Chapter 6

Flashback:

"What are you doing here?"

I stood face to face with Tanya. Why was she here?

"Look Bella I don't have time to have a nice talk with you. I came to tell you that you need to stay away from Edward. He only needs to focus on me and that's all. So don't even think about coming near him anymore. He doesn't love you and he never has. Just stay away." Tanya said calmly. Before I could answer she turned around and got in her car and drove away. I stood at my doorstep for about a minute until I could collect myself. I didn't know what to do so I called Alice. She answered on the first ring and before I could say anything she said, "I'm on my way."

I left the front door open and walked upstairs to my room. I sat on my bed in a fetal position. Five minutes later I heard Alice's car pull into my drive-way. I listened for the front door to open and heard footsteps coming upstairs. I looked up and Alice's small body was in my doorway. "What happened?" she asked sitting on the foot of my bed. I told her everything that happened and just mentioning Tanya's name seemed to put Alice on the edge. "I swear when I see that girl tomorrow at school I'm going to rip every single piece of her hair." Alice said standing up in fury after I finished my story. "No please don't do anything Alice. If she makes him happy then let them be." I said looking down. "Bells I don't know what Edward did to even get you to look at him. You are way too nice for him." She said sitting back down on my bed. "I think that's my problem. I let everyone walk all over me and I don't stand up for myself. Not anymore though." I said with determination. "I'm proud of you." That's all I needed to hear from her to know that I could do this. Shortly after our talk my parents arrived home and I made sure Alice didn't tell them anything about what happened. Alice left after eating dinner with us. I cleaned up the kitchen and headed upstairs. I felt slightly alone but I also felt a wave of courage surge through me. I was tired of having everyone think they can get away with hurting me.

*Next Morning*(Monday)

I woke up earlier than usual, giddy and excited about school. I took a shower than blow-dried and straightened my hair. I walked over to my closet and saw a hanger with dark, ripped jeans, a white and gray cardigan with a brown top, and cream colored flats with gold jewelry. (Pics on Profile) The hanger had a note that read: Today is the day to prove that Edward does not control your life. Knock em' dead ;)

I smiled at her thoughtfulness. She was always one step ahead of me. I changed and for the first time in a week applied eyeliner and mascara. I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs. My parents were still asleep so I grabbed my keys and drove to Starbucks. I ordered a vanilla bean Frappuccino and a breakfast croissant. I ate quickly and drove to school. I pulled into the parking lot and the only space available was next to Edward's car. I took a much needed breath and pulled swiftly into the spot. I sat in the car for a couple seconds. I finally grabbed my bag and hopped out of my car. I met Alice at Rosalie's car and she and Rose both hollered and whistled at me. I laughed at their goofiness and all three of us walked into school. My morning went normal until English. I walked in and Tanya and her click glared at me until I sat down. Feeling a bit in a bored mood I turned to Tanya. "Do you have a staring problem?" I asked looking straight at Tanya.

"No, I was just trying to think what Edward ever saw in you." She smiled.

"Yeah well I'm still wondering how much money he's getting paid to be with you." I replied. Alice walked in and sat down next to me and gave me a high-five. Before she could reply the teacher walked in and Tanya said, "This isn't over." I pretended I didn't even hear her. Class ended and as I stood up Tanya walked past and purposely bumped into me. "Excuse you!" Alice said. Tanya just kept walking. Alice and I separated and before she left she wished me good luck. I had my math class with Edward and I knew this was going to be tough. I walked quickly to class hoping to get there before Edward, and ask to change my seat but when I walked in Edward was already there. I walked in and Edward's head shot up. He stared at me up until I sat down. I didn't look at him or even talk to him. Several times it looked like he wanted to say anything but didn't. We finished our lesson early and had ten minutes of free time. The first thirty seconds was insanely awkward because everyone else was talking but you could tell they were waiting for us to start fighting again.

"You know Bells, you're still my best friend. Even if I'm not yours." He said looking at me. I still didn't look up at him. I was shocked he even said anything to me.

"That's nice." I said simply. I didn't want to have this conversation with him but I knew that being friends for over five years doesn't just end over a weekend. "Just answer one question. Are Tanya and you going out?" I needed to know if there was any chance of us being friends again.

"Yes." He said quietly with his head down. "But it's not what you think, we-"he answered. I cut him off.

"That's all I need to know." The bell rang and I swiftly grabbed my bag and left the room. I walked into the cafeteria and the gang was already sitting at our table. I sat down next to Emmett and he gave me a hug.

"How're you holding up?" he asked looking genuinely concerned.

"I'm fine, Em." I would probably use this excuse several times today. Edward walked into the cafeteria and started walking towards us. Jasper stood up from the table and met him before he reached the table. They were talking about something and I saw Edwards face fall at whatever Jasper told him. I heard Tanya's name thrown in there and immediately Edward got upset. Edward stormed out of the cafeteria and I saw Tanya run after him.

"Dude, what did you say to him?" Emmett asked.

"I told him bluntly that we didn't want him at the table if he was still going out with Tanya because all she does is cause trouble. I also told him that he had to choose between us or her." After he said this Jasper looked at me and smiled. After all my classes I was walking to my car and I looked up and Edward was leaning against my car. I immediately tensed up. My day went smoothly and I did not want any fighting. I continued walking like I didn't see him and when I got close enough to my car Edward stood in front of my door.

"You're in the way can you please move?" I asked politely. He just stared at me emotionless. "Edward can you move?" I asked less politely.

"Bella, are you really going to stay mad at me forever?" He asked.

"Well if you don't move out of my way than yes, possibly." I replied stubbornly. He still stood in front of my door, not moving.

"Bella has she really become that big of a problem between us that you can't even look at me?" He asked still looking at me but I wouldn't meet his eyes.

"No. It's no longer her anymore. You have thrown this friendship out the window. It's not her fault anymore. If you want to blame someone than blame yourself. Now move so I can get in my car please." I answered. He moved over and climbed into his car. I pulled out first and sped off. I felt relieved that I had finally spoken up to him. I just want my senior year to be drama-free.

AN: I am so so so so sorry this is incredibly late but I have had no time to write. I'm on spring break now so I should be able to finish. REVIEW please!