Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of Stephenie Meyer. The author of this story, MyBabyBlues, is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

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Chapter 10

Bella's Point of View

I was released after four days in the hospital. Carlisle said that I needed a couple more weeks to fully recover. Edward wanted me to stay with him during my recovery time. Carlisle urged me to stay with Edward stating that it would be helpful to have someone keep an eye on me just in case I was to suffer from any complications. I reluctantly agreed and Edward promised me that I could move back into my apartment as soon as I was ready after my recovery.

I have to say that Edward surprised me. When we returned from the hospital, Edward had me set up in my own room. I no longer had to share a room and a bed with Edward.

Although there were still a lot of things that I wanted to know about Edward, I took an understanding approach. He had told me that it was hard for him to open up, and I could easily see that was true. Everyday though, I would learn more about him.

I was surprised and happy to discover that Edward and I could fall into easy conversations.

He really was trying. So far, he has not lost his temper with me. That's not to say that he hasn't been upset or frustrated, but it was never directed at me. He was always quick to either get himself under control or to excuse himself while he took care of whatever it was he needed to do. Possibly, he was just going somewhere to vent. I didn't ask since it didn't involve me.

On my third day back, I finally met Emmett's wife, Rosalie. She could have been a supermodel. She had long, silky, straight blonde hair. Her figure was to die for and could probably even make the most confident women feel self-conscious.

Rosalie was very friendly to me and asked me to call her 'Rose'. Like Alice, she was instantly accepting of me and let me know that she hoped we could become good friends.

Like Alice and Jasper, Rose and Emmett seem to complement each other perfectly. I was discovering more of Emmett's since of humor. I had no idea how funny he is and how occasionally his jokes go just a little too far. But no one can handle Emmett like Rose.

Edward and I started spending a lot of time together. I no longer found myself uncomfortable in his presence. In fact, I felt rather at ease.

We found interesting questions to ask each other. Such as the names of the last two books we've each read. For me, it was 'The Host' by Stephenie Meyer, and 'A Room with a View' by E. M. Forster. The last two books Edward read were 'The Blue Notebook' by James Levine M.D. and 'The Atlantis Revelation' by Thomas Greanias.

We shared some of the same interests in food. We both loved Italian and we both had problems with Japanese. However, we decided that we would not give up on it and one day try it again. Perhaps we both just had a bad experience.

We both liked a lot of the same genres of music. We both loved classic rock, jazz, blues, classical, modern rock, some modern pop, and oldies music. Neither one of us was too into country music but we did have some favorites. Although he likes most hip hop and I don't, and I like some reggae and he doesn't seem to like any.

We even talked about dancing. He seems to know just about every kind there is. Me? Well, dancing is not something that was created for the uncoordinated. He just laughed and said I just haven't had the right partner.

He just asked me what kind of dancing I would like to learn.

I told him right away that I wasn't into that 'bump and grind' dancing. I didn't want to give him any ideas. But for some reason I don't think he would be into it either. Well, let me rephrase that. I don't think he would be into it in public. Privately, I think he'd go for it. Me? Uh, yeah, probably not.

"So, are you going to answer my question?" Edward asked since I only answered with what I didn't like.

"Well, you're probably going to think I'm silly," I answered feeling a little embarrassed.

"I doubt that. Come on, please tell me," he prodded while sporting that smile that he seems to know makes me weak in my knees.

"Do you promise that you won't laugh at me?" I asked him skeptically.

"Of course, I promise." He affirmed.

"Well, I've always thought that the dances they did in the fifties and sixties looked like fun." I admitted with reddening cheeks.

He grinned widely.

"You mean like the watusi, the twist, and the shag; things like that?" He asked while his grin seemed to widen even further.

"You said you wouldn't laugh at me." I pouted.

"I'm not laughing. I just think that sounds like a lot of fun. The fact that's amusing to me is that it happens to be one of the genres of music I'm not familiar with how to do the dances. I know the music. I've seen the dances. I just never learned any. But you know what?" He asked while still grinning.

"What?" I asked hesitantly, uncertain as to whether I wanted to hear what he had to say.

"I think we should learn how together. It'd be a lot of fun. Of course, we'll need to wait until you're fully recovered. What do you think?" He actually seemed pretty excited about it.

"I don't know. I told you dancing will likely end up with one of us wearing a cast." It seems that he thinks I'm kidding.

"Oh, it won't be bad. It will be fun, and I promise neither one of us will get hurt. What do you say?" He asked eagerly.

He seems really thrilled by this idea, and I don't think I have it in me to disappoint him.

"I guess we could try later when I'm better. You just have to promise me that you won't laugh or make fun of me. I'm telling you that you are in for a big surprise. You will never look at dancing the same again." I warned him.

"I'll take my chances. We'll make it a 50's/60's style date. Sound good?" he asked enthusiastically, and I swear I could see the wheels turning in his head while he imagined all sorts of ideas.

"Yes, it sounds good." I answered, unable to resist the jubilant demeanor he currently held.

xxxxx

During dinner I broached an important topic for me.

"Edward, I need to know what you told my complex about my apartment." I asked making sure no anger was conveyed in my statement. Though I still held resentment in being taken from my life, I no longer felt the anger and hate that I did in the beginning.

"Well, I had already gotten to know Mr. Miller from when I had the security systems installed. So, he didn't question me much at all when I informed him that you would be spending some time with me at my house and that we may travel some. I went ahead and paid him the balance left on your lease." He answered and for once he did seem a little shamefaced.

About time. Be nice, Bella.

"You paid the balance on my lease?" I was shocked.

"Well, yes. Remember, Bella, I wasn't thinking too rationally. I also knew that you would want your things eventually and I didn't want the world to think you disappeared off the face of the earth."

At least he was beginning to see what his actions looked like to me and I guess the rest of the world can be paid off – whatever. Yeah, throw money at them and they don't ask too many questions.

"So, Mr. Miller didn't ask to speak with me at all?" I asked a little angered.

"No, he didn't. I guess he didn't think about anything else once he had your lease pre-paid," he admitted.

"But Bella, I know I was wrong. I'm so sorry." Edward added.

"No, Edward. Right now I'm a little more disturbed about Mr. Miller. I would think he would have wanted to hear from me directly. I mean he may know that you wanted a security system installed for me and all, but he's never seen us together. Not once. It just surprises me that he would take your word for it, that's all. I'm not mad at you. I've already dealt with that issue. I just wanted to know how things were handled."

Has anyone noticed I'm not there? I'm I even more invisible than I thought.

"Bella, what's wrong?" Edward asked as he moved his chair a little closer to me.

I hadn't realized until now that tears were streaming down my face. I tried to quickly wipe them away and gain back my composure.

"I'm okay Edward, I'm just realizing how pathetic my life is, was, whatever." I sniffed.

"Your life is not nor has it ever been pathetic. How can you think that?" he asked me incredulously.

"How can I think that? That's easy. Who knows that I was kidnapped? Who knows where I really am? But most important of all, who cares? I know the answer to that one. No one." I said annoyed at the truth of my own words.

"Oh, Bella" Edward said as he enveloped me in a hug.

This time I embraced that hug with all that I had in me. I needed it. I needed him. Once again, I was crying on his shoulder.

Feeling bad about yourself? Why not have a pity party? Call Bella Swan, she's the queen of pity parties. She can help you on your way to self-deprecation. Yes, you too can be on your way to Loserville.

"I've told you before, no one could ever benefit from your absence. Don't you think your landlord and your boss would be looking for you if they didn't actually believe that you were safe? You know more about the kind of person that I am. I took careful precautions. I covered all the bases. I led them to believe that you were safe and acting on your own accord. Please don't feel that no one cares because that simply is not true." He kept rubbing my back as he spoke to me.

"What did you tell my boss?" I asked, my curiosity definitely peaked.

"I went in and talked with him. I told him that I had asked you to work for me and that I needed you immediately. He really wanted to speak with you and see about increasing your pay. I told him that I would be glad to bring you in to speak with him and some of his supervisors. I told him that you had mentioned some sort of sexual harassment from a fellow employee. When I mentioned that he seemed to change his mind and asked me to wish you the best. Your last paycheck should have been directly deposited to your account."

I was glad to finally know the truth. Mainly I was happy that people from my job would at least think I didn't up and quit without any notice. I would never do anything like that no matter how unhappy I was.

Even though I more than deserved to know all of this, I felt I should take it easy on Edward. He was divulging more and more to me. I know that this was hard on him. Part of me wanted him to feel frustrated and embarrassed for all that he has caused me. However, I promised him that I would be patient and I intend to keep my promise. As long as I am finding out more truths than I will be content with what I am learning.

xxxxx

A few more days passed and I must admit that Edward was a gentleman. He never tried anything 'out of line' with me. The most that would happen between us was occasional hand holding. He even asked me if he could hold my hand and I would happily oblige. On occasion I would receive a chaste kiss on my forehead or cheek before we would retire for the evening to our separate bedrooms. Surprisingly enough, I welcomed these little kisses even though it would turn my cheeks different shades of red or pink.

Edward and I also spent more time doing other things. We would take more short walks along the trails on his property. I wasn't able to go too long for I was still weak. We also watched more movies together. We would spend time in his wonderfully, fascinating library. He had many books shelved high on the walls covering many different genres of literature. He had comfortable sofas and chairs to curl up on and read, and of course, the view from the many windows was magnificent.

It was funny. I was becoming more and more comfortable around Edward. I found myself no longer eager for my moments alone. I was really beginning to enjoy his company. I was surprised at all that we had in common. I never expected that we would mesh so well on so many different things since we both came from such different backgrounds.

I was still eager to learn more about his family. He was gradually opening more and more, but once again it was at a slow pace. I felt there were many things that he was holding back on me. I had no doubt that he would eventually share them but my curiosity always kept my imagination running.

I wondered what kind of business that he was running. What all was involved with his 'investments'? I had my suspicions that not all activity was legal. However, the more I got to know about Edward, the harder it was to believe that he could intentionally hurt someone. Oh, I know he did it to me. However, I am beginning to realize that he didn't set out to hurt me and that in his own delusional way he truly believed that he was helping and saving me. I appreciate the fact that he is realizing how the actions that he took were too extreme and not morally right. He continues to apologize to me for this and I can tell that his remorse is genuine.

Even when I spent time with Emmett, Jasper, Alice, and Rosalie, I would try to find more information out about his business. However, it became quite obvious to me rather quickly that they would divulge no more information to me than Edward had. Alice told me that Edward needed to be the one to share this information with me. She told me that it wasn't that anyone believed that I couldn't be trusted. It was just that all that has happened in his family and his business relations has been hard for him. She said that it is just hard for him to open up to anyone about all of this. She said it was quite some time before he was comfortable enough to talk with her and Rosalie about this. However, she is quite certain that it will not take as long for Edward to confide in me. I must admit that his walls seem to slowly be coming down every day.

To be fair, I must admit that I have always been good at constructing walls around myself. Getting close to the Cullen family has helped to break down some of my walls as well. I hadn't even realized the barriers that I had placed around myself. Edward himself was one of the main people to get through to me. With his prodding and his encouragement I began to realize many things about myself.

Tonight was a prime example. We are sitting in his room talking. I find the sitting area of his bedroom to be one of my favorite places to be in this house next to the solarium and the library.

I was a little surprised by the route his questioning went tonight.

"Why is it that you haven't had any relationships with men before?" he asked taking me by surprise.

I was a little dumbfounded by this. I wasn't quite sure how to answer this. Of course, I intend to be honest, it's just that I had to think about this for quite some time before I could even begin to formulate my answer. I just wanted to sure about the reasons myself.

"I don't know. I guess I was just never truly interested in a man enough to pursue anything." I said giving the best answer I could muster.

"But you have dated before?" he inquired.

"Well, no. Like I said, I was never really interested enough in someone. Besides, I wasn't exactly one the boys flocked to or was ever really interested in." I answered truthfully.

"I doubt that Bella. You are far more interesting that you believe yourself to be. I imagine most guys were rather intimidated."

"Intimidated? By me? Surely, you jest." I replied completely baffled as to how I could seem intimidating to anyone.

"Yes, intimidating Bella, I could definitely see men being intimidated by you. You are intelligent, beautiful, mysterious and far from superficial. That is a combination that most men are not use to dealing with. It's hard to approach what you don't know. However, I'm sure some of the guys took the risk and asked you out. I'm just curious, why did you reject them?" He seemed eager to find out my reasoning.

"I don't know exactly." I said and continued to think on this.

"I guess I just wasn't ready. I've always wanted relationships, and I'm not just talking about the romantic kind. It's just always been hard for me to meet people and open up to them. I just don't like exposing myself to others." I said and continued to think this over.

"Obviously that has been an issue for me too. It's just certain areas of my life that I don't like exposing to people. However, you are helping me to realize that I don't need to do that, which is why I feel myself becoming more and more comfortable with slowly revealing myself to you. I just hope that I can make you comfortable enough to do the same." Edward said, and I appreciated his honesty.

"It's not that I don't want to share. I just never needed to since I was never really close to anyone besides my mother and my father." Right there I seemed to have some kind of epiphany that was so obvious that I should have discovered it long ago.

"Bella, what is it? What are you thinking about?" Edward could obviously see the strange expression that was surely on my face.

"It's weird. I guess I just sort of made a connection in my brain that you would have thought I would have seen a long time ago." I admitted feeling very foolish.

"You've got me in suspense here. Tell me." Edward playfully demanded.

"I lost my mother at a very young age. I was really close to her and losing her took a great toll on me emotionally. It was hard for me seeing other kids with their mothers. Once, one of my classmate's mothers accompanied our class on a field trip. I remember feeling so cheated that my mother wasn't alive and unable to do something like this for me. I was mad. Mad at myself for not being able to keep my mother alive, mad at my mom for dying and leaving me, mad at this kid who had his mom and was a total shit to her and took her for granted.

"I never realized until now how profound that day was for me and how it changed my outlook on life. I was already feeling cheated for losing the most important person in my life and that situation just seemed to exacerbate it and harden my resolve. Other than my father, I decided that I would never get close to anyone again so that I would never have to feel that kind of pain.

"I see now that it was around that point and time that I began to close myself off from others. My father was the only one I allowed myself to be close to. And with him, my relationship was different than it was from my mother's anyway. He and I were close but we did not talk and share on the same level as I did with my mother. He and I kept to ourselves mostly. It was what we had in common. However, it was never uncomfortable being with him like that. It just was what our relationship was and we both were happy with that. "

I was proud of myself that I finally made this realization and can't believe that I never picked up on this before. Talking with Edward was really helping me to open myself up. I know I would never have been able to see all of this if it weren't for Edward. He just made me feel so comfortable, so at ease, so accepted.

"Losing my father as soon as I did certainly came as a shock to me. I knew there was always a chance that he would leave this Earth earlier than he should. His job was dangerous and always had me worried for his safety. However, I knew that I couldn't hold this against him. Helping others was what he was born to do. He never liked seeing people being taken advantage of. That is why he made such a good cop. He wanted the criminals off the street, but he also wanted them to be rehabilitated. He believed everyone deserved a second chance. When I lost him, I felt like I lost the last lifeline of love and security. I felt as if I was just meant to always be alone and I accepted that fact without hesitation." All of these realizations were coming to me quickly and were very emotional. However, I knew I needed this. I needed to feel and I needed to realize what I was cutting myself off from. Which basically, I mused, was the world.

"I'm so sorry that you had to go through all of that, Bella. But I want you to know that you are not alone. I am here if you want me, and I will always care for you. All of the Cullen's have been charmed by you and consider you family whether you decide to have a relationship with me or not. I don't see that ever changing. Alice, for one, would not allow it. She sees you as the sister she never had. And Emmett, he totally surprises me. He has taken to you with an intensity I didn't know he had. Oh, I know the intense love he feels for Rose and Jackson. It's just with you; I see this over protective, loving brother. I guess you're also the sister he never had." He chuckled a little when he spoke of Emmett.

"Did you know that he punched me out when he found out I took advantage of you that morning?" he asked shocking me.

"He did? I'm sorry Edward." I probably shouldn't have said anything to Emmett and Jasper.

"No, don't be sorry. I deserved it and more. I was wrong and Emmett didn't hesitate to put me in my place. He's a lot more intelligent and observant than most people give him credit for." Edward answered and he seemed to hold a deep admiration for his older brother.

"Oh, I know what a good person he is. He's been great to me from the very beginning and I guess I sort of think of him as a big brother as well. You have a great family Edward. You are very lucky."

"I know I am, but I feel even luckier to have you in my life and I would feel even luckier if I could keep you in my life in whatever capacity that may be." His statement did not scare me. In fact, to be truthful it was the opposite. Even after all I have been through, I feel lucky to have met the Cullen's and that includes Edward. Most definitely includes Edward.

xxxxx

Edward's Point of View

Last night, Bella opened up to me about her lack of relationships.

I hated that she felt so alone and that she needed to keep love at bay by refusing to become close to anyone. She seems to feel more comfortable with me and my family. I hope she continues to feel that way and open herself up some more. I know she can never truly love me if she doesn't try. But, right now I do believe she is trying whether she means to or not. I can tell she truly cares for my family and I believe she cares for me as well. At least, I hope she does.

I understand now that I need to open up to her even more. It's been hard but at the same time easier than I imagined talking to Bella about my life. However, I've waited long enough to share the rest about my family with her. She deserves to know everything. As hard as it may be for me, I intend to tell her, and I intend to begin tonight.

After a pleasant and laughter filled dinner with the family, Bella and I took an evening stroll around the lake. We returned later to library. It was one of our favorite places to spend time. I gently took Bella's hand as we entered and asked her if we could sit and talk for awhile. She readily obliged and we made our way to my most comfortable sofa, a wine colored over stuffed, leather couch.

As we sat down, I kept her hand in mine; I exhaled and then spoke. "Bella, I would like to talk with you more about my family. I would like to talk to you about the people you haven't met."

Bella looked at me a little confused but urged me to go on. "Okay, Edward. I would like that."

"My name is actually Edward Anthony Masen Cullen." I said a little quicker than I meant to.

"Masen?" she questioned.

"Yes, Masen. You see, Emmett and Jasper aren't my blood brothers. I was adopted into their family when I was seven months old."

"There's nothing wrong with being adopted Edward." She said. Maybe she was afraid I was embarrassed by this fact.

"No, I know that. I feel very honored to be a part of the Cullen family. I truly think of Emmett and Jasper as my brother and I know that they feel the same." I said confidently.

"Okay, so, I don't see a problem here," she said sounding quite perplexed.

"There's not a problem. You see my parents, Edward Sr. and Elizabeth Masen, died when I was seven months old. Emmett and Jasper's mother, Antoinette, was my mother's sister. She and Robert adopted me after my parents' death. So really, my aunt and uncle became my parents. They were wonderful parents who unfortunately you will not be able to meet. They died in a plane crash when I was nineteen years old." I told her saddened as I remembered their unexpected deaths.

"I'm so sorry Edward." She squeezed my hand tenderly. "That's awful for you to lose both sets of parents."

"Yes, but I've been lucky to have my brothers and their wives. I still have a great family."

"You certainly do. If you don't mind me asking how did your parents, Edward and Elizabeth, die?" she asked and I could tell that she was afraid of overstepping her bounds.

"They were in an automobile accident that was believed to have faulty brakes."

"You don't believe it was an accident." She stated, obviously seeing the disbelief in my face.

"No, I don't." I replied simply.

"Why not?" she asked.

"Well, I guess I should start by telling you about my dad's business." I knew that I needed to begin here to give her the full picture.

"I assume you are speaking of Edward Sr., correct?" she asked.

"Yes, Edward Sr. You see, my father was in business with a man by the name of Aro Voltaire. Together, they founded Masen & Voltaire. Their primary goal as a company was to invest in troubled businesses that they believed could thrive given the proper backing and training. They either would hold a significant number of stocks in the company and help it become more profitable. Or, they would buy the company themselves and set to make it successful. And, they were very successful in all their dealings.

"However, Aro was never satisfied. They were making millions, yet Aro wanted more. My father was content at their level of achievement and did not see the need to expand further. So, Aro began to act on his own, without my father's knowledge. He began by buying out companies anonymously from information he was able to coerce out of others by gaining enough controlling shares. If he didn't get the information he desired, he would blackmail and threaten these people and their families."

It was quite obvious that all this was taking Bella by surprise. However, she always surprises me and instead of sounding frightened by these revelations, she urged me to continue.

"According to one of my father's colleagues, my father one day found evidence of Aro's illegal practices. He was quite angry by all of it, but even more outraged when he found out about the threats that Aro had made to others. He told Aro that he could not look the other way and would have to report him to the authorities."

Before I could continue on, Bella interrupted me.

"So you think that Aro had something to do with your parents' death?" she speculated correctly.

"Yes, I believe that he had the brake line cut. I think he bribed the police involved to state that the brakes were faulty. According to that same colleague, my parents were on their way to see an investigator with the evidence that my father had collected. So it was not very surprising that no files or information whatsoever was found in their possession regarding Aro Voltaire." I said with more emotion than I had meant to.

She gently squeezed my hand again and brought her other arm and comfortingly rubbed my forearms.

"Aro is still in business today, with his own company, Volturi Enterprises. He is practicing the same illegal activities including blackmail and threats." The hatred that I felt for Aro was obvious in my voice.

"What about your father's colleague and the investigator that he was going to meet with? Can't they help put Aro away?" she asked not seeming to know the power that Aro Voltaire possesses.

"Well, my father's colleague finally confessed this information to me when I became eligible to inherit the money that my parents had left me. He apologized for not going to the authorities for he was in fear of his life and that of his family. I understood and did not hold this against him. However, less than two weeks after he told me all of this he was hit by truck crossing the street." I sadly recalled the death of this man knowing full well that this was no accidental hit and run.

"Apparently, the investigator my parents were to meet with ended up meeting his demise the same day that my parents did. According to the reports I've read, he was the victim of a home invasion. He was shot in the head." I knew she could see that all this information I was giving her would show her that all these deaths could not have been coincidental.

"Oh, Edward, that's so horrible." For the first time, Bella initiated a hug to me. She put her arms around my neck and pulled me in close to her body. "I'm so sorry," she whispered over and over again as she soothingly rubbed my back.

I felt such a release from her hug. For the first time, I felt love from Bella. It may not be the romantic love I am hoping for, but it's a start. We are growing closer and I see that I did the right thing by opening up to her.

Soon, I will tell her what is going on with my business. I don't think she will exactly approve, but from what I've learned today, I don't believe she would hold it against me either. She deserves to know everything and I plan on sharing everything with her. I just need the courage to continue.

Today, though as been exhausting for us both. I know that I can't possible continue to talk anymore about this tonight. I also believe Bella has taken in enough for one day. Hopefully, in the next couple of days I will share everything with her before she returns to her apartment.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Author's Note: There are still many twists and turns ahead for Edward and Bella. This chapter was necessary to show their relationship growing and to show Bella that she may feel more for Edward then she intended. There will be more action in the upcoming chapters. Again, I would like to thank you for your reviews. The reviews do help me to stay focused on the story and give me the encouragement I need. Even if you're not reviewing, I thank you for reading my story.