Playing Cupid with Will and Emma, as well as playing Satan with Ben, turned out to be a great distraction. It was all that was going through my mind.

"Bella, you seem distracted," Mr. Cullen frowned, tapping my desk. I was sitting in the his storage room, grading the most recent quizzes his students took. He took my silence as an invitation to settle in the extra seat across from me. He crossed his legs and stared at me with a determined expression. "What's wrong?"

"Oh, just have a lot on my mind," I said distractedly as I skimmed the paper in front of me.

He slid the quiz away from my eyes, forcing me to look up. "Specifically?"

"Well, I'm trying to brainstorm ways to get Emma and Will together," I half-lied. There was no need to mention Ben, especially because I was sure the news would travel to Dean's ears.

Would Dean even care about me doing the stupid mission anymore? It's not like we were dating, so he didn't have to look after me.

Hell, I could do whatever I wanted. I didn't need his approval.

Not like you asked for it in the first place.

I rolled my eyes at my inner monologue and turned to Damien's expectant eyes. "What?"

"You're really out of it today," he pointed out, raising both of his brows.

"Don't you have a class to teach?" I raised a brow and pointed toward the closed door. It was super unprofessional to keep it closed. I'm pretty sure the students thought we were having a secret affair or something.

"Eh, they–"

The door burst open, making us both jump. Mr. Cullen made an annoyed face before turning to look at the intruder.

Dean stood there, catching his breath. He looked distressed with his hands on his knees. When he finally recomposed himself, he straightened up and ran a hand through his hair.

Our eyes met for a brief second and I quickly looked away.

"Yes, Dean?" Mr. Cullen asked in an irritated tone. He obviously wasn't too happy about the sudden intrusion.

"I..." Dean trailed. He cleared his throat and I saw him fix his posture from the corner of my eye. "I need a late pass."

The teacher disappointedly sighed. "Dean, how many times have I told you I'm not doing that?"

"Please?" I could hear the pleading in his voice. "If I'm late one more time, I'm gonna get an F on my next assignment."

I bit back a smile. It was weird hearing him actually being disciplined for his bad behavior for once.

Mr. Cullen sighed again but got up. "Fine." And with that, both guys returned to the main room, leaving me alone.

I focused on the quiz I was grading and grimaced. The current student didn't do well with the multiple-choice section. Feeling rather generous, I gave him extra points on the written portion, even though that was just as bad.

Mr. Cullen came back and shut the door behind him. "Spill."

"Huh?" I innocently asked.

He rolled his eyes. "What's up with you and my brother now?"

Wow, Dean seriously didn't tell anyone, huh. "We broke up."

His eyes nearly bulged out of his sockets. "What? Why?" he squawked in shock. "What did he do?"

A dry laugh left my lips. "Nothing."

"Really?"

"Why does everyone assume I'm the one who broke up with him?" I huffed, crossing my arms.

He shot me a disbelieving look with equal sass. "Maybe because the dude's whipped?" he replied as if it was the most obvious thing. Then his brows furrowed. "Wait, he broke up with you?"

I pursed my lips and nodded.

"Are you okay?" he softly asked, looking at me like I was an injured puppy. I averted my eyes and focused on his shiny dress shoes.

"Fine."

"Well, why did he break up with you?" he urged, finally sitting down.

"Why else do you think?" I dryly asked. When his confused face didn't falter, I answered for him. "Skylar."

He opened his mouth, then closed it again. "Huh?"

"Isn't it obvious? Now that Skylar's here, he's probably giving in to her charms or whatever. The girl's obsessed with him!" I threw up my hands in exasperation.

Then I processed how jealous I sounded. The amusement on Mr. Cullen's face didn't help. My cheeks tinted pink and I looked down at the desk.

"I don't wanna talk about it," I mumbled.

"But I–"

"Please," I groaned. He nodded and shut up.

He stood up and knocked on my desk twice. "Don't worry, Bella. I'll give him a piece of my mind."

I grimaced, not wanting him to get involved, but it was too late. He was already out.

I bit the end of my pen as my mind drifted. I refused to think about Dean, so instead I drifted to this weekend's party. It felt as if I was getting closer to Ben. I mean, he agreed to have a beer with me! That was super uncharacteristic of him.

Now I needed a way to get closer. Something told me that Friday was a rare opportunity. He seemed adamant to get his repayment, which made it easier on my part. I didn't have to pretend I enjoyed his company. In fact, he seemed to be forcing his presence on me.

But I needed to strategize. From what I knew, it could've been a one-time thing. But then again, he did tell me that he wanted more from me after our tutoring session. Maybe he'd force us to hang out more.

One thing was certain: my initial guess was right. He enjoyed the chase. The more I ignored him, the more it drew him to me. I just had to play hard to get.

Seemed pretty simple considering his presence annoyed the crap out of me.

But was that enough? What if he got tired of me quickly? This wouldn't work if I didn't handle it the right way.

Because I needed to knock him down. The sooner the better.

~~~

Before I knew it, it was my student assistant shift at the nurse's office. Usually, the shifts were boring. If kids felt sick, they'd usually just skip class. The most exciting case I helped with was a kid that felt so nauseous he thought he was gonna throw up all over the hallway.

What did I do? Hand him saltine crackers and let him sleep on one of the beds.

But when the nurse came rushing in, looking distressed, I excitedly hopped to my feet. "Anything good?"

She grimaced at my enthusiasm. "Ms. Wilks, we do not encourage sickness."

"Sorry," I mumbled at the sourpuss. "Well? What's got you all riled up?"

She shuffled through the cabinets before heading to her office in the back, leaving the door open. "Security is escorting two kids in here. There was a fight."

My eyes lit up. A fight? That meant real blood and gore! This was already the most interesting shift I've had!

"Stop grinning like a maniac," she called through her office. I rolled my eyes, knowing she couldn't see me.

Seconds later, the door opened and a burly security guard sauntered in, dragging two boys with him. My smile faltered as I saw the injured.

Oh fate, why must you be so cruel?

The nurse directed Dean to one bed and Ben to the other and drew the curtain between them to stop the glaring match the two had.

My heart was beating out of my chest. Why were they fighting? Did Dean singlehandedly blow the entire mission?

Ugh, this was not good.

"Ms. Wilks, tend to one of them while I clean up the other," the nurse ordered.

My eyes widened as I looked between the boys. Dean or Ben? On one hand, it would be nice to question Dean, but this was also a good step for Ben and I.

Dean or Ben?

Ex or enemy?

I slowly nodded and walked over to the bed on the right, keeping my eyes trailed on the dirty blond. Ben's eyes lit up when I chose him over Dean and it made me wonder just how much he knew.

It was obvious who instigated the fight. Ben's face was covered in a big bruise that covered his eye, while his knuckles were completely clean. Although he got the worst of it, he had a smug smile which made my stomach twist.

How much did he know?

My hand cupped his chin and ignored how warm he felt under my touch. I moved his head around, inspecting his eye at different angles. Then, I let out a low whistle. "What happened?"

His smugness didn't falter as he explained. "Got into a fight."

I gave him a flat look and withdrew my hand. "I can see that. Care the explain the reason?"

"Nope."

Damn it! I thought it would be easier to get information out of him.

Rolling my eyes to show my annoyance, I stepped out of his makeshift room and went to the freezer to grab an ice pack. When I returned, Ben was fiddling with his fingers.

Without thinking about it, I gently pushed the ice pack to his face. He wined and I pulled back just a bit. "I never pegged you for the fighting type. You know, considering your clothes are too expensive to get dirty."

"Ouch, do you really think I'm that shallow?" He playfully clutched his chest.

"Yes."

His jaw dropped open at my seriousness.

I moved the ice pack so his cheek wouldn't freeze. "Are you really that surprised? You got mad at me for ruining your 'hand-rolled cigarettes,'" I recalled, making air quotes at the last bit.

"They were expensive!" he exclaimed, then sheepishly ducked down as he proved my point. "I'm not that shallow."

"Sure," I drawled. "Anyways, just take this and the nurse will write you a pass back to class."

His face fell. "Already?"

"Aw, pretty boy needs me to call his mommy?"

Something flashed in his eyes but he quickly covered it up. "No," he scoffed. "I just wanted to skip class. Sixth period's a bore."

"Sure," I sarcastically responded. "Well, good luck with that. She's kind of a party pooper." I made sure to lower my voice so the nurse wouldn't hear.

He gave me a smug smile and grabbed the ice pack from my hands. Our fingers skimmed and he turned a little red before ticking his jaw and standing up. "Watch the Stark charm."

"Oh, I will."

He sauntered over to where the nurse was. "Excuse me, miss? My eye's throbbing and I feel like I'm going to throw up. Any chance I can stay here until I feel better?"

The nurse frowned. "Listen, I know about delinquents like you. You'll do anything to skip class. Not on my watch! Take some saltine crackers and get outta here."

I stifled a laugh as I grabbed those crackers for him. I patted him on his shoulder and smiled in amusement. "So much for your charm."

"Surprised it didn't work! Older ladies love me," he sighed, making me laugh.

"You poor thing," I mock-pouted. "Now get outta here before she really makes you bed-ridden."

Horror flashed in his eyes as he eyed the nurse from a distance. I shooed him off and he rolled his eyes as he left.

The office phone rang and the nurse ran to get it, even though it was my job. I watched as her frown deepened and she massaged her temples with her free hand.

After hanging up, she rushed to the storage closet. "Bella, take care of the other kid. I have pre-signed passes on my desk. And don't even think about taking more than one! I know exactly how many I have." After a pause and some cluttering, she came out with a wheelchair. "I might be a while. If the bell rings, let the next student assistant know I had an emergency." And with that, she was out.

I blew a long breath out before going to Dean's makeshift room. When I pulled back the curtain, his piercing green eyes met mine. His jaw was clenched but his pretty face had no signs of trauma. His knuckles were busted and bleeding.

I put my arms on my hips and tapped my foot. "Why?"

"Why what?" He gave me an innocent look.

"Why are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles named after famous artists?" I said, sarcasm dripping in my tone. "What do you think?"

Amusement flickered in his eyes. Not exactly what I was going for.

Instead of acknowledging his obvious enjoyment in my annoyance, I went over to the freezer to grab another ice pack, along with the disinfectant to clean his bloody knuckles.

When I came back and dragged a chair to sit across from him, he finally spoke. "Would you believe I came here to see you?"

"No."

He sighed and used his uninjured hand to brush away his hair from his forehead. "Why not?"

Because you're the one who dumped me.

"Why'd you punch him, Dean?" I repeated, focusing on his knuckles.

He extended his hand out so I could have a better look. I grimaced at the sight and quickly pulled out the alcohol swab. He winced as soon as it touched his cut.

Taking pleasure in his pain, I pushed harder.

"Ouch," he hissed, pulling his hand away. "Arabella."

"Sorry," I mumbled, pulling his hand back. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like the way he felt. His hand was large and warm and fit perfectly into mine. "So, you never answered the question."

"Do you really wanna know?"

I avoided his heated gaze and focused on cleaning his injuries. "If it's about me, then yes."

"It wasn't!" His quick reply made me look up at his face. He sheepishly looked away. "Well, he doesn't know it was."

I narrowed my eyes and stopped taking care of him for a minute. "What do you mean?"

"Nothing, nevermind."

I exasperatedly sighed but didn't pry. I wasn't in the mood to tolerate his bipolar-ness today, or any day, really. We were broken up for Christ's sake! Whatever he wanted to do was none of my business.

I finished cleaning his cuts in silence. I could feel his eyes scrutinizing my every move. I tried to remain as casual as possible, even though my heart threatened to beat out of my ribcage.

"I'm sorry," he whispered so softly, I wasn't sure I was supposed to hear it.

I flipped his hand over and smacked the ice pack in his hand. "Here. Ice your knuckles, you know the drill." Disappointment flickered over his features.

I was thrown back to the only time I had ever punched anyone. It was a good memory. A weird one, but a good one too. Dean was so careful when it came to taking care of me and my bruised knuckles. He was so gentle with me, but when was he not? And here I was, acting like a selfish bitch.

Eh, he could ice his own knuckles.

I got up and collected one of those passes for him. His disappointment only grew and I was surprised he was even showing his emotions.

Then again, he had no right to act this way. After all, he was the one who broke up with me. He lost the right to care after that.

"You should go before she comes back and throws a fit," I said, referring to the nurse.

He nodded and shoved his good hand in his pocket. His injured hand tightly gripped the ice pack. "Thanks."

"Just doing my job." Okay, that was a little harsh. He seemed to think so too with the way his shoulders tensed. With one last nod, he walked out of the office. I released a breath I didn't know I was holding and slumped down in a chair.

Wow. Just wow.

I immediately pulled out my phone and texted Reece.

Me: Dean punched Ben

Reece: Holy shit!! Why??

Me: No idea, neither told me why.

Reece: Ok I'll take care of it.

Reece: R u okay?

Me: Fine

I put away my phone before the nurse came back. If she saw me with it, she'd freak. I opted to clean the office and wait for her to return soon.

The bell rang and I scribbled a note for the next student assistant, leaving it by the phone.

AP Bio was a bust. Since Jaz and I didn't sit together, it was pretty boring. I listened to the teacher drone on and on about useless stuff, but I zoned out once again. Before I knew it, the bell dismissed us.

She latched arms with me. "I hate this class."

I skillfully slipped my arm out of her grasp. She stopped walking and turned to me with a confused look.

"I have to meet with someone," I explained.

Her lips contorted into an excited smile. "Oh! Who? Is it Ben? Or maybe Dean? I knew you guys would get back together!"

"Shut up!" I groaned, suddenly irritated at her conclusions. She needed to get it through her thick skull that it wasn't happening anymore.

Hurt flashes on her features. "Geez, no need to be so harsh."

I softened and gripped her shoulder. "I'm sorry. I'm only meeting Reece."

Her lips formed an 'o' shape. "Alright, have fun."

I smiled and watched her head to the library to join the rest of our friends.

I texted Reece, letting him know I was on my way. Then I skipped to the boy's locker room and camped out until they were dressed in their identical black basketball shorts and red shirts. We weren't required to purchase the gym uniforms, but most of the guys did. A lot of girls opted for their own booty shorts and tank tops.

Once it was all clear, Reece poked his head out and beckoned me in. I smiled when I realized it would be just the two of us. My short notice probably didn't allow him enough time to invite Skylar, not that I minded.

He took a seat on his office chair and I sat on the desk, swinging my legs. "So, did you figure out why they were fighting?"

He rubbed the back of his neck and focused on the floor. "Yeah. According to Skylar, it was a dumb reason." Ugh, of course he told Skylar.

"Well, what was it?" I subconsciously leaned in with anticipation.

"You."

My breath hitched but I forced myself to relax. "Wait, you said it was a dumb reason." I narrowed my eyes to which he sheepishly looked away.

"Skylar's words, not mine."

"Sure," I sarcastically drawled. "Anyways, could you be more specific? Is the mission over?"

His eyes lit up with amusement. "Okay, well, it wasn't directly about you. All Dean said was 'Stay away from my girl' which really doesn't narrow down the options."

My cheeks heated at the idea. Dean punched him for me? Was he jealous? He didn't really have a right to be.

I shook the thoughts away and gave a serious look to Dean. "You know, Ben told me something about Taylor harassing him. Maybe I can convince him that she and Dean were like a big thing here."

He slowly nodded. "Clever. While you're at it, make it seem like you don't know Dean that well."

"Already on it," I grinned, thinking about the clinic. Choosing Ben over Dean seemed like a good idea now.

"Good," he sighed. "Anyway, how are things with you and him?"

I rolled my eyes out of habit, then saw his curious face. It didn't hurt to rant a little, right? Even though Reece was one of his closest friends. "He didn't tell any of his family that we broke up. I've already had two awkward conversations."

He furrowed his brows, physically showing the confusion I felt. "Really? Not even Damien?"

"Nope," I popped the 'p'. "I'm a little surprised he didn't tell you either."

Hurt flashed across his features, making me wish I held my tongue. "Yeah, me too."

But, like the idiot I was, I had to pry. "Do you know why?"

He only shrugged in response. I could tell by his dulled eyes that he was offended his friend wasn't coming to him with his problems. The two of them had a weird relationship, but I knew Reece really admired Dean.

"Look, I'm really sorry about him. I don't know what's going through his mind, especially because it was so sudden."

I put my hand up, silencing him. "You don't have to defend him. I'm fine, really!" He warily eyed me and dropped the subject. "So, do you have any more advice for me?"

He swished his cheeks around as he thought. I focused on my shoelaces and how they tapped my heel every time I dangled my legs. When he sucked in a tiny gasp of air, I looked up at him. "Obviously! Why didn't I think of this before?"

"What?" I was extra excited now. Honestly, I was drawing a blank on the idea board.

He grinned, flashing me his perfectly white teeth. "Seduce him."

My smile slipped off my face faster than an oiled up boy going down a slip 'n' slide. There were a few reasons for my reaction, the first being that I wasn't a seductress. I couldn't flirt for the life of me. I was lucky when it came to Dean. He did all the flirting. Not to mention, I was still a virgin, so I didn't have any good moves to try. Then there was the fact that Ben blushed when I mentioned sex. He used weird words like coitus! Who the hell even says that? Then there's the idea that if I actually did seduce him, I'd probably have to have sex, which as I mentioned before, didn't come easy to me. I wasn't the type to just give it up to anyone.

And I didn't know Reece would encourage this either.

"No."

He flashed me an amused smile. "Bella, I was kidding." I didn't believe him.

"Reece, I need good ideas."

He scoffed and childishly crossed his arms. "It was a good idea."

I pursed my lips and waited for an idea to come to me.

He sighed, breaking the silence. "Bella, you must be doing something right for Dean to have punched him. Just keep doing what you're doing. Speaking of, what exactly are you doing?"

"Playing hard to get," I grinned, earning an amused smile.

"It seems to work, so keep it up." He patted my knee. Then his grin fell. "But don't do anything dumb, okay?"

Reece and I probably had very different definitions of dumb.

I nervously bit my lip and focused on the floor. "Reece, does Dean know that I'm doing this?" I didn't know why I wanted to know. Maybe it would help justify every action Dean did from here on out. We might've been separated, but that didn't mean he hated me to the point where he wanted to see me die. For all I know, everything he did was either to hurt Ben or for my safety.

He furrowed his brows in thought and focused on his intertwined fingers. "Not that I know of. I'll have to ask Skylar. If there's anyone who can coax it out of him, it's her." He noticed my grimace and added, "Sorry."

"No, it's fine. You're probably right," I admitted. Dean barely told me anything for the longest time. I was a little jealous that she was able to pull it out of him so easily, but then again, it wasn't my place to feel that.

We weren't dating.

"Bella, don't worry about it. If he tries to intervene, we'll stop him before he does."

Right, because that's what I was worried about.