A/N: Here is the next chapter. I am sorry this took so long to submit (I had it done the same day as I put up my last chapter) but the site itself wouldn't allow me to upload it for some reason. I hope you enjoy. Please review and let me know what you think, good or bad.

***Thank you all for your support of this story. I have come to hold this story to my heart because of the things it involves me to write. I want to give a special shout out to jm1708: I absolutely love and appreciate your enthusiastic reviews. You always make me think of things that I haven't before and your reviews actually help me to shape my story. So please keep them coming! :)

***This chapter is dedicated to: SweetLovinCullen 3

***This chapter is a little filler for details but has some action at the end so I hope you enjoy that.

*** Disclaimer: Roses are Red, Violets are Blue. I don't own Twilight, but neither do you! *sniffles*


CPOV

Alice called me while I was at work to tell me that I needed to call the school to excuse Bella and Edward for the rest of the day because she was ill and he needed to take her home. Alice told me of the vision she had where Bella broke down and Edward took her home.

I can't imagine what life must be like for Bella, carrying around all that pain and hurt with her. All of her physical and emotional scars must weigh heavily on her. You'd never guess it by being around her, but I have seen the pain in the subtle grimaces or the way she looks down when she speaks to someone. I can see it in the way she speaks quietly and politely as if at any second the person she is speaking to could fly off into a rage.

I also saw it the night the ambulance brought her into the emergency room nearly dead. She was covered in blood, bruises, and scars. I could barely even make out her features.

I saw something in her though, something that made me see how special she was. I am not referring to her power, but something much more important.

At the moment that I looked down at her body all bloodied and broken, I saw how beautiful her soul was. She was pure and innocent even though this world seems to have taken everything from her and left her the prisoner of some cruel joke.

I wish I could take away her pain and her hardships but I am helpless when it comes to that. Thankfully she has Edward now. She seems to be able to open up to him in ways that nobody has come close to. She seems to be healing with him and for that I owe Edward a lot.

I have come to see Bella as a daughter, as has Esme, so when she hurts, it hurts us as well.

Even though it's against my ways, I wish I could tear that man who hurt her to pieces. I am usually anti-violence but when it comes to my family, I will do what I need to in order to protect them.

That is why Alice's vision has me worried. She has confided in me that her vision has not changed and it is still very likely to happen. If it were up to me, I would allow Edward to run her south like he wanted to, but I can't just force that kind of life onto Bella. She deserves to have all the opportunities in her life and I will do my best to give each of them to her.

We have all decided that it would be best to go on with our normal day-to-day activities. I have also informed the children that at least one of them is to be with Bella at all times. They are not allowed to let her go off by herself. I think that as long as one vampire is with her then that should be enough to stop anyone from taking her. At least I hope so.

Patrick stopped me on my way out the door to go home and told me that Bella's brace was done and I could take it home to her. I was happy to hear this and I hope it will make Bella feel better. I know that she hasn't walked in many years, not on her own two legs, so this brace is something that will make her feel "normal".

I have never met anyone as strong as Bella. She has endured so much pain in her life. Two car accidents, an abusive step-father who not only beat her but took advantage of her as well, and the cruelty of other humans. Not everyone could survive a life like that, let alone survive it with the heart that she has. She has so much compassion for others that it makes my dead heart swell with pride.

I got to the house and brought the brace in with me but wasn't sure on how to give it to Bella. I wanted to wrap it in a pink bow and shout 'SURPRISE!' but Bella doesn't seem like the surprise kind of girl.

Edward, could you join me in the living room please?

Who better to ask than Edward?

He was at my side in an instant chuckling. "Carlisle, why do you assume I would know the best way to give it to her?"

Oh, right, mind reader.

This made him laugh even more.

"Well son, I assumed since you seem to be the closest to Bella." I feigned irritation when in reality I was ecstatic about their relationship.

"Well, how about you just give it to her? She's up in her room writing." He told me and we both started our way to her room.

I knocked on the door and she answered for me to come in. I opened the door with the brace behind me. She looked at me curiously but had a smile on her face because I was paying her a visit.

I held out the brace for her to see and the look on her face was a priceless one for a father to see. She looked shocked and awed at it. Then her face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. I couldn't help the chuckle that left my mouth. I could see how happy she was and it in turn created happiness for me.

"Why don't you put it on and see how it fits?" I suggested.

She looked up at me with the biggest grin I've seen on her so far and nodded her head.

Edward and I left her to put it on. We waited out in the hallway for her to finish so we could see her walk. I think it was equally important to the both of us.

"Carlisle, thank you" Edward broke the silence that surrounded us. I looked at him asking him nonverbally to continue. "I know this means a lot to Bella and I wanted to thank you for making it happen. You know, she already sees you as a father. She talks about our family when she sleeps. She loved her father very much but she sees you in the same way she saw him. I know that it isn't mine to tell, but she loves you very much."

His words left me silent. I knew that Bella was comfortable around us, but she saw us as a family and me like a father? I know I saw her as a daughter but I couldn't help the pride that swelled in my long dead heart to know that the feelings were mutual.

We both heard Bella turn the knob for her door and we watched expectantly as Bella opened her door and stepped out into the hallway. She walked slowly, with concentrated steps, but I saw the smile on her face as she walked. The steps were a little forced but that is to be expected since she hasn't walked in so many years.

If I could cry I'm sure there would be tears in my eyes right now because I could see the joy she felt as she took each step. Walking was very important to her and witnessing her first few steps is amazing.

"Look at that. Bella, you're walking" I said with a smile in my voice. She looked up at me with a huge grin plastered on her face and nodded to me. I went to her and hugged her with as much love as I could.

"Love, why don't we go for a walk so you can get used to the brace?" Edward asked. It was apparent that he was happy for her.

She nodded and they walked side by side down the hallway and out to the driveway. Before, Bella had always insisted on everyone walking in front of her since she was slower and she hated others to have to wait on her and watch her walk but now they walked side by side, hand in hand.

I couldn't help the smile that was glued to my face. Esme came and saw what I was watching. She hugged me around the waist and kissed my cheek.

"She's finally getting what life owes her and I'm grateful to her that she has brought Edward back into this life the way she has. They are both so happy with one another. They really deserve one another because they are so similar." Esme's love for her children never ceases to amaze me. She has been so worried about Edward for decades; worried that he'd never find happiness.

I kissed the top of her head as I wrapped my arms around her lovely body.

"Yes, finally they are both learning how to actually live."


EMPOV (EMMETT)

"Are you sure that we should be doing this?" Jasper asked me hesitantly even though I knew that he was just as excited as I was about this mission.

"Jazzy my boy, Carlisle told us to dig up the dirt on this dirt bag and that is exactly what we are doing." I told him.

He just shook his head. "Fine, but if Carlisle disapproves of this little jaunt of ours, I will not hesitate to bring your name up."

"Hey, it wasn't my idea, it was Edwards!" I told him defensively.

"Yeah, yeah. Tamato tomato."

"Huh?"I looked at him like he had grown two heads which would be so cool but not the point.

He looked at me like I was insane for not knowing what he meant. "Nothing, let's just get this over with, shall we?"

I nodded and we both quietly jumped from the tree which we were currently perched on. Once we landed on the ground, we made our way to the house in front of us. Edward told us that this was the place that Bella's step-father and her mother were living in. It was nearly three A.M so the lights inside were turned off and we heard no noise coming from the house except for the sounds of two people sleeping.

We looked around the house for a way in that wouldn't wake anyone up and also leave no evidence of presence. We couldn't find any open windows.

"Hmm. Jazz, can you pick a lock?" An idea popped into my mind. Why don't we just make our own way in?

"Yes, of course I can. Why?" He eyed me with a mischievous grin.

"I was just thinking that since we can't find an easy way in, we should just make our own" I replied simply.

He chuckled and we went to the front door. It was a very late hour, or early if you want to get technical, and the house was secluded enough that we didn't have to worry about being seen. We got to the door and Jasper turned to me with a concentrated expression.

"Hmm, Emmett. How do you suppose we pick a lock without anything to pick it with?" He asked.

I laughed at his expression. "Ah, that is where you are wrong my brother. We do have something to pick it with." I felt almost smug as I handed him a pink bobby pin. He eyed me questioningly.

"I'm not even going to ask why you have that Emmett." He said as if he thought it was mine.

"Bro. It's Rosalie's."

"Sure it is."

"I'm being serious. It fell out at school and she wanted me to hold onto it."

"Right"

"Dude, I'm serious!"

"Uh-huh." He said as the front door popped open.

I didn't have a chance to convince him that it really was Rosalie's because now we had work to do.

"You take the bottom half of the house, and I will take upstairs." He told me in full soldier mode.

I felt like 007 as I explored the house and looked for damaging evidence against this guy.

I was starting to get disappointed that I wouldn't find anything until I happened upon a small safe. It was easy enough to pick out the right combination since I could hear when the right numbers clicked in place. You've gotta love vampire hearing. I opened it and found some odd things.

First was a lot of money. And for me, a Cullen, to say a lot of money, I mean a lot. I'd say there had to be at least 500 grand there. I don't think humans just usually have that much cash lying around while living in a place like this.

In the safe there was also a ring that looked to be a man's and there was a picture of woman who looked like she could be Bella's mother so I assumed that it was. She was standing in the arms of a man who looked like he could be Bella's father. They were looking at each other and seemed to be very happy and I could tell they looked like they were in love. Something looked off about the picture so I took a closer look. There was a large X through the man with the words "Not for long" written underneath it. What could that mean?

I was pulled out of my thoughts by Jasper asking me to come up the stairs to him. On my way to him, I was wondering if he found something. When I opened the door I felt like I was hit by a truck. There was blood throughout the entire room. It was old blood and it looked like some had been there for years. The most recent was from less than a month ago. I realized whose room this was and it made me sick. I actually felt physically sick even though I was a vampire. I looked over to Jasper and he had a horror-struck look on his face.

"Emmett, this is Bella's room. Her scent is all over it. Look at all this blood. He really hurt her badly."

All I could do was nod. I had no words.

Bella and I haven't gotten too close because of how Rosalie was acting at first and now with us all trying to give her and Edward space but I still see her as my little sister. We all knew that she was hurt before she came to us but to see the proof in front of our faces like this was hard. I wanted to go rip out that psycho's throat right now which would be easier than even thinking about it, but I knew I had to control myself. Killing him would be too easy a way out for him.

We couldn't smell Bella's blood while we are around her but now, once it's outside of her body, we could smell it but it didn't have any pull for us. I wonder why that is. Bella just keeps amazing us all.

I took a closer look around her room. There were traces of blood everywhere I looked. I couldn't imagine being in her place while she went through this. I'm sure it was extremely painful to be cut and sliced like she apparently was but the fear she must have felt would have been more difficult for me to deal with. Being in this situation for years, being some toy for a maniac to have his way with, and having no way out- I don't even know how Bella could be sane right now with a past like that. My sister is strong in every sense of the word. Her inner strength could put vampires to shame, and that's saying something.

We couldn't find anything in Bella's room so we both decided that it was best to leave there before we found something that would make us lose our control and kill him anyways while we're here.

Next, we found our way into the master bedroom where her mother and her step-father were sleeping. They looked so peaceful like they had not a care in the world. I wonder if they ever feel remorseful for how they treated Bella. And to think that her mother just let it happen! Humans can sometimes be worse than the blood-thirsty creatures that prowl on innocents.

We had no luck in the bedroom so we decided to grab the things from the safe and go. I wanted to show that photo to Carlisle to see if he could find a meaning to the words written on it.

We headed down the stairs and Jasper waited as I went back to the safe. I opened it and took out the ring and photograph. As I was about to close the door back, something caught my eye. I hadn't seen it before. I pulled out an ID. The picture looked just like Bella's step-father but the name said James Hunter. That's odd because I remember Bella telling us his name was Phil Dwyer.

I heard someone stir upstairs and get out of bed so I quickly shut the safe and made sure everything looked untouched before I joined Jasper to head home.

When we got to the forest I stopped him before he took off running.

"Look at this." I handed him the ID. He too seemed confused but just shrugged and said we'd show Carlisle when we got home. It only took us a few minutes to reach the house but the sun was already rising.

We went into the house and everyone was already in the living room talking. Carlisle and Esme were sitting on the loveseat while Rosalie and Alice were sitting on the floor. Edward and Bella were standing behind the loveseat. Everyone looked at us when we came in.

"Isn't it a little early for the human to be awake?" I teased Bella as I came over and gave her a hug. She hugged me back and I went to stand by Rose. I did a double take. "Bella…" I looked at her with the most confusion I've felt in a while.

She just laughed and walked slowly over and gave me another hug. When I say she walked, I mean without anything. She was walking on both of her legs and without crutches like she always has since I've known her. She was walking! I felt so happy, though I'm sure some of that was Jasper's doing.

I picked her up in a bear hug and swung her around. "Em…can't…breathe!" she choked out.

Oh, right, human. "Oops." I put her down and just patted her head. Edward came over and brought Bella into his arms while he glared at me. I just shrugged.

"My little sister is walking. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy, but how?"

She giggled but blushed when she saw both Jasper and I were waiting for an answer.

"Actually it's thanks to Carlisle and Edward. Carlisle knows a man who works with prosthetics and he created one for me so I could walk on my leg. Thankfully, Edward had persuaded me to go to the appointment and now I can walk again" she finished with a huge smile that was infectious.

Wait… persuaded? Edward growled at my suggestiveness. Dude, not my fault you won't stay out of my head. I just shrugged him off, I was too happy for Bella. I could see how much this meant to her and I'm glad that she got it.

Despite the light atmosphere, I knew that we needed to talk about what we found.

Edward, maybe you should take Bella away for this talk. I don't think that she needs to go through this again. He nodded but it didn't escape Bella's notice.

"Bella, why don't we go for a walk?" He said to her since he knew how happy she was to be walking again.

"Edward, what did Emmett say to you?" She asked accusingly.

"Bella, they just need to talk to Carlisle about something." He said.

"Does it have to do with me?" She asked with an eyebrow raised.

He looked away. "Yes, it does but they think that it would be better if you didn't hear"

Dude you're so whipped. He glared at me.

"And, don't you think that I have a right to know about whatever it is that has something to do with me?" She asked challenging him. I have to admit, she is a force to reckon when she wants to be.

He sighed and nodded. W-h-i-p-p-e-d. He growled at me but I just chuckled mentally.

Carlisle turned to me. "Emmett, what did you two find?"


BPOV

We all sat down and looked at Emmett and Jasper to tell us what they found at the house. Edward had reluctantly told us all that he sent his brothers on a mission when Carlisle asked him… well demanded would be more like it. Carlisle is the father of this family in every sense but biological so he is treated as such by everyone.

"We didn't find any bright flashy signs that pointed to him but we did find some things." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring, a picture, and an ID and handed them to Carlisle so he could look at them. Carlisle looked confused and handed them to Edward. Edward looked the same and handed them to me.

I looked down at what was in my hands. First was a ring that I knew was my father's. It was passed down in his family from his father and grandfather, back as far as anyone could remember.

"Where did you find this?" I said in a small voice while memories of my father wearing this ring passed through my mind.

"I found all of this in a safe that was in a closet. It looked like the safe was being hidden." Emmett said.

"This was my father's ring." I said still feeling it and memorizing the texture.

Next I looked at the photograph. It was a picture of my mother and father when they were on their honeymoon. I remember when my mother used to go through our family photos and she'd tell me each of their stories. I always loved this photo because they both looked so happy and carefree. I then noticed something wrong with the photograph. There was a large X drawn through my father and the words "Not for long" were written on the bottom.

This confused me. I looked up at Edward and he shrugged. Apparently he didn't understand it either.

Next, I saw the ID. It was Phil's ID but the name was different. It said it belonged to "James Hunter". Who is James Hunter? I've never met someone by that name that I know of and why would he have Phil's picture on his ID and why would Phil have that ID? The more I thought about it the more confused I became.

I looked at Edward and he seemed to be deep in concentration so I looked around at my family. Everyone was looking at me.

"Emmett, you found this at my house?" He nodded. "What else did you find?" I needed to know everything that was going on.

"We also found around 500 grand in the safe and I assume that that isn't all that he has. Then when we went upstairs we found…" he stopped unsure how to continue.

"What did you find Emmett?" he looked from me to Edward and I felt Edward stiffen. "Emmett, I need to know, please" I nearly begged him.

He sighed, "Fine. When we went upstairs we found your bedroom. With our heightened sense of sight we were able to see that the whole room was nearly covered in… blood" he looked down at the floor instead of at me. He looked strained but I didn't know why.

"Oh, Emmett and Jasper. I'm so sorry, that must have been hard on you to be around that." I said concerned that I made them hurt because of the smell of my blood. I wasn't sure if it was noticeable once it was outside of my body or not.

Everyone looked at me shocked. "Bella, you are apologizing for bleeding and being hurt?" Jasper asked with more emotion than I've seen from him yet.

"Umm. I guess I am?" I didn't mean it to be a question but it came out as one.

"Bella, I never want to hear you apologize for anything like that ever again. That vile creature is the one that should apologize and so much more and he will. I promise you that he will." Edward vowed to me. I hugged him closer and he kissed the top of my head.

"Bella, who is this James person?" Jasper asked me quietly.

"I have no idea. I've never heard that name before tonight. You have about as much knowledge on the issue as I do. I'm sorry that I don't know more." I apologized sincerely. I really did wish I had more information but I didn't.

"Well, you all need to get ready for school and I have an early shift at the hospital. We will continue to look into this and Jasper, will you please find out what you can on this James Hunter and what he has to do with this all?" Carlisle asked. Jasper nodded and we all went to get ready for the day.

My second day at school will probably not be any better than my first but now I have my brace and can walk in with my head held high and my hand in Edward's. As long as I have Edward by my side I will be okay.

Alice decided to dress me yet again. It was colder out today so she decided on a brown long sleeved shirt and a pair of regular dark faded blue jeans with a pair of air force ones. I have never owned anything fancy so I instantly fell in love with these sneakers. They were beautiful. They were gold and brown. They looked custom and gorgeous. If I could marry shoes, these would be my choice.

Oh my, I'm starting to sound like Alice. That's not good.

I put my hair up in a messy bun and I took one last look in the mirror. I have never been anything other than ordinary but now I'm starting to see changes in myself. My head is held a little higher and there is color back in my face. My eyes have a sparkle to them and I have a smile on my face. Being with the Cullens has been good for me and I'm forever thankful for their love and support.

I found Edward in the living room playing a video game with Emmett. Their fingers were moving at vampire speed and it's a wonder how their controllers didn't break. They were playing some fighting game and I couldn't tell who was winning.

All of a sudden, the screen flashed "GAME OVER!" and Emmett jumped up and started shouting that Edward cheated. Well I guess I know who won.

I giggled at Emmett's childish behavior. He is such a guy.

Edward looked up saw me. He greeted me with a smile which I gladly returned.

The next thing I knew, I was in his arms and he was gazing down into my eyes. Once again, I felt lost in his eyes. When we were like this it was like our souls, our bodies, our everything was communicating without words. I felt overwhelmed by the emotions I felt for Edward. I couldn't begin to explain them if I tried.

"Please. Could you two try to control yourselves? I feel like I want to jump on Alice right here and now." Jasper said.

I blushed and looked away from Edward. It's difficult having someone else feel what you feel when you haven't told the one you love how you feel and the one you love can read minds and 'hear' what you feel from someone else. Yes, difficult and confusing.

Alice and Rosalie joined us so we headed out to go to school. We broke off in our usual pairings. Edward, Alice, Jasper, and I took the Volvo while Emmett and Rosalie drove her precious car.

We got to school with time to spare. By the time we got there, there were still students piling in by the car loads.

At least we won't be late. I told myself. Yes, but everyone is bound to stare my mind retorted back. I really need to get over my dislike for attention. I am bound to have it no matter what. I took a deep breath and got out of the Volvo. Edward took my hand and kissed me quickly on the lips. We started to head into the school to get to homeroom.

The rest of the morning seemed to pass easily and without any problems. Everyone seemed to stare as I walked passed them, which was a given. One day I come to school on crutches and the next I am walking but with a funny stride. Oh well, let them think what they will.

Edward and I made our way into the lunchroom and headed for the line. I was very hungry because I skipped breakfast, even though Edward didn't approve of my actions, so I got pizza, French fries, and some fruit. I grabbed a soda as well and we headed to the table.

Edward wanted to carry the tray but I refused. I finally felt like I could take care of myself and even though it was a small thing, carrying the tray made me feel independent and useful.

"Wow, Bella. If I didn't know any better I'd say you were a growing boy with all that food you have." Emmett joked with a smirk.

"Oh ha ha Em. What are you with your irritable grizzly?" I threw back. He just shrugged and started to "eat" his food which consisted of him putting it in napkins and picking it apart. I had an idea.

"Hey Em. What would it take to get you to eat some pizza?" I asked while the wheels in my head turned.

"Uh, thanks but no thanks little sis. I don't do human food" He said with his nose scrunched up in disgust.

"Oh, so you're afraid of the big bad human food?" I asked feigning innocence.

"I am not afraid!" he said somewhat upset.

"Really? Then prove it, big brother" I said with a smirk.

He glared at me and grabbed the pizza off of my tray. With one swift movement he took a bite of my pizza and swallowed. The bite was nearly half of my pizza which surprised me. I didn't think he'd really do it but I have to say, I'm impressed that he did.

"Am I afraid now?" he asked glaring at me.

"Nope. You definitely aren't" I said to appease him.

"Good" he huffed.

Edward looked at me and we both burst out laughing as did the rest of the family. A lot of the students looked at us but we couldn't care less.

When he could speak, Edward looked at me. "I can't believe that you got Emmett to do that. You truly are dangerous Miss Swan." He leaned in and kissed my forehead. I winked at Emmett while he glared at me.

The lunch bell rang and we all left to head to our classes. Edward and I headed for Biology and then we were off to gym. I hate gym with a passion. I love school and all of my classes except gym. I believe this class was created to mock people. I was uncoordinated and I had injuries. Those two things combined equal a very bad choice for required gym participation.

They were playing badminton so I figured I would try my hand at it. Thankfully Edward was on my team but unfortunately we were playing against Jessica and Lauren. I really didn't want anything to do with them or give them any more ammo against me.

I sucked it up and decided to do my best. This would be the first game I've played in years so I wanted to enjoy it no matter who my opponents were. I knew that Edward would have my back so I wasn't worried in the least.

Our team was up first and Edward told me to serve. This was my first time playing this game so I did my best. I served it and it hit the ground on the other side of the net before either girl could even reach it.

I looked at Edward and he smiled as he said "One, love". I looked at him curiously and he mouthed 'one, zero' to me.

Oh, so love must me zero. I blushed as I realized my mind actually thought he was saying something to me.

He told me to serve again and the same thing happened. I was starting to like this game. I served again but unfortunately they knew my serve was coming and hit it back to our side. Thankfully Edward was able to get it in time and hit it over and scored another point for us. I served again and scored again. I really like this game. I think I was serving quite well if I do say so myself.

I served again and Jessica hit it just in time to knock it back over to our side and towards me. I moved to get it but it was just a second too late and the other team scored. I looked down at the floor, ashamed that I couldn't move fast enough to get the birdie.

I looked at Edward to apologize but he just blew me a kiss and winked. I heard the angry huffs of the girls and I assume that they didn't like what they saw.

Lauren apparently had it out for me because she served it at me but I hit it back to her and she hit it back to me. I hit it hard but she hit it just as hard. We hit it over the net seven times until she hit it with all her might to a target just out of my reach. I nearly jumped over to get it and I hit it as I was falling to the ground. It went over the net and landed next to Lauren's feet. I scored!

The next thing I knew, I was on the floor. I can't believe that move. I literally flew in mid air to hit it while I was falling to the ground. It was like something you see on movies.

Edward ran over to me, at a human speed of course, and checked me over frantically. "Bella, Bella are you okay? Did you injure anything? Are you hurt? Bella!" he practically yelled at me to get my attention. I looked at him and saw his frantic face and fell back onto the floor on my back.

I started laughing quite hard. "That…was… awesome!" I said through fits of laughter. Edward looked at me like I was crazy and it sobered me up just enough to be able to talk through my chuckles.

"Edward, I'm fine really. That was just a really fun game and an amazing save if I do say so." I told him and he started to chuckle at this.

"Yes, love, it was an amazing save. I'm very proud of you." He leaned down and kissed my forehead. He stood up and gave me his hand to help me stand up.

We had won the game so we decided to sit the rest of the games out. The coach gave us space since he saw my winning dive and was obviously impressed. We just sat on the bleachers until the bell rang and Edward and I parted to get dressed.

I just finished putting my clothes on and grabbed my bag when Lauren started talking rather loudly to Jessica. "Did you see that dive? I don't think she's injured at all. I think she's just making it up to get sympathy." Obviously she was trying to get me riled up so I decided to head out of the locker room before she could continue.

I just went out of the locker room and was in the hallway that leads to the main hallway when I felt someone push me from behind. Luckily I was next to the wall so I leaned into it to catch my balance. I turned around and saw Lauren standing there with Jessica.

"Don't you watch where you're going Swan?" Lauren sneered at me. I tried to turn around but Jessica blocked my way. "What, leaving so soon?" she asked feigning disappointment.

I tried to move to the other side of her but she just blocked my way again. Lauren pushed me back into the wall and put one hand on either side of me. "You know Jessica, I don't think she's as weak and hurt as she claims to be" she said looking at Jessica.

Jessica nodded and looked at me then at Lauren "I think you're right. I think she's just acting to get all the attention."

"What's your problem" I growled at them. Living with vampires seems to have worn off on me when it comes to anger issues.

"Our problem? We have no problem. You on the other hand seem to be trying to create one for us. You think you can just waltz into the school and do as you wish with whomever you wish? You are not even close to the Cullen's league but yet you hang out with them like they're your family and you have Edward wrapped around your little finger. Why is that do you suppose?" Lauren said as she moved in closer to me.

I could feel her breath on my face and trust me it is nothing like the sweet smell of vampires. I nearly choked because she really needs a breath mint but I doubt right now is the opportune time to tell her that.

"If you are trying to make me fear you then you are sadly mistaken in your attempt. I have seen and dealt with a lot worse than you and sweetheart, you are nothing compared to the nightmares that I know" I told her with a smirk on my face.

I could tell that she really didn't like my little statement. She started to laugh but it was a harsh and short. "Who are you to say anything to me? You are nothing but a weak, fragile, invalid. The only reason anyone is nice to you is so you don't get depressed and go kill yourself like your daddy did. I bet he did kill himself and it wasn't really a robbery gone wrong. I bet that he was so upset to have an invalid daughter that he decided to stop it all. He killed himself because you were alive!" she said as she spit in my face.

I wiped her disgusting filth from my face and glared at her with every ounce of hate that I felt towards her and everyone else.

"Don't you DARE say a word about my father! You do NOT know anything about him you pathetic, insolent excuse for a girl. You know nothing of me or my life and trust me you don't want to know. I have dealt with things that you only find in your nightmares so do NOT stand there and tell me that I am weak. I am damn well far from it! And if you ever feel the need to insult me again, don't" I snarled with as much cold and deadliness that I, a human, could find.

I knew that even though I was human, I looked somewhat deadly right now and I really hope she gets the idea and backs off but of course life was never on my side.

"How dare you are speak to me like that!" she yelled at me and pushed me as hard as she could back into the brick wall. It hurt but nothing like the pain that I used to feel.

She grabbed me by the hair as I yelled out and threw me into the other wall. I hit my head hard. This angered me because she has no right to treat me like this. I never once did anything to her and I'm done with people thinking they have the right to do as they wish with me.

As she threw her hand to punch me, I caught it and turned her wrist so hard that she fell onto the ground before me. I continued to twist it until she cried out for me to stop.

"Stop? Are you asking me to stop?" I growled at her.

"Yes, Please stop" she cried.

I stopped and let her get up but she had other ideas. She grabbed me by the shoulders and pushed me to the side so that I stumbled and fell to the ground. This isn't going my way anymore. I thought to myself.

Jessica had been standing off to the side this whole time but she decided to join Lauren. She came over to me and kicked me in the side. She hit one of my injured ribs and I howled out in pain. Damnit that hurt. Jessica has got to be on the soccer team or something.

I have no idea how I would win this with two people and me on the floor helpless to get up but I had to try because I couldn't just let them hurt me like this.

I watched as Lauren went to stomp my stomach and I grabbed her ankle just as she was about to land it on my ribs, a little high for my stomach which seemed to be her plan. I had her ankle in both of my hands and I twisted it until I heard an audible crack, her yelling in pain, and her flipping onto the floor.

It angered Jessica that I hurt her friend so she went to grab my hair to pull me away but I grabbed her fingers and somehow bent them back until the middle one broke which was symbolic in its own right. She screamed as her finger broke and another one crack. She slumped down to the ground and whimpered while holding her injured hand in her good hand and crying about the pain.

Lauren was still crying and holding her ankle and trying to support it to take the pain away.

I scooted to the wall and I pulled myself up onto my feet. I looked at the two girls and was shocked that I was able to handle them like that. I've never been able to defend myself against Phil but these two girls that attacked me, I was able to handle even while I was defenseless on the floor.

I looked proudly at my accomplishment. I was unhappy that I hurt them, but I was ecstatic that I took care of myself.

All of a sudden Edward, Jasper, Emmett, Alice, and Rosalie bounded into the hallway that I stood in and where Lauren and Jessica were laying on the ground still crying in pain.

"What happened here?!" Edward asked frantically as he came to me and checked me over to make sure I was okay.

"Lauren and Jessica were saying things to rile me up but I wasn't paying mind to what they were saying. I was trying to leave but I made it as far as this hallway before Lauren pushed me into the wall." I looked down at Lauren who was looking up at the Cullens like a frightened kitten.

I looked back to Edward and continued, "She said some things about my father and me and you all. Some more words were exchanged, she spit in my face, and then she attacked me." I said simply.

Edward glared at the girls then looked back at me and his eyes softened as he looked at me.

"What happened? Why are they on the ground?" He asked with a little pride as he said the last question.

I looked down at the floor as I told him what happened. "Lauren went to kick my ribs so I grabbed her ankle and twisted until she flipped onto the ground and Jessica went to grab my hair to pull me away but I grabbed her fingers and bent them backwards until two cracked." I was blushing at the end.

I looked up to see the dumbstruck faces of my family. "What?" I asked quietly, almost afraid of their answer.

"Haha! Bella you're superwoman!" Emmett boomed. And the rest started laughing along with him.

"Love, we're just all amazed at how well you handled yourself." He said with awe in voice.

"I feel bad that I hurt them but in my defense, they deserved it and a lot worse" I said finally able to stand up for myself.

Edward wrapped his arms around me and kissed my forehead. I leaned up to kiss his lips and his hands went into my hair as he did this.

"Ouch!" I said as Edward rubbed over the back of my head where I hit it on the wall.

"What is it Bella? What's wrong?" Edward asked worried.

"Umm. When Lauren pushed me, my head hit the wall quite hard. It's just sore" I said shyly. I hated to admit that those stupid girls hurt me.

"I'll take you to Carlisle now so he can look at it." He said with tenderness.

"Eh. Hospitals. Errr" I scrunched up my nose. "Okay, only because it's Carlisle" I agreed reluctantly.

Alice came up next to me as Edward moved around me to stand in front of my attackers who conveniently moved as far away from the Cullens as possible during our little discussion.

He stood, towering above them, and glared at them with the best vampire glare he could. I could feel the disgust and hate pouring off of him, but that could have also been thanks to Jazz.

"She better not have a single scratch on her when I have my father look at her. You are very lucky that it was just her in here or else you probably wouldn't be able to move right now. If I ever see you near her again or hear that you are talking badly about Bella or anything related to Bella, I will personally make sure that what Bella did to you today seem like a parlor trick. Do I make myself clear?" He asked with venom just dripping from his words. If I were them, I would be terrified right now.

They had no voices at the moment and could only nod.

"Good" he growled at them.

He turned back to me and his expression immediately softened. "Come on love, let's have Carlisle take a look at your head."

I nodded and he wrapped one arm around my waist and the other hand was clenching and unclenching from his internal struggle right now to go rip the girls' heads off. I kissed him softly on the cheek and he seemed to relax immediately.

"Bella, I am so sorry that I wasn't there. I should have been there. The teacher had me take a paper to the office so I couldn't hear anything either way. I'm so sorry." True to his nature, Edward was putting everything on himself.

"Edward, please, this isn't your fault in the least. Plus I think I handled them quite well." I grinned at him and he smiled back.

"That you did love, that you did." He kissed the top of my head and inhaled my scent. I could see how much more relaxed he became after he did this.

We got into the Volvo and so did everyone but Rosalie. I looked at Emmett to see why he came but he just beamed a smile at me.

"You really think I would miss you telling Carlisle what happened? You had some kung fu moves back there. I'm really proud of you sis. You handled yourself like a pro!" Emmett congratulated me.

I've never been able to defend myself before and it makes me happy that for once, I stopped someone from hurting me. As if finally being able to read my thoughts, Edward gave me a reassuring smile and we headed off to see Carlisle.


What did you think? Let me know :)

The scent that Jasper mentioned was her scent, not the scent of her blood. This would be the freesia one.

Are you mad about Jessica and Lauren? I'm sorry but I never liked either of them.

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