Hello humans! It's been a long time since I've written anything for FanFiction, and much less Twilight. The truth is, I hadn't really felt like it. But now, as life stresses me out, I realize I want to put something out again. This story is one I came up with a while ago, and let me give you a few warnings: WARNING WARNING WARNING! Everybody is OOC. I don't want people complaining to me that Tanya shouldn't be Edward's sister, or that it's too different from the original story. First, this is All Human. That in itself makes it all out of character already. Besides; it's my damn story. I'll do as I like. :) DISCLAIMER: I ONLY OWN FEW THINGS IN LIFE, AND TWILIGHT ISN'T ONE OF THEM.

I don't like girls.

As a girl myself, it is a very troublesome statement, but it's the truth. They easily backstab you, they talk behind your back when you expect them not to, and they care about appearances first and foremost. Boys are no angels, either, but they're straightforward. If they have a problem with you, they'll say it. But their way of doing it is different than a girl's. Why? I don't know. It just hurts less. Boys have simple expectations of you, and if you meet them, you're in. The expectation boys have always had of me is that I'm easygoing and funny.

So I meet their expectations, casting aside troublesome situations.

Once, I had a girl friend. I was very small, around seven. Her name was May. She and I were very close, always playing, always laughing. We played dolls together, planned our weddings and even gushed over dresses. But then she made more girl friends. She cast me aside. It hurt, but I tried overlooking it. I played with my childhood friend, Edward. Our mothers were high school friends, so we grew up together. Even our names were picked the same way. My mother was into Disney movies at the time, and when she had me, she named me after her favorite one, Beauty and the Beast (but some coaxing lead her to naming me Isabella, instead of Belle outright). Edward's mom was into Edward Scissorhands, quite intensely, so she decided to name her son after her favorite character, Edward. Moving on.

I played with Edward and his friends, each time growing further apart from May. I tried getting close to her, but the girls in first grade shunned me. They didn't like how much of a tomboy I was. Eventually, May joined in too. She cast me aside easily. So I decided I didn't need her or any of the girls in class. I was more than fine with having mom, Edward's mother and his sister as the women in my life.

Edward took me under his wing. He told me to embrace who I was. Told me I was cool just like that, and that his friends liked me. He saved me from bitterness. So recess was spent with him and the boys, until eventually, I was one of them.

Am, one of them.

I wouldn't consider myself an ugly girl. I just take the minimum care of myself. I wear my hair up, no makeup, use the sports uniform instead of skirts, and wear trousers when I'm required to if I have to be formal. I do everything I can to blend in with the guys. The only thing I can't do is cut my hair, even though it would be more practical, what with all the sports I do and activities I join. But Aunt Esme (Ed's mom), mom and Tanya (Edward's sister), have threatened me to not cut it above my waist. I'm too scared to defy them, but I rebel by using it in a bun.

Edward and I are now juniors in high school. We have a group of friends, which we've accumulated since the first grade: Emmett, Ben, Jasper (Casper, as I call him) and James (Jamie). I, obviously, am the only girl. But they're fine with that. They treat me like one of the guys, which is what makes me happy. But they don't treat me like a boy, per se. Considering how long we've been together, I've only seen their asses and junks a handful of times or so. A success, too, because they love lowering their pants when I'm not around. They never learn, though. They think that 'I'm going to the bathroom' is the equivalent to 'I'll be gone for hours, so do disgusting shit'. But they're considerate enough of me to, for instance, hide the porn magazines when I go to their houses or stop talking of a girl's boobs (most of the time) I'm around them.

I love them.

This is the story of our high school days, of fights, hurt and love.

"Hey, Bella, hand me the water bottle, will you?" Jamie pants, coming to a stop in front of me. I'm panting myself, heaving over the running around we just did. It's PE, the gang's favorite class. I'm leaning on my knees, feeling so weak that I can't even reach the few inches between me and Jamie's water.

"Get it yourself." I grunt, making Jamie grumble and say something about my ungratefulness. He believes that because he lifts me to make dunks, he's my savior. Truth is, I'm short. Just barely scraping five feet. Last week they measured me to be 5 ft 1, which made me happy. But this is probably the most I'll grow. In any case, Jamie is the tallest after Edward at 6 feet, and the bastard is still growing. So when they want me to make a dunk, Jamie or Edward pick me up (despite my protests) without a single word. It's freaky how coordinated they are. Sometimes, they just look at each other and act.

Against me.

"Did you see her? Casting aside James Hunter like he's a piece of dirt. She's got guts, that tomboy." I hear one of the bitchy girls murmur to her friend, loud enough for me to hear, low enough for none of my boys to kill her.

I put on a frosty smile and straighten up. They want to play games, then so can I.

Ignoring the pain in my joints, I stride over to Jamie. He sees me coming, and the glint in my eye tells him what I'm about to do. His eye shine with mischievousness. Jamie loves it when I use him to tell off bitches. Honestly? He just loves drama.

"James, my love." I open my eyes widely, faking a cute look (I don't do cute). Jamie bites his lip to keep from smirking, and opens his arms for me to step into.

"Bella, my dearest pumpkin." He encases me in his arms. Glaring over his shoulder at Jessica (bitch who called me a gutty tomboy), I lean in to whisper in his ear.

"Pumpkin? You're overdoing it, Hunter." I clench my jaw in order to stop myself from insulting him. He's shaking with barely suppressed laughter.

"Doing what? Over who?"

Jamie, the pervert.

"You two! Stop joking and come over here! The game isn't over yet." Emmett shouts from the other side of the court, where he's trying to block Jasper from stealing his ball.

They're on the same team.

Emmett is the resident sportsman and Ben is the resident (bullied by us) geek.

"You too, Casper! No slacking off!"

Jasper is the laziest, most who-gives-a-fuck artist you'll ever meet. He breathes and eats painting. If he doesn't have his pencil and sketch book by his side, he isn't Jazz.

"And you, Edward! Stop flirting and help me out!"

And finally Edward, the resident flirt.

Which leaves me, the girl and expert photographer.

"C'mon, Bella. Our lord calls." Jamie parts from me to hold out his arm, and I mockingly take it, bowing.

Yeah, I stick out my tongue at Jessica.

We finish our game. Edward, Jamie and I are on one team while Emmett, Ben and Jasper are in the other (plus a bunch of other guys). My team wins, basically because Ben didn't stop trying to steal Emmett's ball. They have a very antagonistic friendship, which is funny, considering they're a jock and a geek.

Oh, the ironies in life.

Actually, everyone in this gang has their own group of people they hang out with at lunch. Jamie and Edward are at the popular table, even though Jamie is part of the basketball team. Emmett is with the football team, Ben with the computer geeks and Casper hangs out with the art club (basically, by himself). I, on the other hand, don't hang out with anyone. By choice. I always go around school, taking pictures. That or I finish the homework I didn't do (hint -I almost never do it).

But we hang out after school sometimes. And during class every once in a while. We grow up. We find our own circles of friends. I sometimes even hang around the skaters, if I'm feeling like company. Our friendship works because we give each other a breather.

But in our hearts, this is still our most important circle of friends.

Moving on.

Gym ends, which was the last class for the day. Everyone packs up, going to clubs, home or a friend's house.

As for me, I walk home with Edward.

The thing about our mothers being so close is that we basically have two mothers. In my case, it's a useful thing. My dad disappeared when I was six, so I have little memory of him. Mom became an unreliable mother, but Aunt Esme stepped in and has been taking care of me ever since.

Edward's dad, though, is a saint. He lets Aunt Esme do her own thing, happy so long as he gets fed. Uncle Carlisle is a great husband and an awesome dad, and more than once I've wished he was actually my father. He even survives Tanya's tantrums, just glaring and pointing at her room when he's too angry to speak.

He even grounds me.

"Tony, what's for dinner today?" I ask, just like I always do. He thinks about it for a few minutes, probably trying to recall. Aunt Esme knows to send her son off with a preview to (our) dinner.

"I think it was something with a Japanese name, but I can't remember," he finally admits, sticking his hands in his pockets.

Edward is really handsome, I think as I watch him out the corner of my eye. Actually, all of the guys are. But I can understand how Edward is a flirt. He has a permanent sex hair, with emerald green eyes and a crooked smile. But he's like a brother to me. Edward is untouchable. He's a precious friend I don't plan on losing anytime soon.

As we make a turn, I stop him.

My eyes shine.

"Is it gyoza? Or teriyaki chicken? Onigiri? Think, Tony, think!" I breathe, jumping from one foot to the other. Food makes me excited.

Edward laughs, halting me. I still smile really grandly and wait for an answer.

"I think it was onigiri."

My stomach growls embarrassingly loud. I turn beet red, but don't apologize. He's used to my appetite by now.

He laughs harder, then swings an arm around my shoulders. He takes my messenger bag as well, which is heavy with my camera and books.

This is what I like the most about Edward. He treats me like a girl through and through. Well, sometimes he forgets when he talks to me about the latest hot girls, but I don't mind. I always listen, because I think it's sweet how open the boys are with me.

"I was thinking..."

"Woah there, Tony, don't push yourself so hard. You'll give yourself a tumor." I joke, which earns me a shove that sends me flying to the other end of the sidewalk. "So violent. Anyways, continue."

Edward glares at me a bit more before continuing.

"You know how Halloween is coming up?" he sees I'm about to make a sarcastic remark, so he continues. He knows me well. "Don't answer that. Have you realized you and I haven't picked our costumes yet?"

Edward seems honestly troubled by it, and now that he mentions it, I am too.

By the way, it's September.

But Edward and I are children at heart.

"Really? You still want to match with me?" If I was a dog, I'd be wagging my tail. Edward's face clearly shows he thinks I'm an idiot for asking. I feel I'm being assertive. "Well, with everything that's happened lately, I thought you'd probably want to match one of your girls or one of our guys or something." I shrug, a bit smug over the fact that he chooses me as his Halloween partner despite everything.

"When have I ever matched with a girl that wasn't you?" True. Thank God he didn't ask if he'd ever picked a girl over me, because that would have been a long-ass conversation, considering recent events. "Three things that are reserved for just you and I: Halloween, our birthdays and eating competitions. We promised, right?"

He remembers?

It was so long ago we made that promise.

"Don't cry, Belle. I promise you and I will spend every Halloween together. And you'll never have to worry about matching with someone. You'll match with me."

He's the only person apart of my mother to call me Belle. When I started showing signs of being a tomboy, mom started calling me Belle, trying to make me channel the refined Disney princess.

"You were so cute back then, Cullen. You know, before you realized how to charm women."

We bicker the rest of the way home, talking about food, today's basketball match and what video-game we'll play after we have dinner.

"WAKE UP, EDWARD! TIME TO GO TO SCHOOL!" I shout in Edward's ear the next morning. Just as expected, he slaps my face while trying to cover his ears.

"You're so annoying. Let me sleep." He raises the covers and puts a pillow over his head.

I glare, then start jumping on him.

"Didn't you tell me yesterday that you'd meet Jane ten minutes before school so to wake you up earlier? You mean to tell me Jane is going to have to do without some Edward for the rest of the day if you don't get there in time for some morning loving?"

He shoves me off of him in his hurry to get ready.

Thank you, Jane. You help me not be late because of Edward, and then you get some Edward.

Manipulating Edward is so easy, too. You mention sex and he could fly to get there.

It sort of irritates me, though. Our relationship is sort of strained right now precisely because he refuses to keep his dick in his pants.

I go downstairs, where Tanya, Aunt Esme and Uncle Carlisle are having breakfast. I sit my ass down like I belong there (which I do). Then I dig into my breakfast, consisting of sausages, eggs and orange juice. Nutritious and fulfilling.

This is my second breakfast.

"So, Bella, what time did your mom get back yesterday?" Aunt Esme strikes up conversation while I help her clean up the table. Edward always takes his sweet time getting ready, so his breakfast is in a paper bag. In other words, to go. He doesn't have time for anything else.

"Close to midnight. I was doing homework, and the ruckus she made would've woken up the whole neighborhood if I hadn't stepped in."

So, my mother became a slight (true) alcoholic. She works at a bar, see. When dad left, he left us dirt-poor. During the first years, mom worked really hard to compensate, but in the end, she ended up spending the money in drinks. Because of that, we had to move from our nice house to a dubious neighborhood in no time, a place which nobody in the Cullen family has visited due to my stubbornness of not wanting to seem poor. Right now, I'm probably the only person keeping our miserable house afloat. I work three part-time jobs to help pay bills, food and clothes. Mom's cooperation is practically nonexistent since I turned fifteen and started picking up jobs.

"Oh, honey, I'm sorry. I wish there was something I could do to help her."

I burst our laughing.

"Aunt Esme, if you were of any more help I'd have to call you Saint Esme."

We both laugh, she because it's funny, me because it's the truth.

"Oh, Bella, I really wish there was chemistry between you and Edward. It'd be lovely if you were to become my daughter someday."

Oh, my heart. I pretend wiping away a tear. I don't cry. I would... but I can't.

"Aunt Esme, I might marry Tony just to be officially a part of your family." I say half-joking. I could live the rest of my life with Edward. Heck, I'm planning to. Just, in a platonic way.

"Hey, let's stop talking about me and get going, Belle! Everyone's waiting."

Meaning Jane, I grumble at Edward as I follow him out the door, grabbing his breakfast on the way out. We say goodbye to his mom, who is washing the dishes. To his dad, who is reading the paper. And to Tanya, who is on her way to college.

"Tony, I love your mom. I've decided I'm stealing her from Uncle Carlisle." I inform my best friend in all seriousness a few minutes later, as he shoves a piece of bread in his mouth.

"You can't. Mom doesn't swing that way."

I pretend he's wounded me, and snort when his laugh makes the bread go the wrong way.

Jazz, Emmett, Jamie and Ben meet us on the way. I practically live in his house, so that's why we hang out after school so often. Well, less now that Emmett is in the football team, Jazz in the art club, Jamie in the basketball team and Ben in the computer club. And, you know, the whole working three jobs thing.

But whatever, sharing your friends is caring.

"Jazz, how's your newest creation coming along?" I turn to look at him. He's the newest member of the crew, someone we picked up last year. He was being bullied for drawing instead of making friends, so Edward and I took it upon ourselves to defend the poor bastard. Ever since, we welcomed him into our group without protest. He's a cool guy.

"Great. I just have to buy some paints today and then I'll finish it."

Have I mentioned that Jasper's hair always has some paint splattered on? He showers, believe me. But he paints messily, and he does it before and after school. Even his clothes are stained. But we all love him and his reckless ways.

I hang back, stopping Jazz at the entrance to school. The rest of the guys go ahead, Edward leading.

Something's up with him.

"Jazz, what's up? Something bothering you?" I frown, trying to think of the possibilities. Jazz keeps averting his baby blue eyes, trying to avoid mine.

"Nothing. Let me be, Bella."

I squint a bit more at him, then decide not to push. If I do, he'll just snap and say harsh stuff. I sigh, holding up my hands in defeat.

"Ok, but you know you can talk to me if something's wrong."

I turn to keep walking, but Jazz stops me.

He looks defeated.

"Sorry. It's just that..." he looks at a loss of words, so I keep quiet. "My... cousin... is transferring today to this school," he finally spits out. I blink. It's odd for someone to transfer a month into school, but not unheard of. "He's a troublemaker, so I promised my aunt I'd keep an eye on him. She wants him to hang out with us until he makes some friends." Jazz rushes out.

I blink again, then laugh.

"That's what's bothering you? Don't worry so much, Jazz. It's going to be just fine. Besides," I grin, trying to lighten the mood. "He might know many embarrassing stories about you."

Jasper laughs, not because it's funny, but because he knows that's what I'll be aiming for with his cousin.

Be nervous, Jazz.

In our school, each grade is separated in three classes. Edward, Jasper and I are in one. Ben is with Emmett in another one, and Jamie is all alone. I think Jamie's heart broke a little when we figured out he was alone.

Jessica, the bitch from yesterday, is leaning against Jamie's locker when we pass by her. We glare at each other. She because she's jealous of me, me because she annoys me. Jamie is trying to open his locker, looking very annoyed with her as well. He never lets his popularity get into his head, unlike Edward. I am of the opinion that Jamie still thinks girls have cooties.

"Hey, Jazz." I snap him back into reality, probably from thinking of another painting. He raises an eyebrow, and briefly I wonder if his cousin looks like him. Jazz has the body of an athlete (which pisses Emmett off because Jasper hates sports) and a face to go with it, with blond ruffled hair and blue eyes. I always try to draw a mustache on him; it just feels right for him, you know?

"Yeah?"

"Has there been any development with yours truly?"

Almost immediately, Jazz tries denying everything.

"W-What are you talking about, Bella?" Jasper averts his gaze, but it's a bad idea since in that moment a girl crashes into him.

I smirk.

It's his truly, Alice.

The only woman that matches his passion in art.

I'm only assuming it's her, though. He's never outright told me he liked her, but I think blushing and stuttering when talking about her is a clear sign he likes her.

"Ali-cat! Your ears must've been ringing. I have a small favor to ask you." I swear my smile is bigger than the Cheshire cat's. I barely cast Jazz a small glance as I keep talking. "Today, I was supposed to accompany Jazz to buy some art supplies, but I got grounded and can't go. Would you mind terribly going with him? I know he'll appreciate a fellow artist's opinion more than mine. Please?" I use the smile I reserve for when I'm trying to not smile evilly.

Alice scrutinizes me, probably thinking I'm being too obvious.

She once cornered me, asking if I was Jasper's girlfriend. After I pretty much told her off for cornering me, she begged me not to tell Jazz about the incident. I promised her I wouldn't, and ever since I've been her ally.

It's so hard knowing who likes who and not being able to actively do shit about it.

"Sure, Bella." Alice says slowly, her normally dull eyes shining slightly. If I didn't know any better, I'd say there was no difference in her expressionless face.

"Great! Hash out the details between yourselves."

And I skip off, turning back only to smile smugly at a glaring Jazz. He knows he loves me (deep down) and appreciates my help.

It's not my fault they're so obvious in their crush.

Going into class 11-A, I find the usual chaos waiting for me. Edward isn't there yet, obviously with Jane. This is our morning ritual. I come in, dump my shit on some desk (no assigned seats), and find someone to talk to. Because Jasper isn't back yet, I go hang out with another group of guys.

I'm just getting into a baseball talk with this guy, Tim, when Jazz comes through the door. I know I'm gonna get it, because I invited someone to his shopping ritual despite not being invited myself.

He looks furious.

Which can only mean one thing:

Run.

Because this happens quite often (with all of the guys from the gang), nobody pays us any mind anymore. It's odd for Jazz to be the one chasing me, but nobody really sees a difference. I run around the class, shouting profanities at Jazz and escaping from his wrath. He doesn't like me interfering in his love life.

"QUIET DOWN!" Mr. Banner shouts out when he comes in, just like any other day. He's used to our ruckus now, but he still tries to stop us. Everyone shuts up.

"Everyone, sit down so we can begin. Mr. Whitlock and Ms. Swan, I hope that tomorrow I won't find you running in my class." Jazz and I shake our angelic heads. Everybody starts sitting down in their usual spots. I go to sit beside Jazz, but he shakes his head. I frown.

"I'm saving the spot for my cousin. You save a spot for Edward."

Well, when he puts it that way...

Makes me feel kind of lonely, though. Jazz is my math partner, because Edward sucks. He always tries to copy my procedure. That, and Edward usually sits with a geek so he can copy even better notes.

Whatever.

I sit in the desk in front of Jasper's, against the wall.

For the first time, I notice there's a new student standing next to Mr. Banner's desk.

He's definitely not what I expected of Jasper's cousin. This guy, even from the distance is strikingly handsome. Piercings line his ears, his right eyebrow has a piercing and his hair is dyed night black, probably previously blond. I can't see the color of his eyes, but I think they're light. His face would look like a model's, though, if it wasn't so angry-looking and didn't have a nice shiner on his left eye. His uniform hangs lose and wrinkled, making for a very strange-looking guy in a top-notch private school.

I turn to Jazz, and simply raise my eyebrow.

Jazz sighs, trying to discern the secrets that the ceiling holds.

"Before we start," Mr. Banner begins. "Ms. Swan, I trust that Mr. Cullen will be in class before the five minute tardiness allowed is up?"

I'm of the strong belief that Mr. Banner hates Edward.

"I am 85% sure he'll be here. There's still a chance he feels bad and is at the nurse's."

Mr. Banner hates me as well, simply by association.

He thinks I'm too sarcastic.

Mr. Banner writes down on the list a T for tardy next to Edward's name. If it wasn't for me, his attendance would consist of A for absent.

I should tell him to pay me for every absence I save him from.

"Morning ritual aside, there's a transfer student I'd like to introduce. This is Riley Marks, he just moved here from New York. I hope everyone will give him a warm welcome, and I trust he won't cause the same trouble as Mr. Cullen and his group of friends. Now then, sit next to Mr. Whitlock, and we'll begin."

Yeah, Mr. Banner isn't big on wasting time.

Marks basically glares his way through to Jazz. Nobody dares greet the poor guy.

However, I don't have the same sense of self-preservation normal humans do, so I smile brightly at Marks when he sits down next to Jazz. I grab his hand and give it a shake, because it's obvious he won't shake mine on his own.

"Hey! You're Casper's cousin right? My name's Bella. Pleased to meet you."

Yeah, in my mind, anybody that is related to my gang is a cool person.

However, this guy isn't.

"Fuck off, you ugly tomboy. Stop touching me."

So, this guy made two really big mistakes. He called me a tomboy. That's one. Two, he said it the second Edward had gone in class and was within hearing range.

Let's just say, Edward got mad.

One moment, Edward is joking with the class about managing to make it in time. The next second, he has Marks on the floor and is punching the living daylights out of him.

"What did you just say to Bella, punk?" Edward is roaring. Marks is just about to punch Edward back when I pull him behind me.

Marks's uppercut misses Edward's face. Instead, it meets air. Oh, the great things of being small. Still, I stay in front of Edward, and Jazz holds Marks's arms behind his back.

"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?" Mr. Banner yells, angrier than I'd ever seen him.

"This dude suddenly attacked me!" Marks points at Edward, but my friend is quick to jump.

"He was saying shit to Bella! He crossed a line!"

Everyone instantly shuns Riley Marks for the next two years.

There's two reasons for that. The first being Edward. What he says, goes. If he doesn't like you, nobody does. If he likes you, you're in. Simple. If Edward hates you, it's the same as being a murderer. They talk about you, they don't like you, but they won't approach you. The second reason being that Edward's popularity extends to me. I'm well liked. Boys think I'm cool. Girls don't really get it, but they don't bother me (for the most part). But everyone knows you don't mess with me. You mess with me, you're asking to get punched by me, then Edward, then the rest of my gang. Did I mention Edward, Jamie and I took some karate lessons a few years ago? No? Well, we did. And none of us show any hesitation to use our skills. It's the reason why Jessica & Bitches haven't dared try do something to me. They know I have hounds.

But Marks didn't know, and I am pretty positive he won't find a friend in this sea of Edward followers.

"THAT'S IT! CULLEN AND MARKS, TO THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE! YOU TOO, SWAN!"

Sir, yes sir.

I don't know why I'm going, but whatever. If it means I can miss Math class, it works for me.

The walk to the principal's is awkward. Edward has an overprotective arm around my shoulders, and Marks is walking on my side of the wall a bit before us.

"You ok, Belle?" Edward turns to me with worried eyes. He doesn't like it when others call me a tomboy, and I think it unsettled him that Marks thought I was flirting. I roll my eyes.

"You fool, I can take care of myself. Now you're in trouble, and Aunt Esme is going to be pissed. But..." I sigh, letting out a grin. "Thanks, Tony."

Ahead, I see Marks's fists clench. Obviously, he has something to say. But he must've learnt his lesson.

Do not speak ill of Bella in front of Edward.

At the principal's, Edward and Marks get detention. Marks complains, saying he did nothing wrong. The second Edward repeats what he said to me, Principal Sloan reduces Edward's detention time and adds it to Marks's.

Edward cheers and Marks scowls.

"Ms. Swan, take Mr. Marks to the nurse's. No buts, Cullen. If anything happens, I'll be sure to add to Marks's detention time." Principal Sloan interrupts Edward's protests. He's appeased, just barely, but it'll be enough to hold him off.

When we're dismissed, Marks and I part from Edward, and the look he gives me is one that promises a lengthy talk later on.

On the way to the infirmary, the silence is so awkward that I finally break it.

"So you're Casper's cousin."

Marks raises a pierced brow.

"Casper?"

Oh, right. It occurs to me for the first time that Whitlock's family probably calls him by his given name.

"Y'know, from Jasper. What do you call him?"

"Jasper."

Well, ain't that boring.

From here, I can see that his eyes are green, unlike Jasper's blue. Marks's are a bit prettier, no offense to my friend. Truly, this guy could be pretty hot.

And I'm speaking like the asexual entity that I am.

Just a remark.

"So..." I trail off. We have a long way to the infirmary. The school is pretty big just in area, not counting the fact that it's four floors high. "Do you have any funny stories about Jazz as a kid?"

Oh no she didn't.

Oh yes I did.

Marks is giving me a half-annoyed, half-amused glare.

"I just got in trouble for snapping at you. And you're trying for small-talk?"

Well, when he puts it that way...

"Yeah." I shrug, unconcerned. "Somehow, I don't feel your insult was all that personal. Well, it was personalized, but unless you have a strange grudge against me, we're fine."

I don't think Marks was expecting that.

Suddenly, he starts laughing, and his scowl disappears.

His two shiners (the newest one courtesy of Edward) don't make him look all that joyful, though.

"I see now what Jasper meant." Huh? Marks takes in my confused face so he starts explaining. "At family dinners, whenever he's asked if there's a special girl in his life, he always answers Bella. All of us thought it was strange, but I can see why you're his girlfriend."

Ok, I start laughing.

We're going down the stairs, and I don't stop laughing until we've reached the first floor.

"Jazz and I? He's not my boyfriend. If anything, I'm trying to set him up with a girl from the art club."

This is so funny. I have to tell Jazz about this. Emmett will probably have a blast, too.

Marks is now the one confused.

"But... he always spoke so highly of you. I thought for sure you were his girlfriend," he frowns. I shake my head.

"I guess he respects me to a certain degree more than other girls." Marks snorts. How much as that guy spoken about me? "Edward and I saved him from being bullied by the class. I guess to him, we're special." I shrug, not smug or anything. It's simply the truth.

"Then, are you and Edward..."

We get in that moment to the infirmary, where Nurse Jackie (that's not her real name, by the way) is just coming out. The second she sees Marks all banged up, she rushes to take him from me.

"My God Bella, what have you done to this poor boy?" Nurse Jackie fusses over him, trying to be all over the place at once. She sits him down on one of the beds, gathering supplies as quick as she can.

"Hey, why does it have to be me? It was Edward." Jackie's sigh tells me she suspected so. She's used to seeing the six of us here, though. Our sportsmanship (Emmett's specially) is below awful. We throw elbows, jab and kick each other in order to win. Once, Ben broke my hand while trying to win against me in a game of Call of Duty.

Never best a computer geek in his home turf.

Just saying.

"What were you playing at this time? Basketball? Skating? Or, let me guess, football?"

I sit down on the bed in front of Marks.

"Duck duck goose." I reply. Nurse Jackie doesn't bother correcting me, because she never knows if I'm bluffing or not.

"So, who is this guy? I haven't seen him around. Are you new?"

I grin a little when the peroxide makes Marks flinch.

"He's Casper's cousin. Riley Marks. Can't you see the resemblance?"

Nurse Jackie blinks, surprised.

"Oh, so you do know each other. That's odd. Why would Edward do this to Jasper's cousin?"

Woman, learn to shut up.

"Nurse Jackie, sometimes, life happens in an unpredictable way." I laugh nervously. Marks is glaring at me.

"I was an asshole to Bella so Cullen punched me. Stop defending me." Marks's glare doubles.

Nurse Jackie loses her smile, now looking at Marks with mean eyes.

"Bella, remind me to give Edward an extra lollipop the next time he's injured. That boy is a saint."

Yeah, Nurse Jackie is attached to me ever since I gave her her nickname. She said it was the first time someone had given her such a funny name, and she'd treasure it.

As a matter of fact, I've nicknamed everyone. Edward's became Tony when I first learnt of his middle name, Anthony. I occasionally call Emmett, Emma, and normally I don't call Ben anything other than that (though sometimes it's Benny G). And Jasper's was because he's deathly pale, like the ghost Casper, and my clever self linked the names.

Now that I think about it, should I give Marks a nickname? I should, but what? I don't know him well enough yet.

I could call him 'Asshole', because that's what I know of him so far, but I don't think he would be happy.

"Jackie, it's fine. Let bygones be bygones." I wave my hand, this time having two people stare at me weirdly.

"Bella, dear, I don't get you. But if you say so, then..." she applies some more peroxide on Marks's shiner, making him hiss. Nurse Jackie's satisfied grin tells me that these people care more about me than I thought, which warms my heart. "All done, Mr. Marks. I hope to not see you around here too often."

It's a threat.

"I'm sorry." Marks says as we walk together back to math class. I raise both eyebrows, a bit surprised. I thought he'd never apologize. "I was in a bad mood, and I took it out on you because I thought you were Jasper's girlfriend. I didn't want Jasper to misunderstand, but it came out too harsh."

I blink, then laugh.

"Oh, I have a feeling you're too kind for your own good, despite your roughness. I understand."

And I do. This guy was willing to make himself look bad in order to relieve his cousin of doubts of his 'girlfriend' being interested in another guy. I have no idea why those intentions went through this guy's head, but I'm not one to judge.

"Thanks, I guess." Marks sighs. We're almost in class, so I give him a final warning.

"You might get punched again, though. You still haven't met Emmett, Jamie and Ben. Ben is a pacifist, so nothing will happen... maybe. But Emmett's in the football team and Jamie knows karate."

I wonder why Edward didn't use any karate moves on Marks, now that I think about it. I know I didn't because I'm not really a violent girl, but Edward would've broken Marks's nose in the blink of an eye.

Marks pales slightly, but he doesn't have much time to dwell on it because we arrive in that moment to class.

"Ah, Ms. Swan, I'm glad you decided to come back to class and resist the temptation of skipping. Now sit down, both of you."

I fake sniffling, even wiping a fake tear.

"Mr. Banner, you say such sweet words. It's tough to believe I'm your favorite student."

Vein throbbing, Mr. Banner gives me a push towards my seat with a ruler.

Everyone is too busy glaring at Marks to see this harassment against me.

I feel sort of guilty, though. It's because he snapped at me that his next two years in school will be miserable.

I'm so weird.

Edward is sitting in my desk for a change, and when I dump myself next to him, he's looking anywhere but at me. He knows I'm yelling at him soon for doing such an irresponsible thing.

Well, it's what I'd normally do, but today I'm feeling a bit more forgiving.

"Relax, Tony, I'm not angry." I confess, and practically see the relief rolling off of him.

"Bell! Thomson! Stop flirting in my class, you no-gooders!" Mr. Banner barks the same thing as always. We're used to the teachers assuming Edward and I are a couple, though, so we don't correct them anymore. Too bothersome.

Besides, the girls and boys know Edward and I are just friends (I hope).

"And Swan! Keep your feet off the school property." Mr. Banner says and glares at my feet. They're propped against Edward's chair, my usual position. I always take the side of the wall because then I can lean my back against it and put my feet up. It's more comfortable, and Edward doesn't mind my feet digging into his thigh.

"Sir!" I salute, and lower my feet for the remaining class time... which is five minutes.

The bell rings, alerting us to a class change. Everyone stands up and says bye to Mr. Banner, and I even wiggle my fingers. He's my favorite teacher. The rest don't put up with my shit like he does. It has to do with the fact that he's the youngest teacher too, but whatever, dude.

Mr. Banner makes me stay behind for a few seconds, and he waits until everyone is gone before he speaks.

"Ms. Swan, I just want to make sure that whatever Mr. Marks told you wasn't taken to heart. Are you ok?"

And this is why I love him. He and I are buddies outside of class. I mean, inside, he hates Edward and I equally. But outside, he jokes with us and is a big fan of baseball, just like me.

His question sort of makes me want to aww.

So I give him the best smile I own, all toothy and shiny.

"I'm fine, Mr. Banner. It makes me happy to see so many people care about me." I say, and it's the truth. It's good for a girl to know she's liked, and actions speak louder than words.

Mr. Banner gives a tiny nod, skeptical but relieved to see I'm holding up.

"Well, so long as you're ok, Isabella."

I lean in, pretending to tell him a secret.

"Don't worry, we'll discuss yesterday's game later." I grin, and laugh when I get a boyish grin in return. I think Mr. Tanner is a cool guy, but is often misunderstood.

Mr. Banner dismisses me, telling me to hurry to the next class.

I make a pit stop in the bathroom, cursing the two cups of orange juice I drink every morning.

While I'm doing my business, I see two pairs of legs in front of the sinks.

"I can't believe that Bella." A bitchy voice says, which I recognize as Jessica's. "She gets insulted, and doesn't even flinch."

"I know, right?" one of her followers, Lauren, says. "I heard him call her an ugly tomboy. God bless him for saying what we're all thinking."

"I know! But it's so frustrating. It doesn't matter what you tell her, she won't cry. And Edward is so defensive of her, too. So annoying." Jessica scoffs.

"It's because he knows he's her only friend. He takes pity on her by hanging out with her. And seriously, have you seen how she speaks to Mr. Banner? That slut flirts with anything that has a dick!"

"Ugh, don't remind me."

They leave, and I stay.

I'm crying inside my stall. I don't know what of all they said struck me the most, but it was probably from saying Edward takes pity on me. Things have been up in the air with Edward lately, and I wonder sometimes. Is he still my friend because he pities stupid Bella? What's keeping him with me? My charming personality? I don't want Edward to hate me. I don't want anyone in the gang to hate me.

The tears keep streaming down my face.

There's a knock, and Ed's voice follows it, asking if I'm here.

Tentatively, I open the door. Edward takes one look at my face and hurries in the bathroom, locking the door behind him and pulling me into a hug.

I cry my eyes out against his chest, probably staining his precious shirt, but I don't care, and I know he doesn't either.

"What's wrong, Belle? Did that asshole say something else?"

"N-No, it's not about h-him." I hiccup, cleaning my nose on his shirt. He takes a step back so he can look at my face, which has tear tracks and snot running down my nose. I wipe it with the back of my hand, still hiccupping. I sort of feel like a two year old, crying to mommy about being pushed in the playground.

"Then what?" it's one of those rare instances where Edward is gentle, and I'm sort of glad he isn't trying to laugh this off, like he usually does.

"J-Jessica and L-Lauren," I'm not above ratting them out, ladies and gentlemen, "said th-at I'm slutty, and that you ta-ke pity on me and that's why you h-hang out with me. A-And that I really am an ugly tom-boy." I hiccup, looking away.

Edward's anger has reached its maximum.

"Isabella, listen to me." He wipes away my tears, cupping my cheeks so he can make sure I look him in the eye. It's embarrassing, but I do. Edward... he looks so angry for my sake. I don't know what to feel about it, but I decide to feel protected. My worries are blown away. Who cares? I have Edward. I might not be the prettiest girl, but I don't care about beauty. I look at myself in the mirror, averting my gaze from Puck's. My brown hair is tied in a grungy bun, the fringe Lou forced upon me held up by a bobby-pin. My brown eyes are bloodshot, my cheeks splotchy and my lips slightly swollen from biting them to hold back my cries. I'm not a pretty sight, but I'm not so bad in general. I'm fit, I have pretty hair and I have boobs hidden underneath the layers of clothes. So what am I crying about?

I laugh, stepping back from Edward.

He's surprised, but lets me go.

"I'm sorry, Tony. I went crazy for a minute there. I'm ok now, though. I promise."

He tugs me in for a hug.

Then he whispers in my ear. "You're my beautiful, innocent, kind and hilarious best friend. Never let anyone tell you otherwise."

And because he's a big sap, he farts, and our beautiful moment is over.

So? What did you think? I know that there's a few things that might seem odd, but hear me out. This is actually an original story of mine, but I wanted to share it here, so I'm changing the characters into Twilight people. I've actually developed this story a lot already, and I really want to, you know, share it here (again), So please forgive me if you find some discrepancies, and please point them out (like if I say at one point that Bella has blue eyes, for instance, or that Edward has a Mohawk -believe me, I'm not trying to give him one).

So, I really hate doing this. But I've learnt that motivation is a really important thing, and I don't want to continue a story nobody likes. So on that note, I've set the goal to 20 follows for this chapter. If (or when) we reach it, I'll post the second chapter, maybe a little shorter if y'all thought this was too long. Also, there will be smut, hence the rating. I'm just trying to do some character development here. :)

Leah.