The italic print is Bella's dream and it changes a few time so don't get confused. I hope everyone likes this chapter. Disclaimer: I own nothing everything belongs to Mrs. Meyer I'm just playing with the characters. Thanks to my beta Ema2010 for editing!
B Pov
"Stop." I begged Charlie, as he slapped my face roughly, sending me sprawling onto the floor.
He only grunted in reply, his punches and kicks coming faster and harder. My mind started to go dizzy when I felt his hands wrap around my throat.
"Let…go…" I choked out, but he only squeezed tighter, his black eyes boring into mine angrily.
"Has the jury reached a verdict?" the judge asked.
"Yes." a man said, standing up, "We the Jury of the State of Washington find Charles Swan-"
"I, Edward Anthony Cullen, take you, Isabella Marie Swan, for my lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and healthy, until death do us part."
I stood blankly as words spilled from my lips effortlessly, hypnotized by the liquid gold eyes staring at me.
"By the power invested in me by the Church, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." an unfamiliar voice spoke.
"Bella, can you hear me? Please wake up." a soft voice crooned above me.
My mind shifted into consciousness and I became aware of my surroundings. My body felt heavy and warm, yet the air was cold around me. There was an uncomfortable itch on the back of my head, and I felt someone's hand in my own. I struggled to open my eyes, but my eyelids seemed to be glued down. I squeezed it, trying to figure out who it was.
"Bella?" I could hear a smile in his voice, "Try and open your eyes again."
I complied and spent a few minutes attempting to will them open. When I finally did, I saw Edward beaming at me, heartbreakingly beautifully. And then I realized I was in a hospital, and knew why I was here.
"How long was I out?" I croaked out.
"A day." he frowned, "It could have been worse. We've all been going crazy with panic…Alice couldn't even tell when you'd wake up."
"I'm sorry I scared you guys." I apologized.
"It's not your fault. I forgot just how crazy Lauren was; I shouldn't have let you go by yourself." he shook his head in self-annoyance.
"You couldn't have known what she would do. And I'm fine now." I soothed.
"If you're okay by tomorrow, we can go to court and see what the verdict is."
"I'll be okay. I want to go." I shrugged.
He nodded, "So how are you feeling?"
"Is it that bad?"
"You don't have any permanent injuries. The stitches will dissolve quickly, and the bruises will heal in a while."
"That's good. What happened to Lauren?"
"She's been suspended from school. That's all I know. But if you want to press charges-"
"No, she won't do it again. I think she needs some real help though, she went psycho in the bathroom." I sighed, "Do you think Carlisle could get me out earlier?"
"I'll see what I can do." he chuckled.
"Thank you." I smiled, stifling a yawn.
"Go back to sleep." he ordered, kissing my lips softly, "I love you."
"I love you too." I replied.
I feel asleep soon after that.
E Pov
"How is she?" Carlisle asked, strolling into the room.
"She woke up a couple hours ago. But she wants to leave ASAP."
He nodded, "That can be arranged, if you feel up for it. Let me know when she wakes up." he said, walking back out.
I watched some TV for a while until Bella woke up an hour later. She nearly squealed when I told her she could leave, and then thanked Carlisle enthusiastically when he came in. He chuckled and told her she could get ready.
"I'm going to go get dressed." she announced, wriggling her way off the bed.
I brought the bag of clothing Alice had brought earlier, setting it on the bathroom counter.
She thanked me and went to go change, while I prayed that she wouldn't fall. Bella came out in a few minutes, looking uncomfortable in designer jeans and a silky top, but didn't say anything.
Carlisle had already signed her out, so we walked to my car and I drove home.
"Do you really feel better, or did you just want to get out of the hospital?" I asked.
"Yes, I really do feel good. I didn't have a lot of nightmares tonight…it gave me hope…that things would get better soon." she admitted, her cheeks tingeing a delicate pink.
"What was it about?" I probed curiously. The hormonal 17-year-old in me wondered if it was a sex dream.
She shook her head, her blush deepening. "I'll tell you later."
"I won't forget. Can I at least have a hint?" I pressed.
"I don't want to jinx it. But it was about all of us." she smiled.
I spent the rest of the ride trying to figure out what the dream was about. My mind kept going to all the wrong places.
When we arrived, everyone immediately rushed up to Bella, their minds overflowing with concern and worry.
The questions came at her all at once.
"Bella, are you okay?"
"How are you feeling?"
"Do you want something to eat?"
"Those jeans look amazing on you Bella."
"Bells, you want me kick Lauren's ass?"
"I'm fine, you guys." Bella laughed, "Thanks Alice, and no, Emmett."
She actually happy. Jasper mused internally. What's up with her, Edward?
I shrugged in response.
Bella continued to answer and assure my family for the next ten minutes, until Esme decided she should get some rest.
I helped her to my bedroom and she flopped on the bed, already seeming a little drowsy.
"Why am I so tired?" she muttered, snuggling next to me.
"It's the painkillers. Sleep, love." I said, wrapping my arms around her.
B Pov
"Are you ready?" Edward asked the next day, as we stood outside the courthouse.
No. I wasn't ready. I was shaking like a leaf, I felt like I couldn't breathe, and I wasn't ready to go inside. Despite the constant assurance that Charlie would be locked up, I couldn't get my hopes up. I didn't want the momentary peace of my life to end. Not yet.
"I don't really have much of a choice, do I?" I sighed.
"I'll be right there next to you. Come on, let's get this over with." he said, entwining his fingers with mine. We entered the courtroom and I saw my mom approach me.
"Bella, dear, everything will be okay." she beamed, "I just have a feeling."
I nodded, "Thanks mom."
The other Cullen's also gave me words of support, which helped me a little, but my nerves were still there.
Mr. Andrews came to us and said that the session was about to start. He gave me a confident smile just as the judge began to speak.
"Mr. Andrews, please make your last statement to the jury before deliberation." he ordered.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we are here to seek justice for the minor Isabella Swan, for suffering years of traumatic physical and mental abuse and rape, by her own father. This innocent child had to live in the fear of not being alive for the next day." he stated solemnly.
"You've seen and heard what has happened to her." he continued, "The letters carved into her back by Jacob Black, the bruises and the emotional toll this had taken on her. You've heard Dr. Cullen's professional opinion on her injuries, and even heard Mr. Swan's former accomplices testify. Bring Mr. Swan to justice, and free his daughter from his wretched ways."
I saw the jurors nod their heads in affirmation, and let out a sigh of relief. Maybe this would turn out well.
"Mr. Volturi, your defense?"
Caius stood up and nearly floated to the front of the jury panel.
"Jurors, can you really convict an innocent man for something he hasn't done? It is obvious that all Ms. Swan is trying to do is run away from her father in a fit of teenage rebellion. Isn't it a bit suspicious that she wants to go off with Mr. Edward Cullen-the man that Mr. Swan supposedly sold her to? What about the fact that Dr. Cullen was the only doctor to examine her. And Jacob Black is a mentally unstable person who is in the mental ward as we speak. The only substantial 'evidence' is the word of a disgruntled alcoholic. For true justice, your verdict must not account Mr. Swan is guilty. You will be sending a good father, and good person to jail." he all but scoffed out arrogantly.
I saw Edward smirk out of the corner of my eye, and knew why. Caius was being too forthcoming, almost like he was ordering the jury around. I could tell they didn't appreciate that.
Court was dismissed for a recess and I spent 45 minutes hiding in the bathroom, biting at my nails and trying not to throw up.
When the session restarted, I shakily made my way back inside. The jurors were all sitting in the panel, their faces completely blank.
"Will Mr. Charles Swan and Ms. Isabella Swan please rise for the verdict." the judge ordered. I stood up and grabbed the edge of the wooden table for support as the juror in the front stepped forward.
"By the State of Washington, the jury finds Charles Swan guilty for the abuse and neglect of the minor, Isabella Swan. For first, second and third degree rape of Isabella Swan. And for attempted murder and prostitution." he read off.
"Objection!" Mr. Volturi snapped, "Your Honor, I request an override."
"Denied." he drawled back, "Charles Swan, you are sentenced to three lifetimes in prison with no parole for all counts. You will be escorted-"
That was all I heard. That was all I needed to hear.
I was free. Charlie would never hurt me again. Charlie would never even see me again. He was gone now. I was safe. I could move on.
I felt tears slipping down my face and Edward pulled me into a tight hug just as the judge slammed the gravel. The hum of voices began as people filed out, but we stood embracing.
I would never have to lie for my abuser again.
Please review. This story will be continued. This story is for the children that are abused, have been abused, and have been killed by abuse. I wish things like this didn't happen to innocent children, women, and men, but it does and it's real and needs to be stopped. I do know one thing though, that if the abusers and rapists don't pay for what they did in this life, they will pay for it when they die and will suffer for eternity for it. I know that the children that died are I heaven and I pray for the countless other children that this happens to every single day. 5 children die every day because of abuse. I pray that god will be with them.
