This doesn't really count as my second fanfic. I only wrote one chapter in my first post. I don't know if I'll continue to write this, it might just be a stand alone for a very long time. But maybe somebody will like it.

All rights to the respective parties. I own nothing but my 'creativity'

Enjoy. x

I stepped up as next in line and quickly ordered myself a coffee, black with extra sugar. I was going to need the boost. I kept my head down and stepped aside to let the next person order. My eyes scanned my surroundings checking every face. There was no one remarkable. I tapped my foot and ducked my head down trying to keep from drawing attention.

However that's all that I was seeming to do. I'm sure I looked like hell and out of place. Half my face was marked black and blue and I was soggy from the earlier drizzle which made my already baggy clothes seem baggier. My feet hurt like crap and I'm sure the pain I was feeling was plainly expressed through my body language.

"Ms. Swan, your coffee." I looked up startled before nodding and taking the cup from the barista who gave me a fake smile for a split second before wiping it off and starting the next order. At least she had the decency to act nice.

I made my way towards the back of the smaller coffee shop before stopping in my tracks. Wasn't it like rule number one to stay where there were witnesses? Nobody likes to make a scene. At least I hoped that was the case, it worked with creepy predators right?

I was starting to work myself up and I took a deep breath and walked back to a table towards the center of the small shop. I settled down into my seat and placed my coffee on the provided coaster. It had the company logo on it along with some extra sketches in pen and pencil. I couldn't help but crack a smile and glance up. My smile faded and I ducked my head down. All eyes were on me.

I felt uncomfortable thinking about what they thought. They probably thought I was trouble, a runaway. They probably thought they were better than me. Who the hell was I, of course they were better than me. I sighed feeling defeated and wrapped my hands around my coffee cup drinking it patiently. I wasn't defeated enough to put my guard down, so when someone stepped up behind me. I was ready to attack.

"Hello."

I furrowed my brown. They sent a lady? I turned and looked her over. No, they didn't send a woman for me. She wasn't like them, and she wasn't like the others. She was talking to me, and smiling at me, though she looked like she was also in pain. I couldn't blame her, I knew I looked like hell spit me back out. And she, she was the complete opposite.

She had her hair down over her shoulders and the coppery color was glittering from the overhead lights, as were her green eyes. She was dressed in what looked like designer clothing, and she was wearing some expensive-ass jewelry. Damn, this woman lived good. So what the hell did she want with me?

I couldn't think of a reply to her introduction and she gave me a sweeter smile, if that was even possible, before walking around and sitting down across from me at the small table. I was at a loss. Did I know her from somewhere? I slid my hand across the table and swiped my coffee off the table and held it close to me. I sipped at it, wanting to finish most of it in case I had to make a run for it.

Why was I still sitting here any ways?

She cleared her throat softly and my eyes shot up to meet hers. She looked almost concerned. Almost. I crossed my legs and slouched back giving her what I thought would be a nonchalant vibe. To my surprise, or not so much of a surprise she leaned across the table and passed me a card.

I looked down at it, but my heart was thumping in chest. On it was what must have been her name. Esme Cullen. Beautiful women always had beautiful names. But that wasn't what made my heart stop. She was a social worker and she was talking to me.

I stood up, nearly knocking over my chair as I bustled toward the door. I hoped she wasn't following me. I'd seen those girls who ran off and then just got caught again hiding out in some women's' shelter a few miles away. I just wanted to sit on the curb and scream and pull at my hair. I wanted it to all go away. I didn't want to run anymore. It wasn't my fault.

I was in the middle of the street, not watching where I was going when I heard the screech of rubber on asphalt. Damn, leave it to me to make an accident in downtown Seattle. I turned to see if I could help when something hard grabbed my wrist and I was pulled into what someone on the outside would call an embrace. Maybe it would've been nice if every muscle in my body wasn't straining against the restriction and maybe if I actually liked the person.

The thing was, this was the person who treated me like shit for the past few years. This was the person I was desperately trying to escape. For those few hours I was out though, I didn't feel one bit freer.

"Isabella, did you really think you could run off and that I wouldn't find you? I'll always find you." Damn you, Alex. I could literally hear the smile he on his face as he spoke. Fuck. His smell was making my nose scrunch up. I didn't bother replying as He made a scene and seemed 'oh so happy' to have found me before gingerly helping me into the black SUV blocking off the intersection.

All of the acting stopped as we entered the car. His face became drawn and his eyes hardened. I knew I was in for it. I was no different from the other girls who had tried to run. Or maybe I was. I fingered the card that I had been given in the coffee shop by Ms. Esme Cullen. Or was it Mrs.? She was pretty enough to get a good husband, I was sure of it. Alex had his eyes trained on the windshield but I knew he wouldn't notice if I moved to place it in my sock. And I would have, but I could see Jane watching me out of the corner of her eye and she was wearing a dainty smile.

She would know and I would be in even more trouble than before. I didn't want to risk losing the card. I hadn't taken a close enough look to know the number yet, I needed that at most.

It gave me some pleasure knowing I could possibly get out again, albeit false hope mostly, but still hope. I wanted to hold the card against my chest and let the smile grow on my face. Instead I sat still as the rest of them. Alex, Felix, and Jane. I wouldn't risk my freedom. If I got out again, I would be out for good.

I would just have to wait to make my escape.

Did you enjoy it? Thoughts, good or bad are encouraged. x