Bella POV

"Fear makes you fragile." – The Goo Goo Dolls

"Bella. You heard me. What did the message say?" Emmett commanded from the front seat. Everyone was exchanging looks of confusion in the car. I turned to Edward as he reassuringly squeezed my knee.

"He knows I'm here." I croaked out, my voice changing pitch at the end. Edward put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into his chest as I cried.

I heard Emmett hit the steering wheel. I hung my head, leaning on Edward for all my support. He was taking in shaky breathes, shallow, not completely filling his lungs. I could feel the tension in his shoulder as I leaned on him. Jasper was rubbing his hand up and down my back.

"Alright, everyone out. I need to talk to Bella. We'll be there in a minute." Emmett said. I hadn't even realized we had made it to the restaurant. Everyone piled out of the car except Edward. "That means you too."

"Go ahead, Edward." I said, squeezing his torso once more before letting go and supporting myself. He dipped his head down and kissed my cheek, before jumping out of the car. I was in pure shock he had just done that. My cheek was tingling from where his lips had touched me.

"Bells, let me see your phone." Emmett said reaching his hand out for my phone. He read the text from Danny. He knew where I was. All of a sudden my phone was being shattered against the ground.

"EM!" I yelled as I watched the pieces scatter around the car. "That was my phone, asshole!"

"We'll get you a new one. With a new number. I don't want him knowing how to contact you anymore. I want your speed dials to be me, Dad, Jasper and Edward. You can add anyone you'd like after that. Life's different now, Bells. I don't want you alone, ever. At least call one of us and tell us you're going and when you get back. You know we're going to have to tell Dad." Emmett said.

"I'm scared, Em. What if Dad's mad I let this all happen?" I said, resting my head on my brothers chest as he pulled me into a hug.

"Squirt, none of this is your fault. No one is ever going to be mad about this with you." He said, pulling back to wipe my tears. Luckily they were slowed now and were almost done.

"I love you, Em." I said, straightening myself out.

"I love you too, Squirt. We'll go get you a new phone after dinner alright?" Emmett promised, wrapping an arm around my shoulder before walking into the restaurant with me. We were quickly lead to our table and I saw an empty seat next to Edward.

"Everything okay?" Charlie asked as we sat down. Emmett and I exchanged exasperated looks.

"Uhuh." I said. "My phone fell when I was getting out of the car. It's in like 100 pieces." I said, shooting daggers at Emmett, "Em and I are gonna go pick up a new one after dinner."

"Always the graceful one, Bella." Charlie commented, the whole table erupted with laughter. I blushed a deep shade of red. Cool, Dad.

Dinner went on as normal, except for the side glances I kept getting from Alice and Rose, knowing that they would hound me for details later. Great, just what I wanted to deal with. I didn't want to drag everyone into this. I was scared Danny would go after them too.

"So Bella, how's life with Lochie? He's quite the hockey player." Esme said, looking across at me, while I was quietly talking to Edward.

"Oh! Uh- yeah, he's great at hockey. We're uh- we're fine." I stammered out. Wonderful Bella, way to sound like an extreme idiot.

As soon as dinner was over we excused ourselves so we could go to the mall. We all piled out of the car, none of us saying a word to each other the whole way there.

"I'll even buy you the bigger version of that phone, Squirt." Emmett said wrapping an arm around my shoulder as he took Rose's hand.

"Wait, why is Emmett buying your phone?" Alice asked, pulling Jasper in tow.

"Because he threw it on the ground." I said softly. I felt my cheeks turn pink.

"I'm so lost. What's going on lately?" Rose asked. I stopped walking before turning to Emmett.

"I need to talk to Rose and Alice. Can we meet you guys in the Apple store in like 30 minutes?" I said. Emmett nodded and gave my shoulder a squeeze. I watched as Edward, Jasper and him went into the sporting goods store.

"His name was Danny…" My story began, again for the third time. A story I never wanted anyone to hear. A story that hurt so bad I felt numb. "So that's why I'm here. And now he knows I'm here. That's what the text was about in the car."

Alice wiped away a tear that had fallen from her eye as Rose wrapped an arm tightly around my shoulder.

"You didn't deserve any of that, Bell." Rose cooed into my ear, soothing me. "He's a dirtbag. If Danny tries to come near you again don't worry, he'll get hell for what he did to you."

"I'm scared. I don't want him to find me." I said, looking down.

"Sweetie, he already knows where you are. We'll just have to be cautious. He won't get to you, we promise." Alice said, taking one of my hands in hers.

"We don't have to meet the boys for another 10 minutes." Rose said, looking at her phone. "Want to tell them to go earlier?"

"Can we just stay here?" I asked. Alice and Rose nodded.

"Good, I can talk to you about something now then." Alice said, perking up again. We all laughed as we braced ourselves for Alice's interrogation. "What's going on with you and Lochie?"

Edwards POV

"You're gonna make sure she gets a new number too, right man?" I asked Emmett frantically as we walked into Modells.

"For the thousandth time, yes Edward. He won't be able to call her anymore." Emmett answered, moving towards the hockey sticks.

"I still don't know what's going on." Jasper sighed, sitting on the bench next to the sticks. I quickly explained the story to Jasper, leaving out the more gruesome details. "Shit man. Why did we leave the girls alone just now again?"

"That's a good question. But they need some space right now, and it's not like we're far enough to not hear them scream or something." Emmett answered. He looked at his watch and put down the neon colored stick. "Lets go to the store."

We walked silently down to the Apple Store. Bella went with Emmett to talk to a sales person while I stood by the Ipods with Alice. She was rambling on and on about how horrible what Danny did was, I didn't want to think of it. I knew just how bad it was, and I'd really rather not lose control in the middle of a store.

"Oh, by the way, did you tell Bella you're gonna be in the talent show?" Alice said, nudging my arm.

"No. It's only for my music midterm. It's not a big deal." I said, looking down at the little ipod in my hand.

"By the look on your face, you want her to be there. Don't lie to me, Edward. If you want her there that bad, tell her." Alice said, lowering her voice so only I could hear her.

"What do you want me to say, hey Bells, I'm totally in love with you but you have a boyfriend and I really want you to be there because I feel whole again when you're near me? Yeah I don't think so. She's Lochie's, not mine." I hissed at my sister.

"She's no ones property Edward." Alice spat at me before walking over to Jasper and Rose who were leaning up against a table.

"Hey, ready to go?" Bella's sweet voice broke me out of my thoughts a few minutes later. I smiled down at her as I watched her play with her new phone.

"Yup." I said, grabbing her phone and started to add my number. I felt my grin find its way to my face as I saw I was already added. "You've memorized my number?"

"Uhm, uh yeah. I hope you don't mind, you're the second speed dial." She said, as her beautiful blush spread across her cheeks. I wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to me.

"Not at all." I said, as we left the store.

It was Monday night, the night of the talent show. I hadn't told Bella about the show, but I'm pretty sure she knew it was going on. She just didn't know I was playing and singing in it.

I was pacing behind the stage, waiting for my call. This was dreadful. I really didn't want to do this, but I knew I had to do it to pass my music class.

"Cullen! You're on next." I heard shouted through the back. I walked towards the entrance and waited for my cue. Here goes nothing.

Bella POV

It was Monday night, the night of the talent show. I was sitting front row between Alice and Lochie and couldn't help but wonder where Edward was. I tried asking Alice but she just shooshed me and went back to talking to Jasper. I felt Lochie weave his fingers within mine and sigh. Things just weren't as blissful as they were before.

Everyone clapped as Lauren and Jessica got of the stage, Alice and I just gagged at each other, pretending to be sick. But it was what the MC said next that caught me off guard.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, for one night only, Forks High's very own hockey captain, playing his own song. Without further of due, Edward Cullen." He announced. I felt my jaw drop as I looked at Alice. She was beaming with pride. When I turned to Lochie he had a scowl on his face, and if looks could kill, the whole room would be dead.

"So, um, I wrote this song myself. It's called, You. I hope you guys enjoy it." Edward said before positioning himself in front of the piano and moving the mic.

"You, are the faith that kills the fear of being real – yeah this is real

Now for the first time, I'm finally alive

You, take my fist inside your hands, you squeeze and I understand

But I get lost in the politics of love

You still surprise me everyday

You blanket me with grace

You clear the static and you get me reconnected."

I watched as Edward played the piano with his eyes shut and sang out the chorus, hitting every note perfectly. I could see the emotion dance across his face, he looked upset.

"You put your fingers in my hair

You broke into my head the sacrifice so you could feel like I do

You know, that it's easier alone

You know, that it's easier along

But I can't be me without you

You, see the days sallow me whole

You see me bang my head off walls

Put your face on mine and say, Let it be.

You said if everyone gets lost,

You pressed your mouth against my lips

You sang a song, but there's no strategy with your melodies love."

I felt a tear brimming in my eyes. Edward had opened his brilliant green eyes and was looking straight at me as he sang through the chorus again. He never took his eyes off of me.

"You, are the faith that kills the fear

Of being real- yeah this is real

Now for the first time, I have arrived." Edward stood up and exited the stage quickly as the crowd erupted. I remained seated, my whole body in shock. Everyone else was on their feet cheering. Alice bent down and whispered in my ear.

"Don't look so surprised, the boy's been crazy about you since you two were born. You've always known that." She whispered. I looked up at her my jaw hanging wide open. I turned and realized Lochie wasn't next to me.

"I'm gonna go get some air." I said to Alice as I began to weave my way out of the crowd. She nodded and threw her coat on my seat to save it for me.

I finally made it to the doors and burst outside into the chilly night. I took a few deep breaths, letting the cool air fill my lungs. I looked around and finally saw Lochie out on the main lawn where we ate lunch on the few days when it didn't rain. Unfortunately tonight it was raining.

"Lochie?" I said, moving towards him. The rain stung as it mixed with the cold air on my skin.

"What do you want, Bella?" He hissed at me through the dark, his words cutting through my heart.

"What the hell, Lochie? Why are you doing this?" I asked wrapping my arms around my body.

"Doing what, Bella? You're the one whose in love with your best friend. And guess what, you're the only who doesn't see it!" He shouted at me. I felt the tears threaten to stream down my face.

"Do not yell at me." I said as calmly as I could.

"Bella, open your eyes. It's always been Edward. And it always will be. That song, that as about you, everything that boy does is about you. I'm sick of playing your twisted games. Pick right here, right now. Whose it going to be, Bella. Edward Cullen or me?" Lochie continued to shout at me.

"This isn't fair." I whispered as the tears freely fell down my face. "You can't make me chose this."

"Either you chose it, or I'll chose it for you." He hissed.

"Why, Lochie? What happened to the nice, sweet guy I met in September? Where'd he go?" I asked, finally feeling all the rage built up inside me.

"He realized he has been trying to win the affection of a girl who wasn't even his to begin with. Look me straight in the eye and tell me you don't love Edward Cullen in any way, shape or form." He said, forcefully dragging me under a streetlight. I winced at his touch.

"Stop it!" I shouted. I was now soaked and tried to get my wet, matted hair out of my face. "You're being ridiculous!"

"I'm being ridiculous? All of a sudden you're the one hiding things from me, doing things behind my back, talking in hushed tones. If anything I'm being delusional! I'm absolutely crazy!" Lochie said, walking away from me.

"So that's it, huh? Just gonna walk away?" I shouted. He stopped and turned to look at me.

"You walked away along time ago, Bella." He said before walking towards his car. I let a strangled scream and started kicking the streetlight. I cried underneath that streetlamp for what seemed like hours.

"Squirt!" I heard being shouted from the building. "BELLA!"

"Emmett, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have let her come out here by herself, I thought she was just going to the lobby." I could hear Alice.

"Bella!" Emmett was getting closer. I couldn't will myself to stand up though. I was crumpled under the lamp. "There you are. Was he here? Did he hurt you?"

"Lochie." I mumbled out. Alice nodded her head understandingly. Emmett just cocked his head to the side and looked at me.

"What about him?" Emmett asked.

"It's done." I croaked. Suddenly I felt Emmett's strong arms pick me up bridal style as he carried me to the car.

Emmett POV

I felt my heart rip in two as I remembered how broken my baby sister looked under the street light last night. I was livid, thinking about what Lochie did to her, what she's been through. I would have to face him today, as his captain. I heard my phone ring as I got into my car to drive off to practice.

"Hello?"
"Em? It's Edward." Edward said, sounding distraught.

"What's up, Eddie-Boy?" I asked.

"Think you can give me a ride to practice?" Edward asked, I was already in my car so I just spun around and went towards the Cullen's house.

"Sure thing. I'll see you in a few, bro." I hung up, speeding off towards Edward's. I didn't want to face Lochie today, I really didn't think I could handle myself well around him. Soon enough I was pulling up and saw Edward standing outside with his hockey bag, ready to go.

"You look like you haven't slept in days." I called out of my jeep as he through his bag into the back.

"I didn't sleep last night. I was thinking of every way I could possibly avoid killing that dirty Australian at practice this morning." Edward hissed as he sank into my passenger seat.

"We can't do anything about it. Coach will have our asses. We have about two more months of season with him, then you can kick his ass." I said. We drove the rest of the way to rink in silence.

I got out first, grabbing my bag and my sticks. I didn't bother waiting for Edward to get his lazy butt out of the car before I headed in and met the rest of the boys in the locker room.

"Alright boys. Practice is gonna be hard today. No ones getting off easy because we won the other night. Lace up and be on the ice in 10 minutes." I said as I got in. Lochie looked up at me as I went to sit down. I felt a growl in my chest and he looked back down. Finally a freshman spoke up as Edward entered the room.

"Why does Edward get to be late?" Paul asked to no one in particular. I looked at Edward who was pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Edward had a rough night." I answered, nonchalantly. I just needed to get through the next two hours. I laced up my skates and nudged Edward.

"I'll start practice. Keep your cool, man." I said, before leaving Edward alone in the locker room.

"What are you pansies all doing just standing around? Go!" I shouted. It wasn't fair that I was taking out my anger on the team, but I would be in trouble if I singled out Lochie. I was standing at center ice when Edward finally joined me.

"I'm going to burst. Seriously, Em. I don't know how you're just standing here." Edward said, leaning on his stick as he adjusted to his skates.

"Because a, coach would kill us and b, Bella would take care of whatever coach didn't. You know she hates when we fight." I said, watching the lines do 3 v. 2 weaves.

"Hey Jas, I got this one." Edward called Jasper off the line and went onto the defensive line. Jasper came and stood by me.

"What's he doing on defense?" Jasper asked.

"Something we all want to do." I said quietly. I watched as the puck went between Gray and Trevor and finally to Lochie. Edward waited a minute and then completely railed Lochie to the boards. Lochie laid crumple on the ice for a minute before jumping back up.

"Again." Lochie growled, standing back up straight.

"Fine by me." Edward said, getting back into position. The same process happened. I stood shaking my head, thankful coach had let us run practice this morning. Lochie called again.

"Aren't you gonna do something, man? They're going to kill each other." Jasper said, ready to go back to his rightful line.

"Let them work it out." I said, pulling Jasper back. Edward continued to rail Lochie against the boards, no matter what fancy movie he would try to make. Finally they just started decking each other. Jasper and I were able to separate them.

"Are you done beating the shit out of me, Cullen?" Lochie shouted as he spat blood onto the ice from where Edward hit his jaw.

"Not until you're as fucked up as you made Bella feel." Edward shouted back at Lochie. Jasper tried to pull Edward to the locker room, but he wouldn't budge.

"Why because she's in love with you, you're going to beat me up?" Lochie said, right as Edward broke free and hit Lochie square in the nose.

"Alright practice is done for the day." I shouted finally. "You two. Stay the hell away from each other." I said, pointing between Lochie and Edward. "And Lochie, if you value anything about yourself, you'll won't touch another hair on my baby sister's hair, every again."

"It was Ed-" Lochie began.

"Don't even try to blame this one me! Bella was crazy about you! You are the one who messed everything up." Edward hissed at him as he stormed off the ice and slammed the door into the locker room.

"You're messing with the wrong family." I said to Lochie before following Edward into the locker room. I could hear Jasper laughing and following behind me.

"Bro, you made us sound like the mob." Jasper said, laughing as he slumped into the seat next to me. I rolled my eyes and started laughing. Jasper's laughter followed mine and then finally Edward joined us. The three of us were beside ourselves laughing.

We finally got our act together and showered quickly. Jasper and Edward got into the Jeep; Will wasn't going to school so Jasper no longer had a ride. We rode silently, except for the occasional spurt of laughter. Jasper and I jumped out of the car and ran over to our girls.

Edward however, stayed back a little. I saw Bella smirk at him and I watched as his grinned that dumb grin back at her. He walked over to her and started nudging her in a flirty manner. Rose grabbed my arms to get my attention back.

"They'll realize it soon enough." Rosie sighed, leaning into my chest.

"Realize what?" I said, tightening my arms around her.

"That they're in love." She said before reaching up to kiss me.

A/N- There you have it. The one we've all been waiting for. I had trouble trying to get enough emotion in this without it seeming fabricated. Anyways review away pleaseeeeee. I need some inspiration to write lately with all the wedding stuff going on!