Bella let herself into the house with her keys and looked back at Cynthia. She chuckled at Bella and replied,

"I'll come in the normal way, let me just get my things."

Bella chuckled since she was used to either Alice or Edward coming in through her window. Cynthia was refreshing in that she wanted to not show off her vampire prowess.

"Things? What kind of things?" Bella asked.

Julian grinned and told Bella,

"Her theatrics of sorts. Don't worry, it's tame and professional."

Cynthia managed to chuckle at that as she got her bag out of Julian's trunk. She thought for a moment as she looked at Bella. Would Edward come here and if so, would she be enough to keep him at bay. Cynthia didn't want her work to be interrupted but she didn't know how much time they had.

"When's your father coming home Bella? I don't sense him in the house." She asked.

"Tomorrow afternoon. He went on a camping trip with his friends. Though if Edward calls, I will lie obviously and say he came home early. Why do you ask?"

Cynthia flashed a concerned look to Julian, who was still in his truck on nodded.

"You go Cyn, in case Edward tries his whole spider monkey act with climbing I'll be here. Bella has to do what she has to do." Julian expressed softly.

Cynthia felt more at ease, both with Bella having more protection and with Julian being so close. It was very strange that Cynthia had these warm mate feelings towards him but they were nagging at her in pleasant ways. Cynthia nodded and gave Julian a small kiss on the cheek.

"We should be fine but do be careful Jules. There's still much we don't know about Edward." Cynthia whispered lowly to him.

Julian nodded and stroked her cheek.

"I'm always careful, knowing how much it will break you if I'm not."

Cynthia sighed but nodded in agreement. She walked into the house with Bella and they made her way to Bella's bedroom. It was telling to Cynthia how she didn't see any photos of her and Edward together in the room. There was one of Bella and her mother on her table, one when Bella was younger with her father on a fishing trip, and a cute one of Bella with her sister Alice. Least she didn't believe vampires couldn't be photographed, she thought, but it was telling that Edward didn't have a presence in pictures.

"Lay down on the bed and close your eyes. Start channeling your thoughts on what you want to tackle tonight. We will go by you alright." Cynthia advised.

Bella nodded and did as she was told while Cynthia left to get changed. As Bella waited for Cynthia to come back to the room, she felt herself recalling her first day where it seemed it went all wrong. Her locking eyes with Edward in the lunchroom was the moment everything changed. When she thought back to that moment, her stomach churned. Had that feeling always been there or was this a new feeling? Bella sighed and hung her head back.

Stop fighting what will be Bella. You're mine. She heard Edward purr darkly in her mind.

Bella imagined Edward's plans for her and didn't want to be a frail old woman chained to him. The romance she saw with him would be cruel, manipulative, and stripping Bella of any sense of strength and self.

"I…I don't want to be yours." Bella spoke out loud.

You don't have a choice Bella. I drew you in and only I can decide when we're done and that won't be until the very end.

This angered Bella since she didn't want him to control her anymore.

"I said I don't want to be yours! You're not who I thought you were! I don't need this! Get out of my head!" Bella yelled.

She heard her door open slowly which snapped her out of her own head and opened her eyes. Cynthia peeked her head in and examined Bella with a soft expression. Bella was caught off guard with the glasses and turned slightly pink that Cynthia had heard her yelling at a voice in her head.

"Don't be embarrassed. You're making a bit of progress already. Shall I wait until you are done with your argument with Edward? And no, I'm not mocking you. Sometimes I would have clients perform the very exercise you're doing to confront the abuser in a safe way." Cynthia asked.

Bella felt at ease and shook her head.

"No I think I need to actually talk to someone…talk to you I mean."

Cynthia came in and Bella was stunned. She was dressed in a grey pencil skirt that reached to her knees, a pink and white pinstripe short sleeved blouse, grey blazer, and baby pink heels. In her hands were a pen and notebook to take notes on their session. This contrasted from the leather pants and long-sleeved purple shirt with ruffles from before. Cynthia found Bella's amazement cute and laughed softly.

"I told you I would go all professionalism on you Bella. Now if what I heard is accurate, you've been hearing Edward in your head for a short while now?"

Bella sighed and nodded, squirming a bit on her bed.

"It might have started at the hospital but I thought I was being silly at first. It wasn't all bad at first so maybe that's why I shrugged it off. It started to get bad when I finally noticed it Friday. I guess in some odd way it had been unconscious before then. Now whenever I do or think something Edward doesn't like, I hear him aggressively in my mind."

Cynthia just nodded quietly and jotted

'Emotional hooks, probably has been planting seeds when he's watched her sleep, very possessive and wants Bella a certain way'

"Edward's your first relationship you've had…romantically speaking?"

Bella nodded.

Praying on her insecurities and taking advantage being Bella's first Cynthia thought.

"How would you describe how he was when you first met…and I'm just talking in general?"

Bella scoffed.

"Odd honestly. He stared me down in the cafeteria, my blood probably overwhelmed him in science class and probably hated that I lured him as much as he did me."

Cynthia raised her eyebrow.

"Is that you looking back knowing he's a vampire?"

Bella nodded and she bared her soul for Cynthia. She needed to recount her relationship with Edward and understand maybe just why she was really with him.

"Yes at first I thought he hated me because I don't know, maybe because I was taking away attention from him. Or maybe in some odd way I smelt bad when I sat by him, but now knowing it was quite the opposite now that I know him. He was playing these games with me like wanting to be friends but not really. Maybe it was just his way of figuring out if he wanted me beyond my blood. Then things kind of…happened when I got surrounded by some creeps in Port Angeles. He found me and got the guys to back off. I hated that day since I felt defenseless and Edward had to save me. At the time, it was that moment that I fell a bit in love but I still felt like I was being lured to him and not in a good way. He told me he was a killer later on and that everything about him drew me in, and like a moron I ran to him instead of away from him; but I knew running would be horrible. I did love him since he was old fashioned and treated me kindly…but things went south since formally meeting Alice."

Cynthia heard Bella's heart race when mentioning Alice.

"How was meeting Alice like?"

Bella smiled softly.

"Like I was breathing air for the first time. I felt…this deep connection with Alice. She wanted to meet me sooner but Edward kept her away from me. I feel like this different person with her…a better person. There's this more…confident, rough, and empowered person I am when I am with her. Yet all that fades when I'm with Edward or when I hear him in my head."

Bella sighed and hung her head back in shame. Who am I Bella thought since she never truly knew.

"What's wrong with me?" Bella lamented.

Cynthia jotted her notes and cracked a small warm smile.

"Nothing is wrong with you Bella. You're experiencing a part of yourself you didn't know existed and you want to exist. But that existence angers and frustrates Edward since it conflicts what he saw in you that he loves."

Bella raised an eyebrow slightly and asked,

"Do you know Edward, like personally?"

Cynthia shook her head.

"Not at all, just what you and Alice tell me in confidence. It seems the time he was turned still holds strong roots in his character. 1918 he was turned, yes?"

Bella nodded.

"Yes and I know, things were a lot different than they were now." Bella acknowledged.

"They have and women and their rights too have come a long way. Women couldn't even vote when he was turned and women behaved a certain way. Perhaps he was waiting for a woman that could match his old fashion values…"

"Or find someone he could make that way while also having the blood that is irresistible to him." Bella interrupted and shuddered.

Cynthia nodded and jotted down 'Old fashioned, attracted to Bella's blood, perhaps wanted a woman like his long late mother, might have demeaning views on women'

Bella looked at Cynthia and heard her jotting away, which made her eyes widen in intrigued.

"I felt like I haven't said much yet you seem to have so much."

Cynthia nodded.

"When you do this job for as long as I have Bella, pieces just come together quicker. Though I've never had a client whose abuser was a vampire before. Thankfully my minors in history and women's history help to inform me on how Edward could have been raised."

Bella's phone rang and it didn't surprise her to see it was Edward. Despite that fact, Bella felt sick and looked to Cynthia.

"Take a deep breath and answer calmly." She advised.

Bella nodded and answered the phone.

"Hello Edward."

"Where the hell are you, Bella! How dare you ditch me!? Did you lie to me about Charlie and just skipped out on our date!" he yelled.

Bella took a deep breath.

"No I didn't lie. I called Charlie since he came home from his trip early and I had forgotten to tell him about our date. He wanted me to come home this instant since he's still not happy about the whole Phoenix thing." Bella lied.

Edward growled and asked,

"Let me guess, he grounded you?"

"Yea kind of did. What happened to me in Phoenix really upset him and doesn't like me running off on dates without telling him." Bella expressed.

Edward sighed and asked,

"How long?"

"A week…sorry."

"Fine, see you in a week unless you want me to sneak in tonight?" he purred.

Bella felt nauseous and felt her stomach gurgle. She couldn't tell if this was from the food or anxiety of Edward coming but she ran with her gurgling gut to helpfully keep him away tonight.

"I don't think the food is agreeing with me after all. Might actually have a bit of a lactose problem, not sure. Really need to get that checked to be sure. Rain check?"

Fucking liar. He heard her say in her mind.

I am sick, sick of you now leave me alone tonight. Bella argued back.

Things were quiet until she heard Edward sigh.

"Told you so about the food but I understand. I know you don't want me to see you at your worst yet but eventually I will. I will give you this time though, night."

Bella hung up and felt a huge wave of relief. Cynthia took this as a sign that Edward wasn't coming and continued her session with Bella. Both women were surprised with how much was covered in this first talk. Cynthia knew Bella wouldn't come out tonight, but several things were very clear as the session was dying down. Bella felt some weight of her shoulders and it was then Cynthia got up from her chair and approached Bella's bed. She glanced over Bella and asked,

"Care to give me permission to examine your hear and its connections?"

Bella's eyes widened and asked,

"Can you really get rid of all my chains now?"

Cynthia sighed.

"That would be a miracle even for me. Sadly I cannot remove them all, however; I might be able to release a chain or two. I did say this was a process but you've already embraced your treatment. Most women would continue to linger and cling to their abusers, but you're clearly unhappy and seem sick of his shit."

Bella nodded.

"I do but…I want to know who I am as well. I might have an idea but I'm scared about what it could mean. I've…been struggling since freshman year of high school and I had no one to talk to. My mom is understanding but clearly was always confident in herself and this is too weird to talk to Charlie about."

Cynthia was starting to see the seeds of Bella maybe coming to some sort of terms with sexuality. Her time with Edward maybe confirmed something to her and being with Alice did as well."

"Answer me this Bella before I look over your heart…does Edward repulse you…physically now?"

Bella sighed.

"He's handsome, I would be lying to deny that. At first, I thought that attraction alone was intense and made me feel fuzzy. Now especially with tonight…I felt a bit dirty; I mean he slid his fingers in the leg gap of my capris, grazing…" Bella trailed off as her stomach felt sick thinking about it.

Cynthia's teeth gritted tightly and almost felt a need to go after him but she already sense Alice was already chewing him out for that as they spoke. Her sister was safe, but this bothered all of them.

"So in other words Bella, you don't desire him as much as you used to?"

Bella grew annoyed since she thought it was pretty clear.

"Oh my god yes! I don't desire him! He's pissing me off and I don't like how I feel with him! I don't desire him, I desire Alice!"

Bella's eyes widened and felt herself get hot and warm at that feeling. It didn't feel strange or wrong…it felt right, so right Bella thought. Cynthia appeared to be neutral but she hid the faintest of all smirks. She did see Bella was a bit unsure of herself though so they needed to meet more. Bella needed to be honest with herself and discover who she was and what she wanted to be before any massive chains could be broken. However, this was a breakthrough Bella needed tonight.

"Well I guess I can break a chain or two if you'll allow it?"

Bella couldn't stop blushing and simply nodded.

Cynthia trailed her fingers up Bella's arm and to her chest. She gently pressed down once on Bella's chest and gently squeezed. Bella gasped as she felt her heart break slightly but felt it become a little lighter. Cynthia nodded as she made a cross motion with her index and middle finger. Bella felt her eyes roll a bit in her head and felt her body shake a bit. When Bella opened her eyes, she couldn't help but still feel a bit chained but can still breathe.

"You did good work Bella, but time is still very much needed. Hopefully this might limit some of Edward's mental games and have you start thinking about yourself without shame."

Bella nodded but was still kind of shy that she mentioned desiring Alice in front of Alice's sister. Cynthia comfortingly patted Bella's hand.

"What we discuss is between us. Alice will not know about your desire for her unless you tell her. I also made it clear to Alice not to have her watch our sessions with her visions. She respects and cares about you and your boundaries."

That was good Bella thought with a smile and breathed a sigh of relief.

"You said limit so I might still hear him?" she questioned.

"I'm not going to lie to you, but yes you might if only slight. However, you expressed your desires are not for him but you still feel a hold to him yes?"

Bella groaned but nodded.

"I don't like this. Why can't you release me sooner?"

Cynthia sighed and saw this coming.

"Because it's a process, Bella. If I break your connections to Edward now and you don't have a sense of yourself or your own personal desires; I could leave you catatonic. It would be like him breaking up with you and going through the most unbearable heartbreak; even for a false romance. It would leave you like a zombie and for what you want, this will weaken you and not be the empowered woman you want to be."

Bella understood this and the last thing she wanted was to be weaker than she had felt. Plus who knows if Edward would just lure her in again if Cynthia breaks her connection to him prematurely.

"So until I get a sense of myself…fake it?"

"I wouldn't say fake it, just don't let Edward be a force he is. Being a vampire I know you have to be cautious with him as to not have him snap; but insist on what you want Bella. You shouldn't have him be in control of you and you've already shown me you're quite strong willed when given the chances."

Bella smiled. She felt a bit stronger already and her mind felt a bit clearer. There were things she was already thinking about that she knew she needed to address. Bella also wanted and needed to do things for herself such as maybe making more plans with Alice to also wanting to see Jake. He had been cast aside since she got with Edward and hated that since he was a kind person. Besides, maybe Jake would be able to find a motorcycle to repair. It was a fantasy of Bella's to own a motorcycle and to just take that out rather than her truck.

"Already thinking about yourself Bella?" Cynthia asked coyly.

Bella nodded.

"Yes I am. I'm thankful Edward can't read my mind since a lot of my ideas he wouldn't approve of but I'm done. If he can't respect my wants and needs while not accepting them, he's not going to have me for much longer."

"Or at all if you look deeper. Now I do think we've tackled enough ground. Julian and I will remain until morning just in case Edward gets any ideas to come by."

Bella smiled in appreciation.

"Thank you, it really means a lot to me that you're doing this."

Cynthia nodded. When Bella finds herself and the reason for her desire for Alice, it will all be for the best.

"It might be soon Bella, but make no mistake I care about you. I want you to be happy and to make sure you have a life you want."

"I'm thankful but now can I ask you a question?" Bella asked.

"Of course Bella."

"Are you punishing yourself?" she asked.

This confused Cynthia and it caused her to look at Bella with puzzlement.

"Excuse me?" she asked.

Bella bit her lip but pressed on,

"Well…I see how soft and loving you can be for Julian. Alice talked to me about mates once and…you seem to be connected with him so deeply yet you don't seem to want that. Only reason I can think of is maybe you think you don't deserve him?"

Even Bella notices Cynthia thought and she felt that she still had work to do. Once it was done…she could fully and irrevocably commit to him. She knew matters of heart and connections more than anybody and Cynthia had to admit her feelings for Julian were the strongest feelings she's ever felt for anyone.

"It's more like…once I atone for myself I will be allowed the pleasures I need to stave off from. Right now, I need to be a sister for Alice and a friend and therapist for you. Only when I feel things are set in a nice way…I can stop lying to myself."

Bella cracked a smile since in some ways, she was helping Cynthia as much as Cynthia was helping her.

"Good…we both need to stop lying. Want me to walk you out?"

"Let me change out of this outfit first. Julian gets oddly horny when I look like this…scratch that, he loves me no matter what I wear but he's probably a bigger fan of roleplay than he should be." Cynthia replied with a slight chuckle.

Of all things, Bella's mind went to if that would be something she liked; role playing. She wasn't as much of a prude like Edward thought she was…he was just too forceful and making her something she's clearly not. Bella wanted a slight edge to her and be a bit woodsier; but most of all she just wanted to discover who she was.

Cynthia changed out of her therapist clothes and Bella walked her to the truck. She wished both vampires a pleasant evening before returning to her house. Julian smiled as he noticed a bit of a pep in Bella's steps walking back and he kissed the top of Cynthia's forehead.

"You're making good work so far darling. She seems a bit freer."

"It will take more time; Bella needs to experiment and discover herself. Only when she does, I can break the much thicker chains. It pains me to see a woman like Bella with a soul, fire, and fight ever be connected to Edward. She's a far cry from what Edward wants and he wants to domesticate her, break her, weaken her…. makes me sick. Men like him and my father disgust me and the sooner Bella finds herself, the better she will be." Cynthia mentioned with a slight hint of disgust.

Julian noticed a protectiveness to Cynthia that he admired. It was clear to her sister true, but she was extending it to her sister's mate which he found sweet.

"I love this family side of you Cynthia. You really took a shine to Bella."

Cynthia flashed him a warm smile.

"I've almost forgotten how a family should be like until I found Alice again. Someday I hope to have my own sense of family again with her, Bella….and you."

Julian seemed stunned and Cynthia kissed his lips tenderly. He kissed back and stroked her cheek with his hand. Cynthia pulled away and took his hand in his.

"I've made you wait, I know. Please wait a little longer Jules. There's more I need to do…can you understand?"

Julian nodded and simply chuckled.

"I've waited since 1932, I can wait a little longer if it means you and I living as mates should be." He grinned.

Cynthia playfully laughed and shook her head.

"You're such a goof Jules."

"But you love me all the same Cyn." He purred in a slight husk.

Cynthia nodded and rested her head on his shoulder while they kept their senses out for Edward. He never came by that night, but Cynthia did enjoy her quiet moments with Julian. Never would Cynthia thought a human would help with her own chains…but Bella was a special human; a human that would make her sister very happy to be with.