Chapter 7

I rolled my head and tried to open my eyes. I brought my hands up to my face and then behind me, trying to figure out where I was. The room was dark, and the place I was laying on felt somewhat hard and a little cool. I blinked quickly to get the sleep out of my eyes and then I saw it, everything. The three men in the dark street, the feeling of the grungy hands inside of me, and then the growl of a dangerous animal, but not an animal.

I rolled my head over and felt tightness in my oblique's.

I shot up, "My baby!"

I could feel a pair of strong arms touch slightly on shoulders, pushing back down to the bed. "Shh, Bella, everything is okay."

I let myself to be put back down and then turned my head over to see who was in the room with me. I gasped at the golden eyes that were very familiar, but they were not the eyes of who I wanted them to be.

"Where am I? Who are you?"

"My name is Dr. Carlisle Cullen," the man with the gold eyes said. "My son and daughter, Edward and Alice, found you and they brought you here to our house. Can you tell me what the last thing is that you remember?"

I closed my eyes and shook my head, I didn't want to remember. The pain from the last time was already too fresh, adding in a second. "Edward, he saved us."

"Us?" Dr. Cullen went quiet for a second and tilted his head like he was trying to concentrate. "Yes, he did save the two of you."

I sat up quickly, realizing that I needed to get home. "Thank you, but I need to get home. Char- I am mean my dad is going to be worried."

"Bella?" A voice of an angle spoke softly out from the shadows. I turned to look over to where the sound came from. Edward walked slowly out of the shadows, he looked like he was in pain, but at the same time he looked very concerned.

"Edward," Dr. Cullen said. "I would like to examine Bella better before she goes home."

I was confused, he just told me that I was okay and that the baby was well. I looked back and forth to them while they communicated quietly. I could barely hear the words, but I could see the slight movement with their lips. After a couple of minutes, Edward nodded his head and then went back into the shadows. I could hear the slight creaking of a door open and then close.

I let out a small sigh. "I don't understand, you said that we were fine. Oh, my God," I brought my hand to my mouth as my mind made a connection. "You know, does Edward know as well?" I pulled the blankets off of me and went to stand up. "I need to go."

"Bella, what happened?" Dr. Cullen said quietly. "I know that you are Chief Swan's daughter and I know that you are also trying hard to hide something that you will not be able to hide for much longer."

I bit my lip and rocked on my heels, looking around the room trying to see in the darkness. "I can't."

Dr. Cullen walked over to me and placed a hand on my shoulder, giving me a slight squeeze. "I'm going to drive you home, so I will be able to talk to your father. Give him piece of mind that you are physically alright."

I nodded my head and began to walk slowly as another tightness shot through my side. I doubled over knees and held my breath, fighting the urge to let any tears escape my eyes.

"Bella?"

"I'm fine," I said straightening up.

"That you are," Dr. Cullen said. "It is just your muscles beginning to stretch some to make room for the baby."

"Shh, please don't say that," I said. "No one can find out."

"You can't do this alone," he said as he guided us out of the room and down a very well lit hallway. When we came to the head of the stairs Dr. Cullen turned and looked at me. "If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask."

I nodded knowing that he was just being nice. "Thank you, but I will be alright."

I held onto the banister as I took my time walking down the stairs. Edward was standing at the bottom holding my jacket. I looked up at him for just a moment, trying to see his eyes. They were dark, not the gold that I have enjoyed looking at. His jaw line was set in a tight line, making him appear mad. But mad at what?

He held up my jacket and I turned to let my arms slide in. "Thank you," I said quietly.

Dr. Cullen reached for the door and I followed him out into the dark, a sleek car was parked in the drive. He opened the front door for me and I climbed in. Edward slid into the backseat, while Dr. Cullen came around the front and went behind the wheel. The car started without making so much as a purr.

We drove quietly through the dark streets of Forks, only taking minutes for a drive that should have taken at least thirty. When Dr. Cullen parked the car behind the police cruise, I began to panic. What in the world was I going to say to Charlie and how I ended up with the Cullens?

The front door opened and I could see Charlie's figure standing on the porch. I took a deep breath and opened my door. Edward was already standing next to me reaching down for my hand. I took it, grateful to have the support, but as soon as I touched his fingers I pulled back at the shock of coldness that coursed through me. He looked at me and his eyes seemed to be telling me that it was alright. I placed my hand slowly into his again and this time I weakened in the knees. Something in the back of my mind told me that his eyes held the truth. For some reason, that I could not explain, I knew that I could trust him.

He nodded his head slowly and mimicked the movement. I looked over and could already see Charlie walking down the stairs and across the drive.

"Dr. Cullen?" Charlie said with hoarseness in his voice. I caught the look that Charlie was giving to Edward and then a different look of Edward holding my hand. "Bella, I thought you said you were going shopping?"

I nodded my head but before I had the chance to speak, Dr, Cullen reached out for his hand.

"Chief Swan, do you mind if we go and sit down, something happened tonight," Dr. Cullen said and Charlie looked at him a moment before shaking his head out of a daze.

"Sure thing," Charlie turned and we followed him into the house.

Once we were all inside and had taken a seat, I shivered subconsciously at the thought of what was going to be coming out of the doctor's mouth. Edward looked at me for a moment and then took his hand out of mine. I quickly reached for it, for the first time in months I felt safe with his hand on mine.

"So, what happened tonight?" Charlie said looking around at each of us, but his eyes stopping at Edward's.

"Chief," Dr. Cullen started. "Bella was almost raped tonight, but thankfully my son and daughter found her before anything to drastic could happen."

I cringed at the word and at Charlie's face as it turned all shades of red and purple. I could see him mentally counting to ten and then he went to stand up and walked over to the front door. I jumped to my feet quickly, knowing that he was already planning on going down to the station. But he can't, all I wanted right now was to forget, like the last time.

Charlie turned and looked at me and I could tell that he saw how beat I was, how tired I was. He walked over to me and pulled me close to him. With his hands on my face, he tilted my head to look at me. "Bella, what happened? And I want the truth, everything. I want the beginning."

I took a shaky breath. "I went to Port Angeles to go shopping with Jessica and Lauren for the dance next weekend. We had a few minutes before going to get some dinner and I wanted to find a bookstore, I just got turned around and three men started to follow me. I stood still…" I let my voice trail off. I was hoping that he would get the idea that I did exactly what I was asked to do from a few months ago.

Charlie began to shake his head. "Bella, what did they look like?"

"Um," Edward spoke up. "Chief Sawn, I reported it as soon as Bella was safe, you don't need to worry."

I looked up quickly to Edward who moved to stand closer to me. I closed my eyes trying to remember when he ever had a phone in his hands or if we drove to the Port Angeles police station. Something told me that he was not telling the whole truth but thankfully Charlie seemed to by Edward's story and nodded his head in agreement.

"Dr. Cullen," Charlie said turning his attention off of me. "Did you check Bella out, or should I take her down to the hospital?"

Dr. Cullen nodded his head. "Bella is well, you don't need to worry."

"Thank you," Charlie said reaching out his hand which Dr. Cullen took. I watched as Charlie grimaced slightly and wondered if Dr. Cullen had the same icy cold touch as Edward. "Edward."

"There is nothing to thank me for, I was just in the wrong place at the right time," Edward said shaking Charlie's hand.

Dr. Cullen turned to me and looked at me one last time before turning to leave. I watched as Edward followed his father out the door and I could not help but feeling very cold when he left. It felt like my heart was breaking. I wanted to reach out for Edward and tell him to stop, but at the same time I wanted to make sure he left and never turned to look at me again. It would be better in the end. Why would anyone want me, I'm broken.

I began to make my way to the stairs when I heard Charlie clear his throat. "Bella, wait."

I groaned and stopped in mid step. "Yes, Dad."

"I don't know anything about being a girl and all, but I think you might have just found your first friend here in Forks and if I could be frank, I think that Edward might actually like you more than a friend. He's a good kid."

I smiled internally and nodded my head. "Yea, I'm thankful. I'm going to take a shower and go to bed."

"Okay, sleep well, Bells."

I climbed the rest of the stairs up to my room and grabbed my bag of toiletries along with a pair of flannel pants and long shirt. The hot shower I knew would be wonderful, but I also knew that I would not be able to wash all the filth off of me. I relished in the heat and took my time. When I was dressed and with the towel wrapped around my hair, I walked back to my room and climbed into bed quickly.

Once I was ready for bed, I became restless. My mind and my body seemed to be jumpy. After what felt like hours of tossing and turning I finally reached over and turned on the night stand lamp and reached for the picture of my ultrasound. I traced the small round head and body with my pinky.

I was amazed at myself for already feeling so much love for someone that truly should not even be here, especially from such a heinous crime. I placed my hand slightly over my lower part of my stomach and rubbed small circles.

While rubbing, I began to feel calmer. My mind began to relax and I could not help but think of Edward. I wanted to get to know him better, and deep down think I needed to get to know him. Yet, I could not help but wonder if he has his own secrets that he is hiding.

I shiver at remembering his cold hand on top of mine. I looked up and saw that the drapes were flapping in the wind. I tried to think back, but I did not remember opening my window. I stood up and walked over to close it, but stopped half way when something else caught my eye.

In the shadows the far corner sat my rocking chair which has been a part of my room since birth. I brought my hands to my mouth, dropping the ultrasound picture to the floor and bracing myself to scream when I felt the cold hands cover my mouth.

"Please, don't scream," he whispered.

I nodded my head and Edward let go of my mouth. "What are you doing here?"

"I just wanted to make sure that you were alright."

I walked over to the window and looked down. My bedroom was on the second floor and the tree in front of my window was still a good size jump away. "How did you get up here?"

Edward shrugged. "I'm a good climber."

I watched as Edward knelled down and began to reach for the picture. I tried to get to it before he did, but was too late. I watched his expression as he looked at the small black and white. I was already prepared to point my finger and tell him to leave. Not wanting to explain or needing anyone's sympathy.

"You will make a wonderful mother," Edward said has he walked over to me and handed me the picture.

I took it and then turned back to my bed. I slid under the covers, but never went to lie down. I wasn't tired anymore. I wanted some answers.

"Who are you?" I asked. "And what do you want from me?"

Edward seemed surprised, but then this grin, a crooked grin, appeared on his face. "I may be the bad guy."

I shook my head. "I don't believe that, you saved me tonight."

Edward nodded his head. "I did."

"How…How did you know where to find me?"

"You can call it a gift."

"I don't buy it," I said quietly, I looked up at him. "I think you're different, that your whole family is different."

Edward shrugged and I knew that I was not going to get a straight answer. "You should go to sleep, it's late."

I fell back and placed my head on my pillow. Edward sat down on the bed next to me and began to rub the top of my head. I closed my eyes, trying to fight the sleep, but more importantly trying to fight the nightmares that always came with sleeping. Yet they never came.

In my dream I was standing with Edward in woods. It was dark, the moonlight casting shadows onto the floor. We were sitting down on the damp grass. Edward reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and then bent over like he was going to whisper in my ear. I laughed and tilted my head, turning just slightly to look at Edward and saw his eyes dark, his mouth open just slightly and…

I woke up with a start, shaking my head. I looked over to the rocking chair and saw that it was empty. The window was also closed. I reached over to turn on the lamp and shocked to see that it was already pass seven. I groaned realizing that I had to get up and get dressed quickly to be able to make it to school in time.

When I reached the final step, I heard a knock at the door. I went over to the window and saw a shiny, silver Volvo parked outside in my drive. I turned and grabbed my bag and jacket. I opened the door and was pleased to see Edward leaning against the door jam.

"What are you doing here?" I asked as I closed the door and began to walk down the steps.

"I wanted to see if you would like a drive to school."

"I have my truck," I said stating the obvious.

"That you do, but I wanted to make sure that you were alright as well," Edward leaned closer to me. "Please." He breathed into my face and I became instantly frozen, staring into his eyes, I realized that I would do just about anything at that moment.

"Um…sure."

Edward straightened up and reached for my backpack. He led the way to the passenger side of his car and opened the door for me. I climbed in and was thankful that it was already warmed up.

"Edward, what exactly is going on?" I asked as he turned out of the drive way and onto the road.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, a few weeks ago you said that we would not make very good friends, so what does this mean?"

"I did say that and I still think we would not make good friends, but I also realized that I don't want to be apart from you either."

I placed my head back onto the head rest. "You don't need to take pity on me. I'm not any better than a broken doll, besides you know nothing about me."

Edward looked right at me, his eyes not even on the road. "I think I know more about you than you realize, besides, I know your secret."

I watched as he cast his eyes down toward my stomach, which I instinctively reached down to rub protectively. "You're hiding something as well."

"Am I?"

I nodded. "And I think that I might have realized what it is."

Edward turned quickly into the school parking lot and came to a screeching halt next to a very red convertible. "And what exactly do you think I am hiding?"

I swallowed and trying to figure out exactly I was going to explain this. "Last night I had a dream. You and I, together in the woods. We were talking and then you leaned over, like you wanted to kiss me on the neck, but instead you… bit me."

I watched as Edward's expression changed for a split second. "Why would I bite you?"

Oh, great, now he will really think I am crackerjack. "Your hands are cold, your eyes are constantly shifting colors, you're extremely pale and in my dream you ended up a…"

"A what Bella?"

I lowered my gaze. "Never mind, it doesn't matter anyways." I reached over and opened the door.

I could feel Edward putting his hand on my shoulder. "Are you afraid?"

I looked at him wondering why he would ask that. "No, actually the very opposite. For some reason I feel like I can trust you with my …with our lives. I never felt safer than I did last night when you rescued me. And when you left with your father, I felt empty. I can't explain it."

Edward looked up and over my shoulder. I followed his gaze and saw his family standing not too far off. "Do you trust me?"

I did not even need to think about it. "Yes."

Edward put his key back into the ignition and turned it on. He quickly pulled out of the parking spot and back onto the main road. I looked over my shoulder and saw his family already turning to walk to the school buildings for first period.

"Edward," I said. "We're going to be late for school."

"We're not going to school."

"Okay, then where are going?"

"Back to my house, you'll be safer there."

"Safer from what?"

Edward turned and looked at me his eyes growing slightly darker. "I will explain everything when we get to my house."

A/N: I know that you all thought I dropped off the face of the earth with this story. Sorry for not updating in such a long time. I have been busy with completing another story as well as getting ready NaNoWriMo. I hope that you enjoy this chapter and will aim to have another chapter ready in the next week or so. Trying hard to get my Mojo back on and complete this story!!