A/N I know the last chapter was pretty bad, but it wasn't that bad! I mean c'mon eleven reviews? I didn't expect much, but… yeah yeah, now I'm just wallowing in self pity. And I apologize for taking it out on you guys. This story has been a bigger success than I could have imagined and I'm happy with any response I get. AND I really loved all of the reviews I got!

And I'm sorry for not updating in a really long time, but I recently got a new lap top, and it's taken a while to install everything and stuff like that. Hope you all enjoy this chapter…

BPOV

I don't think I've been this excited in years. Who would have guessed matchmaking could be so much fun?

Angela had been pretty panicked when I told her who was driving us to Port Angeles. I could understand her reluctance as I would have reacted the same way a couple of days ago. But I also hoped that Angela would notice the change in Edward's behaviour, and not think of this as some cruel joke. I would never do something like that… to Angela.

"Table for two, please" the woman behind the counter smiled politely before gesturing for us to follow her to the back corner into a pretty private booth. She smiled once more before telling us our server would be out shortly. Angela looked a lot more relaxed now, and I marvelled at the difference. She never seemed this relaxed in school, witch was understandable. I hoped she wouldn't panic when I told her about Ben.

"Are you all right Bella? I heard you were brought to the hospital from school. What happened?" Angela seemed flustered and there was a slight flush to her cheeks. With a start I realized she was angry. But why?

"No need to worry. Doctor Cullen fixed me up in no time. I did have to stay there for a day but I'm perfectly fine now. I didn't miss anything important, did I?" but Angela wasn't ready to drop it. I never knew how much she cared about me.

"Are you sure you're alright. There was a lot of blood" my eyes widened. I knew I was bleeding quite a lot, but the thought that there would be blood in the hallway for other students to see, never crossed my mind. That must have been a sight to see, a puddle of blood in the middle of the empty hallway, maybe even some bloody footprints walking away. What I wouldn't have done to see the reactions of the student body.

"Yes, I'm great. What about you? Is something wrong? You seem a bit… I don't know. Stressed? You can tell me." She stared down at her menu for a moment before glancing up and meeting my gaze.

"I over heard Tanya saying something" stupid bitch, she obviously didn't know who she was messing with. If she did anything to Angela she would pay, mark my words.

"Is it true? She pushed you into the locker?" she didn't wait for an answer and I finally caught a glimpse of the real passionate Angela. "How dare she? She could have killed you! And everyone just laughed. I'm not sure anyone in this school is human. They laughed! I spoke with Mr. Green, the headmaster, and he promised to do something." her voice quietened down, and her eyes glanced around the restaurant. I don't know what she was looking for but I couldn't help glancing around too. It was a comfy little place, and I came here quite often. There were candles on every table and the booth we were currently sitting in had a bouquet of roses in the middle of the table. It seemed perfectly normal, but Angela was still tensed.

"He promised to keep it to him self what I said, and Tanya got a suspension the same day. But when she walked pass me out the doors, she glared at me. I know she glares at everyone all the time, she glares at me too. But this wasn't an ordinary glare. I know she knows I told. And she just said something, and I'm not sure…" she glanced around her again uneasily.

"What did she say? And when was this? I've been away for two days or is it three? And it's been like forever! I'm totally out of the loop"

"It was nothing really… I'm sure she was only trying to scare me."

"Angela…" she seemed fidgety, and her hands fluttered around her uselessly.

"Well she said something along the lines that… I should watch my back and that you're just going to… hate me like everyone else" I couldn't stand this. Her voice was so timid, and the angry and passionate Angela I had witnessed just a moment ago was gone. I was sure Tanya had said more than that, but it wasn't important right now. I stood up and walked around the table to hug Angela tightly. And I can't be sure, but I think I heard a small sniff coming from her. I sat back down after I was sure she was alright.

"Angela I don't hate you, and I never will. You are one of my best friends. I wouldn't have asked you to come with me if I didn't want to. And don't care about Tanya. You'll just stick with me and she won't do anything." she smiled a little and then the waitress came, apologizing profusely for the long wait.

The rest of the evening went along smoothly and I had a really good time with Angela. She was sweet and funny, when she wasn't scared of being judged and pushed down. We talked the whole time and I learnt about her two little brothers and her dog Emmy. We laughed and gossiped and I could see her posture relaxing as the night went along. We shared the bill when we were done, but as it wasn't that late yet, and the car shop wasn't very far from the restaurant, so we opted to walk instead. I linked my arm with her and we started walking briskly trough the light drizzle. We laughed and teased each other and somehow Angela came up on the subject on Edward.

"So, what's going on between you two?" I could see her smirk at me but I kept my gaze locked forward. I was a bit embarrassed by the subject, but I was silently rejoicing Angela felt comfortable enough to tease me. And I couldn't wait to see Edward again. I was pretty sure I would find Edward at the car shop, because he hadn't mentioned anything he would need from Port Angeles before and I was sure he was just dying to talk to Jake. Oh no, Jake. He was bound to tell stuff I wasn't very proud of.

"N-nothing" I cursed my ever so traitor voice and glanced at Angela.

"Oh, you should see your face! You're totally blushing" my eyes widened and my hands flew to my cheeks, and sure enough I could feel the warmness. Angela started laughing hysterically and I was just about to try to defend my self when something moved in the shadows. I stopped walking and peered around. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary… I started walking again, and Angela followed me quietly. I sped up at bit, and we were really close to the car shop know, it was just around that corner, and then I would see Edward-

"Well well well… if it isn't little Miss Isabella Swan. How nice to see you" we were both slammed into by something solid and Angela lost her balance, falling and bringing me with her. She yelped at the impact but I was too preoccupied trying to figure out who this was and how and how he the fuck he knew me and how to get out of here. It was clear this wasn't a peaceful gathering.

It had become darker now, and I could faintly make out two more bodies in the darkness, and they were both big enough to be mature men.

"Who are you?" I tried inching closer to a paralyzed Angela but apparently the other men were ready for me moving and grabbed hold of her and lifted her up, her feet dangling off the ground between them. Fuck. I no longer cared who these psychopaths were; I just wanted to get Angela out of here.

"What the fuck do you want?" I was standing now watching the other men warily, but it seemed like the man who spoke was the only one who was moving, and he was circling me slowly, murmuring softly under his breath, and I was sure I could hear the words fun, fucking and basement come out of his filthy mouth. I didn't like the way he was looking at me, with those dark intense eyes, his frame crouched slightly, like a wild animal ready to attack. An involuntary shiver travelled its way down my spine. This was not how I planned my night. The silence was unnerving and the man kept on circling me, and I felt naked, feeling his eyes travel my body. I lifted my arms and crossed them over my chest, in a vain attempt to… yeah, I don't know. He smirked at me, and glanced at Angela. She was terrified. Her whole body was shaking and the men who were holding her had their hands not only on her arms anymore, but trailing over her breast, and I could see tears slipping down Angela's cheeks. My temper flared. I was not going to let them harm her.

I took a step forward the man who was circling me before but was now watching me intently. He smirked when he saw me moving forwards. How would I do this? There were more of them, and they were all stronger and bigger than me. My chances didn't look particularly good.

"What are two pretty little girls like you doing out here? It's not safe. But I'm sure me and my friends could take good care of you." my fists were balled and I was seeing red.

"Come a bit closer and I'll shove you a fucking good time" I threatened darkly, but he merely chuckled. My fists tightened and I felt my nails cut into the palms of my hands.

"Oh, I'm sure we're going to have a fabulous time together, but let me take care of your friend first." he turned around to fully face Angela and I took my chance. I pounced on his back and I had my arms around his neck. He yelled in surprise before cursing at me and tried flinging me off his back. I dug my nails into his throat and he swayed a bit before slamming his back into the wall. I tried to hold on but he managed to fling me off his back and I hit the ground again, harder this time, and I felt it. I jumped up, ignoring the protest of my ribs and readied my body for a fight.

"Hmm, a little spitfire I see. I will have fun with you-" he was smirking and I slammed my fist into his jaw. I couldn't handle him playing with us. The move was so unsuspected he staggered back a bit, but now that he looked at me he wasn't smiling anymore but glaring murderously with his lip split. He spat some blood onto the ground and cracked his fists.

"I wasn't planning on doing anything before, but now? you're in real trouble" he moved so fast that all I could register was the fist coming straight at my face, I didn't even have time to register the pain before I heard a ear splitting scream and then everything was black.

(A/N I though about stopping here, giving you a very short chapter and ending it with a cliffhanger… some food for thought)

EPOV

I drove slowly trough the town, searching for the car shop Bella always talked about, and I was lucky as it was quite near the restaurant. I parked right in front of it, and glanced at the display window. It looked like any other car shop from the outside.

I walked in hesitantly and stopped to survey the inside. It still looked like any other car shop to me. I hadn't noticed the woman behind the counter and jumped when she cleared her throat.

"Can I help you kid?" I looked over at her, and I was sure this was Leah. She was tall and dark skinned, and really intimidating. She couldn't be more than a couple of years older than me, judging by her appearance. She was a beautiful woman, but she didn't come near my Bella.

"Um… yeah, I'm Bella's friend" her eyes sparked and a knowing smirk spread over her lips. She raised an eyebrow at me, and I gulped a little.

"A friend huh? Where is she?" Leah was looking me over with a critical eye, and instead of standing by the door fidgeting, because Edward Cullen doesn't fidget, I walked closer to the counter to look down at the pictures and car parts displayed in the glass counter.

"She's with Angela, another friend of hers, at that Italian restaurant close around here. And her truck broke down a couple of days ago so I promised to drive her" She still looked at me, but I was sure I could see a small smile threatening at the corner of her mouth.

"I'm Edward by the way" I glanced up at her "And you're Leah" her eyes narrowed mockingly. I smirked.

"Bella talks a lot about you and your husband… Jake?"

"Yeah… When is Bella coming? Want to come in back? I'll introduce you to Jake" I smiled and nodded gratefully. This was going better than I had expected. This almost felt like meeting the parents. Please don't let me fuck up.

She led me trough a curtain behind the counter, and we walked into a big garage with one of the corners working as an office with a desk and a file cabinet. There were a couple of couches and a flat screen by a small freezer in another corner, and it was clear that people spent time in here. It was personal and comfy, but still a garage with a car in the middle of the room with the hood up, and a pair of feet sticking under the side of the car. I think I heard humming from there too. Leah walked forward and leaned on the side of the car. She took a deep breath and shouted.

"JAKE!" there was a loud CLANK and a muffled "Fuck" before the feet rolled out from under the car, revealing a huge man. He could easily be as tall as Emmett and just as big. He was also dark skinned, and I remember Bella telling me something about the native Indians down at La Push.

"What the fuck was that for? What have I told you about disturbing me while I'm- who the fuck are you?" he had spotted me now, and I felt like shrinking back or laughing, but as I didn't think much of either option I kept my face blank and answered as politely as possible for me.

"I'm Edward Cullen. Friend of Bella's. You may know of my mother, Esme?" Both their eyes widened and smiles broke out on their faces.

"Yeah, we know Esme. Great woman. Great cooking too! Helps Bella a lot, been there when we couldn't. Bella always talks about her. Speaking of the devil, where is Bella? Is there something wrong? What did you do? Why isn't-"Jake had jumped to his feet now and was quickly nearing me. I kept my ground. But on the inside, I was fucking terrified. It was clear these people cared a lot about Bella.

"Bella's fine. She's out with Angela, heard of her?" they both nodded, but Jake was still breathing heavily. "She said she would come by later to see you and set Ben up with Angela. Bella's truck broke down earlier this week" they both snorted at that, and I couldn't help but agree. That piece of shit Bella drove hardly deserved to be called a truck. "And I gave them a ride here, but I didn't want to impose on their dinner so I came to check out this place. Bella always talks about you, and I wanted to meet you"

"When is she coming around? And wait… did you say Bella is trying her hand at matchmaking?" I laughed, it seemed very absurd to me too. I just couldn't picture Bella doing something so girly.

"She said she'd call me, and apparently Ben and Angela are perfect for each other" we snickered a bit, but were interrupted.

"What about Angela?" came a voice from the doorway and I turned around and there was Ben standing holding his jacket in one hand and looking utterly curious. I laughed mentally. Bella seemed to be right.

"She's coming here later with Bella" he smiled brilliantly before noticing our curious stares and blushing beet red before disappearing back behind the curtain. We all laughed.

The rest of the after noon was spent with Leah and Jake sharing embarrassing stories about Bella. It was almost like a baby photo album, which reminded me to hide all of my mom's albums back at home. We all knew she would kill us later but I couldn't help but laugh when they told me of the time Bella had been drunk and her pants had caught on a children's swing, and she had just meant to take them off and instead lost her balance falling into a puddle with her feet stuck into the tangled pants. She had been drunk, drenched and extremely pissed. They had had to cut the pants off and she had to walk back to the car shop in her underwear. Jake was just catching his breath when Ben sprinted panicked into the room.

"I think I heard a scream down the street. It sounded just like Angela" We all jumped of the couch we had been sitting on and ran for the door. Ben pointed to the direction he had heard the scream from and we ran. I was the fastest and found them first. And I wanted to kill someone when I saw Bella's limp form on the ground, again. Preferably the man, standing over her, and was massaging his fist.

"What the fuck do you think your doing?" my voice came out in a low hiss, and I quickly searched for angel and noticed her crying in the arms of two other men. The man standing over Bella smirked at me, and bent down to touch Bella's bleeding lip. I growled quietly.

"What are you going to do kid? You're alone, there are three of us. Do you know this lovely little girl? I have great plans for her-"

"Stop right there you bastard. I think he asked you a question? What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Jake, and the rest of them had caught up with me by now and we had an advantage on them. The man, who didn't look older than twenty with his blond hair pulled in a ponytail at his neck, watched us warily, before clicking his tongue twice and they all sprinted off. I wanted to follow them, but Jake was holding me back. He nodded his head towards Bella and my shoulders slumped in defeat immediately. Yeah, I couldn't leave Bella now. Ben was hugging sobbing Angela to his chest and Leah was kneeling besides Bella. I walked forward and bent down to scoop her up into my arms. She still weighed nearly nothing, and I tried to be careful not to jostle her, she did have bruised ribs and who knew what that bastard had done. I still wanted to run after him, I could catch him. But Bella was more important now. She was more important than anything now and forever. I kissed Bella's forehead, and saw Leah and Jake exchanging knowing glances in the corner of my eye. But who the fuck cared about them?

A/N so what do you say about this one? I even welcome flames, how desperate is that? And did you notice how long it took for me to update… *hint, hint*