A/N: OMG! Yes, I know - I finally updated after... a while ;) Well as I am sure my friends will bug me to update quickly the next story will be up much sooner than this one took. Again, I hope you enjoy it Hannah! Thank you to my wonderful beta xdeanxcasx :D

Chapter 9: Contaminated

Edward POV

Those seconds felt like eternity but finally I got there. I saw behind those bushes was a cave.

Inside I saw Bella and witnessed as her body crumpled to the side as she was punched in the face. I gasped which this caught the attention of Jacob who was sitting on top of her. I saw her shirt ripped and tossed to the side. What the hell was going on?

'What. Have. You. Done. To. Her?' I roared in his face.

'Oh you know, just having fun... with what's mine.'

'Bella isn't yours mutt! She isn't your property, she isn't your girlfriend and hell, she's never gonna be your friend now. I don't know what the fuck your problem is but you better stay the hell away from her... and me for that matter. I'm not gonna be held responsible for my actions if you piss me off again.'

I shoved him off Bella and took off my sweater and pulled it over her head. At least she would look kind of decent when I took her back out. There would probably be a big audience to see what was happening and I didn't want Bella to be anymore upset than she already was.

I sprinted at human speed to my car, sitting Bella in the passenger seat, hitting the gas I looked into the rear view mirror and saw the crowd of eager spectators on the beach watching as I drove off but in the middle of them I saw one girl. Hannah. It was a miracle that she'd found Bella's phone, I couldn't even think of what could have happened otherwise... It was because of that girl Hannah that I'd been able to save Bella in time. I'd never forget her and I would always be indebted to her. I promised myself that I would show my gratitude by giving her something special.

Hannah POV

Edward carried Bella out of the cave gently and quickly, she was now dressed in his navy sweater – her shirt no where to be seen. As they disappeared off the beach the large crowd that had been waiting for some action excitedly, began to leave, disappointed. I continued to stand where I was until there were only a few people down the beach playing volleyball, not caring about the earlier incident.

Eventually I gave into my yearning to see Jacob. I jogged up to the cave pushing the bushes out of my way and stepped in, crouching slightly. In the darkness I saw Jacob lying on back, staring upwards. As he noticed my movement he glanced towards me and nodded slightly.

I rushed over to his side and laid down next to him on the hard ground; curling my arms around his huge body protectively. I could guess what pain Jacob must be feeling right now: the pain I always felt when I see him with Bella, when he talks about her – which is constantly – and of course when I hear the envy and jealousy in his voice when he talks of Edward. If only someone would feel like that for me. But of course that was highly unlikely... plus I only wanted one person to love me that much. Jacob.

'It's ok Jacob, it's ok.' I whispered gently, 'I'm here now.' I'd always be here – for him – waiting in the sidelines...

We lay there for hours as he wept in regret. We both knew – it hung in the air, oppressing and dark – that he'd lost her. For good. He clung to me as I in turn tightened my grasp on his now seemingly small and fragile body.

Jacob POV

I lay there in her arms. The only one who I could trust to always be there for me; through thick and thin – however fairytale it sounds, it's true. I don't understand why – I mean, just after what I nearly did... to Bella... how could she still like me? Well actually she was probably the only person who did like me so I guess I should be thankful.

I'd met Hannah three years ago, she'd moved from England with her family – I still don't understand why they came here but I was glad, am glad. Hannah was the reliable, hilarious best friend that I'd needed so much when I was younger. I mean, sure – I had lots of friends but I wouldn't have been able to tell them my deepest secrets, my worries, problems. Everything I was able to share with Hannah.

I knew all the guys fancied her like hell... but something about her prevented them, from asking her out. She really was gorgeous, I loved the extra freckles she got in the summer like Bella did. I nearly choked thinking about her... Bella. God, what the hell was wrong with me? Why did I... how could I have... I couldn't believe what I had been about to do. To Bella. I was meant to love her, to care for her – to make sure she was never hurt. Not to hurt her myself! I began to cry then, the tears I had held onto, controlled, I let go – released them. I broke.

Edward POV

I drove home even faster than usual; normally Bella would yell at me to slow down but tonight she didn't. She hadn't said anything and this worried me – well it actually freaked the hell outta me. I didn't know what to say to her, to make her feel better – I doubted anything I did say would make her feel better thought. Not after that jackass nearly... raped her.

I took her over to the sofa and sat us both down. I didn't know what to do, should hold her and try to comfort her or would that be too much for her? Would she actually need space? Even from me, to recover? I resolved to busy myself with taking care of her every possible need: making her food, getting her a blanket in case she was cold or for when she finally fell asleep. As I walked back into the living room with a hot chocolate and sandwiches, Bella was huddled up into a tight ball. I didn't know if I should hug her and wrap my arms around her or if I should stay away. This was all because of that malicious, heartless monster that Bella had thought was her friend. In fact it turned out that he was actually a bastard. I hate him so much, the venom inside of me was writhing and burning at the back of my throat – just one bite, one drop of venom would be the death of him. And I wouldn't feel guilty. No, I really wouldn't.

Bella POV

I was still shaking 3 hours later – after Edward had saved me. I hadn't uttered a single word. I hadn't moved either – just letting Edward carry me away in his jumper and drive me back to his house.

He'd phoned Charlie and somehow managed to persuade him to allow me to stay the night at the Cullen's. Probably claiming that Alice had planned some girlie sleepover.

Edward's family had made themselves scarce by the time we arrived at their house. I was glad because I wouldn't have to see all their sympathetic faces; I was annoyed because it meant they really did know what... Jacob had tried to do to me and I'd basically run them out of their own home.

Since we'd got to his house, Edward had been... close and distant, at the same time. He carried me to the sofa and sat next to me – briefly touching my but he would then mutter something about me needing a blanket to keep warm or that I should eat something and he would flee from me in a flash. I hated it. It was as if he couldn't get away from me quick enough, like I was an allergy. No. That wasn't it. It was worse. It was as if I had been contaminated.

A/N: Did you like it? Please review :) Any ideas for what Edward should give Hannah?

Plus once my beta LiGi has checked over the next chapters of 'Pattern's Change' and the much awaited for 'A New Dawn' they will be up tonight too hopefully! :)

carliecullenx