__________________________________________________________

CHAPTER 12

Bella's POV

"Connor!" I shrieked, standing up in shock as Jack stumbled back, clutching his face. Connor immediately looked my way, distracted. Unfortunately, Jack took this to his advantage; punching Connor back, square in the jaw. I panicked and sprinted towards the field, pushing through the crowds of people in order to get around the fence. Right as I got there, Connor lunged at Jack, knocking him over. They began rolling around, punches being thrown left and right.

"Guys, stop!" I screamed, ready to step in. Before I could reach out to pull Connor off of Jack, I was yanked backwards.

"Don't get in the middle of that." James told me, restraining me from moving forward.

"James! Do something!" I said, struggling under his hold. I felt a hand on my shoulder and I looked to the side, at Matt.

"Matt, stop them." I pleaded, glancing back at Connor and Jack. Jack was now on top, raining blows down on Connor. It didn't last for long though- Connor managed to lip them over so that he was now the one on top.

"It's okay, Bella, calm down." Matt said, trying to reassure me. The coaches finally stepped in, pulling them apart.

"Save it for the game!" The coach roared. I pulled away from James, rushing towards Connor.

"Are you okay?" I asked, wincing at the sight of his bloody lip and already bruising jaw. He nodded his head slightly before pushing past me and walking over to the rest of the team. Covering the hurt I felt and ignoring the pitiful looks, I made my way back to my seat.

"That was interesting." Jessica stated, looking at me.

"Why didn't anyone other than me try to stop them?" I asked, annoyed and confused. She shrugged and looked around.

"People are used to them fighting, it's nothing new." She said, watching me carefully.

"Why are you staring at me life that?" I asked suspiciously.

She rolled her eyes. "Do you know why they were fighting?" She asked, her tone implying that the answer was obvious.

I was silent, thinking over everything that happened. "Well you said it was norm-"

Jess threw her hands up in the air. "They were fighting over you, Bella!" I frowned and shook my head.

"Wha-? No... That's ridiculous."

"Bella, you saw Jack point at you right before Connor punched him. Are you really going to try to tell me it was a coincidence?" I looked back at the field, noticing the game was about to start. On cue, the ref blew his whistle.

"I wonder what Jack said to make Connor punch him." I murmured, watched as Connor, who was the quarterback, scanned the field for an open player. Hm, number sixteen, is that funny? My lucky number...

2 hours later

Jess and I stood up, clapping and cheering as Connor and Matt were carried off the field after having scored the winning touchdown off of a play they had together.

"Ready for the party?" Jess asked excitedly. I nodded and grinned at her, following her as we joined the crowd exiting the field.

"Bella!" I turned to see Jack waving at me, motioning me to come over to him. I frowned and shook my head, but the pleading look he gave me made me feel bad.

"I'll be right back." I said, walking out onto the field, past our team and towards Jack.

"Hey-"

"Why did Connor punch you?" I asked.

Jack seemed slightly surprised by my forwardness, but shrugged. "He's crazy."

"I saw you point to me and say something to him right before he punched you," I said, crossing my arms.

Jack narrowed his eyes slightly. "Someone's observant." He said dryly.

"So? What-"

"Bella needs to go." Someone said, dragging me away from Jack. I looked up to see Matt, a blank expression on his face. His grip on my arm was tight as he led me through the crowds, towards Jess.

"What the hell Matt?" I snapped, annoyed that he had cut in.

He frowned and looked down at me. "Bella, I know you know Connor and Jack don't get along- you saw it firsthand."

"And?" I asked, impatient.

"And? Why are you talking to him? Are you trying to get Connor mad again?" I stared at him, completely confused.

"Why would Connor care if I talked to him? It's not like I'm trying to fuck him or something." I said, placing my hands on my hips.

"Bella, you don't know Jack. It's never only just talking, he-"

"Wants to get in my pants?" I guessed. "Cause you know, that's pretty funny- since that's all Connor wants. You know, those two really aren't that different. I'm surprised they aren't friends." Matt stared at me, speechless. I took this moment to get in Jess's car.

"Bye Matt." I muttered as I slammed my door shut. Jess followed in suit, starting her car.

"That was... intense." She worded carefully, pulling out of the parking lot. I nodded, lost in thought.

"Jess, maybe we should skip the-" I started. Suddenly my body was flung forward, causing me to thank god my seatbelt was on.

"What the hell?" I asked after my heart had regained its normal pace.

"We are not missing the party because of those guys." She hissed out in a deadly tone. My eyes widened and I nodded my head.

"Okay, okay, we can go!" I said, holding up my hands in surrender. She returned to her bubbly self and started driving again.

"It's going to be so much fun!" She said excitedly.

"Psychopath." I blurted, covering my mouth in horror. She busted out laughing.

"Calm down Bella, I'm not going to kill you" She said in between laughs. I joined in with her laughter, leaning against the door as she pulled out onto a random street.

"Damn it," she muttered, "I took the wrong turn."

"Who's house is it at?"

"It's at Connor's house." She said slowly, watching me carefully.

"Great..." I muttered, "take a left over here, it's on the right." I said pointing.

10 minutes later

The music was blasting from the house as we parked the car on some random person's driveway. We entered the house, pushing past the already nearly wasted teenagers.

"Bella! Over here!" James called. I looked back at Jessica in question and shrugged, nudging me in his direction.

"I'll go with you." She said. I nodded, feeling more confident and walked over to James who was standing with most of the guys from the football team.

"What's up?" I asked casually.

"Mike here doesn't think you can take three rounds of shots faster than him." James said, smirking knowingly.

"I really shouldn't," I said, remembering what happened last time.

"Come on Bella, afraid you're going to lose?" Mike teased, his eyes glinting mischievously. I raised my eyebrow and scoffed.

"Afraid to lose my ass." I snapped, "Let's do this shit."

All eyes were on us as I stared at the shots laid out in front of us. "Ready?" James asked. "One... Two... Three... GO!"

I slammed down my last shot glass just as Mike was starting his. Cheers erupting through the room and all the guys laughed at Mike, making fun of him as he scowled in embarrassment.

"Any challengers?" James called out, scanning the crowd for anybody daring enough to try to challenge me.

"I'll do it." We all turned towards the staircase, watching as Connor lazily walked down towards us, his hair still damp from his shower.

"You sure?" I asked. "Cause I'm pretty sure I kicked your ass last time." A bunch of ooohhs echoed throughout the room as Connor made his way to the counter, standing in front of me.

"How about we make a little bet." He said, his eyes twinkling dangerously. I gulped nervously; this couldn't be good- only problem, I can never back away from a challenge.

"What are you suggesting?" I asked, keeping my voice steady.

He smirked, taking a step closer. "If I win, you have to jump into the pool- completely naked." Once again, the room filled with ooohhs and all eyes turned to me.

"An if I win?" I asked, my heart beating rapidly inside my chest. Connor shrugged, leaning sideways against the counter.

"Vice versa." I smirked and nodded my head in agreement. There was no way I could lose- I had already beat Connor before, I could do it again.

"On the count of three." James announced. Butterflies filled my stomach as I stared at the shots, ignoring Connor's presence to the right of me.

"One... Two... -" I was momentarily distracted when I felt a hand on the exposed part of my leg, where the jeans were ripped.

"Wha-"

'Three!"

___________________________________________________________

"He cheated!" I said angrily, stomping my foot. Despite the fact he had distracted me, he only beat me by what seemed to be half a second.

"You lost, Bells. Time to strip." Connor said, his eyes sparkling mischievously.

"James!" I cried out, giving him a pleading look. He must have still felt guilty about what happened during lunch, because he nodded his head.

"Alright, there will be a rematch." He announced, causing all the guys to groan in annoyance. I smirked at Connor's pissed expression, grateful that I was getting a second chance. An evil idea popped into my mind as I glanced at Connor. By now, I was feeling a little woozy, but not enough to be tipsy.

"One..." I inched my top down slightly, catching Connor's eyes. "Two..." And another inch. "Three!" I pulled it down one more inch before downing all the shots like no other- leaving Connor just starting on his second.

"She cheated!" He yelled, glaring as I pulled my top up.

"What are you talking about?" I asked innocently.

"Take it off! Take it off! Take it off!" We all turned to look at Jessica, who was grinning like an idiot. Soon everyone was chanting as we followed Connor outside.

"But she cheated!" He complained once more, glaring at me. I winked at him, pulling my top down slightly, just to piss him off.

And it worked... a little too well.

Connor pulled out his jeans and t-shirt, but stayed in his boxers.

"Whoa whoa, the bet was completely naked." I said.

"Yeah well we both cheated," he admitted. "So I decided I'm going to keep my boxers on, and you're going to keep your bra and underwear on." This statement caused cheers to erupt from all the guys.

"No! No way in hell!" I snapped, taking a step back. My heart picked up pace as Connor mirrored my movement, advancing upon me.

"Come on Bells, it's only fair." He said, standing directly in front of me. I crossed my arms defiantly, glaring at him.

"Oh well..." He said with a sigh. The next thing I knew, my shirt was torn from my body, and James and Matt were holding me still as Connor tried to get my jeans off. Due to my struggling, Connor could unbutton my jeans-

So he resulted into ripping them off, using the tears and holes. The cheers and wolf whistles grew louder as I stood awkwardly in my lacy red bra and thong Victoria Secret set.

"Damn Bella!" Someone called out. I turned and scowled at everyone, crossing my arms over my chest in attempt to cover my boobs that were already spilling out of my bra.

"Jump already!" I whirled back around to glare at Jessica, who sheepishly looked down shifting her weight from foot to foot.

"Ready?" Connor asked, holding out his hand. I plastered a fake smile on my face, and pretended to reach out for his hand, only to lunge forward and pants him before shoving the surprised Connor into the pool. When he resurfaced, he already, pulled up his boxers, but it was too late. Everyone had already gotten to see it all- I'm talking about Connor Jr.

"Bella, you are so dead." His tone made my blood run cold, and I stood there, temporarily frozen as he pulled himself out of the water. Just as I turned to run, an icy cold arm wrapped around my waist, dragging me backwards. Connor jumped back in, taking me with him. I let out a scream as I was engulfed by the freezing cold water.

"Paybacks a bitch." Connor said loudly. Without warning, my bra was pulled off of me, and flung to the group of guys by the edge of the pool. I wrapped my arms around myself, whiich was pretty much useless since everyone had seen everything. Connor laughed as he wrapped his arms around my waist, knowing fully well how much I wanted to push him away.

"Hey Bella! Show us your tits!" Some drunk guy called out. This caused cheers to echo throughout Connor's back yard, and my face to burn with embarrassment.

"Guys, they're just boobs." Jessica said, trying to divert the attention away from me.

"Then you show us yours." James said, standing next to her. Jess's eyes widened as she looked back and forth between James and me. I watched in shock as she sighed, pulling down her shirt completely, and ripping off her bra, throwing it into James face. All the guys started cheering, and I smiled thankfully at Jess for doing this for me.

"Connor let go." I said, turning my attention back to him. He smirking, lifted me slightly and adjusting my legs so that they were wrapped around him.

"Do you want to get out?" He asked, his hot breath on my neck, causing me to shiver uncontrollably.

"Y-y-yes," I stammered, my teeth chattering.

"Okay, but you're going to need to wrap your arms around my neck," he said with a pause, "so you don't fall." I rolled my eyes and kept my arms firmly placed over my chest.

"Come on Bells, it's nothing I haven't seen before." I frowned in disgust, remembering that unfortunate memory. I looked back up to see a bunch of girls now flashing, or either walking around in just their bra and underwear. Making sure no one was watching, I quickly wrapped my arms around Connor, holding on tightly. I didn't have to look to know he was smirking, and in my embarrassment, I buried my face in his neck, willing myself to not look up.

"Yeah man! Get some!" The guys cheered as he carried me out of the pool and back into the house.

"Here, take this." I lifted my head to see Jess holding out my red bra, her face flushed.

"Thank you." I murmured, giving her a grateful look as I took the still wet bra from her hands. I didn't bother protesting as Connor carried me upstairs, dropping me onto his bed. I quickly turned myself so that I was facing away from him, and put on my bra. After I finished hooking the back, I turned and stood up.

"I should go back down..." I murmured, trying to move around Connor. He mirrored my movement, refusing to let me past him.

"What are you doing?" I asked, confused. He didn't respond only, stared at me. I rolled my eyes in annoyance.

"Mind telling me why you punched Jack?" I asked, my tone cold.

His expression hardened and he frowned. "I don't think that's any of your business."

I scowled and narrowed me eyes, taking a step forward. "You and I both know it is." Connor didn't respond, only moved to the side, allowing me to walk past him. Just as I reached the doorway, I turned back to look at him.

"So I guess it won't be a problem if I go out with Jack sometime?" I asked, watching as the anger filled Connor's eyes, and he tightened his fists.

"Excuse me?" He asked, his tone low and intimidating.

"Did I stutter?" I asked. His eyes narrowed and he advanced upon me, but I managed to hold my ground, even as Connor cornered me against the doorway, placing his hands on either side of my head.

"He's just going to use you." Connor snapped. I shrugged and looked away.

"Cause you weren't?" I turned back to watch as a look of hurt flashed through his eyes, before he covered it with another emotion-

Anger.

"That's how lowly you think of me?" I winced at his deadly tone, fear starting at the pit of my stomach.

"Yes." I whispered, not looking up to meet his gaze. I felt him pull away, walking off without another word.I watched as he walked off down the stairs, not even bothering to give me a second glance. An empty feeling filled me, the regret setting in. I slid to the ground, burying my face into my arms.

Why did I say that? Deep down I wanted to say no, but for some reason, yes just slipped out. I blame the walls I've built. Yes- it's the walls I built ever since what happened. I wanted to trust Connor, and I just knew it in my heart that he wouldn't try to hurt me-

But he still would.

That's the thing, I knew Connor would never try to hurt me, but in the end, I would end up hurt. With Jack, I don't know. I barely knew him, but then again, I barely know Connor either.

Oh, and don't get me started on Liam. He is so clingy, almost suspiciously clingy. It's like he was trying to hide something.

God, when did everything get so confusing? I groaned and stood, shivering as a couple icy drops of water dropped onto my back from my hair. Shaking out my hair, I made my way downstairs, avoiding all the random articles of clothes everywhere.

"Hey Bella! I've been looking for you!" Jess cried out, pushing past a bunch of wasted, dancing, teenagers.

I managed a weak smile as she stopped in front of me, a red plastic cup in her hand.

"Having fun?"

"Yes!" She slurred, her eyes slightly glazed.

"That makes one of us." I muttered, watching as some blonde skank started flirting with Connor, who was currently sitting near the counter turned bar.

"What happened?" She asked, stumbling forwards. I caught her, wincing at the smell of alcohol reeking off of her.

"Shit happened." I said, helping her stand up.

"You need to DRINNKKKK!" She sang out loudly. Thankfully the blasting music drowned her out, saving us from an awkward moment.

"I'm good..." I said, backing away. Her eyes narrowed and she grabbed my arm tightly, dragging me to the bar.

Drunk Jess is strong as hell.

"Mike, make her your special." Jess slurred, leaning against the counter. I looked down suspiciously at the mysterious liquid in the plastic cup in front of me.

"I really don't-" I froze as Connor leaned down, kissing the girl like there was no tomorrow.

Because of that, everything I did that night/ early morning, was out of spite. Immature, I admit, but hey, I admitted it.

I grabbed the cup in front of me, downing the drink quickly, ignoring the burning feeling flowing throughout me.

11 drinks later, aka 3 hours later

I was wasted as fuck.

I blame Connor though, if it weren't for him, I wouldnt have felt the need to fill the empty void inside myself with alcohol. I pulled away from the guy that was currently groping me, muttering something about my army of uniforms.

Like I said, I was wasted as fuck.

I pushed past the grinding bodies of the wasted teenagers, giggling and stumbling around like a complete idiot.

"Hey Bella." I looked up to see Liam awkwardly leaning against the wall, completely sober. (A/N Which isn't a bad thing!)

"LIAAAMMM why you no drinkkk?" I yelled into his ear, he winced and gently pushed me away.

"I'm the designated driver." He said uncomfortably.

"Yeah... but you can still have a drink..." I said, looking at him distastefully. His cheeks tinted a faint shade of red and he looked away for a moment.

"I should go." He said, trying to move around me. Stupidly, I grabbed his arm, pulling him back towards me- well, into me for that matter. Liam managed to keep me from falling, catching the both of us.

"Bella you are really drunk." He said. A look of concern loomed over his perfect features, reminding me why I liked him.

"Come on, let's get you a drink." I said, wrapping my arms around his neck. He frowned and gripped my arms, lightly pulling them away from his face.

"I don't drink." He said slowly.

"Why not?" I asked, my eyes wide and I stumbled a bit. He steadied me, looking upwards before he spoke.

"My sister was ki-"

"BORING!" I yelled, giggling afterwards. Liam stared at me in shock, before his expression hardened and he pushed me away, stalking off. I stared at him, completely confused, before chasing after him. I miraculously managed to catch up with him, grabbing his arm and forcing him to stop.

"What's the matter with you?" I slurred. Liam looked completely pissed as he glared down at me.

"Leave me alone, Bella." I gripped him arm tightly, refusing to let him walk off just like that.

"Why?" I asked, confused as to why he was acting so mean.

"Why? Bella are you serious?" He asked, leaning in a bit.

"Was this because I didn't want to listen to your stupid story?" I guessed. A look of pain and hurt washed over Liam's face and he yanked his arm out of my grip.

"You're heartless." He spat out, "I'm done with you. I thought you were different, but I was sadly mistaken." My jaw dropped open as he walked away from me, without another word.

What the hell just happened?

___________________________________________________________

1 hour later

"And then he just walked off!" I said, slumping against the wall. Jess wrapped her arm around me, dropping her head onto my shoulder.

"It's okay, honey. You dint do anything wrong." She slurred, her eyes slowly closing.

"Is it that I-I'm just not good enough?" I asked, my voice shrill and cracking. A couple tears ran down my cheek as I took a swig of whatever was now in my cup. Jess pulled away, looking me directly in the eyes.

"Of course not!" She said, leaning her hands against my shoulders for support. "Connor and Liam are just stupid!"

"B-but..."

"No! They are complete douchebags for giving you up, and you know what? You still have Jack. And girl, that boy is fine!" Jess said, her eyes twinkling.

"You know what? You're right! I don't need Connor or Liam, I have Jack!" I said, pushing myself of the wall. "Ha! Take that, Connor and Liam!"

"Yes! That's right!" Jess cheered me on, nodding like a bobblehead.

"You know what?" I said, my eyes widening. "I'm going to tell them. I'm going to show them that Bellatrix Brown doesn't need them- doesn't want them!"

"That's ma girl!" Jess screamed. I grinned and pushed past the wasted teenagers, looking for Connor or Liam.

"James, where's Connor?" I asked, stand on my tippy toes looking for him.

"He went upstairs, but-" I didn't hear the rest, for I automatically started walking upstairs. I took a long gulp from a lone red Cup, building up my courage. After a couple deep breaths, I opened the door to his bedroom, briskly stumbling in.

"I just wanted to tell you that I don't need you and I-" My throat tightened as I took in the sight before me. Connor and blondie- completely naked.

"You were saying?" Connor asked, his expression blank.

I'm weak.

I turned and quickly exited the room, walking downstairs and shoving past many people as I flung open the front door, nearly falling straight on my face as I stormed out.

"Bella?" I looked up through my tear filled eyes to find Liam standing a couple feet away.

"Can you take me home?" I asked, a few tears slipping out. He sighed, and motioned for me to follow him. Shivering from the cold October air, I followed him. I was suddenly engulfed in warmth, causing me to look down in surprise. Liam had taken off his leather jacket, placing it around me as we walked.

"Why are you crying?" Liam asked once we were inside his car. I numbly stared out the window, refusing to answer him.

10 minutes later

"Bye." I looked up to see that we were now parked in front of my house. Unbuckling myself, I opened the door and hopped out.

"I don't need you." I said, turning to face him.

"What?"

"I don't care that you don't want me." I stated, my temper slowly rising. "I don't need you." I turned quickly after that, only making it two steps before succumbing to the nausea and dizziness I was feeling.

Yeah. I passed out.

_______________________________________________________________________________