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CHAPTER 11

Bella's POV

I gripped my fork tightly as I stared at Luca and Sophie, unsure of what to say. The whole table was awkwardly silent, and I better chances of withering up and dying under Connor's glare, than getting out of this situation. 

"You guys kissed?" My mum asked, breaking the silence. I opened my mouth slightly, ready to come up with some crazy excuse.

"Mummy it was so romantic! Connor was about to ride off on his bike when Bellaby ran in front of him and kissed him!" Sophie cried out, clapping her hands in delight. Now, I love my siblings and all, but at this moment, I only had one though directed for Sophie. 

Die bitch, die.

All the parents turned to me, their eyebrows raised. I gulped and looked down at my plate, wishing I could just disappear. You know it wasn't just me, I thought to myself as everyone continued to watch me. I turned to look at Connor, giving him a nasty glare in response to his smirk.

"Help me." I hissed quietly. He sighed and turned back, everybody now watching him. Grateful for the distraction, I took a huge bite of lasagna.

"I guess we might as well tell you guys the truth. Bella and I are dating." Connor announced. Our moms gasped and looked at each other, grinning. Mr. Michaels gave Connor a nod of approval, just as I started nodding along in agreement.

Then the words sank in.

"Wait wha-!" I began choking on the on the mouthful of lasagna I had. Just as I coughed it up, gross I know, Connor and Liam both just so happened to choose that moment to come to my rescue. I straightened up, ready to say I was fine, when something, well, two things, slammed against my back....

Sending me face fist into my lasagna.

My hands gripped the side of the table tightly as I slowly pulled myself up, the warm cheese and tomato sauce stuck to various parts of my face.

"Bella, I'm so sorry." Liam said, his eyes wide. I nodded, smiling a little to show him I wasn't mad. I turned to look at Connor, expecting an apology. His eyes were wide as he stared at me. I raised my eyebrow, slightly annoyed.

Then he burst out laughing.

I growled and stood up, mumbling that I had to go wash off, walking angrily away while Connor continued to laugh. Honestly though, it took everything inside of me to not laugh my head off along with him. Sure, I just got my face thrown into lasagna, but it was funny- and a great distraction.

After I washed my face off, I leaned against the wall, thinking. Actually, I was conflicted. What was I going to do about Liam? I felt horrible that I had completely forgot about him- 

No I felt guilty. Want to know why? I never forgot about the date, I was just hoping he wouldn't show up.

Awful, I know.

But I was, shockingly, having a pretty good time with Connor, and I didn't want it to end so soon. On the other hand, I was mad at myself for being slightly nice to Connor. I felt like I was leading him on, making him think that I was going to open up to him. I know, I know. Only a couple hours before, I was ready to invite him into my house so that we could "bond." I was desperate; I didn't want him to leave. It was like I had this strange attraction to him...

The door suddenly opened, and in slipped Connor. He quickly shut the door behind him, turning to face me. I pushed myself off of the wall, coming awkwardly close to him.

"We're not having another bathroom make out moment if that's what you're here for." I warned him, trying to walk around him. He mirrored my movement, causing me to freeze and frown, glaring at him.

"I was hoping we could re-live that nude moment that you had in my bathroom. Remember?" He asked, his eyes twinkling mischievously. I scowled and smacked his chest, which I highly doubt even hurt him the slightest.

"You're such an ass." I snapped, trying to get around him. He continued to block my exit, causing me to grow angrier by the second.

"What do you want?" I hissed, craning my neck so I could look him in the eye. The amusement vanished from him face, and a look of seriousness took over.

"Why's Liam here?"

Oh shit... I should have known he was going to ask me something like this. "I had a date with him tonight. I forgot by accident."

Connor's eyes narrowed. "So you were going on a date with him."

"Yeah. That's what I just said." I said awkwardly, looking around.

"Do you even understand how bitchy that it?" Connor snapped, causing me to look up in shock.

"What-"

"Well I find it interesting that you insist that we 'hangout' first before anything else, but with Liam, it seems you don't have the same requirements." I sighed and crossed my arms.

"Connor, I thought we were over th-"

"I'm done with you."

"Excuse me?" I asked, surprised.

"I'm done with you," he said slowly, "I'm sick of acting like I'm okay with the way you treat me compared to others. I don't care what you've heard about me, or what my reputation may be. I always admired you for not being one to judge. Guess I was wrong." He turned to leave and I grabbed his arm.

"I may judge you because of what I've heard, but I've experienced it all first hand, so being judgmental isn't such a bad thing." I snapped, glaring at him.

"Whatever, I'm done. Go run to Liam-"

I let out a short, dry, laugh. "Are you jealous or something?" 

"Jealous? You wish. Jealousy really isn't my thing. No, I'm disappointed." He said opening the door.

"Disappointed? Why?" Everything was happening so quickly, I was getting very confused.

"It's really such a shame that such a nice body could be wasted on a heartless bitch like you." He said, casting me a cold look over his shoulder. I watched in silence as he stormed back downstairs.

What the hell just happened?

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I went back downstairs after taking a couple deep breaths. Connor said he was 'done' with me... What does that even mean?

I gave a small smile to everyone as I entered the room. Thankfully, Sophie and Luca had gone upstairs to go to bed. Everyone was now eating dessert, talking about business, shopping, and the school football team.

Wait what?

Connor and Liam were talking.

I frowned as I sat down, awkwardly cutting off their conversation.

"Bella, are you going to the opening game?" Liam asked. I played with my ice cream for a bit before turning to him.

"I don't think so." I murmured, turning back.

"What? Why not?" He asked, shocked. I shrugged and placed my spoon back down. I had lost my appetite long ago.

"Come on, it's the biggest game of the season! We're opening against our rivals." He said in attempt to show me how important this game is.

"I don't know much about football." I muttered, staring at the table. I had no idea what was going on with me, but I felt so... sad.

"Connor can teach you the sport, he's our captain- the star player." Liam said grinning. I was so tempted to ask if he even knew that Connor hated him. Suddenly an evil idea popped into my mind.

"Why don't you?" I asked, looking up at him. I turned my body so that I had completely cut off Connor.

"Uh well... aren't you two...?" He trailed off awkwardly. I leaned back and let out a laugh.

"Of course not!" I giggled, placing my arm on his bicep. I felt Connor freeze up as I said that, a smile forming at the corners of my mouth. Liam tensed under my touch, before relaxing and giving me his beautiful, crooked grin.

"Well in that case," he said, winking suggestively. As much as I wanted to pull my arm away and scream, 'Only Connor could pull that off!' I managed to remain giggly and flirty. 

20 minutes later

"Bella, why don't you guys go into the living room and talk?" My mum suggested. I nodded my head obediently and exited the room with Connor and Liam right behind me.

"Man, you wouldn't mind if I took Bella out sometime, would ya?" Liam asked as I sat next to him on the couch, forcing Connor to sit in the lone armchair.

"Not at all." He said, a tight smile on his face. I watched as he hands tightened into small fists, confirming that I had gotten what I wanted-

Jealousy.

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Connor's POV 

Sammy said this would work- telling her I wasn't interested anymore and all. I frowned as I remembered what I had said, tying to see if I had done anything wrong. Maybe I rushed into it. Yeah! That had to be it! 

Sammy said the best way to get a girl to like you, to take interest in you, was to make her feel all this attention, then ignore her. I was going to wait a while before I used it, but when I saw Liam... I lost it.

And now Bella is flirting with him. I'm not going to even try to hide the fact that I was undeniably jealous. I wanted her to be on that couch with me. Not Liam. I shook my head to clear my thoughts, looking up to watch as Bella leaned against Liam, resting her head on his shoulder.

Deep breaths Connor, I told myself in attempt to calm down. I couldn't help but grow angrier as Liam rested his head on hers, whispering something into her ear. I felt a sharp pang of hurt as she let out a small, bubbly, laugh.

"I have to go." I announced, leaving before anyone could stop me- as if anyone would.

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Bella's POV

I hadn't even heard what Liam said, I just laughed a little in hopes it was something funny. Without warning, Connor abruptly stood muttering that he had to leave, and with that, he left. 

Before I could stop him.

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Friday- During Lunch

Connor hadn't come to school at all. Last I saw of him was on Tuesday night, and he didn't look too happy when he left. I was worried. Matt and James were avoiding me, and I had even caught them staring at me multiple times. 

 "So, who's excited for the big game?" Jess asked Anna and me.

"Me!" Anna gushed, clapping her hands excitedly. I picked at my salad, glancing over at Matt and James. Once again, I caught them watching me.

"Bella!" I snapped my head back towards Jess. She and Anna were now watching with me in concern.

"What?" I snapped, glaring at them both.

"What's wrong with you?" Anna asked, looking at me cautiously. I sighed and looked down.

So many things.

"Sorry, I- I'll be right back." I murmured, standing up and grabbing my bag. Ignoring all the weird looks I got, I walked over to their booth, standing in front.

"Where's Connor?" I asked, getting straight to the point. There was a moment of silence before one of them spoke up.

"You care because?" James asked, his tone cold. Matt's eyes widened and he elbowed him in the ribs.

"What he means is, why do you want to know?" Matt said awkwardly, giving me a small smile.

"He hasn't been in school and I was beginning to get-"

"Worried?" James scoffed. "Oh look Matt, the bitch is worried." My eyes widened and I subconsciously took a step back, heat rushing to my face.

"What he means-" Matt tried.

"I mean what I said. I find it surprising that you would give a shit about Connor. Or wait, is this all another act of yours?" James hissed, his eyes glaring at me with so much hate. I felt my eyes fill with tears as I tried to blink them away.

"You only think about yourself."  James spat out, looking at me in disgust.

That hit a nerve.

I raised my hand to my mouth in attempt to muffle the sob that broke loose. At the sight of regret crossing James face, I broke. With tears streaming down my face, I left the lunchroom, unable to handle it anymore. I didn't even think about what I was doing as I hopped inside my car, driving off. I was about to turn onto a street, when I slammed my brakes, stopping only an inch away from the pissed off guy in front of me.

"Would you watch where you're going!" He yelled. I panicked and got out of my car, apologizing repeatedly.

"Hey, it's okay." The guy said softly, "No need to cry." Only then did I realize I was still crying from before.

"I- I- I..."

"It's okay, you don't have to explain yourself. " He said, rubbing my arm comfortingly.

"If there's anything I can do for-" I began to say.

"Actually there is." He said, his eyes twinkling. I help in a gulp of air as I waiting nervously.

"I want your number." I let out the gulp of air in a relieved sigh. Then his words sunk in, and I took a step back.

"But I don't know you." I said, unsure.

"That's the point. We can get to know each other." He said, flashing me a breath taking smile. I simply nodded my head as I took his phone from his hand, adding myself as a contact.

"Bella... That's a beautiful name." He said sincerely. I blushed and tried to look away, but I was mesmerized by his sparkling green eyes.

"I've got to go now, but I'll see you around." He said with a smirk. I blushed again and nodded furiously. Just as he was about to turn the corner, I remembered something.

"Wait! You never told me your name!" I called out. He turned back, smirking.

"I'll save that bit of information for our date."  He said with a wink. I smiled and went back into my car, and only then, did it dawn on me that he had said 'date.'

What have I gotten myself in to?

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Connor's POV

I had told Bella out of the blue that I was done with her, and now she is all over Liam. Call me pathetic and shit, but I was depressed. Never- never in my life had a girl not fallen for me instantly. Sure, there were a couple girls who took a while to break, but it was different with Bella.

I can honestly say that the passion I feel during the kisses we've shared- it's unlike anything else.

I want her to be mine more than anything else, but it seems that she really wants nothing to do with me. As much as I try to get her to admit the passion we have, it seems that I'm only trying to convince her.

And I couldn't cope with the rejection.

"Connor, baby, what's wrong? You seem distracted." Jenna, or was it Lili, said. I frowned and looked down on her.

"Sorry." I muttered. She smiled and batted her eyes flirtatiously and began to kiss me, rocking her hips against mine.

This wasn't what I wanted, but I felt weak. Bella didn't want me, so I assumed that getting laid would help.

Douche move Connor, douche move.

"Connor!" Jenna/Lili moaned out, throwing her head back against the pillow. I pulled out, falling to the side.

"You should go now." I muttered, grabbing all my clothes.

"B-but... why?" She asked sounding hurt. I stood up, pulling up my jeans, ditching my shirt.

"Go." I know, I was being a dick, but I was pissed. Nothing could get my mind off of Bella. I had even ditched school for the rest of the week, hoping it would help.

As you can see, it didn't.

I lead the way down the stairs as Jenna/Lili followed me, pulling on her clothes in a rush.

"Will you call me?" She asked when we reached the door.

"Probably not." I said bluntly, not even feeling the slightest bit of guilt as a look of hurt crossed her face. I grew impatient and reached around her, opening the door.

"Bye now." I said, keeping my eyes on her.

"Connor?" My head snapped towards the doorway.

There she stood. The girl I couldn't forgot- the one who had hurt me The girl that I might actually like.

"Bella?" I asked in surprise.

"Don't bother hun." Jenna/Lili spat out. "He's only good for a fuck and that's all."

She stormed past Bella and went into her car, slamming her door extra hard.

I turned my attention back to Bella, her face emotionless.

"A good fuck, huh?" She turned to leave. I frowned and grabbed her wrist, turning her around.

"What's wrong with you?" I asked, confused.

"You." She hissed out, yanking her arm away. She left in the same manner as Jenna/Lili, and all I could do was stand there in shock.

What the hell just happened?

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Bella's POV

So many questions were running through my mind as I drove home, tears cascading down my face.

Why was I hurt when I saw that girl with Connor?

Why did James snap at me?

Did Connor say something bad about me?

Why did I think he liked me?

When did I start liking Connor?

Did I like Connor?

Why was I crying?

I pulled over and let loose. I dropped my head to my hands and sobbed. Everything was happening so fast, I was completely frazzled, which I guess is why I was having a mental breakdown.

Liam thinks I like him.

Connor doesn't want anything to do with me- why would he? He's nothing but a heartbreaker.

Some random guy has my number, and apparently we are going to go on a date.

20 minutes later

I leaned back, wiping the leftover tears. Starting up the car, I drove home, hoping to be able to talk to my mum.

Like they say: Mother's always right.

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I opened the front door, and entered in a hurry.

"Mum! You home?" I called out.

"Pumpkin? Why are you home so early?" She asked, looking up in surprise from her computer.

"I-I need you." I whimpered.

"Say no more." She said, making her way to me.

1 hour later

We sat on my bed, laughing our heads off.

"You nearly kill some guy and now you're going on a date with him?" She asked between laughs.

"I guess so." I said, smiling.

"Wait, he's not some old man... is she?" She asked me, her eyes wide with fear.

"Mum!" I gasped, slapping her playfully. "Of course not! He's like my age. I think he goes to a different high school though."

"Oh, okay." My mum said, smiling again. "Just be careful though, he could always be one of those serial killers." I laughed and nodded my head.

"Don't worry mum, I don't plan on ever seeing him again." I reassured her. She cracked a grin and leaned back.

"So what are you going to do about your Connor and Liam problem?" She asked, sounding serious.

I frowned. "I'm not sure. I- I just feel so conflicted." My mum nodded understandingly.

"My advice- go for Connor."

My eyes widened and I stared at her for a moment. "But after all he's done." I said, shocked.

"Honey, you said it yourself. Liam is sweet and kind, but you don't feel any connection. I know Connor has a bad reputation and all, but you should take the risk if you feel that somewhere in your heart, you like him."

"That's the thing mum. I don't know how I feel about Connor. He's just so confusing, and I don't want to put myself out there just so he can use me." I said, falling back onto my bed, lying down. My mum copied me so that we were lying together.

"But you guys seemed so happy..." She trailed off.

"I know!" I said, throwing my hands up. "I don't even know him that well, but he's the only one who's actually tried to get to know me."

"What about Jess? I thought you two were really close."

I sighed. "We are... It's just I don't want to burden her with all my problems. My past." I added the last part in a whisper.

"You should." My mum said, sitting up to look at me. "Pumpkin, you need to be able to talk to someone in case you ever have a breakdown. You need someone there for you."

I nodded in agreement. "You're right. Jessica should know the real me, not just what I want her to know."

"Now about my Liam and Connor problem..." I said, trailing off. My mum lay back down next to me.

"Oh, just go lesbo." She said, cracking a smile. (A/N Not meant to be offensive at all)

I burst out laughing, looking back at my mum.

"Thank you." I said gratefully.

"Anything for my baby." She cooed, pinching my cheek. I squealed and pulling away, playfully glaring.

As for my problem- I now know what I'm going to do.

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Jess's POV IT'S A FIRST :)

"Calm down you freak!" James shouted, pinning my wrists to the lockers. I growled and kicked out my legs while continuing to struggle.

"What did you do to her?" I screamed. I managed to break loose after giving his shin a good kick, causing him to let go and grasp his leg painfully.

"Who?" He asked, glaring at me angrily.

"Bella!" I yelled, lifting my leg to kick him again. Suddenly he was in front of me again, and shoved my into the lockers, using his body to pin down mine.

"What has happened to you? You used to be the shy, quiet girl, who was too scared to even look my way. Now you are some deranged, psychotic, bitch trying to kill me!" James said as I struggled to push him away.

"Yeah well that was before you screwed with my best friend, asshole!" I snarled as I tried to find a way to get away.

"You know, all your wiggling against me is kind of a turn on." He whispered, leaning his face only a mere inch away from mine.

That got me to freeze completely, pressing myself against the locker in attempt to distance myself.

"Look, I know I said some bad things to Bella, and I feel really bad." He said, pausing. "If I could take it back, I would."

"You made her cry." I snapped, glaring at him. He sighed and looked away before meeting my angry eyes.

"She put Connor through a lot. He's one of my best friends and I couldn't stand to see him so hurt." He said.

"Hurt? Connor?" I scoffed. "Whatever you say."

James frowned, annoyed. "She was a total bitch to him. One minute she kisses him- then the next, she's telling him he's not good enough." My eyes widened at this.

"Wow.... So she didn't tell you?" James asked. "Maybe you two aren't' as good of friends as you thought." With all my strength, I managed to push James away. Without another word, I left.

That girl had some explaining to do.

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Bella's POV

My mum left go pick up Luca and Sophie while I decided to stay home alone.  A knock sounded on the door. Hmm, I wonder who that could be, I thought to myself, opening the door.

"Oh, hey J-"

"We need to talk."

1 hour and a half later

"That's some serious shit." Jess said after a moment of silent. I laughed and leaned back on the couch.

"Tell me about it." I nodded in agreement.

"What are you going to do?" She asked, looking concerned.

"Well my mum suggested that I become a lesbian-" Jess collapsed back into the chair, laughing her head off.

"Are you?" She asked, her eyes shining.

"What? No!" I said, laughing. "No... I'm just going to stay away from guys for now. Focus on school as stuff."

"BORING!" Jess yelled loudly. I raised my eyebrow as watched her.

"What do you suggest I do?' I asked, slightly annoyed.

She leaned forward. "I say you go out, you know, keep your social life alive. But, show those guys you don't need them to have fun. Live a little with no drama."

I thought this over. "Not a bad idea."

She shrugged. "I'm awesome."

"Yeah, and violent. Is James okay?" I asked.

"Meh, he could combust and I wouldn't give a shit." She said with a simple shrug. I laughed and smiled. Now's the time- I need to tell her about Sam.

"Jess, there's something I need to tell you." I said nervously. She watched me, concern clouding over her face.

"What is it?" She asked.

I took a deep breath before starting. "It all started sophomore year..."

1 hour later

Jess was now sitting on the same couch as me, holding me in a comforting embrace.

"That's awful." She whispered, rocking me back and forth.

"I know." I whispered back, my voice weak. She pulled away, looking into my eyes.

"Let's do something." She said, standing up.

"What?" I asked, looking up at her.

"Come on." She said, pulling me up. "We're going to the football game."

"What? Why?" I asked, now completely confused.

"Because I refuse to let you stay home on a Friday night, crying about what some inconsiderate, good for nothing, asshole did to you." She announced. She looked me over, frowning. "You need to change."

30 minutes later

"It's almost six, the game's at seven." Jess called out as I dug through my closet. Now I know what you're thinking. Thirty minutes and she STILL hasn't picked out an outfit? Ha. No. I had picked out at least twelve outfits, but nothing could be approved of my Jess.

"Jess, I can't think of anything else to wear!" I complained, dramatically collapsing to the ground.

"Out of my way." She said, nearly stepping on me as she entered my closet. I watched from the ground as she pulled out my old light blue skinny jeans and white shirt that had slits all over the back.

"Wear this." She said, pulling out my black leather ankle boots.

"Isn't it a little too much?" I asked, standing up and taking the clothes. She didn't even hesitate before answering.

"Of course not. You'll look great, trust me, and the party afterwards is always really fun." She said,

"What party?" I asked. She gave me a warning look and I quickly started changing.

"Mind if I borrow something?" She asked.

"Go ahe-"

"What is that?" She asked. I stood awkwardly with my shirt off, ready to put on my top. She sighed and pulled out a red lacy bra. I looked down at the plain while one that I was wearing, letting out a groan of defeat as I took the bra from her hand.

45 minutes later

We gave each other once-overs as we got ready to leave. Jess was right, I looked really good, and she did also. She wore a light blue long sleeved shirt with a plunging neck line, and black skinny jeans.

She had made me switch into my faded skinny jeans that had rips and tears all throughout it. She insisted it helped complete my badass look, which I have to agree with her.

"Leggo." She said, leaving my room. I followed her, making sure to tell my mum where I was going.

"You two have fun!" She said with a wink.

"Oh you know we will." Jess said, smirking. My mum laughed and returned to typing on her computer as we left.

This is going to be one interesting night.

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Connor's POV

We warmed up by jogging around the field as groups of kids filled the bleachers. The coach called us in, reminding us that he would personally slaughter each and every one of us if we lost.

"Damn." Mike murmured, staring at the bleachers. We all turned to look at what he was staring at.

It was Bella.

He glossy hair had been straightened, and she was leaning against the railing talking to Jess.

"Dude, I can't believe you're Liam have her." Sean said, his eyes raking over her body. Liam grinned as all the guys looked at him enviously.

"Who says I'm letting him have her? She's mine." I said, watching appreciatively as she turned to look over the field, her eyes settling on me. I was about to walk over and say something, when someone ran over to her.

"Bella!" All the guys on my team went silent as Jack Mathews walked over to the bleachers, leaning against the fence.

How original. My enemy was talking to my girl.

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Bella's POV

I tried to stop myself, but I couldn't. I stared at Connor as he watched me. Why did he have to look so damn sexy in his football uniform?

"Bella!" I turned my head to see some guy from the other team running over to me. My eyes widened when I recognized who it was-

It was the guy I nearly killed.

"Hey..." I said awkwardly.

"You look hot." He stated bluntly, he eyes trailing over my body. I frowned, slightly disgusted. I mean honestly, he was staring at me like I was a piece of meat.

"Thanks." I said, turning abruptly to leave. I saw Jess, sitting a couple rows away and made my way to her.

"Don't forget that date you owe me!" He called out loudly. Like, REALLY loudly. I whirled around to glare at him as he laughed, jogging back to his team. I blushed furiously as everyone stared at me. Jess's eyes were bugging out and she looked slightly pale.

"How do you know Jack Mathews?" She asked in a hushed tone.

I sat down next to her. "So that's his name... He's the guy I almost killed." I said casually. Jess groaned and put her head in her hands.

"What now?" I asked.

"You really have a way of attracting the bad boys." She stated, looking at me.

"Wha-"

"He is just like Connor, well, Connor is worse. But remember when I said Connor was arrested a lot?" Jess asked.

"Yeah..." I said, unsure of where she was going with this.

"He got into a fight with Jack- multiple times. Those two are the biggest enemies, and if Connor still wants you... well nothing good can happen." She said. "Think about it. Those two hate each other, and when Jack finds out that Connor wants you, he'll want you even more."

I was silent as I grasped everything she just said. "So you mean I've just started a war?" I asked slowly.

She nodded her head grimly. "Exactly."

I looked back at the field to see Jack and Connor talking- at least that's what I thought they were doing, until Jack pointed at me and said something to Connor.

And Connor punched him.

Like I said, this is going to be one interesting night.

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