Chapter 3 - Edward POV

...

..

.

"You okay?" I asked Bella.

She wouldn't stop fidgeting in her seat, don't get me wrong, it was cute that she was nervous at the beginning of this date, but it's really getting old.

She looked over at me with a fierce glare and a smile. "Yeah, why do you keep asking?"

I chuckled, "you don't seem like you're that comfortable around me."

I looked away from the road for a second to steal another glance at the brunette bombshell sitting in my truck with me. "I just really like you," she admitted shyly, a heavy blush began to envelope her face and chest.

I nodded while giving her a reassuring smirk. "I like you too."

And I do, but, I can't get a certain someone out of my mind too. Leah has been encapsulating my mind since I got back into town. I was so desperate to figure out where she's at that I went to her mother's house. That's saying a lot. Sue and I didn't really get along during certain points in Leah and I's relationship.

Bella's expression led me to believe that she was satisfied with my response as she directed herself to face towards the window to stare at the passing buildings.

My eyes focused back onto the road and let out a quick sigh. I needed this tonight, I had been feeling...conflicted ever since Leah's confession. I remained respectful and cordial the entire night/morning. It was just like talking to one of your best friends, but of course when she mentioned the part about wanting me, I had to bite my cheek and pinch my thigh, leaving a huge and colorful bruise. She's still extremely impulsive and an incredible light weight from what I saw and heard the other night. The sight of that shiny ring on her finger as she walked around the mall had ignited a storm of emotions within me.. It was bullshit and she knew it.

Leah had said all that shit about wanting me, and I declined politely, but if she only knew how badly I wanted to reach across and close the distance between us, make her feel how much I've missed her. In other words: I wanted to rip her clothes off right there and make her feel better than she's ever felt in a long time. But I really don't need the conflict that would ensue from hooking up with Leah again. And It's a damn shame cause she looks good and even better than when I had last saw her.

Those exceptionally beautiful eyes, under long and thick black lashes were true hazel, like granite seen under green water. Leah's presence affected me so greatly to where she would look at me a certain way and my dick could involuntarily get hard as a rock.

I tried to shake her from my mind as we approached downtown.

"Hey, I've been there before," Bella pointed at The Pit, one of the first buildings you see before going down Main Ave.

Memories of the good times I used to spend there flashed in my mind. "I still can't believe that this place is still around," I said matter-of-factly to myself.

"Let's go in." Bella did not really have to answer to my pointless yammer. I was just saying it to myself, plus I didn't see her as the type who'd wanna go on a date at a bar. So her request took me by surprise. I looked over, raising my eyebrows at her as she finally met my gaze.

"You sure?" I asked.

She shrugs. "Why not?" she continues, "might be fun, we can grab a drink then go to the theater."

"I guess, I just didn't know that you'd wanna chill at a pool bar."

"I'm full of surprises," she said enthusiastically.

I eventually find parking on the busy street and we walk in together, I felt uncomfortable in a way. I knew a lot of people there and being back in my hometown didn't help me to try and lay low a lot of the times.

I scanned the crowded bar to only do a double take.

Oh my God in heaven.

I see that gorgeous dark waterfall of hair, cascading down her nude back and ending just inches from the top of her nice and plump buttocks. I strained my neck a bit before glancing over at Bella, whom was distracted by the loudness of the bar.

I stared back over at the bar that she was standing at. The front portion of her hair was pulled back, revealing her beautiful, wild face. Big, round dark eyes, set appealingly within their sockets, watching her friend Jess as they engaged in conversation with each other. Her soft golden skin alluringly complimented by her bright white smile that was brought on probably by something ridiculously inappropriate said by her friend, Jess.

I couldn't tear my eyes away from Leah. Even after all this time, she had that effect on me. Her presence was magnetic, pulling me in despite everything that had happened between us. I could see the flash of recognition and surprise in her eyes as she noticed me, her smile fading as she took in the sight of Bella wrapped around my arm. I did not object to her holding onto me-I mean-I did take her out tonight with the intention of hanging out maybe as a couple. But even I did not know if this was really what I even wanted to do.

Bella's voice brought me back to the present. "Wanna get us a drink? I'll find a table that's open," she offered, her tone cheerful and oblivious to the tension that had just shot through me.

"Sure," I replied, managing a friendly smile. My mind was already racing with the possibilities of how this night could unfold. As Bella walked off to find a table, I made my way to the bar, forcing myself to focus on the task at hand.

Leah's gaze followed me, her expression a mix of curiosity and something else I couldn't quite place.

I looked over at her once more nervously-Seriously? Me nervous? What a fucking joke.

Welp, this night is about to take a strangely awkward turn.

I shuffled through the crowd shouting out to Murphy, the bartender on shift who's worked here longer than I've been walking the Earth. I raised my hand when I saw him glance up from the drink he was serving. When he finally noticed me he gave me an exhausted smile and waved his hand in a 'come on over' motion.

I kept my peripheral vision on Leah, thinking to myself, if only looks could kill, I'd be dead on the dirty floor from a supposed heart attack. The thought brought out a grin in me for some reason. As if I found humor in that. God I'm sick.

"What's up, Murph, 'nother long night?" I asked as I finally approached the bar. A few guys that recognized me quickly moved from my way so I could lean up against the bar on my elbows. I gave them a quick nod when they moved.

"Suppose...not as long as your night is gonna be from what I can see." He gave me a knowing look.

I smiled at him while shaking my head. "I'm assuming that this seems as shitty as I was thinking?"

He nodded slowly, his wrinkled neck skin shaking slightly. "No doubt."

"How's the wife?" I asked politely.

"The doctor is working with my wife to keep me at home! They took my keys away! I'm still young at heart, god-fucking-damn it."

It would be funnier if it weren't true. He can't really hear well and I doubt that his sight is any good by now.

"Shame." I fought a smile.

He patted my cheek. "I'll make ya somethin' strong, kiddo, don't you worry about the female drama."

"Yeah, yeah," I said gruffly as he shuffled away to prepare my drink. I knocked on the bar loudly to get his attention once more as I put up two fingers.

"I'll make the other a little light for the lady," he shouted after squinting at my hand for about two minutes.

"Okay," I chuckled.

I sighed and looked over at Leah who was now directing Jess to look over and see me.

Jess glanced quickly over her shoulder and quickly turned back towards Leah who was grimacing.

Fuck it.

I made my way over the two girls and raised a brow at Leah who was just looking pale as ever.

"What's up ladies? Jess, how ya been?" I asked, nudging her with my elbow.

She turned and gave me a small smile. I wouldn't keep my eyes off Leah as Jess began speaking; Leah turned bright red and stared down at her feet.

"When did you get back in town, playboy?" Jess inquired with her eyelashes batting.

"Still a smart ass, really? How many years has it been?" I asked, sarcasm lacing my tone.

"Too many," she answered, rolling her eyes.

An awkward pause ensues and Jess suddenly gets up from the barstool, "I've gotta-ah-I don't know...pee?"

Wow. Subtle.

Leah kept her head down, shaking it slightly at her friends obviousness.

When Jess left, I stood closer to where Leah was sitting so she could hear me better.

"Hey," I said, my voice low and steady.

"Hi," she replied, her tone guarded. She glance over her shoulder in Bella's direction, who was still preoccupied finding a table, then back at me. "I didn't expect to see you here."

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Same here. Small world, huh?"

Leah nodded, still not looking at me. "Yeah, I guess so."

I hesitated, unsure of what to say next. "You okay?"

She finally looked at me, and wow I could've just melted. But her eyes were sad, her beautiful full lips parting slightly. "Doesn't matter."

"Hey," I reached for her, soothingly saying her name, and she moved back a bit, almost falling out of her chair until I grasped her arm. "Careful." I quickly let her go, not wanting to cause a scene, especially considering I was here with someone else and everyone in this bar knew about Leah and me and the relationship we'd once had. Thankfully the bar was pretty packed, Bella was more or less unassuming as to where I was even at.

"Thanks," she muttered.

After a few quick beats she shook violently. "I'm sorry, just-" she sighed before continuing, "-just, stress."

My brows furrowed and I clenched my fists unknowingly. "My fault?"

"Course not, just trying to relax a bit before my fiancé gets back," she said, bitterness evident in her tone.

I knew what this was actually about, considering that Leah was the worst liar. At least with me, she can't fib with me. She gets too nervous.

"Well, the other night, everything you said," I reminded. "I just... I don't know what I'm doing,"

Leah's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions, I couldn't quite read it with all the noise around us.

"You should get back to your date," she said, turning her body towards the bar and away from me.

I rolled my eyes and scoffed. If she wanted to be like that and throw an attitude, then she could do that alone.

Murphy came over with the drinks slowly and cautiously. I grabbed them up and shook my head. "Stubborn ass woman," I muttered as I began to walk away.

She's jealous, I could feel it in my gut. She had to be, which sort of gave me quite the ego boost.

Ooo how she could get under my skin sometimes.

As I rejoined Bella across the room, I couldn't shake the tension that hung between Leah and I. And, for fuck's sake she looked too damn good. I was having a hard time containing the thoughts that were fighting to be released. I glanced back at the bar, watching Leah take a deep breath, her shoulders slumping slightly as she stared into her drink.

"You good?" Bella asked me enthusiastically, noticing my distraction.

"Yeah, just crazy seeing all these familiar faces." I handed her the drink and flashed her a big smile which she returned.

I was praying that these two vixens would stay out of each other's way, or that Leah would get fed up and just leave with Jess. I wanted a peaceful night, and for some odd reason I had a feeling that I wasn't going to be getting what I deserve.

I was really trying to focus on Bella, on the here and now, but Leah was like a thorn in my side, constantly poking at my thoughts. As Bella's fingers tightened in my hair, I couldn't help but sneak another glance at the bar. Leah was still there, her drink untouched, her eyes distant.

I hugged Bella and she pulled back slightly, her eyes searching mine. "You sure you're okay?" she asked, her voice soft and concerned.

"Yeah," I replied, trying to muster up some enthusiasm. "Just... it's been a long week."

"Well, let's make tonight fun," Bella said, her lips curving into a seductive smile. She tugged at my sleeve, pulling me closer, and I decided to push Leah out of my mind. For now.

We found a small table in a quieter corner of the bar. Bella was talking animatedly about something, but my mind kept drifting back to Leah. I tried to keep up with the conversation, nodding and smiling at the right moments, but it was hard to concentrate.

Fifteen minutes or so later I managed to stay present, mostly. We laughed and sipped our drinks. For a split second, I almost forgot about Leah sitting at the bar. Almost.

At one point, Bella excused herself to go to the restroom. As soon as she disappeared walking through the maze of people. It was a busy night. Wasn't expecting this to happen. I already felt like I knew this was gonna be a shit show. my eyes were drawn back to Leah. She was still there, but now Jess was gone, and she looked at me. I mean directly into my sockets.

I took a deep breath, debating whether to go over there. Before I could make a decision, Leah stood up abruptly. She swayed slightly, and I could tell she was drunk. She glanced around, her eyes landing on me for a split second with a hurtful glare before she started making her way towards the exit.

I breathed an air of relief.

Bella stole my attention again as she came back from the restroom; I stood. I tried my best to focus on Bella now that Leah was actually leaving. "We should get to that movie, huh?"

I want Leah right now damnit.

Which was sick of me.

We should have left a while ago. This isn't fair for anyone. I thought maybe if Leah was putting a ring on it, this shit is serious. I wasn't expecting to be in the same vicinity as this fire cracker tonight. I was hoping to just get to know this girl and see if we got along okay. I shoulda taken Bella five towns over.

"Yeah, sure." She got real close. I noticed her soft hands moving up my shirt. I closed my eyes and for fucks sake all I could envision was Leah.

I lowered my head to press my face against her neck to give her a little love bite, which she reveled in.

Bella clutched a chunk of my hair and pushed me harder against her. I would be lying if I said that didn't turn me on a bit.

"That feels nice," she whispered against my shoulder.

"Mmph," I grumbled as I reached down and grasped her perky ass.

She was distracting me again. And I had asked her out. I didn't expect any of this shit to even happen. When suddenly I hear a very very familiar voice call out my name.

"Edward!" Leah's outrage was just almost audible above whatever song was playing.

I kept my hand on Bella's behind as I turned my head to see the fiery exotic woman glide up towards us. She was fast. I couldn't really register what was going on until it was too late; Leah had a heck of an aim still. Liquor was chucked in my direction. Most of it got on me, but some splashed onto Bella, who gasped and lurched forward almost like a guard dog to attack. I held her back and used my body like a shield.

She had to trust me on this one-she did not want to go head up with Leah. I've seen that woman stick a heel through another females cheek in a Houston strip club.

I could barely see from the stinging of the alcohol, but I could hear the chaos ensuing around the bar as soon as that drink hit us.

"Thanks for the STD, prick," I heard Leah's rotten lie as if she had just shouted it directly into my ear.

I heard everyone shouting expletives around us; whooping and whistling could be heard from everywhere at this point.

My hands went straight up to wipe away the liquid.

"What?!" Bella screeched.

Oh I bet Leah was feeling real proud of herself at the moment. One hell of a Joan Crawford moment-she probably wishes that she had a cigarette dangling from her mouth.

"She's fucking lying." I shook with anger, now trying to hold Bella back from whacking me.

I could hear Leah's name being screamed out by quite a few people who knew both her and I.

I opened up my bloodshot eyes and accepted the stinging that came once the warm air hit my eyes. I directed my fuzzy gaze over to Leah, who was already being escorted out by my buddy Dan who watches over the bar. He gave me a quick nod over his shoulder and took her out. She didn't even resist leaving.

"Who's was that crazy bitch, Edward?" Bella yelled out in question.

My hand went straight up to my already aching forehead. "She's psy- shit. An ex." Was all I could respond with. At least she could rest assure about me being in agreement with her thinking Leah is crazy.

"I'll find my own way home!"

"I'll pay for your cab, listen I'm sorry," I tried to explain further, "she's fucking bat shit crazy, and she's lying. I am clean, first off. I can show you that on paper."

"I'll see you, okay? I just can't deal with all that."

And with that she was gone.

I got offered napkins and hankies from damn near every person in the bar on my way out. I wasn't sure who exactly I was going after-all I knew was that I had to talk to Bella and further explain myself. Or, catch up to Leah and curse her envious, uppity ass out. I stormed out of the bar, anger and frustration fueling my steps. I wasn't sure who I was more pissed at: Leah for causing this mess or myself for not high tailing it as soon as I caught a glimpse of her.

The cool night air hit me as I stepped outside, and I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

I looked around the parking lot, trying to decide my next move. Bella was probably long gone by now, and there was no way I'd catch up to her. My only option was Leah. She had caused this mess, and I needed to confront her.

As I walked towards the street, I spotted Leah near a car. I was assuming that her friend Jessica was inside the car waiting for her to finish the cigarette she was now puffing down.

"Shit," I spat out while jogging up to where she was standing. Her back facing me, and Jess was getting out of the car with a panicked look displayed on her face.

"Leah," I called out, my voice a mix of anger and desperation. I was so pissed I was shaking. She couldn't be serious?

"Fuck off, pig," she slurred without even turning to face me.

"You need to slow the fuck down, Lee," I warned.

"You need to catch up!" She yelped.

I shook my head. "Drunk of course.." I had to stop or else I know I'd say something I couldn't take back.

I wanted to rip my damn hair out I was getting so frustrated. I chuckled out of the mere agitation and bit my lip preventing myself from letting out a shriek.

"Eddie, I'm gonna take her home!" Jess assured.

"I want to know what the hell that was about!" I shouted, trying to keep my voice steady. "You know what you said wasn't true."

Leah spun on her heels. Her expression broke my heart.

But, I was still furious.

Jess stepped between us, her hands up in a placating gesture. "Okay, let's all calm down."

"Calm down?" I repeated incredulously. "She just ruined my night and probably my situation with Bella!"

Leah took a drag from her cigarette, exhaling slowly. "I was just telling the truth," she lied again, nonchalantly.

"Truth? Are you serious?" I could feel my blood boiling. "You fuckin' lie like a rug!"

Jess glanced nervously between us, clearly torn between defending her friend and acknowledging the chaos Leah had caused. "Leah, maybe we should just go."

Leah flicked her cigarette to the ground, crushing it under her heel. "You think you can just waltz back into town and everything will be fine? You broke my heart, Edward. Did you think I'd just forget?"

I was taken aback by her words. "This isn't about us, Leah. This is about you trying to mess up my life because you're unhappy with yours."

Her eyes flashed with anger. "Don't you dare try to turn this around on me."

Jess grabbed Leah's arm gently. "Leah, let's go. This isn't helping anything."

Leah shook off her friend's grip and took a step closer to me, her voice low and venomous. "You're right. I am unhappy. But that doesn't give you the right to just come back in and pretend like nothing happened."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. "Look, I get it. I hurt you. But this isn't the way to handle it."

Leah's eyes softened for a moment, and I could see the hurt behind her anger. "Maybe not."

Jess gently pulled Leah away, leading her towards the car. "Let's just go home, okay?"

I reached out once Leah began to stumble away in no general direction and forced her to turn and face me. "Do you even fucking think?!" I immediately let her go once I got a good look at her gut wrenching expression.

"Fuck. Off!" And with that she hopped into the car. Shortly after, Jess got in as well and sped off.

At this time, the amount of frustration and anger I couldn't articulate was weighing on me like cinder blocks. Self-expression wasn't up to par. Not a proud moment for me. I wanted to punch someone or something.

And some douches Corolla was going to have to do until I could figure out what to do about my little predicament with Leah.

Her actions were extreme, but they were rooted in pain that I had caused years ago.

I turned back toward the bar, although, I was NOT going back in there. I was taking a moment to collect myself. The night air was cold against my damp shirt, a reminder of the chaos that had just unfolded. I needed to make things right, but I also needed to figure out how to move forward without letting the past dictate my every step.

As I walked back, I caught a glimpse of myself in a shop window, my reflection mirroring the turmoil inside. Leah's pain was a stark reminder of the consequences of my actions, and I couldn't ignore it any longer. I had to confront it, not just for her sake, but for mine too.

Bella was gone, and strangely, I wasn't entirely pissed about that. It didn't mean I couldn't salvage something from this night. I needed to be honest with myself and with the people around me. It was time to face the music and start making amends, starting with Leah.

Alrighty! Next chapter will be posted as soon as I am done editing! Hope you enjoyed this one folks!

The next chapter will have an explicit lemon! So get ready for that !