Chapter 3

Pouring myself a glass of juice, I plop down into a chair. What I wouldn't give to be anywhere but in this house. Allan was so humiliating, and it wasn't hard to see how much he enjoyed seeing my cheeks flush with embarrassment. He was going to be the death of me, I just know it's a matter of time before he follows through with it.

"Why do you let him treat this way?" a warm voice broke me out of my thoughts causing me to jump. Looking back I notice it's the 'youngest' Cullen, Edward. I can feel my body tense up and I avert my eyes back to the cup in my hands.

"Allan is taking care of me the best he can. The least I can do is let him call me whatever he wants."

"You deserve better." Edward took a seat next to me.

"You don't know me, maybe this is all I deserve."

"I don't believe that. Bella, I won't hurt you. My family drinks animal blood only." Edward smiled at me, I guess he could sense my rapid heartbeat. Stealing a glance into the living room, I couldn't hear anything.

"Edward, you shouldn't talk so frank. Allan wouldn't like it. And I have learned to play the cards that I've been dealt, things could be considerable worse." I'm not even sure I believe that. Sure, death would be worse, but at the same time it would almost be better.

"Carlisle and Allan went out into the forest, and the rest of my family went home. The idea of hunting animals intrigued Allan I think."

"He's always up for a challenge, but don't bet on Allan sticking to it."

"He will have to if he wants to remain in Forks. We have been peacefully living here for a few years now and we don't want to leave prematurely." Edward spoke earnestly. Silence fell over the room, and I wasn't sure what to say next.

"You're nickname really is appropriate." Edward lightly placed his hand on mine. Looking up at him, I tried not to pass out.

"Why is 'Bella' so appropriate?"

"Because you're beautiful." Edward stared into my eyes, a crooked smile falling into place. I felt heat rush up to my cheeks.

"Uh, um…thanks. You are too." I blushed even more. What a stupid response. Edward just broke out in laughter. I gave him my best glare in mock anger.

"Sorry, it's just so cute and funny when you're embarrassed." Edward tossed out in between his laughs. I couldn't help but laugh along with him.

"Having a cozy moment aren't we?" Allan broke our moment. Snatching my hands back from Edward, I quickly stand to my feet and practically gallop across the room.

"Not at all, don't be silly Allan. Edward and I, we uh…"

"Bella wanted to see how long she could take the coldness of my hand." Edward easily supplied.

"Yeah, but Edward was just about to leave, he has some family affair to attend." I didn't want him to leave, but it would be far too dangerous for him to stay any longer. Allan's jealousy was almost an eighth world wonder.

"Of course, well it was interesting meeting your uh, your family." Allan laughed in mockery. Anger washed over me so intense that I had an urge to cause Allan some amount of pain. As unrealistic as that was. Te really curious thing was why I was feeling all protective of Edward. Allan walked Edward out. When the door slammed shut, I knew judgment day had arrived.

"Isabella, you just don't know what's good for you do you?" Allan was still facing the closed door. I did know what was good for me, just not how to get it. He ran up to me before I could think about anything else and pushed me up against the wall.

"Sometimes I don't know why I put up with you all these years." Allan's eyes were pitch black and I knew what was coming. I could feel my feet dangling above the floor and my body, my neck more importantly, was inching closer to his teeth. Without hesitation, Allan sank his teeth into my neck and took a few gulps before letting me slump down to the wooden planks that composed the kitchen floor.

"Oh, now I remember why I keep you around." Allan laughed. I barely saw his back form through my dazed haze. I was barely conscious but I had managed to grab a nearby dishtowel and wrapped it around my neck.

"I'm going out, don't wait up for me." He didn't wait for a reply before running out into his car and zooming off. Lifting myself up, I reach for the iron pills. Stumbling into the living room, I sink down onto the sofa and chug the pills.

I let my head fall back and close my eyes. A cool breeze hits across my face but I don't have the strength to open my eyes.

"Bella, you're hurt." The voice of an angel caressed my ears.

"So. No one cares."

"I care more than you know. My family wants to help you so much. Let me help you." His cold hand fitted into mine and my eyes finally opened.

"Okay." I smiled weakly and let him lift me up into his arms. The moment those words crossed my lips, I felt instant relief and freedom.

((AN: Sorry for taking sooo long updating, its just…well I don't have a good excuse, I was just being lazy. :( Hope it wasn't too horrible. Ha. ))