I looked at him blankly, then began to grin. "Yeah, but Edward, why do you care? You don't even talk to him. Neither do I. He just goes to our school, that's all."

Edward shook his head, then looked at me. "Bella, I don't care. Lying is wrong... and besides, who knows what Austin will do to you, when his parents yell at him, and he finds out you put the blame on him?"

I pondered this question for a moment, but I still didn't see the big deal. Edward walked to my bed and sat next to me, and my heart fluttered. I wouldn't miss that human part of me, the part that went into overdrive when Edward was in close proximity. He looked at me, and said simply, "I think you should tell Charlie the truth."

I sighed. "Edward, no. It's too late. And besides, he might get grounded or whatever, but what'll Austin do to me? Nothing, with you around." I smiled at him, and started working on my calculus.

Edward was silent.

---

The next day at lunch, Edward, Alice and I were sitting at our usual table, only Angela and Ben missing. Everyone else tended to ignore and avoid us these days. Finally the two showed up, whispering angrily. Actually, only Ben looked angry, Angela just looked worried.

When they got within hearing range, they stopped, and sat down, Angela next to me and Ben on her other side. Ben was silent, and Angela only said a simple "hi" before starting to eat her lunch. I wasn't worried, but Edward nudged me in my side. I looked at him, and then began eating my pizza.

There was silence at our table, except for Alice and Angela, the former chattering away, and the latter agreeing quietly at intervals. It was beginning to get awkward, and I looked at Edward again, but he was staring at Ben.

Ben seemed to be having an internal conflict, which was what Edward was no doubt concentrating on. Finally Ben said out loud, "Bella... why did you say that?"

Alice and Angela stopped talking and stared at him, and so did I. "Um... what?" I asked him. He finally looked at me, instead of off into space. "Why did you tell that lie about Austin? He's not in huge trouble, but enough to make him... pretty angry."

Angela looked from Ben to me, and back again. "Oh... I don't know. I didn't think it would be a big deal," I said to him.

Ben scowled, and then said, "Well... it is. I bet you didn't know Austin's aunt died from lung cancer. Her boyfriend smoked, and he's still alive. Austin's parents aren't mad at him... just confused that he would supposedly smoke, knowing that's how a family member died."

I sat silently in my chair, shocked. Edward made no move to comfort me, which distressed me even more. But he had warned me... this was leading to things I didn't want to deal with.

Ben was still talking. "... and Bella, Austin's parents believe what your dad says, because he IS a cop. But all your dad has is your word." He practically spit the last two words at me. Angela was looking upset, which upset me in turn.

I felt horrible.

Ben looked at someone over my shoulder, and then smirked. "Well, speak of the devil," he said, and I turned around. Austin was standing there, looking angry and sad at the same time.

"Bella," Austin said, "I know you lied. And now I want you to make it up to me."

I saw both Edward and Alice stiffen in their seats, Alice from a vision, and Edward probably from what Austin was thinking at the moment.

I nodded at Austin. "Okay... what do you want me to do?" I asked him, expecting to have to wash his car or tell his parents the truth.

Austin looked at Edward, then back to my face. "Bella, I want you to go on a date with me." Edward growled quietly at my side, but still said nothing. I was aghast at the both of them. If this was Mike Newton, Edward would have ripped his face off by this point. But instead, he just sat there. And Austin, having the gall to ask me on a date, when it was old news that Edward and I were a "thing"?

I could hear Angela and Ben whispering behind me. I stared stupidly at Austin. "Um, what?" I asked him. I laughed, trying to brush it off. "You know I'm dating Edward... right?" I asked this like I would ask a slow child.

Austin nodded, and said, "Oh, of course. I already asked him. He's okay with it."

My jaw literally dropped.

...All this over a little addiction?
Another pack of cigarettes was starting to sound really good...

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yay! I've already gotten so many reviews for this, (even though I honestly think it sucks butt...)
But it's fun writing it.
I dont like the end of this chapter, but eh. I guess Edward is punishing Bella for lying.
... because Edward would sooooooooooooo do that. (sarcasm)