earlier.

"At least you weren't part of a bet to shatter a sweet boy's heart." I grumble, thinking of several ways to destroy the three clowns. She looks at me apologetically.

We're stuck as Edward fucking Cullen blocks our way out. I do everything possible to find inner peace and not jump out to kick his side mirror off his stupid car. Any other day my patience wouldn't be lacking but I've been pushed to the edge today.

I understand why Edward is blocking us the moment I see Tyler make his way from his van to Bella's window. My anger only grows as Tyler presumes that Bella will go to prom with him and I can't stop myself as I level him with a violent glare and snap, "She said no Tyler. Haven't you ever heard of fucking consent. You're being too pushy. She is not going." He shrinks back, shame washing over his face but I shoo him away before I have to hear some fake ass apologies.

"I love you." Bella says, her voice full of affection. I give her a smile and tell her I'll always have her back.

I close my eyes and lean my head back, "I just want to go fucking home." I was officially over this day.

Later that night Bella turns our lies into reality as she tells dad we're going to Seattle on the same day as the spring formal. I swear he almost cries when he looks at me asking if I was sure. I assured him that I wanted to go to Seattle with Bella, some good ole sister bonding time.

"Well maybe I oughta go with you girls. Seattle is a big city…what if you get lost?" Dad's face is downturned and the worry is evident. The accident really shook him up. And I don't even want to think of his reaction if he ever found out about the nights I snuck out in Arizona to go to seedy bars and clubs–the ones where they barely check an ID if you flash enough cleavage–but those short lived days are long gone and I'm healthier for it. Those days of wanting to drown the pain away and numb it all. On a brighter note, I always found my way back home regardless of where I went so I wasn't directionally challenged at least.

"Dad, I'm eighteen." I glance at Bella, "Plus, I've already been to Seattle a few times so I'm pretty familiar with the area now." I didn't tell dad about the little day trips with Jasper.

"With who?" He immediately questions.

Bella sends a nasty smirk my way before tattling, "Jasper Hale."

Dad's reaction was better than expected but he was still upset I didn't tell him. He finally agrees on staying home when we go but it was only after I promised we'll text him with updates. Before we leave he stops us, "Your mother called. Again."

"Your fault for telling her about the accident." Bella snarks and I give her a reprimanding look that she simply turns her head away from.

Dad starts going on about how happy she seems with Phil and the air is suffocating with how awkward we all feel now. Bella agrees that mom is happy. And I fight to say 'for now' but that's just me being petty.

The next day I walk into the Cafeteria with Bella and watch as she drops her bag onto her seat. "La Push, baby. You guys in?" Eric asks, his eyes wide with excitement.

"Should we know what that means?" Bella's confusion is evident.

Mike jumps into explaining, "La Push beach, down on the Quileute rez. We're all going Saturday. Big swell coming in."

Eric does a funny motion as if he's surfing, "And I don't just surf the internet."

Jessica snorts as she calls him out, "Eric, you stood up once. On a foam board."

"There's whale watching too. Come with." Angela comes to the rescue, offering something more than the frigid waters these insane people want to jump into.

Eric wiggles his eyebrows, "La Push, baby."

Bella gives a little smile of amusement as she once again volunteers me, "We'll go if you stop saying that."

I stand in line to get food–I eat the cafeteria food whenever I eat with Bella. I'm debating what to grab between the pizza and the cheeseburger. "They won't turn into something else even if you stare that hard." A voice teases from behind me and the warmth that rushes in my blood lets me know exactly who it is so I snort and roll my eyes.

"They might…" I trail off, eyes catching Jasper's. We smile at each other before I grab the cheeseburger.

"That was quite the spectacle yesterday." He remarks and I know he's talking about Liam.

I scrunch my nose, "I honestly feel a little bad about turning him down…" his look is a silent question, "Not like that. I just think it's fucked up that he was essentially bullied into being rejected." I sigh, "If I wasn't so against going to prom I might've said yes."

"Really?" Jasper's eyes are locked on mine.

"Of course you would have been my first choice but~" I sing as I lighten the mood and pay.

He rolls his eyes at me, "Obviously."

Jasper is walking back with me toward my table and I find it strange until he tilts his head in a direction and I look over. Edward is motioning Bella over! And she's going! Then I pause and mutter, "I can't believe she left me to fend for myself."

"Sit with me." Jasper suggests.

"Like…alone or…" I peer at the rest of his family who all are wearing shades of different expressions.

"Either."

"Alright. With everyone." His expression falls a bit but I pretend to not see it. I sent a silent apology to him but I can't allow two Swan sister's to both sit alone with the unreachable boys of the school.

Lunch was…not horrendous. Rosalie was quiet but Alice talked enough for both of them. Emmett was warned by Jasper to not start–whatever that meant. They asked if I had any plans for the coming weekend and I groaned, "Bella volunteered my presence at First Beach on Saturday."

All four of them looked like they swallowed shards of glass as Alice responded, "Bummer, we were going to invite you shopping!"

To which Rosalie questions with a raised eyebrow, "We were?"

Alice gave her a sharp stare in return, her voice cutting "Yes, we were."

I hummed and promised a next time–and I immediately regretted it. Curse this mouth that speaks before my mind thinks.

The rest of the day brought more excitement–if one could call it that. Bella texts me that she fainted in Biology but Edward was taking her home and my mind tries to process everything. She asked if I could drive the truck back and I replied that I obviously would but I was more worried about her. She said they were doing blood typing in class and as it turned out, blood still did make her queasy and faint. I let Jasper know what happened and he wished Bella well wishes as we parted ways after history.

I should've known Bella was going to be pacing my room later that night. She kept going on about how weird Edward and his behavior was. How she was getting whiplash from his hot and cold actions. She told me about what he said at lunch and all I could do was mumble 'wow' because who says something like that? Gosh, Edward is more awkward than a middle school boy discovering girls for the first time. "I invited him to come Saturday." She word vomits as if keeping it inside was doing her harm. Of course he said no, being banned from the land and all that jazz but I still asked what he said.

She looked disappointed, "He said he was going hiking with Emmett." She looks at me with her head cocked to the side, "Is Jasper going with them? Or did you ask him to come with us?"

"I didn't ask him to come." Because he can't is what I don't say. Instead I offer to text him to see if he's going hiking too. She vehemently shakes her head, declining and saying it's fine. I'm a little thankful. Would he have thought it weird if I did ask? I try not to think about it too hard.

She gives a long, hard stare into nothingness before nervously looking at me, "Don't you think the Cullens are a little odd?"

Odd was putting it mildly. I didn't want to agree and have any of them suspicious of me later on but I also didn't want to lie to Bella. So I settled for an in between—for now. Suggesting that they are all beautiful and rich so perhaps that's why they come off so differently.

She grabbed my hands, squeezing them as she stared into my eyes seriously, "No, Vega. I mean how they were literally across the parking lot from us. I can't stop thinking about it and Edward's even weirder behavior…but I don't know what it is."

"I mean maybe they're like secret vigilante heroes of the night or something. Ya know, super powers and all." I joke and she lets go of my hands to smack with a pillow. I giggle before sighing and giving her light encouragement, "Look Bells, I'm sure you're right about it because you're right about most things—" her face twists mischievously forcing me to pause before saying "But not about that." I clear my throat, "Anyway, if you think Edward is dangerous then stay away from him. Jasper seems normal enough and Rosalie and Alice were both fine if not a little intimidating. So maybe it's just an Edward problem." That's not a lie. It is an Edward problem that he behaves the way he does, can't put that all on the Cullens.

Bella gives me a bone crushing hug before she leaves, lifting me up as she swings me from side to side violently and despite the aggressiveness I know it's full of affection and thanks. Bella only really hugs me when she's emotionally conflicted–or I'm emotionally and sometimes physically breaking down. I squeeze her back just as hard, mumbling into her shoulder, "I love you, Bells."

That night my dreams were full of my childhood with Bella and what it might have been if I was normal.