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Chapter 11: when it couldn't get better

BPOV

I was running through the forest, the wind rushing past my face and branches slamming into my body. It was dark and all I could hear was my strong panting and accelerating heartbeat.

Thump, breath, thump, breath

Sweat was streaming down my face like a waterfall but I couldn't look back. He was behind me. He was always there. I could feel a change in the wind as something went pass me, causing me to lose concentration and catapult to the ground. I screamed as branches and thorns forced their way into my skin. Only my body relaxed as the strain on my muscles was lessened from the stopping of movement. Although my heart was on overdrive

Thump, thump, breath, thump, thump, breath

I could hear him chanting my name "Bella, Bella, I'm coming to get you". My body felt so weak but I knew I had to get up, I was almost heaving as I tried to run faster and faster. Quicker than before I was running, the trees were more painful as they swung into my face but I wasn't giving up. The black sky seemed to get darker as I saw a clearing in the forest. For a moment I thought I would make it when someone new pushed me to the hard forest floor.

Thump, thump, thump, breath, thump, thump, thump, breath

I cried as I knew I hadn't made it, my body was shoved over so I was facing the sky as two figures looked down on me with smug scowls on their faces before speaking in unison.

"We found you Bella"

I woke up screaming before my body began to tremble with dry sobs and my breathing became jagged. They were so close. They almost got me. My heart was pumping so loud I could hear it in my head. Someone pushed open the door as I automatically curled into myself, despite my bodies protests. I felt guilty as I saw the shocked and pained look on Edward's face as he was contemplating whether to come closer or not.

"Bella, are you ok?" he asked exasperatedly.

In return I gave him a small shake "no" of the head and he hesitantly came closer to the bed. As he saw I didn't coil into myself anymore he gathered my trembling form up into his arms. What did do to deserve someone like Edward? I knew he was my friend but he was so kind to comfort me like this. I've never had comfort or someone there to help when I'm scared. Charlie never abused me when I was little, although as a dad he was never really there for me. Only Edward has ever been my true comforter.

Soon I heard a rustling in the doorway, so I looked up to see the entire Cullen family, either with relieved or happy looks on their faces. I gave them a small smile as I felt Edward look up at them as well.

"Bella, honey, are you ok? We all heard a scream and wanted to know if you're alright. What happened sweetie?" asked Esme, motherly concern evident in her voice.

"I..." I had to clear my throat so I could speak properly after the screaming "I had a nightmare... I'm so sorry if I woke you all up, I didn't mean to, I'm sorry" I looked down feeling ashamed. This family was letting me stay at their house and I go around screaming and waking everybody up, stupid, stupid Bella.

"It's ok Bella, are you ok now, and don't be ashamed, we all have nightmares, it's a way of coping... was the nightmare about whatever happened?" I gave Esme a small nod and tucked myself into Edward. I began to start clenching and unclenching his t-shirt in my hand as I felt the family's sympathetic stares on me.

"Damn" we all looked up at Emmett as he had broken the silence, slightly confused. "I thought there was some robbers in here, cause if there was I so could have used my kung-fu karate skills on them suckers and have been like hi-ya and karate chopped them till their heads fell off and then I would have been like 'that's what you get for messin' with my friend Bella, ya heard?' and stuff..."

The whole family looked at him with confused looks as Carlisle and Esme hung their heads down in shame at Emmett, who personally looked quite proud of himself. Before I knew what was happening my entire body burst into giggles. The sound seemed so foreign to me but I couldn't stop laughing. Soon the entire family was laughing including Esme. I even felt myself bob up and down in Edwards lap as he began to chuckle. I swear Emmett was like the big brother I never had.

During the laughter I heard Emmett asking Rosalie what everyone was laughing at but he was rewarded with a smack to the head. Soon I felt Edward stop laughing and looking up before saying a small "no". I looked up in confusion and followed his eyes to where they were looking at. My eyes landed on Alice as she gave us a small cunning smile.

"Bellaaaa" she almost sang "if you're going to be staying here for a while you're going to need some more clothes, and you know what that means right? Shopping".

Everyone suddenly stopped laughing and looked at her with scared faces. I hated shopping but if that's what I could do to make Alice happy, I guess I could manage one shopping trip.

"Urm... sure, but Alice, I don't have any money" I said. The truth is I don't really have a penny to my name.

"That's ok Bella, it's my treat, please come shopping with me!" once she gave me her puppy dog eyes I knew I was a goner. "Ok Alice but don't go overboard, ok?"

Before I knew it I had been pounced at and stuck in the middle of a hug. I heard squealing but it took me a few minutes to work out what was being said. "Oh my gosh thank you so much Bella! You're not going to regret this. Oh I know a better idea! We should all go together, I can't wait this is going to be so much fun!" Once I regained my hearing and heard everyone else moaning honestly realized that I was quite looking forward to later. I don't know what it is about the Cullens, but I feel like one big happy family around them.

They soon left me to get ready, and Alice leant me a pair of dark blue skinny jeans and a long sleeved dark green jumper, which thankfully covered up all of the scars and a woolly pair of socks along with underwear. After I did my bathroom business, carefully avoiding the mirror I met everyone downstairs in the kitchen. As I walked in I was met with the heavenly aroma of pancakes and maple syrup. Heaven.

I was ushered over to a seat where Esme gave me a plate of two pancakes, and I gave her a smile in return. Rather embarrassingly when I took my first bite into the pancake I gave out an embarrassing moan, causing a few heads to turn to look at me and a crude comment from Emmett. Whilst admittedly scoffing down the delicious pancakes and the orange juice which seemed to magically appear next to my plate Edward came downstairs. I swear Edward has inhuman beauty but so does the rest of his family. Although I've never seen him or his family eat. Also when they came into my room were they even wearing pajamas? I can't judge, without them who knows what could have happened. Although there is, in the nicest way possible, something different about the Cullens.

As soon as I had taken the last bite of pancake I was being shoved into a pair of shoes and being pushed out of the door. Although I managed to say a thank you to Esme as she told me good luck. I wonder why she would do that. We ended up having to take Edwards Volvo and Rosalie's BMW to get to the mall. I still can't get over how the Cullens have this much money. With the crazy driving of Edward we were there in next to no time and I was being dragged off to the first shop.

Although no matter how fast we were going there were still stares.

I don't blame them. I know that some of the marks from James are still on face and arms although do they have to look? I'm used to being avoided from school, although sometimes it's the sympathetic stares which hurt more. The stares which make you ashamed of what happened to you. But they don't know what happened. I don't know if I can ever bring myself to telling anybody what happened. I just want it to be over.

Once we got in the first store Alice began to flutter around the stacks of clothes. I personally have no idea what to look for, or even what size I am. For me clothes shopping is a luxury I never had. I also noticed Rosalie walk in behind us, with the boys who looked less than happy although she seemed to know what she was doing when she hit the racks. I stumbled by the racks but to be honest I didn't know where to start. Although soon I felt someone tap on my shoulder and I stumbled around to see the happy face of Edward.

"Shopping isn't really your thing, is it?" I gave him an honest nod "well the same is for me, Emmett and Jasper, but after way too many shopping trips we have learned how to have some fun. Our first game is like hide and seek, but you're constantly moving. We have to go around the store as quick as possible and find someone from the other team and tag them out. Whichever team gets the other out first wins. Although to play the game firstly you need to be sneaky, and secondly not get kicked out the shop. Each 'round' gets harder and harder as the girls give us more shopping bags to carry. Would you do me the honor of becoming my team mate Bella?" after a small giggle and a warning from me that I will probably lose the game was underway.

I felt so happy and carefree as me and Edward the 'spies' tried to track down the other boys. Why did the first shop have to have 3 levels? After many stares from un-amused shop workers and the mission impossible theme tune being stuck in my head me and Edward took cover behind a shoe rack, as I attempted to control my giggles.

"This is so much fun! I can't believe we haven't found them yet" I blurted out, staring into Edwards golden eyes, he gave a small chuckle as he recalled to me that once it took Emmett and Jasper 3 hours to find him when they payed this game around a different mall in New York. As much as I was listening to the story, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the movement of his lips. Although I was soon knocked out of my trance by the security alarms going off somewhere in the shop. The shock ended up with me somehow falling on top of Edward, so I was laying parallel to his body, mine laying on top of his. I could feel the heat rising off of his cold body, yet no matter how much my body told me I should get off of him, I just couldn't. We were both staring into each other's eyes. I noticed that the tiny rim of his iris was a strong Emerald green colour, a strong contrast in comparison to the rest of his golden eyes.

I don't know how long we were laying there like that but the next thing I remember was Emmett shouting "we won!" with a laughing Jasper behind him. Edward seemed just as surprised at them finding us, and like a gentleman he helped me off the floor.

Soon I swore I felt the floor rumble as Alice rushed over to us with a pile of her clothes which were almost piled higher than her head.

"Where were you! Never mind Bella your coming with me to the changing rooms, and boys you're not going to be let out of my sight again, ok? Well let's move its only 7 hours till closing time!" with a sigh we all followed Alice into the changing area where me and an armful of clothes were shoved into one of the cubicles. From there I was made to try them all on and model every single one. I have to say I think I tried on more clothes than I have ever owned in my life. Some of the clothes were ok, although some I would rather leave on the hanger. Although my broken wrist wasn't exactly helpful, luckily the cast was thin and from having broken it before, I know what to do to put on clothes. Maybe one helpful thing came from the beatings...

Even though I wanted to smile at the clothes I knew I wouldn't otherwise be able to afford, I still couldn't bring myself to after looking at the body they were on. My skin was red, purple, and simply repulsive. It pains me to think that someone I trusted could do all of this. To make new scars on top of the ones my 'dad' gave me. I thought I trusted James... I thought he loved me...

Why would anyone want to love you, you stupid girl.

Everyone else seemed to notice that I was getting down so Alice finally agreed to let Edward take me for ice cream while Alice brought some of the clothes. I really do hope she doesn't go overboard, I want to try to repay them someday for all they have done for me.

Soon Edward pulled out a chair for me to sit down on and came over to me with a tub of strawberry ice cream; I swear my face lit up like a child at Christmas. I began to tuck in but after trying on the clothes my wrist was starting to ache. Edward saw this and began to feed me with the plastic spoon. We didn't need to talk. The time was filled with comfortable silence. By the time the ice cream was finished Alice and Rosalie came over followed by a grumpy looking Jasper and Emmett, who had their hands filled with shopping bags from the store we went in and a couple more. My jaw dropped.

"Alice that isn't all for me is it?" I asked flabbergasted

"Urm... No? Well yes but Bella you deserve it please accept it, please" I sighed and just hoped the receipts are in the bag so I can return some of it later.

After Edward explaining to her my wrist was aching she agreed no more clothes shopping. Instead, I was made to go shoe shopping. Before today I never new shopping could be so tiring!

We were in the third shoe shop when I was made to try on a pair of high heels despite my protest, the boys were lucky and were allowed to leave, only to put the shopping bags in the car.

"Please Bella, final pair I promise" pleaded Alice whilst giving me puppy dog eyes. I gave in and tried on the 5 inch blue diamante heels and wobbled while standing up. With much concentration on my part I wobbled over to the mirror at the corner of the shop, which was reflecting the view of people wandering by outside. I looked down at the shoes and had to admit they looked pretty, never mind them being overpriced death-traps. As I looked up in the reflection I saw dirty blonde hair and cruel eyes staring into the mirror from outside the shop, my breathing scattered as I twirled around to the shop window.

As I did the heels caused my legs to give way and topple to the floor with a yelp. Once my body had collided with the floor the first thing I did was not let myself feel the pain, but look up to see if he was still there. Only to see he was gone. Although was he there in the first place? Or am I going crazy?

My mind was overwhelmed with thoughts that only Alice shaking me brought me out of the trance, I realized I was shaking as I looked up at her to see her mouth moving, she was talking to someone but I could only hear my heart beating again. The thumping was getting louder and louder. I kept jumping as the image of him played over and over in my mind.

"Alice, please, I want to go back" I said in a ragged breath, I assume she heard me as the next thing I knew I was being lifted up onto a chair as the shoes on my feet were being taken off and the ones I was wearing earlier were being put onto my shaking feet.

Someone came through the shop door and I realized it was Edward when he picked up my trembling form and whisked me out of there. I just remember the Cullens talking about something as I blacked out.

The next thing I knew I was sprawled out in the backseat, with my head on Edward's lap, Jasper in the front wheel and Alice giving me a sympathetic look from the front seat. I blushed as I looked at the positioning of my head on Edwards lap. What happened?

"Bella, are you ok now?" said Edward, concern dripping from his voice. "Yeah, I think so... what happened"

"I was hoping you would know that" piped in Alice from the front. "You were trying on shoes when you suddenly turned around, tripped and started shaking. Edward picked you up and now we're taking you back home like you asked".

Did that really happen? Why did I turn back? Suddenly the memory of seeing him flashed to the forefront of my mind.

James.

I started to panic but I felt an odd wave of calm overcome me. "Are you ok?" queried jasper with his southern accent.

"Yeah, I think I thought I saw someone and I must have hit my head weird on the way down. I'm so sorry for being a nuisance; you must be so embarrassed of me..." I trailed on as I realized I had been stupid. Too many memories of James and Charlie were flashing in front of me and I went into autopilot when I was in this situation. "... I'll try to repay you, I promise, just please don't hit me, please-"

"-wait there Bella, hit you?" cut off Edward. "Bella we would never do that. I don't know what happened to you but we will never hurt you, we promise. I will never let anyone hurt you again." I turned red with embarrassment as I fell into another round of sleep.

I woke up as Edward was carrying me into the house, followed by Emmett and Jasper carrying goodness knows how many shopping bags.

"Did you have a nice time honey?" chirped Esme from the hallway. "I hope Alice didn't go too overboard, I know what she can be like...oh honey!" she exclaimed as she saw me in the hallway. "Is everything alright? What happened" she said while rubbing my arm.

"Don't worry, it's just been a long day" I gave her a small smile as she told Edward to put me on the sofa in the living room whilst she made hot chocolate. Edward brought over a blanket whilst everyone else took the shopping bags upstairs. "I'm sorry about this afternoon. But whatever happened Bella, I want you to know that I'm going to be there for you, ok?"

I whispered a small thank you as we both snuggled under the blanket and Esme brought me in a warm cup of homemade hot chocolate. I have her a smile as the rest of the family came down stairs and Alice and Emmett began to fight over the remote while Esme and Carlisle settled in the love seat and Jasper and Rosalie laughed at Alice and Emmett's antics.

It feels so nice to be part of this family, if they let me I would stay here forever. There is no abuse, no orders, just fun and laughter. For me the Cullen house is like a dream, almost too good to be true.

Whilst the TV flicked from soccer to Americas next top model the door bell rang, which Carlisle got up to answer. I just snuggled further into Edward and sipped on the hot chocolate. I just finished my mouthful as I heard the front door being opened.

"WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER?"

AN

Uh-oh Charlie's back.

Also don't you guys like the story anymore? I only got one review which I'm so grateful for!

So that means reviewer of the chapter is: forbiddenluv! Thank you very much!

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