Strange Ingénue

A Twilight Fan Fiction

By PuppetStrings19

Synopsis (Brief):

Opposites attract, even in college. To say their story is easy to tell would be a lie, cause where's the fun in that? Their story is somewhat of a slow burn, but there will definitely be some fun along the way.

Disclaimer:

All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

This story contains underage drug and alcohol use, profanity, discussion of sex and sexually explicit acts. Mature readers only please.

This story is Unbeta'ed! Please forgive the occasional grammatical errors.

Chapter 8: Gossip

Isabella Swan

I heard someone else call my name as I made my way through the crowded living room. But I was too far gone to pay attention. I was so angry and so hurt. I just wanted to go home.

I pushed the front door open and quickly made my way down the stairs. Once I was outside, I ran into a group of people standing beneath a street lamp, smoking cigarettes and laughing.

I marched passed them. I'd walk home if I had to.

"Hey!" a small girl called out when she saw me pass. "Hey, wait a minute."

I heard the soft clicking of her heels as she ran after me. I slowed my pace before turning towards her.

"Hey, girl. What's up?" she asked with a small frown.

I recognized her as the strange girl from the bathroom a few weeks ago. Alice, with the wide glassy eyes and black bob. Only today, her eyes were calm and gentle and her hair was sticking out in every direction, like she'd been electrocuted. She was dressed as a skimpy cat for Halloween.

"I'm… upset," I croaked. "I wanna leave."

Alice's wide eyes took in my tear stained face.

"Aww, what happened? Did some guy piss you off?" she asked empathetically.

I gave her a slow nod before breaking down into a full on, drunken sob.

"Ohh… honey," she laughed before wrapping her arms around my shoulders. "Don't cry. Fuck that guy."

"I've had to deal with multiple assholes today," I giggled before wiping my nose.

"Life is full of assholes, girl. Get used to it."

I chuckled again.

"Look, come back to the apartment, have a cigarette and chill out okay? It's too late for a girl like you to go wondering off by herself."

I hesitated.

"Look, you see them?" she pointed towards the group of people under the street lamp.

I nodded.

"Those are my friends. They're cool and they'll be nice to you. Trust me."

I gave a soft 'okay' before following Alice back towards the group of people.

"I'm Alice, by the way. I don't think we've been formally introduced."

"Bella," I said softly.

Tyler was there too, and I could see the concern on his face as he watched me approach.

"What happened?" he asked nervously. "You were fine a moment ago, weren't you?"

I nodded.

"Was it me?" he continued.

"No," I laughed. "I'm just drunk. Haven't you seen drunk girls cry before?"

I tried to laugh it off and pretend like I wasn't as upset as I truly was.

Tyler laughed with me. "You're cute when you're drunk."

He wiped one of my tears away with his thumb before pulling me into a warm hug. I let him. He was nice to me, and carrying. So I figured I might as well enjoy it while I could.

Tyler kept his arm around me as he tried repeatedly to ask me why I had gotten so upset. I refrained from telling him the truth and pretended that I was mostly upset because I had very little control over my emotions when I'd had too much to drink.

I ended up staying outside with Alice, Tyler and the other group of people I didn't know, until Rosalie and Emmett eventually came down. It was just after three in the morning when I said my goodbyes to Tyler and Alice and let Emmett finally drive me home.

Back at the dorms, I made my way quietly to my room… alone because Rosalie decided she would spend the night with Emmett. I assumed she didn't know what had happened between Tyler and I, nor the fight I'd had with Edward. I was happy about that. I felt embarrassed about the whole thing and I didn't want to relive it again in detail with her. Not tonight anyway.

Once I was in my room, I stripped down into nothing but my panties and climbed into bed.

I was so angry and so hurt by Edward's reaction. Part of me contemplated if I had actually done something wrong by sleeping with Tyler, but the other part of me defended my actions and said I was a grown woman, free to make my own choices. Edward had a girlfriend after all, and it wasn't like that relationship was going to end any time soon.

I thought about his angry expression and how upset he was. It was a look I never wanted to see on his face, especially towards me. Was he disgusted with me? I chanted various arguments over and over in my head all night. I refused to let him make me feel guilty for sleeping with someone, even in if it was his friend.

I dozed for a couple of hours, but woke early anyway with a hangover from hell. I felt antsy and upset and eager to go about my day.

And anyway, I had homework to get done.

I spent most of my morning in the cafeteria, drinking coffee and doing my Pre-Cal homework, and the rest of my afternoon in my room, working on an English project on and off, while listening to music and doing some sketches on the side.

I tried to draw attention away from the previous evening by sketching a woman with an elaborate headpiece, hoping to keep my brain occupied on anything but Tyler and Edward.

It was around midnight when Rosalie finally came back to the dorms.

"Is it emo hour again?" she asked softly as she walked in.

She was wearing a men's large white t-shirt over her fairy pixie skirt, her Halloween costume.

I glanced up at her as a slight blush warmed my cheeks.

Baby I'm for real by the Originals was playing softly off our playlist.

"You okay?" she continued.

I shrugged.

"I know about Tyler," she said again.

"Do you?"

"I just ran into Jess."

I rolled my eyes.

"Lauren is pretty pissed."

I watched Rosalie pull off her skirt before pulling on a pair of loose yoga pants. I hadn't even considered Lauren's reaction to idea of me hooking up with Tyler.

"Apparently Lauren and Tyler are kind of seeing each other," Rosalie continued. "Well, they were seeing each other."

I felt my heart accelerate.

"He didn't mention anything about Lauren," I defended.

Rosalie smiled. "Well, she's probably been blowing their relationship out of proportion."

I frowned. I knew Rosalie had already chosen to take my side.

"Wanna talk about it?" she asked.

"About what, exactly?"

"You and Tyler… or better yet, you and Royce. What the fuck happened with that?" Rosalie's smile was wide now, humoring me with her false eagerness for gossip.

Rose wasn't really the gossip type. But she could feel my need to vent as I sat quietly curled up on my bed.

"He broke up with me," I said. "He was pissed because Tyler complemented my outfit."

Rosalie nodded. "Yeah… you told me he was kind of a jealous type."

"Well, I got pissed off and told him that I was with him, so another man complimenting me shouldn't really be an issue. He fought back and told me that I was looking for the attention. That I needed it. How he could tell that being with him wasn't enough. He… said he's caught me looking at other men before." I shook my head, hurt again by his words.

"Have you been?" Rosalie asked honestly.

"I don't know. No. I mean, I can appreciate an attractive man, but its not like I go around flirting with everyone. If a guy talks to me while we're standing in line at a coffee shop, I respond. But that's it."

I watched Rosalie's mouth pull down slightly. "So you guys are done now," she asked.

"Done. He told me he didn't want to be with me anymore."

"Are you upset?"

"Not really. He's an asshole."

Rosalie gave a small nod as she turned to climb into bed.

"I'm sorry Royce was a dick," Rosalie said gently. "But still, you better watch out for Lauren. If I know anything about that girl, it's how bitchy she is. She might pick a fight with you, so be prepared."

I snorted. "It's not like I'm seeing Tyler now."

"Yeah, but you slept with the guy she's been sleeping with."

"I really didn't know they were sleeping together."

"I know… but that doesn't mean she won't blame you."

"Oh God…" I muttered as Rosalie switched off the light.

We were quiet for a moment before Rosalie spoke again.

"Why did you do it?" she asked softly.

"Do what?"

"Sleep with Tyler. Do you like him?"

I sighed. "Not particularly."

"Then… why him?"

"We were in the moment, and… I really wanted to." I didn't really know how to answer that question. In reality, Tyler was attractive, and pretty cool to hang out with, but I didn't know him all that well. I guess I really did just want the attention.

I fell asleep with nervous knots in my tummy from what tomorrow would bring.

My classes went by very quickly and before I knew it, I was making my way to the Den Bookstore. I was so nervous about seeing Edward, I actually contemplated calling in sick. But honestly, I needed the money and I didn't want to disrespect the Cullen's that way. And also… I actually really did want to see him.

I pushed the door open and glanced around, but Edward wasn't at the front desk. So I made my way over to my battered computer chair and placed my backpack down.

That's when I heard the soft padding of feet approach.

I turned to see Edward walk towards the front of the store. He had his usual Cubs baseball cap on, a black t-shirt, and a pair of his snug blue jeans.

He met my gaze for only a second before he turned back towards the isle he'd come from.

"New shipment of used books," he said to me over his shoulder, before disappearing.

I felt my heart drop from his coolness, but I sucked up my nerves and made my way down the isle after him.

We were quiet for the first hour and I did my best to pretend like I didn't notice him acting cold towards me. But once that hour was up, I couldn't handle the distance between us any longer.

"Edward," I said softly as I rummaged through a small stack.

"Yeah," he responded in his deep baritone.

I thought for a moment, trying desperately to start a conversation. But no words came to me.

"What is it, Bella?" he asked in his deep velvet voice.

I looked up.

He was sitting behind me, gazing at me, his eyes partially hidden by the shadow the brim of his hat cast over his eyes. When my eyes met his, I couldn't keep the words from spilling from my mouth.

"We're friends," I said softly. "Are you really going to ignore me?"

His gaze shifted over my face before looking away.

"Look," I continued. "I don't… I don't know what to tell you. I'm… I just…" I could hear myself scrambling over my own words. "Whatever. I was so full of shit that night and I did some things I'm not proud of. One of those things was… hurting you. You were so upset and I'm sorry about that…"

"Wait a second, Bella," Edward said as he adjusted the tatted cap on his head. "I'm not upset with you. You're a young woman and you can do whatever you want. If you wanna sleep with Tyler then go for it… by all means..." he finished with a wave of his hand.

I watched his eyes drift back to the stack of books in front of him.

"You're single and he's single," he continued casually. "It wasn't my place to make you feel bad about something you wanted to do."

I couldn't help but be stung by his words. His nonchalance was almost worse than him yelling at me. I didn't know what I was expecting to hear from him. An apology? That he was pissed at me?

It wasn't until then that I realized I had been hoping. Hoping for some sign that we once did have a connection. I knew it was stupid and hurtful to have that kind of expectation, but I couldn't help it.

Edward Cullen

I tried to keep my eyes away from Bella for most of the next few hours, yet still I couldn't keep my gaze from roaming.

She was wearing a pair of faded black jeans, a white t-shirt and a dark red cardigan. Her hair was up and her face was wiped free of makeup. My gaze drifted over her puckered features as she flipped through an old Murakami book.

I couldn't help feeling annoyed with her for sleeping with Tyler. I knew she was single and all… but… I couldn't help seeing his fucking body all over her. I found myself resenting them for being together.

We finished up most of the boxes at around 6 when I stood up and approached her.

Her wide brown eyes found me instantly.

I frowned at her open, innocent expression.

"Hungry?" I asked.

She nodded.

I suggested we close up the shop and take the five-minute walk to a nearby burger joint. She agreed.

The walk was quick and quiet. I felt edgy as I walked beside her, and I knew that I should probably say something to ease the tension. But I refrained.

At the burger place, I quickly asked Bella what she wanted to eat, before I placed our orders and paid out of habit. I was doing what I could to ignore my annoyance towards her and act as casual as possible.

We ate in mostly silence, and I knew the tension from the past weekend wouldn't be resolved easily.

"How's your burger?" she asked timidly, breaking the silence.

I gave a slow nod as I wiped the lingering sauce from the corner of my mouth.

She ate half of hers before sitting back in her seat to watch me eat.

I watched her too. I tried to keep my eyes gentle as they roamed over her face, but the bubbling of distaste towards her actions continued to boil deep inside of me.

Her hair was coming undone. Pieces of hair were now flowing around her face and ears, making her look tired and slightly disheveled… but still nice. Always nice.

"So how was the cleanup Sunday morning?" she asked with a smirk.

I gave her an eye roll before looking away. "Its still going."

"No!" she exclaimed.

"Yup. Three lazy assholes to clean up an entire apartment by ourselves? No way."

"Isn't Jessica gonna help a little? I mean her friends were there too."

"Yeah well," I said with a shrug. "She doesn't like getting her hands dirty."

I didn't tell her that Lauren was refusing to come by the apartment and Jessica had to spend her entire Sunday trying to console her friend. Tyler and Lauren weren't actually dating, though they'd hooked up a few times recently. But Lauren was taking the news very hard, nonetheless.

"I can help if you want," Bella said. "I mean I did have quite a few beers."

I met her gaze before shaking my head.

"Na," I said. "Its cool."

She gave me a slow nod before looking away.

"How's Royce doing? Have you talked to him?" I asked tentatively.

She shook her head. "I'm done with that guy."

"Really? That pissed, huh?"

"He's a jerk."

Now it was my turn to give a slow awkward nod.

"How old is Jessica?" Bella asked suddenly.

"Twenty-one."

"Wow… twenty-one. I've been told a person goes through some drastic changes as they get older. You grow… you evolve."

"Yeah," I added as I sat back in my chair. "Fuck… eighteen to twenty-one was a big change for me."

She met my gaze.

"Jessica's lucky," she added softly. "She didn't have to go through too many bad guys to find a good one."

Her gaze held mine for a long moment. It was steady and full of some emotion I couldn't comprehend.

My eyes traveled between her wide, chocolate brown irises, down her straight small nose, to the silver hoop that glittered there, and then across her full lips. I could see her freckles today in the harsh neon white lights of the fast-food restaurant.

I frowned. I didn't know how to respond to Bella's statement, so I just looked away.

I didn't like that she said things like that to me. It was almost as if she was hinting at something, some underlining attraction she had towards me. Yet she went and fucked my roommate. I was starting to hate myself for being pissed about what happened between them, but I couldn't help it. It seemed obvious to me that Bella was interested in me on some level. The way she'd spoke to me, looked at me. It wasn't like she was really trying to hide it.

That night, in my bathroom, she basically confessed how she felt towards me before she told me she didn't want to ruin our relationship by making a pass at me. I was so shocked by her moment of honesty and I almost felt honored in a way. But then I watched her take advantage of Tyler's attention, almost immediately after confiding in me.

I watched her from a distance as she flirted back with Tyler before she finally accepted Tyler's eager kiss.

I knew I didn't really have a right to be pissed at her, or Tyler. They were both single and obviously attracted to each other. It wasn't my fucking business what they did or didn't do. And after all, who knows how long I'd be with Jessica. She was my girlfriend after all and I was happy. Wasn't I?

Still, I couldn't get the image of them together out of my mind.

I turned my attention back to the uneaten half of her burger.

"You gonna eat that?" I asked her.

She shook her head, so I got up and tossed our trays. Our break was over and I was immediately eager to get back to the Den.

We got back to work shortly after and then I gave her a ride to the dorms before we said a couple of quick goodbyes.

Back at my apartment, I ran into Mike and Tyler and was surprised to see them both carrying garbage bags around.

"Now this is a sight for sore eyes," I mocked.

"It started to really stink in here," Mike defended. "Grab a bag, man."

I dropped my book bag in my room before I got to work.

Tyler was in the middle of shuffling through an iPod when I walked into the kitchen. I met his gaze before looking away. I could tell he knew that I was annoyed about his recent engagement, but thankfully he didn't mention it. He didn't even mention Bella at all since that night.

The three of us spent a few hours throwing out empty cans and bottles, sweeping the floors and eventually moping the entire apartment. We were pretty satisfied by our progress and went to bed a little after 2 in the morning.

The next day, I felt a little more refreshed as I started my day. I met Jessica at school and walked with her to the Bio building.

"How's Lauren doing?" I asked as I walked beside Jessica.

"Better. She's still really pissed off though."

I gave a small nod.

"I can't believe that skank fucked Tyler. It makes me so mad how girls can be so damn promiscuous. And she basically cheated on her fcuking boyfriend! What the hell is up with that?"

I shook my head, pissed at myself for bringing it up. I really didn't want to talk about Bella and Tyler.

"I mean seriously. Tyler's an idiot. What kind of guy wants to be with a girl who just sleeps with whoever's available? That's disgusting. I can't believe he'd cheat on Lauren to be with a girl like that. They're sick."

"You don't even fucking know Bella," I snapped.

"Excuse me?" I felt Jessica rip her hand out of mine as she turned to face me.

"You don't even fucking know her, Jess. How do you know who she's slept with or what her relationships are like? You don't know if Royce was actually her boyfriend or if she honestly really does have feelings for Tyler. Jesus, Christ I can't listen to you tear her apart when you've only met her twice in your whole life."

"Oh, my God! I can't believe you're defending her!" Jessica yelled to me.

"I'm not defending her!" I yelled back. "I'm just saying that you know nothing about this girl, and Tyler is a free agent and he can fuck whoever he wants! Lauren was not his girlfriend."

"Well, they were dating!" Jessica defended.

"They were not dating, Jessica! We are dating," I said as I gestured between the two of us. "I take you on dates, I take you to dinner, I buy you things, I care about you. Tyler did not have that kind of relationship with Lauren. Not even close. I'm sorry, but your friend is delusional."

"You're an asshole," Jessica said as she turned and marched away from me.

"I'm not an asshole. I'm just being honest," I said to her back.

I watched her go for a minute before I ran and caught up with her.

"Jessica," I said as I reached for her elbow.

"No!" she exclaimed. "Tyler is a dick! Lauren was at that party and she had to witness the guy she likes, flirt and fuck some hoe-bag that just recently fell into his life! My friend is not delusional! She has every right to be upset! Tyler is a jackass!"

I ran my hand through my hair, feeling exasperated.

And as if on cue, as if she'd known we'd been speaking about her, Bella appeared, stepping out of the Bio building. My heart sank as I watched her walk towards us.

Her eyes were on me, steady and slightly defensive before they flickered to Jessica.

"Great," Jessica spat under her breath.

"Morning," Bella said as she grew closer to us.

Her expression was guarded as she took in Jessica's sneer.

I gave Bella a casual nod, which she returned with a small smile before walking passed us and going on her way.

"Its so hard for me to even look at her," Jessica murmured to me.

I watched Bella go, her small hips swaying as she trudged over the green lawn, back towards the dorms.

It was hard for me to look at her too.

A/N:

Till next time. xoxo