Never The Same

[Nataliakesfan]

So I decided to have a go at writing a fanfic.

I'm new to this so whatever comments or tips you guys have are greatly appreciated.

I hope you guys enjoy it.

Never the same

Story Title: Never the Same

Type of Story: Long Fic

Main Characters: Belle, Aden

BTTB Rating: T/A

Genre: Drama, Angst & Romance

Does the Story Include Spoilers: None

Any Warnings: Mention of child abuse, will warn at the beginning of each chapter if necessary

Summary: After braking down due to his grandfathers abuse Aden Jefferies is living with Roman Harris and starts working at the diner with Belle. At first she didn't like the idea of working with Aden but could she fall for the bays good looking reformed bully?

Chapter One: First day at work

Aden:

Ever since he made the footy team Aden Jefferies had found a way to put on a brave face and be the tough guy at school no one dared to mess with. Little did they all know what was really going on inside his head, what he had gone through in the past and what he was still going through coming home to his drunken father every day. No one knew and he didn’t want them to know. They wouldn’t understand, they would think he was weak and that he should have been able to fight him off. Easy for them to say, they all had their perfect little lives.

That’s why he didn’t respect any of them. They all thought they were so perfect and high and mighty. Except for Belle Taylor. There was something about her. Aden couldn’t explain why, but he knew she was special. There’s the obvious of course: she’s beautiful, not in a Barbie doll kind of way but in a real, natural, strong women kind of way, smart, funny and she isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in, even if it means going against her friends. Aden knew she hated him for the way he had treated her friends and especially Irene, Annie and Geoff but he had also seen her smile at some of the stupid jokes he cracked so maybe if he showed her there was a decent side to him she would be the first person in Summer Bay who would take the time to actually get to know him for who he really is.

Belle

Belle wasn’t too pleased when she heard she was going to be working with Aden. Well, he was good looking but he was also the most irritating bully alive, even though he was funny at times. The bottom line was, he was trouble and he would always find a way to stuff things up. Belle also knew that people act out for a reason and that all kinds of stuff must have been happening in Aden’s family leading up to Aden’s accident in the old diner and Roman taking him in. She decided not to make too much of a fuss about Aden working at the diner but she wasn’t going to go easy on him. She’d be watching him and she definitely wasn’t going to let him take advantage of anyone working at the diner. If he was going to be there he was gone have to pull his weight.

The diner

Coincidentally, Belle ended up being the one explaining to Aden what he was supposed to be doing. Belle was surprised to see that he actually payed attention, but she couldn’t resist getting into an argument with him.

“Do you think you can remember that?”

“I don’t know maybe you should run it by me again.”

“Huh, if it where anyone else I’d actually think that was a joke.”

“Come on don’t be like that you know you want me.”

“Are you stupid enough to say that and actually believe it?”

Belle left the kitchen fuming, she should have known he was going to be like that. She continued her shift and kept a close eye on Aden. Once more he surprised her. He was actually working hard, doing a good job and being decent to the costumers. She actually kind of liked the version of him she was seeing and that drove her crazy. He was Aden Jefferies, a jerk, a troublemaker and a bully. She wasn’t supposed to like him or anything about him. She convinced herself she didn’t. He was still that same jerk. One day of being half decent didn’t change that and besides he was still being smug and disrespectful to her.

Their shift ended and Belle headed home to the beach house. Roman thanked Aden for his hard work.

“If you wait a little while I can give you a lift home.”

“No thanks Roman I think I’ll walk.”

“Righto mate, suit yourself.”

“See you later Roman, night Irene.”

“Right bye, Aden” (Irene was surprised Aden was actually being friendly to her.)

When Aden left the diner he saw Belle packing up her camera and heading home.

“Been taking a few night shots, hey. It’s the time and place for it, this view is beautiful,” he said walking up to her.

“Yes, it is. Not that I’d think you would notice.”

“Oh I recognize a beautiful thing when I see it.”

“Right you wouldn’t know beautiful if it hit you in the face.”

“Only if you were the one doing the hitting.”

“Get lost Aden.”

“That’s nice. You give a girl a compliment and she tells you to get lost. Seriously though, do you want me to walk you home? It’s dark out and it’s not safe for a girl like you to be out by herself this time of night.”

“What, you mean there are bigger creeps out there than you?”

“Fine then, have it your way,” Aden bit back turning and walking away from her.

“I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. I guess we are both headed in the same direction, so … .”

“Apology accepted.”

“So, … How did you enjoy your first day at work?”

“Oh I had a great time, wincing plates, dealing with dirty dishes and whipping tables… . No seriously, I expected it to be worse. It’s not the most glamorous job but it’s not too bad and it’s the least I can do for Roman to repay him for taking me in and helping me out. I realize he is doing more for me than I deserve and I’m trying to show him that I’m grateful for that.”

“I see. Well it wouldn’t exactly be your dream job. I know it’s not mine.”

“Are you still planning on being a photographer?”

“ I always wanted to be a photographer for the newspaper but it seems that’s not really cut out for me so I’m working at the diner while trying to figure out what I am going to do with my photography.”

“You could set up your own studio.”

“Maybe, one day, but I don’t exactly have that kind of money and I don’t think there would be a lot of work for me here in Summer Bay.”

“Would you want to stay in the bay?”

“I don’t know. Maybe there’s not much of a future here. It is the first place I ever really called home though and my friends are here. Or at least they used to be here. Rick and Mattie are in Perth, Cassie is travelling around the world, … . Maybe it is time for me to move on as well. I wouldn’t really know where to go though.”

“I see.”

“What about you? Do you want to stick around this place?”

“I don’t know yet. I think I should focus on my HSC first, then I can start thinking about maybe going to uni someplace but I don’t know if I want to do that or what I would be studying. Why? Planning on getting rid of me already?”

“Just trying to be polite, but then again I should have known you wouldn’t recognize that concept.”

Aden just smiled and shook his head

“What no smart reply to that one?”

“Nope I guess you really hurt my feelings this time.”

“Oh so bullies like you have feelings, do they?”

“Belle, … . It’s not like I have been pushing anyone around lately.”

“So you do admit that you’re a bully?”

“I haven’t exactly been the nicest guy in town, no. Definitely not to Annie, Geoff and Irene. I guess I have been a bit of a tool. Not that anyone has really given me a chance to show them otherwise, until Morag, Rachel and Roman came along.”

“So I’m really supposed to believe there’s a new and improved version of you in the making?”

“I don’t know about that but thanks for the compliment anyway.”

“Compliment? What compliment? I didn’t say you were there yet. You’re definitely no where near there yet.”

Aden smiled at Belle’s weak attempt to deny the compliment she just gave him. He could sense the walls she pulled up around her when he was around were crumbling. “Close enough for you to let me walk you home though.”

“This is not you walking me home. We were both just headed in the same direction.”

“Right.”

“Don’t flatter yourself. Anyway we’re here.”

“Righto. I guess I’ll see you around.”

“Yeah, unfortunately enough. Bye.”

“You never asked.”

“Asked you what?”

“Why I’m living with Roman, why I was at the old diner that night, why I’m not living with my dad.”

“It’s none of my business and why would I be interested anyway?”

Aden knew part of Belle did want to know but she didn't ask because she respected his privacy “I just thought the journo in you would want to know.”

“Nope”

“Alright. Bye”

“Aden?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

Aden saw Belle's beautiful, big , brown eyes looking straight into his and he knew she was being honest and open with him, “You’re welcome. I’ll see you tomorrow”, he said giving her a smile that made her go weak in the knees.

“Yep, bye.”

As Belle watched Aden leave she smiled and thought to herself: “Damn you Aden Jefferies, you’re not supposed to make me like you.”

Feel free to let me know what you guys think of this.

[HighwayUnicorn]

Deleted.

[kitkat1992]

Its a really good start to a story and i will be interested to see how it develops

[Nataliakesfan]

So here is the next chapter. Sorry it took so long for me to update. Let me know what you guys think.

Chapter two: You’re not that bad

Aden had been working at the diner for a couple of weeks now and he and Belle were actually getting along quite well, to her frustration and his surprise and liking. Belle still couldn’t admit to herself that she enjoyed working with Aden, joking with him, being around him. One moment she had to acknowledge that he was being friendly, funny and nice and that she liked having him there, but the next second she reminded herself, “You can’t trust him Belle. He’s Aden Jefferies, the town Bully. He is bound to fall back into old habits soon.” The situation was driving Belle crazy and she had wanted to talk to Mattie about it but she had backed out asking Mattie if she wanted to go the party that was being held on the beach on Saturday instead, to which she happily agreed.

After backing out on talking to Mattie, Belle decided to go to the beach to clear her head. After sitting on there staring into space for a while thinking things trough she had yet again convinced herself she didn’t like Aden. When she was about to get up she heard someone walking up behind her. The next thing she new Aden was sat next to her.

“Hey”

“Hey”

Aden could tell from the sound of Belle’s voice that something was bothering her. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah, I’m fine why wouldn’t I be?”

“I don’t know, you just looked and sounded like something was bothering you”

“No I’m fine”

“Ok if you say so.”

“I say so. What are you doing here anyway?”

“I was planning on going for swim if that’s allowed,” Aden spat back, confused by Belle’s harsh and distant tone.

“Free country,” Belle retorted.

“Belle,…”

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

“Have I done or said something wrong?

“I wish,” Belle thought, “then I wouldn’t be in this mess.” “No you haven’t I’m just … tired that’s all”

“Tired? And I’m supposed to believe that?” Before Belle had a chance to say anything Aden cut her off, “I can tell something’s wrong Belle. I don’t expect you to talk to me about it but telling me you’re just tired when I can tell you’re upset about something is insulting my intelligence and yes I do have a brain before you ask.” Belle couldn’t help but smile at his last remark and as she turned to face him he looked her straight in the eyes and flashed that same smile he gave her the night he walked her home which made Belle stomach flutter. “That’s better,” he said glad he could put a smile on her face. She looked away in shame.

“So I’m going for that swim now. Did you want to come?”

“No, I should head back. I’ve got some stuff I need to do.”

“Ok, I’ll see you later at work,” he said taking of his shirt dropping it on his towel.

“Yeah,” Belle stuttered looking at him, “later.” As she watched him walking away Belle coursed to herself, “Get a grip Belle he’s not that hot,” she thought.

Belle decided to head to the diner an hour before her shift knowing Mattie would be there. To her surprise the first person she saw when she walked in was Aden, already working.

“Hey. Don’t you only start work in an hour?”

“Yeah I’m meeting Mattie, not that it’s any of your business. Don’t you only start work in an hour yourself?”

“I was here and they were shorthanded so…”

“I see. I’ll let you get back to work. Mattie’s here.”

“Righto I’ll see you later.”

“Mattie hey, I thought I’d catch you here.”

“Obviously. What’s up?”

“Nothing why would something be up?”

“I know you Belle. You’ve been on edge about something for days now”. Before Mattie was done talking she noticed Belle looking at Aden. “Ok what’s going on? Why are you looking at Aden like that,” Mattie whispered making sure Aden couldn’t listen in on their conversation.

“Like what?”

“Like … I don’t know, like you like him. Oh my god Belle don’t tell me … .”

“No! No! No, Mattie offcourse not,” Belle said looking away in shame.

“Right, I think you’re objecting a bit too forcefully there.”

Belle opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out. “Oh, who am I kidding,” she mumbled while sitting down in the sofa in the corner, “I think I do like him. You know, … I never thought I’d say this but I got to see a different side to him now that I’m working with him. He’s actually a decent guy. I had trouble believing it at first, I still am, but I think he’s changed since living with Roman and starting to work here. … Am I going crazy?”

Mattie laughed at Belle’s rant. “I don’t know are you?”

“Mattie that’s not funny. I came to you for help. This is doing my head in.”

“Ok, I’m sorry. Listen Belle if you think Aden’s changed who am I to tell you differently. I actually noticed that he’s being a bit more bearable at school.”

“Yeah but that doesn’t mean he’s to be trusted though right?”

“I don’t know. Look, whatever’s going on just be careful, ok?”

“Yeah thanks Mattie … ,“ as Belle was answering Mattie she saw Aden walking over to them.

“Right what can I get you ladies?” …

That Saturday Belle, Mattie and Ric headed to the party at the beach. By the time they got there quite a few people were already drunk and they knew the party would end up running out of control.

“Oh great most of these yobo’s are already drunk,” Belle groaned.

“Yup, seems like it,” Mattie chipped in.

“Yeah well, this party does still have a few hours of fun left in it, might as well enjoy it while it lasts. Can I get you ladies something to drink?”

“Something tells me to stay away from the punch but I’ll have a beer thanks Ric,” Belle answered.

“Same for me.”

“Righto be right back.”

As Mattie saw Belle’s eyes gaze the crowd she couldn’t help but tease her best friend, “Looking for Aden are we?”

“Haha very funny Mattie.”

“Oh come on I was just teasing. Seriously though, have you figured out what to do yet?”

“No not really. Anyway I don’t really know if I can trust him so I’m going to try not to think about it too much and just see what happens.”

“Ok, if you think that’s best.”

“If she thinks what’s best?”

“Oh nothing Ric. We were just talking about the right kind of tampons to use to go for a swim when it’s that time of the month, you know.”

“Right, …, “ Ric said blushing.

“That was mean Belle.”

“What a girl can’t have a bit of fun? Admit it Mattie you love it when I make Ric blush.”

“Yeah I do have to admit that’s true.” Ric merely frowned at Mattie’s words. “What? I think it’s cute.”

“Cute? When does a give ever want to be called cute?”

“Alright, alright. Come on let’s go dance. Are you coming Belle?”

“No, no I think I’ll sit this one out.”

“Ok, suit yourself.”

It wouldn’t take long for Belle to regret that decision. She had only been alone for 30 seconds when some drunk started hitting on her. “Hey gorgeous what are you doing here by your lonesome?”

“Trying to keep away from drunk yobo’s like you.”

“Seems like you’re not doing too good a job then are you?” The guy took another step closer to Belle and grabbed her. “Hey get off me!” Belle started pushing the guy away but he wouldn’t take the hint and leave. Suddenly she felt two strong arms coming around her waist and pull her away from the guy, then Aden was standing between the two of them. “The only reason I’m not bashing your head in right now is because you’re drunk and I don’t want Belle seeing me do that. I swear to God that if I ever see you doing that to a girl again I’ll make you wish you were never born, got that? Go home, sober up.” The guy walked away from them as fast as he could which wasn’t very fast given his current condition. When Aden turned around Belle was still stood behind him shell-shocked. “Hey are you ok? I’m sorry that happened.”

“Yeah I’m fine I guess, thanks for that.”

“That’s alright I just did what I had to do. That guy was a creep. Are you sure your ok?”

“Yeah I’m good, thanks.”

By the time Belle had answered Mattie and Ric had found their way back to her. “Hey what just happened? Is everything alright here?”

“Yeah, just some drunk who couldn’t keep his hands to himself. Seems like Aden here saved me.”

“No I just told him to walk away,” Aden retorted rather shyly.

“Right, maybe we should head home, looks like things are rapping up anyway.”

“Yeah that might just be best. Thanks again Aden.”

“Yeah, no worries.”

Once they were a bit up the road Mattie started talking again. “So Aden saved you hey? Who would have thought?”

“What surprised me the most is that he was being all shy about it. The normal Aden would be bragging about what a hero he was. What’s the deal with that,” Ric joked.

“I don’t know,” Belle answered, “I can’t say it’s a bad thing though.”

As they walked Belle thought through what happened again concluding: Maybe you’re not that bad, Aden Jefferies.

[HighwayUnicorn]

Deleted.

[Nataliakesfan]

Sorry it took so long for me to update.

I have been away on holidays.

A huge thank you for the extremely nice comments Carina!

Chapter 3: That kiss…

The morning after the party Matilda and Belle met up at the beach for a swim.

“Hey Belle”

“Morning Mattie”

“So are you over Aden’s rescue session yet?”

“No, not really. He actually seemed shaken up himself. I don’t know why but something tells me there’s more to this.”

“Yeah it’s not really like him to help in the first place but then he didn’t brag about it either and that is definitely not Aden-like.”

“I know. Anyway it’s a good thing he did what he did.”

“Yeah and a coincidence he was there when it happened right.”

“Shut up.”

“Oh come on Belle, it’s obvious he’s got the hots for you and something tells me you like him as well.”

“I don’t know Mattie. I still feel like I’m crazy for thinking he’s one of the good guys.”

“Even after he saved you last night? I can’t believe I’m actually defending Aden and I know that he’s been a tool pretty much all through high school but I do think he genuinely likes you and he has changed since he’s been living with Roman. I’m not saying you should trust him blindly but if you do like him I think you should take the risk. I know you’re scared of getting hurt after everything with Drew but every relationship involves a risk of getting hurt. Hey at least with Aden you can just put it down to him being a tool if something goes wrong.”

Belle couldn’t help but smile at Mattie’s last sentence. “I put things going wrong between me and Drew down to him being a tool as well. Seriously though, you’re telling me to take the leap?”

“That depends on how much you like him but if you think it’s worth a shot then yeah I guess I am.”

“I can’t believe I’m even considering this.“

“I can’t believe I’m telling you to go out with Aden Jefferies.”

The two girls couldn’t help but laugh at their conversation.

“Come on how about that swim then hey.”

“Yeah you’re right come let’s go in.”

Later that day Belle was doing her shift at the diner when Aden walked in to start his shift.

“I’m sorry I’m late Roman. I wanted to finish the assignment I was working on and I lost track of time.”

“That’s alright mate you’re only a few minutes late, just make sure you’re on time in the future.”

“Will do. Thanks Roman.”

“No worries”

Belle overheard them talking and couldn’t resist teasing Aden. “You, loosing track of time working for school? Watch it Jefferies before you know it you’ll be going from the town bully to the town nerd.”

“Good afternoon Aden. Having a good day today? Thanks again for saving me from that creep last night. You’re welcome Belle. I have been slaving away for school actually so I have had better days, thank you for asking though.”

“I’m sorry I was just teasing you because you were groveling because you were late. Seriously though, thanks for last night, that creep just wouldn’t take the hint.”

“Yeah I noticed that. You’re ok though right?”

Belle was touched by how genuinely worried he seemed to be “Yeah I’m good thanks. How about you? Are you ok? You didn’t quite seem yourself last night.”

“Me? Yeah I’m fine I just have a problem with guys like that thinking they can treat people that way that’s all.”

“Ok, anyway thanks for helping me out.”

“You’re welcome. I better get to work and let you get back to it. I was already late so…”

“Yeah you’re probably right. Listen, …, I already went for a swim this morning but it’s so hot today that I could do with an other one after work. Do you feel like coming?”

Aden smiled. He couldn’t believe Belle just asked him to go to the beach with her. He didn’t realise he hadn’t answered her yet when he saw her face drop.

“If you don’t feel like it that’s ok, you probably still have to study…”

“No, no, no I knuckled down this morning so I could have the rest of the day off. I’d love to come.”

“Right, ok, that’s settled then.”

“Yep I guess it is.”

Aden walked out into the diner and Belle went back to chopping vegetables, both smiling.

After her shift Belle was waiting for Aden outside the diner.

“So, are you sure you want do this? I mean you wouldn’t want to ruin you’re precious reputation being seen with me would you now?”

“I asked didn’t I? It’s not like I have that good a reputation anyway.”

“You don’t?”

“Oh come on as if you don’t know that I’ve gotten into my fair share of trouble. On second thought none of it was as bad as some of the things you did though.”

“Alright already let’s just go and not dwell on my mistakes of the past so we can keep this bearable.”

“Bearable? I did give you a way out you know, I’m not forcing you to come.”

“I didn’t mean it like that and you know it.”

Belle just frowned and looked at him with an “Oh really” expression on her face.

“Come on Belle, you know I wouldn’t have agreed to this if I didn’t want to come.”

“Probably not …”

“Alright so let’s go then.”

“That eager to get into the water hey.”

“Actually the sooner we’re at the beach, the sooner I get to check you out in a bikini.”

“Oy, I asked you to come for a swim, I didn’t give you permission to perve.”

“Well what did you think I was going to do,” Aden joked as Belle shot him an unimpressed look. “I was just joking Belle. I promise to play nice.”

“You can’t promise me that.”

“I believe I just did.”

“Nope you didn’t because you can’t. You don’t know the meaning of nice.”

“Oh ok it’s like that hey? I’ll remember that the next time I see some dirt bag grabbing you and instead of helping you I’ll just go and sit in a corner until the urge to be nice passes.”

Belle couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright I’m sorry, that might have been a little harsh.”

“A little harsh? That was downright mean. You’re a mean person Belle Taylor.”

“Oh what are you going to have a little cry about it? I thought you were many things Aden but a cry-baby wasn’t one of them.”

“See a very mean person indeed,” Aden retorted smiling.

They continued teasing each other like that during the walk to the beach and their swim.

Belle and Aden had spent a couple of hours on the beach talking, laughing and teasing each other. Aden had decided to go for one last dip while Belle stayed on her towel so she could get dry. When walking out of the surf Aden spotted a small abandoned bucket a child must have lost while playing on the beach. He filled it up with water, snuck up to Belle and emptied its content over her back.

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah. Oh you’re going to cop it for that one Jefferies,” Belle cried out jumping up and chasing after him.

“Oh really? What are you going do,” Aden asked suddenly stopping.

“You know what? You’re right,” Belle retorted realizing Aden was to strong for her to do anything to him anyway. She saw she was standing right next to his towel, scooped it up and started to run towards the water.

“Oh no you don’t,” Aden cried running after her. It didn’t take long for him to catch up with her. He tried to reach for his towel before she had a chance to trow it into the water. Unfortunately for him he missed which caused him to fall taking Belle with him in his fall. That resulted in Belle lying in the sand on her back laughing and Aden hoovering over her. They gazed into each other’s eyes and before Aden knew it he was kissing Belle. It was a slow, tender, yet passionate kiss and Belle was kissing Aden back happily until he suddenly pulled away. Aden looked down at Belle who was staring up at him still a bit baffled, in a positive way, because of the kiss they just shared. Aden however misinterpreted this and thought Belle was offended.

“I … I’m sorry I didn’t mean to … I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry,” Aden stuttered getting up.

Belle smiled thinking he was just shy. Before she had a chance to tell Aden that it was ok and that she had wanted him to kiss her, Aden had already gotten up, grabbed his towel, t-shirt, backpack and thongs and was rushing up the beach.

“Aden, wait, where are you going?”

“Aden come on, wait up. What’s wrong?”

Aden ignored her and disappeared out of sight leaving a shell-shocked Belle behind on the beach.

Let me know what you guys think (if anybody is reading this).

[Hannah-K]

I really like this!

I am wondering what is going to happen now that aden has dissapeared.

You write the thoughts and the whole thing amazingly!

I cant wait to read more

[HighwayUnicorn]

Deleted.

[CHARLENE2009]

another brilliant chapter

Wondering why aden got up and ran of after the kiss

please update soon

[Dezz]

This is really good, please update soon!