***This chapter has mention of abuse… physical, sexual and emotional. We didn't go into details, but it is discussed.

Thanks so much to kitchmill who takes the mess I write and makes it readable. Without her, my chapters would be cringeworthy at best. Lol. Thanks to Mana who pre-reads and gives us her time and thoughts. And thanks to Judy who has had to back away from pre-reading, but has helped us so much to get to this point.

BPOV

Walking through the doors of the shelter with Rose is much different tonight than any other time I've entered.

After talking it over with Edward, I've decided to tell everyone my story in group therapy.

Since Rose recommended the group sessions they have here again on my first day back, it has weighed on my mind. I tried sitting in on a few. Edward agreed wholeheartedly.

I have to admit, grudgingly, that the meetings started affecting me. I've tried really hard to never see myself as a victim or someone who dwells on the bad parts of my life, but whether I admit it or not, the things that have happened to me and the choices I've made have made me who I am.

I also know every time I cuddle up to Edward at night, have lunch with my friends, walk through these doors for my job or just sit back and look at my life now, I wouldn't change things since it led me to where I am.

The shrink that leads these meetings, Dr. Liam McGregor, persuaded me to even have a few one on one sessions with him. He has some strong shrink voodoo working. According to him, I'm surprisingly well adjusted and stubborn as hell, which he's learned pretty quickly. He says stubbornness is part of what has helped me survive and flourish.

Tonight, though, tonight I'm actually cursing my own stubbornness. Once I make a firm decision I don't allow myself to back down. It's served me well in the past … after all, that's how I got Edward. I wanted him and refused to ever fully accept that he may not want me back or that it wouldn't happen. Now I'm being faced with a decision I made, and for once, I almost wish I could back down, but that's not who I am.

"Bella, you okay? You're spacing out on me." Rose stands in front of me, eyebrows furrowed.

Taking a deep breath, I mentally tell myself to stop being such a pussy. "Yep. I'm good. Just thinking."

She leans closer to me. "You can change your mind. No one will be upset."

Before I can contemplate what she's saying, Maggie walks behind her, heading into the kitchen. She's the reminder I need. "Nope. I'm good. I can't say it will be the most fun night ever, but I got this."

She gives me one of her patented stare-downs before stepping back. "Okay. Well just remember I'm here for you. Everyone in that room will be here for you."

I want to roll my eyes and tell her to stop being so dramatic, but she cares and her words actually do warm my heart and give me an extra hit of confidence.

"Thanks. Now I need to go check in with Liam. Can you make sure Edward and Charlie make it back here?"

"Absolutely. See you in a few."

After a quick hug, I head down the steps to the basement where Liam's office and the meeting rooms are located.

I find him setting up the chairs in the largest room used for group sessions. He's an older man with a receding hairline and a bit of a belly. Not really much to look at now, but he's got the kindest, prettiest blue eyes. I'm sure in his younger days, he was quite a looker. I walk over and help him position the last couple seats.

Once we finish with the last one he turns to me. "So, how are you feeling about tonight, Bella?"

"I'm good." That answer earns me a raised brow. "What?"

He says nothing, only giving me the look I imagine parents give their children when they're caught out after curfew.

I throw my hands up. "Fine! I'm nervous and really want to back out. You're a pain in my ass, doc."

Finally, he drops the eyebrow and his face melts into the smile he normally wears. "You wouldn't be human if you weren't nervous, but you can do this. And more importantly, you want to do this. This is minor compared to much of what you've faced. You'll be surrounded by people who care about you and many of whom have faced similar demons."

I smirk at him. "You don't have to blow smoke up my ass. I'm going to do this. I know it will be a good thing."

My words earn me an eye-roll. "Your fiancé will be here along with your father, correct?"

"Yep. Tonight Charlie will learn about my past, along with everyone else."

Liam's face grows as serious as I've ever seen it. "It will be fine. You've told me Edward and Rose already know the details. Charlie knows some of it from the trial. No one in this room will be judging you for anything that happened out of your control or the choices you made. This is a safe place."

"I know. Really, I'm not nervous about what anyone might think. I've made some poor decisions and there were many things that I couldn't stop no matter what. I've made peace with that. I'm just not used to talking about that stuff. For years, no one cared enough to ask, and now I'm getting this amazing new life and I hate bringing any of that into it."

He places his hand on my arm. "I understand, but remember, all that stuff, as you call it, made you who you are today."

"I know. I'm just ready to do this and be done. Charlie will finally know. Hopefully my story will help some of these women know that the past can suck ass and they can still have a great life." My thoughts once again turn to Maggie.

Before we can talk any further, Kate comes in with several platters filled with cookies Rose and I baked. She also starts preparing the coffee pot.

I go over and help her while Liam says he's going to grab his things and help Rose greet everyone.

Soon enough, people start to trickle in. These meetings are for the ladies who live here, but also for other women who have experienced some sort of trauma in life.

In my times coming to these, I've listened to several women tell their stories, some much worse than my own, and I've grown to admire them all. Now it's my turn. I decided after that last meeting I wanted to stand up and speak. I also decided, after talking through my thoughts with Edward, I should invite Charlie.

Since he showed up in my hospital room, we've gotten closer. After apologizing to him for putting him in the middle of my fight with Edward, I invited him over, and it's become a regular thing. I've even brought lunch a few times and eat with Charlie in his office.

I can't say I love him like a father… yet, but I've definitely warmed to him immensely. He's carving a place in my heart, and it's time that he knows everything about me.

I could've told him in private, and probably should've, but I really don't like reliving it over and over. This seemed to be the best way to go. This way, I can tell Charlie, Maggie and anyone else who's listening all at once.

I take a seat at the front, and my nerves start to build more than I even expected. Suddenly I feel a calm wash over me right before Edward takes a seat next to me.

He leans over to kiss my temple, taking my hand in his. "Have I told you how proud I am of you? How much you amaze me?"

Resting my head against his shoulder, I tease him. "A few times, but never enough, Detective."

That earns me a sexy smirk and a wink. "I'll have to be sure to do it more often then."

Before I can respond, he looks over my head, toward the back of the room. "Charlie wasn't sure where you'd want him to sit."

I raise my head and find Charlie standing against a wall, hands in his pockets. When he sees me looking, he takes a hand out and waves. I motion him over to us.

"Thanks for coming. You can sit here next to Edward if you want." This is all a little awkward, but not completely uncomfortable.

"Um, yeah, that would be great if that's okay with you." His face is pinched. Edward told me Charlie was extremely nervous about this, not wanting to do the wrong thing or mess up.

I stand and hug him. "It's good with me. I really do appreciate you coming. Please know that I won't be upset or hurt if you need to leave or … whatever. I know this might be a lot to hear, and I'm sorry I couldn't tell you in a better way."

"Oh, Bella." His chest expands under my arms. "I wouldn't be anywhere else. You just go up there and say what you need to and don't you worry about me. I'll be here when this is over and for as long as you want me around after this."

Getting teary, I need to take a minute away from these wonderful men in my life. I pull back and look that them both. "I need to go speak with Rose. I'll be back." I head back to Rose before any more words are spoken or any tears can fall.

"How you holding up?" she asks as soon as I reach her.

"I'm okay. Just ready to do this before I chicken out and beeline it out the door."

Maggie comes in, head down, followed by Liam who closes the door behind him. "Ready?" he asks.

I nod, and he motions for me to walk in front of him. I take my seat and wait.

After Liam opens the meeting and speaks for several minutes, he asks if anyone would like to speak. He does this instead of calling me up to give me a chance to back out or change my mind.

I stand. "Dr. McGregor, I'd like to speak."

He smiles and invites me up. With a quick hug from Charlie and a kiss from Edward, I'm ready.

~~~~~WS~~~~~

Liam closes the meeting quickly after I finish speaking. Edward, Charlie and Rose rush up to me before I can even get a few steps.

Red rims Charlie's eyes, so it's likely he shed a few tears. I glance at Maggie a few times to find her watching me. Other than that, I choose to focus on a place on the wall. It's a technique Liam suggested I try, and it definitely helps.

I'm enveloped by them all, nothing but love and support radiating. I'm exhausted and exhilarated and I've never felt more at peace.

Rose invites us all over for lunch the next day, and once she has everyone's agreement she hugs us all and leaves us to go help say goodbye to everyone.

Charlie seems a little lost, but Liam joins us, and before I know what's happened, doc is walking with him to his office. Knowing Charlie is in good hands, we forgo the food and coffee and instead Edward takes me home.

Once we're home, Edward draws a bath. We both climb into the steaming water, my back against his chest. Few words are spoken as he holds me. I drift off and barely wake as I'm picked up, dried off and carried to bed. The last thing I'm aware of is the arms of the man I love pulling me close.

~~~~~WS~~~~~

A few days have passed since I spoke in public about the things in my past. Lunch with everyone went well. I could tell Charlie wanted to talk with me, but it wasn't the time or the place. I'm not at all surprised when he asks me if he can come over the next day.

When I answer the door, I find dark blue circles carve out the area under his eyes. He's got two-day stubble and his clothes are worn and wrinkled.

Once we're seated, I wait until he's ready to start talking, so I sit back and enjoy my coffee. I've made it through half the cup before he finally speaks.

"Bella, I am so sorry for what you went through. If I had known your mother was pregnant, I would've hunted her down, gone to the ends of the Earth if necessary, to find you. I'll never forgive myself for not trying to find her anyway. I should have known …" He scrubs his face and swipes at his glassy eyes.

I scoot closer to him. "You couldn't have known. Renee is selfish and that's on her. She made the decision to keep us apart. She made the decision to never tell either of us about the other."

He refuses to meet my eyes. "Still, a father's job is to protect his child, and I've failed you in every way. I don't know how you can even stand to be in the same room with me. You were completely justified when you hated me."

Sighing, I do my best to help him see the truth. "I was stupid and angry, but I never hated you. I mean I came close when you tried to take Edward away, but I know now that you were put in a bad situation and did what you thought was best. Now that you know how important he is to me, you'd never do anything like that again. And Charlie …" I wait until he finally meets my eyes. "You did save my life. You came through and went above and beyond when the time came."

He drops his eyes, focusing on his cup while he hopefully ponders my words. I finish my now cool coffee then hop up to get a refill. I offer Charlie one, but he declines.

Once I'm back seated, he changes the direction of our conversation. "Are you interested in pressing charges against Renee and that son of a bitch she married?"

I'm caught off guard by his question. Edward has discussed this with me before, and there is no statute of limitations on the sexual assault of a minor by a parent, stepparent or guardian. "I'm not."

I expect him to argue, but he just sits quietly.

"I talked it over with Edward. I didn't make the decision lightly. For so long, I did want to see them suffer; part of me still does. But I know it would be a huge battle if I tried to file charges. Years have passed, there's no evidence and the fact that I was a prostitute would all work against me."

"I'd make sure they were punished no matter what, if you wanted to go forward."

I might not know all there is to know about him, but I do know he would.

"I appreciate that more than you could ever know. Last time I saw my mother, she was drowning in a bottle of liquor. No matter what she said, she knew the truth about Phil and she's doing more damage to herself than I ever could. As for him … He has no place in my life anymore. I would have to dedicate time and myself to reliving those years and seeking justice, and I just honestly can't. I've moved on. This is a new life for me and they have no place in it. I know the 'right' thing would be to file charges, but the right thing for me is to focus on my present." Many wouldn't agree with me, but I have to do what's right for myself.

"While I can't say I wouldn't love to get my hands on them both and deliver the pain they deserve, I respect your choice. I trust you to know what's best for you. Do you mind if I research them, though? I'd feel better knowing where they are and what they've been up to."

I think it over. I don't see how it could hurt. "I'm okay with that. I just don't want to know what you find unless it will impact the life I have now, please."

"I will never let them affect your life now. I will do anything to keep you safe now that I can. But I can definitely honor that."

"Thank you." I don't stop myself from hugging him, and as I wrap my arms around him, his scent surrounds me and I feel safe and loved. I can't help the twinge in my heart that knows I could have had this my entire life if not for my selfish bitch of a mother, but before letting myself get too upset or depressed I remind myself that I have him now and even though we can't change the past, I can embrace my future.

As I pull back, I bring up one more thing before we can put all this nastiness behind us. "Have you … would you ever consider seeing a shrink? I just, I know that it's helped me talking to Liam and going to those group sessions, and I think it might help you to deal with … everything."

I know he carries a lot of guilt and anger. Maybe someone like Dr. McGregor could help him. "The guy at the meeting, the doctor, mentioned the same thing. He actually told me he could recommend someone. I'm considering it."

I leave it at that. We're enough alike that he has to make this decision himself. I think he'd do it if I asked him to, but he needs to do it for him.

Having talked enough about all this shit, I tell him I'm hungry and ask him to take me to lunch. He takes me to Harry's, a little hole in the wall restaurant that he swears has the best fish fry. The food is delicious, if extremely unhealthy … just what we need after all the heavy talk.

As he drops me back at the house I can't help but feel like things just took a really good turn in our relationship. I can actually see the possibility of someday calling him Dad.

~~~~~WS~~~~~

With everything else in my life going so well, it's time to concentrate more on Maggie. I've spent some time with her, and though I do most of the talking, she seems to be relaxing around me.

Today she's on the couch flipping channels when I come in. "Hey, Mag. What's up?"

"Nothing. Just seeing what's on. I'm sorry. I can go up to my room." She starts to stand.

"It's fine. You watch whatever you want. I brought you something." Once I realized her sweet tooth wasn't limited to chocolate, I've been having fun bringing her various treats from cupcakes to Sour Patch Kids.

I open my bag and take out some orange brownies. I'm a bit obsessed with Paula Deen's recipes. Edward gripes because he says she uses too much butter, but he never complains when he's eating whatever recipe I've gotten from her.

These brownies are the newest thing I've tried, and I knew with the first bite I had to bring some for Maggie. I hand her the container. Her eyes light up like they always do when I bring her something.

She takes the cover off. "What are these? They smell so good."

"Orange brownies. Trust me, you'll love them."

I enjoy the pure joy she always gets over these small treats. It's a brief glimpse at the girl I hope she will be someday.

"Thanks so much, Bella, but you really need to stop bringing me things. I'm not worth your time or money." She ducks her head again, eyes trained on her jeans.

Even though we aren't that far apart in age, I feel very maternal toward her. She is so fragile and small. "Honey, you are worth so much more than some candy or brownies or whatever treat I bring. You're priceless."

Her eyes are full of so much pain when she looks back at me. "Trust me, I'm not."

I take the container from her hands and put it on the coffee table in front of us, then I take her hands. "Why would you think that? You're beautiful and sweet."

"You don't even really know me. My own parents didn't want me. They always told me I was a burden. I only ruined their lives." Now her eyes are glassy and I can see how much this hurts.

"Did they hurt you? Is that why you're here?" I'm hoping she will open up to me.

"I'd rather not talk about it."

I can't push her. "That's fine. Just know that you can tell me anything and I won't judge. You heard my history the other night, and I can tell you it does feel better to talk to someone you can trust."

I decide to leave her to think, so I hand her the container and the remote and go to work.

A couple of days later, I'm in the office taking advantage of some free time and catching up on some assignments for one of my classes. I have the door closed since Kate is also here if anyone needs anything. I'm just finishing up when I hear and soft knock. "Come in."

I'm surprised to see Maggie open the door. "Am I interrupting you? I can come back."

She's already turning as I call out to her. "I'm not busy. Come on in and have a seat." I gesture to the chair in front of the desk.

She pulls it closer to the desk. "Are you sure? I don't want to bother you."

"You're not. Now what's going on?

She sits for a few seconds before speaking. "I was hoping I could talk to you now. I thought about what you said, and I'd really like to tell you about before I came here."

"Of course I want to listen." I pull the chair I'm in around next to her and take her hand. "Whenever you're ready. Just tell me whatever you're comfortable with and go at your pace."

She fidgets, playing with a loose string on her shirt and shifting around in the chair. I sit patiently waiting, knowing she'll start when she's ready. Finally she takes a few deep breaths and starts. "My parents were never nice people. They loved to tell me for as long as I can remember that they regretted having me and regretted keeping me. I can't remember the first time one of them hit me, but I know I was really young. After that first hit, more came easily. I always seemed to do something wrong."

"Honey, you have to know none of that was your fault." I use my free hand to tuck one of her curls behind her ear.

She pretty much ignores what I've just said, but it will take time for her to believe me. Instead she continues.

"One of my teachers noticed when I was in fifth grade. She kept me after class and asked me about all my bruises. I denied anything at first, but finally told her the truth. She took me to the office and called CPS right away. The lady that came from Social Services talked to me and I told her everything.

"She was an older lady, and I could tell even though I was young that she didn't believe me or want to help me. She did take me to some group home and told me I'd be staying there until they spoke to my parents and got things 'cleared up.' I knew then she wasn't really going to help me."

She pulls her hand away and crosses her arms in front of her body. I can literally see her shrink into herself. I steel myself for whatever she has to say next.

"The next day she came back, got me and told me she was taking me home. As we drove, she told me that it wasn't nice to tell lies about my parents. I tried to tell her I wasn't lying, but she refused to even listen to me."

My blood boils at whoever this woman is. Her job was to help Maggie, and instead she didn't even listen and then turned her back over to those monsters.

She's breathing hard, so I ask her if she wants to stop or take a break. She looks up at me and struggles for a moment and then slowly gets her breathing back under control.

"No, I'm okay now. I'd rather just get it all out."

"Okay. Just let me know if you need anything." I sit back and try to tame my temper, not wanting her to see how angry I'm getting.

"After that it was like my parents were given a pass, so the abuse only got worse. By the time I was sixteen, I'd had a few broken bones, a couple of dislocations and more cuts, bruises and wounds than I could count. I'd also gotten really good at hiding my injuries and lying to anyone that questioned me."

We certainly have something in common when it comes to hiding and lying, but I stay quiet and let her continue.

"Then one night, a few days before I turned seventeen, I overheard my parents talking. They were discussing me. They knew I was planning to leave as soon as I could, so they wanted to sell me before I had the chance. I knew they hated me, but I had to stand there and listen for several minutes before I could really believe what they were talking about. I knew then I had to leave, so I snuck out that night. I lived on the streets for a month or so before I was attacked."

I was hoping against hope her story wouldn't have this type of hurt, but sadly I know after her words that it does. Before I can reach out to her or say anything, she keeps going. "Afterward I didn't know what to do so I went to the clinic I'd heard some other people talk about. I was tested, given the Plan B pill and they called Rose. Next thing I know, some blond angel is at my bedside and she invites me here."

Once I'm sure she's finished talking, I try to offer what comfort I can. I know from experience words don't always mean much, but just having someone listen and not judge you, someone who cares, can make a world of difference. "Oh, Maggie. I am so sorry you suffered through all of that, but, honey, you survived it all. You are so strong and brave and amazing. I am so thankful you kept going and now I get the chance to know you."

I reach over and pull her stiff body into a hug. She finally relaxes against me. After a few seconds I feel her tremble, then shudder before she breaks into wrenching sobs. I just hold her.

Finally she must be all cried out. She sits back. Her face is red and swollen, but her eyes are bright and have more life than I normally see. I walk her to her room, grab a cloth to clean her face and tuck her in.

"Please consider talking to Dr. McGregor. Do it at your pace when you're ready, but I think it will help you so much. Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me."

Her eyes are drooping and I know how much bearing your soul can drain you, so with a kiss to her forehead, I leave her to sleep.

When I make it home, I head straight to Edward and into his arms.

"What's wrong, baby?"

I don't want to break Maggie's confidence, so I simply tell him she told me her story. That's all he needs to know. He leads me to the couch, and this time I'm the one being held as I cry. Once I've shed my tears, I stay next to him, relishing in having him here.

Later that night, after we've eaten and cleaned up, I'm again cuddled up to him on the couch. This time, having him so close, his scent, the heat from his body, the strong arms around me, I can't stop the desire coursing through me.

I lean up and kiss him. I mean for it to be a kiss to let him know how much I appreciate him, something soft and gentle. Instead, the taste of his lips further ignites the fire that's started, and soon I'm straddling him with our lips still attached.

My fingers feel for the buttons of his shirt, desperate to get it off him. He pulls back enough to help me finish removing his shirt and then doing the same with mine before also removing my bra. He moves his lips down my neck before attaching to my nipples, first one and then the other until both are puckered and hard.

Grinding my hips, I feel how hard he is beneath his jeans. One of his hands is firmly in my hair while the other one makes its way under my skirt. He skillfully pushes aside my panties, using his fingers to find my slick flesh.

Two fingers maneuver inside while his thumb finds my clit. I ride his hand, getting closer to ecstasy. Right before I reach my release, he stills his fingers and removes them. Before I can get pissed, he grips my hips and pushes me to stand.

"Lean over the arm, baby." He doesn't have to tell me twice. I move quickly, bending over the arm of the couch with my ass in the air. He stalks over to me, grabs the waist of my skirt and yanks it down. It pools at my feet before he does the same with my underwear.

I can't see him since he's directly behind me, but I can feel him. The anticipation is killing me. I hear his zipper, then the rustle of denim hitting the floor. Knowing he's behind me naked only fuels my want. I try to arch back, hoping he will touch me. Instead, I only get husky laughter.

"Want something, little girl?"

"Your cock! I need your cock. Please." I'm desperate and don't mind begging if it will get me what I need.

"This cock?" He runs his length against me, only pushing in the very tip before pulling back to run up and down my slit again.

"Yes. Please!"

When he dips the tip in again, I try to push back, hoping to force him farther in. Unfortunately, he pulls back too quickly. "Uh uh. I'm running this tonight."

I feel a sharp slap on my ass cheek. I moan out, my need getting out of control. I start to chant, "Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. Ple—"

Suddenly he thrusts in, stealing my breath.

He holds still for just a second before setting a fast, hard pace. He's so deep and hitting the spot he's become an expert at finding.

My hands grab the fabric beneath me, struggling to hold on. With no warning, my orgasm hits and I call his name. His hands tighten around my hips and he reaches his own release, his warmth coating my walls.

No longer able to hold myself up, I collapse in total bliss. Edward drops kisses along my spine before removing himself. He helps me to stand before leading us to the shower.

AN: So this was a fairly busy chapter. Bella revealed her past to Charlie… and a room full of other people and hopefully it will help them continue to grow closer.

We also learned about Maggie's past. Wonder if knowing will affect Bella…

Thanks so much for reading and we'll see you next time…

***Please don't forget to check out our page on FB for pics and teasers. You can find it under FyreGirl Fics.