To save money, I still lived at home. Or that house, because I never did see it as home. Charlie had taken off years ago, and my mother, Renee had never really gotten over it. For a little while, she tried to be a mother, but she found it easier to drink away the pain. As I got closer and closer, I hoped that Renee would be out. Looking at our empty driveway, I saw that I had gotten lucky.

Unlocking the side door, I enter the kitchen. I quickly put the food Edward had purchased me away, and take advantage of the silence to try and get some studying done. I had no idea of when Renee would be home, and the smart thing would have been to study in my room. Calculus always took all of my focus, so I was startled when I heard gravel crunching in the driveway. I tried my best to pack up the evidence of my existence from the small kitchen table, but I wasn't quick enough.

In came Renee, giggling and stumbling through the front door, and unfortunately she wasn't alone.

"Oh Bella. I didn't know you'd be home. This handsome piece of man candy is Mike."

I roll my eyes and nod my head. Eyeing my small flip phone on the table, I slip it into my pocket and grab up my things, making a mad dash for the stairs leading toward the basement.

"I was just leaving. You and Mike have fun."

There was something in the way he watched me that I immediately distrusted. It was almost like he deliberately stood in the doorway so that I'd have to brush up against him to get by.

"Hey Bella?"

I stop cold. I hated having to talk to Renee's flavor of the week.

"What?"

"Bella Swan. You'll show respect to the adults of this house."

"That's alright Renee. Just wanted to tell Bella to make sure she turned up the volume on the tv. Wouldn't want her to hear something she shouldn't."

With a leer and the creepiest wink I had ever seen, I was given permission to go, and I left as quickly as possible.

I intended to stay awake, to listen for when the two of them had finally managed to migrate to her bedroom, but I had fallen asleep. When I wake the basement is entirely dark, indicating night has come. I briefly stretch and go upstairs to warm the uneaten portion of my panini in the microwave. I stare through the door of the microwave thinking about my encounter with Edward Cullen. I'm so deep in thought that I don't register Mike's presence until he is directly behind me.

"Holding out on me Bella?"

I can't move. He's so close to me that I can smell the alcohol on his breath and I know that if I try to run, he'll catch me.

"I know you've heard me Bella. It would be in your best interest to answer."

I swallow loudly. I've been here below. They usually go away if I'm loud enough to wake Renee but polite.

"Holding out on you? I'm not sure what you mean by that."

"What are you microwaving Bella?"

"It's a panini, leftover from earlier today. If you're hungry, you can have it. I'll heat some soup instead."

"Oh no. I can think of something much more appetizing."

I feel and hear him sniff my hair. He can't be referring to me. I use cheap drugstore shampoo and my last shower was yesterday.

"I'm not sure what you mean by that Mike, but enjoy the sandwich."

I quickly try to side step him, but he uses his height to block my way.

"Why don't you stay awhile Bella."

"No thank you. I have homework."

"It wasn't a question."

He's in my face now, his breath hot and rancid. For some reason, I feel cold and I start to shiver.

"Let me go, or I'll wake my mother."

"Why are you being so dram-"

"I'm already awake, Bella. Pack your shit and go. Enough is enough."

I smile then. The predator has been caught and I know that I've narrowly avoided being assaulted.

"I'm not sure why you're smiling. I'm not going to let you ruin me and Michael's happiness. All this time and we're pretending like Charlie ran away because of me, when he's really gone because of you."

No. She doesn't mean this. She's just been drinking.

"I always wondered what I did to wind up with such a slut for a daughter. You just couldn't resist coming after another one of my men could you? That's it. No more. You need to go. I'm not going to take care of you anymore."

I'm frozen to the spot. As she's standing behind him, she can't see him, but Mike's leering at me. He may not have gotten what he wanted, but he's the winner here, not me.

"I mean it Bella. You've got to go. I can't keep picking up your dead weight."

"Where am I supposed to go? You're all I have left."

"You heard your mother. If you'd like, I can help you pack."

I hate my body for betraying me in that moment. I feel myself begin to cry.

"Well? What are you waiting for?"

I know it's a long shot, but I reach into my pocket and grab my cell and the card I've stashed there.

"Let me make a call. I'll be out of your hair shortly."

I dial each number slowly and deliberately. I just know that at this time of night, he won't answer. The phone rings and rings.

"Edward Cullen speaking."