Disclaimer: I don't own the Twilight series; that right is reserved to Stephenie Meyer. I also don't own any musical pieces that may be presented in this story, unless I say otherwise. I do write my own song lyrics.

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R&R

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In Love and Music

Chapter Seven: Damaged

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"When I open my eyes I must sigh, for what I see is contrary to my religion, and I must despise the world which does not know that music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy."—Ludwig Van Beethoven

October 4, 1890

Gray light poured into the room after yet another storm. Not a hint of sunlight had been seen in the two weeks that passed. Bella turned her body away from her roommates, staring bleakly at the wall. Life resumed at its normal pace, yet she felt as though it had still been yesterday. The swelling from her cheek had gone down, but a slight bruising remained, marring her pallid complexion.

She basked in the silence. The room was void of all human voice, for not one of the girls felt the need to speak. They had returned from morning prayers an hour prior, quiet and somber. Bella listened as the rain tapped against the window, imagining the soft pattering mimicking of her and Edward's collaboration. A mixture from Rosalie's impatient huffing synched with Alice's breathy counting of brush strokes. That was true music to her ears.

Though the calm had been broken once Rosalie cursed out loud, screeching as she threw her gown against the wall. Alice turned, witnessing as the red-faced blond pounded angrily at her mattress.

"What has put you in such a foul mood, Rosalie?" Alice asked, bemused at her friend's tantrum

Rosalie swore once more, walked across the room, picked up the gown, and sat upon her bed. "The blasted gown I was supposed to wear to the masquerade has been made all wrong!"

"What ever do you mean?"

"It. Does. Not. Fit!"

Alice left the vanity and measured the gown against Rosalie's stature. "It does seem that the seamstress made a mistake."

"Or perhaps I am becoming rounder," she sulked. "In all honesty, have I gotten fatter?"

"Do not be ridiculous! Your face does seem a bit fuller, but that could be due to your monthly curse approaching."

She blanched, idly nodding. "Yes, that must be the reason."

"Did you not try the gown on?"

"No, and my mother is going to have a fit because I insisted that it was perfect."

"You tend to let your sloth overcome your common sense," Alice laughed, shaking her head. "This can be corrected within the week, so there is no need for your hysterics."

Rosalie frowned, sadly tracing the patterns of her gown. "I cannot help it. It seems as though what could go wrong, is going wrong."

"Did another man mistake you for a whore at the pub?"

"Alice!"

Bella could not help the small chuckle escape from her lips. She turned to her friends and sighed. "You will only need to endure a small lecture from your mother. Do not fret."

"Her mother will find the whole situation amusing," Alice scoffed. "Rosalie is quite predictable. I am sure Lady Cullen expected as much. She really is making more out of her mother than there is, Bella."

"She is quite the character," Jasper said, appearing at the threshold of the door. "Speaking of whom, mother and father have arrived. They would like for us to attend lunch at Bamford Hall. Mother exclaims that it will be the Maison Dorée of London."

"Best of luck with your mother, Rosalie," Bella said as she opened the book from her side table. Thankfully, she was so lucky not to endure yet another Sunday with her mother and father. Business called the both of them elsewhere, as her mother so colorfully stated in her last letter.

"I see you have mistaken my words. Mother and Father would like for all of us to attend lunch."

"I could not possibly intrude on a family outing—"

"This is perfect!" Rosalie cheered as she grabbed for Bella's hand, dragging her out of their dorm. "Personally, I have mentioned you in my letters to mother at least a dozen times. I am sure Jasper has done so as well, once or twice. Edward, on the other hand, may have written a novel about you. He is infatuated, you know."

Descending the staircase, Bella caught the sight of whom she presumed to be Rosalie and Jasper's parents. Lord Cullen stood proudly in his tall stature, emanating an almost regal demeanor. He dressed aristocratically, a top hat covering platinum blond hair his children possessed. Even from afar, Bella caught the cobalt hue of his eyes, also inherited by Rosalie and Jasper, a gaze that held warmth despite its icy color. Sharp, prominent lines drew across the planes of his jaw, making his appearance, if not more, dignified. His strong features were a compliment to that of his wife.

She had been shorter than both her husband and children, perhaps a bit taller than Bella herself. Her soft, hazel eyes stared adoringly at her husband as they spoke to both Emmett and Edward. Lord Cullen returned the affection as he smoothed a stray piece of caramel colored hair behind Lady Cullen's hair. Bella had been surprised when all four of their stares pointed directly, feeling suddenly conscious of herself.

"Mother, Father! It seems as though it has been an eternity." Rosalie's parents returned the greeting, expressing their joy at their daughter's sight. She beamed happily, and stepped aside. "May I present our newest and dearest friend, Miss Isabella Swan, or as she prefers, Miss Bella Swan. Bella, may I introduce my father, Lord Carlisle Cullen, and my mother, Lady Esme Cullen."

Bella swept into a low, graceful curtsy, careful not to show her surprise at their titles. "Lord and Lady, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Pardon for my intrusion upon your visitation here at Pierce."

"My dear, it is not an intrusion in any way. From the way my children have spoken of you, I am to presume that you are part of the family." Esme smiled genially, taking Bella's hand within hers. "I hear that you and Edward are working on a musical piece together for the oncoming winter recital."

"I hope he is not being beastly," Carlisle said, shooting a reproachful look at his nephew.

Edward rolled his eyes. He crossed his arms, glowering at his uncle's words. "I will have you know that—"

"—that he has been the most formidable monster. Only you can tame the beast, Father."

"I would have to disagree. I am sure a certain beauty could give your father a run for his shillings," Emmett chuckled, responding to Rosalie's comment. He shot a wink towards Bella, earning a glare in response. "To hear the two of them banter is most entertaining."

Esme sent her nephew a disapproving stare. "For shame! I assure you, Edward has been raised better, Miss Swan."

"Believe me when I say, I have dealt with more challenging persons." Bella pointedly stared at Edward, receiving a quizzical brow.

"I would have to concur with, Mr. McCarty," Jasper commented, further goading the conversation. "My dear Cousin seems to have met his match in the art of the quarrel, the recitation of piano sonatas, among other things." Thoughts trailed to the night of Edward losing to that hand of poker.

"How is it that my improper conduct becomes the subject of our conversations?" Edward mused, his tone dripping with cynicism.

"It is your father's arrogance," Carlisle responded, thinking of his late brother. "And that incorrigible behavior of his was quite an annoyance, although Elizabeth did find it endearing."

"It seems as though Miss Swan is in concurrence with his inherited manners," Alice chimed in, shrill with laughter. "One could say she is right on top."

Rosalie coughed a fit of giggles, recalling Edward and Bella in that compromising position. Earning confused stares, she scratched at her neck. "Pardon, I had a tickle in my throat." Receiving a glare from Bella, she continued, "So, shall we be off? I am positively famished."

"Yes, come now; let us go to the carriages."

The rain had eased into a mere drizzle, though it was not enough to tempt the city's occupants to venture the streets. They walked out of the foyer towards two separate carriages, dividing their group. Bella silently cursed herself for not bringing an umbrella, but she found herself dry as she stepped outside. Staring, she saw that Edward held an umbrella over both of them. When she raised an eyebrow at his action, he merely shrugged, grasping her hand within his as he led her into the carriage.

Before she could enter, Edward inclined his head, keeping a hold of Bella's hand. "I can be a gentleman," he said quietly.

"I did not doubt you."

"It seems as though my actions have spoken otherwise." He allowed for her to enter the carriage before taking a seat next to her. So as not to be heard, Edward turned his head towards hers in a manner to stare out of the window. "But do not flatter yourself, Miss Swan, I merely humor you. You have not seen how challenging I can be."

"Is that a warning, Mr. Cullen?"

"Oh no, Miss Swan. It is an assurance. I merely humor you with my insidious flirting. It is no fault of mine if you fall for my charms."

"And do you deny this feeling of attraction?"

He smirked at her bold advances. It was a game he had yet to play with a woman, and he dearly enjoyed it. "It is not uncommon to be attracted to things you cannot have, no matter how painful it may be."

"I see. Then I apologize, Mr. Cullen, for causing you such pain."

"What the devil are you talking about?" He asked, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

"I see that my actions have spoken otherwise as well. I did not mean to lead you on." Her eyes peeked at him from beneath her lashes, as they innocently batted against her rosy cheeks. "But you have only yourself to blame for this attraction you feel for me. Although, as you said, it is not uncommon." Bella's lips could no longer hold the coy impression she meant to display when her naïve smile formed into a smirk. "And you did admit that it could not be denied—after all, I am not the one who began this whole debacle."

"And I have?"

"Your intimidating stare that first day of school along with your capricious actions…do you think I did not take notice? You are completely besotted with me despite your impetuous bouts of arrogance. Even the ardency in the kiss we shared—I could feel the tension you so desperately try to hide."

Edward's eyes widened slightly, rendered speechless from her words. From the corner of his eye, he noticed both Alice and Jasper were lost in their own conversation, faintly relieved that they had not heard her demure whispers.

"How does it feel, Mr. Cullen?" She asked him, keeping her stare fixated on the window. A low, almost inaudible laugh caught his ears, causing his gaze to fall upon Bella's face with shock. "How does it feel to be pursued most obstinately? To have your words and actions twisted in another's advantage. But do not flatter yourself, Mr. Cullen, I merely humor you." Her eyes brightened, glowing with mirth, noticing his mouth slightly drop. "I believe it is your turn, Mr. Cullen."

But he could not utter a word. Her flow of words ran through his head, processing each statement, analyzing each phrase. Silently, he applauded her. Apparently she enjoyed the game they played as well, and Bella was indeed a worthy opponent.

"Edward, are you feeling ill? Your face is flushed."

He snapped his head up to meet Jasper and Alice's concerned gaze, noting Bella had just now turned her gaze from the window to his face. "No, I am quite fine, thank you."

"You should bundle up, Mr. Cullen. You would not want to catch your death."

"Thank you, Miss Swan. I am delighted to know I have your concern for my wellbeing." He rubbed his hands together, igniting warmth between his hands, so to play his part. "Perhaps you may provide me with warmth by certain means."

"You are utterly and completely horrendous!"

"Pardon, Miss Swan, but I was suggesting for you to knit a scarf for my health. Pray, what were you speaking of?"

Bella reddened at his words as Jasper and Alice exchanged an amused glance.

"Your turn," he whispered haughtily under his breath.

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Bamford Hall proved to be a delight. In spite of the dreary weather, the daylight set a beautiful glow through the glass dome of the building. Pleasant conversation was held among their company, praising the delectable food and the bittersweet wine. The boys exchanged words of their property and business while the women conversed of the latest fashions. As their main course was led away, an assortment of desserts remained in its wake.

"I must say, I have not tasted a more flavored chicken dish. It was simply superb," Carlisle said, indulging on the savory and puddings before him. "We must return."

Esme smiled, modestly dabbing at the corners of her mouth. "I cannot agree more. Perhaps we may return on the eve of the winter recital. That would seem most congenial."

"That is not possible, my dear. Her Majesty has invited us to dine with her. We are to sit with her party."

Bella inaudibly gasped at Carlisle's words, but it did not go unnoticed by Alice. She turned to her right towards her friend, cinnamon eyes wide, astonished. "Why is it that I am the only one surprised by this statement?" she whispered in haste.

Alice smiled, feigning amusement at the table's conversation, as she turned demurely. "Do not be alarmed, Bella. Your reaction is one to be expected—Ihad the same expression when Rosalie first told me of such invites. You see, Lord Cullen is of regal heritage and falls within the royal bloodline. He is the heir of nobility, and Her Majesty is quite taken with him. She even offered him the role of Prime Minister! But Lord Cullen is far too modest, for he kindly declined to keep his seat as a Member of Parliament.

"Lady Cullen is the favorite niece of Lord William Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire. Although her father was not Duke himself, Her Majesty bestowed his family to be recognized under Royal Warrant. She frequently sends invites for Lord and Lady to dine or attend shows with her party."

"I did not realize I was in such company."

"As if you are one to scoff at."

"Whatever do you mean by that, Alice?"

She sipped her water, throwing a sidelong glance at Jasper, before she continued with her speech. "You cannot hide your past from me, Bella. My mother is Italian as well. She knew your father's family in her youth. You are noble in your own right. House of Medici, if I recall."

"Never again will I underestimate you."

"I make up in my height with my knowledge."

Finishing the remnants of pudding bread and savories, the party left Bamford Hall. Upon arrival to the academy, Carlisle and Esme obliged their children's pleas and remained in the parlor to speak for moments longer. The women trailed to the girl's dormitory, where the subject of Rosalie's gown had come into conversation. As Alice had assumed, Esme was much amused.

Smiling, Esme watched as her daughter emerged from the dressing screen, the gown undone from her back. "Is the stomacher tight enough?"

"Unbearably so, Mother."

"I am sure we can pin the gown together," Esme murmured. "But it is quite unflattering. Even your bosom cannot be contained. Genevieve must have made a mistake. Tell me, Rosalie, has your monthly begun? Perhaps you are bloated."

"Not yet, Mama, no." Rosalie wrapped her arms around her waist, upset with the situation. She stood and stepped behind the dressing screen once more, kicking off the gown from her body. Gasping, she unlaced the stomacher and corset, allowing them to pool to the floor. "I think I may need a bit of a lie down. I am quite dizzy."

Esme furrowed her eyebrows, walking to her daughter's bedside as she tucked into the covers. "Are you ill, Rosalie?"

"No, Mother. My sleep has been fitful as of lately. I shall retire for bed early."

"Be well, my dear. Your father and I must resume our calls of the town."

"Of course. Please give Father my love."

Placing a chaste kiss upon her blonde curls, Esme escorted Bella and Alice out of the room, allowing Rosalie to sleep. They made idle talk as they descended the staircase, entering the parlor that held the men. Something seemed to be humorous to the men, for their laughter echoed through the corridors.

"What has put you in such spirits?"

"I mentioned to the boys how they are being propositioned," Carlisle chuckled.

"Propositioned?"

"It seems as though that Mackenzie fellow is relentless in his pursuit for the boys and Rosalie. His calls upon our Manor have become quite frequent. Not a day passes where I have not heard from him."

"Nor from his wife." Esme sniffed, pursing her lips with annoyance. "She even had the nerve to attempt a social call between her son and Rosalie! I did not have it, and vehemently mentioned her engagement."

Emmett snorted, bemused. "Rosalie is a bit too mature for some child."

"He is of mine and Jasper's age, Emmett, but he does not act it."

"And what does he act as?"

"A brownnosing, pompous ass."

"Edward, you mind your tongue! You do not even know the boy."

"Yes, but I know of him and his antics, aunt Esme."

"Minding his words, I would have to say that Mr. Cullen's observations are true." All eyes were diverted to Bella. She could not help the words, but felt the need to express her discontent.

"You know the young Mr. Mackenzie, Miss Swan?"

"Oh, yes, unfortunately we are of acquaintance," she said in hesitance. A familiar rush of blood spread through her cheeks, her head pounding from the thought of him.

"How could he not, in Edward's word, be a brownnosing, pompous ass?" Carlisle drawled, blunt with his words. "With the boy's father acting the way he does. I firmly said to the man, 'Sir, my children are happy where they are educated.' Honestly, why would I send my children to a school that solely focuses on music? Pierce is a highly refutable academy."

Esme nodded her head in accord. "It is simply the perfect academy for all of you, dears. It is one thing to study the art of music as a profession, but if life takes you towards a different path, then you must be educated of all aspects in life. Pierce is brilliant in that it offers a variety of lessons for both young men and ladies."

Emmett grinned cheekily. "I do not think I could spend my life being a slave to the cello."

"Nor I with the violin."

"But you all play so well!"

"But if one does not have the heart to compose and perform music, or even sing, it is a sin in itself," Alice said softly. "Matter not the sweetest of melodies or harmonious the voice; when there is no ardency, music has lost its meaning."

"Well put, my love." Jasper smiled warmly, offering her an assuring glance. He returned his stare to his father, conferring a nod. "I suppose we should bid you farewell."

Checking his pocket watch, Carlisle ruefully smiled, embracing his son. "Unfortunately. We shall visit within the following weeks." He offered Emmett words, shaking his hand, then turned to Edward. "Be on your guard, Son. You do not want to embarrass me at the winter recital," he jested.

"Of course not, Uncle. I am sure Miss Swan will not allow it."

"I assure you that it will not happen, Lord Cullen," Bella said, slightly narrowing her eyes at Edward. "We have made excellent progress."

"As it should be." Esme embraced each of them, tears pooling in her eyes. "It is quite difficult to part with one's children. Oh how these visits vex me so!"

"Mind your nerves, Lady Cullen," Carlisle said, winking at his wife. "We will see you all very soon."

With once last farewell, Carlisle and Esme walked out of the Academy doors and into their private carriage. Dinner quickly approached, and each sat in their respective seat, enjoying the warm, delicious food. They spoke quietly among one another, musing about the day's events.

"Where might Miss Cullen, be?" Cecelia asked, snidely, interrupting their conversation.

Rolling her eyes, Alice glared at the fair-haired girl. "She was quiet fatigued and retired early."

"Or perhaps it is her gluttonous ways from ingesting spirits," she murmured quietly.

"I think I may have to let the priest know you have become delirious again, Miss Ismay. As I recall, you were the one running down the halls, raving about the fey."

Cecelia huffed angrily, her face red with embarrassment, and returned to her spiteful conversations.

Bella raised an eyebrow, inquiring an explanation. "I am sorry to have missed such a spectacle."

"Ah, well you remember when Rosalie bickered about how we almost got caught?" Alice whispered. "Well, Cecelia had been getting on her last nerves, so Rosalie swiped a flask of Jasper's and poured the contents into Cecelia's punch. No one had noticed a thing until we were awoken that night with her screaming bouts of nonsense."

"And she told Headmaster Charleston?"

"She blamed her, but without proof or witnesses, her accusations were proven false."

Laughing, Bella mused over the incident, and resumed with her meal. Her appetite had been lost due to the enormous lunch they had consumed earlier that day. Pushing around her greens with a fork, she finally placed her napkin upon the table, surrendering to the unmerciful plate of food. Instead, she sipped at her water, dazed.

"What seems to be the problem, Miss Swan? Conscious of your figure?"

"On the contrary, Mr. Cullen, I am quite fond of my figure."

"As am I."

"I already know of your conceit."

"Pardon, I was speaking of your figure, Miss Swan," Edward replied, smirking wickedly, popping a piece of lamb in his mouth.

"It really is a shame, Mr. Cullen, that you lack the ability to converse, but not the ability of speech."

He chuckled in his baritone voice, eyes gleaming with mischief. "You wound me with your words, Miss Swan. I merely jest with you, but I do enjoy our witty repartee."

"I speak truthfully, for I wish to live an honest life."

"A most endearing quality, I must say. Now tell me, how well acquainted with Alexander Mackenzie are you?"

She visibly paled at his inquiry. The simple mention of his name sent her into a dizzy twist of emotions. Her head throbbed angrily as she relapsed into unwanted feelings. "To my dismay, too well."

"And how well is too well?"

"Mr. Cullen, you once told me that you were not one to pry."

Edward stared at her intently; shocked to find the same look of despair she wore from time to time as she played the piano. Her eyes were staring into his, but she seemed utterly lost. He nodded slowly, allowing for her to continue.

"I find myself unable to regain my strength," she whispered lowly for only him to hear. Her voice lowered ever so softly, but filled with an unhidden sadness. "I have not found my wings as of yet."

Folding his hands, he rested his head upon them, contemplating what she had said. What did he do to you? Edward so badly wanted to ask, but he respected her wishes and continued with his meal. Their games had ended for the day.

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Moonlight spilled onto the floorboards of the room. The curtains flowed gently with the wind from the open window of the balcony, the scent of wet stone and earth following its path. A storm brewed in the London skies, partially concealing the moon from the city. The angry blue-grey clouds reflected unkindly upon the waters by the Parliament building, a harsher wind picking up as each moment passed.

A solemn cry in the night began softly, though became an uncontrollable fit of rage. She screamed into her hands, covering her mouth, head facedown into the pillow to muffle any noise. Unsympathetic, the heavens rumbled a roar of thunder, overpowering her silent howls. Fate had dealt her a cruel hand, and now she had to endure the repercussions that would follow.

"Rosalie?"

Both Alice and Bella sat on each side of her bed, staring curiously at the girl. The bitter chill the wind had brought in awoken the girls. Upon hearing Rosalie's muffled cries; concern overcame Alice, causing her to wake Bella.

"Rosalie, if you are still upset with the gown, we will send it away at noon—"

She looked into Alice's eyes, but burst into another set of tears, interrupting her friend. Her back rested against the backboard of the bed, her knees pulled to her chest. A heavy shudder shook her whole body followed by a heavy sob. "Get Emmett."

"Why—"

"Please!"

"Rosalie." Realization dawned upon Alice, her eyes widening at Rosalie's pleas. She grabbed for Rosalie's hand, but could not find herself to do so. "Oh, Rosalie, tell me you—"

"Get Emmett," Rosalie whispered, her voice cracking with each word. Her hands trailed down to her stomach, hugging her midsection tightly.

Shaking her head, Alice slipped out of the room, her feet quietly padding down to the boy's wing of the Academy. Neither spoke as Rosalie continued to sob into her pillow. Bella offered comfort to her friend, rubbing a hand up and down her back. She did not know what to say, but continued to show compassion.

"Rosalie—"

"I am with child, Bella."

Her eyes rounded with surprise, a gasp escaping her lips. "Surely—"

"I am with child, Bella," Rosalie repeated. Forlorn, her voice held a bitter edge, raw from crying. "I lied to my mother. I have been ill since schooling began, unable to keep my meals down, getting plumper. I am tired all the time, yet I cannot sleep."

"Perhaps it is the flu—"

"I have not had my monthly curse for two months, and I doubt I will have one this month." Rosalie rested her head upon the pillow, staring into the darkness of the room. "I am a sinner." Her sheets crumpled with her fists, fresh tears streaming down her face. "But I do not regret what I have done. I am irrevocably in love with Emmett, and if what I have done is a sin, and if what we have created is a sin, then I embrace the consequences of my actions. But at the moment, I am afraid, Bella, so afraid, and confused. This feeling…it is indefinable."

Finding her voice, Bella clasped hands with Rosalie, pulling her into a hug. "Do not be afraid, Rosalie, for all will be well. You have Emmett, you have your family, and you have us. No harm will come to you nor your reputation. We are flawed, we all have our imperfections, but we are only human." She pulled back, smiling tearfully at her friend.

The moments passed, and Alice returned with Emmett. He immediately rushed to her side, holding her within his arms. The girls trailed to the balcony, allowing the couple their bit of privacy.

Alice shivered as the wind blew against her lithe frame. She pulled her robe tightly against her body, her hair whipping across her face. "Is this what life has in store for us, Bella? Are we to be punished for not obeying the rules?"

"No one is being punished, Alice."

"God has great vengeance."

"God also has great compassion." Bella lifted her head towards the heavens, allowing for the small droplets to hit her pale skin. She breathed in the brisk, autumn air, opening her eyes to catch one last glimpse of the moon. "Everyone has great sorrow bestowed upon them. Society prefers to stare blindly, pretending that these unpleasant situations do not exist. Despite a woman in monarchy, we are bound and restricted. Men of society are unfaithful to their wives, seeking comfort from prostitutes and whores of Scotland Yard. Girls like Cecelia Ismay are raised to turn the other cheek and to produce an heir.

"But we are different from these soulless, society people. We accept the sorrow for what it is worth. We allow ourselves to feel both God's wrath and sympathy. Society may not deem us fit to their standards, for we do not act as proper women. I am flawed, Alice, just as much as you are. Do not see what has happened to Rosalie as a punishment. She will be married within the week. She will escape the confines of this prison. She will have a beautiful child and many more that will follow. But the cycle of what society has instilled upon us will be broken. Rosalie will not allow her daughters to be raised as the inferior sex. Emmett will not allow his sons to be raised as ruthless mongers."

"I suppose you are right."

"As you once said, Alice, we all may have our secrets, but it is only a matter of time before the world knows of our indiscretions."

Alice nodded, leaning against the balcony's frame. "Perhaps now is the time for Rosalie and Emmett."

Not five minutes later did Emmett retrieve them from the balcony. He did not speak, but exited their room in silence. Rosalie had fallen asleep, her face seemingly at ease. Bella lay in her bed, reflecting on the events that had occurred.

Before she arrived to Pierce, before months past, she was a timid girl. One of them. A proper, young lady of society.

She was his only months ago. It pleased her parents, and she so desperately vied for their attention. Their courting had been short, and she was rendered breathless. His words had been so pretty. So perfect. So believable. She had been so blind to the world; to his actions.

But reality burned her eyes like the white hot sunlight on a summer day. That memory was forever instilled in her mind, locked in the deepest corners, saved for the days when she needed strength. She had come into this world, foolishly thinking that her father was actually fond of her. Silly enough to think that her mother gave a damn about her. Childish enough to think that he really loved her.

Every single event that took place, months prior, led her to the defiant woman she was today. She was averse to living that life once more. Bella had adopted a new lifestyle, formed bonds with these girls—she had found her place. She knew it would not be easy. She knew that her past would come to haunt her. It was one of the hardships she faced by accepting the truth.

Just as Alice had to deal with not being able to dance and just as Rosalie must endure conceiving a child out of wedlock, Bella would have to come to terms that some wounds would never heal. She would always be marred by the scars from her past, glaring back at her, ugly and deformed, but they were reminders. They were her battle wounds to bear, forever engraved to remind her that she was damaged.

Then again, was there really such a person who was left unmarked by their imperfections?

-:-

Authoress Note: Apologies for the late updates. Again, I produce eight pages in a snap, but something comes up. I had to endure a Calculus and Econ class this past summer, and now my schooling has began. I have yet another Calculus class and Organic Chemistry. Those who have/are taking Organic Chemistry—you have my deepest sympathies. Why am I premed again?

I would like to thank each and every one of my reviewers. You are absolutely the only reason why I keep pushing to update and write. You are my motivation. My inspiration. My determination.

I also want to thank my lovely beta Leiahlaloa, despite the chapter not being edited at the moment. I am impatient, and she balances me out.

Much love!