Chapter 3
The Cullen's house was beautiful in every way. Edward and I walked in the front door and immediately I was pulled into a hug by Alice. I tried not to flinch since she was touching half my bruises. Emmett ruffled my hair. Jasper shook my hand. And Rosalie just smiled. Two people came down the stairs that I have not met yet. I was guessing they are Esme and Carsile. "Hello Bella. Welcome to our house. I am Carsile and this is my wife Esme." Carsile said. "It is very nice to meet you." I said and blushed.
They laughed. Then I believe everyone remembered that I was still in Edward's arms. "You can put her down now." Rosalie said. Everyone except me and Edward laughed. When Edward didn't put me down they all stopped laughing. Emmett looked like he was going to crack up again so Edward sighed and put me down. And of course when I landed on my bad foot I yelped and almost fell backward, but Edward caught me. Carsile went from laughing to concern. "Edward bring Bella up to your room. And Alice grab my kit." He said seriously. So Edward brought me up to his room. I loved his room. It was blue and gold. And there was a huge bed and a million cd's. Edward layed me down on his bed and sat next to me. Carsile came in the room and examined my ankle. I thought his eyes were going to pop out of his head. "Alice, get some ice please and Edward some gauze." He paused and looked down at me. "Why didn't you go to the hospital?" He asked.
I had to think of something fast.. "My father didn't think it looked that bad…" I said. Carsile looked like he was confused, angry and yet sad. So I quickly added, "Neither did I." But really, I knew I at least sprained it but of course I can't go to the hospital. Carsile frowned. At that moment, both Edward and Alice came back in the room. As, Carsile wrapped my ankle with gauze, I winced causing Edward to hold me closer, causing me to wince again, to where Carsile spoke, "Edward, we don't know what other injuries she may have. So for now.. Just keep your distance." Edward took one glance at me and went to a chair against the wall and sat down. For some reason I wanted him to come back. Or me to jump into his arms. Anything for him to hold me again. Omg! I just met this guy today, and I am saying I need to be in his arms! Carsile asking me a question snapped me out of my thinking. "I am truly sorry.. What did you s-say?" I stuttered. "Bella, does anything else hurt?" He questioned. My ribs hurt a little guessing some were broken and the cuts on my arms stung but I didn't want to cause more problems for this family, so I just shook my head.
Finally taking my eyes off them I looked at the clock. 11:46pm! Oh my god! I have to get back to Charlie. I tried to get up but Carsile pushed me back down. "What's Wrong?" Edward asked, immediately coming to my side. "I need to get home." I said. All 3 of them shared a quick glance and then helped me up. And Edward drove me home.. He helped me out and said goodbye and left. And just like that I was alone. I had a feeling I was being talked about at the Cullen House. Hoping, Charlie was sleeping I walked in and was grateful for the knocked out Charlie on the couch. I was about to go up the stairs when I tripped on a beer bottle and fell to the ground. Uh Oh! That woke Charlie!
"You little Bitch! Your late! And You woke me up!" he yelled. I tried to get up and failed and Charlie jumped on my back and kicked it and threw punches on my back and I swear my spine moved. When Charlie went to go get another beer I got up with tears falling down my face…knowing this is going to be a problem. I could already tell that there was going to be purple bruises all over my back, on nothing but red skin. Charlie came back in and saw me trying to get up. "Oh no you don't!" He screamed. And before I could react he punched me in the eye and I fell to the ground again, and I layed there not unconscious just waiting till he went to sleep. Soon, I got up and I hardly made it up the stairs to my bed, checking the time. 4:30am! Holey crap! I only have 2 hours to sleep. Wanting to at least get that time. I fell quickly into a deep sleep.
Morning came, and I got up feeling my back burning, along with my ankle, and my face in pain. I went to the bathroom to use the shower, it helped my back. Then when I was about to go out of the bathroom I looked in the mirror and was horror struck! A BLACK EYE! He gave me a black eye! No wonder why my face hurt! How am I supposed to cover that up? I stood there for at least 10 minutes, then remembering Charlie is going to get up and want breakfast, I limped down the stairs and started cooking eggs and bacon. He came down and saw me cooking threw the eggs on the ground, gulfing the bacon down and took my hand and put it on the stove. I screamed. He laughed. "Goodbye Isabella." Then he left. I stood there.. Thinking about the damage I have been through. Sprained ankle, possibly cracked or broken ribs, black eye, bad back, bad cuts on my arms, and now a burnt hand. And yes my hand hurt badly! Very badly!
I went upstairs and grabbed my crutches, wrapped my arms and my hand, and tried to cover up what I can of the black eye and any other bruises on my body that were visible. I started walking down the road when of course their was the silver Volvo. "Need a ride?" Edward asked. I believe I would have objected but it was a long walk and my back, ankle, and hand were killing me. I stepped into the car making sure my hair was covering the black eye. Edward smiled. He looked adorable today. Adorable? Did I just say he looked adorable? Am I falling for Edward Cullen?
Edward interrupted me thoughts. "Are you okay?" I nodded. Knowing that either he would see through my lie, or my voice would crack and give me away if I talked. "Can I hear more about Charlie?" Edward asked. "Um.. He is the police chief of works and is…a g-g-good f-father." I stuttered. Edward gave me a sideways glance. Just then we took a turn and my hair moved from my face and Edward saw my black eye. Then the car stopped and Edward said, "Bella, why do u have a black eye?" He seemed to be on the verge of anger. "I fell." I said. He didn't look to convinced. "You know me. Clumsy Bella." I quickly added. And made myself laugh, which came out shaky.
"Bella, you know you can tell me anything right." He said. A lump formed in my throat and I realized I needed help and I can trust Edward and his family. I started sobbing. "Ch-Charlie did this t-t-t-to m-me." I stuttered out between sobs. :Charlie beats you?" Edward asked quietly as if not to upset me. I nodded. "And you didn't fall down the stairs. Did you?" he asked. I shook my head. All of a sudden the car swerved and Edward turned the car around and went back the way we came from. "Where are we going?" I asked. "Back to my house. I think Carsile should look at you." Edward said. We were quiet for a couple minutes before Edward spoke up. "Bella, tell me all of your injuries. And don't leave anything out." He spoke seriously. I nodded. "Um… well my sprained ankle, my black eye…my arms…my hand… my back…and my ribs." I finished. He gave me an expression telling me to explain my injuries. I sighed. " Well Charlie did sprain my ankle, and last night he punched me in the eye, which is the cause of the black eye…and my arms from the cuts….and this morning Charlie thought it would be funny to put my hand on the stove… and also last night he stepped on my back and was jumping on me. And my ribs.. He was kicking me there…." I trailed off. Edward was gritting his teeth and his hands went white as he gripped the steering wheel tighter.
Edward carried me in, bridal style to his house. Carsile came downstairs immediately hearing the door and came rushing over when he saw me. They brought me yet again in Edward's room and they were outside the door talking. I am guessing Edward was explaining my injuries. Then Carsile came in and asked me how I was feeling. I said I was ok.. Even though I did feel a little queasy. "Alright Bella. You do not have to use your crutches anymore you ankle is healed. Your black eye will heal in time, as well as your arms. We are going to get some ointment on that burn for your hand, your back should be better after a day in bed which will also help your ribs." He finished. I mumbled a 'thanks' and drifted off the a dreamless sleep.