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 …

Up next will be a flashback … which will come with a trigger warning … Bella's return to San Francisco, finding a therapist and some drama.

**Trigger Warning**

Chapter Sixteen

Bella

Flashback

"Dad, I don't understand why you are so insistent about me going out on dates," I argued, huffing on the couch while I waited for Jacob to come pick me up. He was taking me to a bonfire on the beach at La Push. "I should be here, taking care of you."

"I'm fine, Bella," Dad said "I have my cell phone and I have a night nurse coming over to check on me. Leave the door unlocked, sweet girl."

"Why should you pay for a night nurse when I can take care of you for free, Dad," I huffed. "I'm staying. I'll call Jake and …"

There was a knock on the door. My dad, despite his body being ravaged by cancer and its treatment, he got up with a bright smile and ambled to the door. "Jacob! It's so good to see you, son! How's your dad?"

"He's good, Charlie," Jacob answered, shaking my father's hand. "He's going to try and visit you soon."

"I hope so," Dad nodded, his energy waning. He gripped Jacob's arm, but Jake shook him off. I ran up to my father, giving Jacob a scowl as I helped him my dad to his recliner, which had become his bed since he could not climb the stairs to his bedroom anymore. He also refused to get a hospital gurney set up in the living room, claiming his recliner was comfortable. "Thanks, Bella. You have fun with Jake."

"I'll be home in a couple of hours," I said, kissing my father's gaunt cheek. "You have my cell phone number, right?"

"I have cancer, Bells. I'm not stupid," Dad snorted. "I still have my mind. The cancer hasn't spread to my brain."

"Daddy," I growled. "Not. Funny." I hugged him tightly. "I love you, Dad. I can stay."

"No, have fun. Your senior year has been awful. You deserve to have some fun," Dad said, brushing my hair back. "Treat my girl good, Jacob." I walked to the door, grabbing my jacket.

"Always, Charlie," Jacob responded, giving him a smirk. "Come on, Bella." He took my hand once I had my jacket on. He pulled me out of my house. "I know your dad is sick, but have some fun with me tonight. Drink some beer. Have a joint."

"No, I have to stay clear-headed, Jacob," I sighed, getting into the passenger seat of his decrepit VW Rabbit. "When I get home, I have to make sure that I'm able to hear my dad if he falls or something. His balance is not there and he gets confused."

Jacob rolled his eyes, backing out of the driveway. "Bella, I know your dad is sick, but you're still a kid. Cut back … hell, let's explore what's brewing between us."

"What are you talking about?" I asked, arching a brow at Jacob. "We're friends, Jacob. We went to homecoming, but …"

"Come on, Bella. I can see you checking me out," Jacob smirked, his expression dark, predatory. He licked his lips. I shuddered, not wanting him to touch me. "You want me."

"I want you like I want a hole in the head," I muttered under my breath, staring out the window. "I'm excited to get out, but I can't stay out super late. If you can't drive me back, I can talk to Angela or Jessica."

I could hear Jacob's teeth grinding over the rattle of his car. He didn't say much until we arrived at the beach. Most of the senior class was on the sand, dancing around the bonfire. Music was playing, from speakers or from guitars that classmates had brought. I buttoned my jacket, getting out of Jacob's car. I ignored him, finding Angela.

"Hey girl," Angela said, hugging me. "I wasn't sure if you were coming."

"My dad practically threw me out. I got a ride from Jacob," I explained.

"You'd figure he'd get the hint," Jessica said, wrinkling her nose. "There's no spark between the two of you, Bella."

"I agree, but Jacob is as stubborn as the day is long," I snorted.

"Beer?" Jessica asked, holding out a cup. "It's cold and from your expression, you need to relax, Bella."

"No, I'll just grab a soda," I responded. "I may be out, having fun, but when I get home, I still have to take care of my dad."

"At least the chief won't be breaking up the party," Michael Newton, Jessica's boyfriend, proclaimed. He gave me a once-over with a sly grin. "You won't rat us out, will you, Bella?"

I shot him a look. My father had arrested Mike and most of his friends on the football team more times than he'd care to admit. Mike liked to drink, a lot. "I should," I sneered. "How would your coach feel if he found out about your drinking, Mike? My dad gave you a break by just holding you overnight, not telling Coach Clapp."

"Mike, she's got a point. Obviously, you haven't learned," Jessica chided. "Come on, Bella. The soda is in the coolers near the keg." We walked to the coolers. I picked up a Coke and opened it. "How is your dad?"

"Not good," I answered. "He's determined to let me have a great senior year, but he's dying."

"We've been praying at church," Angela murmured, hugging me.

"As much as I appreciate that, prayers won't save my father," I sighed. "He's withering away. He can barely eat. He's on medication for pain and he gets so confused." I shook my head. "I'm sorry. I'm being a buzzkill." I looked up at them. They didn't know what to say. "I'm going to sit on the beach. I'll be back in a bit. I need to … I don't know."

"We'll be here when you get back, Bella," Angela smiled. "You know you can talk to us."

"Thanks," I said, giving her another hug. I took my soda and walked down the beach. I sat down on a fallen tree, allowing the tears to fall from my eyes. From the moment when my dad told me he was sick a couple months ago, my life had changed. I struggled to keep on top of my grades while shuffling my dad to and from doctor's appointments in Forks or Port Angeles. I'd missed so much school since I was the only my dad trusted. But, I was still on track to be the valedictorian. Angela was behind me, but I'd need to fail all of my classes for her to overtake my grade point average.

I pulled up my collar to my coat as I curled my legs up. I looked out, staring at the crashing waves. Sipping my soda, I blew out a breath and wiped my tears. I should have just stayed home.

"Bella," Jacob said. "I've been looking all over for you. You're my girl."

"I'm not your girl, Jacob," I sighed, shooting him a disgruntled look. "You just gave me a ride. If you don't mind, I'd like some time on my own."

He sat down next to me. I could smell the alcohol emanating from him. He was already drunk. We'd been here for an hour. "You're my girl. You flaunt your tits and ass to me as often as you can. I want that, Bella. Come on. It'll feel good." He grabbed my neck, pulling me to him and kissing me sloppily. His tongue invaded my mouth.

I bit back bile because he tasted disgusting. I pushed him away. "Jacob, stop!"

He didn't listen. His meaty hands picked me up and pulled me over his lap. His hands squeezed my breasts. "I want to fuck you, Bella. I bet you're tight. Your pussy would feel so good."

"No," I whimpered, trying to wriggle away. He sucked on my neck, biting on my ear. I yelped in pain, pushing him away. "I don't want this. Stop it!" His arms banded around my body and he pushed me onto the sand, trying to force my legs apart with his thighs. His mouth and teeth were harsh, marking me with bites. His hand twisted my breasts while the other moved to the button of my jeans. While he tried to unbutton my jeans, my legs were freed. I slammed my knee up as hard as possible, coming in contact with his balls.

He rolled off me and growled. "Fucking bitch!" He sat up and back handed me. I fell over the tree trunk. "You owe me, Isabella. I've been your friend for years, teasing me, taunting me. I want what is mine." He skulked closer to me, dragging me back to his body. I wrapped my fingers around my soda can, throwing it into Jacob's eyes. He fell back with a roar, covering his eyes.

Stumbling away, I ran back toward the bonfire. My face was throbbing from Jacob's hit across my face. I made my way to Angela, who was dancing with her boyfriend, Ben. "Angela, I need you to take me home. Please?"

"Bella, what happened?" Angela asked, brushing my hair back. "Your eye is starting to swell shut."

"Jacob," I spat. "He … can you take me home? I need to go home. Please?"

"Of course, Bella," Angela said, wrapping her arm around my shoulders. "Do you want me to take you to the hospital? The police station?"

"I need to be there for my father," I mumbled, walking with her back to her van.

"Bella, did he rape you?" Angela whispered.

"He tried," I whispered back. "I can't … he said I owed him." She helped me into the van and buckled me in. "No one deserves this, Ang. Why me? Why is it always me?"

xx Blockbuster xx

Bella

"Why me? Why is it always me?" I sobbed, twisting and thrashing.

"Bella, love, wake up," came a deep, honeyed voice. "You're okay. You're safe. Come back to me, love."

My eyes flew open. I pushed away from whomever was trying to hold me. I looked down, seeing that I was topless and I started panicking even more. I hastily grabbed for the blankets, hiding my nudity. I curled up into a tiny ball, pulling at my hair. Tears streaked down my face. "I said no. I don't … No! No!"

"Bella," said the voice. "Listen to me. I won't hurt you." I felt his hand on my shoulder. I scrambled away from him, my panic increasing ten-fold. "Love, come back to me. Listen to my voice. I'm Edward, your boyfriend. I won't hurt you. I won't ever hurt you. You're in my home in Malibu. In here, you're safe. You'll always be safe."

I don't know how long he babbled, speaking to me in a soft, soothing tone, but I eventually calmed down. My brain was fuzzy and I could barely focus my attention on anything other than my breathing.

"Bella, here's a t-shirt," Edward said softly, holding out some blue fabric. "I'm going to get you some water."

"Don't leave me," I croaked, clamping my eyes shut in embarrassment.

"I'll get some from the bathroom, Bella," he murmured. "I'm not going anywhere."

I nodded, pulling the shirt on over my body and curling up into a tiny ball. I was still shaking uncontrollably. If I was in a tiny ball, it would be less likely for me to shake myself to death. He came back, sitting across from me. "Here, love. Some water and a damp washcloth."

I took the washcloth first and wiped my sweaty face. Blowing out a breath, I took the cup of water, taking a healthy sip. My throat was so raw. "I'm sorry," I whispered.

"Don't apologize, Bella. I'm concerned," he murmured, moving closer to me. "What happened?"

I took another drink. "Nightmare. Memories from my past," I answered. "It's been … a long time since I had a nightmare like that."

"Was it me? Did I cause that?" he choked out. "If I did something to …"

"No, Edward. It wasn't you, I swear," I replied. He arched a brow at me. "I swear!"

"You didn't want me to touch you," he frowned. "I don't want to hurt you. I hate that … I'm so sorry, Bella." He reached toward me, but his hands clenched into fists as he practically had to sit on his hands. "I want to hold you …"

I finished my water, looking at him. I knew he wouldn't hurt me. The distant memory of my nightmare was pummeling my brain, but I wanted comfort. I crawled over to him and took his hands. I stared at them. He had long, elegant fingers with no scars or indication that he'd ever raised them in violence. I twisted to sit next to him, taking his hand and weaving my fingers with his. I leaned my cheek against his bicep. "Jacob tried to take what didn't belong to him."

"When?" he asked.

"It was when I was in high school. We weren't dating. Occasionally, we'd do things together. My father loved Jacob and Billy like they were family," I explained, tracing the veins on the back of his hand. "We went to a party on La Push beach. Jacob gave me a ride. I shouldn't have gone. My mind wasn't on the party. So, I grabbed a soda and walked down the beach, sitting on a fallen tree. Jacob found me and he said that I was his girl. He touched me, pawing at my breasts and trying to get into my pants. He also backhanded me, giving me a black eye. I kneed him in the balls and ran back to the party. My friend, Angela, drove me home."

"What happened to Jacob?" Edward snarled, removing his hand from mine and sliding his arm around my body. He kissed my forehead. "What happened to you?"

"Jacob steered clear of me for a couple of months, but when my dad got worse, I needed his help," I explained. "I couldn't lift my dad and Jacob … it was a lose-lose situation. As for me, the night nurse helped me out. My dad was asleep when I got home and she asked me what happened."

"Did you tell her?"

"In retrospect, I should have," I frowned. "I was sexually assaulted, but I was ashamed. I told her that I slapped in the face by a tree branch. The nurse helped me with my black eye and checked to see if I had a concussion. Other than a black eye, I was physically okay. Emotionally, mentally? I was a mess. I couldn't do anything about it. I had to focus on my dad." I blew out a breath. "That's what my nightmare was all about … I relived that night."

"Was it because I touched you?" he asked, his voice so uncertain.

"It wasn't because of you," I began, but grimaced. "Okay, it was a little bit because of you. You made me feel beautiful, despite what I looked like. I know I'm scarred and ugly."

"No, you're not," he argued. "You are so incredibly beautiful, Bella. I don't see those scars. I just see you."

"You were the first man …" I sniffled. "To touch me, intimately, with my permission since that night when Seth was conceived. Even then, I asked him to stop, but he didn't. Your hands felt so gentle. It was so unlike anything I'd ever felt." I snuggled closer to him, relishing in his strength and warmth. "I wish you were my first …"

"I wish you were my first, too," he murmured. He kissed my temple. "Love shouldn't hurt. What Jacob did was abhorrent and he's not a man if he has to hurt someone he supposedly cares about in order to get … laid." He held me closer to his body. "I'm just afraid that I'm going to hurt you. Not like him, but … I don't want to make you upset. I hated seeing you so afraid, so panicked. I couldn't do anything."

"Another reason for me to go to therapy," I sighed.

From the nightstand, the alarm went off. "Fuck," Edward groaned. "You're leaving today."

"I don't want to leave, but I miss my kid," I snorted, getting up. Every bone in my body creaked. My panic attack had caused my muscles to tense, which made my movements stiff. Edward got up, as well, pulling me into his arms and crushing me against his chest. I inhaled his scent, masculine, clean and safe. I burrowed my cheek against his pectoral muscle, listening to his heartbeat. "You'll still come for Thanksgiving?"

"I'm looking forward to it, love," Edward said. "I'm going to go to the bathroom and make some breakfast for you."

"You mean, order some breakfast," I deadpanned.

"Bingo," he snickered, cupping my cheek. His green eyes were so concerned, but soft with some unnamed emotion. He leaned down, brushing his lips over mine so tenderly. He gathered me in his arms, holding me closely.

"Edward," I mumbled against his warm skin. "I need to pack and shower and …"

"I know," he grumbled. "I'll leave you be, even if I don't want to." He hugged me again before skulking out of his room.

I sat down on the bed, closing my eyes. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I silently cried. After a few moments, I got up on shaky limbs, walking to my bags which were mainly packed. I plucked out some fresh underwear, jeans and t-shirt. I was flying home. I didn't want to dress up. If I was going to be stuck a flying metal tube, I needed to be comfortable.

I finished my shower and packing. I sighed, picking up my carryon and walked down the stairs. Edward was in his own pair of jeans and t-shirt. His hair was damp, sticking up in every direction. He was sipping some coffee, talking quietly to Jasper. My friend grinned at me and I snorted a laugh. "Nice face, Jas."

"Shut up, Swan. I forgot sunscreen and now, I'm a tomato," Jasper grumbled, rolling her eyes. "My face is bad, but my back is so much worse. The flight is going to suck!"

"You're telling me," I muttered under my breath. Edward looked at Bella with an understanding gaze. He handed her cup of coffee, pulling her closer to his body. I sipped the coffee. "Have you checked into the flight?"

"I have," Jasper said. "I also checked in with Rose and Em." He blinked to me; his blue eyes were shadowed, but not with pain, though there was pain there from his sunburn. With concern and fear.

"I'm driving you to the airport," Edward said. "Please, help yourself to breakfast. I'll load up your bags in the back of my SUV." He kissed my lips, darting up the stairs.

"He's got it bad for you, Bells," Jasper murmured. "However, something spooked him. He had this nervous energy, scrubbing the immaculate counter."

"It was me," I sighed. "I had a panic attack. A bad one."

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked.

"No. It's embarrassing," I shrugged, making a plate with some freshy cut fruit and a bagel. "I can also tell something's up with you. Did you run into Alice?"

"I did," he huffed. "She came to the beach, trying to talk to me. Bella, she was only with me because she wanted to get to you. She claims that she has real feelings for me, but I don't … I can't trust her. Don't get me wrong, Alice is a beautiful woman, but she's got a black soul. No human would fuck another just to get information … I felt badly for calling her out on her bullshit at the meeting, but it was freeing. Anyhow, Marcus, who had no patience for Alice, told her to back off. She left, but Marcus and I got lit, in more ways than two."

"Did you and Marcus?" I asked.

"No. We're both straight, but he had some amazing pot and really good liquor," Jasper smirked. "It would appear that Alice had fucked over Marcus. So, he's well aware of her antics." He blew out a breath. "There's also some issues back home."

"What do you mean?"

"Something sent to the café," Jasper said. "We're having a family meeting at Rose and Emmett's once we get back to San Francisco."

Edward walked down with my suitcases. His expression was so forlorn. I felt the same way, but after my panic attack … I needed some space from him. Phone calls would be awesome, as would FaceTime calls. I needed to get better, for him, for Seth and most importantly, for myself. So, space was the best option. The month apart would give me a chance to work on myself.

"I'm going to get my shit together," Jasper explained. "What time are we leaving?"

Edward checked his watch. "There's a traffic snarl up on the freeway, but what else is new? We should leave in a half hour, just to be safe," he replied. "I checked travel times on my phone while I was getting Bella's bags."

"Sounds good," Jasper nodded, kissing my head and darting out of the kitchen to the guest rooms.

"I'll be right back, love," Edward said. "Enjoy your coffee and breakfast." He trailed his fingers down my cheek, giving me a wistful look. He pressed his lips against mine before heading to the garage to load up my shit.

I picked at my food, not really hungry. My entire body was exhausted from the panic attack. It also left my stomach unsettled, too. When Edward was done loading up my bags, he sat down next to me. I sighed, leaning my cheek against his muscular shoulder. He didn't say anything. Nothing he could say would make me feel better about leaving or about what happened this morning. He just trailed his fingers along my back, giving me strength as mine waned.

We left Edward's home, driving to LAX. The extra time was needed since there were several accidents littered along the route to the airport. Parking the car, Edward helped Jasper unload the bags. "I'll take these inside, Bells," Jasper said. "Nice to see you, Edward. I'm sorry it was under such shitty circumstances."

"Agreed, Jasper," Edward murmured, shaking his hand. He pulled me in his arms. "Call me once you land, gorgeous?"

"I will," I nodded, grasping his t-shirt. "I'm sorry about this morning. I was looking forward to waking up, cuddled next to you."

"We have all the time in the world, love," he said, kissing me, nibbling on my lower lip. Our kiss deepened, but we broke apart when a cop car blared its siren. "Damn it."

"Sir, you can't park here," barked the disgruntled police officer.

"I'm going," Edward snapped, scowling at the car as it drove away. "I don't want to. If I was smart, I'd buy a ticket to be with you …"

"Edward, really? That's a waste of money," I chided. "We'll see each other soon."

"Be safe," he breathed, kissing me again before hugging me tightly. I felt a rumble in his chest, but couldn't hear what he said since there was another honk from the cop car. He scowled at the car before hugging me again. "I'll miss you, love."

"I'll miss you, too," I said. "Thank you for … being so understanding … with everything."

"I would do anything for you, love," he replied. "But, I better go before they tow my car. Have a safe flight, Bella. We'll be together again before we know it." One more searing, deep kiss and he darted back to his SUV. He waved as he pulled back into traffic.

With a heavy sigh, I walked into the airport. Jasper was waiting inside. He gave me a tight hug before guiding me to check in our luggage. Dragging me through security, we walked to our departure gate. As we sat there, I got a text on my cell phone. It was from Edward.

Take care of my heart, I've left it with you. I'll be counting the moments until we're together, love. ~ Edward

I tapped out a reply, with barely enough time to send it. Our flight was called and we were settled in our seats, instructed to put our electronics away. I leaned my cheek against the cool window as the airplane took off, flying toward San Francisco.

We arrived back to our home town, after circling the airport a few times due to fog. Landing, Jasper and I pulled out our phones. He showed me a text from Emmett, explaining he was picking us up. I had another text from Edward with an itinerary for his trip to San Francisco during the week of Thanksgiving. I responded with a brief message, sharing my excitement.

"I'll get our bags. You call Emmett," Jasper said, handing me his laptop bag.

"Sure thing," I nodded. I dialed Emmett and told him that we were picking up our bags. He asked what door we'd exit. I told him and twenty minutes later, we were in Emmett's Mercedes SUV. "Thanks for picking us up, Emmett."

"It's always a pleasure," Emmett said, but his usual jovial smile was absent. "We have a lot to talk about."

"What does that mean?" I asked, arching a brow at him.

"You'll see," Emmett growled, speeding along the highway to his lavish home.

I shifted in the backseat, taking out my phone and sent Edward a text. I'm on my way back to Emmett and Rose's place. Something happened … I'll call you when I know more ~ Bella

Do you need me to fly up? I can do a lot of my preliminary work remotely … ~ Edward

No, I don't know what's up. I'll give you a call or FaceTime you soon. I miss you ~ Bella

I miss you more, love. I'm there for you. Whatever you need ~ Edward

Emmett pulled into the garage. "Seth's hanging out with Cooper and Nick," he said. "My kids are at Grandma and Grandpa's."

"Emmett, you're freaking out Bella," Jasper huffed. "What's going on?"

"Come on," Emmett sighed, opening the door to his modern, but beautiful home. We walked into the family room, finding Rose on the couch. She was absently scrolling on her phone when she saw us. She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. Emmett took my hand, guiding me to sit next to his wife. "Bells, about a day after you left, a certified package arrived at the café. It was addressed to you."

"Did you open it?" I asked, my heart stammering.

"I did. I didn't notice the name on the address because I was expecting something from the county about expanding the café," Rose explained. "What I found was a packet from a lawyer in Port Angeles … and a nasty letter from Jacob Black."

"What?" I gasped. My face blanched of all color and I felt sick. Rose took my hand. "No, he's no longer in my life! He threw me out. He took what he wanted, shattering my spirit and threw me away. But, once I got back on my feet, I threw it back to him …"

"Here, Bella," Emmett said, handing me the thick packet. "I know we broke federal law in opening up your mail, but when Rose saw the scathing letter …"

I gulped and pulled out the cover letter. It was from some lawyer who had lived in La Push, but was practicing in Port Angeles. I scanned the letter, which described what was being included in the packet sent to me, on behalf of his client, Jacob William Black. I flipped the letter, seeing another letter from Jacob.

"He said that I kidnapped his son and he's suing me for custody of Seth. He's also asking for monetary support," I seethed. "He … he wants to take away my child."

"But, he can't," Jasper argued. "You terminated his parental rights."

"I did," I cried, flipping through the packet and seeing falsified evidence that sounded similar to the bullshit that had been shared through Paul Lahote and to Alice Cullen. "It was Jacob … he's the one who sent Alice the emails."

"Why do you think that? How would he know about the movie and your successes?" Emmett asked.

"Because of Paul," Jasper murmured. "Laurent got sick and Paul took over, but how long had Paul worked for Summit?"

"I don't know," I frowned. "I think that Aro said he was a recent hire, but had worked in the industry for years."

"While I think Laurent's illness is circumspect, Paul's sudden desire to take over the account does seem even fishier," Jasper explained. "And his need to share lies to Alice Cullen."

"So, Paul, who was working for Summit, found out about my windfall with the movie and told Jacob or Billy," I sneered. "Jacob obviously does not want the movie to be made because it paints him in a negative light."

"Damn right, it does!" Emmett snarled. "That asshole fucking raped you for how many years? He shattered your fucking spirit, throwing you out when he didn't want you anymore and because of him and his despicable father, you lost everything. No … he's not getting anything. Not from you and not from Seth."

"How can he try and take Seth?" Rose asked. "You terminated his parental rights."

I wrinkled my nose, finding his ticket to steal my child away in the paperwork. "According to Quileute law, or whatever, a son belongs to his father. The mother has no rights. Since Jacob is a Quileute tribal member, he's using this to gain custody," I whispered.

"Over my rotting corpse," Jasper hissed. He took out his phone. His fingers flew over the screen.

"Agreed," Emmett offered, narrowing his ice-blue eyes. "Seth is your son, Bella. We won't let this happen!"

"I'll get … an attorney …" I whispered. "Shit, the lawyer I used to terminate Jacob's rights retired."

"He wouldn't work. He's good at what he does, but he's not a shark," Rosalie huffed.

"I just texted Jenks. He obviously can't do it since his specialty is contracts and that type of shit," Jasper muttered. "But, he has a friend from university, Caius Del Vecchio, is that shark who can make Jacob bleed a slow, painful death. We have an appointment tomorrow."

"These allegations Jacob is making about me are disgusting," I growled. "I never … sold myself to anyone. I don't have an extensive arrest record. Only once … and it was to feed my child. The charges were dismissed at arraignment. The owner saw how broken I was and she couldn't …" I started panting heavily, feeling like an elephant was sitting on my chest.

"Bella, sweetie, look at me," Rose said, cupping my cheek. "Deep breaths."

"It's never going to stop. He'll never let me go. It's never going to stop," I sobbed, black encroaching on the edges of my vision.

"Bella! Bella!"

The shouts drifted into nothing … where my mind drifted to where I was safe and not under the thumb of the boy, the monster who'd broken me.

xx Blockbuster xx

Edward

I was doing some scheduling work for Long and Winding Road. My fingers were flying over my laptop, but my mind was drifting to the beautiful woman I'd put on a plane a few hours ago. My cell phone, which had been plugged in to my computer to charge, vibrated on my dining room table. I saw Jasper's name dance across the screen. I slid my finger, picking it up. "Jasper, how was the flight?"

"Edward, I need you to stay calm," Jasper said softly.

You never say that to someone who needs to remain calm. "What the fuck happened? Do I need to fly up there? Who's ass do I need to kick?"

Jasper blew out a breath. I felt my phone vibrate and I saw that he wanted to go FaceTime. I pressed the button, seeing Jasper's concerned expression. "So, the flight was fine. Bella slept for most of it. We got back to San Francisco and Emmett picked us up. He drove us to his home. I'm here with Rose and Emmett, along with the kids. Seth is … he's curled up with his mother."

"Something happened with Seth?" I surmised.

"You could say that. Jacob found an attorney to send Bella a letter, saying that she'd kidnapped Seth. He was suing Bella for full custody. The letter that he sent was scathing. It sounded a lot like what Paul said at The Ivy. It sounded a lot like the lies that were sent to your sister," Jasper growled. "Jacob was behind that whole situation, trying to get the movie stopped because …"

"It would show the world what an animal he was," I finished for him. "What else did he want? Money?"

"He's trying to get Bella to pay him back child support, or some other bullshit," Jasper huffed. "Bella … she had a massive panic attack. She collapsed. Her mind couldn't take it. Emmett carried her to the guest room and Rose is with her. When Seth came back, he was eager to see his mother, but I told him about his sperm donor along with Emmett. Seth was beyond pissed."

"I don't blame him. I'm beyond pissed and I don't even know the fucker," I snarled. "So, do you think that Jacob was the one behind the emails sent to my sister?"

"Yep. The connection was Paul Lahote," Jasper responded. "He shared private details about my friend, my family. He needs to pay. So does Jacob Black!"

"I'm flying up there," I said.

"No, don't," Jasper muttered. "Bella and I are going to see a shark of an attorney to get this bullshit custody thing pulled."

"I thought she had Jacob's rights terminated?" I asked.

"She did, but the attorney Jacob used is calling on some Quileute nonsense that the mother has not rights to her own children, her own son," Jasper explained. "They're using that as a way to nullify what Bella had done." He scrubbed his face. "Look, I know you want to make everything better for Bella. I want to do that, as well, but it's a long battle. We're meeting with Caius Del Vecchio."

"Oh, I know that name. One of my former stars had a child custody dispute during filming. He used Caius. It was brutal, but in the long run, the actor got full custody, thanks to Caius," I nodded.

"Good. I'm glad to hear that," Jasper breathed. "I … we're going to try and get Bella to move into a house. Some place in Emmett and Rose's neighborhood. It's gated, like yours. She needs more protection. We're also going to do some sleuthing around Jacob and his M.O. I think this custody dispute is the first in many lines of offense he has up his sleeve."

"Why do you think that?" I questioned.

"Bella … she's worth millions, if not more," Jasper said. "With the movie? She'll never have to worry about being hungry again. Jacob Black wants a piece of that pie. He's using his son to get that piece. Or, at least, that's what I believe."

"Whatever you need, I'm more than willing to help. I hope you know that," I said. "I wish I could talk to her."

"Don't be surprised if she pulls away," Jasper shrugged. "Her sense of safety has been rattled and she might …"

"I'm not going to let her pull away. She's everything to me, Jasper. I told this to Seth and if I could say it to her, I would," I began.

"You love her," Jasper murmured. "I can see how much you love her, Edward."

"So much," I whispered. "If something happens to her or to Seth? I don't know what I'd do. Jacob won't hurt them. He can't. I just found her and I want a future with Bella and Seth. They deserve happiness."

"So, do you, Edward," Jasper smiled. "I'll keep you up to date, Edward."

"Thanks, Jasper," I nodded. He waved before hanging up. I sat back, closing my laptop. Any work I'd hoped to finish would have to wait. My brain was swirling with so much …

The biggest thing rattling in my mind was how to kill Jacob Black and not get caught.

It would solve a lot of problems, to be honest.

A/N: Jacob William Black … douchenozzle, asshole and money-hungry bitch … trying to use his kid to get Bella back under his thumb.

Bella has had a rough day, to say the least. I don't blame her for just shutting down. Now, I don't mean to show any disrespect to the Quileute tribe. I don't know if a rule like I'd created about mothers and sons exists, but with as backwards as Billy is, it wouldn't surprise me if it did in my imaginary world. In the real world? Unlikely. Will it hold up in a court of law? We'll find out from Caius in the next chapter.

Pictures from this chapter are on my blog. You can find a link for that on my profile. I'm also on FB: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79.

What are you theories about Jacob? Leave me your thoughts! Thank you for reading!