So, not so new story ... I'm reposting this. This story was pulled years ago by FFn. That decision (without any sort of warning, really) forced me to move from just posting on FFn to Stars (then The Writer's Coffee Shop), AO3, and FictionPad. After doing some thinking, and FicPad turning into a for-profit platform, I've decided to repost this here.
This is ALREADY COMPLETE! PREWRITTEN
I will be doing some editing for content, but this is written in its entirety on Stars, AO3, Wattpad and FicPad (when it's not being a pain in the butt).
Carrots? Has anyone seen any carrots? The plot bunny attacked and well, you all are going to reap the benefits. NEW STORY! I've been writing some pretty heavy stuff lately and well, I'm going to lighten it up a bit. It's not going to be a humorous story (though there will be some funny bits) but it will be romantic. Some drama…some light angst (there needs to be some sort of conflict or it wouldn't be worth reading, kids).
Yeah, that isn't mine.
Up next will be the resolution of this cliffhanger. In my plan, it was going to be in Edward's point of view, but I may switch it up and put it in Bella's. Some answers will be had…just sayin…
Chapter Twenty-Four: Some Day My Prince Will Come…In a White Lab Coat?
EPOV
Collapsing against her sweaty back, I pressed soft kisses to her spine. We both were breathing heavily, spent from our sexual endeavors against the couch arm. "Damn, Edward," she giggled.
"Edward is unavailable right now. He's had his brains fucked out of him by his sexy, perfect girlfriend," I quipped, kissing behind her ear.
"That would be you fucking my brains out," she laughed as I slipped out of her. Her body erupted in gooseflesh and I scooped her up, wrapping her in a throw blanket as I sat down on a large, cushy chair overlooking the Seattle skyline. "I am so lucky, Edward. I'm thankful for you coming into my life. I love you, baby."
"As I love you, Bella. You are the greatest gift I've ever received and I am never letting you go," I cooed, nuzzling her sex-ravaged hair. Her phone rang from her purse that was still by the door. She squirmed in my arms. "Did you not hear me?" I pouted.
"It's probably my parents, checking to make sure that we got home safely," Bella said, walking naked as the day she was born to the door. She picked up her cell phone. "Hello?" Her look of bliss from our love making quickly disappeared. "Becca? Deep breaths, sweetie. Tell me what happened…"
BPOV
Becca was sobbing on the other end of the phone call. She sounded shattered and broken. "I've been trying to call you, Bells. However, Jimmy, he would take my phone away," she cried. "It's bad, Bella. So bad! I need help! Please!"
"Okay," I said, cuddling next to Edward. "Where are you? We'll come get you."
"I'm hiding in a gas station near my apartment," she sniffled. "In the bathroom. Jimmy, after he…"
"Did he rape you, Becca?" I asked, becoming enraged.
"No! He just likes to use me as a punching bag," Becca answered quietly. "Anyhow, after he has his rages, he crashes. I grabbed my phone, a coat and my purse, leaving him on the couch. This was the first time I haven't lost consciousness."
"Which gas station?" I asked, hopping up from the couch. I darted into the bedroom and pulled on a pair of yoga pants, one of Edward's sweatshirts and my sneakers.
"Circle K," she replied. "Bells, please hurry! I can't let him find me. If he does, I don't know if I'll…"
"We'll be there," I said as I hung up. Edward was dressed in a pair of jeans and standing shirtless. "The number that kept calling me was Becca."
"I gathered that from your conversation. Is everything okay?" Edward asked.
"No. Jimmy likes to use his fists to prove a point," I snarled. "He's been beating the shit out of her. She's hiding in a gas station near her apartment while Jimmy is sleeping off his rage."
"That sounds so familiar," Edward muttered. "When Alice was in that relationship with James, he would go off on her and then crash after he beat her to a bloody pulp."
"Could Becca's Jimmy be Alice's James?" I asked, tossing my hair up into a messy bun.
"He's been released. Alice got a notice from her attorney," Edward frowned, looking for a shirt. "But he's on probation. He has to stay in Chicago."
"He could have gotten approval to finish his probation here," I said. "Can you drive?"
"Of course, gorgeous girl," he replied, taking me in his arms. "Jesus, Bella, you're trembling."
"He can't hurt her. Becca has had the worst luck with men but this definitely takes the cake, Edward," I sniffled, snuggling against his chest. "I don't know if she'll recover from this. Becca has always been a pessimistic person, seeing the worst in a situation, but now, I'm afraid that pessimism is going to overtake her."
"Then, you need to be there for her and not let the anger, pessimism and negativity win," Edward soothed, holding me close to his chest. "I wish I had that when Lauren did what she did to me. I wouldn't have turned into, what did you and Alice call me?"
"A mut," I snorted. "Combination of the two words 'male' and 'slut.'"
"Right, a mut," he chuckled. "Now, let's go get her. Why don't you call your dad and see if he can take her statement or something?"
"Kay," I replied, kissing his jaw. "Thank you for being just awesome, Edward. I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I'm grateful that I did it and I'll keeping doing it."
"I love you, my Bella," he murmured, kissing me softly.
"I love you more, Edward," I sighed. He hugged me close before slipping on a pair of shoes. I tied my shoes and tossed Edward my keys. I didn't want Becca to be in the backseat in his car. It still smelled, slightly, of sex and I'm certain Becca did not need a reminder of that. We also hastily threw our clothes, which were scattered everywhere from our tryst on the couch into the bedroom before dashing down to my car. The drive was relatively short but incredibly tense. I was praying that Jimmy hadn't found her and caused more damage.
At the gas station, Edward parked the car and we went into the convenience store. He went to the first aide section while I ducked into the ladies room, looking for Becca. In the far stall, I could hear sniffles and saw a form curled up in a corner. "Becca?" I called out.
"Shhh!" she hissed, scrambling up and opening the bathroom stall. I only saw her hand and it was covered it cuts and bruises. I went into the bathroom stall and I was shocked at what I saw. Becca's face was virtually unrecognizable, turning shades of purple, blue and red. Her short hair was disheveled and I could see a large goose egg forming along the temple of her forehead. Blood was scattered all on her shirt and she was cradling her arm and favoring her leg. One of my dearest friends was a mess and it was because of a man who needed to feel powerful and beating the shit out of a woman was his way of doing it. "Did anyone follow you?"
"No, Bec," I said, appraising her injuries. "God, what did he do to you? Why would he do this to you?"
"I made pasta for dinner and he wanted Chinese," she spat bitterly. Lifting up her shirt, I saw a nasty burn on her stomach. "He poured the boiling hot water on my belly. Then, he tossed me across the room and stomped on my leg. I hurt everywhere, Bella."
"Can you walk?" I asked.
"I can, but I feel like my body's going to give out," she whimpered.
"Stay here," I said. "I'll be right back."
"Bella, stay! Please!" she sobbed, her face contorting in fear.
"I'm getting Edward. I can't carry you, but he can. I promise, he'll be gentle," I cooed. She sank back to the floor, crying hysterically. Hating that I had to leave her, I grabbed Edward's arm and dragged him back to the bathroom. Just before we go in, I stare into his eyes. "It's bad, Edward. I need your help carrying her out."
"Like how bad? Like I should find a gun and shoot the guy between the eyeballs bad?" he asked.
"Nah, that would be too, um, humane," I growled. "More like torture him to death kind of bad. Please, baby. Please, be gentle. She's scared and hurt. He poured an entire pan of boiling water on her stomach."
"Okay, love. But, if I see this douchebag, I won't hold back. No one. I mean it, NO ONE, should hurt a human being like he did. And the fact that he used his power against her? Sickens me," he growled. I threw my arms around his neck, grateful that Edward would fight for my friend. He crushed me to his body, burying his nose in my hair. "I vow to you, Bella, I'll never raise my hand to you in anger or otherwise. I swear it!"
"I know, baby. You've got a good heart," I whispered, kissing his ear. He looked at me, pressing a soft kiss to my lips before opening the bathroom door. I slipped in front of him so Becca wouldn't panic. "Bec? It's me and Edward. He's going to help you out of here."
She broke into hysterical sobs. Edward took my hand and his face was one of compassion and concern. "Becca, I know you're scared and probably a little embarrassed or ashamed, but we both want to help you. My sister, Alice, was in a relationship similar to yours. She dealt with it all on her own. She's still struggling with her anger, shame and fear. You're so much stronger than her by calling and asking for help. Can I help you? We need to get you somewhere safe," Edward cooed.
"What if he finds me?" Becca cried.
"My dad will make sure he doesn't. Remember, he's a detective. Once we get you out of here and at the hospital, I'm going to call him. Please, Bec. Edward won't hurt you but like he said, we need to get you out of here," I murmured. The stall door opened up and Becca limped out. She looked even worse, so small and broken. Edward slipped off his jacket and held it up to her.
"You must freezing, Becca. Take my coat," he whispered. "I can see you trembling from here."
She reached for it but she let out a yell when she straightened her arm. Edward rushed to her, catching her before she hit the floor as she screamed in agony. Gingerly, he lifted her up and cradled her to his chest. I took Edward's coat, which had fallen to the floor and covered Becca with it. "You're safe, Becca. He won't hurt you anymore," Edward chanted. Moving carefully, but swiftly, Edward carried Becca out of the bathroom and through the convenience store. The shopkeeper was watching with rapt attention, his eyes sad for the broken girl in my boyfriend's arms.
Carefully, Edward placed her in the backseat. I scrambled in on the other side while Edward got into the driver's seat. "Where to? Which hospital is the closest?" Edward asked.
"Harborview," I responded, wrapping Edward's coat around the inconsolable Becca. "Make a left out of here and follow the signs. It's about ten minutes away."
"Got it," Edward said as he backed out of the parking space. A short drive later, Edward put on my hazard blinkers and ducked into the emergency room. A few moments later, he came out with a gurney and a very concerned looking doctor. A very attractive doctor to boot. Edward opened the door and he crouched to speak to us. "This is Dr. Parker. He's going to help you, Becca."
"Bella, can you stay with me?" Becca asked, her voice sounding small.
"Of course, Bec," I said, kissing her forehead. She sniffled before slowly moving across the backseat. Edward gently guided her to the gurney and gave her a sympathetic grin. Hopping out of the backseat, I pulled Edward aside. "I'm going to stay with her. Go get my dad. He'll probably bitch and moan, but he's got a soft spot for any woman who was beat to shit. We're also going to have a houseguest, Edward."
"Doesn't she have family? I mean, someone to help her?" Edward asked.
"She's not close with her family. Her mom has early stage Alzheimer's disease and Becca hated the fact that they put her into a nursing facility. Her sisters and brother don't like Becca because of that. Even if I'd call them, they wouldn't come due to the fact that they're that hateful," I growled. "Mom and Dad adopted Bec, unofficially. But, I want to keep her close by. She needs her friends."
"You're more than friends, Bella. You're her family," he said, kissing me sweetly. "I love you, baby. You are the most amazing woman I've ever met."
He kissed me once more before getting into the driver's seat and pulling away from the curb. I dashed next to Becca, holding her hand as she sobbed quietly. "It'll be okay, Becca. I promise."
"Are you family?" asked Dr. Parker.
"Yes. I'm her sister," I answered. "I'm not going anywhere and you better not make me."
"Of course," Dr. Parker said, holding up his hands. "Let's get you settled into a room, alright? What's your name, miss?"
"Becca," she said, cowering away from him. "Becca Abernathy."
"Okay, Miss Abernathy, my name is Dr. Daniel Parker. I'll be taking care of you today. Can you tell me what happened?" he asked calmly, but the storm raging in his eyes was plain as day.
"My, um, ex-boyfriend decided that he didn't like what I was cooking for dinner," Becca whispered. "He wanted Chinese, not pasta. He went on a rampage and used me as his punching bag and um, he poured boiling hot water on my stomach from the pasta."
"May I see?" Dr. Parker asked.
Becca nodded as fresh tears leaked out of her eyes. Dr. Parker removed Edward's jacket and lifted up her shirt, displaying red angry welts that covered from her jeans to her bra. I also noticed older bruises along her ribcage. "Miss Abernathy, has your ex-boyfriend done this before?"
"Yes," she sniffled. "But, this was the first time that I haven't been beat up to the point where I lost consciousness. I had to get away."
"I'm glad you did," he smiled. "But, we need to report this to the police."
"My father, a detective in the Seattle Police Department, is on his way," I said.
"Wouldn't that be a conflict of interest?" Dr. Parker asked. "You're sisters."
I arched a brow and nodded to the hallway. Dr. Parker followed me and I crossed my arms over my chest. "Look, Dr. Parker, she's not my sister. But, I'm not leaving her. She's hurt, frightened and vulnerable. She's one of my closest friends and I cannot allow her to be…"
"I get it," Dr. Parker said, holding up his hands. "I'd probably be the same way. What's your name?"
"Swan. Bella Swan. The man who drove us here is my boyfriend, Edward Cullen," I said. "He'll be back with my father, Detective Charles Swan."
"I'll let the receptionist know to send them directly back," Dr. Parker said. "I'll send a nurse in so she can change into a hospital gown. I need to do a complete examination."
"Thank you," I said brusquely, turning on my heel to be with my friend. Sitting next to her, I took her hand and promised that we would keep her safe. Ten minutes later, a nurse walked in with gown and asked if Becca could remove her clothes, except for her panties. Helping her, I put her in the robe and covered her legs with the heated blanket the nurse brought.
"Talk to me, Bella. Help me forget everything," Becca whimpered. "Tell me about Edward, Thanksgiving...something to stop me from having these horrific memories in my mind on repeat."
"What do you want to hear?" I asked.
"Good things. Tell me good things," she murmured, curling up in a tiny ball.
I told Becca about everything that had happened since my birthday. I, of course, omitted the bad stuff, like the argument Edward and I had about my pencils and digital recorder and the drama with my new editor-in-chief. I also told her all about the island, how beautiful it was and how she would enjoy spending time on the white, sandy beaches.
Dr. Parker came back a few minutes later with the same nurse who gave us the gown and blanket. Professionally, he checked Becca's body. However, his eyes were swirling with anger when he saw her marred stomach. Becca was so ashamed that she spent the entire examination in tears. "Miss Abernathy?" Dr. Parker asked. "Did your ex-boyfriend, um, rape you?"
"No. It was consensual. Brutal, but consensual," she muttered.
"Did you tell him to stop?" Dr. Parker asked.
"A few times, but he kept going," Becca sniffled. "He said that he needed to finish what he started."
"Bec, that's rape. You said no. You said stop," I said, taking her good hand. Her tears fell anew.
"Did he do that tonight?" Dr. Parker questioned, his voice quiet and filled with concern.
"No. He just did this," she sobbed, gesturing to her broken body. "And when he did fuck me, he always wore a condom."
"I want perform a pelvic, Miss Abernathy. Just to make sure that there's no damage, okay?" Dr. Parker asked gently. Becca was inconsolable. She clung to me, screaming her hatred for Jimmy. "Miss Abernathy, please, I know that this is any woman's worst nightmare, but it will be okay." Her tears and screams were growing more hysterical. "Becca, you need to calm down. Would you like a sedative?"
"I don't know," she wailed, gripping my sweatshirt.
"Give her the sedative," I said. "She needs to…please?"
Dr. Parker nodded and readied a syringe with a sedative. Using the IV that the nurse had set up, he injected Becca with the drugs and she immediately quieted down, slumping against me. I got into the gurney with her, putting Becca's head on my shoulder, caressing her short messy hair. "We'll get him, Bec. I promise." Once she calmed down, I got out of the gurney. "What's next?"
"We give her a pelvic. I want you to be here, Miss Swan. Miss Abernathy seems to respond to you," Dr. Parker explained. I nodded, sitting next to Becca, holding her hand. The nurse put a privacy screen in front of the doors while Dr. Parker readied the necessary tools. Working quickly, Dr. Parker performed the pelvic. The nurse took pictures as evidence, but he said that there was nothing substantial, injury-wise in her genital area.
As soon as the pelvic exam was done, Dr. Parker explained that we needed to get x-rays of her abdomen, wrist and ankle. Plus, he wanted to keep her overnight for observation. I thanked him, waiting for Edward and my Dad to come. Twenty minutes later, Edward and my dad came into the room. Charlie had on his shield and he was ready to massacre the man who did this to Becca. She was still sleeping, fitfully and probably would stay asleep until they had to move her for the x-rays.
"What do you know?" Charlie asked, taking out his book.
"Her boyfriend did this," I said, snuggling close to Edward. He wrapped his arms around me, kissing my head. "His name is Jimmy. I don't know his last name, but she said that he did this to her because she cooked pasta as opposed to his desired Chinese."
Charlie's lips mashed together in a thin line. His mustache was twitching in anger. "What else?"
I told him everything that I knew and my suppositions about Jimmy. Edward said that his sister, Alice, had been a similar relationship with a man named James and he was released from prison. Charlie knew it was a long shot, but he used his cell phone to tap into the police database, looking up Alice's case from Chicago. Growling at how slow the internet was, Charlie held up a picture. It was James' picture from when he was brought in.
"That's Jimmy," I said. "The hair's different. It's shorter now, not in a ponytail."
"And it's lighter," Edward mused.
Becca's eyes flew open and she began panicking. "Where's Jimmy? Did he find me?"
"No, sweetheart," Charlie said, taking her hand in his. "I want you to look at a picture for me. Is this Jimmy?" He held up his phone with James' mug shot.
"Yes," Becca whimpered. "He looks different in that photo. Is that a mug shot?"
"It is, Bec," I frowned.
"Your Jimmy, I believe, is my sister, Alice's, ex-boyfriend, James. He was arrested for domestic assault, attempted murder and a whole slew of other charges. He was in jail, but was released recently. Apparently, he fell through the cracks and ended up here in Seattle."
"What's Jimmy's last name?" Charlie asked.
"Beck," Becca replied.
"According to his arrest record, his last name was Nomad," Charlie growled. "Becca, I need you to tell me everything that Jimmy did to you. Every little, minute thing. This man obviously is a monster and he needs to be brought to justice."
"Okay," she whispered. She spent over an hour explaining and describing everything that Jimmy did to her. He was an animal with the brutality of his attacks. As she was talking, Dr. Parker had come inside, wanting to take her to get the x-rays, but he got sucked into the descriptions, too. Charlie's face was impassive as he wrote down everything that Becca said. Edward and Dr. Parker had absolutely murderous looks on their faces, ready to kill Jimmy/James or whatever the fuck his name was for hurting Becca. I stayed as impassive as possible, but I was in agreement with Dr. Parker and Edward.
"Well, it seems that Mr. Nomad/Beck has broken his parole. Becca, do you want to press charges?" Charlie asked.
"Yes," she seethed. "He hurt me and I vowed to myself that I would never be with a man who would hurt me."
"Good girl," Charlie smiled, patting her leg. "I'm also assuming you want an order of protection?" Becca nodded. "I'll get that drawn up along with an arrest warrant for Jimmy Beck, aka James Nomad." Charlie stepped out, calling it in and dispatching a cruiser to Becca's apartment.
"Sweetie, you're going to stay with Edward and me, okay?" I said. "We've got a secured building and we can leave a picture of Jimmy/James at the front desk if he shows up."
"My clothes, everything…it's at my apartment," she grumbled.
"Don't worry about that, Becca," Edward soothed. "We'll get your stuff. And you are not going back to the apartment. It's not safe for you there."
"Where am I going to go? My family hates me and I don't want to impose on you two forever," she frowned.
"We'll cross that bridge when we get there," I said. "Right now, Dr. Parker is going to take you to get some x-rays done. Alright?"
"Bells, please stay with me?" she pleaded.
"Sure, sweetie," I smiled.
After the x-rays, Becca was brought directly to a medical floor. She was checked in under an assumed name in case Jimmy got the bug up his ass to try and find her at local hospitals. Her wrist was broken along with three cracked ribs. Her ankle, thankfully, was only sprained but it was a severe sprain that would require her to wear one of the walking boots for a few weeks. However, Dr. Parker was most concerned about her head. Based on his examination and an MRI that was done, she had had several significant concussions over the course of her relationship with Jimmy. He was worried about long-term, lasting effects from these concussions. She even had a minor one now and he berated himself for giving her the sedative.
Becca, exhausted from her night, drifted asleep and Dr. Parker led us out to the hallway. "If you both want to stay, it'll be okay. We're only keeping her until tomorrow. We want to make sure that she doesn't slip into a coma. Does she have a place to stay?"
"We've got a spare room," Edward replied, wrapping his arm around my waist. "She'll stay with us."
"Okay, good," Dr. Parker murmured, running his hands through his short, sandy blonde hair. He frowned and pinched his nose, similar how Edward would when he was distressed.
"Everything okay, doctor?" I asked.
"I don't want to sound like a perv, but something about her…I can't! She's a patient! She doesn't need a lonely doctor following her around like a lost puppy dog," he mumbled. "Especially after she's been through hell and back."
"Dr. Parker, my friend in there, needs as many people protecting her as possible. And by tomorrow, she won't be your patient anymore," I quipped. "You seem like a good man and I can see how much this is affecting you. Be her friend."
"I can do that," he said, the tension leaving his face, revealing a youthful smile. "Here's my card. It's got my cell phone and email on it. Please, keep me appraised as to how she's doing and…if you want to give it to her." He blushed before thrusting a card into my hand and anxiously walking down the hallway.
"He finds a broken, bruised and battered girl and develops a crush on her," Edward snorted.
"Perhaps he has a Prince Charming complex…save the damsel in distress," I giggled, snuggling against Edward's warm body.
"That's a knight in shining armor," he replied, kissing my forehead.
"You happen to be both, my prince charming and knight in shining armor," I smiled.
"Damn right, I am," he chuckled.
xx AIDA xx
As Dr. Parker promised, Becca was released the next day. Edward and I brought her back to my place, setting her up in the guest room. I sent Dr. Parker a text, informing him that she was safe and sound. He seemed pleased that she had such good friends. I invited him over for drinks the following weekend, possibly playing matchmaker for my friend. Once we got her settled, my mom stayed with Becca while my father, Edward and I went to her apartment to pick up her necessities.
My dad sent a squad car to pick up Jimmy after he had gotten Becca's statement, but when they arrived, he was in the wind. The apartment was trashed and Jimmy was gone without a trace. We don't know where he ran off to, but without a doubt, he probably had the means to flee the state, if not the country.
When we arrived at the apartment, it was completely obliterated. I was shocked at the destruction. All of the furniture had been overturned, torn and ripped to shreds. The television had an axe through the center of it. Walking slowly, we looked at the other parts of the apartment. The bathroom was covered in water from an overflowing bathtub. Charlie quickly turned that off. However, the most damage was done in Becca's bedroom. All of her clothes were ripped, burned and covered with bleach. Painted on her bedroom wall was a note: 'This isn't over, bitch.'
"What are we going to do?" I asked.
"Well, this apartment is an active crime scene, now," Charlie sighed. "You'll have to leave. We need to proceed from here with caution."
"What about Becca? Where will she stay? I know she'll want to come home or at least get out of our hair. She's already feeling guilty about overtaking our guest room," I frowned.
"Obviously, not back here," Edward snorted. "She can stay as long as she wants. Our apartment is safe."
"If she feels like she's intruding, we'll keep her, too," Charlie said. "Now, I'm going to get a CSI team out here. You two, go purchase Becca some new clothes since all of these are worthless."
"I don't know if she'll recover from this," I frowned.
"She has us. She has Angela, Jessica and Paul. And let's not forget that very concerned doctor," Edward said as he led me out of the apartment. "I think he'll be the biggest key in making her feel better. Desirable. Normal."
"That's if she lets him in," I retorted.
"She will," Edward smiled crookedly. "Now, let's channel our inner-Alices and get Becca a new wardrobe that she'll just love."
A few hours later, we got back to our apartment. We managed to get Becca an amazing wardrobe thanks to the sales from Black Friday and the first big shopping weekend of the holiday season. Becca was sitting on the couch, watching some television while Mom was reading a smutty book. "Mom, you're reading Fifty Shades?"
"I wanted some new ideas to do with your father," she snickered. "He does have handcuffs."
"Oh, ew! Please, don't ever…GAH! Mom, I'm scarred for life. Scarred!" I wailed, bouncing up and down.
"You're not the only one," Becca said dryly. "I didn't need to know that, Mrs. Swan. Excuse me while I pour some bleach down my throat to try and erase that memory that is currently hanging in my medulla oblongata."
"You're what?" Renee asked.
"Don't worry about it, Mom. Bec, don't pour bleach down your throat. You won't be able to enjoy the goodies that Edward and I got you," I said, holding up the bags from her favorite stores.
"Where are my clothes?" she asked, getting up from the couch and limping toward me and Edward.
"Becca, when we went to your place, Jimmy had," Edward sighed and gave her a grimace, "completely trashed your apartment. All of the furniture was shattered, your clothes were ripped, burnt or bleached and nothing was salvageable."
"Oh," she muttered, swaying on her feet. Edward handed me the bags he was carrying and wrapped his arm around her torso. "Thanks, Edward."
"I'm sorry that he did that," Edward murmured.
"Did they find him?" she asked as Edward helped her onto a stool.
"No, Bec. He's gone. And from what we gather, either he'll never be back or when he does come back, it'll be all sorts of fucked up," I said, biting my lip.
"I don't know what to do," she said, wiping her face with her good hand. "I can't go home. I can't stay here…"
"But, you will. Bec, you need to stay here, at least until you're more at ease. We've got a security guard and an Edward," I quipped, poking my boyfriend's arm.
"I'll kick his ass if he shows up, Becca," Edward said, cracking his knuckles. "Stay, Becca."
"I'll stay as long as I'm wearing this piece of crap," she said, gesturing to her boot. "But after that, I have to find my own place or try and stay with my sisters or something. Fuck! What am I going to do about my apartment? I can't afford to the break the lease!"
"We'll figure something out," Edward said cryptically.
"Come on, Bec. Let's have you try on some of these clothes. I think we did okay," I said, guiding her toward her room. Putting the bags onto the bed, I hugged her. "I'll be back. Do you want something to drink? Some tea?"
"That would be great," she said woodenly.
Leaving her in the bedroom, I went to make some tea. Edward was rooting around in the fridge. I smacked his ass. "Hey! What was that for?" he barked.
"You better not be thinking about paying for Becca's lease," I hissed quietly. "She's a fiercely independent woman and…having you do that for her will just cause her to fall apart. She's barely keeping it together as it is."
"Bella, she cannot go back to that apartment. She needs someplace safe. The money that she saves from me helping her break her lease, she can get into a secured building," Edward argued.
"But, she'd never forgive you. It's okay to help her but to do it for her? Even I would kick your ass," I deadpanned. "If you're so insistent on helping her, loan her half the cost of breaking the lease. If she asks for it. That's a big 'if.'"
"Okay, okay," Edward grumbled. "I just hate the thought of her being forced out of her home because of that animal. Why did she stay with him?"
"I don't know, but Becca was always yearning for a boyfriend who would treat her like a princess. She has a very romantic take on love, but has never experienced it. Her first boyfriend was a drunk and he forgot half of their dates. She dumped him when he stood her up for her sister's wedding. Her next boyfriend started off great, completely showering her with adoration, but robbed her blind because he had a huge gambling problem. Her last boyfriend, prior to James, was just all around loser. He only came around when he was horny or hungry. Though he was more hungry than horny," I sighed.
"Maybe she'll find her romantic love dream with Dr. McCutie," Edward snickered.
"McCutie?" I giggled.
"He's cute, like a little boy wearing his dad's lab coat," Edward said, smiling crookedly. "He seemed genuinely concerned for her and in awe of her strength. You never know?"
"This is true, but I'm afraid that she'll close herself off to any sort of relationship because of Jimmy," I frowned.
"Let nature take its course, gorgeous girl," Edward smiled, kissing me softly. "I'm going to finish searching for food while you play Becca Barbie."
I rolled my eyes, but went to check on my friend. She seemed at peace and happy with our selections. She also demanded that she pay us back once she got back on her feet. I waved her off, telling her to consider it a Christmas present.
Becca stayed with us, calling into her job as an accountant, explaining that she would be out for a week and would have to telecommute for the following week. I wanted to stay home with her but my boss, douchenozzle galore, reiterated that if you didn't have a fever, you needed to be at work. People with children argued with that, but he held firm. Edward promised he'd help Becca while she healed at our apartment.
On Monday, I approached Marcus and sat down in front of him. "I want to do a piece on domestic violence," I said.
"Okay. Why?" he asked.
"A close friend of mine was attacked by her boyfriend. It's more prevalent than you think and women and men are afraid to speak out against their attackers," I said fervently. "I want to write a piece that shows all of the ways that you can get out and be safe if you're in a relationship like this."
"Can we get a quote from your friend?" Marcus asked.
"No. I refuse to put her out there. The man who attacked her was out and on parole. He hurt my boyfriend's sister in a same manner as my friend. It's an ongoing investigation, so the police, unless it's relevant to the case, will not allow us to use her quote," I said.
"I say go for it. I want to run it on Sunday. Get as many quotes from various sources as you can, back up all of your research and be prepared to deal the wrath of his majesty," Marcus sighed.
"Why would he bitch about this? This is valuable information, Marcus!" I snarled.
"I agree, Bells. But, he sent out this memo just prior to your arrival. He only wants light fluffy pieces from the news staff. The only people who are allowed to report the more gruesome stories are the reporters on the police beat and even then, it's on traffic accidents and such. Seriously, I want this asshole gone. Have you found anything?"
"No. Neither has Edward," I sighed. "My dad's on it, though. Something about facial recognition or whatever…"
"Bells, if there is something afoot with Alec, you're going to be the one to report it. I think you can spin it and make it interesting," Marcus chuckled darkly. "Start it off like a fluff piece, like the kidney couple article and then nail him. Pin his balls to the wall!"
"Ewwww, Marcus," I groaned.
"What? I want this asshole gone as much as the rest of the staff," he snorted. "Now, get started on your domestic violence piece. I want an outline by the end of business today."
I was shocked at how quickly my article fell into place. I had several sources, varying from members of the police department, psychologists and former victims, along with a statement from a man serving time in Sheridan for domestic violence against his wife and child. I put the outline on Marcus' desk before I left and he gave me the go ahead to start writing it out.
The rest of the week was spent perfecting my article and it was submitted to Marcus on Friday, along with several photographs of the inmate, the psychologists, families that had recovered and a stock photo of police headquarters. Marcus beamed and said it was my best work to date and he informed the printers to make it the front page article for the Sunday edition.
The next day, I called Dr. McCutie, erm, Dr. Parker, erm Daniel, to make sure he was coming over for drinks. He nervously replied that he would and asked if he could bring anything. I said no and gave him directions to my apartment along with the time. To make it less like a set-up, Angela, Ben, Mike, Jessica and Paul were coming over too, along with Edward's composer friend, Stephen.
"I don't know, Bells," Becca said from her perch on the couch. "I'm still looking crap. Why don't you just cancel this shindig?"
"Nonsense. You are looking better every day. The only thing that is not a hundred percent is your burn and that's covered by your shirt," I said, smirking at her. "Your bruises are nearly non-existent. You look great!"
"Bella, you're the worst liar," Becca snorted.
"No, I'm not. EDWARD! Come here!" I bellowed just as he walked in.
"I was right here, Bella," he laughed, rubbing his ear. "No need to shout."
"Sorry. Becca thinks she looks awful and doesn't believe me when I say that looks good. Tell her honestly," I said, pouting slightly.
"Becca, I can understand why you feel the way you do, but you do look great. What would make you even more beautiful would be a smile," he said, grinning crookedly. Becca blushed and smiled softly. "There you are! Becca, don't let what Jimmy did to you change how you feel about yourself. He's the monster. Not you. You're a strong, smart and an amazing woman. Be proud that you got out before it got worse. Be proud that you have friends who love you and are willing to care for you. Just, be proud."
She sighed, tears filling her brown eyes. "I'm trying, but I still feel worthless because I allowed myself to get into this situation," she sniffled. "At the beginning, he was so different and then it was like a switched turned and he was the devil incarnate." She wiped her cheeks. "Bella, you warned me. You saw what he was doing and what did I do? I pushed you away. Yet, you're here, helping me after I gave you the proverbial finger."
"Becca, you think I'd hang up on you while you're sobbing that your psycho boyfriend beat the crap out of you? Are you nuts? I'm not going to turn my back on you. Yes, it hurt when you chose Jimmy over me, but it was his way of keeping you away from your friends," I said. "Just promise me this…don't let this situation dictate how you're going to live your life. Don't let it bring you down. Yes, you have every right to be sad, upset and pissed off, but move forward instead of living in the past."
"Trust me, I know what it's like to hold a grudge," Edward snorted humorlessly. "It took me ten years to get over a horrible break up and it nearly ruined every single relationship I had with my family. It was Bella who helped me realize that I was giving my ex too much power. I saw the good and the beauty in her and I realized that I wanted that. I wanted love and to be loved. Not the empty one-night stands that I had had before."
"Edward was a man whore," I said simply.
"That's putting it mildly," he chuckled. "But, now, I've got Bella and I love her with everything that I am. The thought of being with another woman sickens me. You'll find that special guy who makes you feel amazing and like you want to rule the world. Be open to it. Don't hide from it."
"How were you able to overlook his man whorish ways?" she asked me.
"Because Edward is an inherently good man. His sleeping around was a cry for help that no one really attempted to fix until I kicked his ass with my sarcastic banter and biting wit," I giggled. "Besides, we waited and took our time with the physical stuff. He wanted to make sure he was clean and I didn't want to rush into anything because I refused to be the next one-night stand."
"And great things come to those who wait," Edward smirked. "I knew Bella was something special when all I wanted to do was protect her. It wasn't about sex…it was about cherishing and loving and keeping her safe. The sex is phenomenal. Don't get me wrong, but it's not the driving force in our relationship. It's…us, her, love, everything! God, that made no sense."
"No, I get it," Becca said, patting Edward's arm. "I'm going to lay down. I've got some things to think about."
"Don't forget, everyone will be here by six," I said.
"I'll set my alarm," she responded, giving us both a sad, but thoughtful grin.
"Do you think she'll get what we were trying to say?" Edward asked, wrapping his arms around my waist, placing his chin on my shoulder.
"Baby, I don't get what you were trying to say," I teased.
"Hey!"
"I'm kidding. It was honestly quite beautiful," I replied, turning around in his arms. "Do you really believe all of that?"
"Bella, I'd do anything for you. You are my reason for living. Without you, I'm nothing," he murmured, taking my face in his hands. "I love you, my gorgeous girl. More than you can possibly even realize. I'm the luckiest bastard on the planet because you are with me, giving me a chance even though I was damaged. You fixed me and made me realize that I am worthy of so much. However, the biggest gift is you and I'm never letting you go. Ever. You know that, right?"
"I do," I said, my eyes filling with tears.
"Hmmmm, I can't wait to hear those words in a different context," he quipped, kissing my nose. I giggled, wrapping my arms around his waist. "You're it for me, Bella. I hope you know that."
"You're it for me, too," I whispered against his chest.
"Good," he said, tipping my head back to kiss me. "Now, let's pray that this convoluted set-up we have for Becca pans out and that she doesn't want to kill us both. I'd like to see you walk down the aisle toward me in a white dress, holding a bouquet of gorgeous flowers."
"I'd like to walk down an aisle toward you, but for now, I need you to go get some more beer," I snickered.
"So romantic, Bella," he deadpanned.
"You love me. Admit it," I said, thrusting my hands into his hair.
"I admit that I love you with my whole heart and soul," he said, dipping me and kissing my neck. I squealed as his teeth found my ear.
"I love you, too," I laughed. "Go get beer!"
He pulled back, his green eyes twinkling, bending down to kiss me before he righted both of us. With one more soft kiss, Edward left and went to pick up some more alcohol. I began working on the appetizers and munchies for our impromptu party. After an hour or so, I was satisfied with the veggie tray, cheesy garlic bread, cheese and sausage platter and some quiches that my mom bought from Costco. I also made sure I had some sweets if people were interested in that. I pulled out some miniature éclairs and started to defrost a sampler cheesecake that I bought from a neighbor kid for a choir fundraiser.
Edward came back with several different types of beer and a tray of sandwiches and various different types of chips and dip. We set everything up on the dining room table, using the kitchen as a bar before going to get ready for our get-together. Edward was feeling frisky and we fooled around in the shower before dressing. We had curtailed our sexual activities since Becca had been having problems sleeping and roamed the apartment at night. The last thing I wanted to do was push it under her nose that I was getting regular sex while her ex-boyfriend nearly beat her to death and used her as a human colander. Granted, it left Edward and me horny as hell, but my friend needed to come before my sexual needs.
We kept it casual. Edward wore a pair of jeans along with a button-down shirt. His hair was its usual crazy self and he just looked so sexy. "Stop staring at me like I'm a steak," he quipped, putting on his watch.
"It's just that you're amazing, Edward," I said, pulling my V-neck sweater on over my bra. "Thank you for helping out Becca, for talking to her and just…I love you." I hugged him tightly, pressing a kiss right above his heart.
"You're the amazing one, gorgeous girl," he whispered, kissing my hair. "Now, our friends and Dr. McCutie will be here in a few minutes."
"We better not call him that to his face," I laughed. "I might just want to crawl into a hole and never come out if we do."
"If we do, we do. No big deal," he sighed. "Why don't you check on Becca? I'm going to toss some pints into the freezer for Ben, Mike and Stephen."
"Can you open up the wine, too?"
"Sure, baby."
He left the bedroom and I put on some simple makeup. Once I was done, I knocked on Becca's door. I heard her thumping and she opened it up. Her hair was curled and she had attempted to cover up some of her still lingering bruises. "Do I look alright?" she asked sheepishly.
"You look great, girl," I said as I looped my arm with hers.
"I just hate my stomach," she growled. "It's disgusting. And it itches."
"Don't scratch at it, Bec," I frowned. "Have you been putting on that antibiotic scar cream that Dr. McCu…um, Parker recommended?" Edward barked out a laugh from the kitchen. I scowled in his general direction before turning back to my friend.
"I have and it helps, but I don't really see a difference," she said, shrugging. "Only time will tell. It's not like I'm planning on wearing a bikini anytime soon." Her eyes widen when she sees how much had gone into the party. "Holy crap. Do you guys need help?"
"We're good. You just sit and relax and have fun," I smiled. As I said that, the phone rang. Edward picked it up, buzzing whoever it was into the building. "Do you want anything to drink?"
"With my pain meds, I think I'll stick with just pop. Do you have Diet Dr. Pepper?" she asked.
"Yep," I chirped, bouncing to get her a glass of her favorite soda. I opened up the door and heard the voices of Angela and Ben in the hallway. Poking my head out, I hugged my friends, ushering them inside. Angela brought some of her cheesy chili dip while Ben had a bottle of Wild Bison Vodka. I took their coats, placing them in my bedroom. Angela hugged Becca and gave her a small bag. Becca opened it and she smiled when she saw a handful of journals. They hugged again and I went to get Becca's drink.
Jessica and Mike arrived shortly after Angela and Ben, bringing brownies, ice cream and Bailey's Irish Cream. The only person missing was Dr. McCutie, erm, Daniel. Just before seven, the phone rang again and I knew it was our new doctor friend. I hopped up, answering the phone and listening to the security guard on the other side. Since Daniel wasn't a regular visitor, I had to go get him. Grabbing my keys, I darted out of the apartment and down to the lobby. Daniel was chatting with the security guard, holding a bottle of wine and a bouquet of flowers.
"Oh, Daniel, you shouldn't have," I quipped.
"I didn't," he smirked back. "They're for Miss Abernathy, um, Becca."
"I'm certain she'll love them, but this should go without saying; tread lightly," I said, my face falling. "She's feeling, um, well, vulnerable and such. Be her friend first."
"I intend to, but something about her just calls to me. Even though she was bruised and battered, I could see that she was an amazingly strong woman and I've never been more thankful that I'm no longer her doctor," he laughed. "If she comes back to Harborview, one of the other attendings, Dr. Sebastian, will be her physician. I've recused myself, claiming that I was too close to the situation."
"Just be patient with her, Daniel. She doesn't know you're coming," I said, wrinkling my nose.
"Oh," he said, his face falling. "I shouldn't have brought these."
"Keep them. Becca may be shocked and it may turn out okay," I smiled, dragging him to the elevator. We rode the lift and he told me about where he went to college and medical school. He was an attending physician at Harborview, making him roughly in his thirties. He just looked really young. Walking to my apartment, I let him in, taking his coat and the wine. "Stay here. We'll walk in together."
He nodded, tugging on his button down. I tossed his coat into the bedroom and placed his wine on the kitchen counter. I led him into the living room. "Hey guys, I want to introduce to you to a new friend of ours. This is Dr. Daniel Parker. Daniel, this is Jessica, Mike, Angela, Ben, Edward, you know and Becca, you may remember, too."
"Nice to meet all of you," Daniel said, his flowers shaking nervously.
"Weren't you the doctor who took care of me at the hospital?" Becca asked.
"I am, but, um…"
"I went to college with him," Edward chirped. "Harvard, right?"
"Yeah," Daniel answered, arching a brow. "How did you know that?"
"I remember you from one of my classes," Edward replied. "It was some intro course. Intro to philosophy?"
"Holy shit! I remember you! You were the only one who got an A in the class," Daniel laughed.
"You went to college with Edward?" Becca said disbelievingly.
"Yeah, but Daniel is a few years older than me. I think you were a senior when I was a freshman," Edward said. "Small world, man!" They shook hands and I settled next to Edward.
"Definitely," Daniel said, blushing slightly. "Um, these are for you. To help make you smile while you recover."
Becca took the flowers as Daniel sat down on the chair opposite from her spot on the couch. "Thank you," she murmured, smelling the colorful blooms. "You didn't have to do that."
"I know, but I wanted to," Daniel smiled.
"Do you want anything to drink, Daniel?" Edward asked. "I need a refill."
"Whatever's fine," Daniel replied. My man smiled, kissing my temple before getting Daniel a beer along with a refill for himself. After the awkward beginning with Daniel, everything fell into place. Paul and Robert showed up fashionably late, as usual and our party, welcoming back Becca into our family was a success.
However, I was more proud of Becca. By the end of the night, after everyone else had left, she was talking to Daniel and it looked like they were building a friendship and possibly having that friendship turn into something more.
"Who would have thought that Cupid would look like us?" Edward whispered as he watched over Becca and Daniel, who were curled up, talking intimately with each other.
"We're the best looking Cupids out there," I giggled. "I'm glad she's giving him a chance. But, she needs a friend more than a boyfriend right now."
"Just like I did. I needed your friendship more than our relationship. The fact that you were willing to give me that, I knew that we were going to be together," he whispered, kissing my neck.
"Did you now?" I asked, looking back at him.
"Come on, look at me! I'm all sorts of hot," he barked out, rubbing his chest.
"And modest, too," I snickered, tweaking his nipple. "We are lucky, though. I'm in love with my best friend."
"You can say that again," Edward smiled, kissing my lips sweetly. "My best friend. My lover. My soul. My everything."
"Hmmm, you always have to one-up me," I said, deepening our kiss. "But, I don't mind because I get to keep you."
"I'm yours," he whispered, brushing my hair from my face. "And always will be."
"I'm going to go, Becca. I hope that we can get together, possibly, for coffee or dinner?" Daniel asked sweetly.
"That sounds like fun, but let me get out of this clodhopper," she teased, holding up her boot. "I'm pretty certain you don't want your date walking like Quasimodo."
"I don't care how you walk, Becca. As long as I can spend time with you, I'm happy," he said, giving her a warm smile. "Can I call you tomorrow?" She blushed and nodded. Carefully, he picked up her hand, kissing her knuckles. Turning toward Edward and me, he grinned like a goofball. Edward rolled his eyes and got his coat. Daniel called out his goodbye to Becca and left the apartment, almost floating.
"Whose idea was it to invite the doctor from the hospital?" Becca asked, her laughter evident.
"I was the one who got his number but we both invited him," I answered.
"And did you really know him in college?" Becca asked, her eyes narrowed at Edward.
"God's honest truth! We were in Intro to Philosophy and I got the only A as a freshman," Edward laughed, holding up his hands. "Becca, from what I remember, he was and is still a good guy. He's willing to be your friend."
"For now, that's all I can give him. Yes, he's cute, but I'm a mess," she said somberly.
"He knows you're worth the wait," I murmured, hugging her closely. "Be his friend. See where the friendship goes, alright?"
"Kay," she said. "I love you, Bells. Thank you for being there for me."
"Where would I be? Becca, you're one of my dearest and oldest friends. I'm not going to abandon you," I said, taking her face in my hands. "Jimmy is a monster. You are the sweetest, kindest, snarkiest woman I know and I think that Jimmy is the last frog you'll kiss. Your prince charming is now a doctor."
"We'll see," she blushed. Kissing my cheek she thumped to her bedroom.
"We'll see, my ass," Edward chuckled. "I shit you not, they're married by Valentine's Day."
"Really?" I asked, arching my brow. "Care to wager on that, Mr. Cullen?"
"If they're married by Valentine's Day, I get an entire weekend where I get to live out a fantasy with you as my fantasy girl," Edward smirked.
"And if they don't?"
"You get me as your fantasy," he purred, cupping my ass. "Whatever you want me to do, I'll do it."
"You're on, Mr. Cullen," I said.
A/N: So, Becca was attacked by Jimmy/James. Unfortunately, we'll see him again. He's gone for now, though. Anyhow, pictures of Harborview and Dr. McCutie, erm, Daniel Parker, are on my blog and tumblr. Sorry, no schmexy times this chapter. Hopefully, we'll have some schmexy times NEXT chapter. Links for my blog and tumblr are on my profile. You can also find me on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation or on twitter: tufano79.
Anyhow, what do you think about Daniel and Becca? Will they be married by Valentine's Day? Place your wagers! Will Bella be Edward's fantasy girl or will Edward be Bella's fantasy man?
Up next, we're hitting fast forward, after some drama with Alec 'The Douchenozzle' Wright. Becca's moving in with her sister and Bella and Edward are getting ready for their trip back to the island. Good times will be had down there. Lots of good times. Leave me some!