----------CHAPTER 3-------
When Esme picked us up, Alice couldn't stop chattering about the rink. She talked quickly and excitedly, and then halfway home she conked out. All the excitement of the first day of high school and ice skating must of wore her out.
Bella and I sat in the backseat, Edward on the other side, and me in the middle. Bella's soft, warm hand was intertwined with my own and our hands were tucked into my pockets.
We dropped Edward off first. Then we headed to Bella's house. We parked in the driveway and Bella and I slid out of the car. I walked her to the door and when she turned to me, I gently kissed her cheek. That was taking it slow, right?
Bella ducked her head, blushed and disappeared inside.
Smiling, I trumped back to the car, sliding in and sitting contently.
Alice turned to me and rolled her eyes. "You are such a man who-"
"Mary Alice Brandon!" Esme scolded. She wasn't a big fan of any words she thought were innappropriate.
"Sorry, Mama."
Esme dropped me off and then her and Alice were gone. I hurried into my house, and up to my room.
The next morning, I headed to Alice's house and then we walked to school.
I looked for Bella, but I couldn't find her. Rosalie was here, but I couldn't find the little brunette who reigned over my thoughts.
I had pretty much given up looking for her by lunch, but as I headed to the lunch line in the cafeteria, she was there.
I hurried to the table and sat next to her. "Hey Bella." I whispered softly, so I wouldn't scare her.
But she jumped anyway and I placed a comforting hand on her lower back. "Sorry, Thought I was being quiet."
"I-It's okay." She started to tremble and I worried.
"Bella, what's the matter?"
She shook her head and winced briefly. I gently put my hand under her chin and lifted her head to my eye level.
I wasn't prepared for the huge bruise I found. It trailed from her temple to a little before her chin. I quickly pulled my hand back and clenched it into a fist.
"What happened?" I demanded.
"I-I fell. Last night I hit the stairs trying to walk in the dark." She didn't say it matter of factly, she almost pleaded as if to make me believe her.
"Don't lie to me, Bella." I replied, angrily.
"I-I'm not." She started to shake and I put a comforting arm around her. She laid her head on my shoulder and shook silently. I could feel my jacket getting wet but I didn't care.
My lunch was long forgotten, same with the other people at our table but I knew I needed to talk to Rosalie.
And another part of me thought of how close we had gotten in just a day. Life does change in the blink of an eye, can't it?
I silently prayed that Bella was telling the truth. The thought of any child being abused sickened me to no end. Especially now that it could very well be Bella. Sweet, beautiful, Innocent Bella.
How was it? Was it worth the wait? I'm sorry bout that lol School and writer's block have forbidden it at the moment. I'll update all my stories ASAP!!! ;p
