Ya know the drill..not SM and all that jazz!

This is by far, I do believe, the longest chapter to date. Phew! What a work it has been. I think it's safe to say we're paving the way nicely. Bella has a lot to deal with and, yes, it's only the second day she's been with them. There's a lot going on and time can't always move with incredible speed. Healing takes time.

And, most importantly, make sure you give kudos to OrangeBlossom! She's been doing such a wonderful job!


EPOV

I sat in the wingchair tucked in the corner of the room, allowing the hum of conversation to wash around me as I waited. My thoughts were constant in their questions about the sweet woman down the hall who seemed to be goodness personified. If I hadn't watched the last twenty one hours play out before me, I would have suspected she was merely another out-of-towner working at the studios, while hoping for her big break in show business, because Ma and Pa Kettle couldn't bear seeing her waste her life away on the farm. The image of my sweet Bella in overall shorts and dark braided hair flashed into my head… Alright, this is getting beyond ridiculous now… Pull it together Cullen! Where am I getting off calling her 'my' Bella?

I knew, now, that, at least, part of that thought was a load of crap. We knew she was alone in every sense of the word. There was no one encouraging her to be something better. There was no one for her to run to when she needed support. She was terrified and, it seemed to me, on the verge of collapsing in on herself. I thought back to each of the episodes; the fear and helplessness that had radiated from her entire body had been so tangible.

Lastly, I thought of Carlisle and his theory. Was this post traumatic stress disorder? Was he right? And if he was, what battles had she been forced to fight on her own?

I was growing increasingly more frustrated over the mystery. Isabella Swan, who are you?

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps coming down the hall. I looked up, seeing Esme walking into the living room, sans Bella. Oh, god! Something's wrong with her

"Where's Bella?" I demanded, unable to keep the concern from my voice.

Smiling, Esme glided across the room, sitting down in one of the armchairs opposite me, and crossing her ankles. "She's in her room, Edward, and she's fine. She's taking a couple of minutes settle down before joining us. She needs a hand to getting out here, though. I'm afraid the distance is a little much for me. Could you please…?" She trailed off innocently.

The memory of Bella trying to stand when I'd set her down in front of the bathroom floated through my head. Nodding in understanding, I stood slowly, fully intending on being her indentured servant for as long as she'd allow it. She deserves it, after all. "I'll go get her."

Before I could even take a step, Emmett jumped up and shouted, "Oh, hell ya'!" By the time I processed his words, he'd dashed out of the room, yelling over his shoulder, "Hold up a sec! DON'T DO ANYTHING 'TIL I GET BACK!"

Trying not to smirk too much at his exuberance, I stayed where I was, waiting for him to return.

"Um, is anyone else a little nervous about where he disappeared to?" Alice asked, clearly as baffled as I felt. I shrugged, moving to stand in the doorway, hoping Bella wouldn't think we'd forgotten about her. At least I could hear her if she were to call out.

I jumped a little when I heard a distinct "Wahoo!" echoing down the hall, followed by the clanking of something metal coming closer.

I spun my head around to see the cause of the peculiar noise so fast, I was surprised I didn't give myself whiplash.

No. I didn't know if I should laugh or yell at the sight before me.

"Uh… Emmett?" I spoke, chuckling; I couldn't help myself. The overgrown kid was skipping along, wheeling the wheelbarrow in front of himself, a huge shit eating grin on his face.

It didn't look like anything would stop Emmett from following through on his plan to come to Bella's rescue by 'less conventional' means. Esme, however, had a different idea.

"Emmett McCarty Cullen! What on earth do you think you're going to do with that? You will turn around right now and take that filthy contraption right back out to the garage before you damage the carpets, young man!" Esme scolded, coming to stand next to me.

"Ahw, Mom! Come on! It'll be fun. Bella will get a kick out of it! We're all being way too serious, anyway. Let me lighten things up a little." Emmett whined, determined to make use of the wheelbarrow.

Shaking my head, I walked around him, heading down towards Bella's room. I knew Esme and there was no way Emmett was going to win on this one.

"Eddie! Wait up!" Emmett yelled pushing past me and causing me to flatten myself against the wall. It was all I could manage to make sure I wasn't hit by the wheelbarrow. Gritting my teeth at the use of his nickname, I started debating retaliation.

I heard him hollering as he rounded into the bedroom, "Bella!"

Shit!

I raced down the hall, hoping that what I feared hadn't come to fruition. I braced myself as I entered the room. What I saw made my heart break and soar to life at the same time. Her eyes were wide with fright and she was using her arms to pull herself up higher on the bed; perhaps, thinking that Emmett wouldn't dare touch the sanctuary of her bed? I wanted to rush to protect her from those imagined demons again, but knew better.

The man in me took a moment to note of the overall softness she seemed to possess, even as she cowered. The soft grey sweatpants and lavender long sleeved tee that Alice had laid out for her were draped modestly over her too slender frame. She was femininity incarnate.

"Emmett, what do you think you are going to do?" I whispered, moving over to Bella, who started trembling, as I drew closer.

"I thought we'd wheel her out to the living room." He sounded almost embarrassed as he looked at the terrified young woman. "I didn't want you to strain yourself." The reality of the situation was finally dawning on Emmett. The man was a child. How Rosalie put up with him, I, honestly, had not a clue.

"Emmett…" I started. "Esme is not going to be pleased."

Emmett's forehead creased. Watching the man concentrate was hilarious. I was half expecting him to stick his tongue out to help himself think better.

"A-ha!" He exclaimed, bolting off to the bathroom, without another word, and emerging with an armful of Esme's best towels. He lined the inside of the wheelbarrow in a matter of seconds.

"Emmett. Esme is going to flip when she sees what you've done." I shook my head in disbelief.

"Well, Eddie, the lady deserves to travel in style…" Emmett made a wide sweeping motion towards the makeshift chariot. "I don't think she's going to mind." He was amazingly confident.

"Hmph. I wouldn't bet on it."

Emmett wiggled his brows diabolically. "Care to make a wager?"

"Em, it's hard to collect winnings from a corpse, because you know Esme is going to kill you."

"Ed," He inhaled deeply and puffed out his chest in the ultimate show of male superiority. "I think I'm going to enjoy taking your money. I'll expect them to be crisp five dollar bills, consecutive serial numbers, please. Shall we bet, say…one hundred dollars?" He extended his hand.

I couldn't help snorting with laughter at the smug grin that appeared on his face. I took his hand, shaking on our newest wager. I needed a new steering wheel cover for my Volvo, and Emmett's money would pay for it just as well as any other.

My mood shifted immediately upon turning and seeing Bella on the bed. It seemed our brotherly interaction had done something to her. Her trembling had subsided and her mouth was hanging open in disbelief. I'm such an ass! I can't believe I let myself get caught up in Emmett's stupidity. Emmett seemed to notice Bella, too, because he immediately hunched his shoulders and put his hands into his pockets, trying to make himself look less threatening. The effort was pointless. This was Emmett, after all. At least he tried, though.

He saw me taking in his appearance and shrugged, walking over and shouldering me out of the way before kneeling in front of Bella. "Hey. I'm sorry for my rather loud entrance. We need to get you to the living room and I thought…well…maybe we could…that is… it would be fun if we… Ah, shit!" He ran his fingers through his mess of curls, looking to me to bail him out of the mess he'd gotten himself into.

I looked at her again, hoping she would see something in my face letting her know she was safe. Her reaction told me she didn't. If possible, her eyes went wider and she tried to scoot scooting further back across the bed. She was pinned. Emmett stepped back, waiting to see what I would do.

I walked to her slowly, arms wide and palms up. It's like she's a wild animal. I kept my gaze constant as I moved towards her. "Bella," I made sure my voice was low and reassuring. "Esme asked us to come and get you. She thought you might need some help getting to the living room. Can we help you?"

Bella continued staring.

"Bella, we're all waiting in the other room… just down the hall. It's not too far. Either Emmett or I can carry you or…"

She blanched, clenching her jaw at the mere mention of us touching her. I was concerned she'd vomit from the sheer stress she was putting on her body. I didn't want to push her any further, so Emmett and I stood there, quiet and staring, waiting for her to give us some indication of what to do.

She must have wrestled with her options for a good minute before clearing her throat in preparation of speaking.

"I'll go in the wheelbarrow." She barely whispered.

I couldn't believe my ears. "Pardon?"

"The wheelbarrow… could you pull it along side the bed and I'll crawl in." She blushed, looking down at her hands.

The grin that stretched across Emmett's face in that split second was the widest I'd ever seen on a human face. "Oh, hell, ya'!" He was beside himself with excitement. "Come on, Bells! Let's get this party started!" Emmett proceeded to the side of the bed, his hands raised to stop her from coming forward, and leaning towards her.

"Oh, please don't. I haven't done anything." The fear was back. Her eyes were darting to the door again; always looking for an escape route. I suspected all the adrenaline spikes were messing with her perception. I couldn't fathom her being so sensitive to such benign gestures. I'd have to speak to Carlisle about that.

"Bells, hun." Emmett said gently, "I know you haven't… I just thought you'd like your chariot to be a little more comfortable." He completed his motion, pulling back with a handful of pillows clutched in his massive hands.

"Oh… sorry." She sounded so weak.

Emmett fluffed the last pillow and we watched as Bella painstakingly dragged herself over to the wheelbarrow. It took a few minutes, but we were eventually on our way down the hall, transporting our precious cargo.

"Eddie," Emmett offered in stage whisper.

I rolled my eyes at his idiocy. "What, Emmett?"

"Do you think she'd mind if I sped up a little?"

"I wouldn't do it if I were you…"

"Eddie?"

"What now, Emmett."

"My idea wasn't so stupid after all, was it?" Damn, he was a smug bastard.

"No, Emmett. It wasn't that stupid after all." Did I really just admit that to him?

"Eddie?"

"Emmett?" I couldn't help but growl out this response.

"Make sure you don't get any creases in those fives when you bring them to me later on… I wouldn't want to make you go back to the bank for fresh bills." With that, Emmett cackled hysterically, speeding down the hallway with only a small 'eep' escaping Bella's lips.

BPOV

It took a few minutes for me to catch my breath. It was definitely a ride I wouldn't forget anytime soon.

Esme waited for me to give a signal, before helping me get settled on the couch. My back resting comfortably against the armrest and my legs stretched out in front of me, an emerald green afghan draped across them.

Once I'd settled, she inquired, "Will you be okay while I go and speak with Edward and Emmett for a moment?"

I whispered, "I'll be fine."

Her face turned serious as she rounded on the two men, gesturing to the other side of the room sternly, and started walking. They followed.

I couldn't help but watch the scene playing out in front me. Esme was obviously trying to keep the conflict away from me, and for that I was grateful, but I was fascinated and wished I could hear their conversation.

Emmett looked repentant, yet determined to prove he was right and Edward was merely standing back, watching Emmett try to get himself out of hot water. Edward was smug.

Esme suddenly started gesturing wildly and Edward's eyes widened in disbelief.

No way.

It was over before I knew it and Esme was coming back towards me. I couldn't help sneaking a peek at the men behind her. Edward was scowling, while Emmett did, what I could only guess to be, a happy dance while rubbing his hands together greedily.

To be so carefree…

"Alright, Dear. Sorry about that little delay. You just sit here and I'll go get tea." Esme smiled, patting my hands where I'd laid them in my lap. I looked up at her, baffled. Tea? I thought we were having lunch? Seeing my look, Esme started laughing. "Oh, it's just an expression I picked up from Carlisle. His father was the model of a true English gentleman and anytime we serve a light lunch like this, I can't help but revert back to what they'd always call it when I came to visit."

My eyes darted to Carlisle, who was trying to stand inconspicuously in the background. I gasped as our eyes met, looking down immediately.

Esme was perceptive enough to pick up on my discomfort. "Bella, what would you like for your plate. You must be starving and you have to be nourished if you intend on healing quickly."

I looked over to the small cart set up by the doorway, my mouth watering at the sight of the glorious colors before me. The red strawberries; vibrant oranges and peaches; rich, dark cherries and wild berries… there were even fruits I couldn't name. The beautiful vegetables were just as enticing. The freshness of the green and yellow string beans and unblemished creamy white of the cauliflower were nearly as tempting. I couldn't believe the variety of breads and meats either. I hoped I wasn't drooling as my eyes devoured the food laid out. A meal like this was something my meager budget never allowed for and I couldn't permit myself to pass up the treat.

I mumbled quietly, trying not to seem too excited. They already thought so little of me. "Some fruit would be lovely, thank you."

She turned to prepare it for me but took note of the time on the large grandfather clock. "Oh, I think that's a new record, boys! It's already one o'clock and there's still food worth eating! Is someone sick?" She placed her hands on her hips, giggling as she faced the males in the room. She shook her head at them in mock disappointment then went back to her task. "Oh dear, we're missing a plate. I'll sneak into the kitchen and get another. I'll be right back." And she walked out of the room.

It took a moment for her words to register. One o'clock. "One o'clock?!" I shrieked, moving to stand. "I have to go! I can't be sitting here! I have to get to work!" I was frantic.

Everyone in the room jumped at my outburst, unsure of how to respond. Edward was quickly at my side, the only person to move towards me, and with such speed that I didn't notice him until he was right beside me, his close proximity preventing me from moving.

He reached out, as if to touch me, thinking better of it and stopping. "Don't worry, Bella." He soothed. "We've called the studio and explained what happened. They know you won't be in for at least a week, maybe even two. It all depends on how fast those sutures heal up. Besides, you know you can't stand, how are you going to manage to work?"

I settled back down on the couch, tears gathering in my eyes. He was right. I could barely stand, how was I going to be able to work? But, still…I was going to starve this next pay check. I'd probably be able to cover some of my bills, but that was it. What was I going to do? Maybe my landlord could work with me and I could pay half my rent now and then… No, that wouldn't work at all. That man wouldn't know compassion if it snuck up behind him and bit him in the ass. Damn it. I couldn't afford to miss any work. I needed the cash, and I knew that there was always a line up of girls who'd give their right arm to fill my position.

I didn't realize a single tear had streaked its way down my cheek, falling on my hand, until Edward put a finger under my chin and lifted my face. "Bella, what's wrong? Are your legs hurting?"

I quickly shook my head, forcing myself to stay calm from the unwanted contact and unable to explain. It was all I could do not to scream. I couldn't risk opening my mouth to explain my working situation to them. I shouldn't be here to start with. Shit! This is so messed up! What would they think of me if they knew the truth of my existence?

"Bella…" Edward trailed off. "What is it?"

I shook my head again, pulling away from his finger and wiping a hand across my cheek.

"Edward, what's wrong with Bella?" Esme inquired, walking back into the room. I continued looking at my lap, missing Edward's response.

"Hmm…well… I don't really know."

I turned to look at the back of the couch, leaning my head against it and closing my eyes. I stopped paying attention to what was going on around me, but, I couldn't tune out the sounds. I heard something being set down on a table nearby and the rustling of someone shifting fabric. The feeling of someone playing with my hair brought me back to reality.

I opened my eyes, turning my head to see Esme sitting behind me, on the arm of the sofa. She had a relaxed look on her face as her fingers played through the long strands of hair that had fallen over the arm. Closing my eyes, once more, I leaned my head back, giving her better access. It felt heavenly. It soothed my frazzled nerves and brought a strange sense of peace to me. How foreign.

I hadn't realized I'd let out a purr of pleasure until Esme chuckled. "Has no one ever played with your hair, Sweetheart?"

"No." I whispered, letting myself get caught up in the unbelievably warm feelings washing over me. I was so consumed in how it felt, I was aware of nothing around me, until someone shook me. My eyes flew open in shock and, I screamed, pressing myself into the corner of the couch, looking around to see who was going to hurt me.

Esme seemed terrified, her hand raised out to me. "Bella, sweetheart, I'm sorry."

I started panting, gazing at her. She lowered her hand, speaking again. "Edward has put together a plate for you. I hoped you wouldn't mind. You seemed to be so relaxed and I didn't want to stop so I figured that…" She looked uncomfortable. "I'm so sorry. It's just… you weren't responding to our calling your name…"

I slowly turned my gaze away from Esme, glancing around for Edward and finding him perched on the couch by my feet, holding a plate of food in his hands out towards me, not moving an inch. I remained frozen, my heart still pounding and my breathing still labored.

What felt like hours later, but really could have only been mere minutes, Esme resumed playing with my hair, calming me down. Cautiously, I lifted my hands, taking the plate from Edward, who adjusted the afghan on my lap. I hadn't noticed that it had fallen to the floor. He sat on the floor, positioning himself at my feet.

Edward nodded his head towards the edge of the couch, "There's a small table there for you."

I glanced down, seeing what looked like a TV tray next to me, Alice standing beside it holding a teapot, a cup and saucer already on the tray.

"One or two?" She asked, cautiously.

"One or two, what?" I replied, baffled. I didn't have a clue what she was talking about.

"Sugars. Do you want one or two?"

"Uh…two?"

Alice put the teapot down on the coffee table and picked up two more things, setting them down on the tray, as well. One was the sugar pot, as she took the lid off and used a pair of tiny silver tongs to take out two cubes of sugar, putting them in the tea, before setting a third on the saucer. "In case two isn't enough. Do you want some honey?"

I nodded, watching as she poured some honey into the cup as well, stirring afterwards and setting the spoon down.

"It's vanilla tea. It will help soothe and calm you." Esme informed me.

Taking a deep breath, I looked at what Edward had selected for me. There were a few small sandwiches, some blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, and some slices of cheese and crackers. I picked up a sandwich and started nibbling, tasting cucumber.

"Bella…" I heard Carlisle speak softly and I looked up, seeing him standing beside Edward. He crouched to my level and held out a prescription bottle to me. I made no move to take it. "I've prescribed you some antibiotics. I assumed you have no allergies so it's basic, just penicillin. The boys told me the stairway was old and we need to make sure you don't get an infection."

All I could do was stare. Never trust males with medicine. You never know what it is and what it will do. Punished or not, there was no way I would willingly grab that bottle and take it's contents. I couldn't risk it. Apparently Edward could. He took the bottle from Carlisle, opening it and taking out one of the pills.

"Bella, you need to take it. If you don't, you risk a serious infection in your leg that could lead to complications and loss of the leg or even death."

I must have looked like a two year old, folding my arms across my chest, and squeezing my eyes and mouth shut. He was bluffing. I'd had plenty of injuries and nothing too permanent had ever come of my not getting treated. After all, I was very rarely treated… He'd always said if it didn't kill me it would make me stronger.

Carlisle spoke again, "Bella, I took an oath when I became a doctor. In it, I promised to keep the good of the patient as the highest priority and to never do deliberate harm to anyone for anyone else's interest… you are safe in my care, no matter how you look at it." He was blushing a little as he finished proclaiming himself to be my protector. "Now, in all seriousness, you need to take these. We would all feel horrible if something as preventable as an infection became an issue."

I turned to stare at Esme, certain she wouldn't intentionally steer me wrong. I opened my eyes, slowly looking up at her. The look on her face was one of sheer horror. Dear God, please no. I couldn't lose my leg! How would I work? How would I get around? Turning back, I reached over and took the pill from Edward, taking a sip of the tea to help me swallow.

Alice handed Edward a plate and the room quieted as we ate. First and foremost, I was waiting for the pill to take effect. I knew what Carlisle had said, and I wanted to believe him, but the proof is in the pudding, right?

I tried making sure that I ate slowly, not wanting to upset them though I desperately wanted to scarf it down. I didn't know when I'd get to eat again or if I'd even be allowed to finish this meal before things took a turn for the worst.

There'd been times when meals had been few and far between. I'd become adept at not only devouring what I'd been given but, if hoarding was at all possible, stashing food as well. As desperate as I was to do that now, I wouldn't dare. Technically, I was still a guest and needed to tread lightly. I wouldn't provoke their anger.

"Emmett, did you go speak with Bella's landlord?" Carlisle's question interrupted my thoughts and, without making it obvious, I paid close attention to the conversation.

"Yeah. Royal jackass. Claims he warned her before she moved in and if she'd been paying attention, it wouldn't have happened." Emmett responded. They were talking about me…My curiosity was justified.

"Is he at least going to fix them?" Carlisle continued.

"No. The nut sack says it was her fault and she can fix them."

Great, just what I needed. I couldn't afford to fix the steps. First I had to worry about rent, then bills, food, and I only had one pair of pants left. There was just no way. I didn't even know how bad the damage to the staircase was. Could I get away with not fixing them?

"He really wasn't very helpful, and given the damage, there's no way that they can be used without being repaired. I checked them out again when we went to talk to the idiot. I'm surprised that death trap of stairs hasn't given out before now!" Emmett added. Well, there went that. Now I'm homeless as well. Smashing! How was I to get my belongings?

"She'll have to stay here." Edward spoke softly, his comment causing me to look down at him. He was more confident as he spoke to me. "You'll stay with us."

Blinking, I opened my mouth to refuse; only to have Alice cut me off. "Yea! This is wonderful! We'll have the best time and I know we'll be great friends, Bella! I just know it."

She was bouncing in her seat, a huge grin on her porcelain face, but there was no way I could accept. I didn't know these people. Did my thoughts matter, though? The males could easily overpower me and prevent me from leaving. I'd been in worse places in my life. Was it worth the grief to even argue? Everyone was still being so hospitable. I sighed, knowing what I had to do. I responded politely, "Thank you."

"I'd like to move you upstairs into one of the larger rooms so you'll have more space. We'll keep you down here for another day or two while we fix up a room for you. By then, we'll be able to pick up some crutches for you and you'll be as good as gold. Is there anything back at your place that you'd like the boys to get for you?" Esme inquired.

I shook my head frantically. They'd already seen the outside of the place, what would they think if they saw the inside? Someone had already seen how abused I'd been, I definitely didn't need them looking into other aspects of my life as well.

"Are you sure?" Esme pressed.

I opened my mouth to tell her no, but shut it realizing there were some items I needed. Clothes. I only had the outfit I'd been wearing since yesterday and the jeans were destroyed. I couldn't very well walk around naked… unless that was what they wanted? It still meant they'd have to enter my hole of an apartment. And honestly, most of my clothes were dirty and lying on the floor of the bathroom. It was embarrassing to think of them rooting around through all of that.

Giving another sigh, I started twisting my fingers together in my lap, looking down at them. "I…ummm…"

Edward was in front of me, trying to catch my eye. "Bella, are there any items there that you really want? You don't need to worry about clothing. I'm sure that Alice has already planned a shopping trip to take care of that when you're all healed up."

I started shaking my head. "No, I couldn't accept that!" If I did, I'd owe them… that can't happen.

"Oh hush, Bella. I love to shop! I've already told you that. And nothing you say or do is going to prevent me from purchasing some new clothes for you. I will continue to repeat myself… you really have no say." Alice grinned, nodding emphatically and giving a little humph.

I conceded defeat on the matter. I hadn't been able to stand up to her yet and I wasn't sure that I ever would. She seemed harmless enough—in a crazy money-spending obsessed sort of way. Well, if clothes were taken care of, then, "No. There isn't anything back there that I need."

Uncomfortable with Edward's face where it was, I pulled my head back, trying not to be obvious about what I was doing. I didn't succeed. Edward noticed and pulled himself away. It still left him very close to the rest of my body, but I figured I could easily kick his precious jewels if I needed to. It wouldn't buy me a lot of time, but it would hopefully buy me enough.

"Are you done eating?" Carlisle inquired, noticing I'd stopped. I wasn't really full, but I nodded my head, watching Edward take my plate and put it on the cart by the door. Without any prompting, a woman stepped into the room and hastily collected all the remaining dishes. She was gone as quickly as she had arrived, taking the cart of food with her.

I'd finished my cup of tea and, as Esme had said, found it very relaxing. "May I please have some more tea?" I sounded so timid.

"Of course, Dear." Esme stood and poured me another, pouring in some honey before asking, "Did you have one lump or two?"

I had really enjoyed the third lump in my previous cup and wanted three again. Of course I wouldn't ask for it, though. I wouldn't dare to be impolite and risk their anger. I should remember to be grateful for whatever I was given. I was surprised to see Edward step in and solve my dilemma for me. "Oh, she used the third cube…"

"Three it is, then." I watched as Esme added the three lumps before handing me the cup and saucer. This family was definitely very different from most of my foster homes. They hadn't done any harm to me, instead looking out for me.; cCaring for me.; Ttreating me. And, if I stayed, it sounded as if Alice would spoil me.

"Well, I for one think that this is going to be freakin' awesome, Bella." My thoughts were interrupted by Emmett's booming voice. "I love having little sisters and you'll certainly keep things exciting around here! Welcome to 'Casa de Cullen'" Emmett looked so happy.

"Excuse me?!"

Rosalie. I cursed myself for not being aware of my surroundings once again. What is it with me and this family? When had she stepped into the room?

Everyone turned to face her.

"Are you trying to tell me that this piece of trash is going to be staying here?! With us?" Rosalie was livid.

"Rosie, baby." Emmett stepped towards her.

"Don't you 'Rosie baby' me! She has all of you fooled! You watch. She's going to bring nothing but trouble and grief to this household!"

Alice piped up in my defense, but I knew it didn't matter. I shut down in that moment. Again, hope was starting to just barely bubble up within me— maybe it would be alright, then nothing. How quickly that feeling could be extinguished. All it took was one acknowledgement from someone who saw me for what it was and it was all gone.

I knew it would be impossible for me to find a place to really belong. I was used, abused, stupid and ugly. Compared to the rest of them, I really was the trash that Rosalie accused me of being.

I guessed that was what really made the difference. Seeing them all together, I knew that the women in this room were above my life. I could see their unblemished faces and could only imagine the flawless skin that lay beneath their designer clothes. It was only me. No one would ever care. I don't think I cared, either.

I made the decision to leave. No one would notice my disappearance. I just needed to suck it up and move, slowly.

The loudness of the room increased. Everyone was involved in the argument now and the noise was overwhelming. I could feel my heart starting to race and the sweat beading my lip. I couldn't find the strength to get up from my cushy seat. I closed my eyes and willed myself to calm down. Too late.

The nausea and dizziness struck next. Even with my eyes shut, I could feel the effects of the vertigo. I started gasping for air.

I thought I heard someone speaking my name. I was confused though. It sounded like whoever was calling to me was standing at the end of a very long tunnel. Tunnel?

The images started flashing behind my eyelids. Memories.

There was always so much pain; the injuries, the blood flowing so freely, me—crying on the dirt floor in the corner of the cellar. There was always ripping, tearing, punches, lashes…

I could feel myself falling; more memories. Gashes left unclean until the pus and heat were unbearable, the alcohol to clean my wounds and the screams that no one ever heard when the sting was too much. It was all too much.

I tried to open my eyes. I tried so hard to bring myself back to the Cullen's and their tea and sandwiches, but all I could see was a swirl of faces. I was drowning…

I could almost feel my eyes rolling back into my head as the merciful darkness claimed me fully.