Chapter 9: Edwin

In the two weeks I had been gone I learned a lot had happened in Forks. Charlie's best friend had passed away from a heart attack on the same day Bella had ran away to Italy with one of the Cullens. So that ment they were back in town acting as if they never had left. Charlie was still grieving and spent most of his days in La Push helping Sue go through Harry's things. I'd only been back in Forks for two days and only have seen Bella and Charlie for a total of five minutes.

Getting out of bed I made my way to the bathroom finally brave enough to see what I looked like. From Bella and Charlie's reaction I knew it wasn't good. Both of my eyes were blood shot with deep, ugly purple and yellow bruises under them, my nose had a slight crook to it, a few stitches above my left eyebrow, along with scattered bruises and scratches on my face. I turned to face the full body mirror pulling my shirt up. Across my chest were three deep scratches held together by stitches, it almost looked as if a bear scratched me, both sides of my ribs had the deep purple bruises along with my arms. The back of my arms you could see the outline of a hand that had grabbed me a little to hard. Maybe Sammy or Dean did that getting me out of there. Looking down at the bulky knee brace I had to wear from dislocating my knee. I looked like I got into a fight with a wild animal and lost, thank god Charlie covered for me at school and Bella was bringing all my work home.

The one thing that was missing and I couldn't find anywhere was the Colt. Maybe my brothers had it? I can't remember when I saw it last.. The front door slamming brought me back to reality.

"Bella? Is that you?" I grabbed my crutches and tried to hobble down the stairs.

"You're not Bella." I said looking at the man in the room suspiciously. He gave me a smile that was too white and strained.

"No I'm not, I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting you yet. I'm Edward Cullen." His voice was like velvet as he stuck his hand out of me to shake. I looked at it then back up at him.

"Sorry, I'd rather not. It hurts to move." I said almost monotone. Shit I have no way of protecting myself. I need to plan things out better.

"We have your homework. Bella wanted to go to La Push. You should join her." His voice came even more velvety than before. His brow was furrowed as he look at me almost annoyed with something.

"Great. I'll definitely go with her. I assume you won't be going?" I said my voice was cold. I met his eyes, they were a honey color, not natural whatsoever, nothing about him was.

I turned toward the stairs again. Shit. Why wouldn't Charlie let me live in the spare bedroom downstairs for now. I hesitated trying to figure out the best way to go up them.

"Do you need some help?" Edward said walking over towards me.

"No no.. I got it." I turned to face the stair again I could feel Edwards eyes on me and felt him brush up against my arm. I froze his skin was ice cold, just like the man from the clearing. My head snapped up looking at him.

"You know there's this thing called personal space." I said annoyed with how close he was. "I don't need your help. You've done more than enough. I have no idea what Bella sees in you. So there's the door Edwin, feel free to let it hit you on the way out." I glared at him as he stood still staring at me. He gave me a small smirk before taking a step back.

"I can help you. It'll be a lot quicker if I do." Edwards voice changed, it almost made me sick from how sweet his voice was.

"Thanks Edwin but unlike Bella, I can take care of myself." I waited until Edward went back into the kitchen to make my way upstairs.

Needless to say I was out of breath by the time I made it to my room. I changed into a pair of leggings with a dark green tank top before throwing my hair into its usual messy bun. I threw on the sweatshirt Paul gave me, just because I'm mad at him doesn't mean I can't still wear it right?

Not long after getting ready I hobbled back down the stairs and maneuvered myself in the passenger seat of my car I looked out the review mirror to see Bella saying her goodbyes to Edward. Ew. By that I mean she was currently making out with him as if she'd never see him again. How could she do that with a monster? I reached over to the horn and honked it. Making Bella jump away from Edward and finally get in the drivers seat.

"That's nasty Bella. Like I thought I was going to puke all over my car." I said my face had a look of disgust. Her cheeks turned red as she started the car ignoring what I said.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"I don't think I can do this Bella."

For some reason I felt as if there were rocks in my stomach as the nerves set in. I haven't seen any of them in almost three weeks now, and I looked horrible. I pulled down the visor in the passenger seat looking at myself in the mirror. Bella had pulled up to Emily's house parking the car right in front of it.

"Then why'd you come with." Bella sounded annoyed as if I was interrupting her time.

"Well your dear Edwin wanted me to come with you and plus I can't stay cooped up in that house for much longer I'll lose my mind." I turned and face the porch.

Shit. What if Paul's going to be here. He's not someone I really wanna face right now.

"Well I'm going in. By the way his name is Edward." Bella huffed out clearly annoyed with me. She slammed the door shut when she got out.

You can do it Lex, I was trying to mentally pump myself up. Besides it's probably just Emily in there making muffins or something. After about ten minutes of talking to myself I opened the passenger door and started to hobble my way up the porch.

"Oh my god Lex! Are you okay!" Emily's voice rang through the small house as she looked at me horrified at what she saw.

"Hey Emily. I'm fine just a little banged up." I gave her a small smile that made my face hurt.

"Lexy, what happened?!" She dropped the pan of muffins on the table as she scurried over to me looking me over.

"My brothers and I were in a bad car accident a few weeks ago. I just was the lucky one and got the worst of it." I tried to get her a small laugh but it sounded pained.

"Well sit down, do you want anything to eat, drink?" Emily's mom voice was in full effect as she was grabbing blankets and rearranging pillows on the couch for me.

"I'm good for now thanks Emily."

"You know we've all been worried sick about you these last few weeks. Not knowing where you went or anything, especially Paul. I don't think he's hardly slept or eaten since you disappeared.." Emily trailed as the timer on the oven went off directing her attention back to the kitchen.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Is she even alive..?"

"I don't know.. grab a spoon and hold it under her nose just to make sure she's still breathing."

"Man she looks like she got hit by a bus or something."

I could hear voice whispering above me but I was too tired to open my eyes. That is until one of them started poking my cheek.

"What do you want." Annoyance was clear in my voice as I tried to swat the hand away from my face. I tried rubbing the sleep out of my eyes before I looked to see who was being annoying. Of course it's Quil and Embry. I should of known. I rolled my eyes the best that I could at them crossing my arms over my chest. They were crouched down still staring at me.

"You know if you take a picture it'll last longer." I was still annoyed they woke me up.

"You look like shit." Quil said still staring at me. Embry slapped him on the back of the head.

"You're not supposed to say that to a girl! That's why you're still single Quil. I think Lex looks beautiful." Embry flashed me one of his smiles before diving in for a hug.

"Embry not so tight. My ribs are still sore." I barley gasped out as he loosened his hold on me.

"Well sorry I thought you were dead." He pulled back looking at me all serious. "You just up and disappear for two weeks with no response to messages or calls. Paul thinks it's his fault you left." I can honestly say I've never seen Embry and Quil both so serious since I've known them.

"Well if I wasn't in a coma for almost two weeks I would of responded. It's not my fault my brothers and I got hit by a semi." I said annoyed I was having to explain this story so many times now.

"Well I'm glad you're okay." Quil said giving me a side hug. "At least I can understand that unlike some people." He said pointedly at Embry. I haven't even been awake for ten minutes and they were already bickering like an old married couple.

"Quil don't you have to go and check on Claire." Embry said in a teasing tone. Quil rolled his eyes before getting up and heading out the door. Embry turned his attention back to me as he sat down on the floor.

"So what's going on between you and Paul? He's been all depressed lately."

"I-I don't know." I said turning my attention to the ceiling, I wasn't expecting Embry to ask me that.

"Come on Lex. I know you and him, or I guess mainly you got into an argument with him right before you left."

"I was probably being stupid Em." I said awkwardly, casting a quick glance at him.
"It's I don't know. He was avoiding me like the plague after we-hung out one night. I guess I thought he was just tossing me aside. You know.. I guess I kind of blew a gasket when I called him and I don't know..there was some girl there with him." I rolled to my side looking straight at Embry, ignoring the pain that shot through my side. "Look, I mean I've heard a lot about him from other girls at school. I mean I know not all of them are telling the truth or are exaggerating. But it's still in the back of my head, you know?"

Embry was looking at the couch suddenly interested in tracing the pattern with his finger.

"I had a feeling you heard about that. But he's not like that anymore, it's hard to explain.. I guess I don't know why... but when he met you he just dropped all of the girls he used to talk to or you know." Embry cheeks turned pink now turning his attention to his tattered shoes. "Just give him a chance to explain. I mean he feels awful. I don't think he's eaten or slept since you chewed him out."

"I guessssss." I tired to sit up wincing at I did. "Does Emily have any food left or did you eat it it all?"

Bella had disappeared a while ago with Jake. It was just Emily, Embry, and I at the house most of the afternoon, that is until the front door flew open and a tall girl with short choppy black hair came stomping through the front door.

"What's her problem?" I whispered to Embry quiet enough so she wouldn't hear me, or so I thought. Her head snapped over towards our direction and she glared.

"What's my problem? What's yours?" She sneered before stomping to the kitchen.

My brows furrowed as I looked over at Embry who mouthed back that he'd tell me later. How could she of heard me? I could barley hear myself. Not long after that Jared, Sam, and Paul came through the door that was still left open. I tensed and turned my attention back to Embry not ready to face Paul quiet yet. It was weird how I could sense Paul in the room without looking behind me. It felt almost like a magnet was trying to pull me in his direction. I could hear them all talking in the kitchen before footsteps headed towards us in the living room.

"What the hell happened to your face." Jared dropped the muffin he was holding when he got a glimpse of my face. My head snapped in his direction rolling my eyes in the process. This is starting to get tedious.

"Car accident." I groaned as I fell back on the pillow. I knew Paul was by Jared staring at me as well. "Embry go get me food. I'm so hungry."

"You literally ate not even an hour ago. And it was more than what I had." Embry raised his brows. "I'm starting to think you actually got your leg hollowed out." He rolled his eyes but got up and headed to the kitchen.

I closed my eyes not really wanted to talk to anyone. Where was Bella? I want to go home. I could feel the couch sink down by my feet as the room got quiet.

"Lex? I know you're not sleeping." Paul said.

"What do you want." I said cracking one eye open.

"Can we-you know talk?"

"About what." I said trying to leave it short hoping he wouldn't want to talk to me.

"You know what about Lex." His voice was pained.

I felt my stomach drop knowing I caused him to feel this way. But why? It's not like we're even dating or anything but why do I keep feeling this way?

"I guess."

"Look I wasn't trying to blow you off or ignore you. Sam just had me so busy I just didn't have time to see anyone." He was messing with his hands not really focusing on anything. "And that girl that was with me was Kim. Jared's new girlfriend. It's been annoying having to see Jared all over her all the time. Like he brings her around whenever he can. It just-I don't know starts to wear down on me. I guess I kind of wish you were here all the time like that. So I don't know..you probably don't believe any of this." He started rambling looking down at the floor.

"Okay." I forgot everything I wanted to say to him. It's like my mind goes to mush every time he starts talking or is near me. Paul head snapped in my direction as he looked at me in disbelief.

"Okay. That's it?" He said not believing what I said.

"Yeah. I mean I believe you." I gave him a pained smile. Why couldn't I say what I wanted to. Why does Paul of all people have this effect on me?

"Okay. Good. Great." Paul smiled at me a huge relief left his shoulders.

"I mean. I think we should you know.. maybe.." I started to play with a sting on the blanket suddenly all nervous. "Maybe we should just take it slow? Like maybe, I guess just see where it goes..?"
"If that's what you want." Paul gave me a small smile. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Come on. It'll be a weekend trip! A girls trip!" Jessica fell back dramatically on my bed. "Besides prom is coming up and if we go we're guaranteed to not have the same dress as anyone else!"

"I mean it does sound fun." Angela said looking up from her book. "We only ever go to Port Angeles and that gets old."

"See! Angela understands!" Jessica threw her arms in the air.

"I mean I'm down for whatever if I can take my car." I shrugged looking over at Angela.

"Seriously Lex. What is up with you and that car. It's so old and outdated." Jessica rolled over so she was now halfway off of the bed.

"It's still a classic. If you want me to go my car come too." I crossed my arms over my chest.

"Fineeeee. So we'll have to take two cars. So far it's me, Angela, you, Lauren, Bella, Alice, and possibly Rosalie."

"So are we going tomorrow then?"

Another week had flown by and it Angela and Jessica had made a point to see me at least every day after school. Thankfully all of the bruising was almost gone but I still had to wear the bulky knee brace.

"Yes!" Jessica said excitedly. "It'll be so much fun! I've only been to Portland once, but I mean we can get a hotel and stay the night since it is like four hours away."

"So is Bella still grounded?" Angela said changing the subject.

"Yeah Edwin isn't allowed to step foot in this place or Charlie said he'd shoot him." I rolled my eyes knowing very well he snuck into Bella's room every night. Apparently salting the windows and doors had no effect on him. The front door opened and we could hear shuffling in the kitchen before footsteps were hear on the stairs.

"Who's here?" Jessica looked at me confused.

"I don't know. I didn't invite anyone." I shrugged standing up from my bean bag chair.

"Hey Lex!" Embry walked through my bedroom door followed by Paul.

Of course they were shirtless only wearing a pair of cutoff jeans and tattered shoes. Jessica and Angela both had their mouths slightly ajar looking at the two newcomers. I plopped back down on my bean bag, Paul crossed the room in two steps and joined me on the bean bag.

"Wow. You have friends Lex? I thought we were the only ones." Embry gave a lopsided smile and turned his attention to Jess. "Hey I'm Embry." He said in an attempt to flirt. I tuned them out knowing Jess was loving the attention and turned my attention to Angela.

The next few hours were spent joking around and Jessica talking about prom. Jessica was currently talking about what color her dress should be when Embry and Paul visibly tensed. I could feel tremors going through Paul. I cast a glance over at him as he was intensely staring out the door. I could feel Paul wrap his arm around my waist pulling me closer to him as he leaned forward trying to block me from the door. Jessica and Angela were oblivious to what was going on, still debating on what color of dress they should get.

"Oh hey Bella! Edward." Jessica said cheerfully as Bella hovered by the door. "I need to know your opinion. Come here!" She waved Bella over to her showing Bella pictures on her phone.

Edward hovered by the door also tense, staring Paul down. Edwards eyes shot over in my direction looking me up and down before they stopped on Paul arm around my waist. Edward's eyes widened slightly as he saw Paul tighten his grip and let out a small smirk as if he knew a secret. Paul started trembling more noticeably as Edward continued smirking at him. The only people who noticed what was going on was Embry and Bella as she tried giving Jessica an excuse on why she had to leave. Embry, like Paul, had tremors rippling through his back as he stood near the door, never taking his eyes off of Edward.

"Typical." Jessica rolled her eyes as Bella and Edward headed back downstairs. "It's crazy how she's back with him."

"Lex. Where's your perfume? It reaks in here now." Embry said scrunching his nose and composing himself. He grabbed the perfume off my desk spraying it all over.

"I don't smell anything." Angela said looking at Embry confused.

"You're not supposed to spray that much of it! You know how expensive perfume is?" Jessica threw a pillow at Embry trying to stop him from spraying anymore of it.

"Okay okayyy. I'll stop. But it still reaks of Cullen in here." Embry's nose was still scrunched as he looked around the room.

"Look I mean we all aren't a huge fan of Edward. But I still don't smell what you're smelling." Jessica said covering her nose from the intense perfume smell.

Paul hadn't moved an inch since Edward left, his arm was still around my waist protectively. My hand instinctively rested on his knee, trying to calm him down.

"Whoa. Since when are you guys together?" Jessica said now noticing us.

"I-well we aren-"

"Just recently." Paul cut me off giving Jessica a strained smile.

"Oh. So you're coming to prom with Lex then?" Jessica perked up.

"I'm not sure she hasn't asked me yet." Paul shrugged and gave me a tight smile.

"So why haven't you asked him yet Lex? Prom is like three weeks away."

"I wasn't sure if I was going to make it to prom or not. Usually my brothers and I go on our annual camping trip around that that." I lied through my teeth. I was meeting my brothers in Indiana for a case that only happens once every five years, and you can bet I wasn't going to miss it.

"Uh yeah sure. But I think we should be going. Want to meet at my place around 7am?" Jessica said quickly changing the subject.

"Uh- sure yeah that works!" I gave her a smile as she drug Angela out the door.

"So you guys really don't like the Cullens, huh?" I turned my attention back to Paul and Embry.

"Ew no. They're our sworn enemies Lex." Embry said his nose still scrunched up. "I'm going to see if there's any food in the kitchen. I'll be back." He winked at me as he turned and ran down the stairs.

"What does he mean by that?" I turned to face Paul who loosened his grip up a little bit.

"It's complicated I guess. The Cullens aren't allowed on the reservation."

"Why?"

"Did you listen to anything Billy was saying during the bonfire? When he was talking about the legends?"

"Uhh.." I tried to wrack my brain. "That the Cullens are sparkly wannabe vampires?"

"Well next weekend we're having another bonfire. You should come and maybe listen this time." Paul whispered his face had moved closer to mine, all I could smell was mint mixed with something I couldn't place my finger on. It was a hypnotizing smell that I couldn't get enough of. My mind went blank when I looked into his chocolate colored eyes.

"Paul..." my voice was quieter than a whisper.

"I'm here Alexis" his voice was no louder than mine had been. His fingers felt as light as a feather as he ran them down my cheek before caressing my face. A shiver went down my spine as the electrical current went through my body. He slowly almost painfully slow dropped his face down to mine stopping just a hair away from my lips. Wait. Pull yourself together Lex, I tried to mentally scold myself. Why does this feel so right with Paul of all people? I was never like this with any of my ex's when I dated them. Why Paul? I lifted my chin slightly trying to get closer to Paul.

"Oh shit! Sorry guys I didn't know" Embry's voice came from the doorway. I jumped and my head snapped in his direction, he currently had his free hand over his eyes and he held a plate with what I think was five sandwiches on it in his other hand. My phone ringing made me jump again.

Call from Kelsey

"Will you guys excuse me I need to take this." I stood up flustered, bumping into Embry as I left the room as fast as I could.

"Hello?"

"Lex! What are you doing this weekend?" Kelseys usual cheerful voice was strained.

"Dress shopping in Portland. I guess prom is coming up so some girls at school want to go and find dresses." I groaned not wanting to go.

"Interesting. Portland is close to River Grove isn't it?"

"I think so? Why?"

"Oh nothing. I might swing up to Portland tomorrow and see you. The two idgits are with me."

"Please do! I miss you guys."

"Okay! I'll let you know I'll hopefully see you tomorrow in Portland. Bye!" Kelsey's voice sounded stressed as she hung the phone up. Weird.

I turned around and headed back into the house. Paul and Embry were in the kitchen raiding the fridge for food.

"You guys want pizza? We can watch another horror movie if Embry is up for it."

"I wasn't scared Alexis. I just didn't want you to feel like you were the only one scared." Embry said with his mouth full. "But I'm fine with pizza I want two larges." He walked into the living room plopping down in Charlie's recliner. I followed him and sprawled out on the couch throwing a blanket over me.

"You want anything Paul?" He hovered by the couch before lifting my feet up and sitting down.

"Whatever you get is fine with me." He smiled at me as Embry threw a pillow at him.

"Get him two larges too. I don't want to hear him complain that he's hungry later."

I smiled at them as I called the pizza place. You know the one good thing about Dean sending me here to live is definitely meeting Paul and Embry. I would of lost my mind long ago if I never met them. A small smile was on my lips as I looked up and saw Paul looking back at me. Yeah living here is as bad as I wished it was.