Warning: This FanFiction will feature potentially triggering topics such as Non-Con/Rape and violence
Chapter 1:
The sun beamed carefully through the thick branches of the tree which sheltered the couple from the sun's exposure. Edward was playing with Bella's soft brown hair which always seemed lighter in the summer months. It was peaceful, just the two of them. The blooming flowers had soon created a welcoming place for them to lay down and to enjoys the meadows beauty.
Recently, Bella had chosen to take up more hours at Newton's Olympic Outfitters to earn some extra money for college in case she decided to go. Of course, Edward had offered to pay for all of it, but Bella was stubborn and wanted to earn her own way. Not surprisingly, Bella had also been spending more time with Jacob down at the La Push Reservation because this would likely be her last opportunity to spend time with him before college. Their time together was mostly spent being active, much to Edward's dismay, doing dangerous past times like cliff diving or hiking. Considering Bella's track record for clumsy and ill-conceived plans Edward felt justified with his concerns. He especially did not trust Jacob with her safety.
It was no surprise that Bella had fallen asleep with her head on Edward's lap not too long into their date. She must have been so worn out. Edward did not mind. In fact, he very much enjoyed the peaceful symphony of Bella's sleepy shallow breath and the deep hum of the surrounding wildlife. Rubbing his fingers gently across her face Edward began to truly admire how beautiful Bella's freckles were, dotted perfectly like the stars of the jaded night sky. Her skin was a comforting fireplace crackling to the contrast of his own icy fingers that held her to him.
Suddenly, Bella's eyes quickly jolted open and scanned the surroundings quickly. His concerns for her safety grew as he heard the beating of her heart double in speed.
"Bella, are you okay?" Edward asked tentatively as bent down to kiss her hand, "were you having another nightmare?" Over the past few weeks, even though the threat of Victoria and her New-born army had been dealt with, Bella was still having unsettling dreams about being isolated from Edward and deeply hurt.
Bella nodded in response before pausing to think. Not a moment later Bella pushed Edward back in a playful manner, "can't believe you let me fall asleep on our date," she pouted.
He smiled in return. "I know how much you have had on your plate recently, it felt right to allow you some rest. Besides, you know I find your incoherent murmurs interesting to listen to."
"Still," Bella retorted, "this was meant to be our special date. I wanted to spend it with you, not using you as a human sized pillow."
Edward pulled her in for a gentle kiss. "And I have enjoyed being your 'human pillow' if that makes you feel better. It was a privilege." He said in a playful tone. "Do you want to tell me what your nightmare was about?" Normally, talking through Bella's dreams often calms her down. Edward normally offers a helpful solution to her subconscious concerns. Although, Bella has been strangely secretive about her most recent nightmares.
Bella opened her mouth, as if to respond, but immediately closed it again when her phone buzzed in her pocket. "Guess who you think it's going to be, Charlie, Jacob or Mr Newton?"
Smiling sadly at Bella's obvious attempt to avoid his previous question, Edward considered his answer. He knew that Charlie was working later tonight than usual given the recent rise in street vandalism. Whereas Mr Newton often left late minute shift changes to unreasonably late in the evening. Considering Jacob is worryingly increasing level of attachment for Bella in his recent thoughts it's actually more surprising that he is not calling her at every waking minute.
"Holy crap," Bella exclaimed at she seemingly scrolled further down her phone, "I totally forgot I had promised to meet Jake earlier for ice cream. He's sent about five different messages just asking if I'm okay."
"You should probably message the dog back assuring you're fine, it looks like he's getting separation anxiety from his owner." Edward sarcastically suggested.
Bella narrowed her eyes and playfully swatted Edward on his arm. "I already felt bad for ruining our date and now I've disappointed Jake as well."
"You did not ruin our date. Every minute with you is bliss, Bella. You know I am being sincere. And Jake is a good friend to you, he understands how busy you are at the moment, as do I."
Bella's phone buzzed again.
"Jake said he'll forgive me if I promise to come hang with him tomorrow… Is that alright with you?" Bella tentatively asked.
As much as Jacob's pining thoughts about Bella irritated him, Edward could not deny the positive affect his presence has on her wellbeing. "You don't need to ask my permission for who you hang out with, Bella," Edward explained as he held her hand, "Besides, it's been almost three weeks since I last hunted. Carlisle suggested that I should go away this weekend to make sure I'm safe to be around you. I was going to tell you yesterday, but you were so tired, and I didn't want to disrupt your sleep."
Looking into his eyes, Bella had wondered how she had not noticed how dark the ember had become. "How far away are you going?"
"Not too far, probably up to the border of Canada. Jasper and Alice favour the game up there because less people walk off trails." Seeing the melancholy look in Bella's face he quickly added, "I won't be gone for more than two days maximum. You can use that time to make it up to Jacob and catch up on your sleep. Then, as you think this date as been a disaster, we can try again once you're well rested."
Bella softly smiled back, wondering how she could have met someone as perfect as Edward. Slowly, she positioned herself closer to his chest, pulling him in for a tender kiss. The ice-cold touch of his lips brought an end to the drought of contact Bella had had the past week. They were hungry for each other. Each kiss was a breath saving them from drowning in desire. Anticipation caused the hairs on Bella's neck to stand up as Edward planted cool kisses above her collarbone.
Their romantic adventures were halted again as Bella's phone buzzed for the third time. Aggravated, she groaned yet reluctantly looked through her phone. Edward watched with amusement as she quickly typed a reply.
"I forgot to message Jake back that I was coming over tomorrow," Bella explained.
Edward narrowed his eyes only briefly at the incessant messaging on Jacob's behalf. The look of annoyance swiftly disappeared just before Bella looked up to gage Edward's reaction. Like the gentleman he was raised to be Edward reassuredly smiled back at her.
Edward reminded Bella, "Remember you're meeting Angela for dinner,"
Platonically, Edward cared for Angela. She had one of the purest minds Edward had ever encountered because her thoughts were always concerned about how others are feeling. He especially was thankful to Angela for how she treated Bella when he had left; always trying to convince Bella to join in with group outings. Or even going out of her way to let Bella know she could talk to her.
"What will you be doing? I mean – whilst we're eating." Bella asked whilst reaching for Edward's hand.
Edward replied, "I will be helping out Esme assemble the new furniture Alice bought last week." Bella raised her eyebrow questioning him to elaborate.
"Alice thought it would be a good idea to purchase a real bed for you for when you stay over at night." Before Bella could protest Edward reassured her, "It wasn't expensive Bella – don't worry."
Gracefully, Edward picked himself off the ground and extended his hand to Bella to help pick her up.
"Just call me when you're finished and I'll come pick you up," Edward promised.
XXX
As Edward has promised he parked outside the restaurant and waited for Bella to finish her meal. About ten minutes later Bella left hand-in-hand with Angela, laughing at a story Angela had told her about her misbehaved younger brothers. Edward leaned out the window of his car, beckoning the girls over with his hand.
As Bella entered the passenger seat Edward asked, "Angela, would you like a ride home?"
I don't want to be a burden on them. It's a short journey home.
"I'd hate for you to walk home alone." Edward elaborated. He cared for the safety of this girl who was great friend to Bella. He had been in the minds of too many depraved men to allow a woman to walk alone unaccompanied at night.
Graciously, Angela accepted the invitation and climbed into the back of the car. Bella appreciated the thoughtfulness of her boyfriend and smiled to herself.
XXX
Waiting on Bella's bed, Edward reminisced the car ride home as Bella got ready for bed in the bathroom. He had gotten glimpses of the girl's conversations through Angela's thoughts. Specifically, Bella's account of their date in the meadow today. If Edward could blush, he surely would in Bella's flattering depiction of him.
Suddenly, Edward heard a thud originating from the bathroom. Panic swarmed his mind. Was Bella hurt? He rushed to the door as quick as he could. Before he opened the door he gave a quick knock as a warning.
Sprawled on the floor was a half-naked Bella who was clutching at her towel to preserve her modesty.
Edward worriedly asked, "What happened? Are you hurt?"
"You know me – clumsy Bella. I slipped coming out of the shower." Edward gave her a concerned look. "I'm fine, just bruised."
"Can I help you up?" Edward did not want to make Bella uncomfortable trying to help her considering her current lack of clothing.
Bella held out her hand which Edward carefully pulled whilst placing his other hand on her back for stability. She shuddered at his cold embrace against her wet back.
After Edward was satisfied that Bella only had a small bruising he returned to her bed. She reemerged from the bathroom not long after. It had become a routine for Bella to snuggle into Edward before she went to sleep. She did not want to admit to him that it made her feel safe. Regardless, Edward was eager to comply. As he began to gently stroke her hair Bella grew more tired. Edward waited until she fully fell asleep before his smile fell. Leaving Bella tomorrow was always going to be hard. However, leaving Bella knowing she was going to be alone with an inexperienced werewolf was going to be even harder.
