Disclaimer: I own nothing it all belongs to M.S. I'm just playing with the characters. I'm sorry for the errors in the chapter. I hope you all still like it though and the chapter gets it point across.
B Pov
Carlisle began to introduce everyone and I glanced at my hands that were gripping Edward's shirt. My knuckles were completely white and beginning to hurt.
As Carlisle said my name James, Victoria, and Laurent looked at me. "Bella?" Victoria began.
"Victoria," I tried to smile but kept my eyes on James.
"How do you two know each other?" Carlisle asked.
"That's a difficult story," Victoria answered when I froze and the next thing I knew Edward had grabbed James by the throat and everyone was around him.
"Edward, think about what you're doing," Carlisle tried to calm him.
"I am and you didn't see what he did. I won't let him hurt Bella again." He growled.
The next thing I knew Jasper and Emmett had a hold of Edward and Laurent and Victoria were holding James.
"Do you really want Bella to see you kill him?" Carlisle asked Edward staring him straight in the eye his voice stern.
"No," Edward said and lowered his head in shame. Jasper and Emmett released him and he walked over to me. "Did I scare you?" he asked with a frown the anger from moments ago in the undertone of his voice.
"I'm okay," I smiled at him trying to sooth him wondering if he had just realized just how unworthy I was of his love now.
"Do you want to go home?"
"Yes, please," I said and he picked me up.
"I'm taking Bella home," Edward told everyone and Carlisle nodded with approval and I waved to Victoria. Then Edward took off.
I kept a tight hold on him and placed a soft kiss on his neck. "I'm sorry you had to hear what happened."
"You have no reason to apologize, but I do want to talk to you about this once we get home," he said the anger still in his voice.
"Okay." I agreed unsure of what was to come.
A few minutes later Edward stopped in his room and sat me down.
Edward didn't say anything as he stood before me as I twisted my hair nervously between my fingers.
I was scared of what he was going to do for the first time. If he decided to hit me it would hurt much worse than Charlie. I should have told him what happened to me. He had asked me repeatedly to tell him and I hadn't told him everything.
He sat down on the couch without saying anything and his hand fell into his hands. I felt as though a light bulb should have appeared over my head when my idea hit. I got on my knees in front of him and began unbuttoning his pants. His head snapped up and then he was gone. I scanned the room and found him standing as far away from me as possible.
"What are you thinking?" Edward said in a hard tone his eyes now iced over gold and not their usual molten caramel.
I braced myself for his wrath and turned my face away expecting a slap. It didn't come. I didn't understand. After what he must have seen from James and everything else I couldn't believe he hadn't hit me yet. He had to realize I was nothing.
"Why did you try to do that, love?" he voice soft and caring again.
I looked at his eyes that had returned back to their normal state. I sighed in relief. "I thought you wouldn't hurt me if I did."
His eyes widened. "Why would I hurt you?" he choked out.
"For how much of a whore I am?" It came out in a question and the tears began to prick in my eyes.
He gathered me in his arms on the floor and kissed my hair. "You're not a whore. You're not even close. Don't say those things. You are the most important thing to me and there is nothing wrong with you. We have some things to work through and everything will be fine."
"Why would you even want me as your wife?" I asked sadly.
E Pov
I was shocked at everything Bella was saying it made no sense to me that she thought like this.
"I love you. That's why I want you as my wife." I comforted her.
"You don't need me."
"Of course I need you. You're my reason for existing." I kissed her hair again.
"I have no use to you," she whispered her voice slightly hoarse. I opened my mouth to speak but she cut me off. "You don't need me to cook for you. You could clean this whole house in two minutes better than I could in two whole days. If all I am just something for your pleasure then do what you wish. I won't care."
Bella couldn't really believe that. She knew she was more than that but as I looked at her eyes the sincerity of her words hit me. She thought that I wanted her for another reason then just because I loved her.
I took her face softly in my hands. "I love you. That's why I need you." I placed a soft kiss to her lips but she didn't respond to it. "Did I scare you, Bella?"
She looked at me fearfully and nodded.
"I'm not going to hurt you. I would never do that."
"You looked so mad when you put me down. I thought you were mad because I didn't tell you about everything that happened." she explained wiping away the tears that had been welling in her eyes.
"I was mad at myself and what James was thinking about. You didn't do anything."
"You're not going to hurt me?"
"No, I'll never hurt you."
She relaxed in my arms then and cuddled into my chest.
She yawned "Do you want to go take a shower before you go to bed?" I asked placed a soft kiss on her lips.
"Yes," she said and grabbed some clothes and headed to the bathroom.
B Pov
I climbed into the shower and let all the pressure of the day leave as the steam filled the bathroom. Thirty minutes later I came out.
"Did Alice get those for you?" he asked as he reclined on the bed.
"Yeah," I admitted flushing.
"I figured. I didn't think you would pick out black silk pajamas."
I climbed under the cover and Edward's arms wrapped around me. "I love you," I smiled into his chest.
"I love you too," he said and I closed my eyes. Edward then began humming my lullaby as I drifted to sleep.
"Wake up," Edward cooed to me. "Do you still want to go to church today?"
"Yes," I whispered groggily and moved the covers back getting up. I gathered my clothes and got dressed and ready quickly.
"Ready?" Edward asked as I stepped out of the bathroom.
"Yeah, let's get going."
"Don't you want to eat something?"
"I'll just make myself something really quick," I said and walked with him out of his room.
"No need I already made you some eggs." He smiled brightly at me.
"Thank you," I said and took a seat and began to eat the eggs. "This is delicious."
"It's a recipe I got from Food Network. It's good that you like it since I can't exactly taste the food correctly."
I laughed and finished eating then placed my plate in the sink. "I'm ready."
"Okay," Edward said and I followed him out of the house and to his car. He opened the door and I climbed in quickly.
A few minutes later we pulled into the parking lot.
"So would you want to get married in a church or would you prefer not to?" Edward asked as we were walking across the lot.
The question shocked me and I thought for a moment before responding. "I wouldn't mind either way." I said as we entered the sanctuary.
Brother Tom walked toward me smiling and reached out his hand for me to shake. "Bella, it's good to see you again, and who is this?" he asked looking at Edward.
"Edward Cullen, it's nice to meet you," Edward said shaking his hand.
"Nice to meet you as well" Brother Tom said then released his hand. "I need to go speak to the choir before the service starts though it was nice to see you both," he smiled and walked away.
"He's very kind," Edward said as we took our seats. "He was very worried about you."
"He's known me since I was born. I guess it makes sense. I do want to thank you," I smiled at him.
"Why?" he asked as we sat down.
"For coming to church with me today even though you didn't have to."
"You're welcome." he smiled and the preacher began his sermon. The sermon ended an hour later Edward and I climbed into the Volvo.
"I have a surprise for you at home." he said a few minutes later.
"What is it?" I groaned. "Please tell me nothing expensive."
"I promise it's not expensive and you'll like it I'm sure."
"Is it my idea of expensive or yours?" I asked.
He laughed. "Yours love. Now close your eyes we'll be at the house in a minute."
Soon the car stopped. I heard my door open and Edward grabbed my hand helping me out of the car. I kept my eyes closed and I felt his hands over my eyes.
"You can look now," he chuckled and removed his hands.
"My truck," I smiled ear to ear and hugged Edward. "Thank you so much."
"I take it you like it?"
"I love it."
"I'm glad to hear it. Rosalie even looked at the engine it should run better now."
"Bella," Rosalie came out of the house and hugged me followed by Alice and Esme. "You ready?" she asked.
"Am I ready for what?" I asked my eyebrows knitting together in confusion.
"For going through a whole day of shopping with us." Alice sang happily.
"I didn't know we were." I mumbled looking at Edward.
"They haven't got to spend much time with you. The others and I will be staying at the house. I'll see you soon," he grinned crookedly at me and pressed a short loving kiss to my lips.
"See you," I said back and he walked into the house. "I'm ready," I said holding up my purse softly.
"You aren't going to need that, sweetie," Esme laughed.
"Why?"
"You aren't going to need to pay for anything." she explained as we climbed into the BMW.
"That isn't right. You're letting me stay here and buying food that only I will eat. You shouldn't pay for my clothes too. Plus, you already bought me a whole new wardrobe," I said as we pulled out of the garage.
"You're family and we want to take you shopping with us. We're paying for the clothes," Rosalie insisted.
We chatted lightly in the car and after an hour or so Rosalie announced we were there.
They began shopping and after a few stores decided to pick out some more tops, jeans, shoes and pajamas for me. Not listening to my protests.
After that we went to more stores. I gave them opinions on what they tried on and did everything to avoid getting anymore clothes.
My stomach began growling "I'm going to head to the food court." I said as they browsed through a store. "I'll be back in a few minutes."
"Okay," Rosalie nodded and I left.
I went and got some food. A man that looked to be just slightly older than me walked over and sat in the chair across from me.
"Hey," the man said. "I'm Rick."
"Hello," I answered back. I shifted as far away as I could in the chair away from him. He gave me a weird vibe.
"You want to go on a date?"
"No," I answered and got up. I through my trash away and Rick followed me.
"Come on. Just one date." he drawled grabbing my wrist.
"No, I have a boyfriend." I tried to pull my wrist out of his grasp.
"So what?" he said but didn't release my wrist.
"So I'm not interested," I growled and pulled my hand out of his grasp and began walking a quickly as I could away from him.
Halfway to the store I met the eyes of a scared Rosalie. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine," I smiled.
"We're done shopping are you ready to go?" she asked.
"Yeah," I said just as Esme and Alice showed up.
"She's okay," Rosalie told them and we headed back to the car.
After about thirty minutes I fell asleep in the back seat. "Wake up, Bella," Esme whispered when we were home.
"Okay," I climbed out of the car and Rosalie handed me my bags. "Thanks," I smiled and walked into the house behind them.
"I'll take those, love," Edward pecked me on the lips.
"I can get them," I insisted and walked up to his room.
"Are you tired?" he asked as we walked up the steps.
"Yeah," I said. "I'm not used to shopping for eight hours."
"Well, we have school tomorrow so let's get you to bed."
I nodded and placed the bags down and grabbed out a pair of blue pajama pants with a matching long sleeved night shirt. I dressed and brushed my teeth then exited the bathroom.
"You look lovely," Edward smiled and I climbed into bed with him. "I missed you today." He said and gave me a soft kiss.
"I missed you too. I wish you would have come today."
"Why?"
"Some guy asked if I wanted to go on a date when I was eating."
"It seems I need to ask you to marry me soon. I can't have people thinking you're up for grabs." He laughed.
"You can grab me all you want," I said playfully shocked at myself for saying it.
"You shouldn't say that," he smirked holding me tighter. "I might just take you up on the offer."
"What if I want you take me up on the offer?" I teased holding back a laugh.
He then became serious. "You're not ready for that."
I sighed. "I know, Edward. I understand I'm just teasing you."
"Get some sleep, love. We have school tomorrow and the Denali's will be coming here," he said and hummed my lullaby.
"Okay," I agreed and let myself drift to sleep.
I woke up to Edward's cool hand stroking my face. "You need to go get ready," he whispered in my ear.
I nodded rubbing my eyes and climbing out of bed. I dressed in a pair of light denim jeans and a long sleeved light green shirt then finished getting ready. I kept my hair down because Edward seemed to like it that way and then headed down stairs.
"You wearing some of the clothes we got you," Esme said happily as I entered the kitchen a bright smile lighting her face.
I smiled back at her as I sat down where the oatmeal was setting.
"Does that taste okay?" Edward asked after I had taken a few bites.
"Yes," I smiled and finished eating.
"The Denial's will be here a little after we get home from school. I think they really want to meet you," Edward said as we climbed into his car.
"Why would they want to meet me?"
"You're a human that is living with vampires and you fell in love with one. I'm sure they extremely curious about you."
"Oh, I guess that makes sense," I acknowledged causing Edward to chuckle.
"Everything is going to be okay," Edward assured me as he parked the Volvo in the parking lot of the school.
I nodded and he walked out of the car coming to the other side and opening the door for me. I took his hand as we walked next to the rest of the Cullen's'.
"Don't worry, Bella," Emmett began.
Jasper cut in. "We aren't going to let another incident like the one with Lauren happen."
"I was going to say that," Emmett pouted.
"I know," Jasper grinned at him.
"Thanks both of you," I told them. I was happy to have them all as, hopefully, soon to be family.
Edward and I walked to my locker. "Here," he said handing me my books.
"I'll see you at lunch," I told him and he kissed my cheek.
"Okay, now you need to get to class or you'll be late."
I nodded and hurried off to class.
"Bella," Jessica squealed, "are you really staying with the Cullen's?"
"Yeah," I answer cautious as I sat down.
"Wow, why didn't you go with your Mom?"
"They all agreed I could stay here. Mom just told me to visit often and to keep in contact with her," I shifted uncomfortably for the line of questioning.
"You mean they don't mind you staying with them?" she probed.
"No, at least I don't think they do. Esme was the one who said I could stay with them."
"Cool, how big is their house?" she asked curious it was obvious that no one had seen it.
"Um, three stories and a lot of bedrooms."
"Oh, which one are you staying in?" she asked.
Just then the teacher started class and I turned my full attention to the teacher.
Class ended and second hour Angela was kind and just asked if I was okay and wanted to see how everything was going for me.
By lunch time everything I told Jessica was already around the school.
"Everything okay?" Edward asked as we stood in line.
"Yeah," I said and as I was about to pay for my food Edward handed the money to Mrs. White and smiled brightly at me and then paid for his unneeded food.
"It seems Jessica was the only one probing you today," he said as the others joined us.
"Yeah, she just wanted to know everything. I'm just glad the teacher started class so I didn't have to answer which bedroom I was staying in. I'm sure she would have been able to tell I was lying."
"Just tell her it isn't her business," Alice suggested.
"That would just make her more suspicious. You know that." I answered.
"True," she accepted and I began eating. The Cullen's chatted as I ate and soon the bell rang.
Edward and I entwined our fingers under the lab table as we listen to Mr. Banner's lecture.
I went to gym and was confronted by Mike Newton.
"Hey Bella," he said as the badminton game was about to start for another group.
"Hi."
"Is it true you and Cullen are really dating?"
"Yes," I answered.
"Oh," his face fell and he became silent.
I got hit in the face with my racket near the end of the hour and Couch Clapp told me to sit out. I headed out to meet Edward when the bell rang.
"I'm getting tired of Mike Newton's thoughts," Edward told me as I climbed into his car.
I laughed. "It's okay. He knows I'm with you," he took my hand in his and rubbed circles on it.
"That doesn't mean he's going to leave you alone."
"Yeah, I was kind of hoping he would though."
He raised our hands and placed a kiss to mine. "Me to, love."
I turned and sat watching the trees pass as I tried to prepare myself to mean the Denali's. I'm sure the last person they were expecting for Edward to love was me.
Edward then pulled up to the house and my fear hit me full on as I saw two unfamiliar cars sitting in the driveway.
Please review and I hope you all liked the chapter. I want to explain Bella's behavior just incase. She thought Edward was upset and from prior experience was expecting him to hurt her. She thought if she did something for him he wouldn't hurt her. She still has to learn more trust and self confidence which can take a while. So I hope that's even clearer now. Also, what happened with James will be explained soon.
