Chapter 4:
My first conscious memory was screaming. I bolted up in bed, hugging my knees. Tears were streaming down my face. I couldn't get their screams out of my head. Their faces… A second later the Cullens burst into my room. "Bella, what's wrong?" Edward asked his voice strained. I shook my head and backed away from them slightly. My fear of them was returning. How could a few kind words change what they were, what they had done? Alice came over and sat next to me. I stiffened but otherwise didn't move as she wrapped me in a hug.
"Are you going to be okay Bella?" She questioned quietly.
"Yeah it was just a nightmare." I lied just as quietly. She didn't push me. I wiped the tears from my face and turned my phone on. It was almost 6. I groaned. Now I had to get up! I forced myself up off the bed and threw on the outfit Alice had lent me, and some makeup. I did my hair down today with one side tucked carefully behind my ear. I grabbed my notebooks and backpack and went down stairs. The Cullens were already in their car. I went to my Audi and the engine revved to life. I followed the Cullens quickly down the winding road. The speed gradually loosened my tight muscles and I managed to pull on a smile just before we reached the school parking lot. I pulled into a spot right next to the Cullens.
"I need them to pay attention. Just play along with it, okay?" They nodded. I raised my voice so the kids closest would be able to hear. "Oh my god, that was so much fun! Maybe next time we can have the party on my yacht?" I asked.
"Sure, that would be great." Edward said smiling.
"See you later!" I called as I bounced away from them. I smiled at everyone. They were all staring. I went up to Jessica and Lauren giggling.
"I got the story on the new hotties and their sisters!" They gaped at me.
"How," Lauren asked stunned.
"They know my dad through the industry. We hung out on their yacht last night. We were lucky that Dr. Carlisle Cullen was off so we could use it."
"They have a yacht?" Jessica exclaimed loudly. A few people stopped to look at us. I waved them over and like sheep they flocked to me.
"Both of our families do. Jess, Lauren I have bad news. Jasper and Emmett really are going out with Alice and Rosalie. Edward the amazingly hot bronze haired one is single. Yay! Okay now their story. Rosalie and Jasper are twins their last name is Hale. They're foster kids. The others are adopted and their last name is Cullen. And guess what? They used to live in like California!! They used to hang with the stars! I mean I know some of them but I haven't met anyone else that has in a while. Carlisle is a doctor as like a hobby because they are loaded!" They all eyed the Cullens hungrily. "Their mom Esme is really nice too."
"What else, Bella!" A kid in the crowd asked.
"I don't know. It's just that. When we were hanging out…odd stuff kept happening, and I mean really weird. For rich kids they sure are out there. You know the big one Emmett?" I said making my voice shake in false fear. They nodded with wide eyes.
"I heard them talking and it sounded like him and Alice did something really bad. Like they got arrested and had to get out on bail. I don't think it was because they stole something. I think they attacked someone. The guy must have lived because they aren't locked up but really. Watch what you say to them." They all murmured in agreement. "Other than that the Cullens are great!" I said walking away to my first class. The second Alice say me I dropped the popular girl act and we both burst out laughing. We kept it up until the bell rang and we had to be quiet. The rest of the morning past smoothly as I went to the cafeteria a group of followers came behind me. I rolled my eyes. I didn't mean to get that popular! I turned to the group after I had bought my food.
"Sorry guys. I'm sitting with the Cullens today." I smiled apologetically as they dispersed to go to their normal tables. Emmett was smiling at me when I sat down.
"So how do you like your potential criminal record?" I asked. His smile grew.
"Great, except I am not a criminal!" Alice said false anger in her tone.
"Oh, I didn't mean to offend you Alice! Please don't attack me!" I said making an x with my fingers as if to ward her off. She laughed and I sat normally again. The rest of the period I just got to know them more. They really just told me stuff while I ate. It was nice. Next was Biology with Edward. When he sat down just like the first two times he stiffened and had to stop breathing. I would have to ask him about that later. I shifted my chair away from him to give him some space.
After biology I had to stop at my locker to drop off stuff I wouldn't need for that night. I was late for gym; the bell had rung a while ago. I saw Mike and a few of his friends hanging around in the hallway. Fear filled me. I tried to walk by them and they shoved me into the lockers. This felt just like 6th grade. I struggled but there was one guy holding each of my arms and legs. I was trapped. Mike leaned in to kiss me, so to stop him I spit in his face.
"You stupid bitch," he spat at me. He pulled his arm back and it connected with my stomach. All air left my lungs forcing me to gasp sharply and wince. It hurt.
"Go to hell!" I spat back at him. He slapped me hard across the face before attacking my lips again. He forced his tongue into my mouth, and I bit down firmly. He yelped and pulled his hand back to slap me again. I tired to pull back into the lockers and waited for the pain. It didn't come. Edward had grabbed Mike's hand at the last second, saving me from more pain. He punched Mike in the gut and turned to the other guys.
"Let her go." He said dangerously. Foolishly Eric tried to punch him. Edward dodged him easily and landed a punch on his back. The rest of the guys just ran off. I hit the floor with a thud. I stood up slowly, hiding a wince, and rubbed my face lightly, careful not to rub off the makeup.
"Are you okay? I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner." He apologized.
"I'm just a little bruised. I'm just glad you got here at all thanks Edward." I tried to take a few steps forward away from the wall and nearly fell. Mike had actually done damage…great! *Sarcasm*.
"Can I help you Bella?"
"Yes, please." I said wincing again. He slung my arm over his shoulders and slipped his arm around my waist. Surprisingly it didn't bother me. It felt nice. We made it to the car just as the bell rang and the kids poured out of the school. The Cullens all came over.
"What happened?" Emmett asked angrily.
"Mike and his friends decided to repeat 6th grade." I said tersely. Even breathing hurt and my ankle ached horribly.
"I'm going to kill him." Emmett replied searching the lot.
"Nothing too bad happened Edward showed up just in time." I said smiling.
"You're hurt." Emmett stated.
"He only hit me twice. I've had worse." I said shrugging. That bothered them, but it didn't smother the morbid curiosity burning in their eyes. I had made my decision: it was time they knew.
"Alice, can you stop searching for our future, just for tonight?" I asked her. She nodded confused.
"When does Carlisle get home from work?"
"He's there now. He worked the morning shift today." Alice replied.
"When we get home I'm going to tell you my story." I said grimly. I maneuvered out of Edward's grip, steeled myself against the pain, and walked to my car. I let the Cullens lead the way. I drove as fast as I could with them in front of me. The last thing I needed was time to think about what I was doing. The speed calmed me down in a way words couldn't. For a moment everything was all right, normal (whatever that means).
I had to slow down all too soon. I jumped out of the car and regretted it instantly. I had to grab the door to support myself.
"Bella, are you okay?" Edward inquired worriedly.
"I… yeah I'm fine." I lied looking into his gold eyes. I grabbed my bag and started limping to the house.
"Can I help you, please!?" He pleaded.
"Ya that would be nice," I said smiling at him gratefully. He moved my arm over his shoulder and his arm around my waist protectively. I couldn't believe I was actually enjoying this. Edward led me to the couch in the living room and sat down next to me. He looked at me to make sure it was okay. I just rolled my eyes and waited for everyone else to appear.
"Alice said you wanted to talk to us?" Carlisle questioned once everyone was situated. I nodded.
"I want to tell you my story. I think for the first time I'm breaking one of my own rules."
"What rule is that?" Edward inquired.
"I trust vampires." I stated completely shocked. Edward and the rest of the Cullens smiled at me. I returned it with a small one. I let a short silence fill the room before continuing.
"My story isn't happy or kind. I need you all to promise that you won't go after Adam or Charlie." I stated firmly.
"I promise." Edward said grudgingly.
"So do we," Alice chimed in speaking for Jasper along with herself.
"So do we," Esme said for her and Carlisle.
"I promise but I don't like it." Emmett muttered.
"You don't have to like it. You just have to agree." I reminded him. Emmett nudged Rosalie.
"I promise too." She said irritated. What would they think upon knowing how weak I really was? I took a deep breath and started my tale.
"I was 6 years old, 7 in a day. One of the ladies that worked at the orphanage told me someone was adopting me. It didn't take long for me to get ready. There, I was the weird kid. More mature than the kids my age yet different in a way that scared them. My parents committed suicide and it took them two extra days to find me. I'd heard some of the workers and kids talking about me possibly having a hand in their deaths. They thought me stranger still because I claimed my parents were murdered. I had been 4 but I still remember it."
"I could hear them yelling at someone. They moved to the yard and I had a clear view of everything. The one arguing with them was an extremely pale teenager. He made them write notes. The cops said they were suicide notes. Then he poured gasoline in a circle around them and lit it. They were screaming so loudly… I ran from my room to the yard. The teen turned to me. I paused for a second scared. He had bright red eyes. Anger overtook me. I ran at him in a blind fury. Before I could hit him he grabbed me and held me against him. 'I'll be back for you.' He whispered in my ear before he ran off leaving me standing there, the scent of burned skin still in the air. No sounds could be heard other than the fire. My parents were dead. I ran into the house and after calling the police I locked myself in the secret compartment at the back of my closet. I didn't come out until after the cops left. I didn't let anyone see me for an extra day. They sent me to the orphanage where everyone ignored me." I swiped a single tear from my eye and worked to repress the memory of that night. I kept my eyes down, so I didn't have to meet any of theirs.
"I wasn't sad to leave. I went down to see another girl waiting as well: her name had been Jessica. We were both being adopted. Adam and Charlie showed up and took us away. They drove us at least 100 miles away from the orphanage. When we got out Charlie grabbed my hand. It was cold like his had been. Jess and I were ordered to clean the house or we wouldn't eat. They had a mansion. It wasn't until midnight when he finally fed us. 'Thanks Charlie.' I had said in hopes of getting on his good side. That was the first time they hit me. He knocked me into a wall yelling at me that he was my dad now." Edward growled, angry.
"Then he 'healed me'. You'd think that would be a good thing but it's excruciatingly painful. It felt like I was burning. When he was done and Jess and I were in our room I had to calm her down. She was 7 years older than me but she was really scared. The next day when Adam came in he tied our arms behind our backs and tied us to opposite ends of the bed at vampire speed. He started kissing Jess. She was crying. She was so scared. I yelled at him to leave her alone. He smirked at me and left her alone. I on the other hand was another matter. That was the first time he raped me." I felt Edward stiffen next to me, but I kept my eyes down.
"Later that night Charlie came into our room dragging a girl. I asked why she was there. He said she was dinner. He drained her. Jess was screaming at him to let her go. Then Adam grabbed Jess. I tried to look away. Charlie held my head in place and forced me to watch Adam kill her. I was just a really scared kid. I'd never felt like that except for the night my parents were killed." Edward squeezed my shoulders lightly in reassurance.
"I asked Adam why he was doing this. That was how I finally found out the full story. When my mom had been pregnant with me Adam found her. He was hunting. She begged him not to kill her for my sake. He said he would return for me in a few years instead and left her crying in the dark. When he came to get me at my 3rd birthday party my parents refused to give me up. There were too many people around for him to take me by force, so he just left. We moved and kept all of our information unlisted. He found us again on my 4th birthday… After killing them he left and I was brought to the orphanage. I called them monsters upon hearing this and their smiles grew. Adam asked me I knew what kind of monsters they were. I shook my head, so he told me. They left the bodies on the floor. I was scared, horrified. I kept my eyes away from the bodies at all costs. It was hours before I fell asleep." I said bitterly.
"The next day I tried to make a break for it. All it got me was injured. Charlie had to heal me again. Later Adam raped me, but from that time on Charlie had to be in constant contact with me while he did. Adam's really rough." I winced at the memory. Edward growled loudly. I bit my lip worriedly. Was he mad enough to break his promise?
"I was ordered to clean the house. There was blood on the floor. It was the first time I had smelled it and I fainted. After I woke up I was going up the stairs and I tripped. I used to be really clumsy. I fell all the way back down. I was beat for my clumsiness. I ran to my room, scared. I didn't get why they hated me. I swore I would fix my blood problem and work out of my clumsiness. I thought maybe if I could do everything right they would like me and I would get to have a normal family again… It was a foolish hope, but I was young…"
"That should have been achievable for you. It shouldn't have been impossible." There was hushed anger in his tone. I didn't want to argue with him about it. I really didn't agree with him, but wasn't going to give up. He was too stubborn.
"Adam came to my room dragging another girl. Having caught my attention he sent her downstairs. I was ordered to stand on the balcony and watch them hunt. He said that each time I turned away he would kill a girl's family. I walked to where he said and watched. I couldn't be the cause of any more death. When he was done he jumped up to where I was and bit me. It was just as bad as one of Charlie's healings. After a minute he pulled back saying he'd never do that again. It took too much control." I took another deep breath as all of the Cullens growled. It was getting harder to keep talking, and it was getting harder for them to control their anger.
"When we moved to Forks I was 8. I was so glad to have a solid 7 hours away from them. By now I understood them, no matter how fast they spoke; I could handle the smell of blood, and I wasn't clumsy anymore. Lunch at school was the only time I was allowed to eat, so I made the most of it. I was almost always hungry, but whining only got me hurt. Nothing really changed… I already told you about 6th grade." This time they were all growling.
"It was a month before school started this year. Adam and Charlie were about to leave. He made sure I remembered I'm stupid, a bitch, a whore, and worthless before kicking me around. Once I was healed they left. All I had to do was keep the house clean."
"You're not any of those things." Edward stated confidently.
"Honestly, I'm not sure if I believe that." I admitted before continuing with the story. "I was looking forward to starting the school year vampire free. When I ran into you at the store I got Mike to leave when I did. I thought you were hunting. Next I ran into you at school. Alice was so happy. I'd never seen a vampire like that before. Edward's reaction towards me was more what I had been expecting. Then I went and let you know that I knew what you were. That was the biggest slip I'd ever made." I shook my head at my own stupidity.
"It turned out to help you in the end." Edward reminded me.
"But what if it hadn't? If I had been that stupid and revealed my knowledge to any other group of vampires I have no doubt I would be dead right now." They didn't say anything else. They knew I was probably right, so I continued with the story.
"I was so scared about what Adam would do. He was really fake with you guys both times he met you. After you left I was… in trouble. I wasn't sure what to think of you. The way you acted varied so much. You made me feel like a mutt from the pound the second time you came over. When you told Adam 'the boys are interested in her' I got really scared. You sounded just like Adam…"
"Then you kept asking questions. I had to tell you some of my story. You were learning too much too fast, but after Edward and Alice helped me when Mike grabbed me I knew I could trust you. I've been in your house for almost 2 days and the only reason I'm hurt is because of Mike."
"This morning when I woke up screaming… I don't know can you call it a nightmare if it actually happened? The girls Adam's killed haunt my dreams. Their screams and their eyes aren't something I'll be able to forget, ever." I choked out. I wiped my eyes quickly. Crying wasn't what I wanted to do, but it happened all the same. I could hear Alice and Esme dry sobbing.
"He made you watch him hunt?" Edward inquired, furious once I was done with my dreary tale. I nodded. I looked up briefly and saw that Emmett, Jasper, Carlisle, and Rosalie were murderously angry, but Jasper and Carlisle had to work on soothing Esme and Alice. I looked down again. Adam had always been right. Everything was my fault again.
"Bella, Adam wasn't right. Nothing he told you was true." Edward said in an effort to consol me.
"It's always my fault." I muttered sadly thinking about the girl's deaths... Edward put his hand under my chin and coaxed it up. He tried to meet my eyes, but I looked away ashamed.
"Bella, look at me. There was nothing you could have done about any of that." I looked into his eyes for the first time. My fear and misery was easy to see. He wrapped me in a hug. It just felt right.
"It's okay Bella. I won't let him anywhere near you ever again." I leaned into Edward. I felt safe with him now. I felt myself calm down in his grip. When I looked around I saw that now all the Cullens looked ready to go kill Adam and Charlie. Especially Edward, but he was trying to hide it.
"You all promised to leave them alone." I reminded them.
"That was before we knew." Emmett contradicted while I shrugged.
"I told you it wasn't happy."
"You didn't say it was so terrible either." He muttered to himself.
"Emmett I heard that!"
"Well it's true." He said defensively.
"I really don't care. Just leave them be, please. If you go after them they'll know I told you. They'd come get me. That's one encounter I doubt I'd live through." I finished in a whisper. Edward's grip on my shoulders tightened slightly.
"That won't happen Bella, I swear. He'll never hurt you again."
"Thanks." I replied hopefully. My tears had finally stopped. I wiped my eyes and realized I still had more to tell.
"Remember when you all were arguing at Adam's that first time and you didn't think I was beaten up because I don't have scars?" They nodded.
"Charlie can remove scars, but it hurts three times as much. He only removed the ones I can't hide.
"You have scars?" Edward sounded shocked and upset.
"How could I not?" I said bitterly before turning to Alice. "Can you help me? I need to change. This outfit covers everything." She came over and helped me up to her room.
"What do you need?"
"Shorts and a tank top," She grabbed them for me. "Alice, I'll be down in a minute. Can you go wait with the others?" As way of answering she left the room and descended the stairs. Wincing I put on the new outfit and limped to the bathroom. I scrubbed off all the makeup off my arms, face, neck, and collarbone. When I was done I made my way slowly back downstairs.