"You think you've won, haven't you?" Regina smirked, blocking the way with her friends as I tried to exit the bathroom. "Well, guess what, bitch? You haven't. I don't think you know, but Kristen always comes back to me after getting rid of another one of his conquests," she said, flipping her hair to the side.

Her friends laughed and agreed with whatever she said.

"And FYI, you're just another stupid bitch who fell for his tricks. That's a part of our relationship. We get to use whoever we want after pretending to break up, and I'll be there just in time to see you cry," she carried on, popping her chewing gum.

I remained silent, pushing the sting of hurt and tears back down my throat, but surely any moment now it would threaten to spill. I was determined not to let Regina benefit from the doubt that stung my heart.

"Look, I'm sorry that Kristen doesn't want you anymore, but that's no reason for you to go torturing others just because you're no longer his girlfriend," I gritted, pointing a finger to her chest.

"I'd watch myself if I were you. There's something bigger heading your way, and you'd better be ready for it... or hopefully, you might not even make it out alive," she gritted, colliding my shoulders with hers and walking out.

The tears daringly made their way down, and I wiped them hurriedly, walking out of the bathroom to be met with Kyle. "Oh hey, we were just heading out for the game," he smiled, and I would've swooned over him if he wasn't like a big brother to me.

"Great," I replied, relieved and glad to get out of there.

Outside the school, in the parking lot, Steff stood with the twins, playing arm wrestling, and Maria stood chatting away next to a very annoyed-looking Kristen.

"Ready to go, princess?" Kristen asked the moment I was a foot away from him, his hands swiftly grasping securely around my waist while using his nose to playfully tease mine.

"Yep," I smiled at my gorgeous bad boy, turning to Maria. "Hey," I said.

"What took you so long? We've been waiting for like a freaking half an hour now. Can't you do anything right?" she threw at me, and I was utterly shocked at her behavior.

Kristen was the first to signal a response, but he was cut off by Steff. "Is the fucking game on a runaway train, Maria? She can take as long as she pleases, you know. No one invited you!" Steff gritted as Kristen pulled me into his arms.

"I was only saying what I knew everyone else thought," she said.

"Oh yeah? No one else seems to be thinking that," Maurice butted in, waiting for someone to say anything. "So do us all a favor and keep your fucking mouth shut," he finished, and I gasped.

"Maurice, don't you think that's pushing it a bit too far?" I questioned, not liking the way they ganged up on Maria.

"I think the game's about to start," he gritted, glaring at Maria as they headed for their own cars.

"I'm sorry for..." I tried apologizing for Maurice but got interrupted by Maria glaring at me.

"Just forget it," she told me, turning to Kristen. "See you at the match, Kris," she smiled, walking away.

"What was that about? Maurice had no right to yell at Maria like that. She was only saying the truth," I said to Kristen.

"Bella, if she ever tries to berate or pull another stupid stunt like that again, I'll personally rip her tongue out and feed it to my dogs... I mean it, princess," Kristen declared.

I sighed, realizing that going against Kristen would be a losing battle. However, that didn't mean I would allow anyone to hurt Regina. After all, I was the one who was supposed to be protecting her.

"And also, you'll be wearing my jersey, baby girl," he smirked, and I playfully glared. Of course, he knew I would.

"Fine," I replied, taking the jacket and placing it on.

"I think it's missing something," he said, leaning in. I frowned, but before I could think, his sweet, plump lips were already on mine, kissing me passionately. "That's more like it," he said as I smiled, blushing.

Surprisingly, the game had started, and within half an hour, we were already leading the game 31 to 17. Kristen had scored most of the points, for which I excitedly cheered on my boyfriend.

Regina kept glaring in my direction, which I assumed had something to do with me wearing Kristen's jersey. On the other hand, her distraction resulted in her unfortunately messing up her cheerleading routine.

Our team was crushing the Hanford High School team, and as time flew by in bliss, we won the match 53 to 25. We were now heading to the party to celebrate our victory. Steff had gone to talk with a friend, leaving me with Maria, who awkwardly ignored my presence. Kristen had mentioned that he and the boys would show up shortly after the coach spoke to them.

The party was booming, and thankfully, Regina was nowhere in sight.

"There's Scott," I teasingly whispered to Maria in her ear. "Speaking of Scott, I haven't heard much about the two of you," I said, trying to lighten the mood.

"That's because we were never together," she replied.

"Oh, I can get Kristen to talk to Scott for you," I winked at her, as Steff was no longer interested in my cousin, thankfully.

"I don't need your help, and I certainly don't take advice from a boyfriend stealer like you," she gritted.

"What's your problem?" I questioned, turning to her, away from the party.

"What's my problem? You're the one walking around like a goody two-shoes, always talking about Anna this, Anna that," she angrily mocked. The words stung like arrows, piercing through my facade. Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill over, but I fought to keep them at bay. I couldn't let Maria see my pain.

"I didn't know you felt that way about me," I whispered, my voice trembling with hurt and confusion.

I can't handle this anymore! Why can't they just leave us the hell alone!

"Boo hoo," Maria scoffed, her words cutting through me like a knife. "I suggest you stop shedding those crocodile tears. They do nothing for that caked-on makeup you have on."

"Bella?" I heard Kristen call, his voice a lifeline in the midst of my turmoil. I quickly wiped my tear-filled eyes, desperately trying to compose myself, and plastered the best smile I could muster.

"Hey," I said, my voice shaky yet determined, diverting my eyes, hoping he wouldn't see the turmoil within me. "Great game, baby! You were awesome!" I forced a laugh, hoping to hide the pain that still lingered.

Kristen approached me, his eyes filled with concern and love. As he lifted me up and spun me around, a mix of emotions flooded my heart. Joy at being in his arms, gratitude for his presence, but also a deep ache from the hurtful words that had been hurled at me just moments ago.

"Trust me, princess, you're a hundred times better," he teasingly whispered, his words like a balm to my wounded soul. My heart fluttered, torn between the hurt inflicted by others and the love and comfort Kristen offered me. "Let's celebrate!" he cheered, trying to chase away the shadows that threatened to consume me.

In that moment, a fire ignited within me. Determination surged through my veins. I would not let Regina or Maria define my worth or break me.

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