I adopted this plot bunny a year or so ago. It really intrigued me. I posted a poll in my group asking which story I should work on next, and this was the winner. It's definitely a WIP. I've only got a rough outline figured out and I'm going back to my roots with this … writing with a vague plan. I hope that I can do this justice.

None of this is mine … I wish it was. Sigh …

Talk about a cliffie from the chapter previous … That question, among others, will be explained very, very soon. I had every intention to put in a flashback, but it just didn't fit. The next chapter will have a flashback, with an attempted sexual assault, dinner with Paul and some drama.

*Trigger Warning*

Chapter Twelve

Bella

Edward drove us back to his place. I'd stayed quiet during the drive and thought about the man who reminded me of my past. I was totally shaken by seeing Paul. Paul Lahote grew up in La Push, but was older than me by at least ten years. His dark skin, bright smile and rough voice reminded me so much of both Jacob and Billy. It brought me back to when I was a teenager, grieving and terrified that I was pregnant.

It brought me back to when I worked my ass off to have most of my paycheck to be taken away by Billy and Jacob for the most inane, unnecessary things, leaving me destitute, and running from Forks with the cash from my boss at Thriftway to flee from the nightmare.

Only to begin a new nightmare.

I ran my hand over my stomach as I got dressed in a blue retro-inspired dress to go The Ivy. My belly that would never hold and protect another baby because of those assholes who denied medical care because they were concerned about the cost. My eyes swept over my scarred torso, remembering each horrific moment and terrifying memory of receiving them. Cigarette burns, scrapes, mottled skin and contorted ropey scars littered my body. I blew out a breath as I slid my fingers over raised scar just beneath my left breast. I thought I was going to die when I received this scar.

There were days I wished I had died that night. It would have been better than enduring the nightmare of my life. Seth deserved so much better than me. He always would …

xx Blockbuster xx

Flashback

I was working in a small truck stop off I-5 near Castle Rock. The married couple who owned the truck stop, Ivan, and Pamela, were friendly and understanding about my situation. They let me stay in a small furnished apartment above their garage, paying them affordable rent. When I worked at night, which was rare because I had my son, Pamela would watch over Seth. During the day, Seth would stay at a daycare owned by Ivan and Pamela's cousin.

Today was a rare night where I was working. However, Pamela couldn't watch my boy. She had plans with her church choir. So, Seth was sitting in one of the booths near the kitchen. He had coloring books, my old iPod, and a few toys I'd pilfered from lost and founds during my travels. Ivan, who worked in the kitchen, kept an eye on him while I served the patrons at the truck stop. There weren't many since it was so late at night. Seth was a good boy, even at the age of five. I hated that he had to be here with me, but I couldn't afford a babysitter.

I checked on Seth. It was just after midnight, and we were dead. Unfortunately, we were a twenty-four-hour truck stop. The woman who was relieving me wouldn't be in until two.

"I'm going to toss the garbage, Ivan. You got anything in the kitchen?" I asked.

"Nah, I'm good, Bella," he said.

I nodded, wrapping up the overflowing garbage underneath the breakfast counter. Checking on Seth, who was down for the count in the booth, I walked outside. I dragged the bag to the dumpster. I heaved it inside, and wiped my hands on my apron. I looked around, seeing a few trucks. Some of the long-haul drivers used our parking lot to catch up on their sleep.

"Hey, beautiful," slurred a male voice. "You look so hot."

I turned and saw a customer from earlier. He was tall with a beer belly, and he smelled like he hadn't showered in days, even though our facility had free showers for the truckers to use. I gave him a tight smile, trying to skirt around him. "Don't be like that, sexy. I can make you feel good. I want to feel good."

"As flattering as that sounds, I'll have to say no," I said. "I have a boyfriend. He wouldn't like it if I 'made you feel good.'"

The customer moved fast and pushed me against the dumpster. My head hit the metal harshly. "Perhaps I wasn't fucking clear, bitch. I want to feel that cunt wrapped around my cock," he sneered, grinding his hips against me.

I kneed him hard in the balls and he fell back. He cupped his junk, glaring at me. With his hand, he slapped me, and I fell to the ground. I landed hard on my hands. He grabbed my hair, heaving me back up and tore at my shirt. I felt something sharp against my ribs. "Stop! No! I don't want this!"

"I don't care what you want, you slut," the man roared. "It's what I want." My shirt was torn from my body and my bra was sliced from my skin. I looked down and saw a knife in his hands. He held it to my neck. "I could have made it good for you." He pawed at my chest before reaching for my jeans. He removed the knife from my neck, slamming it beneath my ribs. I gasped, seeing the knife jutting from my pale skin.

I need to think … I will not have my choice taken away again.

I struggled to breathe. I knew the weapon had done something to my lungs, but I needed the weapon. I pulled out the knife, screaming and attacking the man. He was shocked that I went on the offensive and we rolled on the ground. I used the knife, attacking him and forcing him to stop touching me. All of sudden, his weight was off me, and Ivan was wailing on the man with a baseball bat. However, the customer's shirt was covered in blood. His blood. In his neck, I'd stabbed him.

When Ivan saw the knife, he stopped hitting him with the bat. It clattered to the pavement. He turned to me, his eyes widening. I was naked from the waist up with an open stab wound and covered in scrapes. Ivan took off his chef's coat. He moved closer to. I pushed away, not wanting to be touched. Ivan held out his coat and put it around me. "It's okay, Bella. I called the cops."

"I killed him," I whispered.

I'm going to be arrested. I'll lose my son. What did I do? I'm a murderer. I'm no better than Jacob or Billy. I'm a monster!

"He attacked you, sweetheart," Ivan murmured, crouching down in front of me. My body screamed in agony from stab wound in my chest. "It was self-defense." He tried to touch me, but I jumped back, not wanting to be touched. "I won't hurt you, Bella." His face was ashen. The lights from the police flickered on his skin. A pair of cops approached us. Ivan told the officers what happened, and the female officer crouched in front of me.

"Hey, I'm Mikayla," she said softly. "Are you hurt?"

I nodded, seeing that my wound was already soaking Ivan's shirt. "My son … he's inside."

"I'll get him, Bella," Ivan said.

An ambulance arrived and I was loaded up. I struggled to breathe. A mask was placed over my face. Ivan was holding Seth, who was crying. Ivan protected Seth, pushing his face into his chest as he walked past the trucker's body. Ivan said something to me, but it sounded like the adults in The Peanuts cartoons. I don't remember much of what happened once I was placed in the ambulance. The paramedics inserted an IV and I was given some pain killer. Mikayla rode with me to the hospital, trying to get my statement, but I couldn't speak.

I couldn't breathe. It hurt so much to breathe.

Being rolled into the hospital, I was transferred to a trauma room. I faded in and out of consciousness. I gave the doctors consent to work on me. When a chest tube was inserted, I screamed and passed out, the pain becoming too much.

When I woke up, the sun was shining brightly. I was in a private room and Pamela was sitting next to me, holding Seth. My son was dead to the world with his tiny hand in mine. I shifted, gasping as pain rippled through me. Pamela woke up. Her eyes flew open. "Oh, Isabella," she crooned softly. "You gave us quite a scare."

"What time is it?" I croaked.

Pamela checked her watch. "A little after ten," she explained. "How are you feeling?"

"Disgusting," I replied honestly. The man's actions had made me feel used. I could smell his body odor, mingling with the astringent scent of the hospital. It would be a long time before that scent would leave my memory. "Can I go home? I want to go home."

"Not yet, sweetheart," Pamela frowned. "Your lung collapsed, and you have several broken ribs from your attack. The doctors want to keep you for a couple of days for observation."

"I can't afford this," I muttered. "You pay me …"

"Shhhh, do not worry about that, Isabella. You were attacked by that animal on our property. You will not have to worry about a thing. Our insurance will cover the costs," Pamela tsked. "The cops are waiting for your statement."

"Am I going to be arrested?" I whispered.

"Ivan told me what happened. You were acting to protect yourself, Isabella," Pamela murmured. "I also overheard that female cop that the man was a serial rapist."

I trembled. My mind went to a dark place, and I felt sick. Pamela quickly put Seth onto the chair. She barely got a plastic bin under my face before I threw up everything I had in my stomach. My retching woke up my son and he clambered into bed with me. Pamela began to admonish him, but I shook my head. The only thing that would make feel better was holding my son, my light, my everything.

I ended up staying in the hospital for a couple of days. The knife that the man, James Hunter, used on me, was incredibly dirty. My stab wound got infected and needed to be debrided. I was put under while they cleaned everything out. I would forever have a nasty scar, but at least I was alive.

When I was released, Ivan and Pamela hovered over me. I felt guilty because I knew I couldn't stay here. Not anymore. My nightmares returned thanks to James' attack. I was not charged since my actions were ruled self-defense, but my bubble of safety was invaded.

One day, a couple of weeks after my attack, Ivan and Pamela were both at the truck stop. I loaded up what I could into my truck and left a note for them.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity. I just cannot stay here. I don't feel safe … I promise to pay you back for everything … the doctor's bills and increase premiums to your insurance. I'm sorry for …

I don't even know.

Be safe and thank you,

Bella and Seth Swan

I left the note on the kitchen counter, loading up my son and crawling into my truck. I drove through the tiny town of Castle Rock, heading south.

xx Blockbuster xx

When I'd gotten my first big paycheck from my novel, I sent Pamela and Ivan the money from my hospital stay. When that check arrived, I got a phone call from Ivan. He said that it wasn't necessary. That I was the one who was hurt. I told him that the money was his. He argued that he wasn't going to deposit it. I told him that if he didn't, I'd have it wired directly into his account. He relented, but a month after I'd sent him a check, I received a letter from a local women's shelter near Castle Rock.

Dear Ms. Swan,

Thank you so much for your generous donation to our foundation …

Ivan and Pamela were continuing to pay it forward. I loved them for it, even if I couldn't go back to tell them.

"Gorgeous?" Edward called through the closed doors to the bedroom. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I choked out, grimacing at how raspy my voice was. I looked up, seeing tears on my cheeks. Damn it. My makeup was smudging, and I did not want to look like a raccoon. "I'll be out in a few minutes, okay?"

"I'll be downstairs," he said, but he sounded worried.

I walked to the weird open bathroom and wiped the black streaks from my face. I patted my skin before reapplying my makeup, opting to put on waterproof mascara. I looked passable, but it was clear that I'd been crying. It would take some time before my face would calm down.

Picking up my shoes, I opened the door and walked down to the main level of the house. Edward was in a suit, sans tie. His hair was a disheveled mess, but he looked very sexy. He was tapping on his phone, presumably texting someone. I slipped on my shoes. The clatter of the soles onto the hardwood caused Edward to look up. He smiled as his eyes swept over me. When his gaze met my face, the smile faltered. "What's wrong?" he asked, putting the phone on the counter, and striding over to me.

Don't cry. Do not cry.

When his arms slid around me, I melted against him. His body was so much larger than me and I felt so protected, safe, cherished. It was hard not to let go. I allowed myself a few moments of calm before replying to his answer. "Paul reminds me of my ex," I whispered.

"Seth's dad?" Edward asked.

"Yeah," I answered. "Actually, I think he grew up in my neck of the woods. He's obviously older than me, but La Push is a pretty insular environment. Very rarely do people leave, but family ties are deep. When they do leave the reservation, family remains. I don't know …"

"Should I be concerned about Paul?"

"I don't know, to be honest," I shrugged. "He gives off an angry vibe, but it could be my prejudice."

"Prejudice? I don't understand," Edward frowned.

"Seth's dad and the people from the reservation looked at me like I was an outsider. Admittedly, I am, but my son wasn't. They treated me like I was shit, dirt beneath their shoes," I explained. "However, while my father was alive, I didn't get that bullshit. Seth's grandfather was my dad's best friend. I don't know … just seeing Paul brought back all my insecurities. I was that girl who lost everything."

"You haven't, though," Edward explained. "You're thriving now." He pressed a gentle kiss to my lips. "Don't let Paul get to you."

"I'm so grateful that you're coming with me," I breathed. "I can handle myself, but …"

"You shouldn't have to, gorgeous," he finished for me. "One snide remark, one harsh word, and we're gone. I may not work for Summit, but I do have a lot of pull within the industry. I could end Paul Lahote." He kissed me once more, sliding his hand down my bare arm. "Come on, Bella."

Twining my fingers with his, I allowed him to walk me out of the house and to his Range Rover. We drove to The Ivy, using the valet to park the car. Paul was already there, seated at an outdoor table. He looked so smarmy, waving at us. Edward's hand hovered at my waist, guiding me to the table. Like a true gentleman, Edward pulled out my chair and I sat down across from Paul. Edward took the seat to my right, gripping my hand underneath the table.

"I was beginning to think that you weren't going to come," Paul said, arching a brow at me. "You're late."

"You know how hellacious traffic can be," Edward said. "But, we're here."

"Are you two together?" Paul asked, looking at the two of us.

"We are," Edward answered.

"Doesn't she speak?" Paul snapped.

"She has a name," I snapped back, glowering at Paul. "And, yes, Edward and I are together. What does that have to do with this dinner?"

Paul didn't reply right away. He just smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I wanted to talk a bit about the plans for the movie."

"We made our plans this afternoon," I said. "Things are moving forward, right?"

"Of course," Paul said broadly. "I just wanted to talk to you and get to know you. Laurent shared that you were incredibly talented."

"What do you think?" I asked.

Paul didn't respond. He just picked up his bourbon, taking a swig. His non-answer told me more than I could ever understand. He didn't like me. He, sure as hell, did not respect me. "So, I took a look at your 'wish list' for casting. Some of the actors might not be interested in performing in this movie. I know of a few that already have jobs lined up …"

"There's no harm in sending them an invite, a script," Edward responded coolly. "Leave the decision up to the actors, not you."

"My concern is the money," Paul explained. "The budget … doesn't fit these big names."

"We'll raise more money," Edward countered. "Summit might have purchased the rights, but I'm the one who is putting the film on screen. We'll get who we want."

"I always heard that you were such a pleasure to work with, Mr. Cullen. A consummate professional. You're proving to be a bit of handful," Paul remarked.

"I am professional. It's you who is not," Edward scoffed. "Bella, we can go. It's clear that Paul does not have the best interests for the movie at heart. I think we need to …"

"Paul, I don't know what your beef is with me, but I'm very close to walking away and relinquishing my permission to the rights to my book. I have an attorney who is more than willing to go to the mat," I said, smiling at him sarcastically.

"Okay, I know when I've overstepped," Paul said, holding up his hands in surrender. "Why don't we get some champagne and toast the movie?" He waved down a server and ordered a bottle of champagne.

The conversation was stilted, but the adversarial vibe Paul gave out seemed to disappear. I was still on edge, but able to eat my dinner and sip my drink. After our meals were finished, Edward hesitantly went to the bathroom. I knew he didn't want to leave me on my own with Paul.

He had every right to be hesitant. As soon as Edward left, Paul attacked.

"You are such a worthless bitch," Paul growled, leaning forward. "You're profiting from lies."

"Lies?" I asked. "The movie is a work of fiction, Paul."

"No, it isn't," Paul hissed. "I talked your ex. He's very close to pressing charges against you for taking his son over state lines without his permission. You could go to jail for that. All those millions would be taken away and you'd be back in the gutter, where you belong."

"I should go after Jacob for years of back child support," I growled. "He kicked me out. He kicked me and his son out. We had nothing and he didn't even fucking care. So, he could try and pull that shit. He won't win."

"Did Jacob relinquish his parental rights?" Paul asked.

"He never admitted that Seth was his child. He constantly said that I'd fucked around on him," I growled. Of course, I hadn't. Jacob had been the only person I'd been with. The first time was by my own volition, sort of, but each following times it was not by choice. Jacob just took. "On his birth certificate, the father's name has been left blank."

"A simple paternity test would fix that," Paul said, arching a brow. "You took away his child. A child who he loved more than his own life."

"If he loved him so much, why did Jacob insist we live in squalor? Why did he deny that Seth was his son?" I argued. "Why haven't I received once one red cent in child support? Almost ten years of back child support? Jacob would be sent to the poor house. He'd definitely be living in squalor. Not like he had a job to begin with. He believed he was a mechanic, but he could barely change a tire." My body was shaking, with my emotions on edge. Tears threatened to fall down my cheeks. However, I refused to show Paul that I was weak, pathetic. "I don't know what Jacob told you, but he was the monster. Not me. He shattered me. He took what was left of my spirit and trampled on it. But, you don't care … You just see me as the mistake that ruined Jacob's life. In reality, he was the mistake who ruined mine."

Paul clearly wanted to say more, but his lips were pressed into a firm line. However, Edward was on his way back. A few moments later, Edward sat down. He took my hand and brushed my hair back. He must have seen my eyes glittering with tears and my face red with anger and resentment. "Are you okay, Bella?" he asked.

I took in a breath, nodding. I didn't trust my voice. I picked up my water and took a hefty sip. Calm down, Bella. Keep it together.

"You know what?" Paul said coldly, putting his napkin on the table. "I don't think this film is in the best interest for the studio. This is not my opinion, but the studio … It's not the right time."

"Wait a minute," Edward said, shaking his head. "Contracts have been signed. Both Bella and I could go after the studio for breach of contract, Paul. This project is moving forward, with or without you."

"So, you would willingly work with a whore? A slut? A piece of gutter trash?" Paul asked, glaring at me. "Bella has fucked anything with a dick."

"I have not!" I argued, my body quaking with embarrassment and rage.

"She trapped a man by getting pregnant," Paul snorted. "She 'claimed' that the condom broke, but she poked holes into it. She led on my cousin, Jacob Black, and teased him for years before luring him into her bed. Then, she fucked him and became pregnant. She's been used … so many times. Wrap it up, Cullen. She might kill you. Every hole has been claimed."

Paul was spreading lies. I felt disgusting and torn apart. I refused, however, to let Paul know that his words were shattering my spirit even further. I stood up, tossing out all the cash I had in my purse onto the table. I didn't say anything. Turning on my heel, I walked out of the restaurant. Edward was yelling for me, but I hailed a cab. As soon as one stopped, I hopped into the back seat.

"Where to?" barked the driver.

"A hotel. Any hotel," I whispered, trying not lose it. "Someplace near the airport?"

"You okay, ma'am?"

"Just drive," I whimpered. The driver nodded and pulled away from the curb. Tears slid down my cheeks and my fragile heart cracked into a million pieces.

xx Blockbuster xx

Edward

After I tried and failed in catching up with Bella, I stalked back to the restaurant. Paul was sitting there with a wide, triumphant grin. Asshole thought he really won.

Not if I have anything to say about it.

"You're done in this industry, Paul," I growled, pointing a finger at him. "What you did was uncalled for!"

"She's a pussy to fuck, an ass to claim," Paul scoffed. "She's not even that pretty. Jacob, her son's father, said that she was a pity fuck and then, she kidnapped their child. Are you sure you want to work with that cunt?"

I barely recognized myself as I reared back, hitting Paul in his smug face. He toppled out of the chair. The manager came out, upset at the drama unfolding on the terrace. I couldn't bring myself to care. This monster had crossed so many lines. I picked up Bella's cash and handed the manager a thousand dollars from my wallet. "I hope you can handle this with discretion," I said, arching a brow.

"Of course, Mr. Cullen," the manager murmured. "What should I do with him?"

"Throw him out like the trash he is, but he will be unemployed by the time I'm done," I smirked darkly. "My apologies." I left The Ivy and called Bella. Her phone went directly to voicemail. Not that I was surprised, but I'd hoped she'd pick up for me. She must have turned it off. I cursed, driving back to my home, praying that Bella went there. While I drove home, I contacted the president of Summit, who happened to be a close family friend, explaining the behavior of his employee. As I predicted, Paul was fired, summarily. He was also blacklisted within the industry. The president said he'd personally oversee the production of Bella's movie. He also said that he would reach out to make amends for what had happened.

Possibly entice her with more money or a bigger slice of the proverbial pie.

Though, I doubted she'd take it. If I knew her as I thought I did, she was done with the movie industry and possibly with me. It would take a goddamned miracle to get her to come back.

Pulling into my driveway, I raced inside and called for Bella. The house was eerily quiet. The only thing I heard was the quiet whir of the air conditioner. I raced up to my room and saw that Bella's bags were still in the room, but she was noticeably missing.

Who would Bella call?

Her friend and agent, Jasper.

Damn it!

I'd never really talked to him, and we had not exchanged contact information. But, Alice had it. I stripped out of my suit, changing into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt along with a button-down. I dialed my sister.

"So, can I say that I told you so?" she quipped in lieu of greeting. "Did Bella screw you over?"

"Don't fuck with me, Alice. What's Jasper's phone number," I snarled.

"Whoa, calm down, little brother," Alice said. "What happened?"

"No time. Give me Jasper's phone number. Now!" I commanded, stuffing my feet into my Nike shoes. "The new studio executive, Paul, ripped into Bella and she ran."

"That should tell you a lot about her character, Edward," Alice admonished. "She can't handle this cut-throat industry. Let her fucking go."

"You are such a bitch, Alice. I'm asking for help and you're giving me shit? If you needed help, even if I was pissed, I'd do it," I snapped. "Jasper's number. NOW!"

"Okay, okay," Alice mumbled. My phone vibrated and I checked to see if Alice had sent me Jasper's contact info. "There's his phone number and email address. I don't understand …"

"No, you don't," I huffed, ending the call. I pressed the number and ran back down the stairs.

"You have some nerve, Cullen," Jasper growled. "You let my friend get devoured by the Big Bad Wolf."

"It was not by choice, Jasper. I had to go to the bathroom. I never expected Paul to attack her like that," I said, my heart twisting in my chest. "He's been dealt with and will no longer be working in the industry. Period."

"That doesn't stop the fact that one of the kindest, sweetest women I've ever met called me in hysterics, begging for me to find her a flight home," Jasper hissed. "She was torn to pieces by Paul and his bullshit."

"You can't let her leave, Jasper," I pleaded. "I have her luggage and her computer."

"Send it to the publishing company," Jasper muttered. "Why should I let you near her?"

"Because, I have to make this right. Hearing what Paul said made me sick!" I breathed, sitting down on the couch. "Jasper, what I feel for her can't be described. It broke my heart to hear the vitriol that Paul said about her …"

"You know that none of it is true," Jasper explained. "Well, Jacob Black being Seth's sperm donor is the truth, but everything else was lies. All lies."

"I know that," I said, frowning deeply. "I just … I need to find her, Jasper. I can't let her leave. I … I care for her a great deal."

"Do you love her?" Jasper asked.

Did I? Sure, I was attracted to her, and I felt so protective her. But, did I love her? "If we stay together, I can see that I can fall in love with her," I answered honestly. "I hate that she's hurting and alone and …please? Jasper, I need to find her."

It was quiet over the phone line. I was afraid that call was dropped. I pulled the phone away, seeing that it was still connected. "You hurt her, and I will surgically remove your balls with a rusty spork, Cullen," Jasper huffed. He blew out a low breath. "She's at the Marriott near the airport. Room 618 …"

"Thank you, Jasper," I breathed. "Thank you."

"Before I let you go, did you kick Paul's ass? Please say you did," Jasper wheedled.

"I knocked him out of his chair and got his ass fired from Summit," I replied.

"Okay, good," Jasper sighed. "But, you know that it won't be the last time you hear from Paul, right?"

"I know and I'll get someone on it, soon," I explained.

"Not your sister," Jasper said. "Look, I like her, but she's got a blind spot where Bella's concerned. All she sees is a … gold digger. Bella's not that. I've told Alice that and I'm certain you have, as well, but she's got this preconceived notion that Bella's going to screw you over."

"I won't have Alice get involved. I used her to get your phone number, but that's about it," I explained. "Thank you for the information."

"Should I book a flight for Bella?"

"Don't. If she still wants to leave after I find her, I'll make private arrangements for her to fly back to San Francisco," I said.

"Good luck, Cullen. You're going to need it," Jasper sighed. "I've never heard Bella so upset …"

"I don't blame her, to be honest," I said, racing down to the car. "Thanks, Jasper."

"Don't make me regret this, Cullen," he grumbled, ending the call.

I shook my head, plugging in the address to the airport Marriott. The drive took entirely way too long due to an accident on the freeway. I parked my car and tugged on a hat. I didn't want to be recognized. I strode through the lobby, walking to the bank of elevators. Riding up to the sixth floor, I easily found Bella's room. I could hear her cries through the door. It shattered me, knowing that Paul thought so little of her and needed to cut her down in order to make himself feel better.

I knocked on the door and the crying stopped. The door was unlocked. Bella opened it, gasping when she saw me. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice deep and raspy from her tears.

"I had to make sure you're alright," I answered honestly.

"I'm alive," she said coldly, moving to close the door. "But, leave me alone."

I put my foot against the door, preventing her from closing it. "No, Bella. I'm not leaving you alone," I said. "Obviously, you're upset, and I don't blame you. I need to know you're okay. Please, let me in?"

"Why should I?" she snapped. "You probably believe Paul."

"No, I knocked him out," I shrugged. "He's an asshole and what he did was absolutely deplorable."

"Yeah, well, welcome to my life," she grumbled, stepping away from the door. I walked in, closing the door, and locking it. "What Paul said and how he acted was how Seth's sperm donor and his father treated me for almost four years. I thought I was over that emotional abuse, but clearly, I'm not." She crawled onto the bed, curling around a pillow. "Hearing those things … it broke me to pieces. I was that eighteen-year-old girl who found out that she was pregnant after having sex one time. The one time I wanted to feel something other than grief."

Tears tracked down her gorgeous face. Her mascara was smudged, her eyes were puffy, and her cheeks were pink. She looked so shattered, but still beautiful. Tragically beautiful. I crouched down, reaching to wipe the tears away. She jumped back, her body trembling. "I won't hurt you, Bella," I whispered.

"How do I know?" she asked, her eyes vacant and her voice tortured. "I'm not even human anymore. I'm a shell. A broken, battered shell. No one cares. The bruises, the scrapes, the bleeding … it never stops. It will never stop."

"Bella?" I choked out, my own eyes filling with tears. "I would never hurt you."

She just stared blankly at me, unseeing, as she cried. I crawled into bed with her, gathering her into my arms. She struggled against me, but she eventually broke down completely. I knew that Bella had a story, but it was clear that she'd been broken and shattered by this Jacob Black character, through the extension of Paul Lahote. I wished I'd broken Paul's jaw.

Asshole.

I carefully gathered Bella into my arms, cradling her sobbing form against my chest. She cried, gripping my shirt. I held her until her sobs eventually dwindled to quiet whimpers and then, nothing. I looked down, seeing that Bella was in a troubled sleep. I kissed her forehead, holding her closely to my body. I prayed she got some rest and was able to calm down.

Unfortunately, her sleep was anything but restful. She battled nightmares, screaming out in agony. I held onto her, trying to calm her. It didn't work very well. I barely got any sleep, eventually drifting off around dawn.

When I finally woke up, I was alone in the bed. I sat up, scrubbing my face, and searching for Bella. She was curled up on the couch, huddled underneath the robe from the room. She was holding a steaming cup of coffee and looking out the window. However, her eyes were unseeing, empty. "Bella?"

"You need to know," she whispered.

"I need to know what?" I asked, getting up and dragging my exhausted body to the couch.

"The truth. My story. The nightmare," she said emotionlessly. She looked at me. Her espresso-colored eyes were vacant, and her face was drawn. "You need to know everything. It all began when I was a junior in high school …"

A/N: To be continued … in the next chapter. Bella's story is not pretty. Just warning you all now!

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