Authors Note:

Hello everyone. A few notes about this chapter. There is an attempted sexual assault. I know this is a powerful trigger for many. So if you have any issues with this subject matter, please feel free to PM me so I can summarize the chapter for you. Also thank you to all the people who have recently decided to join us on this journey.

Belladonna

Lily POV

(July 9th, 2004. 6 AM)

Thick arms wrap around me, pulling me closer, pushing my breast into a robust hard chest. The heat is overwhelming. I can barely breathe. I take deep gasps trying to get vital oxygen to my brain. Lips slowly descended to my neck, sucking and nipping at the sensitive skin. I can't help but throw my head back in pleasure. A low steady moan escapes my lips. My long hair falling in waves down my back. A hand comes up and runs itself in my hair, getting to the nape of my neck and pulling roughly, presenting my neck even more for this stranger and getting even closer into the sensation. My heartbeat wildly, and it felt like it could be heard throughout space and time. Another hand lowers itself onto my breast massaging it and elegantly teasing my sensitive nipple. I can't open my eyes, the pleasure is too overwhelming. I wanted nothing more than to throw myself deeply into this stranger's arms, do whatever they wanted to me, as long as it brought me even more intense pleasure. The mystery man began their ascent, I was going to find out who this mystery man was. I needed to know who it was that elicited such a strong reaction from me.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

I groaned and slammed off my alarm clock. Every night, every single night for months, I have been having these dreams. I couldn't stop but feel overwhelmed when I would wake up everything in me tingled. My skin would be flushed, and I was sweating. I just wanted to know who this mysterious stranger was, but every time I was about to find out, the dream would end. I needed a second, I needed to catch my breath.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Lily, if you don't get up now, you'll be late for work."

It was true. I had been continually pushing back my alarm and trying to give myself more time to discover who was in my dreams. But instead, it's only made my dreams more descriptive and prolonged. I pushed back the covers and rushed to my closet.

"I'm up," I replied

"Good. I'll go make you some coffee. See you downstairs in 5."

I got dressed sluggishly, wanting nothing more to go back to sleep. But even if I did, I would never get the answers I desperately needed. I half-ran down the stairs, almost slipping and falling on the last step. I righted myself and cleared my head. "I should really stop sleeping in" mummering to myself.

"Thanks, dad. I really appreciate it." I said while grabbing my to-go cup.

"It's alright, Lily Pad. By the way, are you alright, I heard you moaning out in your sleep. Are you still having nightmares?" I asked, looking worried.

I fought the blush that wanted to rise up. "Oh yeah, they're getting pretty worse." That wasn't a lie, my dreams had been getting worse. I just had to lie to dad about why I was suddenly moaning in my sleep. There was no way I was going to tell dad that they weren't nightmares.

He shook his head and looked at me with a worried look "Maybe you should go see someone. It might be good to talk it out."

"I really think they'll just go away with time. Don't worry so much, dad. Besides, I'm still getting enough sleep for work."

Patting me on the head, he turned around to fix his coffee. "It's only right for me to worry about my little girl. I'll always worry no matter how old you are."

I smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Well, I gotta run, dad. I'll see you later."

He gave me a wave, and I ran out the front door and hopped into my car. I braced myself for a hard day at work. I had been pulling multiple shifts, hoping to avoid my dreams, and wear myself out so that I wouldn't have any dreams at all. But that seemed hopeless. The dreams were unavoidable. Maybe I should talk to someone. But what would I even say?

Pulling up to my usual parking spot, I took my last sip of coffee and headed into work.

(July 9th, 2004 6 PM)

I rubbed my chest for what seemed like the thousandth time. I had begun to have a consistent heartache. As if I wasn't already having a hard time with these annoying dreams, but ever since the end of March, I've had the symptoms of a heart attack, but I pushed off that diagnoses, I'm too young for that or at least I hoped. I feel like I'm about to have my heart die at any moment. It was like my heart would suddenly skip a beat. I was able to push it off when I was working with a patient, but as soon as I was done, the pain would return. I wanted answers, but I didn't even know who to talk to.

"Lily is everything alright." I heard a lyrical voice call out while I was on the way to clock out. It shocked me out of my internal debate. My thoughts on what could possibly be the reason for this irregularly.

"Oh, Carlisle, I thought you were working with Mr. Jenkins?" I said, turning around to face the inhumanly handsome man.

"I just finished. A clear case of diabetes. But is something wrong with you? I've noticed you've been acting strange. Also, don't think that I haven't observed you rubbing your chest. You've been doing that a lot recently."

I looked him the eye and asked, "Actually, can you give me a checkup? I've been having chest pains for the past couple a couple months now. I've been pushing them off, but they only seem to be getting worse. I'm sure it's probably nothing, but I just want to be sure."

"Sounds like a good idea. You should have come to me before now. Besides, I wouldn't want anything to happen to Fork's best nurse. Come with me. I believe that exam room 5 is free." He replied while heading to the room.

I had to almost run to catch up with his pace. It was times like this that I cursed being short. "I'm not the best nurse Carlisle. But thank you for the compliment."

Inclining his head towards me. "I'm only being honest. Anyone of your patients would agree."

We walked into the room, "Go ahead and sit on the table. So what exactly are your symptoms?"

"Tightness in the chest mainly, it starts out okay not too bad, but by the end of the day, it feels like I have an elephant sitting on my chest. I also get lightheaded whenever I move too quickly." I said, shaking my head.

Reaching for the blood pressure cuff, he took the tone of a professional. My work friend was no longer there, but standing in front of me was Doctor Cullen. It was slightly intimidating. "Let me take your blood pressure, then I'll listen to your heart."

I let him put the cuff around me and waited for the readout. I hated the feeling of the tightness of the cuff, but it was something that was essential to find out what was wrong with me. "120 over 80, perfectly normal. Now let me listen to your heart. Sorry, this might be a bit cold."

He moved my scrub top to the side and placed the stethoscope on my heard. "Now, breath in slowly." I followed his instructions mirroring his breathing. Honestly, I found his hand colder than the metal, but after working with him, I was used to the sensation.

With a confused look on his face, he took a deep look in my eyes. "Your heart sounds perfectly fine. When it comes to the lightheadedness, could it be your diet? Has anything recently changed."

"Not to my knowledge. I've been eating the same." I shook my head.

"We could do a blood test, but I theorize that it's probably just stress. I've noticed you have been working a lot of overtime. I recommend taking a couple days off. You should have plenty of vacation."

"Are you sure? Won't you guys need me here?"

He shook his head while chuckling, "We will be just fine. It's better to take care of yourself. If you are not at your peak, then you are not giving your best for our patients."

I sighed. "You're right. I'll take the next week off. Hopefully, it's just stress."

He smiled at me, "Good. If the symptoms get worse, come in immediately."

Jumping up off the table, I began walking out the door. "Thanks, Carlisle, I really apricated it."

"It's not a problem, Lily."

Lily POV

(July 11th, 2004)

Slipping off my shoes and my sundress, leaving me in only my swimsuit, I walked closer to the shoreline. It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm. I had driven out to La Push, even though Leah was with her cousins up at the Makah reservation. But still, I felt a calling to be close to the salty air. Leah's and I relationship had continued to deteriorate; she threw herself into work, leaving very little time for us to hang out. I had also noticed the personality shift. She was no longer the Leah I knew. She was a bitter, hateful woman, but I kept my promise to Sam not to tell her of his feelings towards me. It would only do more harm than good right now. He'll get over this phase and hopefully makeup with Leah. I stared at the crashing waves absorbed in my thoughts. I still was having this crushing feeling on my chest, but it was nice to be able to look forward to having a few days off work. Sitting my stuff down, I headed to the ocean and let the water wash over my ankles as I got further and further into the salty water. I soon found myself waist-deep in the water, just relaxing and admiring the beauty of the scene. The sun was glittering off the water, and the white puffy clouds moving along with every small breeze.

I must have stayed in the water for about 15 minutes, just letting the water soothe away my pain before the temperature demanded I get out. I brought my sketch pad so that I can fully document the beauty of the world surrounding me. I sat down with the pad propped up on my thighs and observed everything around me. The beach was pretty isolated. Not many people were out, which was surprising, but it could just be because it was early in the morning. I just got lost in my own little world. I had noticed I had started to do that more. Just lose focus and had to be snapped back into reality. It was like my life had no real purpose: I was only living in a pattern, never taking risks or letting life change my direction. I knew however, life would throw me a curveball sooner than later, shake up the routine I have.

I must have been there for about 30 minutes before I decided I would change scenery and head to the tidepools. The creatures that lived in that environment always looked magical to me. So packing up my stuff and slipping on my sandals, I quickly made my way over there. When I arrived, I noticed I was utterly alone, alone with only the forest surrounding me. I sat down on a large low hanging tree branch and began to get absorbed in my art once again. The world melted away, and I was only focused on my task. When a hand grasped my shoulder.

"Oh my god." I jolted, throwing my sketch pad into the air.

A voice started shushing me as if that would soothe my freaked out nerves. "Shush –Lily, it's just me."

I knew from that moment precisely who it was even though I prayed to God, I was wrong. I turned around. Kneeling beside me was Luke Newton. Dressed in a pair of swim trunks and wearing Oakley sunglasses covering his grey eyes. His blonde hair was gelled back and looked greasy.

"Luke, what what are you doing here," I said, stuttering.

He smiled in a way that he thought was suave and leaning closer to me. "My brother called, said you came in to get some sunscreen. So I figured you would be at the beach. But I didn't see you so I took a guess that you would be here, glad I was right. But anyway, I thought I'd come and join you."

My creep alert was flashing. I hadn't heard from him in a while, so I thought he had moved on, but apparently, I was wrong. "Why did your brother call you?" I said, leaning away.

"He owes me a favor." That didn't explain anything, and in fact, I felt disgusted. Why was he keep track of me?

Standing up, I almost collided with his nose, but he, unfortunately, moved away in just enough time. "Well, I was actually about to leave. So it was good to see you."

"But you've only been here for 15 minutes. Why don't you stay and hang out with me? I heard you and Leah are going through a rough patch. Figured I can be your new friend."

My spine had spiders running down it. "How do you know that."

He stepped closer and grabbed my wrist. Not quite in a death grip but harder than just a friendly touch would be. I didn't want him touching me. His hands felt slimy. "I've been here for about the same, but you looked so beautiful that I just wanted to admire you for a while."

"Look, Luke, you're freaking me out. I think it's best if you just let me leave."

He gave me a sleazy smile as his eyes probably began roving over my body. I couldn't tell due to the glasses. "I'm just saying you look amazing right now, Lily. You should take the compliment. Besides, don't you want to hang out with me."

I tried to rip my hand back, but the pressure he had on it just got stronger. "Luke seriously let go of me. I just want to go home."

He pulled me to his chest. "No. I think I'll keep you here. I mean, I finally got your attention this way. You've been ignoring me for too long. Ignoring my feelings and my hints that I am the man for you."

"Let me go, Luke. Let go of me now."

"Oh, you want me to let you go, do you." He said in a mocking tone. Leaning his mouth closer to my ear, he whispered, "Come one just one little date. I'll make it worth your wild. I'll let you go as soon as you agree."

I shivered but not the good kind of shiver. I really began to try and get away from him. Trying to pull my arm out of his grip. But he was a good foot taller than me, and while he didn't look like he had muscles, he sure had enough to keep me restrained. "Luke, please, I don't like you like that. Just let me go." My voice started to rise, hoping someone would hear me, but there was no one around. I was alone. I was scared.

His face morphed into rage. "Oh, you don't do you, well that makes this easier for me. I have tried to be kind and give you all the attention so you would catch the fucking clue. But you just don't seem to get it. So I'll make you get it." With that, he backed handed me with so much force I fell to the rocky ground. My mind was wheeling. I couldn't tell what was up or down.

I was yanked up by my wrists and hands moved to my shoulders, gripping them so hard. I think that they would be dislocated. I was pushed down, my body bent over the tree branch, and his body was a weight keeping me from getting up or fighting back. His hand moved to my mouth, covering it in so no one could hear me even though no one is around. His other hand moved to my body and roaming over it. I tried to start screaming, but the hand on my mouth moved down to my throat, squeezing it, stopping my voice and cutting off my airway.

"Shut up, you stupid whore. This is what you deserve. You're such a fucking cock-tease. I will fucking teach you a lesson, and you can't do anything about it." He said, whispering in my ear again while pushing my swimsuit top to the side. At this point, tears were streaming down my face. I prayed that someone would come; someone would help my getaway. All I could do is pray. The edges of my vision were beginning to go black from lack of oxygen. I couldn't pass out; if I passed out, I knew what would happen.

Suddenly the weight disappeared; the hands-on my body were ripped away. I collapse on the ground taking deep gasps of air. I still couldn't see very well. But I could hear the distinct sound of someone being hit repeatedly. I continued to sit there, trying to get air with sobs beginning to rasp out of my sore throat.

A hand suddenly began to rub my back. My body didn't register a feeling of aggression or evil intent, but I still jerked away. But the hand pressed gently again and began to rub up and down my back.

"Ana, it's me. You're safe now. You're safe. I'm here. I'm here."

I heard Sam's voice come through. His voice sent a way of peace, and my shaking began to recede. My vision snapped back into focus. I raised my head and to see Sam sitting beside me, rubbing my back, helping get my breathing back into a rhythmic pattern.

Looking into his eyes, I saw pain.

Sam POV

(July 11th, 2004)

It was another long day of patrol, and it was almost over. I was alone for this shift, which suited me fine. Ever since Ana dismissed me, my world has been nothing but a shade of grey. Nothing brought me joy. My mom had tried to keep my spirits up and told me that Ana needed time. I know she had demanded I not call her that, but to me, she would always be my Ana. I decided to head towards the beach for the final loop, keeping closer to the forest as always so I wouldn't be seen. My mind was blank.

A shot of pain ran up my throat. I felt my ability to breath stop. My heart started to race. Something's wrong. Something's wrong with Ana. I focused on my thoughts as if that would help me figure out what was going on when I suddenly heard a loud smack. It wouldn't have been deafening to ordinary ears, but to me, it was like a gunshot. I looked around, wondering where it had come from but noticed my body moving towards the tidepools. I shifted back and slipped on my shorts when I realized I was coming into the sight of humans. I scanned the area and found my set-jetting across the ground when I saw a flash of distinctive hair.

It was Ana. Ana was in danger, and I had to help her. To get her to safety and have her in my arms where nothing could touch her.

I ran faster than I ever thought I could. I arrived to see a disgusting sight. It was Ana being trapped beneath a man and with one of his hands wrapping around her throat, effectively silencing her, while the other groped her breast. I slammed my body against his, throwing him off of her and jarring him. I felt my body begin to violently vibrate even more violent than when I first phased. I wanted to tear his throat out. I wanted to make sure he would never touch her or anyone again. But it was the sound of Ana gasping for air that made me calm, I needed to keep cool to help her. That didn't mean I had to stop slamming my fist repeatedly into his face. I lost myself in the rage, repeatedly smashing my hand into his flesh. I only stopped when smelt the salty smell of tears, a different scent that the sea air surrounding the area. My focus immediately ran back to Ana, and being there for her.

I got up and couched over to where she was. I didn't know what to do, I knew I should probably not touch her, yet I knew I had to try and do anything for her to realize she was safe with me. It killed me when she jumped away from my hand.

"Ana, it's me. You're safe now. You're safe. I'm here. I'm here."

She looked at me eyes red from tears, some still spilling out of her eyes. Her eyes looked broken, she was in pain.

"Ana, we need to go to the police. Can you stand?" I said, standing up. She simply violently shook her head.

"Do you want me to carry you?" again, I got a head shake in response. It seemed like forever before she finally spoke.

In a raspy voice, as if she hadn't had water in days, she finally responded. "No. No police."

"Ana, you have to report him. You have a father as a cop, you should know this. You can't just let him get away with this." I replied, my eyes wide with shock. Why wouldn't she want to go to the police?

She looked at me with such a broken look. "No police."

I knew I should press her to make her see reason, but I couldn't stand the look in her eyes. "Okay. Let's get you out of here."

I watched as she tried to stand up, but she looked like a newly born deer. "Do you want me to carry you?"

She took a moment, a frightened look crossed her face, but she soon relaxed and simply nodded. I walked toward her carefully, not making any sudden movement. I picked up her stuff, handed it to her, and then bent down again to pick her up. Pulling her close to my chest, feeling like now she was in a safe haven.

A whisper came through the silence. "Allison."

I looked down at the tiny, fragile woman and saw her staring at the sea. "You want to go to my mom's."

She simply nodded. "Alright, then." I walked us towards her car. I took stock of the situation. I have my imprint, she safe, but she's just gone through the most horrific thing that a person can have done to them. I can't tell how bad this is going to affect her, but everything told me that she is a survivor. I'm pretty sure that complete and utter trash of a human being is going to be knocked out for a while. Maybe my mom can convince Ana that she needs to report him, but I wouldn't press her about it anymore. "Give me your keys, please." She fished them out of her bag, slowly dropped them in my hands, and got into the passenger seat.

It was a silent ride over to mom's house, but neither of us were in the mood to speak after what just happened. I was still fuming with anger wanting to go back and finish that trash for good, but Ana needed me right now. She needed me to be strong.

We pulled up to the small yellow house. Mom must have seen Ana's car pull up because she was standing on the porch by the time I put the car in park. "Can you walk, Ana?" I was meet with silence. I sighed and went to pick up her up to bring her into the house.

Mom must have seen the dead look in Ana's eyes or maybe the bruises forming around her neck because she immediately blurted out, "What the hell happened?!"

"Not now, mom, can you help me by opening the door," I replied, shaking my head. She complied.

Ana began shaking. She was starting to cry again. I didn't know what to do, so I placed her down on the green plaid couch and stepped back. Mom was rushing over to Ana's side in a second, wrapping her in a hug. Ana exploded with tears and screams. My heart couldn't stand it. I never heard someone scream with such anguish, and that even includes my mom after my father left. Mom just sat there, having Ana in her arms and running her hands through Ana's hair. I didn't know what to do so I just stood there taking in the scene and wishing I could have been there sooner.

"Sam, go make us some tea." My mom barked with authority. I knew she wanted me out of the room so that she could talk about what happened over with Ana. I just gave a sharp nod and walked out of the room.

The tea seemed to take forever to make, but while I was out of the room, I heard the screams quiet, and whispers arrive. My mind would forever be haunted by the screams. Ana's eyes were even redder when I came back into the room.

Lily POV

(July 11th, 2004)

I sat on the green plaid couch, my throat raw, and my mind in shambles. It felt like an out of body experience, I could see myself there on that couch, just small and hurt. I had never wished for death, but right now, I didn't want to live. I thought he was harmless, I thought he was harmless! How could I be so wrong? I didn't register anything but trauma. My mind didn't want to think about anything but breathing. I didn't want to think about anything but breathing. A cup was placed in my hands, shocking me out of my body. Allison just sat there half holding the cup she was giving me.

"I need you to drink this sweetheart. It'll soothe your throat." All I could do is give a slight nod and grab the cup. We sat in silence, just drinking our tea. I suddenly felt hands touching me again, but I can smell the scent of lavender and pine. So I relaxed it was Allison. I raised my head to look into her eyes.

"I'm not going to force you to talk about what just happened. It is your choice. I am not going to make you go to the police or your father. That is again, your choice. But I am offering to let you stay with me for the rest of the week." She said while holding my hand.

I felt tears overwhelm me again. "Why?" was the only thing that came out of my mouth.

She gave me a small smile. "You need to be in a space where you feel safe, and I'm hoping you feel safe here and with someone you trust."

She was right. I did feel safe here. I always have felt safe in Allison's house, and I would trust her with my life. "Okay."

Super heavy chapter I know. I also know many of you want Lily to be one of the few that report her assault. But only 230 out of every 1000 sexual assaults are reported according to . She is also the 1 in 6 women who are sexually assaulted. Lily was lucky that Sam was able to save her, but many are not. It is vital to give your friend time and be there whether they want to talk about their assaults or not. Sorry for the heavy chapter, but it plays a role in the plot, not just for drama's sake.