Title: The Worst Part
Author:
deadlyxchagrinRating: PG
Characters/Pairings: Jessica, Edward/Bella Canon Couples
Table/Prompt: Gamma #1 Hero
Word Count: 2,035
Summary: Jessica Stanley entered high school with high hopes, but by the end of her years all she wants is a hero. Too bad the hero she wanted already found a heroine.
Author's Notes: Eclipse spoiler. =] And, of course, everything outside of the plot belongs to Stephanie Meyer. There's some diologue from Twilight in there as well, but it's obvious where it is, so I'm sure you can pick it out
Jessica Stanley smiled, confidence high as she entered the her first class. At fifteen, there were many important things in the girl's life, but as she began her first year in high school there was one that erased all the others from her mind. Jessica had always been the quiet girl in grade school, and now all she wanted was to be popular, pretty, and the girl every guy wanted. She stuck out her chest as she sat down, eyes scanning the room. As usual, it was the same hold people she'd known seen preschool, which would certainly make popularity come easy. She knew everything about everyone; that's just how things were in a town as small as Forks.
However, there was one face she did not recognize. A perfectly tweezed eyebrow raised when she saw the new face in the back of the classroom, and Jessica felt her stomach drop. It was a girl, perfect looking with short inky black hair, sitting up straight and staring ahead at the board. Her skin was pale, and there were dark circles under her eyes, but that did not hinder the complete beauty that radiated from every inch of her body. It was at that moment, noticed all the boys' jaw drop, that Jessica knew she had to be this girl's friend if she ever wanted to be popular.
Class went by smoothly, but Jessica knew by the end of the day she'd be bored with all the lectures and rules. None of that mattered though, as the bell rang and the beautiful girl was leaving the room. Jessica quickly strode over to her.
"Hi, I'm Jessica!" she said sweetly, extending her hand. The girl look at her carefully, taking her hand and shaking.
"Alice," she spoke, and her voice was just as beautiful as her face. Seeing her clothes up close, Jessica could also tell she had money. All the beautiful ones did anyway.
"You're new here, I noticed, and I was just wondering if you wanted to sit with my friends and I at lunch?" Jessica asked, smiling. Rosalie smiled back, her teeth shining.
"Thanks, but I have a boyfriend to sit with," she said before turning around. Jessica froze, confused. It had only been one day and she already had a boyfriend. Jessica frowned, but it wasn't long before the alleged boyfriend showed up. He was a blonde, and looked like a pretty strong guy. Plus, he was just as beautiful as her. Jessica couldn't stop her mouth from dropping as they embraced. That wasn't the end of it, though, as three more gorgeous people walked up; two boys and one girl. The girl long blonde hair; she was obviously the most gorgeous. It was obvious by the way she held the largest boy's hand that they were together as well. The last one, the one trailing behind, must be the only single one; assuming there weren't anymore.
Jessica's jaw dropped as she became painfully aware that these five would automatically take over the social field, each one being as good looking as the next. Her plans were hopeless.
***********
By the end of the day it turned out that Jessica didn't have to be worried about the Cullens and Hales, as she learned that's what their names were. They were reclusive, sitting all alone in the corner and not really talking. The one in her first period class was obviously the most outgoing. She'd learned, that the two blondes were brother and sister, but that everybody else was only related by adoption. It turns out that their parents couldn't have kids so they adopted five. Their father, Carlisle, was a doctor at the Forks Hospital. The Hales, Jasper and Rosalie, were sophomores, along with Rosalie's boyfriend, Emmett. Alice was also with Jasper, though she was obviously in Jessica's grade, along with Edward, the only single one.
Jessica smiled as the first day ended; it had turned out even better than Jessica had expected. She and Lauren, her best friend, were definitely part of the cool crowd, along with a few other select people. She was daydreaming about her perfect high school years when suddenly she forget there was a small step when leaving the school, and felt herself falling to the ground. However, she did not hit the pavement, for two strong hands had wrapped themselves around her, hoisting her on her feet. Embarrassed, she turned to face her hero, only to be looking at the glorious face of Edward Cullen. Her breathe caught in her throat.
"Thanks," she exhaled, smiling sheepishly.
"You're welcome," he responded as Jessica racked her brain for something remotely intelligent to say. It was too late, though, for Edward was already walking towards his family. No matter, though; it was a good thing she'd fallen for the single one.
*******************
"Hey Edward," Jessica said, trying to keep up with his long strides. It had been a little over a year since the day Edward had prevented her from falling and since then she'd been doodling his name on papers, surrounding it by hearts, and every other thing expected of a girl who had fallen hopelessly for a boy like Edward. She'd begun calling him her hero, and while she'd loved from afar Jessica had never actually found the courage to do something about it. She'd waited for him to maybe notice her, but the boy had never talked to her again since that day. She'd tried playing to damsel, purposely tripping over her own feet, but Edward seemed to realize she was tricking him, and paid no attention. By now he wouldn't even look at her at all.
"Hello, Jessica," Edward responded, and Jessica tried to ignore the exasperation in his tone.
"How are you?" Jessica asked, smiling as brightly as she could.
"Fine," he said curtly. Jessica bit her lip.
"That's good," she spoke, but he didn't respond. "Well, anyway, there's a reason I came to talk to you."
"Oh?" he asked, but it sounded like he already knew the answer.
"Yeah. Well, you see," she started nervously, "I was wondering if you wanted to go out for dinner or a movie Friday."
"No thank you," he replied before walking away a little faster. Jessica frowned, befuddled. No? He'd said no? Nobody ever said no to Jessica Stanley! Nobody!
"Well, fine then," she muttered to herself. "I never liked you anyway."
************
"I am just so exited for the dance," Jessica gushed as she walked out of the restaurant. She couldn't believe she was going to Mike Newton, her latest crush. She had been a bit worried that he'd ask Bella Swan, the new girl who Jessica had quickly become friends with. She was smart about that decision, because, being new, about everyone in the school had taken an immediate liking to Bella.
"I wonder where Bella went; she said she'd meet us," Angela, another good friend, pondered aloud. Jessica frowned.
"Yeah-" she couldn't finished her sentence, though, because she'd become frozen from shock. A shiny silver Volvo had parked nearby, and Jessica couldn't believe her eyes when Edward Cullen and Bella Swan came out. Jessica swiftly turned a bit, ignoring them. She was shocked that Bella had so bluntly ditched her and Angela, and was determined to ignore her. However, with Angela next to her it was impossible when Bella called out.
"Jess! Angela!" she yelled, waving as we turned to face her. They rushed over to her, and Jessica found herself putting on a bit of an act, as if she hadn't seen Bella.
"Where have you been?" Jessica inquired, deciding to at least make Bella feel guilty for leaving them.
"I got lost," she paused, "And then I ran into Edward," she added, gesturing towards him.
"Would it be all right if I joined you?" Edward asked, and Jessica felt her heart stop. Somewhere in the back of her mind she knew they'd already eaten, but anything to have dinner with Edward Cullen.
"Er…sure," Jessica breathed.
"Um, actually, Bella, we already ate while we were waiting-sorry," Angela confessed. Jessica mentally slapped Angela. She was so close! If Edward only got to know her…
Of course she was over the crush phase by now; she liked Mike, but he was still Edward Cullen, and that was enough of an excuse for anyone.
"That's fine-I'm not hungry," Bella shrugged.
"I think you should eat something," Edward said, and Jessica was surprised he was so concerned. What had really happened between the two of them? She didn't have time to consider, for Edward was suddenly looking at her. "Do you mind if I drive Bella home tonight? That way you won't have to wait while she eats."
Jessica was a little hesitant. Did she really want to let Bella eat alone with Edward, while she herself had never even gotten the chance. The jealously burned inside of her widely, but there was really nothing she could do.
"Uh, no problem, I guess…" I answered, biting my lip. Bella winked.
"Okay. See you tomorrow, Bella…Edward," Angela said, grabbing Jessica's hand and pulling her towards the car. At least she was feeling some of the same emotions as Jessica. One she got in the car, though, Jessica waved, curious as to what she would learn from Bella tomorrow.
*************
Jessica was sitting on her couch, watching tv, when her mom walked in and handed her a letter. She had graduated just a few weeks ago, and was surprised to see a letter from one of her old classmates. She was even more surprised that the return address from the Cullen residence, a gorgeous house she had visited for a graduation party. She was confused as to why any one of them would send her a letter; she was never good friends with any of them, and Edward, the youngest and most social [which wasn't saying much] seemed to really dislike her, especially after her littler riff with Bella. Jessica quickly ripped open the letter and opened it open, eyes scanning over the paper in shock.
You are invited to Edward Cullen and Bella Swan's wedding…
Jessica didn't have to read anymore.
"Mom!" she shrieked.
"Yes, honey?
"Bella Swan and Edward Cullen are getting married!" she exclaimed.
"What!?" her mother yelled, smiling. "They're so young! You all just graduated!"
"I know! I know!" Jessica yelled, but she was smiling, happy for her old friend.
Yet, as her mother left Jessica alone she began to think. Even though it was her freshman year Jessica remembered exactly how she'd felt when Edward Cullen, the reclusive, antisocial boy had become her hero, saving her, even if it was just from scratched knees. She remembered being so hurt and distraught that he had turned her down sophomore year, and when Bella first expressed interest in the boy Jessica knew for sure she'd receive the same fate. It was shocking, though, the way Edward had taken up sudden interest in Bella, and it wasn't belong before they were dating. Even after the Cullen's left town, Bella was still hung up on him, and Jessica had to admit that made her angry. Edward Cullen had probably said more to her-plain old Bella-than he had to any other student in the school.
And now they were getting married!
Jessica was jealous. How come Bella got all this? Edward had been Jessica's hero, but now he was always catching Bella when she fell [which was quite often] and God knows what else. Edward didn't want her though; he wanted Bella, as the paper in front of her made quite clear. Even Mike Newton lost interest in Jessica.
This was definitely the worst part. Every boy she'd liked lost interest when Bella came into view. Sometimes Jessica wished Bella never moved her. At the same time, though, she hated being jealous. Weddings were so supposed to be happy, so how come Jessica felt so afraid?
What was wrong with her? What was so special about Bella? How come she got the happy ending?
How come she got the hero?
Didn't Jessica deserve something of her own?
What happened to her hero?
When would he come?
Did he even exist?