BPOV

It was noisy, it was chaotic and it was definitely messy. I was content to just sit back with my cereal and observe the Cullen's getting ready for school. Alice was fussing over Jasper's outfit, attempting to convince him to change his shirt, whilst he looked down on her with a fond smile. Emmett was currently bathing the counter tops in milk, cereal and yoghurt, little actually making it into his bowl. He then grabbed a rag in an effort to clean his mess but in reality only spread it around further. Rosalie was mindlessly bringing spoon to mouth as she mechanically ate, I'm not completely convinced she was actually conscious. Edward however, looked downright angry, aggressively stirring his coffee. Esme flitted from child to child trying to ascertain whether they all had what they needed. Lastly, Carlisle like me sat at the table sipping his coffee watching fondly over the chaos that was his family.

"Are you sure you have everything? Alice do you have your history report?" Esme fretted, as they all headed out the door for school.

"Yes ma, we have everything don't worry," Alice chirped back, as she turned her attention to Edward's unruly mane.

"I really wish you'd let me use some product on your hair Edward," Alice sighed. Edward shook her off, I'm guessing this was a common complaint.

"Bye Bells, I'll miss you kid," Emmett announced, ruffling my hair as he jogged passed me to his Jeep.

The others offered up similar sentiments and I gave a smile and wave that I hoped didn't appear as awkward as I felt. Jasper and Alice piled into the back of Edward's car who was revving impatiently behind the wheel.

"Carlisle, you promised me you'd talk to him about sensible driving," Esme gritted through her teeth.

"I did," he replied innocently.

"Well spitting up gravel as our son tears down the driveway, is most certainly not my definition of safe driving."

"You're right, I'll talk to him again," he acquiesced.

As they pulled away, I felt equal parts relieved and forlorn. Relieved, as despite enjoying the challenge of school, the interaction with the student body I dreaded. Forlorn as without them here, Carlisle and Esme's attentions would solely be focused on me. There would be no blending into the background. Esme had told me earlier that Carlisle had taken a week's leave to get me settled in. This made me especially uneasy, I couldn't imagine him not regretting wasting a week's vacation on me and resenting me for it.

"What's the matter Bella?" Carlisle questioned, looking at me intently.

"Nothing," I blurted.

"You so often disappear into your thoughts and the longer you're in there, the more wrinkled your forehead becomes. So what has you concerned? Did you want to go to school today?" he probed, this time unwilling to let me brush him off with a nothing or fine thanks.

"I wish you hadn't taken a week off," I uttered suddenly. My cheeks heated up immediately, embarrassed at my candor but for some reason I found it difficult to lie to Carlisle, even if it was a lie of omission. I felt contrite when I noticed Carlisle trying to school a hurt expression.

"Oh, I'm sorry about that Bella. If you'd feel more comfortable with just Esme I'd be happy to go back to the clinic?"

"No, no. That's not what I was getting at. It's just I'm worried you'll regret wasting a week's vacation on me, when you could save it to spend with your children."

"You are one of my children now Bella and just as I was excited to take a week off for Jasper, Alice and Rose, I'm excited to spend a week with you." A throat cleared from the opposite corner of the room, to reveal a smirking Esme.

"And you of course dear," Carlisle added with a charming smile and a dramatic hand to his heart.

"You're a terrible actor," Esme quipped, rolling her eyes at him.

"How do you feel about school honey?" Esme asked, taking a seat next to Carlisle on the sofa. He immediately pulled her to rest against him, interlocking their fingers, very much putting up a united front.

"I enjoy school work," I stated nervously.

"But you're not quite sold on the people part," Carlisle said with an understanding smile.

"Yeah, I'm awkward. I don't really make friends very easily."

"Jake seems pretty fond of you," Esme retorted.

"That's different, Jake's a kid he can't …" I stopped abruptly, again shocked at how much I had shared with them. I was usually a lot more guarded with my words, I didn't like how comfortable I was becoming around them.

"He can't hurt you," Carlisle finished for me,

Esme and him sharing a sad look. There was a prolonged silence that I couldn't fill, even if I had wanted to. The words just caught in my throat, because that's exactly what I thought. Children like Jake haven't grown to judge yet, they don't spit harsh words at you and they certainly aren't physically imposing. They aren't cruel just because they can be.

"Well we understand if you don't want to go back to school. We've looked at your transcripts and you're very advanced Bella, so we have no doubts you could complete your studies online if that is what you really desired. However, Esme and I both agree that we think it would be better for you if you attended Forks High, the students there just might surprise you. Plus, Alice and Edward would most likely be in some of your classes," Carlisle enthused.

That was something I suppose, I'd been getting along well with Alice. It was hard not to like her, she exuded such vitality that in her company even the morose can't help but crack a smile. She didn't mind that I didn't have much input in the conversation and seemed to realize I appreciated her efforts to include me. Edward was hard to place, he appeared to be reserved like me. Though, I thought I've felt him staring at me on several occasions. Did he feel as if I was an intrusion to his family? He was undoubtedly handsome, with strong cheekbones and unlike Alice, I enjoyed his unruly mane, it was endearing. Endearing? I didn't understand where these observations were coming from, I made an executive decision not to dwell on it. I lifted my head up, realizing Carlisle and Esme were waiting patiently for a decision.

"Okay, I'll go."

"That's great Bella, obviously we don't expect you to go back yet. But we've already spoken to Principal Green, he assured us should you decide you wanted to attend Forks High, there would be a space waiting for you. We can go in and discuss your electives," Carlisle encouraged, evidently pleased with my decision.

"Thank you," I whispered.

The realization dawned on me, that I was being so open with Carlisle and Esme because they were asking questions no one had ever taken the time to ask me before. I couldn't single out any one of my prior foster parents who had showed interest in my education, health or even emotions in the manner the Cullen's have right from the beginning. It is an enormous undertaking, placing your trust in practical strangers.

I had desensitized myself to how I was treated. Mike's beatings and verbal abuse just became part of the everyday scenery. It was no surprise really that the Cullen's made me skittish, letting someone in is one of the most dangerous actions someone in my position could make. Was I actually considering letting seven slither past those defenses I had built? Although, I'm putting all my reserves in keeping my boundaries up, the way I basked in the affection they provided made me question the strength of their foundation.

"I was hoping, if you were game we could go to the mall and do a bit of shopping? Before you object, you need some more suitable winter clothing and the state provides money for us to do just that," Esme pleaded. Mentally inventorying my wardrobe made me realize the scarcity of what I had certainly wouldn't protect me from the harsh Washington winter but that wasn't anything new. Mike hadn't provided me with any money to spend on updating my wardrobe, despite my having grown and lost weight since first coming to stay with him. The little of the state's money that didn't go towards his drinking, I put towards ensuring Jake's clothing was up to par.

I agreed, the prospect of being able to stop off at a bookstore brightening my day. There was nothing that centered me more than perusing bookshelves, tracing my hands across the bindings of books, which contained my means for escape. It amazes me that indentations of words on paper allowed me to envision a reality much more tempting than my own. However bad the placement I was residing in had become. I could always depend on my paperback friends to take me somewhere safe.

A short while later, Carlisle pulled his Mercedes into a parking space. After observing the speedometer it was apparent like father, like son, was true in the case of Edward's driving. Carlisle walked round opening Esme and my doors, this time I ignored the offered hand, determined to pull myself up. I was satisfied that I managed, albeit slowly and not without pain. Carlisle's hand splayed across Esme's back and as we made our way into the mall, they continued to follow my every move. Did they think I was going to make a run for it, in this condition the idea was laughable.

"Right, as much as I enjoy both of your company, I'll leave you both to your own devices. Meet for lunch?" Carlisle suggested. Relief flooded through me, I disliked shopping immensely but I'd be a whole lot more self conscious with Carlisle there.

"I get the impression you don't share Ali's passion for fashion," Esme giggled at the grimace marring my face as I took in the crowded stores.

"No, not particularly," I laughed.

"Okay, well you need some jumpers, long sleeve shirts, jeans, pajamas, under garments, more sturdy footwear and a better quality coat. Feel free to pull out anything you like and keep in mind that hopefully you'll put on a bit of weight."

I don't know whether to be scared or impressed at Esme's approach to shopping, she perused the racks in a thorough but speedy fashion. The rails screeching echoing in her wake as I followed after her blindly. After realizing that I wasn't really looking at much of anything, she took matters in her own hands, occasionally holding an item against my skin. As each item of clothing was added to the pile, I grew increasingly apprehensive. Surely, she didn't mean to buy all this just for me, the term over excessive didn't cover how I felt about the expanding wardrobe. Esme waved down a sales assistant, asking politely for a dressing room to be set up. I could feel the sheen of sweat coat my upper body at the thought of having to model any of the clothing in front of Esme but also anybody in the shop who might see.

"Esme, I don't need to try them on. I'm sure they'll be fine." I interrupted her timidly.

"Oh honey, if it makes you really uncomfortable you don't have to. But I'm not sure if everything in there will fit you, especially the jeans. It's hard to judge without reference," she said pleadingly.

I could tell that she would be disappointed if I didn't try them. Swallowing, I took one of the hangers in her hand and closed the dressing room curtain behind me. I cringed at the full length mirror reflecting myself back at me. I so rarely look in the mirror, that seeing myself from all angles, was a bitter pill to swallow. The figure was a far cry from the happy, healthy Isabella Swan had been many years ago. The discolored bruising that littered my skin was stark against my pale skin. My baggy clothing did nothing to disguise my gaunt frame, my cheek bones jutting out unnaturally. I quickly averted my eyes, deciding it was best to get it over with. The first couple of outfits were not so bad just jeans and jumpers, though much more form fitting then I would've selected for myself. Esme readily gave her opinion and attempted to coax one out of me unsuccessfully. Next up was a skirt and fitting long sleeve shirt, I felt incredibly self conscious in it but stepped out anyway.

"I like it Bella, it would look lovely with some thick tights, boots and maybe a scarf?" Esme enthused.

Before I could give my input a gasp rang out in the fitting room, I looked up to meet a sales assistant staring horrified at my marred body. The outfit did nothing to hide my scars and blemishes and it seemed as if her eyes zeroed in on all of them. I hurriedly ran back into the changing room, drawing the curtain securely behind me. My breathing accelerated and I curled into myself, my cast sticking into me awkwardly. The sale assistant's reaction just now consolidated my fears about my appearance.

"Bella sweetheart, I'm going to come in okay?" Esme waited a beat before entering. Her eyes pooled with tears as she took in my pathetic display.

"Oh Bella, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have made you do that when you were clearly ill at ease. It was unfathomable of me." Esme promptly threw herself to the ground, wrapping me in her embrace, shushing me gently. It was laughable really, two women huddled in the corner of a changing room, crying. Eventually, with Esme's gentle words and the soothing motion of her rubbing my back, the tears subsided.

"I don't know about you but I've worked up an appetite. Why don't you wait outside and I'll pay and call Carlisle?" Esme suggested. I willingly agreed to that idea, hastening my pace through the store hoping not to encounter anyone else. I rested against the storefront, watching as the clothes were rung up and Esme seemed to be having words with another member of staff. When she came out, I took some of the bags with my good hand and followed her to the food court.

"There he is," Esme pointed to a waving Carlisle seated at a table off to the side.

CPOV

A strange tightening in my chest accompanied my parting with Esme and Bella. I was protective of all my family but the fragility of Bella made leaving her side particularly unbearable. However, not only did I have no desire to lurk around women's department stores, I'm sure my presence would only make Bella uncomfortable. So now I was left with the task of killing time until they were ready to meet at the food court. I was currently outside of a haberdashery, which of course made me think of Ali. I was overflowing with pride, the patience and kindness all of our children have shown towards Bella. It just affirms all our beliefs in the adults they will become. I wanted to show them our gratitude but also that despite the time we will have to focus on Bella to help her, we will always be there for them. Deciding on a small gift to show this, I stepped into the shop intent on making Ali happy.

"Can I help you?" A voice came from a smiling older woman, who surely noticed how out of my comfort zone I was.

"I'm looking for a gift for my daughter, she's very talented in textiles and design."

"Ahh, how old?" she asked, tugging the tape measure that hung around her shoulders.

"Sixteen, but she's a real whizz on the sewing machine. My artistic daughter is always working on a project of some description." I added, I'm sure sounding like a biased parent.

"What about some fabric then?"

"Perfect," I agreed, following her to the wall lined with reels of fabric. She motioned to the fabrics she believed a trendy young lady would enjoy and I selected the three patterns I knew Ali would most likely approve of. My next stop was in the music store, where I purchased some composition sheets for Edward. Hearing him humming around the house had Esme and I confident he would get back to tinkering around on the piano again. I stumbled across Rosalie's present in an antique shop, an old, classic tool box that would sit perfectly on her work-bench in the garage. Rosalie was an amazing example of not conforming to stereotypes, she loved working on cars. It was a rare weekend that she didn't have a smudge of grease or oil on her cheek. I was about to enter the sporting store when the shrill ring of my phone halted me, Esme's name flashing across the screen.

"Es," I answered.

"Carlisle, we're ready for lunch," her voice wobbled on the line.

"What's wrong Es?" I asked worriedly, wanting to pace towards them but not knowing what direction to head in.

"There was an unpleasant incident in the changing room with Bella. I shouldn't have made her try the clothes on but I wanted her to like them," she sniffled.

"What incident?" My nerves only increasing slightly higher than normal.

"I'll tell you when I see you. Bella's waiting outside whilst I pay, meet at the food court?"

"I'll be there," I assured her. The guilt was easily discernible in her voice and I desperately wanted to hold her. I knew my wife, there wasn't a malicious bone in her body, and she would never have intentionally hurt Bella's feelings. I'm sure my strides were comical to passersby, I was more jogging than walking but I needed to get to my girls. I reached the food court before them unsurprisingly and picked out a table out of the main stream of traffic. I resisted the urge to rush over to them when they came into view, just waving instead.

"Hungry?" I asked as they reached the table. Bella's shoulders were hunched and her reluctant nod made it clear whatever happened had rattled her confidence.

"What do you fancy sweetie?" Esme asked.

"Whatever you're having," she replied quietly, taking the seat closest to the wall. I followed Esme to the pizza place, placing an arm around her.

"What happened?" I asked as we queued.

"I encouraged her to try on the clothes, it's just she's so thin I wasn't confident that the clothes I'd pulled out would fit her. She was anxious but it was going okay until a sales assistant gaped at her when she came out in an outfit that showed more of her injuries. I should have known better, I found her curled up and sobbing in the corner of the cubicle Carlisle." Esme choked out burying her head in my shoulder.

I squeezed her tightly, sighing at how uncomfortable Bella was in her own skin. She was a beautiful girl, her deep brown eyes often expressing what she couldn't with words. Once we had her back up to a healthy weight and some of her injuries healed, maybe then she would see what we did. I tried to soothe Esme but no words would alleviate her pain, she had unintentionally upset one of her children and that couldn't easily be consoled.

I carried our tray back to the table, sliding Bella's paper plate towards her. Esme tried to cajole Bella into conversation ineffectively. Her tear tracked face and reserved disposition was heartbreaking and I desperately wanted to see her smile.

"How about we go to the bookstore when we're finished? You could pick out some novels to fill your bookshelf in your room," I suggested. The small smile I received in return was what made all of this worth it. Taking that as an affirmative, I hurriedly consumed my slices and soda.

If Bella was content in the kitchen, she was downright joyous between the aisles of books. Esme and I laughed at her childlike awe, as her fingers ran along the spines of the paperbacks.

"I think we underestimated just how much she loved to read," Esme mused, relieved that this had lifted Bella's spirits.

Not wanting to interrupt her fun, Esme browsed the interior design section and I headed over to the documentaries. I found two treasures that would make both Jasper and Emmett happy campers. A historical documentary on the Battle of Hastings 1066 for Jasper and a best plays compilation in American football for Emmett. Emmett loved watching any game footage he could get his hands on, always looking for new plays and ways to improve his game. A while later we found Bella still very much absorbed in the classics section.

"What ones would you like?" I startled her out of her reverie.

"Umm, Wuthering Heights?" she asked without conviction.

"Get several Bella," I encouraged. With a little more prompting she met me at the checkout with a small pile of novels. After purchasing them she clutched the bag as tightly to her chest as she could manage.

I made the turn into our drive, glancing in the rearview mirror to find Bella sound asleep, resting against the window.

"I don't think she's sleeping through the night yet," I voiced my apprehension.

"I know, she's always awake when I come down but I never hear her get up."

"She's going to get better Es, we just need to be patient," I assured her, taking her hands in mine.

"We're home," I announced comfortingly.

"We're home," Esme agreed.

I started to unload the car as Esme gently shook Bella awake, she cried out at the unexpected contact. Slowly rising out of the car, a small part of me was pleased that she refused Esme's offered hand, at least it wasn't just me. Bella still gripping her books made her way into the house and curling up in the corner of the sofa, opened her book with an eager smile. I climbed the stairs depositing Bella's clothes in her room, the loud chorus that filtered up the stairs signaled the arrival of the kids from school.

"You went shopping without me?" I heard Ali squeal, the look she gave me as I descended the stairs indicating I had in fact committed an act of grievous treachery.

"Remember that discussion we had earlier about being low key?" I gently reminded her. "Besides, I may have gotten you all a token of appreciation," I announced with flourish.

That certainly had their attention. They all took a seat, situating themselves around Bella, who smiled fondly at Emmett who had rested his feet in her lap. I handed out their gifts and instantly had Ali hugging me and thanking me for her materials. Rosalie's face lit up and she escaped to the garage with the toolbox, whispering thanks as she passed.

"Is this your subtle way of suggesting I need to brush up on my technique?" Emmett asked in mock offense.

"Yeah, your stats are really letting the family down this season," I joked.

"This looks interesting dad, I haven't read about this particular battle in English history. Do you want to watch it later?" Jasper proposed, whilst still reading the blurb on the back of the packaging. Jasper and I often spent time together by watching his documentaries when I come home from work. I noticed Bella watching Edward's gift with interest.

"Do you play an instrument?" she asked, barely loud enough to be heard.

"Piano," Edward responded with a smile.

"You compose?"

"Occasionally, when the mood strikes. I haven't for a while though."

I heard the home phone ring and left them talking to answer it.

"Dr Cullen speaking," I answered.

"B..B..Bwella," I heard a small voice sobbing. Was this Jake? To my knowledge Bella didn't have anyone else in her life.

"Is this Jake?" I asked gently, not wanting to upset him further.

"Yes, I need Bwella." His speech turning into a wail.

"Okay, just hang on buddy. I'll get her for you," I replied, hurrying into the living room.

"Bella, I think it's Jake on the phone for you. He's upset," I warned her, holding the phone out to her." She bolted up right, displacing Emmett's feet from her lap. Everyone quieted as she took the phone erratically in her hand.

"Jake," she breathed out.

I could just make out more crying in the background but whatever he said made Bella tense up.

"What happened?" she asked, squeezing her eyes tightly shut.

Author's Note:

A guest (Iu) commented on spacing and grammar, I try my hardest with this but it's sometimes hard to spot when you've read your own work so much. Thankfully, jupiter2005 pre read this chapter and proof read it, so shout out to them!

Santesia: I know it's sweet how Edward is crushing on Bella.

A bit of a cliff hanger there but all will be revealed soon! I've tried to reply to all the reviews, however, I read some of them on my phone when I was away and may not have replied to them :/ If I didn't reply to you and you wanted me to, feel free to chastise me lol ! Please drop me a review and let me know what you think! Kaitie xx