Chapter 47

« She never did anything wrong. » I said, trying to sound confident.

« You sure about that ? You know you're talking about Bella, right ? The same girl who is playing around with three guys ? » I frowned and glared at him.

« Playing around ? I thought that was you're specialty. And first of all, she barely even knows Jack so I don't know how she could possibly be using him. And as for Liam ? I think he might be the only one she might actually like. You're the player- the bad ass. The one who humps and dumps. Isn't that the term you use ? » I asked, my heart racing from all the anger i was feeling. Connor's eyes narrowed and he took a step closer, his body pressing onto mine.

« I only slept with Sammy so that Bella would get jealous. » He snarled, his hot breath fanning over my face causing my breath to hitch in my throat.

« B-but why ? » I asked.

« Cause I like her ! » He said, backing away and throwing his hands up in the air in frustration. My eyes widened as I took this in.

« You should never, ever sleep with someone in order to get someone else. » I scolded in, noticing as this Sammy girl stepped onto the porch.

« Listen, Jess. That's your name right ? » She asked. I nodded my head slightly, not liking the tone of her voice. « If a girl is going to ignore you and play hard to get, the best way to get her is to make her jealous. » She stated, acting like it was nothing.

I scoffed and crossed my arms. « Listen up Connor. Bella has been through hell and back, so making her jealous ? You're just hurting her. She's an amazing person and you know what ? You're not worthy of her. She deserves better. » My voice was venomous. I watched as Connor scowled and took a slight step forward.

« Are you saying I can't have her ? »

« Exactly. » I said, lifting my head up a little.

A mischievous look sparkled in his eyes. « I get what I want- and for what I can't have ? I don't give up. » He turned to walk back inside, Sammy in front of him.

« You don't get it ! » I cried out in frustration, causing him to turn around in annoyance. « This isn't some game- Bella isn't like the other girls you've gone through before. » Once again I found myself trapped as Connor advanced upon me.

« You would know, right ? » He said softly, the venom still there. « You were one of the easy ones. » I couldn't help but let his words get to me as tears welled up in my eyes and my bottom lip quivered- telltale signs that I was going to cry any second now.

« What's going on ? » Both Connor and I were so distracted at the moment, we hadn't even noticed James pull up in his car with Matt.

« Jess was just leaving. » Connor said, backing away from me. I quickly wiped my cheek as a tear escaped. Without another word, I walked off the porch, heading towards my car. Just as I walked past Matt and James, a hand grabbed my arm, forcing me to stop. I looked up to see James studying my face, and look of concern on his.

« What did you do ? » He snapped at Connor. I continuously wiped away the tears that were now flowing down my face.

« Nothing. » Connor said with an uncaring shrug. Something in me snapped as I looked up to glare at him, a short, bitter laugh escaping me.

« You may have been able to get way with all the crap you've pulled over the years, but I swear to god, Connor- don't you dare hurt Bella. She has been through way to much and she doesn't need you to put her through all this emotion pain- she's already been hurt, physically hurt. She doesn't deserve to be emotionally and mentally abused too. » With that, I yanked my arm away from James and left without a word. Just as I turned the corner, I couldn't help but glance back at them. Their faces were pale and they looked completely shocked- and only then did it hit me.

I had just told them Bella's biggest secret.

More specifically- I had told Connor Michaels.

I groaned and banged my head onto the steering wheel.

How was I going to tell Bella ?

Bella's POV

I was being overdramatic. By now my cut had stopped bleeding, yet I still I stayed there, curled up on the hard ground. I had spent what seemed hours thinking over what happened- more like convincing myself that I didn't deserve what happened.

If there's anything I believe in, it's that 'Everything happens for a reason.' At the hospital and in therapy, a lot of people told me that. It wasn't until after I got out, that I realized it's right.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

I shouldn't feel weak or vulnerable anymore. I've been through a lot, so letting Connor get to me- that was ridiculous. I'm better than him. I don't need him trying to fuck up my life, it's barely even been two months of school and already I couldn't have to leave.

It shouldn't be that way.

I took a deep breath and stood up, my legs shaking a bit. Then I remembered something- something that happened last night.

*Flashback*

« 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. »

*End of Flashback*

I let out a sickened noise and dropped my head into my hands, tears threatening to fall out at any second.

How could I have said that to Liam ? Just the thought of it made me want to throw up. I was disgusted in myself- ashamed that I would say that. I have to go apologize, I thought to myself. Looking around, it was only then did I realize I had no idea where I was.