Thanks for everyone who's faved it, reviewed it or read it! Much appreciated.
Things I own: a pair of glasses, some Diamonique jewelry (gotta love QVC) and a lot of scrapbooking stuff.
Things I don't own: Twilight and all characters associated with it. They belong to the esteemed Stephenie Meyers
Chapter 9: Edward's Graduation
I sent Bella a text when I got home from our date.
I had a great time, Bella. I hope it's the first of many dates together. – Edward
She didn't respond. I sulked when I got back to my apartment and sat down on my cat piss couch. I was so confused. She kissed me, but wouldn't respond to my text. She was interested in me and my life, but turned that off when James approached her. I scrubbed my face with my hands deciding that I was giving myself a migraine thinking about this. I turned on the television and watched whatever was on the station it left on. Sportscenter or something. I don't even like sports. What the fuck?
I was pacing in my apartment when my phone rang. I sprinted for my jacket, nearly breaking my ankle tripping over my boots. I looked at the caller ID and saw it was Alice. "Hello?"
"What happened? Bella came up to the apartment and was bawling. Did you hurt her, Cullen?" Alice sneered.
"What? NO! I didn't do anything. I had a good time and up until the last part of our date, so did she," I yelled.
"Okay, you don't need to yell," Alice sighed. "What happened after dinner? I tried to get it out of Bella, but she was too busy bawling."
"We went to this club, Frankie's Blue Room and listened to this local jazz combo. We were dancing…"
"You got Bella to dance? And you survived?"
"Alice," I warned.
"What? She's notoriously clumsy," Alice snickered. "Go on."
"As I was saying, we were dancing and kissing. Then James came up to us. He gave her shit about not fucking him. He said that most women would die for him and he asked if he was disgusting. I personally think he's nasty. He then said that I was carrying diseases because of my drug habit. Bella then snapped at him about her not having to validate our relationship to him. We left after that. Now, why was she crying?"
"She felt dirty. It wasn't you, I don't think. I think James' comments got to her," Alice said quietly.
"Where is she now?"
"She's sleeping. She cried herself out," Alice said. "Come over, Edward. Wake up with her and she'll see that she's not dirty. She's worthy of love. Worth of something special."
"I'll be there in fifteen minutes," I said as I slipped on a pair of Chuck Taylors. I hung up the phone and grabbed my car keys and a t-shirt from my closet. I had to work tomorrow and I didn't want to show up in my clothes from tonight. I darted out to my car and drove to Alice and Bella's and breakneck speed. I buzzed up to their apartment and Alice ushered me in. I found the door open and Alice sitting on the couch, watching television. I closed the door and locked it. "Hi."
"That was faster than fifteen minutes, Whip," Alice giggled.
"Sue me, I was anxious," I said as I rolled my eyes. "Alice, I'm worried about Bella."
"Me, too, Edward. She's been through hell and back. She's been through therapy but it won't work. She refuses to let it work. She also refuses to take medication, so a psychiatrist is out. If she continues this way, she'll self destruct," Alice said sadly. "I don't want my best friend to do that. Either one of you. I see a lot of her behavior in you, too, Whip. But, you're better adjusted then Bella."
"Six months in a rehab facility does that to you. It's daily therapy and structure. When I was discharged, I was a hot mess. I stayed on Emmett's couch for two weeks. Not showering, not thinking, not living."
"You must have smelled, Edward," Alice said, wrinkling her nose.
"I was pretty rank. But, Emmett kicked my ass and I started working at Dreamstyle. I don't have the same structure when I was in the rehab facility, but knowing I have a job. A job that I'm good at. Waiting for me makes me feel like I have some sort of purpose. Should I still be in therapy? Probably. Can I afford it? Hell, no!"
"I don't know what to do for Bella. I don't want her to…"
"Me neither. You said it earlier. I love her," I whispered. "She means too much to me."
"Go to her, Edward. Make her not feel broken. Please?" Alice begged.
She put her tiny hands on mine and gave me the most pleading look. I nodded and kissed her forehead. I walked to Bella's bedroom and knocked lightly. She didn't respond but I opened the door anyway. Bella was still in her gorgeous dress. Her shoes were on the floor. I slipped off my jacket and shirt. I got into Bella's bed, spooning around her body protectively. I kissed her neck and held her tightly. "I can't lose you, Bella," I whispered into her ear.
"You won't, Whip," she said. I looked at her and she was still sleeping. "Love you."
My heart soared. She said she loved me. Granted she was sleeping, but still she felt it. I only hope that it was enough for us. For her. For me. I closed my eyes and fell into a deep sleep, holding Bella, my love, in my arms.
xx EC: AWIP xx
My alarm went off from my jacket pocket. I groaned quietly and looked around the room. I was still in Bella's room, but minus one Bella. Where the hell is she? I stretched and padded to her bathroom. She wasn't in there. I decided to pee. After I washed my hands, I walked out to the living room. My nose was assaulted with the scents of bacon, eggs and coffee. My stomach snarled and I ran my hands over my belly. FOOD!
I looked in the kitchen and saw Bella dishing up some breakfast. She was wearing my Dreamstyle shirt that I was going to wear today. I should be pissed, but seeing her in my clothes really did something to my body. "Good morning," I said roughly.
Bella jumped and turned around. Her hand was over her heart. "Fuck, Whip, you gave me a heart attack," she said.
"Sorry if I scared you," I said. "Nice shirt."
"Thanks," she said as she cocked a hip. "Sexy, right?"
"Hmmm," I answered as I walked over to her. I wrapped my arms around her waist. "Extremely sexy. Seeing you in my clothes is causing my jeans to be tight."
"Do I turn you on, Edward?" Bella asked innocently.
"Very much so," I answered as I kissed her pouty lips. Bella responds by twisting her fingers into my hair. But she's too short. I bent down and picked her up. I placed her on the kitchen counter, wrapping her legs around my waist. We made out for a few more minutes. Just enough time for my cock to become very hard and very pissed at me for not getting him his release. The smell of bacon and eggs caused my stomach to growl loudly.
"Someone's hungry," Bella giggled against my mouth.
"For you, maybe," I answered as I kissed her long neck. And cue stomach growl again. "Okay, I AM hungry for real food, too."
"Breakfast is served," she said as she passed me a plate filled with a bacon/cheese omelet. "An Isabella Swan creation just for you, Edward."
"For me? You shouldn't have," I said as I began inhaling my breakfast. "Fis ish rearry good."
"Excuse me? What was that?" Bella laughed as she dug into her own plate.
I swallowed and smirked. "This is really good. Best meal I've had…"
"Since last night," she laughed.
"That was good, but this was the best HOME COOKED meal I've had," I said. "I can't cook for shit."
"But you provide me with Pop Tarts. You are my hero," Bella said as she put her plate on the counter next to her. She took my empty plate, placing it on top of hers. "I don't know what happened last night. I felt…so…"
"I know. Alice told me," I whispered as I caressed her back. "James is a tool."
"There is one thing I'm curious about. Did you sell your body to get drug money?" Bella asked. Her teeth nibbling her lip ring.
"I did. I won't lie. It was not one of my finest moments. However, I was always safe. Always used a condom and I never shot up drugs. I hate needles," I chuckled darkly.
"And yet you're a tattoo artist," Bella said, noting the irony.
"Let me rephrase. I hate needles in me," I said. "Bella, I made some decisions in my life that I'm not proud of. That I'm actually embarrassed of, but they are part of who I am. I'm a fuck up. But, I'm trying to be better."
"You are, Edward," she said as she caressed my jaw, lightly tracing my tattoos on my arms. "What time are you going into Dreamstyle?"
"I have to be there my noon. I should leave here around eleven since someone is wearing my shirt I was going to put on today," I said, arching my brow.
"Oops," she said innocently. Bella's fingers moved to my nipples and she looked up at me seductively. She leaned forward and wrapped her lips around my nipple. Christ on a cracker, that feels good. My jaw dropped and my jeans got tighter. Her tongue toyed with my nipple, twisting the metal that pierced through it. Her hands rubbed my back and stopped on my ass. She licked across my chest and turned her attention to the other nipple. I moaned and ran my fingers along her creamy thighs. She pressed sweet, chaste kisses up my torso, along my collarbones and she stopped at my neck. She sucked on the sensitive skin behind my ear, nibbling slightly. That's going to leave a mark. "Edward," she moaned against my skin.
"What, baby?" I asked, barely able to form words. I was so turned on right now. I wanted her. Needed her.
"Can we try something?" she said as she nibbled on my ear.
"Anything, Bella," I said as ran my fingers up her arms.
"Take me to my room," she said as she smirked at me. I picked her up easily. Bella wrapped her legs around my waist. "Hmmm, someone's excited."
"You could say that," I said as I carried her to her bedroom. Bella directed me to the bed. I put her down on the edge and she pulled my face to hers. Her lips crashed against mine and I moaned. Again. Our tongues danced together and she moved back on the bed. I crawled up with her. She wrapped her legs around me, forcing me to pin her with my body. I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable. I rolled us so I was on my back. She's in control. Bella straddled my waist and she ground her hips against my erection. Bella moved down my body, reaching for my button of my jeans. "Bella?"
"I want to taste you, Edward," she said as she looked up at me.
I ran my hand through my hair. I wanted her. I wanted all of her. Bella's mouth included, but I didn't want it in response to what James said. She's in control, moron. If she wants to give you a blowjob then ACCEPT IT! "Only if I get to taste you, too," I offered.
"Hmm, possibly," Bella said as she popped the button to my jeans. She nibbled on my skin as she eased my jeans off my legs. My boner was tenting my boxer briefs and I was so turned on, but embarrassed at the same time. Bella licked her lips and arched her brow. With expert fingers she pulled down my boxer briefs and tossed them over her shoulder. Her tiny hand wrapped around my cock and I nearly blew my load right then. Bella chuckled at my reaction. "I really do turn you on."
"You have absolutely no idea. I'm like this all day when I'm near you," I said honestly.
"You walk around with this monster in your pants. And it's huge? How do you fit in your jeans?" she teased as she rubbed her lips over my cock. Cannot form thoughts. Bella's lips are on my dick. She's so close.
"Umm…" I replied intelligently. Bella laughed as she licked the tip of my cock.
"Edward? Do you want me to lick your cock?" she cooed. "Suck it until you come?"
"Fuck," I groaned. "Yes."
Bella smirked and ran her tongue up and down my shaft. Her tongue ring feeling amazing against my skin. Bella wrapped her lips around my cock and slowly eased me into her hot mouth. My breath was coming in spurts. I was too wound up, too excited to see this. My brows furrowed and watched with rapt attention as Bella began bobbing her head on my cock. With her hands, she massaged my balls and I was amazed at her blowjob skills. Her tongue fluttered up my shaft and I finally know what Emmett was talking about. God that feels so good.
With her other hand, she was pumping my dick and I was so close. My balls were tightening and the coil in my belly was close to springing. Bella's cinnamon eyes were looking up at me and never broke contact. I wanted to touch her, caress her cheeks, but didn't want to make her uncomfortable. "Shit, baby. That feels so amazing," I breathed. "I'm close, Bella."
Her teeth scraped along the underside of my dick and that was my undoing. I touched her cheek, trying to get her to release my cock so she wouldn't have to swallow my come. But she kept sucking on my dick. She swallowed all of my release and did I have a lot! Rosie Palmer just ain't cutting it, Cullen.
Bella kissed her way up my body and nuzzled my neck. "You like, Whip?" she purred. Not able to form thoughts, let alone sentences, I nodded as I captured her chin. I kissed her soft lips that were glistening with my release. Fuck, that's so hot. Bella flinched lightly when I kissed her, obviously surprised that I wanted to after she gave me the most amazing blow job EVER.
I gently traced my hands up her body, ghosting them over her breasts. She shivered and I didn't want to push too far. "Thank you, Bella," I whispered against her fragrant skin. I nipped on her earlobe. "You didn't have to do that."
Bella weaved her fingers through my hair and pulled me so I was looking into her deep cinnamon eyes. "I know. I wanted to," she said, a soft pink blush creeping over her cheeks.
"Can I return the favor?" Please? Please? Please?
"Umm..." Bella replied, biting her lip.
"It's okay, Bella. If you're not comfortable, I'm cool," I said as I caressed her cheeks.
"I want to, but I don't want you to think that I'm a slut or anything."
"If anyone is the slut in this relationship, it's me," I chuckled. "You reminded me on a daily basis for the first few months of my working at Dreamstyle that I was a manwhore. Admittedly I was."
"How many women were you with?" Bella whispered as she curled up next to me.
"25? I think?" I answered. "Never did I have any feelings for any of them."
"None of them?" Bella asked as she looked at me.
"Okay, one. The girl I gave my virginity to. She was my girlfriend all through my junior and senior year of high school. Her name was Kate. We were the golden children of Port Angeles High School. I thought I loved her and we had sex on prom night. Cliched, I know," I laughed.
"I would pay money to see you in a tux," Bella giggled.
"I was hot," I said, arching a brow. SMACK! "Ouch! I was! You probably would laugh at how conservative I was in high school."
"Were you a nerd, Edward?" Bella asked.
"Class valedictorian. No glasses though. I was in the choir, musicals, speech team, art club, National Honor Society, French Honor Society, newspaper and yearbook. So yeah, I was a nerd."
"What the hell happened?"
"I had the rug pulled out from under me," I sighed. "I had a normal childhood. My adulthood is what was fucked up."
"My childhood was fucked up and I'm trying to be a normal adult," Bella said as she chuckled at the irony. "I really care about you, Edward. Probably more than I should. It's scary how much you dominate my thoughts."
"Me, too, baby," I whispered as I kissed her forehead. "I probably should head back to my place. I need to shower and get clothes. Since my beautiful girlfriend gave me good head and is wearing my shirt."
"I know, I rock," Bella said as she kissed my lips. "I'm off today. Do you want me to swing by after your shift? I'll cook you dinner."
"Cook? Dinner?" I asked, my eyes sparkling. "Yes and please!"
I got up and pulled my boxer briefs and jeans up my legs. Bella was watching me as I dressed. "You know your quite good looking, Cullen," Bella smirked.
"Thanks," I blushed. "It's genetic."
"Christ," Bella laughed as I pulled my button down shirt over my shoulders. I leaned down and kissed her sweetly. "Thank you for coming over and…everything."
"Thank you for breakfast and the delicious dinner you will make," I said as I bit down on her lower lip. "Later, beautiful." Bella squeaked and I strode out of her room, slipping on my shoes as I left. I drove home, taking a cursory shower. I floated into the shop and breezed through my day. Alice came in sometime in the afternoon and hugged me something fierce. Afterward, she danced out of the shop with a huge grin on her face. Okay, Midget has lost her damn mind, but what else is new.
I drove home after my shift, sending Bella text. She said she was at the grocery store and would be over in an hour. I tidied up my apartment. A quiet knock came at my door and I opened it up. Alice, Emmett and Jasper were standing outside my door. "We come baring a gift!" Alice chirped. Emmett and Jasper groaned and heaved a new couch in to my apartment. "I saw it and it was on sale. It's yours, Whip!"
"Thanks?"
"You are helping us carry the cat piss couch down the damn stairs, Cullen. This thing was a fucking monster," Jasper said. "The things I do for my fiancé."
"You love me, Jazzy," Alice said as she kissed his cheek.
"I do, darling. But you are too much," Jasper said as he went to my fridge and pulled out a water bottle. "Come on, let's get this nasty thing out of here."
Emmett, Jasper and I took my couch and placed it by the dumpster. Emmett clapped my shoulder and Jasper groaned as he texted Alice. She skipped down like a woodland fairy and kissed my cheek. And with that, they were gone. I also had a new couch. A new leather couch. A new BLACK leather couch. Remind me to pay Alice. With a new tattoo.
Bella arrived a little bit later with fixings for chicken fajitas. She even brought her own cook wear. I have pots and pans. They suck, but I have 'em. She made our dinner and we talked for hours. It was so nice. I'd almost hazard to say it was perfect. She was curled up against my chest on my new leather couch and we just shared everything about each other. With each passing moment, I was falling more and more in love with her. Before I knew it, it was after two in the morning and Bella was asleep on my chest. I gently picked her up and carried her to the bed. I removed her shoes, but kept her clothes on. She nearly had a panic attack when I went to touch her breasts earlier today and I didn't want her to think that I was groping her in her sleep. I removed my t-shirt and jeans, sliding on a pair of shorts. I crawled into bed and spooned around Bella. She sighed and mumbled my name a few times. I closed my eyes and fell asleep with a smile on my face.
xx EC: AWIP xx
The rest of the week went by quickly. Bella and I fell into a comfortable routine. We even came out to Emmett about our relationship. He was thrilled about us and he actually told us that he and Rose were exclusive. However, most of the shop knew that. Angela walked in on them on my day off, fucking in his office. And she was loud.
And now, we're on Saturday. I am working on a tattoo on a large man who had an overabundance of back hair. And he wanted a back piece. I think I threw up in my mouth a little bit. That's just WRONG. It was a cool tattoo but not on him. He wanted a Harley Davidson with a skeleton on it for his entire back. I was working on the outline today, but would finish up over the next few weeks. He wanted it in color. I wasn't comfortable with color, but I could do it when pushed. After several hours, I bid the hairy man goodbye until his next appointment in two weeks. I stood up and cracked my back. I was heading to Pepper's after that appointment so I could work on my piece for Bella. I was playing it for her. Essentially putting my heart on the line for her. I was nervous as fuck.
I clocked out and headed over to Alice's store. She walked with me to Pepper's and she gave me words of encouragement. 'You can do this, Whip. She loves you, too. She just needs a little push,' was always her response to my perseverating. The owner of Pepper's shows me to the piano, a rinky dink upright. However, it's in tune. I warmed up my fingers with some random scales and a few jazz tunes. Alice finally whined and begged me to play Bella's song. I rolled my eyes and began playing the lullaby. I had made a few changes since I last played for Alice. I made them on my guitar. I finished the song and looked at Alice. She squealed. It was so loud that dogs were howling.
Alice then dragged me back to her shop and dressed me. That's right, folks. I'm Alice's life-sized Ken doll. She reassured me again and we walked back to Pepper's around eight at night. The shop was closed early for my party. I was going to perform at nine. So that meant an hour of eating and drinking. Water. I was drinking water. Alice and I got into the bar and found all of our friends.
Who would have thought that you would have friends? People who care about you? Who love you? I almost teared about that admission. These people were my family. They cared about me. Alice was like my sister and mother hen. Emmett was my evil older brother who kept my ass in line. Jasper was the voice of reason. And Bella…Bella was my love. My reason for living, breathing, existing. I couldn't wait to tell her.
I walked over to her. My Bella and wrapped my arms around her waist. She jumped slightly. However, I kissed her cheek sweetly and she realized it was me. Bella relaxed in my arms, after she handed me a boneless Buffalo wing. We spend the time before my performance staying close to each other. Alice was constantly looking at us with a look of joy and happiness. Bella and I were together and we were happy. Every so often, Bella would turn and kiss my lips, eliciting a groan from me.
"Okay, folks!" Emmett bellowed. "We're here tonight to celebrate the newest member of our crazy, dysfunctional family. We're celebrating for THREE reasons. Reason number one: Edward Cullen has managed to stay clean and drug free for one whole year." Applause and cheers ring through the bar. I blush and duck my head behind Bella's head. "Reason number two: Edward Cullen and Bella Swan finally realized that they were indeed crazy for each other and finally pulled their heads out of their asses." Bella and I booed that one. "Finally, reason number three: Edward Cullen is the newest and most wanted member of Dreamstyle Ink as a full-fledged tattoo artist! Congratulations, Edward and I guess, Bella too."
"Fuck you, Emmett McCarty," Bella snarled as she laughed.
"Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt," Emmett laughed. Bella smacked Emmett in the stomach and pouted. I wrapped my arms around her waist and laid my head on her shoulder. Bella's fingers twined with mine and she kissed me sweetly. "Anyhow, Edward, we as a staff have something to give you. I'm certain filled you in our tradition so…" Emmett said as he reached behind the booth he was standing near. "Here's your new, state of the art tattoo gun and some high end ink. Welcome to our family and we love you, man." Emmett acted like he was wiping away a tear and he pulled me away from Bella, hugging me tightly. In my ear, he whispered, "I'm so proud of you, Edward. You turned your life around. You did good, kid."
"Thanks, Emmett," I said as I hugged him back.
"Speech!" Rose yelled from her perch on a bar stool.
"NO!" I respond. "I hated public speaking in high school, why in the hell would I start now?"
"Because you love us, Whipping Boy," Alice chirped from Jasper's lap.
"I have a better idea," I smirk as I look at the clock. I removed my jacket and headed up onto the stage. I sat down at the piano and blew out a breath. You performed in front of thousands of people on the piano, Cullen. You can do this. COME ON! I placed my fingers on the keys, closing my eyes. "Bella," I whispered for me. "This is for you." I knew she couldn't hear me. I could barely hear me. I began playing the lullaby. My hands glided over the keys, moving of their own volition. With each note, each chord, each crescendo, each articulation, I expressed my love for Bella. My love for everything that she represented. I was nearly done with my piece when I heard a shuffle. I looked up and saw Bella bolt from the bar.
Aw, hell.
I finished the song and got up from the piano, not really paying attention to the applause that was filling the bar. I raced past Emmett who was trying to stop me. I followed Bella to the spot where we almost had our first kiss. She was crouched in a ball, sobbing against the wall. "Bella?"
"Leave me the fuck alone, Whipping Boy," she screamed.
"I won't," I said as saw red. I thought we were past this bullshit. "What the hell?"
Bella looked up at me and she shoved me against the wall. "I hate you, Cullen. You are such an asshole," she shouted as she hit me and clawed at my clothes. "What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking that I fucking love you, Bella," I screamed, tearing at my hair. "That song was you. YOU! Can't you see it? I love everything about you!"
"You can't! I'm not worthy of love. I can't love. I'm too damaged to love," she sobbed. "This was a mistake. A huge mistake. I need to get out of here."
"Why is it a mistake, Bella? Because you have the same feelings for me?" I sneered.
"I don't. I hate you."
"No, you don't. You've said it to me. Granted you were sleeping, but you said it. You are worthy of love. Bella, we've been through a massive shit storm in our lives, but when I'm with you, I don't feel like a fucking screw up. I need you. I need us. Don't throw that away," I pleaded as I reached for her hand.
She pulled it away and looked at me coldly. Her usually warm cinnamon eyes were void of all emotion. "I can't return what I don't feel." She turned on her heel and stomped back into the bar. I crouched down in the alley, feeling my own tears fall down my cheeks. What I wouldn't give for a fix.
I got up and wiped my eyes. I strode into the bar and to the bartender. "Jack Daniels," I said. "Leave the bottle."
He nodded and placed a glass and the bottle of Jack in front of me. I poured myself a huge shot and pounded it, feeling the liquid go down my throat. I poured myself another shot and felt a tiny hand on my forearm. "Edward, don't. Please?"
"What's the goddamned point, Alice? She fucking hates me. There's no point," I said as I reached for the Jack bottle again.
"She's scared, Edward."
"Like I'm not?" I fumed. "I'm fucking terrified. I've never been in love before. I want her. Only her. And she throws it in my face. Stupid bitch."
"Edward, don't give up on her. I'm begging you. Don't go down this path," Alice said as she wrapped her arms around my waist. "She loves you. She doesn't know how to express it."
"So she hits, screams and belittles," I seethe. "Great coping mechanism. Why aren't you trying to help her? She's your roommate."
"Emmett and Jasper are trying to talk her down," Alice said sadly. "But I doubt it'll happen. I've never seen her this upset."
"It was a goddamned song, Alice," I said as I downed another shot of Jack. Alice flagged down the bartender, shoving the bottle into his hands. "Why did she flip out over a song?"
"Because she can," Alice said as she hugged me.
"I don't know how to fix this," I whispered. "Or if it's fixable. I told her I loved her out in the alley. She then spat back that she hated me."
"But she doesn't."
"No. She talks in her sleep. When she does sleep. All of her mutterings were my name and 'I love you's.' Alice, I can't live without her," I said as I played with my now empty glass. "I'm going to go. I can't be here."
"Edward, promise me you won't do anything stupid."
"I promise," I whispered. Alice grabbed my face and looked into my eyes. Her own blue eyes filled with tears and she hugged me tightly. I held onto her tiny frame like a life raft. A few tears slipped past my own lashes but I wiped them away. I picked up my jacket and left.
I was walking back from the bar. I had a nice buzz going on. I love me some Jack Daniels. Tasty. However, drugs would have been preferred. You remembered what happen with that, asshole. Shut it, inner voice. I'm over you.
I had finally finished my apprenticeship as a tattoo artist with Bitchella, erm, Bella. God, she was incredibly hot but so crabby. Maybe it's because she hold you accountable for you actions, Cullen. Fuck you. We had all gone out to drink at Pepper's, a bar close to the tattoo parlor, Dreamstyle Ink.
I pulled out a cigarette and lit it. I took a long draw of the cancer stick as I sauntered down the sidewalk. I was nearly back to Dreamstyle to pick up my car when I heard a scuffle. I shrugged it off and pulled out my car keys to my Volvo. It's a piece of crap, but it's mine. Hell, it was my home for sometime there.
"James! Stop it! Get your hands off me!" someone screamed. I heard a muffled thud and the tearing of fabric. This is not good. I walked toward the sounds, clenching my hands into fists, preparing myself for the inevitable fight. I heard a loud smack and snarling. I turned the corner and found James Pattinson, one of the former tattoo artists, pounding into a prone woman in the alley behind Dreamstyle.
"Hey, fucker. Leave her alone," I growled. James whirled around and he pulled up his pants, running down the opposite end of the alley. I took off after him but he had too much of head start. I whipped out my cell phone and ran back to the woman in the alley. I got closer and lightly brushed her hair from her face. Bella. I traced my fingers along the curve of her jaw and grimaced. Her cheek was sliced with a knife. Her nose was broken and she had a split lip.
Her shirt was in tatters and her breasts were exposed. I removed my leather jacket to cover her body. As I laid it on her, I noticed the damage done to her lower half of her body. She was torn to shreds. "Fuck."
"911, what's your emergency?" a female voice called.
"I need an ambulance," I said quietly, biting back vomit. God, how can he do this to her? "I'm located in the alley behind Dreamstyle Ink Tattoo Parlor."
"What's the nature of the emergency?"
"My friend. She's been raped," I said.
The phone fell from my hand and I bit back vomit. Not her. God, not her. I heard the sirens close by and ran out to the street. Two cop cars and an ambulance were flying down the street. I waved them down. The cop cars slammed on the brakes and I led them to Bella. One of the cops pushed me against the wall. "I didn't do it. Back off," I sneered. "I found her. The guy you're looking for is James Pattinson. He's the one who did this to her. He ran down the alley in that direction." I pointed toward the opposite end of the alley and several cops took off in that direction.
The cop released me and he looked into my eyes. He nodded minutely and I went back to Bella. By now, a crowd of people were gathered at the entrance of the alley. The EMTs were placing Bella onto a stretcher. "You coming, buddy?" one of the EMTs asked.
"Can I?" I replied. He nodded and we loaded Bella up into the ambulance. Alice looked at Bella and her eyes met mine. Her face was a picture of anguish and pain. She gave me a small smile. "Where are we going?"
"Virginia Mason Medical Center," the EMT replied. I yelled it out to Alice and she nodded. "She your girlfriend?"
"Something like that," I said as I picked up her hand. It was bruised and it appeared like her wrist was broken. The EMT removed my jacket and began assessing her injuries. Tears fell down my cheeks as I looked at the broken woman on the gurney. "Is she going to be alright?"
"I don't know, man. The doctors will have to check her out. I'm Embry, by the way. My partner driving this bus is Quil. We're going to get her there as soon as possible."
"Thanks, Embry," I sighed as I ran my shaking hand over her cheek. We pulled up to Virginia Mason. Embry and Quil unload Bella from the ambulance and we go into a trauma room. A nurse pushes me out of the way and I stare as they remove all of Bella's clothes, putting them into an evidence bag. As I stand there watching Bella get poked and prodded by the nurses and residents, I hear another voice.
Behind me is the voice I'd never thought I'd hear again. "Hello, I'm Dr. Cullen. Are you family?" he asked.
I turn around and see the piercing green eyes of my father.
A/N – Dun, dun, dun…we're up to the prologue and a little past it. Leave me love! XOXO
