A/N: Here's Chapter Four!

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I arrived at the Cullens' house just after 7:00. I was nervous, but also hopeful.

From the outside, their house looked like it was something from a fairytale, or perhaps a dream that I couldn't quite describe. It was incredibly charming. The front door was set in a covered porch with white columns on either side of the archway leading to the white door with floor length windows on either side of it. It was a two-story house, and each room had a long window covered with curtains at the moment. The shutters were a dark blue, which was striking against the white siding of the place. The attic seemed to slant up into a turret type of structure, so it looked akin to some sort of castle or place of royalty. I hadn't been in this part of town before, so I didn't actually realize how much land someone could own just outside the area of Forks. I had driven up into a large circular drive, where there was a small meadow to the side of the front of the house, and the flowers were gorgeous. There were lilacs, daisies, sunflowers, and others I couldn't name off the top of my head. This was going to be an adventure for sure. I saw Jasper's car on the other side of the circular drive, and I instantly felt better and much more relaxed.

I walked slowly up to the door and knocked. Maybe they wouldn't hear it, and I could slip away, saying I tried. As soon as this thought crossed my mind, however, the door opened and Alice was ushering me inside.

"Yay! You're here! Come on in." As if I had a choice with her enthusiastic self pulling on my arm. I was dragging my feet, trying to take everything in. The inside was just as majestic as the outside was, if not more so. There was a simple elegance to the way the house was laid out and decorated. I walked into a large foyer area, where the rest of the house was quite visible. Everything was so...open. I didn't know whether to be comforted or unnerved by this. To the left of me, there was a small platform with a beautiful grand piano sitting atop of it. I wondered who played it. I'd have to ask Alice later, once I got my bearings. To my right was the kitchen and dining room areas, which had a long mahogany table made to seat eight people. As I looked ahead of me, the long open living area was illuminated by massive windows that covered the space between floor to ceiling all along the back wall. The living area in between held a large sectional couch that was a light gray color, an off-white armchair, and a large tv that was mounted to the wall that separated the living area from the kitchen. It was one of the only walls in the room, besides the one that the couch was placed against, which was part of the staircase. The railings were the same color mahogany as the table, and instead of going straight up, there was a small landing before the stairs turned toward the left. I looked back at the living room, and gasped when I took in the view.

Why was everything decorated like crazy? I almost groaned seeing all of the pink and fluffy paper flowers hanging from the ceiling and around the banister with purple streamers. All of this for a hang out night? I became suspicious of their motives instantly.

"Alice, what is all this?"

She looked sheepish. "I just really like to decorate and make things. Plus, tonight is our little party!" She seemed to register my tone, and her enthusiasm didn't take my unease away. She let me go into the massive living room, and I sat down on the sectional, trying to stay calm. I mean, they wouldn't throw a real party without telling me...right? They knew how that would probably go with me here. Well, I would go, and I would know I'd been duped. Again. I started shaking, and Alice left the room. I vaguely heard a knock, and I lay down on the couch, taking deep breaths. I closed my eyes, willing my mind to imagine myself in my room, pretending to be far away, staring at the stars. I heard footsteps, and I couldn't bear to look.

"Alice, what did you do to her?" Emmett's mocking voice pulled me out of my terror. I opened my eyes, and I saw Alice dragging Edward into the room, followed by Jasper. Emmett was sitting at my feet.

I flushed beet red, realizing I had thought myself into my own attack of terror. I sat up slowly, feeling dizzy and ashamed.

"Uhm...sorry." I tried to laugh, but it sounded shaky.

Edward rolled his eyes, and Jasper slapped a palm to his face.

"Why are you always apologizing? What exactly is wrong?" Edward looked intently at me. I felt my legs go numb.

"I, Uhm...? I thought that, you know, with all the decorations, that…"

"You thought we were trapping you," Alice gasped. I felt guilty, which must have shown on my face...because Jasper sighed in exasperation.

"Bella. Stop blaming yourself. You haven't even talked about it, have you?"

I shook my head to keep my voice from shaking.

Emmett looked like he was holding in a laugh, but Edward looked extremely wary. Well, he could decide I wasn't worth the stress at any time. I already knew that. Jasper, however, looked angry, but in a protective way. I guess I would get to keep the brothership I'd built with him over the years. He stared straight into my eyes, the anger and worry evident in them.

"Bella, you're coming apart at the seams! You're distressed all the time. You need to talk about it."

"Do we have to do this right now, Jasper?" The others were moving their eyes between Jasper and me, and I was still flushed.

"It's gotta happen sometime." Maybe, but I barely knew these people.

"I know it's hard to trust people after what happened, but you're worrying me."

"I'll be fine, Jasper. I'll make it through." I shrugged. "It's just a couple of years." He scoffed. "Bella, if you keep going like this...this is going to haunt you even after you get out of Forks."

I knew he was right, but did it have to be right now? I really didn't want to relive it after what happened this morning.

"I know. I just...I don't really know how to..." I stiffened to keep myself from crying.

"Bella… you can cry, you know. We aren't afraid of tears." I looked at Alice and shook my head. I decided we needed a change of subject. However, I did notice how Alice moved next to Jasper as she talked to me.

"Didn't we decide on Oreo balls and snickerdoodles? We had better get started if we are going to enjoy those cookies."

I tried to sound enthusiastic, but judging from the facial expressions of the others, I didn't think I fooled anyone. Thankfully, Alice's enthusiasm couldn't be dampened.

"Yes! Let's! Edward, can you show Bella where to put her coat and purse? Jasper, come help me with the ingredients, please. Em-"

"I'm off to the world of Goldeneye 007 on the N64! Edward, I'll give you a character! Jasper, hurry back!"

"Thanks, Em". Edward's expression was unreadable. His eyes bore into mine for a second as he led me to a bedroom with a stereo system, a desk, and a queen sized bed. The coats were layed out onto the bed, and purses were to the side next to them. He seemed upset somehow.

"Are you okay?" He looked surprised.

"You want to know if I'm okay?"

"You look kind of...not yourself."

"No, I'm not, actually. I'm just really angry right now." This became evident as he said the words.

"Oh." I really didn't know what to say.

"I really shouldn't let it get to me right now. You're really here, at our house, and I'm being an idiot." He smirked at me.

"Being angry doesn't make you an idiot. I know a little bit about being angry." My voice was small.

"Yes, I imagine you do… I just feel helpless Bella. I can't do anything when you're like that, and it makes me angry that you've been hurt in such a way"

"What? That's why you're angry?" My head spun.

"See, you can't even comprehend that people care about you! You have been nothing but generous and kind, even with what you've been through. Even to the people who hurt you. And you tough it out." He was breathing hard.

"Well, I don't have much choice. But you have helped me. You and your family and Jasper...you all help. I told you that already." Didn't he know? Didn't he see that I wasn't completely alone because they were willing to be friends with me?

He looked like he wanted to say more, but Emmet called him to play the game. Edward left the room, and I headed back to Alice in the kitchen.

"Where's Edward?"

"With Emmett."

Alice looked annoyed.

"Where's Jasper?"

"With the guys." She sighed, and I knew she'd wanted Jasper to help us out.

"You just met him, you know."

"Yeah, I know. But he's so perfect for me."

I laughed. "How could you possibly know that? You barely know him!"

"I know enough." She blushed and started to smile dreamily.

I shrugged and started rolling the balls of Oreos and cream cheese onto the pans to go into the fridge. Alice smiled, and I knew, in that moment, that we were truly friends. I smiled back.

"Okay, so this is ready to roll into the cinnamon and sugar," I said as I mixed up the snickerdoodle dough. I looked over at Alice, and she had placed a tablespoon of sugar into the small bowl we were using. She flung her arm, and suddenly, I was coughing up a cloud of sugar. I was laughing as I said, "Not me, Alice!"

"Just having some fun." I rolled my eyes, took the sugar and the bowl from her, and put more sugar into it. "Where's the cinnamon?" She handed it to me, and I started balling up the dough to roll it into the bowl.

"Can I do it, too?" I looked warily at her, but smiled and nodded.

"You just pick up the dough with a spoon, roll it into a ball, then get cinnamon and sugar all over it, then place it on the pan. It's pretty simple, really."

She started to make some of the cookies, and I contemplated the fact that I felt more at home there than I had anywhere in a while. She seemed to enjoy making them, and we had already made the Oreo balls, so I didn't have much else to do. Alice and I chatted about what we like to do, and who our favorite celebrities were, at first, anyways.

"My favorite is Hugh Jackman. Tough as nails, plus he can sing! And he's just so handsome." Alice sighed as she thought about this and placed the cookies into the oven. I set the timer so we wouldn't forget to check them.

"Hugh Jackman is a good choice. I really liked him as Wolverine, and I was incredibly surprised to see his singing talents in Les MIserables. I honestly think that The Greatest Showman is the perfect role for him, too, though."

"You watched Les Miserables? I couldn't get through the first twenty minutes. Way too depressing."

"But you missed the whole point! Yes, it's heart wrenching to the point of pain, but there is also such a glimmer of hope in the midst of it all. Plus the songs are beautifully sung, and…"

Alice was staring at me like I had a third eye.

"How do you experience that much emotion? Sheesh." I shrugged. I never did fit in well.

"But my favorite celebrity? That is a really tough one, but I have always been drawn to Zac Efron, who is also in The Greatest Showman. But David Tennant is definitely up there, too."

"Who is David Tennant?" I stared at her. "Have you not seen Doctor Who? Or Harry Potter?" She shook her head, and I decided that I would rectify this injustice sometime in the near future if we were still friends.

She started laughing, and I said, "What?"

"You still have sugar in your hair, and it's all over your clothes."

"I wonder whose fault that is," I retorted. The timer went off, then, and I took the cookies out of the oven. "Ooohhhh they smell so delicious!" I smiled, and Alice got plates out so that we could grab the cookies as we desired during the movie. I put the Snickerdoodles onto a cookie stand to cool. I got the Oreo Balls out as well, and we were set.

"I'll go get the guys," Alice stated.

"Okay. I'll wash these dishes."

"You don't have to-"

"I want to. You get the boys."

"You still have sugar in your hair," she called.

The kitchen and living area smelled warmly of cinnamon and sugar. I was hand washing the dishes we used when Edward came into the kitchen. Alice was supposedly choosing a movie to watch with Jasper, but I heard a lot of whispering coming from the living room.

"Can I give you a hand?" He was standing there, smiling at me. Goodness. It's a good thing the conversation with Alice hadn't come to boys from our school, because, well, I was definitely becoming smitten with her brother.

"Sure. I wash, you dry," handing him a towel.

"Feeling better?" I asked, looking intently at the pan I was scrubbing.

"A little. But It seems you need a good washing yourself!" He took the sprayer out of the holder on the sink and pressed it as he aimed it at me. I yelled out, "you're so gonna get it!" I tried to get the sprayer from him, but he was too tall. I jumped to reach it while he held it high in his hands. I was soaking wet, but I didn't even care.

"No fair!" I laughed as I kept trying to get it, then took water from the sink and splashed it in his direction. "Ha! Got you!"

He started to lower the sprayer again, but I caught his arm and stood right in front of it so he wouldn't be able to twist it toward me. He lowered his arm, and I went back to scrubbing the pan. Suddenly, I felt arms wrap around my stomach and I was in the air, being twirled around. "Now I've got you," he said, and I could tell he was amused. When he set me down, he sprayed me again, and I was breathless but laughing. "We really do need to do these dishes," trying to shake off the feeling of his arms wrapping around me. I was afraid at first, but it went away as soon as I realized it was Edward.

I took deep breaths from the initial shock, but he looked like he was trying not to laugh harder. I smiled as I went back to the pan. I went to put it on the rack to dry, and forgot about the mess we made with the water. I slipped and fell on my bottom. I felt the blood rush to my face, but Edward was laughing, holding out a hand to me. I pulled him down, and his expression had me laughing. His face warmed, and I took the towel from his hand to dry off the floor.

"We are a mess," I laughed. He grabbed another towel to help me get the water off the floor.

"You're insane," I said, biting my lip. I probably shouldn't have been accusing someone else of that.

He just laughed, and I smiled, looking down at the floor, now becoming dry.

"Are we going to fight over water, or watch a movie?" I had all but forgotten about the movie and the group waiting for us in the living room.

"Coming, Alice," I replied as I jumped up and offered Edward a hand. He took it, and we walked into the living room to three very shocked faces. Emmett's expression made my face hot. Alice said, "I'll get you some clothes," in a disgruntled tone. After Edward and I had changed into something dry, we met back up in the living room. I went to sit by Alice, who was next to Jasper. Edward sat on the floor next to my legs.

"Edward, there's plenty of couch space over here". Emmett winked, and Edward looked like he wanted to punch him.

"But I have a more central view over here," he said, gesturing toward their tv. It was huge and mounted on the wall above their fireplace, which was the wall that separated the kitchen from the living area.

"What movie are we watching?" Jasper looked apprehensive.

"I thought Bella could pick," Alice said, looking at me.

"Uhmm...what do I have to choose from?"

"Something with action please," Emmett said.

"A romantic movie!" Alice looked at me pleadingly.

"Action and romance? Okay. Let me see."

I really didn't know. It had been so long since I had even thought about what I enjoyed. What movies had I always liked?

They had over one hundred DVDs, and I was tempted to choose Lord of the Rings, but I wasn't up to a marathon, as Alice would no doubt suggest. Someone cleared his throat.

"I'm not fast at making these decisions, Emmett."

"It's true. She always thinks about what will appease everyone in the room."

"Ah Bella. Don't worry. We won't care. Just make it as bloody as possible!" I cringed.

"Oh, so if I chose The Wedding Planner, you wouldn't cringe?"

He did, and I laughed. I was laughing so much tonight, I thought I was on some sort of jittery high.

I pulled one out, and handed it to Alice. She smiled, and put it into the player.

The menu screen came up, and everyone seemed happy. I relaxed, and Edward looked at me warmly as he heard my sigh of relief. He looked as though he was trying not to laugh again.

"Good choice, Bella! I love Pirates of the Caribbean!" Emmett was smiling a wide smile. I smiled back and looked back at the screen as Alice pressed play.

I leaned into the back of the couch, feeling more comfortable than I had in four straight months, even in my own bed. I realized I had been afraid, even in my room, and the lack of a good night sleep was definitely catching up to me. I pulled my feet up onto the couch, and wrapped my arms around my knees as I lay my head on them. I loved the soundtrack to this movie, and I caught myself humming along a couple of times, and abruptly stopped. Alice looked at me, annoyed.

"Sorry," I whispered.

I sat up straighter at the part where Captain Jack shows up with that powerful symphony in the background, and his ship is sinking on his way to the dock. Alice started to lean on me, and was close to falling asleep. I carefully moved myself out of her way, placed her head on the arm rest, and moved to the floor next to Edward. I took the same position, my arms around my legs, and Edward looked at Alice, then at me. I stared intently at the screen, focusing on the music and the storyline. I laughed when Jack got away, and I heard Em and Edward laughing too. Jasper had also fallen asleep. I felt a tingle where Edward's arms had wrapped around me earlier, and I chided myself. I barely knew him, and I was broken.

He glanced at me and smiled. I smiled back, and looked back at the screen. I shivered, and Edward got up. He came back with a blanket and handed it to me.

"Thank you," I whispered. He nodded, "Anytime."

My heart thumped hard, and I willed it to stop. Edward was just a good friend. I was broken. But I would be thankful for his friendship. I placed my back against the front of the couch, and before I knew it, I had drifted off to sleep. I felt something shaking me, and someone was saying my name. I opened my eyes, and I jumped when I saw a face directly in front of mine. It was just Edward, and I let out a relieved breath. I smiled, reassuring his worried gaze, and he relaxed as he sat back down. Alice arose and stretched. She looked unhappy about something, looking at Edward. She seemed serene looking back at Jasper though. He was fast asleep. Emmett poked him in the ribs, and Jasper started awake.

"What?" He took in his surroundings and said, "I've gotta get home."

"What, we aren't gonna talk about what Bella said in her sleep? It's hilarious stuff guys!"

"No! Oh no!" I was so mortified. Why oh why did I have to be a sleep talker? Edward looked amused. "Don't worry. It wasn't anything...bad."

I nodded, thankful for the escape Jasper gave me before this conversation had even started.

"Uhm I need to get home, too. Thanks for having me over. It was...nice. I had fun."

"I'm so glad you did! Drive safe!"

"I will." I gave the blanket back to Edward, then went to grab my jacket and purse from the room Edward told me to put them in when I arrived.

Jasper was waiting for me by the door. So overprotective. But I wouldn't complain about that. "Let's go."

He opened the door, and as soon as I walked away from the porch and onto the pavement leading to my truck, I was being pulled back by my hair, and I screamed. Jasper's car was on the opposite side, so I didn't know if he heard me. Another hand clamped my mouth shut, and I heard that familiar voice from my nightmares in my ear.

"At it again with these losers, eh, Bella?" James' voice sounded serene, calculated. I was struggling and making sounds, but his hand had a firm hold on me. He was still pulling on my hair, which was quite painful. I tried to shake my head, but he pulled my hair harder, and my hands automatically flew up to his so I could alleviate the pain. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I wondered if this was how he would really win. How the months of fighting would end. "I've got you now." He started pushing me onto the grass, and I was astonished. What if someone walked by us? I mean we were well hidden behind tall bushes and trees, but I was more uncomfortable than ever if I would have to fight him off of me right there. As he was trying to move my body, I moved my knee and hit him in his soft spot. He let me go, and I ran out of the bushes.

I saw Edward moving around frantically, seeing my truck, and I realized he must have heard me scream.

"Edward!" He looked at me, and his eyes were alarmed. I was pulled back again, and the grip on my arms made them ache. "James, let me go!" I tried to pull out of his grasp, but it was no use. The tears were falling down my cheeks now, and I willed them to stop. They would only fuel James' fire. I heard footsteps behind me, and I was horrified that Edward would try to fight him.

"Get out of here or I swear, I'll-" Edward began, but James punched Edward in the mouth, and I shrieked. Someone pushed James down into the grass and whispered something in a low voice. I couldn't move. James' hand was grasping my leg. I had no idea what would happen now.

Jasper came to hold my wrist at my side.

"Help Edward Jasper," I whispered. At that moment, I was pulled onto the grass from the hand that had been on my leg. I shrieked as Edward and Jasper came rushing over to me.

"Get your hands off of her!" Jasper pried him off of me and punched him square in the face. His nose began to bleed, and he cursed loudly as he stalked off. "This ain't over, Bella!" I had assumed as much. Would it ever be?

I couldn't do this. I couldn't believe this! I should have seen it coming. Here was the blow I was waiting for. They'd tell me to run off and never come back for sure. Maybe I could just move. Maybe Charlie and Renee would want that. I didn't have any distant relatives that I could live with in another area, but what else could I do? Alice met me near the porch of the house, and we sat down on the steps leading to the porch.

Jasper went over toward James and Edward, who were shouting at each other, while I clung to Alice's arm for support.

"You okay?" I shrugged, but also nodded while looking down.

Jasper said something to Edward and James drove off.

Edward and Jasper walked up to the porch where Alice and I were sitting, and Edward lay down on the concrete under a porch swing several feet away while Jasper kneeled next to him.

"Edward! Are you okay? I'm so sorry!" I realized I was shaking and sobbing as I ran to him. His mouth was bleeding and he was groaning in pain. "Oh no," I groaned. I sat down next to him, and Alice left to bring a first aid kit, and I assumed, to wake up her parents. I put my hands over my eyes, and just let myself sob.

"Dad will have to look at this. You might need stitches." I felt my stomach tense. This was all my fault. I should never have brought them into my mess. I couldn't let this happen again. I cried harder. Alice put her arm around me and said, "He's going to be okay." I sagged into her.

"Bella you won't have to watch them put in the stitches. But you probably shouldn't drive right now." Emmett laughed. My face turned red.

"It's not your fault, Bella." Edward touched my hand, and I put it into his. I didn't know why I did it. We both seemed to need it right then.

"But-"

"No. Stop it."

"He's right, Bella. Stop berating yourself. You don't control what James does. Did you know he'd be here?"

"What? No! Of course not!"

"Well, then, looks like you're in the clear."

Jasper always knew what to say.

"But...don't you all want to stay away from me? I mean, Edward needs stitches for crying out loud!"

"It's not that bad, Bella, sheesh. Stop worrying about the wrong things. I'd take the hit again, anyways, if it meant keeping him away from you." He looked angry again as he squeezed my hand. I didn't know what to say to that. Suddenly, the door opened, I took my hand back, and we all stepped Inside the house again.

"Jasper, go home."

"After that? No way. I'm not leaving." I sighed.

A very good looking man with blonde hair and a sleek build was standing near the couch with Alice. Woah. I looked down, but Alice said, "Bella, dad. Dad, Bella."

"Nice to meet you, Dr. Cullen." Nerves wracked my body. What if he said I couldn't hangout with any of them anymore? I mean, I wouldn't blame him, but…

"Nice to meet you, as well, Bella. I've heard so much about you. Please, call me Carlisle. I blushed, and I looked down. Emmett chortled.

"All good things. Don't worry." I smiled, but still stared at the floor.

Edward walked up to his dad, and he had him lay down on a pallet he had made on the floor. Carlisle got on his knees, and examined the lip wound. "Yep. Stitches it is."

"Bella, you can go."

I shook my head. I was still shaking.

"You should sit down before you collapse. You might be going into some sort of shock." Carlisle was looking straight at me. "Esme, can you please get Bella some water?" "Of course!" She brought me a glass, and I drank it in earnest. She filled the glass again, and I thanked her.

I moved to the couch, sitting in the seat closest to where Edward lay. I couldn't watch, so I buried my head into the arm of the couch and closed my eyes. I realized I was still sobbing and shaking. I worked on taking deep breaths as I heard Edward take sharp breaths, moaning a little, from the pain. I felt exhaustion over take me, and I fell asleep.

I awoke to someone shaking me again. Alice's face was inches above mine, and she looked alarmed. Edward was still on the floor with Carlisle. I was instantly alert.

"What happened? Is he back?"

"No, Bella. Gosh. You were distressed, but I didn't know you were sleeping. You do talk when you sleep? I thought Emmett was making that up!" Chagrin washed over my face.

"What did I say?"

"Nothing really," though Alice looked smug, "just some nonsense about someone not getting hurt."

I groaned and put my hands over my face.

"You do worry over the wrong things, Bella." Jasper stood in front of me.

"Maybe." I shrugged, though I didn't agree.

"We should go."

I nodded. "My dad is the police chief, after all."

"Ah yes, and I did have to report what happened, Bella, while you were asleep. Your father will be waiting up until you get home."

"Oh okay." I tried not to panic. "I'll just get going then. Come on, Jasper."

When we were outside again, Jasper crouched down, ready to leap at any threat.

"Does your dad know?"

"No," I whispered.

Disapproval colored his features.

"He definitely should know."

"Jasper...I don't know how to…"

"I know. We will help you." He smiled, but it was a sad one.

We each got into our vehicles and drove away.

When I arrived home, Charlie was waiting for me on the couch. He ran to me, and asked if I was okay, frantic, tucking me into his arms. I wrapped my arms around him, relishing in the safety I felt there.

"I'm okay, dad."

"Why was James there? Did the Cullens do something to him?"

"What? No, dad! James is just a creep. I just didn't see it before…the Cullens are the nicest people, dad. You met Edward and Alice."

He nodded, eyes full of suspicion.

"You look better than you have all summer."

"Uhm...thanks?"

"Is there more to this, Bella? Something else I should know?" I looked into his eyes, not wanting to lie, but I started to shake without warning when I thought about telling him.

"Oh, of course, we need to get some water and food into your system before you go into shock."

I nodded, suddenly ravenous, even after eating cookies at their house.

The phone rang, and Charlie started to pour some water into a glass for me while I answered the phone.

"He-hello?"

"Bella," there was relief in Edward's tone.

"Hey. Uhm what's up? Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Just wanted to make sure you made it home."

"Oh, well thanks. That's thoughtful of you." I couldn't keep the smile out of my tone.

He chuckled and said, "Good night, Bella."

"Night, Edward."

I hung up, and Charlie probably saw my red face as I took the water to drink it.

"That was Edward Cullen. He was just making sure I got home." I shrugged, as though this really didn't matter. I wasn't sure if I fooled him, though.

"Humph".

I heated up some lasagna, and I realized it was one in the morning.

"Dad! Go get some sleep!"

"I'm staying up until you're safely in bed."

"Okay." I sighed.

"Dad? Could I take a self defense class? Or like weight lifting or something?" He looked alarmed, but then his face softened.

"That's a good idea Bella. We can discuss all of this later."

I ate and drank another cup of water and headed upstairs to my bed so that Charlie and I could go to sleep.