Chapter 2 The Pain of Truth
BPOV
I screamed out in pain as the last bone in my body broke. This has been a living nightmare and I just can't take it anymore. It's been three days and I have two left. Thankfully I will be unconscious for those days.
APOV (Alice)
It's been three days since we made it back to Forks. Carlisle had us enroll back at school, so that's where we have been for the past three days. I really don't like it because everyone keeps asking us where Bella is.
I just tell them to mind their own damn business and they run off. My husband, brother and sister don't necessarily agree to this technique but seeing as how Edward still hasn't gotten here yet then no one is going to stop me.
Carlisle won't let us go and look for Bella and or Lizzie who is most likely with her. I swear if I see that Australian she devil I'm gonna knock her lights out. Keeping Bella away from us.
I growled softly as Rose drove us home in her BMW. She is so happy to have her car back, Emmett is happy to have his Jeep back too. I just wish Edward would hurry and get back, then everything will be the same.
Well, once Bella is back with us that is.
No one said a word as we walked into the house to find Carlisle sitting in the living room talking to the Blonde that I have been despising for the past few days.
When she turned her head and stood up when Esme and Carlisle did I saw red. Before Jasper could grab a hold of me I was right on top of her. She didn't fight back though, the little Aussie bitch just laid there and took it.
I practically strangled her before giving her a good hit across the jaw. The loud pop sounded through the whole house. That was when Rosalie pulled me off her by my hair and pinned me against the wall by my throat.
Jasper was sending calm waves throughout the room as Carlisle attended to her. There was blood pooling from her mouth and onto the hardwood floor. But there was no smell, so everyone was fine yet confused.
"Carlisle. The blood, it doesn't bother us." Emmett said in a confused tone.
"Half Blood's don't have a scent to their blood unless they are your singer. Rose keep Alice down here for a moment. Edward is almost here, have him talk to her before I have to talk to everyone."
He told us as he helped Blondie up off the floor and took her to his office. I pushed Rose off me and sat down on the couch.
"Alice I can't believe you would do something like that." Esme said disapprovingly before going up to see Carlisle.
I snorted angrily as Rose sat beside me, Em sat on the coffee table and Jazz sat beside me with his arm around me.
"I'm just glad you got to her before I did. I would have done a lot more damage." Rose told me with a slight smile on her face. I looked at her and smiled softly.
"I don't know what came over me. When I saw her here I just saw red. And all the hate I've been feeling toward her for not letting us near Bella just came out."
"Well that was pretty awesome if you ask me!" Emmett said excitedly. He loved a good girl fight.
"Yeah, but why didn't she fight back?" Jasper asked, looking like he was thinking hard about it.
Hmm, that was a good question. But who cares? I'd kick her butt again if I had the chance.
"No you won't." Edward said as he walked through the front door. He was wearing a gaudy grey V-neck, dark wash destroyed jeans and some black boots, looks like I will be going through his wardrobe again soon.
"Edward your home!" I said excitedly. He didn't look to happy though, guess I am getting talked to after all.
"Guys could you leave me and Alice alone for a minute?" he asked politely as he took Emmett's place in front of me.
They all went out back to stand by the river to give us privacy.
"Alice why did you do that?" he asked me softly, looking directly in my eyes. I sighed, not wanting to talk about it.
"I don't know. She just makes me mad when I think about her. She's keeping us from Bella and it isn't fair Edward! I can't see her anymore and I don't know if she is safe or not!"
"Hey now. Did you ever stop and think that maybe Lizzie is keeping all of us from her to protect us. Alice sweetie you have to look at things from every perspective you possibly can before you go flying off the handle like that. I know it may seem better at the time to do that, but it isn't. Promise me that you will keep an open mind from now on. Okay?"
"Fine. Edward?"
"Yes?"
"It's great to have you home. I've really missed you." he smiled at me as I pulled him into a hug.
"It's great to be home. And I've missed you too Ali."
We pulled back and I fixed my top as the others came into the room. Edward moved to an arm chair as Jasper came to sit beside me and Rose and Emmett sat in the love seat.
I sighed softly before I slipped my heels off and pulled my legs to my chest as Jazz pulled me close to him.
We could hear Carlisle, Esme, and the Barbie Bitch upstairs talking quietly and moving around. I rolled my eyes when I zoned in on her stupid Australian accent.
"Look Carlisle, it doesn't matter. Bella will be fine, but you know she won't agree to it. She'll be stubborn and then it will be too late. And if you tell your family then of course they will want to try and help. Well they don't need to."
She said as they walked down the stairs. That made me angry, Rose too apparently. They rounded the corner and as soon as she came into sight Rose was in her face before anyone could comprehend what was going on.
"What's your deal? We leave for maybe a month and then you saunter on into town and it's like you know everything about Bella. Who the hell do you think you are?"
Carlisle looked at her with pure mortification, Esme looked very disappointed, and the bitch looked pissed. Good, here we go!
"Look, I don't care what you think of me. But I don't have to explain myself to you. Whatever I did to all of you I'm sorry for it."
She said angrily while looking Rosalie straight in the eye. Rose didn't look too happy with how she just said that but Rose isn't one to hold back anyway.
"Look Barbie bitch. Ever since we got back here you have been dodging every call we have made to you, you won't tell us where Bella is and most importantly you're keeping us from her! Correct me if I'm wrong but that is a pretty bitchy thing to do."
Go Rose!
The bitch herself turned redder than Bella ever has. She looked angry as hell. I was a little afraid of what she would do, or if she has a gift or not. That wouldn't be too good for Rose.
Let's hope this doesn't end badly.
BPOV
I woke up with a jolt as I struggled to get air through my lungs. But I couldn't breathe! I stumbled out of bed trying to get out but could barely make it to the door.
It swung open and I was out as soon I got the strength. I gasped for breath as I made it out the front door. Air going through to my lungs finally as I laid on the front porch breathing it all in.
Stefan ran out and knelt beside me. He looked worried, and also a little confused, why? Don't ask me.
"Bells you okay? You hear me?" he asked as he held my arms to keep me still.
"I'm fine. And I can hear you perfectly."
"Okay sweetie don't move. I have to get your spine back in place. Give me your hand, that a girl. Now squeeze the railing here. Good girl, this will hurt so grit your teeth sweetie."
"AH!" I yelled as he pushed my spine back in forcefully. It hurt like hell, but at least it worked.
He helped me up slowly and I could feel the bones that haven't yet healed. Oh god, I woke up two days early. That has never happened before.
"Stef?" I asked timidly as I stood up straight. What if the blood vessels haven't healed up?
"Calm down those have healed, it's just your bones. So you will need to be careful okay? We need to get you to Carlisle though to see just how many bones there are left to heal."
I nodded as he turned to go in the house to get me some clothes to change in to, seeing as how I have been wearing these for a couple days. They were practically glued to my body from all the sweat.
But I smelt great. Must be thanks to Lizzie. Well that was sweet of her, wonder where she is-wait!
Did Stef just say he was going to take me to Carlisle? They're here? Oh. My. Gosh.
Stef came back with some clothes and shoes in hand before he went back in to give me privacy. I slipped on the skinny jeans, white sweater, my black scarf and my boots. I noticed he had my white beanie, my black earrings and my spring ring.
After I was completely dressed and ready I waited for Stef to come back out so he could take me to the Cullens place.
We got in his Mustang and to say it was a quiet drive was an understatement. Neither of us said a word and for once the stereo wasn't playing.
I squeezed my eyes shut when my pelvis moved slowly back into place all the way. Thank god it was already halfway there before I woke up or that would have hurt like heck.
I looked over to see Stefan for the first time, and he looked like he was so upset. He was wearing his stupid blue and black fox hat so his eyes were shielded from my view.
He looked so broken. I knew it was because of what I put him through with all this. He looks like he hasn't hunted in a while, and I'm sure Lizzie and Mike are the same. I can't believe I put them through this much pain.
"Stef, I'm real sorry for what I put you guys through these past couple of days…I just-"
He stopped me before I could say anything more. He was looking at me through the corner of his eye, he was giving me 'The Stefan Look' that's what me and Lizzie call it. He gives us that look so much we decided to give it a name.
"Bells baby I'm not upset because of that. It hurt, but you're okay. I know why you decided this and I'm with you one-hundred and ten percent. But I'm worried because you're awake two days early and all your bones haven't healed up yet. This shouldn't have happened."
I nodded my head in understanding. Glad he wasn't upset because of me. I decided to look around to get my mind off things. I looked at all the familiar scenery and knew we were close to their house.
Once we pulled into the driveway I heard the faint sound of people yelling. I could tell one of them was Lizzie….and the other one sounded like Rose. Oh no.
Once Stef had the car stopped completely I got out as quickly as I could. In any other circumstance I know Stef would have protested, but he looked pretty eager to get inside himself.
As soon as we reached the living room I was stunned with the pain of being here again. I looked around the big living room and saw everyone was sitting there watching Rose and Lizzie go at it.
I looked at Esme who looked angrier than anything. She looked as beautiful as ever in her floor length blue dress, beige leather jacket, and sparkling heels, she looks exactly the same from the last time I saw her. Then I looked at Carlisle who was actually in jeans and a long sleeve stripped shirt.
That's different.
I thought to myself before looking at Lizzie. She was wearing her beautiful curls up as always. She was wearing a very dark outfit that made her look like the predator she is.
I leaned up against the door frame and watched a little as they got out what they needed to. I caught small bits and pieces of what was being said. Because one they were talking so fast I didn't bother to listen too much, and two they were yelling and I had a raging headache.
I kept hearing Rose call Lizzie 'Barbie Bitch' and 'Aussie whore' wow…the first one definitely came from Alice that I know. The second one was definitely Rose. I shook my head but stopped immediately when I saw the slight bruising on Lizzie's jaw.
I. Saw. Red.
I knew for sure Rose didn't do it. But ALICE? What the hell is their problem with each other? Jeez. I growled softly, hoping no one would hear me. The yelling died down slightly and I saw my chance to make mine and Stefan's presence known.
"Well if this bitching contest is over with," I paused as they both stopped talking to whirl around to look at me.
Everything in the room ceased. No one said anything, no one moved. Everything was still as they all looked at me with surprise in their eyes, and a hint of longing from the Cullens.
Looks like they did miss me huh?
"I'd like to talk to you three." I said while looking only at Lizzie, Rosalie, and Alice.
Rosalie and Alice weren't quite sure of what to make of me and Lizzie was still cooling down from her fight with Rosalie. Everyone, besides Carlisle, was stunned to see me. Especially because I looked so different, but hey you get used to it.
"Well, boys why don't we give these girls some privacy?" Carlisle said while directing the boys out the back door.
I noticed that Esme was staying. Probably to make sure nothing bad happens. I looked at Carlisle and smiled my thanks he just smiled back at me and winked as he went out the door with the boys and disappeared into the woods.
I then looked to the three standing in the living room and instantly got pissed all over again. Lizzie could tell and so could Esme but Rosalie and Alice couldn't.
"Sit." I said while pointing to the couch. Lizzie went to sit because she knows that I mean business but Rosalie and Alice just stood there with a glare.
"I'm not sitting with her!" Rosalie exclaimed.
"Neither am I!" Alice said petulantly.
"You're pissing her off more, your best bet is to just do as she says." Lizzie advised.
They both just glared at her and stood their ground. I let out an angry growl and Alice and Rosalie both looked at me, a little frightened and then suddenly they were sitting on the couch.
I nodded in satisfaction and walked carefully over to the coffee table and sat down on it. I looked up at the three of them and saw that Lizzie looked like she couldn't care less and Rosalie and Alice looked confused.
"What's the problem here?" I asked while pointing between the three of them.
Lizzie looked at me and shrugged her shoulders before looking at the girls and then back to me.
"Honestly I don't have a problem, it's them that has a problem with me. You know my temper."
I nodded in understanding then looked to Alice and Rosalie for answers, because no one is leaving until I have this fucking resolved.
"So?" I asked hoping I wouldn't have to drag an answer out of them.
Alice shook her head once and sighed heavily before answering me. She opened and closed her mouth a few times, trying to find the right words I guess, and then when she finally found the words that she needed she began saying what she wanted.
"I don't like her, I did before we got here but that was only because when I saw her in my visions with you, she seemed to care so much about you and then when we got here she wouldn't let us anywhere near you, she wouldn't answer any of our calls and she wouldn't give us any information. We didn't know what was going on, if you were okay or what Bella…I still don't understand what's going on because I still can't see your future and that scares me because I don't know what is going on and with her not telling us anything before and I just needed someone to take my anger and frustration out on and I guess I just directed it at her."
Alice said in a rush, thank goodness I caught everything she said, if I was still human I probably wouldn't have.
But I could understand where she was coming from with all of that. I nodded my head then looked to Rosalie for her own explanation. This should be good.
"I just don't like her. And plus what Alice said about her not letting us know anything about you."
She said looking very bored. This fueled my anger even more than before. My nostrils flared and I'm sure my face was getting red. Alice and Rosalie's eyes widened and Lizzie sat on the edge of the couch watching me closely.
I could feel myself begin to shake as my eyes went black and my fangs started protruding, but I pushed them back best I could. I closed my eyes tightly and breathed through my mouth to try and calm myself down.
"Bell-"
"Don't. Just keep still and quiet and let her calm down." Lizzie interrupted right as Alice was about to say my name. I'm glad she interrupted her because she has no clue what she is dealing with or what any of them is dealing with to be honest.
I took a deep breath and all I could smell was venom. I gasped for breath suddenly and Lizzie was on her feet. Suddenly I was flown across the room-this is familiar-and hit the far wall. Esme and the girls were on their feet looking at me and Lizzie with wide eyes, Esme has never seen me this way before so it's a shock for her.
Lizzie's hand was over my throat trying to keep me against the wall. The back door flew open and the boys came running in but stopped dead in their tracks at what they saw.
I was growling loudly and my eyes were black and my fangs were out which hurt like hell.
"What happened?" Carlisle asked frantically while coming to Lizzie's and my side.
"She smelt the venom." She whispered to where no one else could hear.
"We need to get her out of here." Lizzie nodded before grabbing me by the back of my hair and dragging me out of the house as Carlisle asked Esme to get everyone calmed down until we could get back to explain.
I growled at Lizzie as she grabbed a handful of my hair and pulled me forcefully toward the woods.
"Liz you don't have to pull her by the hair!" I heard Stefan faintly behind us.
"I know that." She whispered while releasing me.
I dropped to my knees, unable to move due to the scents surrounding me. It was both mouthwatering and paralyzing at the same time.
"Bella, honey? Are you alright?" Carlisle's silky smooth, calming voice came over me as I panted heavily into the dirt.
"I just need to get out of here. I'm not strong enough to be around everyone until I've hunted."
"Alright, let's get you fed then."
He helped me to my feet and took my hand, sending a comforting smile my way before leading me somewhere far enough away where I could hunt.
"Alright, have at it." Carlisle whispered while gesturing me to go ahead.
I looked around before letting my senses take over me. I listened intently to find just the right person to feed off of.
There weren't many people here, they were mostly inside the dinners and the shops that were surrounding us. But right there, in an alleyway not too far from where we were standing was a man waiting for this teenage girl who was on the phone with her boyfriend of 5 years.
He was going to mug her, rape her, and leave her to die. At least, that's what he thought he was going to do. Before my company could suggest anyone I took off towards the sick creature, he doesn't deserve to live but I'll do him one worse.
I was behind him, not making a sound or a move yet until the time was right. The girl was inching closer and right as he was about to jump out and grab her I grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back deep into the alley.
"Don't move, don't make a sound or I swear I will kill you." I whispered threateningly as I held him by his throat.
He looked scared as he cowered beneath me, I felt my fangs come out and my eyes turn as I looked at him. He went to scream but I cut him off as I sunk my fangs into his corroded artery.
I got lost in his delicious blood as I drank in long pulls as he whimpered and moaned. I wanted to kill the bastard for just thinking about hurting that poor girl, but my inner Carlisle told me that wasn't the right thing to do so I pulled back to see the pain etched on his face as he cowered away from me.
"Now you listen, and you listen well," I whispered harshly while looking him directly in the eye, he was entranced by my every word just as he should be. "You will never hurt another woman or young girl ever again, or you will be getting another visit from me and I will not let you live next time. When you wake up you won't remember any of this, you will be a changed man. You will no longer harm women or anyone else because if you even think of it there will be consequences."
After I finished talking his eyes rolled into the back of his head and his neck healed. I dropped him to the ground and adjusted my hat before leaving the alley and going back to the others who were waiting anxiously for me.
Carlisle had a worried look on his face as he paced back and forth as he waited for my arrival, Lizzie was sitting on a stump picking apart a blade of grass, and Stefan was leaning against a tree with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face.
"Are you all waiting on me?" I asked with a smile on my face.
They all jumped slightly as they turned to look at me, all worry or concern any of them had evaporated.
"Well?" Carlisle asked, with a look that asked if I killed the guy.
"He won't remember a thing when he wakes up." I said cheekily while smiling at him.
Carlisle let out a relived sigh as he looked at me, a soft smile in place as he took me into his arms for a hug.
"I'm glad you are alright sweetheart. How do you feel?" he asked while pulling back to get a good look at me, making sure I was well.
"I feel fine, nothing hurts like I thought it would."
"That may be because the bones are slow healing that is probably making it easier on you. Why don't we get back to the house and I can check you over to make sure and then we can explain to everyone."
"No." I said firmly, pulling away from him. His eyebrows shot up in surprise, I have never gone against Carlisle but I had to put my foot down tonight.
"No? Why not Bella?" he looked confused as well as hurt. I didn't mean for that to happen, I would never want to hurt Carlisle purposely.
"I really don't feel like explaining myself to them tonight Carlisle, I just I can't right now. Please, understand."
He looked at me for a long moment, contemplating, he knew me well enough to know that I had a good enough reason for not wanting to go back so soon. He sighed heavily, looking to the ground and then back to me with understanding on his face.
"Alright, just take it easy please. I will check on you tomorrow when you are ready to come over. And please promise me that you will get some venom in you before tomorrow."
I smiled, Carlisle is so damn caring and passionate. I don't understand how one man can hold so much understanding and selflessness in him but he does and that is what makes him an amazing man.
"I promise Carlisle."
"Good, because if you don't I will come and force my wrist in your mouth and make you drink."
I laughed heartily as he did and hugged him tightly, making his smile widen.
"It's great to have you back Bella." He whispered in my ear before laying a soft kiss on my temple.
"It's great to be back Carlisle."
He pulled back to look at me with a smile, he nodded, kissed my forehead and headed back to the mansion. I sighed softly, looking to my adopted brother and my dear half-sister.
"Well? We ready to go home?" I asked hopefully as they looked at me with smiles on their faces.
"It's great to have you back Bells." Stef said with a smile while pulling me into his arms for a big bear hug.
"Great to be back guys."
"Alright, drink up." Stef insisted after he set me down, rolling his sleeve up and holding his wrist out to me.
I looked from his wrist to his face and saw the determination in his eyes so I knew there was no need in fighting him. So I took his wrist in my hands and bit down, the sweet sting of the fiery venom was phenomenal as it burned its way down my throat and into my bloodstream.
I took one last pull and jerked away with a gasp as I fell into the tree behind me, I was slightly dizzy from how quickly I drank.
"You okay there champ?" Stef asked with a smirk as he wiped his wrist off and pulling his sleeve back down.
"Fine." I panted softly.
"Alright let's get back so we can get some rest, we have a party to go to tomorrow night."
Liz said with a smirk on her face as she threw her arm around my shoulders as we began to run together.
"Party? You mean Jay moved the party back?"
"Oh yeah babe. You think he would have that party without you? Be realistic." Lizzie laughed as we ran through the trees.
"Thank god. I love that boy."
"And he loves you too, but in a more romantic way that you sadly won't return." She scoffed annoyed.
"He isn't my mate Liz, I know who that is but I am royally pissed at him or I would be with him right now."
"Yeah I know, jerkward is the one you are supposed to be with. But just because you two are mates does not mean that you can't have a healthy relationship, I mean you know make him squirm."
I thought about this for a moment, it sounded like an idea.
"Make him look at what he did and make him regret it?" I asked, looking at her from the corner of my eye.
"Hell yeah. Seeing you with another man will drive him insane and he will fix all his problems and he will be begging for your forgiveness. And don't take this as me saying you need to use Jay to get back at Edward because that is not at all what I mean."
"Lizzie! Calm down! I don't think that at all sis, to be honest I have always liked Jay and believe me he is hot as hell. And I won't use him, he is my best friend in the whole world I could never do that to him. I do love him, and maybe I could end up looking at him in a romantic way but we will just have to see. And if he does ask me out or something at the party then I will take the chance because I am not going to let Edward to get to me. He hurt me big time and I am not just going to jump right back into his arms because he is back, I am going to make him feel a little bit of how I felt."
"That's my girl!" Liz said with a big smile on her face as we made our way to the house.
A lot has happened today, and I am not sure about a lot of it. But I am sure that I will not forgive Edward easily, I don't blame anyone else but him for leaving. Because they never would have left if it weren't for him, and I am not going to patronize anyone else for Edwards mistakes.
Its time I took matters into my own hand and took the reins on this one. No more hiding or cowering like I did when I was a pathetic human.
That is not who I am, and I will no longer be that girl because I am in control of my own life. No one else controls me and it is about damn time I started doing things for myself again.
Look out Cullens, you are about to meet the real Isabella Swan.