She Was The Challenge He'd Been Waiting For.

Isabella lay in bed a lot longer than she was supposed to, but she couldn't help it. She was still pondering Matt's words and why she couldn't stop comparing him to Alex. She worried that she didn't deserve him. What did she have to give him, anyway? Alex had taken everything, and she still couldn't stop.

Her feelings for Alex were still there, a lot of them had faded or morphed to a distaste, but she knew that a part of her still loved him. There was a security with Alex because it was like they came from the same world. If Isabella was going to move on, she wanted some closure. Maybe she'd tried in the diner when she'd slapped him, but it hadn't been enough. Her mind was still plagued by Alex.

She had a feeling that no one would think this was a good idea, but decided not to listen. She needed to see him. Isabella carefully threw on an outfit that Alex had been really receptive to, a purple hoodie dress with tall boots, before she tried to figure out if she should call him or not. She remembered Kara saying something about how he'd probably be at Rita's to go visit Rian. She wasn't really in the mood for Italian Ice, but it'd be nice to see Rian and talk to Alex at the same time.

It was a good thing that Rita's was close to her house. She'd told her mother that she was going to get some ice cream, and it wasn't a total lie. Her mother watched her like a hawk and if she could have a break to get something to eat, it was a real accomplishment. Besides, her mother tried so hard to protect her that Isabella needed to do this for herself.

She let out a small sigh, pulling out her phone and texting Matt that she was hoping he would come over later, if he was free. They weren't officially together and he respected that she was still healing, but she liked him a lot. Isabella couldn't help that she was developing strong but foreign feelings for the older boy. She wasn't sure if she was ready to let him in, but she was trying. He was patient and willing to let her take the time she needed.

Isabella smoothed out her dress, wondering if Alex would be willing to talk. He'd said that he really did love her. Her reaction had been to slap him, but maybe he was telling the truth. It hurt more to not know than the fact that he'd hurt her.

Matt had said that Alex didn't feel guilty at all, but she didn't know. The girl wasn't sure who to trust, so she trusted no one. It wasn't easy to act as if Alex hadn't affected her. He was the only person she'd ever let in, and it scared her. She was afraid of letting anyone else in if they had the power to hurt her like he had.

"Well, look who it is." The drummer grinned widely as Isabella walked into the establishment.

"Hey Ri." She spoke quietly, moving close to the counter where he stood. "A small Watermelon, please."

He grinned, grabbing a scooper and a cup, filling it generously before glancing up at her. "How are you?"

It didn't matter that Alex was his best friend, he cared for Isabella. What Alex had done to her was terrible and it upset him greatly. She wasn't just Kara's friend, she was Rian's as well. He couldn't help but feel terrible for what happened. He had broken the poor girl, and taken her innocence for the fun of the game.

Isabella shrugged, before letting out a sigh. "I went out with Matt... and all I could think about was-"

"Hey Ri!" A bright male voice called behind her. Alex.

Rian smiled softly, handing Isabella her Italian Ice and telling her it was on the house. She smiled softly, not ready to even acknowledge Alex as she began to enjoy her treat. But it seemed like he had other ideas as he moved closer to her and placed a hand on her waist.

She flinched. "Alex,"

"You know, we never broke up, Iz."

"Yeah, you just slept with me and then avoided me..." She moved further away from him, settling down at the counter, and waited for him to join her.

Sometimes Alex was so predictable. He sat across from her, reaching for her hands. Isabella moved them aside, keeping them firmly on the cup her Italian Ice was in. She ate slower than necessary, waiting for him to say something. She wasn't even sure this was a good idea anymore.

"Bells," He sighed, scratching the back of his neck. "What do you want?"

"I want an explanation."

"I was scared." He spoke quietly. "I'm being honest whether you believe me or not. I'm used to one night stands and girls I only know for the night. Getting close to you, being with you... I felt like I was damaging you, tainting you, you know?" He paused. "I fell for you, and I've never been so enamored with a girl before. So I left you when you needed me most and tried to forget just how much I needed you as well."

Isabella didn't know what to say. He sounded so desperate and the look in his eyes made her feel even worse. All she wanted to do was let him hold her and tell him that everything was going to be okay. But she couldn't do that. He had made her feel dirty and worthless, she couldn't act as if it meant nothing.

"Alex," She sighed heavily.

"I love you." He whispered.

"I wish I could believe you." The blonde spoke quietly.

"Bella, please..." He pleaded.

"I'm trying to move on, Alex." She spoke quietly. "I can't-"

The boy didn't let her finish, he leaned over the table and pressed his lips to hers gently. Isabella couldn't deny that she'd missed his kiss, and his touch. He stroked her cheek gently, and kissed her with a desperation that seemed to validate his point. She couldn't help but melt into his arms. All she wanted was to know exactly what she should be doing.

"Alex," She spoke brokenly.

"Isabella, please." He whispered.

"I don't know what you want me to say, Alex."

"Its about Matt, isn't it?!"

"I can't trust you, Alex. He's been there for me when you weren't."

"Fine." He sighed.

"I'm sorry, Alex." She spoke quietly.

Rian watched the couple carefully, wishing he could read lips. They weren't speaking loud enough for him to hear, but he had a feeling he knew where the conversation was going. Especially when Alex pressed his lips to hers.

Rian almost felt like Isabella was his little sister, so to have his best friend play with her like that angered him. He didn't know what to do or think. He knew that Isabella still cared for him, but he didn't know if that was enough. Alex hadn't changed and Rian didn't think he would.