Turned Out

Turned Out

Author's Note: This story is set during the time period of New Moon. Edward left but did not tell Bella he didn't love her, he simply had to go with his family. Bella is out of character (OOC) here. I want to thank KittKatt123 and ChanelBel7887 for inspiring me and allowing me to run a different direction with some of their ideas. I will be forever grateful!

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer is the lawful owner of the Twilight Series and all the characters within. I simply moved them to New York and taught Bella how to dance. No copyright infringement is intended.


Chapter 1

Bella POV

It was extremely late and dark as I walked away from the red brick building housing the American Ballet Theatre, another exhausting day of rehearsal behind me. As usual I was the last to leave; only Sam, the wizened old security guard, was left and now that I was gone and the door locked behind me, I knew he would wander back to his office for a nap. But not before asking, "Are you positive you don't want me to call a cab for you, Ms. Swan?" Sam's grandfatherly concern continuously touched me. As always, I assured him it was only four blocks to my apartment and that I would be perfectly fine. I can take care of myself.

As I hoist my bag further up my shoulder and begin to trudge tiredly home, I finally allowed my mind free reign to wander as it pleases, a gift I only allow myself at this time of the night. I have come to realize that allowing my mind to wander unchecked too often dredges up the bittersweet memories I have pushed to the far corners; memories that are too painful to experience during the daylight. Often tears accompany these thoughts and I don't like having to reassure anyone that I am fine, as their eyes look me over with pity and worry. Thus, I only allow myself unlimited thoughts of my beloved on my solitary hikes home.

I've been living in New York and dancing with the American Ballet Theatre for six months now. Has it really been six months since Edward and his family left? Since my family urged me to accept the offer from the ABT (American Ballet Theatre) and try to escape from the dense and impenetrable sadness that I constantly wore like an unwanted shroud? At times the days move by so slowly it seems as if I have been here, away from Edward and away from everything familiar that reminded me of him, for years instead of only months. Other times, the pain from my broken heart is so strong it seems as if only hours have passed since he told me they were leaving to go with Carlisle to South Africa. I couldn't go with them; I had to stay here, in the States so I could finish school. Since I had had enough credits to graduate, thanks to all my years of summer school, the school board (most likely under the influence of my father) allowed me to graduate a year and a half early allowing me the opportunity to move to New York. The town of Forks is proud to have me here, to know I'm working hard to make a name for myself and our small town as one of the few principal dancers with the world famous American Ballet Theatre.

If only they knew the truth. I was a shell of my former self, only existing to dance and sleep, avoiding the depression that weighed down on me like a ton of bricks. I sighed inwardly when I thought about all of this; even though I love my job as a ballerina all I really want is to see Edward again, to have him hold me. I realized with sadness that as close as we were, I never allowed him to see me dance, I had always been too shy and self-conscious. Why is it that when our loved ones are gone we discover all the vital mistakes we've made? This thought hurt me as much as his leaving did. I will never completely heal from this loss; I will probably never survive this loss. How is it possible to continue to thrive or even simply exist when half of your heart has been removed to another continent?

The backfire of a car on the next street over brought me out of my deep thoughts and back to reality. I didn't realize I had been thinking so deeply I had stopped walking. I started forward again towards my tiny apartment. Many of the other dancers were forced to share apartments but my salary, combined with what Charlie, Renee and Phil sent each month was enough to allow me to live by myself in a shoebox of an apartment and still have enough left over for bills and food. I didn't have much in the way of furniture, a bed, a stereo, and supplies for cooking were all I needed. (I shuddered to think what Alice would say if she saw my home, and then immediately locked that thought away. Alice isn't coming back any more than Edward.) My sparse apartment doesn't matter; I spend all of my time at the studio trying desperately to numb my pain through dance anyway. All I ever do at my apartment is sleep; with my schedule there was little time for anything else.

I realized that for the first time in many months my heart and soul felt alive with a tiny glimmer of long forgotten joy and pride. "I'm so proud of my company," I mused to myself. Today we finally perfected the choreography for the Supermassive Black Hole and Brave dance numbers; there is no way we won't stand out above the rest at the senior showcase next month. I can't wait to see Jessica's face when…

Suddenly I was pulled from my mental wanderings as I felt an arm snake around my waist. I turned sharply to look at my new company, hoping it was just Jacob, come to walk me home. That thought vanished as I turned and saw a stranger, a tall man with a shaved head and blue eyes so light they were almost clear. He was standing next to me, pulling me closer to his body. In the moment before my mouth opened to scream I noticed he was wearing workmen's clothes, sturdy boots, light blue jeans marked with dirt and a black button up mechanics shirt with the name Laurent embroidered above the breast pocket in white thread.

"Now, now, let's not scream and wake up the neighborhood," he breathed into my ear.

"Who are you? What do you want?" I asked as I tried to pull away, his arm now like a vice around my too small waist.

"I'm Laurent. Just come with me quietly and you won't get hurt."

Yeah right, my mind screamed at me. I've heard that line before and it never works out well for the girl! He could see I was ready to scream so, with a quick glance at the empty street he drew back a fist and punched me. I shrieked at the sudden pain in my jaw as the streetlights began to dim around me. As I felt him lift me in his arms, I struggled to stay conscious, to think of a way to escape, but to no avail. The world around me went pitch black.


Author's Note: Thank you so much for taking a moment of your time to read this fanfic. If you have another moment I would appreciate your review. Constructive criticism is always appreciated.