I do not own Twilight

I Speak Only Romanian - Prologue

The sub-zero temperature of the water had begun to numb the lower half of her body, it almost felt like she was naked beneath the waves. People on the beach gasped and pointed behind their scarfs and woollen clothing safe further up the beach. She didn't look back to pay them attention; not that any of them we're making to stop her. By the time the water had reached the tops of her breasts ice like waves had started to batter her from all angles. Staring at the horizon in almost a trance; Bella continued slipping further. At chin level she heard a whisper of a voice; someone calling out to her but waves all but drowned it out.

As she looked towards the blurred surface a hand snaked around her stomach pulling her backwards and upwards. She didn't struggle but assumed death worked that way until she saw the dreary beach before her. Bella started to struggle as someone held her head above water. She shouted at them to stop and to leave her but they either didn't understand or ignored her pleas. By the time they had reached the shore she had begun to sob angrily. Again her would be saviour said nothing but sat her down on the sand wrapping her in a warm coat. They asked her something but she did not understand; she had never understood English and English people didn't understand her.
"Leave me!" She sobbed into her hands.
"Why?" A man asked in her tongue. He asked two questions in that word; why should I leave you and am I speaking the right language. Bella blinked looking up at the man who saved her for the first time. He sat before her wet and shaking from the cold but his green eyes held a compassion she had not seen since leaving her country a year ago.
"Y-You speak Romanian?" She gasped from shock and the cold settling into her bones.
"Yes." He nodded rubbing his arms for heat "What we're you doing out there?" She shook her head not wanting to answer; the idea of her suicide was a privet thing. When she did not answer he simply sighed "Where do you live?" He asked helping her up but she stayed mute "Let me help you miss."
"Bella." She muttered pulling the coat around her to stop the wind.
"What?" He frowned.
"My name is Bella."
"Where do you live Bella?" He asked with a warm smile; something else she had not seen in a year. Usual people glared and hit her never showing the kindness of this man.
"I cannot go home like this." She whispered "I must stay out until I am dry." If Andrie knew what she had tried to do… He stared at her expression; something he had seen so many times before in his line of work; complete and utter fear. Instantly it made sense; she was an imported slave.
"My name is Edward." He smiled taking her hand "I help women like you."
"Help me?"
"Get away from your Master."