Hi Yaw! Here is the chapter you have all been waiting for! Hope I didn't do too badly! And you all totally rock for the comments you leave! It always keeps me writing!

Chapter song Little House by The Fray

Twilight (C) Stephanie Meyer

.:Tainted Innocence:.

Chapter Eight

Secrets Revealed

Edward Pov:

"It's all the things you cant explain, that makes us human."

Did she see me more human than monster? Could she really see that? She was wrong. I could never be human. I may have wanted to protect her, but how did that make me human? If that van were to crash into her, her blood would have been everywhere. There is no telling what I would have done if her blood was spilt. And because of that, I am more animal than human. It's all the things you cant explain, that makes me a monster...

Bella shifted in her sleep, her small arm was draped around my waist and her head was resting on my chest. How could an angel be so comfortable with a demon? Her even breathing and steady heartbeat signaled she was in a deep sleep. I was more than happy to lay here and watch her sleep. Her nightmares seemed to have finally gone away, and this pleased me. At least now in her dreams she can find peace.

"Edward..." she mumbled in her sleep. I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face. She was dreaming about me. I reached out and stroked her hair, inhaling her scent. The burning in my throat was more bearable, now that I was becoming accustomed to her.

I held her in my arms until an hour before she was to wake up. I gently slid out from under her and wrapped her in her comforter. I smiled even more when she whimpered at the loss of contact with me. I was going to go home for a change of clothes, and meet her out front like usual. I also needed some time to think about the turn of events that happened this weekend. Not only did Bella know I was a Vampire, but she had absolutely no problem with it. I don't know if I was happy or angry that she was so accepting of what I was. Part of me wanted her to be afraid of me, so I didn't even have the chance to hurt her. The other part of me embraced the fact that she was so accepting, I didn't want to loose her.

I looked back at the sleeping angel in the bed, I could never allow any harm come to her. I took in her scent once more before leaping out of her window and quickly made my way back home. I was greeted by a very eager Alice, who was bouncing around the house. She was excited about me letting her get closer to Bella. But was I doing the right thing? Or was I just getting her attached to, yet another thing, she couldn't have. Could I really give myself to this Human? Yes I wanted to be with her...But was I just causing more pain than I was fixing? Was this the right thing to do...

Don't you dare second guess this Edward. I want my friend, and I don't need your permission to talk to her. She needs us, Edward. I only see a future with us...I'm afraid if we aren't with her...She won't have a future. Damn Alice. Like I need that type of guilt? What did she mean without us she didn't have a future? Sure she was accident prone, but what could hurt her in Forks? She was just trying to persuade me to let my guard down. Stupid meddling Pixie.

"Edward, please. I would not lie to you and you know that. We are doing the right thing. Have a little faith in me!" She huffed and crossed her arms. For someone so small, she sure did have some bite to her. I rolled my eyes and darted up the stairs to get dressed.

Once I was dressed, I sat at my Piano. I glided my fingers across the ivory keys and sighed. That melody I had been humming to Bella was running through my head. I closed my eyes and let my fingers dance across the keys. The melody was even more beautiful on the piano than in my head.

Her face was at the forefront of my mind. Her deep pools of warmth, staring at me with intrigue, not fear. Her luscious pouty lips pressed against my cold, hard ones. The way they moved together in harmony. Her soft little hands entangling themselves into my wild hair. Hair. Her mahogany hair cascading down her shoulders, and swaying slightly when she laughed. The soft mumbles she makes when she is sleeping. The feel of her warm body against mine. The scent that washes over my face with each breath she takes. The steady beat of her heart, that has become my beacon, signaling the way home. This girl has officially consumed me. I was drowning in her, and I never wanted to resurface.

The song came to an end, on a haunting note. Knowing I could never truly have this human, no matter how badly I wanted her. She deserved better.

"That was beautiful Edward." Esme sat beside me on the piano bench and placed her hand on my shoulder. She was always my biggest fan. She would often beg me to play for her for hours. And I would always comply. "What's it called?"

"Bella's Lullaby." I smiled at the name. I would hum this to her every night if thats what it took for her. Esme gave me a knowing smile and kissed my cheek.

"Well, it is by far, your most beautiful piece. I'm sure the inspiration for it was even more beautiful?"

"Yes." She knew me too well.

"Eddie, you better go get your human before she thinks you ditched her!" Emmett's laughter filled the room. I rolled my eyes and stood up.

"Call me Eddie again, and I'll tell Rose who really scratched her BMW."

"What!?" Rose's screeching came from the other room.

"Aw, not cool man!" I chuckled and darted for the door before Emmett could tackle me.

----

Bella Pov:

I woke up alone. Of course I woke up alone. Did I really think Edward would truly stay? Was I so lost in my own delusion to think he could possibly want to stay, that he wasn't humoring me? I really need to get my head out of the clouds and back down to reality. Not only was Edward too good for me, he also saw that. He was just protecting me. The human. The silly little girl who actually believed for a moment, when he kissed her, that this was the way it should be. That he really did have feelings for her.

Stop it Bella. You are being ridiculous. I chastised myself.

I quickly got out of bed and went through my daily ritual. Shower, get dressed, eat breakfast, stare aimlessly at the clock until Edward arrives. But would he arrive? Maybe I should start walking...

I pulled my backpack over my shoulder and headed out the front door.

"Ready?" His velvety voice rang.

Edward was leaning against the Volvo with a huge smile on his face. My fears instantly vanished, and without telling them to, my feet carried me to him and wrapped my arms around his waist. He engulfed me in his arms and chuckled.

"Miss me already hm?" I blushed and nodded. I was making a complete fool of myself. I pulled away and watched as he made it to the other side of the car, in super human speed, and opened it for me. I gaped at him for a moment, then shook it off. I was going to have to get use to that.

We made it to the school quickly, I would have to get use to the speed Edward likes to drive. Edward seemed to be a bit distant today, but I didn't expect anything different. Maybe he regretted kissing me yesterday, maybe he regretted telling me the truth about his family...Or maybe he just regretted me. I wouldn't blame him. I would regret me too.

The morning passed by, and lunch came sooner than expected. I wasn't prepared to see Edward waiting for me outside the door. He smiled down at me and took my books from my arms. I murmured a quiet thank you, and followed behind him with my head down. I felt more self conscious than I had previous days. I knew I would regret letting someone in. I had to get my barriers back up, I couldn't let Edward further into my heart, because he would only break it.

"You are awfully quiet today...is everything okay?" I looked up to find that he had stopped in front of the cafeteria, a look of concern across his face.

"I'm fine." I said quietly, I gave him a reassuring smile, which didn't seem to work. But he didn't push any farther and I walked along side him to our table.

Alice joined us shortly, followed by the rest of the Cullens. Edward gave her a pointed look, but she shrugged and took a seat next to Jasper.

"Hey, Bella! I was wondering, do you wanna hang sometime? We could go shopping!" Alice was practically bouncing in her seat. I half expected Jasper to tie her to it. I tried not to smile at the image.

"Um...Alice, I don't really go shopping." Her smile fell a little. "I mean um...I would love to." I bit my lip and leaned towards Edward. Emmett was sitting a little too close for comfort, and I was afraid the memories would hit me in the middle of the cafeteria.

"Great! We can go this weekend if you like!" I was beginning to wonder if Alice engorged her prey with sugar before she fed from them. The girl had more energy than anyone I have ever known.

"Why?" Rosalie's beautiful voice was filled with distain, and her gaze towards me wasn't any more welcoming. "Why would any of you be interested in communicating with a human. " She kept her voice low so only our table could hear.

"Rosie..." Emmett put his arm around her shoulders, trying to calm her.

"Don't Rosie me. I'm sick of this. Edward is putting us all in danger by falling for this girl, and now Alice is going shopping with her? Are you all out of your minds?" Her eyes never left me. I sunk into my chair and bit my lip hard. If I kept this up I would make it bleed...which would be a bad idea in this situation.

"Rosalie, if you can't contain yourself, then maybe you should go back to your table." Edward narrowed his eyes, but it didn't seem to phase her.

"I don't mean to cause harm to your family...I-I won't tell anyone..."

"Well the fact that you know anything at all about us is enough to put me on edge. If the Volturri find out about this, we will all be killed!" Emmett tried to hush her once more, but she shoved him away. "Why don't you just kill her now, and get over this little infatuation you have with her Edward. That way we can move on with our lives. I am not about to let some little human get in the way of everything. We have to move enough as it is."

I heard a growl emitting from Edward. I jumped when I felt his arm wrap around my waist and pull me closer to him. I was worried he would actually hurt Rosalie.

"Edward...don't. Rosalie is only trying to protect your family...I don't know what this Volturi is...But if I am the cause of your family getting hurt I-"

"You won't Bella. I have seen it, and you won't tell anyone. I don't foresee any problems with the Volturi either. Rose is just cranky cuz her BMW was scratched by Mr. Muscles over there."

"It was an accident! A raccoon got into the garage, and I was chasing it, and bumped into the table Rose keeps her tools on...It kinda fell against the car... I told you those little bastards piss me off!"

Edward snorted beside me. I could tell his mood has lightened a bit, and I thanked Emmett for that. I still was completely lost on the whole Volturi thing, but it wasn't my place to ask. I was causing this family enough problems.

"Stop trying to change the subject! I am not cranky, I just don't like her. None of you seem to grasp the danger of this! I'm not about to let this girl destroy what took us centuries to build!"

I squeaked and let my gaze fall to my lap. Rosalie scared me.

"Rosalie...If you don't sit down, and shut that pretty little mouth of yours...I'll shut it for you..." Everyone looked up in surprise to see a usual happy little Alice, giving Rosalie the look of death. I take it back...Angry Alice scared me. "I already told you, nothing will happen. Now stop scaring Bella!"

"Whatever."

Conversation carried on around me. They tried to include me in, but I was too afraid to anger Rosalie more than I already had. So I kept my mouth shut. Every so often Edward would give me a reassuring smile and would stroke my hand with his thumb. His cool touch automatically calmed me. Near the end of the lunch period, Angela came up to me and asked me if I was up for the movie tonight instead of tomorrow.

"Um...S-Sure I guess..."

"Alright! I'll pick you up at your house at...lets say seven?"

"Okay, but why so late? We still have school tomorrow."

"Didn't you hear? They decided to change the half day into a Teacher workday. So we get tomorrow off! I know, makes no sense to come to school on a Monday, and get Tuesday off...But what do you expect in a small town?"

"Um...Okay. Seven then." Angela smiled at me and bid the rest of the table a good day, and left.

"Hanging out with Webber tonight huh? Aw, too bad. Now Eddie here will be lonely!" Emmett laughed and dodged the water bottle Edward chucked at his head.

Edward smiled down at me and I blushed. He wouldn't want to spend another night with me anyhow. I was a little on the boring side. Hell, who was I kidding. I owned boring island.

"Remember what I said about calling me Eddie, Em?"

"Yeah, but Rosie already knows about the car now. So you don't have any blackmail!" Emmett smirked triumphantly.

"No, not with Rose. But I do know who broke Esme's vase while wrestling with Jasper in the house, like she always tells us not to."

"You're cruel man..."

"I will keep it to myself, but if you insist on calling me Eddie..."

"I get it! No Eddie jokes...until you run out of black mail. Can I call you Mr. Ed?" The table erupted in laughter, even I couldn't hold it back.

"Not unless you wanna end up a pile of ash in the front yard..."

"Got it...No Mr. Ed." He snorted.

The rest of the day passed quickly, and the next thing I knew, I was in the Volvo getting ready to part ways with Edward. Why did time pass by so quickly when I was with him? I rather it slow down.

"Make sure you have fun tonight, Okay? And stay away from moving vehicles please." Edward gave me his crooked smile, I could hear the amusement in his voice.

"No getting hit by cars, got it. And as far as having fun...I'll try." I didn't want to tell him how much I rather be spending the night with him again. I'm getting too far into this...It's like I'm drowning in him...Did I want this? More heartache? This was not the time to dwell on it. I smiled at him, unconvincingly, and slid out of the car. "Thanks for the ride, Edward. I'll um...See you Wednesday then?"

"I was hoping to see you sooner than that but if you're not up for that, then I understand."

"No no, I am..." Wait a sec...Am I? Didn't I just tell myself I'm getting too far into this..."I just didn't know if you would want to spend more time with me. I'm pretty boring."

"You're a silly girl. You are far from boring remember? I'll stop by tomorrow...You will most likely be tired when you arrive home, and I have to hunt tonight..."

"Is that why your eyes are almost black today? Because you need to hunt?" I tried to keep my voice down, incase anyone was nearby. Edward smiled sullenly and nodded. "That makes sense. Well I'll see you tomorrow then...Have a good hunt? Or should I say enjoy your meal." I laughed but quickly stopped, afraid I had offended him. Edward just smiled and rolled his eyes.

"Yeah yeah, laugh it up human." I smiled widely at him. It was amazing how I could be so afraid of him, and at the same time I was able to be myself around him. The self I haven't been able to be in a long time. I missed laughing. "But seriously Bella, be careful Okay? I don't want anything to happen to you." I felt heat rise up in my cheeks and nodded.

"I'll remember to steer clear of any moving vehicles."

"Good. Goodnight my Bella."

I bit my lip, and felt my heart stutter. My Bella? "Goodnight Edward." I stepped back and watched as the Volvo sped away.

----

By the time seven rolled around, I was already done with my homework and the house was spotless. I needed something to take my mind off the heartbreakingly beautiful vampire that seems to possess my every thought. I told Charlie I would be back after the movie was over, he waved me off. I sat on the front porch and waited. I wanted to get out of the house after cleaning it all day, and the cold air reminded me of Edward. There I go again...

Moments later Ben pulled up in front of my house and honked the horn. Angela waved me over and I hopped in the back seat.

"Hi Bella! Thanks for coming with us. I hope you like dramas!"

"Thanks for inviting me." I said quietly. "Yeah, dramas are fine." I chewed on my lip as Ben pulled away from the house. I was beyond nervous. Sure Angela was a very nice girl, but I didn't know her. The only reason I was going along with this is because Alice thought it was a good idea. The fact Ben was with us made me even more nervous. I should have stayed at home.

When we pulled in front of the movie theatre, my nerves were the same as they were when we left.

"What movie are we seeing again Babe?" Ben opened the door for Angela and helped her out. He opened the door for me but I refused his hand, giving him an apologetic look. I didn't feel like a melt down tonight.

"Well, its based off of one of my favorite novels, Speak." Speak? Never read it... "Hey Bella, you know what's funny? The girl in the movie trailer kinda looks like you. Pretty cool, huh?" I nodded and followed closely behind them, feeling more than a little out of place.

I waited until they got their drinks and snacks, they asked if I wanted any but I declined. We finally made it into the theatre. Angela and Ben wanted to sit up close, I usually sat in the very back, but they paid for my ticket, so the I could at least sit where they wanted. I sat next to Angela and chewed on my lip nervously. The lights dimmed and the chatter ceased. I sat quietly, trying to give the movie my full attention, and block out the nerves flooding my body.

The movie started out with a girl starting high school, after she lost all of her friends. The more I watched the movie, the more I felt a connection to the character.

"All that crap you hear on TV about communication and expressing feelings is a lie. No one really cares what you have to say."

"I wonder how long it would take for anyone to notice if I just stopped talking."

I know it was just a fictional character in a movie, but it was good to know I wasn't the only one who felt that way. The movie continued on. Every so often I would hear quiet sniffles from Angela, and some of the others around me. But I didn't cry. I couldn't cry. Or at least until Melinda, the character, had a flashback. Melinda was fighting back, while being held down and being sexually assaulted. As soon as the scene came to play, I was fighting with all my might to keep the memories at bay. Why on earth did we have to come see this movie. Why couldn't I just move on. Why did the past always come back to haunt me. Then I got my answer, from Melinda herself.

"I should probably tell someone. Just...anyone. Get it over with. Blurt it out."

"It happened. There's no avoiding it. No forgetting."

I couldn't hold the tears back anymore. I excused myself and ran out of the theatre. The halls were nearly empty, aside from a group of guys on the far end. I leaned against the wall and broke into sobs. I had to get out of here. I couldn't watch the rest of the movie, I couldn't face my own past. I wanted to forget, I wanted to block it out, but there was no forgetting.

"Something wrong miss?" The group of men began approaching me. My eyes widened and I swallowed hard, shaking my head.

"Aw, don't be that way..." The tallest of the men stepped forward and touched my cheek.

I froze.

Phil slapped me across the face, the blunt force of it knocked me into the wall, and I crumpled to the floor. I wanted to run. I wanted to jump up and escape. But every time I tried to get away, he would make it last longer, and hurt more. So I gave up fighting a long time ago.

"Come on, why don't you come have a little fun with us." The second man grabbed my by my wrist, and the tall burly one opened the door to a near by janitor closet. I screamed loudly, but the one holding my wrist clamped his hand over my mouth, dragging me into the janitor closet. All I could think about was Edward and how I would never see him again. All these years I had managed to survive Phil, only to end up dying in a janitor's closet.

"Hold her down, and cover her mouth. This won't hurt too bad little lady..." The tallest one stalked towards me, while the burly one held both of my arms in one hand, and the other covering my mouth. I was screaming uncontrollably. The visions of Phil flashing over me, the feel of his grimy hands on my skin, the sound of his disgustingly husky voice, the feel of his breath on my neck. The tears wouldn't stop. No one was here to save me this time. This was it.

"Get your filthy hands off of her!" The velvety voice was laced with venom. A menacing growl engulfed the small closet. I should have been scared, but that growl was my sanctuary.

"Who the hell are-" The tallest man was cut off when Edward grabbed him by the neck and threw him into the man holding me down. They both crashed into the shelves filled with cleaning supplies behind me. They moaned in pain, cursing Edward. I tried to move, I tried to stop the tears. All I could do was look around frantically until my eyes landed on him. He saved me, yet again. He was my angel. And I was ready to tell him.

----

Edward Pov:

I couldn't help it. Knowing she was going to be so far away from me made me anxious. So I followed them. When they reached the theatre, I crept in when the lights were off, and sat in the very back, watching Bella from a distance. I hadn't paid any attention to the movie, what so ever. All I knew was at some point, Bella couldn't take it and ran out of the theatre. I left my seat some time afterwards, not wanting it to look like I was following her. When I stepped through the door, my anger flared. Bella's screams couldn't be heard by human ears, but to me, they were clear as day.

I ripped the closet door off its hinges and threw it behind me. A large man was holding My Bella down, while the other prepared to take advantage of her. There were others near by, but ran off as soon as I had the door detached from the wall.

"Get your filthy hands off of her!" I couldn't hold back the growl emanating from my chest. I wanted these bastards to know what a monster really looked like. What their death would look like.

"Who the hell are-" I wasted no time in hoisting the piece of trash off the ground and throwing him into his disgusting friend. I would have taken the time out to rip them limb for limb, if it wasn't for the whimpering heap on the floor. My poor Bella was looking around for me frantically. Once she saw me, her screaming calmed, but her breathing was still erratic, and her body was shaking. I scooped her up in my arms and shushed her.

"Bella...Shhhh...It's alright. I'm here...You're safe." I kissed her forehead and wiped her tears. She had calmed down a bit, but not enough for my liking. Her heart was pounding loudly against her chest. I was afraid she was going into shock. I had to get her out of here. I had to get her to Carlisle.

Ben and Angela emerged from the theatre and instantly ran to me and the sobbing Bella in my arms.

"Oh my god! What happened!" Angela asked frantically.

"Bella is not feeling well. I ran into her in the hallway and she collapsed. I think I am going to take her home, have my father look at her." I didn't wait for them to respond, before I ran, at a human pace, to the Volvo and slid her into the passenger seat.

We were on the road, way faster than the speed limit allowed, in no time. Bella was still unchanging, her heart was still erratic. I was beginning to get really worried. She was only a human, her body could only take so much shock.

"Bella?"

Nothing but her heartbeat and frantic breathing.

"Bella, can you hear me?"

No response.

"Bella please, answer me!"

She nodded, and turned to look at me. Her eyes filled with anguish and pain. It broke my frozen heart.

"Bella, I'm taking you back to my house, Okay? Carlisle will check to make sure you are alright. I don't want you going into shock. Okay?"

"Y-Yes-ss." Her body was shaking. I reached over and grabbed her hand, which seemed to ease the shaking a bit.

"I want to know what happened when we get there alright?" She nodded.

The ride was quiet, but I kept a close eye on Bella. Her breathing was nearly back to normal by the time we reached the house. I jumped out of the car and appeared on Bella's side in a flash. Scooping her up in my arms, as she wrapped her arms around my neck. Alice met us out front, in a panic.

"I tried to call you Edward!"

"I had the phone off Alice...I think I got to her in time. We need to get her inside."

"Carlisle is waiting in the living room." I nodded and hurried Bella into the living room, gently laying her on the couch, but she wouldn't let go of me.

"Bella, you gotta let Carlisle look you over...I'll be right here."

"N-No!...Don't l-let go..." I looked up to Carlisle who simply nodded. I picked her back up and took a seat on the couch, holding her close to me.

"Alright Bella. I'm here...We need you to tell us what happened, okay?"

She didn't say anything. I could feel the tension in her body.

"Bella." Carlisle's voice was calm and soothing. "Bella, did anyone touch you tonight?"

"N-No...just grabbed my w-wrist and...Pulled me into the closet..." I gritted my teeth almost painfully. I was going to go back and kill them. They may not have touched Bella inappropriately tonight, but that was their very intention.

"Edward, no. They will be found in the closet and taken to jail. The police have a warrant out for them anyway." I nodded. Didn't mean I didn't want to kill them myself.

"H-How did you know...W-Where I was?" Bella's beautiful brown eyes stared back at me. I stroked her quivering lips with my fingers. I was so glad she was safe.

"I followed you. I had a bad feeling when I dropped you off. I was going to be scarce until you needed me." I hoped she didn't think ill of me for following her. But I couldn't let her go off by herself. Yes she was with two people from school, but they were human. They couldn't protect her. She needed me. As I needed her.

"Thank you, Edward..."

"Bella, can I get you anything dear?" Esme approached Bella carefully. Bella looked up at her and gave a small half smile.

"No thank you Mrs Cullen." Esme smiled warmly and patted her arm gently.

"Well if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask any of us, alright?" I could see the Mother going into action as soon as Bella came in. Esme was waiting impatiently beside Carlisle, just waiting to strike and nurture Bella. It warmed my heart.

"Yes, Ma'am. Thank you."

"Please, dear. Call me Esme." I smiled brightly at Esme, who winked at me.

"Okay, Esme." Bella's voice was rough and barely audible from crying. I rocked her in my arms and kissed her forehead softly. She seemed to relax in my arms. "Edward?"

"Yes, Bella?"

"I'm ready to tell you..."

----

Bella Pov:

Could I tell him? Could I really subject myself to this, especially after I have had a glimmer of hope, that Edward could care for me? Yes. He has saved me twice, and deserved to know the truth. He deserved to know why he is too good for me, if he didn't know already.

"Remember I told you Phil hurt me?" I swallowed hard. I knew the other Cullens could hear me. Edward had explained one night that their hearing and sight is highly enhanced. But I didn't care. I knew their secret, so they could know mine.

"Yes...Bella you don't have to tell me if you're not ready." Edward's eyes only held concern, and it gave me courage.

"No...I want to tell you." I could see Esme and Alice looking at me with compassion. Carlisle was trying to be discreet, and not make me feel bombarded. I knew the other Cullens were most likely near by.

"Phil and my Mother first met when I was in Middle School. They got along very well, very quickly. Within a year they were married, and Phil moved in with us. When they were dating he seemed to be a very nice man. Very attentive to my Mother, very kind to me. He treated me like his daughter at one point...Until they were married, and my Mother started taking night classes..." I willed the tears to go away, but they fell freely.

I could feel Edward tense up. His arms tightened around me, but not enough to hurt. I rested my head against his chest and closed my eyes. It would be easier to say if I couldn't see their eyes.

"Phil first began to make vulgar comments. I didn't think anything of it at first, thinking maybe he was just teasing me. But it made me uncomfortable. But then he started being verbally abusive...That lasted about a month until..." I bit my lip to keep my voice from shaking. Edward ran soothing motions across my back, whispering that I was okay, in my ear. I grabbed his shirt for support and took a deep breath.

"One night, Mom went to night school as always. I was in my bedroom reading, when Phil burst through my door, grabbed my book and threw it against the wall." My voice cracked, and my breathing was all I could hear throughout the house. "He...then he..." I sobbed into Edward's chest, clutching his shirt tightly in my hand. I was probably wrinkling it, but I couldn't find it in me to care. Edward wrapped his arms around me, his whole body rigid.

"Tell me Bella...I need to know...What did that bastard do to you..." His voice was menacing, and dangerous.

I took a deep breath to calm myself enough to speak. This was it. Edward would leave me as soon as I said the word. It was nice while it lasted.

"He raped me." I whispered, unable to say it loudly, but the others obviously heard it. Because I soon heard several gasps, and a loud crash from upstairs. Rosalie was at the bottom of the stairs in seconds, staring at me with wide eyes. I let go of Edward's shirt and tried to get out of his arms, knowing he was disgusted with me now. He wouldn't let me go. His grip tightened and a growl escaped his lips. It was growing louder by the moment, and my heart was beating wildly against my chest. Was he so disgusted with me he was going to kill me?

----

Edward Pov:

"That bastard!" I saw red. I have never felt this type of anger in my life. I wanted nothing more than to crush his skull in my hands and listen to his screams. "Bella...I will never let that monster lay a hand on you again, ever!" I could see fear in her eyes. Was I scaring her? "If he ever comes near you again...If he ever tries some form of contact with you again...I will not hesitate to rip him limb from limb until he begs for me to kill him...That I promise you..." Alice shot me a glare, but I didn't give a damn. I was too angry. If it wasn't for having Bella in my arms I would have ran all the way to Arizona, knocked on his door and dragged his sorry ass out and show him the meaning of pain. He would regret ever touching Bella the way he did. He will regret ever meeting her.

"Bella...What about your Mother, dear? Did you tell her?" Esme sat beside us and stroked Bella's hair. I held back a growl from her, I was very possessive right now and even though it was just Esme, I didn't want anyone but me touching Bella.

"I told her...She slapped me and told me to stop making up lies about Phil. I would show her the bruises or cuts...One time I had a gash on my head from him ramming my head into the wall...But she said I was inflicting pain upon myself to frame Phil..." Her voice cracked again. I began to grind my teeth together, resisting the urge to rip things to shreds.

"What the hell kind of Mother does that!" Rosalie shouted and joined us in the living room. "Why the hell would you inflict pain upon yourself to frame some trash like Phil!" Bella stared at her wide eyed. I knew fully well why Rosalie was reacting like this. We all knew her past. But it wasn't our story to tell.

"I don't know...But thats why she shipped me off here. I was interfering with her marriage...But its the best thing she has ever done for me..."

"Is that why you are uncomfortable with men touching you, Bella?" Carlisle crouched down to Bella's level, but kept his distance as to not make her nervous.

"Yes...Whenever a guy touches me...I get flashbacks of the times Phil would rape me...Edward is the only guy who has been able to touch me without the memories coming back...He calms me." Her cheeks flushed and I stroked them gently.

"So...Phil has done this to you more than once?" Esme handed Bella some tissues. Why we had tissues I haven't a clue.

"Yes...Many times..." I growled loudly. Jasper finally came down to join us, and we were hit with a wave of calmness. But nothing could calm me right now. I gave him a thankful look, because Bella began calming down instantly. "Edward...If you don't want to...hang out with me anymore...I understand." I looked at her, absolutely appalled she would say such a thing.

"What are you talking about, Bella? Why would I no longer be interested in you?"

"Because...I'm t-tainted...You're too good f-for me..."

"Esme, everyone...Can you give us a few minutes?" They all nodded and left the room quickly. I picked Bella up and moved her to where she was facing me. "Look at me." She lifted her gaze to me reluctantly, tears brimming her eyes. "Bella...I care for you...Just because some bastard took from you, what was not his to take...Does not mean, in any way, that I don't want to be with you...Bella, what Phil did is unforgivable. It was not his right to take away such a gift...Something that special should be given freely, not taken without consent...You are not tainted. I don't want to hear that from you again. Do you understand?"

"Yes...But...You deserve better Edward...N-Not that you are interested in me..."She sighed and dipped her gaze. "I'm just making a fool of myself..."

"Bella...Please don't look away from me...I need to see your eyes..." She looked up and bit her lip. I reached out and pulled it free from her teeth, caressing it with my finger. "Bella...I love you..." She gasped and tears filled her eyes. "I do...And I want to protect you...I will never let any harm come to you..." I leaned in and brushed my lips to hers. She held perfectly still, and I smiled against her lips, she remembered. I pressed my lips to hers, kissing her tenderly. It wasn't like our first kiss. Our first kiss nearly resulted in my more manly urges to kick in. This kiss, was all about showing her how much I loved her. When we parted, she had a smile on her face, which mine quickly followed suit.

"I love you too Edward..." I swear, if my heart could beat, it would be rapid and my cold, colorless cheeks would be flushed. She loved me...This beautiful, angel loved me. I would cherish her forever. I would protect her, I would love her, I would worship her. She was mine.

I kissed her forehead and sighed. "Alright, Alice. You can come in now."

The room was soon filled with a high pitched screech as Alice bounced into the room and engulfed Bella and I in a huge hug. I think Alice was almost as happy as I was about this prospect.

"I love you too Bella! We are going to be like sisters!" Alice plopped down on the couch next to us, wrapping an arm around Bella's shoulders. "And we will help you with your PTSD. I can see the future as you know, and I see you recovering well." She smiled and Bella hugged her tightly.

"Thank you Alice..."

"What are sisters for!"

"Hey...Bella?" Rosalie entered the room timidly.

"Yes Rosalie?" I could hear the apprehension in Bella's voice. I glared at Rose. I didn't want her to upset Bella anymore than she already was.

"Can I talk to you..?"