Chapter 4 – Save Me
I had a restless night; sleep eluded me as my mind conjured up images of Edward from my past and present. Vivid green eyes full of secrets and lies burned into twisted, complex thoughts which embroiled with anticipation for morning and my escorted drive to Port Angeles culminated in infuriating restlessness.
Sleep came in short bursts of trifling dissatisfaction. I wanted a deep and content sleep, but it appeared not to want me.
The minutes dragged on like hours as I huffed and twisted in my sheets, it was a warm and humid night and I knew tomorrow would bring hot sunshine. I would have to endure a long drive with my mysterious foster brother who didn't need uncomfortable heat to agitate him further into an irritable state which he seemed prone to when in any kind of close proximity with me.
He avoided dinner with Charlie and me, making excuses about not being hungry. Charlie thought nothing of it, thinking that Edward was being polite and giving my father and me some quality time together after years of separation.
So, as I tried to forget about Edward and his confusing behaviour towards me I enjoyed my private time with Charlie. We had very adult conversations, we discussed his job as Chief of Police in a small town, and we talked of my interests and school that would start in the fall.
Before he retired to bed Charlie explained he would be working a double shift late tomorrow and wouldn't be home until the following day, which meant he might not see me when I returned from my trip to Port Angeles consequently Edward and I would have to have dinner alone.
The subject of my having a car arose briefly again and I shooed him off. I was fine being carless for now, I wanted to survive my drive with Edward first. I'm sure after that was over it would finalize my decision over how quickly I wanted my own car. I had a feeling I would be spending Renee's money sooner rather than later.
A warm night breeze drifted through my open window, it gave me brief relief from my sticky bed, and I could feel the sweat on my skin. I kicked the sheets from my bare legs and enjoyed the feel of the breeze on my damp flesh. Forks was notoriously dull, wet and cold but when summer came so could the humid hot nights. I had always come to Forks in summer and I knew I had a bitterly cold, wet winter to ahead of me. Coming from dry and hot Arizona, the damp wet would be a shock to my system. So I lay back in my bed in just my white cotton vest and pale blue panties and tried to cite my body and mind to sleep longer than a half hour.
"Oh and Bella..."
"Yes?"
"Don't sleep in again" and he was gone.
I felt my body jerk slightly as something tickled the skin below my ear. I sighed, my eyes still heavy, refusing to open and I turned my face away from the cause of my discomfort.
Again, a tingle tickled across the skin and I shook my head willing it to go. I was so tired. At some point I finally succumbed to some kind of a sleep and I wanted to remain there for as long as possible.
But the tingling and tickling continued and my mind registered that it was something blowing on my skin, the lightest breeze. It softly caressed my neck and cheek before returning to my ear once more.
"I thought I told you not to sleep in..." the breeze seemed to breathe.
Suddenly my eyes snapped open and focused on that familiar vivid green that had haunted me all night.
He was leaning right over me, resting a hand on either side of my face as he stood by my bed. There was an insidious smirk in his features, and he grinned as it dawned on me that it was indeed Edward who was in my bedroom
"Edward" I gasped.
He just stared for a few seconds, his face so close to mine. The shock of being awoken in this manner had left me paralyzed and I remained utterly still below him.
"I've been waiting for you" his breath danced across my face, and it smelt like coffee, dark and bitter.
"You have?" I whispered.
"But I'm tired of waiting" he muttered.
My eyes were so wide, trying to comprehend his words.
He was waiting?
"You were waiting for me?" I asked, needing some kind of explanation.
He licked his lips very briefly and my eyes followed the movement of his tongue parting his lips, and I lost the ability to think at all.
He smiled darkly.
"Yes, I told you not to sleep in remember? And here you are still in your bed and it's almost 11. Are you trying to annoy me on purpose?" he groaned.
11 am, in the morning?
Morning! Fuck, I've slept in again. Edward is in my bedroom because he's waiting to drive me to Port Angeles.
"Shit!" I snapped, realisation suddenly dawning on me.
He leaned back, removing his hands and stood tall once more, chuckling to himself.
I sat up abruptly in the bed.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, I ...I couldn't sleep last night" I rambled.
"Too warm?" he asked.
Huh?
And it dawned on me and I glanced down, I was barely dressed, the sheets were twisted at the other end of the bed and Edward had the perfect view of my pale blue panties.
I jumped out of the bed and Edward took a couple of steps back.
"Get out!" I yelled at him.
And he gave me a crooked smile in amusement.
"I'm sorry, I only came in to wake you up" he held up his hands in defence to proclaim his innocence.
"And does Charlie know you are in here?" I challenged.
I was too angry now to care about how little I had on.
"He's actually away fishing, he's taking advantage of the good weather" he explained.
"So, that gives you the right to behave like you are, invading my space" I snapped back angrily.
"Don't be embarrassed Bella" he tried to soothe, "I didn't leer at you, besides, it's not like you're naked!"
"What's wrong with you?" I huffed.
Edward just shrugged in response.
"You don't want to go to Port Angeles anymore?" he confronted.
"I do, you know I do" I sighed.
"And you're sleeping, I didn't know if you were going to lie there sleeping all morning! I have plans too Bella, what was I supposed to do, let you sleep all day?" he said in defence.
"I don't care what you wear to bed, so would you just stop over reacting, we live in the same house we are bound to see each like this at some point" he groaned, running his hand through his hair awkwardly.
I could feel my fast breathing start to dissipate as I calmed slightly.
We were both silent for a moment, neither of us moving.
"You are really erratic...you know that right?" I asked him seriously.
He said nothing but rolled his eyes.
I chewed on my lip and sighed.
"I need to get showered and dressed" I murmured.
He put his hand up in defeat...
"Okay...I'll be downstairs, don't take ages" he paused briefly "Sorry, and I'll knock in future" and then he left.
I opted for a light, floaty summer dress, it was beige with a floral pattern, very feminine and very short but I decided to pair it with my converse in order to not appear too dressed up. Outside was blue sky and hot sunshine. I was going to take advantage of it and tied my hair up in a high pony, leaving my neck and shoulders bare.
I descended the stairs, upon entering the kitchen I found Edward waiting there, he was leaning against one of the counters and his eyes immediately swept down my body as he took in my short dress. They eyes narrowed slightly but he said nothing.
"I'm ready to go" I shrugged.
"We don't have time for you to make yourself breakfast" he muttered, dragging his eyes away from my legs.
Edward had on denims and a simple grey t-shirt that fitted his toned upper body perfectly. My own eyes lingered on his broad chest and strong arms.
He always looked good.
"I'm not hungry"
I had no intention of delaying him any further. Last thing I wanted was for him to turn on me and go into one of his moods.
"Here" he threw an apple at me, my hand reached out instinctively and I caught it with no effort.
"You should eat something though" he explained and then he walked past me picking up his keys from the table as he went.
I followed diligently, grabbing up my bag in the hall.
Once we were outside the heat hit me, it was almost noon and it was going to be a glorious summer's day.
I waited by his Volvo as he locked up the house.
When he reached the car he opened the passenger door for me like a gentleman before getting in himself to start the engine.
Maybe he was going to be nice today?
Twenty minutes into our drive Edward was quietly concentrating on the road, the windows of the car were down and the breeze made the drive comfortable and enjoyable. It really was a beautiful day and when the sun came out in Washington State it seemed the most gorgeous place on earth.
Thriving music flowed through the cars sound system; a raw melodic voice sang the hell out of a song. I listened to the lyrics while staring out at the mass of trees flowing past the window as if it were part of the music.
I love you, but I'm afraid to love you
I love you, but I'm afraid to love you
I love you….
Oh… that was so real
The lyrics seemed to resonate through the speakers. I swallowed hard and tried not to compare them to him…sitting right next to me.
"Who is this..?" I hated to speak now but I had to know
"Jeff Buckley" he murmured, concentrating on the music
"He's amazing, is he new..?" I asked fascinated
"No, he's dead"
"What!" I snapped, whipping my head around to look at Edward, his eyes fixed on the road.
"He died, '97, he drowned" he explained solemnly.
"Oh god…that's awful" I sighed in disbelief, "He's sooo good".
"He was" Edward agreed.
My mood suddenly sank low, to think that the man behind that beautiful voice was gone; it made the song just heartbreaking.
"That's so awful…" I repeated in disbelief.
Our conversation ended then, and I just listened to the tones of Jeff Buckley for the rest of the car ride.
About an hour later we arrived in Port Angeles, before dropping me off in the middle of town Edward had asked for my cell in order to program his number into it, and then he promptly dialed it, in order to have mine.
When I got out the car he leaned over in the driver's side to halt me after I'd slammed the door shut.
"Call me when you're done, I'll pick you up and we can head back" he informed me.
"Where are you going now?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
"Meeting friends, I'll be around" he dismissed
"Okay, um…I guess I'll see you later" I shrugged
"Bella wait!" he snapped as I turned to walk away
"Yeah?"
"What's your plan?"
Was he going to ask me to meet him and his friends when I was done? Surely not
"Find a good bookstore, just have a wander I guess" I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant.
He nodded
"Why?"
"I'm just trying to get a rough estimate on how long you'll be that's all, make sure you eat something. An apple isn't enough!" he barked.
He started the engine and was gone a second later, without a backward glance.
I huffed and crossed my arms as I watched the silver Volvo disappear around the corner.
Yes sir! I resisted the urge to salute.
After wandering around downtown Port Angeles for an hour or so, I had to give in and abided by Edwards instructions, finding something to eat. Opting for a coffee shop I bought a sandwich and a large caramel latte. I was quite independent being an only child but for some reason I was feeling rather lonely right now. I guess I was just craving hanging out with people my own age. I was going to need to make friends here soon.
A couple of older guys walked into the coffee shop, they looked like they were in college. As they passed my table they didn't hide the fact they'd noticed me sitting there. One of them, a tall muscular one with blonde hair nudged his friend as he grinned at me arrogantly. His buddy who was shorter and kind of chubby with overly gelled spiky hair followed his friends lead and leered at my legs. Subtlety wasn't their strong point it seemed.
"Hey baby, all alone?" the chubby one taunted, as he sneered at me.
He was sort of disgusting and made me want to cover myself up.
"Nice legs you've got there brown eyes…" the blonde one shouted as he licked his lips.
Yuck! Yep, they were disgusting
I took this as my signal to leave and finished up my coffee. As I made my way out the shop they made a couple more lewd and cocky remarks but I ignored them. They were obviously trying to impress each other with their Neanderthal behavior. Idiots!
I carried on with my exploring for a while and soon forgot about them, I checked out a couple of cheesy tourist gift shops and a laughed at some of the tacky souvenirs.
Then I remembered the music Edward had played in the car and decided on finding a record store.
I asked an older lady who was working in the souvenir shop for directions and she told me there was a store about 3 blocks away, near the harbor.
Glancing at my watch I noticed it was almost 4. The sun was warmer now than it had been at lunchtime and I was starting to feel a little tired. As I continued heading in the direction of the harbor I felt a cool breeze which told me I was getting close.
I wondered what Edward was up to? I pulled my cell from my bag to check for any messages but they were none.
Maybe he was with Tanya? Maybe that's why he was being so vague with me, not wanting me to know his plans or introduce me to his friends. He was probably on a date with his girlfriend. She must be his girlfriend. I mean, someone as good looking as Edward surely couldn't be single. Although, Charlie never mentioned anything about him having a girlfriend but perhaps that was only because it never really had come up in conversation.
I chewed on my lips, resentful at the idea.
And what right did I have to be resentful at all. I knew nothing of his personal life, of a maybe or maybe not girlfriend. What did it matter to me if he was seeing anyone? We were practically strangers and he was my foster brother.
And he was also the person I'd been unhealthily obsessed with and purposefully distanced myself from for the last four years.
The truth was I was jealous because the thought of him allowing someone else to touch him, another girl and not me, well that made my insides twist right up and I felt sullen.
I sighed deeply, shaking my head.
I should just outright ask him.
The breeze suddenly picked up and I shivered when I realized I was now walking in the shade. I stopped and glanced around.
I scowled, confused. Where was I?
I turned around in a circle, gauging my surroundings.
I'd been too busy mulling over things in my head and lost track of where I was at all. There was lots of buildings around me and no people, not even any shops. I guessed I walked further than I'd intended and I was very near the harbor front and surrounded by what I assumed were some warehouses.
A sudden uneasiness came over me and I chewed the inside of my mouth.
My fingers instinctively reached inside of my bag as I grabbed my cell.
I dialed his number….it rang out though.
I don't know why but he didn't answer, it went to voicemail.
Maybe he was busy with his Tanya and hadn't noticed I was calling, I wondered bitterly.
I heard the beep.
"Um, it's me" I paused, trying to think "Well, I'm calling like you asked and you're not answering, so I kind of have a problem, I think I'm lost. I'm not sure, I think I'm near the harbor" I huffed.
"I, guess I want leave now so, if you could call me back? I'm going try and figure out where the hell I am" I muttered.
I hung up.
What to do now?
I glanced up and down the empty street. Maybe I should try heading back the way I came?
I began to walk, the uneasy feeling that was building up inside me was starting to make me feel paranoid and I tried to shrug it off.
Stop being stupid Bella
The sound of a car engine approaching from behind caught my attention, for a split second I felt my anxiety pass, part of me expecting it to be Edward but as I turned and saw a dark colored jeep speed past me, I felt my body sag in defeat.
I jumped suddenly as loud screeching ahead of me made my ears ring.
The jeep had come to a sharp stop, breaking loudly and skidding across the tarmac of the road.
How odd
The reverse lights came on and the jeep abruptly drove back towards me.
I stood there confused for a couple of seconds but confusion quickly turned into alarm, when I registered who the actual occupants of the jeep were.
I took two large steps back as they came to a sudden stop beside me and jumped out of the vehicle.
The irritating Neanderthal's I'd encountered earlier at the coffee shop were now standing right in front of me.
It's funny, you imagine how you would feel if something bad were about to happen, like you would know how to react.
But right now, I was just standing there calmly looking at the two obnoxious sleazy guys knowing that I should not be here like this. That right now this situation was beyond my control and something atrocious might actually be about to occur. It was as if I were watching it on television like this wasn't really happening.
My eyes shifted between the two of them and then I glanced around.
The tall muscular one did the same and then his eyes met mine and narrowed wickedly, a sly grin slowly formed across his face.
Not a soul was here but us!
That's when it hit me. The adrenaline! My heart began to pump faster, harder. My breathing increased into short sharp breaths. My palms were sweating. Panic!
"Hey baby….what you doing here by yourself?" his voice was dripping in innuendo.
I didn't reply, just stared at them frozen.
"She's alone James…" the short one sniggered to his buddy; he licked his lips as he glared openly at my legs.
"Want some company brown eyes, you ran out on us earlier before we could all become better acquainted" the James guy grinned.
"I'm waiting for someone to pick me up, he'll be here any second" I said as forceful as I could but my voice trembled slightly.
The short one noticed and started to laugh.
He glanced over at his tall friend and gave him an insidious look.
I was in a lot of trouble.
My cell burst into life and started to ring, I was still holding it in my hand.
That must be Edward
I immediately went to answer it but the short guy came forward suddenly and forced it out of my hand.
"Hey…give me that back" I yelled.
He threw it on the ground behind him.
"Oops" he chuckled wickedly as he eyed me salaciously; his stare was odious and greedy.
"Fuck Off!" I shouted at them, trying to come across as confident as possible.
Not wanting to appear weak or an easy victim. If they thought I'd put up a fight maybe they would back off.
"Laurent….get her in the jeep" the blonde guy sneered, his tone abhorrent.
No!
I started to back away from them.
The short chubby one came towards me then, and I turned and ran as fast as I could. My sneakers pounded across the sidewalk as I looked frantically around for an escape route, my heart was racing so hard I could feel it thumping in my ears.
Shit, shit, shit, shit
They were both chasing me, I could hear them behind me, two sets of feet thudding closer by the second, and one set gaining on me.
I turned a corner and was faced with a dead end.
Fuck
I wanted to weep. This is isn't fair, this is not happening!
I turned sharply but the blonde guy was right at my back and he slammed me into the wall of one of the empty warehouses.
"Where you running to brown eyes?" he panted breathlessly in my ear as he pushed his body into me.
I shuddered and whined trying to push him back with all my force.
I could hear his friend catch up and pause by the entrance to the alley I'd allowed myself to be trapped in. I could see him behind the blonde guy he was doubled over trying to catch his breath.
"Fucking bitch" he wheezed, as he glared up at me.
"Don't worry Laurent, you catch your breath there buddy and then you'll get your turn" the James one laughed.
"No!" I screamed and growled. I started to convulse my body, to fight my way out of his grasp. I reached up, punching and clawing at his chest and neck, trying to reach his face but he was too tall.
"Like to fight do you…" he heaved as he grappled with my flaying arms and legs.
He snatched one of my arms twisting it painfully behind my back and I let out a piercing scream.
"Shut it bitch!" he snapped, slapping me hard across the face.
His hand immediately found its way into my hair as he yanked callously on my pony tail, pulling my hair half down and then knocking my head backwards against the hard concrete wall.
I felt dazed for a moment, the force of the impact, stunning me.
I saw black spots fill my vision and my stomach coiled up, as I struggled to find breath.
I felt him kick my legs apart, his large disgusting hand finding its way up my inner thigh.
"Little sluts that wear short dresses are asking to get fucked" he snarled in my ear as he lowered his face close to mine, his fingers dug into the flesh of my thigh.
I choked back a sob, tears running down my cheeks.
He pushed his weight further into me and I could feel his sickening arousal dig into my stomach.
I wouldn't let this happen to me, my free hand reached up and I dug my nails into the flesh of his cheek before dragging them down.
The shock of it made him loosen his grip a little and I lean forward and bit his lip as hard as I could. He let out a painful yell, his hot damp breath across my face.
Next thing I knew he threw me to the ground away from him and I landed with a thud, I took the opportunity to scramble to my feet as he was momentarily distracted, his hand clamped round the wound I'd left on his mouth.
I raced towards the street. The short fat one was too slow and I jumped out his way when he reached for me, the second I was on the road a car swerved past me with a screech and spun sharply.
The two guys raced out after me but were forced to stop when the silver car began to drive towards them at an alarming speed. It clipped the chubby short one and just missed the blonde guy who fell on his face to avoid being hit.
The car continued on until level with me, the passenger door flew open and my heart leapt when I heard the familiar voice.
"Get in!" he growled he sounded furious.
I clambered inside the car, slamming the door and briefly meeting his fierce green eyes.
Edward stamped his foot down on the accelerator and we got the hell out of there.
We'd been driving for about ten minutes.
He'd driven right out of Port Angeles and even ran a couple of red stop signs; he was speeding at an alarming rate.
Neither of us had uttered a single word. I could hear Edwards breathing coming in short sharp bursts, his knuckles held the wheel so hard they had turned white.
I think I was in shock, I felt numb. I was still trying to comprehend what had just happened. My arm ached, my head had a thumping headache, my cheek stung, and the flesh of my inner thigh burned where his fingers had dug in.
I let out a shudder.
Edward noticed and for the first time he glanced over at me, his eyes were piercing.
"Edward…?" I whispered my voice was still shaking.
He seemed to focus as if he was on autopilot before, the car took a sharp right and we pulled into the side of the road abruptly.
We sat there, the silence was deafening.
"I'm sorry" I breathed
I knew he was upset and it was the only thing I could think of to say.
"Don't say that!" he ground out.
Then he brought both hands up to the wheel, gripping it so tight and he hunched his whole frame forward, his head hanging, he let out a low angry growl.
I jumped when he proceeded to punch the steering wheel a couple of times, he was enraged.
"Stop, please stop" I begged.
My fingers curled into my hands and I brought them up to my mouth anxiously.
"I need you to distract me, say something... say anything. Just stop me going back there to those fucking animals because right now I want to kill them!" his tone was acidic.
My eyes were wide as I witnessed how entirely incensed he was.
I frantically scrambled to think of something to say, I opened my mouth but no words came out.
"Bella…?" he groaned impatiently.
"I…I…" my voice trembling "I used to hold hand when you were sleepwalking" I gasped.
I had no idea why I said that, it was the first thought that came to mind. Maybe because it was one of the few happy peaceful memories I had of Edward and me.
His short sharp breathing seemed to cease immediately as he raised his head slowly, turning and meeting my eyes.
The expression that crossed his beautiful angry face was incredulous.
His fierce green eyes concentrated on me.
"What?" he gasped.
"I….you…, I mean, when you used to sleepwalk when we were younger. Sometimes I wouldn't wake Charlie up; I'd try and get you back to your bed myself. I used to lead you back and hold your hand, it was the only time you ever let me touch you"
He shook his head slowly as if he couldn't believe what I was telling him and then he closed his eyes and took a deep long breath.
After a couple of minutes he opened his eyes again and he seemed calmer.
"Did it work….did I distract you?" I asked quietly.
His eyes softened and he nodded.
"What happened back there Bella?" his voice was hoarse.
"I got lost. Those two guys had been annoying me earlier today in a coffee shop and I'd left. They passed me later in their jeep by the harbor but they stopped and got out, they chased me!" I was rambling.
"How did you find me?"
"You said you were near the harbor in your voicemail, I noticed the jeep abandoned near that alley and then I saw you run out" he winced and closed his eyes briefly.
When they opened again he focused on my hair.
"They did this…?"
Edward reached his hand up slowly, carefully and pulled the rest of my hair down, his long fingers were gentle and lingered on my neck.
"Yes" I whispered.
"The blonde one was bleeding, you fought him!" he shuddered, knowingly.
I nodded.
"Did he touch you…?" Edward hissed.
I inhaled sharply, shaking my head.
"It didn't get that far" I breathed.
A terrible thing had happened to me today but I wasn't scared anymore because I was safe here with him.
"Did he hurt you Bella?" he gave me an agonizing look.
"I'm okay" I mumbled.
"Tell me…" Edward demanded in a soft growl.
His fingers still danced across my neck, his touch so gentle and caressing and I savored every second of it.
"I hit my head, hurt my arm and he…he slapped me" I didn't mention my thighs though.
I couldn't tell Edward that too, because I felt ashamed and I didn't want him to know that the disgusting creep had gotten that far. I was worried how Edward would react. I didn't want him to do something insane...he said he'd wanted to go back there and kill them!
Edwards's eyes darkened dangerously when I told him I'd been slapped.
"Why are you so calm?" he asked quietly, but his tone was onerous.
"Because I'm with you….I'm safe" I confessed.
He dragged his free hand through his wild bronze hair and pulled on it sharply.
"Are you going to take me home now?"
His expression changed as if suddenly a thought crossed his mind.
"Where's your cell?" he asked knowingly.
"It's lost!" I said abruptly.
We are not back there, I begged with my eyes.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his own cell, what was he doing?
He dialed a number and waited, for a second I was sure he was dialing my cell and I worried who would answer but then I heard a female's voice. I frowned in confusion.
"Alice…it's me. Are you still in the diner?" he asked.
"Good, stay there. I'm coming back; I'm bringing Bella with me. Could you order something for her, she needs to eat!"
I watched in fascination. I heard a squeal of excitement from the cell; Edward seemed to wince in response.
"Just do it, I'll be there soon" and he ended the call.
"Who was that?" I asked quietly.
"Alice Cullen" he sighed, he looked tired and troubled.
"Are we going back?" I sounded anxious.
"You've had a fright, you're in shock, you need something to eat and drink" he explained.
"I'm okay" I tried to argue.
"You will do this for me Bella" he demanded, "please".
His eyes concentrated on me and I couldn't refuse him.
"Am I going to meet your friends then?" I pushed.
"I guess you are"
He reluctantly stopped playing with my neck and then leaned behind me grabbing the seatbelt he pulled it carefully across my body before clicking it into place.
Turning back to the wheel again, he turned the key in the ignition and the engine roared into life.
Thank you for your reviews, please don't be shy. I really want some feedback.
Next update will be within the next week.
So Bella's going to meet some Cullen's, I wonder how that will go down?
And how will Edward handle the aftermath of Bella's assault, he wouldn't do anything stupid...or would he?
Pixie x
