Chapter 2

Carmel Sunrise

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CoMeKiTtY

When did life get so complicated?

At twenty two years old you should have a sense of direction. Most twenty two year olds are nearing the end of college and looking forward to beginning promising careers and living the life they have chosen. They are anxious to get out and leave their mark on the world.

This twenty two year old lives her life day to day and pay check to pay check. I let go of my college dreams a long time ago. Now I have no real direction in life. I just do the best that I can each day and wake up to see what life has in store for me in the morning.

To have direction you need money or at least good credit to borrow money. I have neither. I work at a small café in Uptown. My paycheck, tips included, barely covers the rent I split with my roommate, Jessica. There have been a few times that I have been short with the rent money – but Jessica never makes issue of it and I try my best to make it up to her in other ways.

Jessica and I grew up together and have remained close friends through the years. Shortly after graduation she moved out to the city and worked towards getting her cosmetology license. Now she works at the trendy Salon 1800 and can easily afford this apartment on her tips alone.

Jessica is like my own personal guardian angel. Up until last spring I lived in Melrose Park with my father. It wasn't the best of circumstances but we made it work. My father always dreamt that I'd go to school and make something of myself. He was a sergeant with the Melrose Park Police Department and busted his ass for every dollar he made. My dad wanted my life to be easier – to have a well paying job so I could have the things he could never afford.

I guess you could say he was slightly disappointed when at eighteen I announced I was pregnant.

I always thought my father to be a hardworking and honest cop. When I was little he seemed bigger than life. There was nothing he couldn't handle. It was like he was invincible. I guess you could say that I saw my dad as a superhero of sorts. There are things I would have done differently and things I would have told him had someone told me that superheroes don't always win.

I remember the skies poured the day my father was arrested. It seemed the entire police force came out that morning. I watched as Charlie purposefully walked past the swarms of news reporters and cameras with his head held high. The cops at least had the decency to let Charlie walk out of his own house without the cuffs. My heart broke as I watched them escort Charlie to the back of the police cruiser. It was surreal. My heart broke a second time when I saw how vulnerable Charlie looked.

Sonny Scarzetti, then the chief, and six other officers of the Melrose Park Police Department operated the department as an illegal racketeering enterprise by using the police department personnel to operate several private security guard companies. They strong armed and extorted local village businesses into using security guard services provided by companies that Scarzetti controlled. Scarzetti and his crew of six were charged not only with racketeering, extortion and mail fraud, but also obstruction of justice. When Scarzetti realized he was under investigation, he tried to get business owners and other cops to lie to the grand jury. When this didn't work he sent cops down to 'have a little chat' with said witnesses. That's when things went to shit. Charlie was arrested for allegedly obstructing a grand jury investigation of their conduct and tampering with potential grand jury witnesses. Despite Charlie's plea of not guilty, the evidence against Charlie was solid. They had everything.

The day Charlie up and left without a word to anybody is the day I stopped believing in heroes.

The trial continued and Scarzetti was sentenced to five years in prison. The prosecutor wanted him sentenced to twenty – but witnesses kept disappearing and those that were left weren't talking. Everyone suddenly had a case of amnesia. Five years was a gift and the prosecutor knew it.

Adrianna had just turned two years old the day the courts confiscated Charlie's house. He had used the house as collateral for his bond and when he just up and disappeared the bondsman came to collect.

Now in addition to being jobless, I was also homeless. Jessica took both Adrianna and me into her small two bedroom apartment in Uptown. I got a job waiting tables at The Dolce Casa Café. The pay wasn't great but the hours were convenient and steady.

And speaking of work I am now running late.

Just perfect.

Usually my sweet baby is all smiles but today Adrianna doesn't want me to go to work and it breaks my heart when I have to walk her downstairs to Mrs. Cope's apartment. I take her small hand to move her along and lock the door behind us. "Come on, sweetpea. You and Mrs. Cope are going to bake cookies today." I smile down at her and her eyes fill with tears. "But I wanna make cookies wif you."

"I know baby and I want to make cookies with you too. But how about you and Mrs. Cope make cookies today and when I get home we can have a tea party together?" I quickly pick her up and set her on my hip. "Doesn't that sound like fun?" She smiles at me and wraps her little arms around my neck for a hug. I smile down at her and tuck her golden curls behind her ear. "Ok then, we've got to get going. You've got a lot of important work to do if we're going to have cookies at the tea party." She squeals and kicks her legs out in excitement.

I thank God every night for Mrs. Cope. It is with her babysitting generosity that I am able to have a job at all. She is a sweet elderly woman who lives just below us. Her children are all grown now and are scattered along the west coast. Truly I believe she is just lonely and enjoys having someone in the house to care for again. Nevertheless I would never take advantage of Mrs. Cope's generosity and despite her protests; I pay her for her help every Friday. It isn't much but then again I don't have much.

I carried Adrianna down to Mrs. Cope's and gave her a quick kiss good-bye. "Now you be a good girl for Mrs. Cope. Okay?"

"Ok mommy."

Mrs. Cope waves off my thanks and ushers me right off to work.

"Hey Bella." Ben tosses an apron over the counter at me and I quickly wrap it around my waist, tying it off in the front. "Didn't think you were gonna make it in today."

"Sorry." I didn't offer any excuses. "Have you been busy?"

"Nah…it's cool. It's been slow since the morning rush. A few regulars but really that's it. Oh…" he quirks an eyebrow "almost forgot. Eric says to tell you hey. So 'hey'."

"Eric?"

"Yeah, you know…large caramel macchiato – double espresso shot?"

I giggle at Ben's description. It's just funny how instead of the customer's names I think of them as 'large black decaf – 2 sugars or small latte with nonfat milk or large iced coffee extra whipped cream.

"Oh, yeah, yeah ok."

Ben doesn't need to say anything more, I immediately know who he's talking about.

"How's he doing? He was gonna try and open a restaurant or something, right?"

"Yeah, I don't know. He didn't share his whole life story with me, Bella. You can ask him next time he comes in."

My eyes wander out the window and I see Mr. Nonfat, decaf latte guy standing with Mr. Via Quadronno Panini with extra salami and two chocolate cannolis guy. Mr. Latte looks pissed; he blows out the smoke from the last of his cigarette and with a sharp flick sends it sailing into the street. His jaw is set tightly, the tendons in his neck are stretched to their limit. I can't help but wonder what has him so angry today. Sure Mr. Latte is always…for lack of a better word - moody, but today he just looks lethal and it sends a chill running down my spine.

My voice trails off…"Yeah, yeah I'll do that."

Hastily my eyes wander around looking for some sort of a distraction; my hands grab the first thing I spot and quickly I begin wiping off the non-existent fingerprints on the glass display cases like nobody's business.

Eventually I run out of distractions and bring over the menus Panini boy has requested. I look at Mr. Latte, his back is rigid as his fists rest on the table clenched tight. He turns his attention to me now; his piercing green eyes keep my eyes locked on to his and my feet nailed to the floor. I slowly shake my head to break the hold his eyes have forced on me and look at something safer. Panini-boy. I smile, although it feels more like a grimace, to cover the slight tremble in my hands and I can't help the stutter in my words as I introduce myself.

When I return with their coffees, I'm slightly relieved to see that Mr. Latte isn't at the table.

"So what'd you say your name was?"

I set his sandwich and the coffee cups downs and look over at him. "Uh, Bella."

"Bella, huh. I'm Emmett."

So Panini –boy is Emmett I laugh to myself.

He furrows his eyebrows and looks at me. "What?"

Whoops…guess that wasn't my inner laugh.

"No, it's nothing. Stupid really." He circles his fingers in the air indicating that I should continue. Great.

"Well in my head I have names for all the customers. Well regular customers anyway…and it's just funny hearing your real name." I quickly add, "I know it's….totally stupid."

God I feel like a moron.

"So what is it?"

I look at him confused and absently ask, "Hmm…What's what?"

Emmett looks to the side, his eyes grow big and he says his next words very slowly. I suppose for my benefit. His way of helping me keep up with the conversation. God I feel so stupid.

"Uh…What. Is. My. Customer. Name?"

"Oh!" I wish I'd just shut my mouth sometimes. I shake my head wildly. "Yeah, it isn't important."

"Hold it now. You can't say something like that and not finish. Come on now – out with it."

"Ok – so in my head I know you always order the same sandwich."

Emmett purses his lips and scowls. I'm not sure what I've said to offend him but I continue anyways. He asked after all. "So when I see you, I always think there's Mr. Via Quadronno Panini with extra salami and two chocolate cannolis guy."

Emmett's whole face lights up and then he lets out the biggest laugh I have ever heard. He has one of those contagious laughs and I can't help chuckling along with him.

"Holy shit! That's some funny shit there." He looks over his shoulder and jerks his thumb in the direction of Mr. Moody-latte. "What do you call my brother Eddy over there?"

Well, may as well get it over with and embarrass myself thoroughly. "Mr. nonfat decaf latte." There was no way I was telling him I called his brother Moody-latte.

"You should just call him Mr. Foo-foo. It's short and to the point." Emmett laughs again. "Him and those chick drinks all the time."

I look up and see his brother on the phone. His presence alone demands attention. He walks into a room and heads turn. He's tall and has this messy head of bronze hair that says 'fuck it - I just rolled out of bed – and I wasn't alone'. He dresses well for his age. Impeccably well. His white turtle neck hugs the planes of his broad chest and his black pressed slacks fit him like they've been custom made for his body. His shoes are immaculate. He looks crisp and clean – yet somehow very casual with his black leather jacket and dark lensed sunglasses. There is a very suave and debonair quality about him that draws people in. His confidence demands respect. A man like that could get away with ordering chick drinks and no one would dare to bat an eyelash about it.

"Hey? You like jokes?"

I look away from the demi god standing on the sidewalk. No need to get caught starring now. I've had enough embarrassment for one day. "Sure…I guess so."

"Ok I got a joke for you. A sandwich joke…" he nods towards his sandwich, "fitting huh?"

I watch as he links his fingers and cracks his knuckles. "Ok here it goes. Ready?"

I nod my head.

"One night a guy with his girlfriend comes back to his house. They creep in the front door and close it.. He leans to her ear and says, We'll have to be quiet cuz I live with my little brother and he's asleep.. So they creep into the bedroom and he shows her one slight inconvenience... That he and his little brother both sleep on a bunk bed and that he sleeps on the top bunk."

Emmett widens his eyes and pauses to make sure I'm following so far. I smile thinking how childlike his enthusiasm is – he is so animated when he speaks that he has me curious to see where he's going with this.

He waves his right hand in a circle. "So the guy and his girlfriend climb up onto the top bunk as quietly and as slowly as possible so they don't wake the little boy up..

After some time the girl and the lad start to become a little…ah…" he pauses and looks over at me, slightly shaking his head from side to side, "adventurous… and things start heating up.."

Emmett looks over and winks, "Ya know what I mean?" I nod so he'll continue.

"Ok. So he leans over and whispers to her.. "Say tomato if you want to me to do it harder and lettuce if you want me to do it faster.."

So after a period of time the girl starts to moan.

"Lettuce... Tomato... Lettuce... Lettuce... Tomato..! Lettuce! Tomato! LETTUCE LETTUCE! TOMATOOO! LETTUCE-TOMATO!"

The little boy shouts up to the top bunk. "Will you two stop making sandwiches up there! You're getting mayo all over my face!"

I don't know what I expected – but that certainly was not it. I feel my cheeks turn red but I let out a giggle despite myself. Emmett's leaning back in his chair his face is flushed from laughing. His whole body shakes from roaring and he looks like he's close to falling out of his chair.

"Aw come on – that was fucking funny."

"Yeah – ok." I giggle again. "It was funny."

Ben calls over the counter and interrupts our conversation. "Bells, phone."

Immediately my mind thinks of Adrianna. "Excuse me for a minute. I should take that."

Emmett casually waves his hand in the air. "Sure."

"Hello?" There's no reply. I try again and still there's no answer. I hang up and wonder if I should call Mrs. Cope to make sure everything is ok. Before my fingers can dial, the phone rings again.

"Dolce Casa Café. This is Bella speaking." I almost drop the phone when I hear his husky voice. "Mmm, Bella."

My heart is racing. The blood rushing through my ears drowns out all other sounds. I slam the phone down so hard I feel the vibrations shooting up my arm. Then I feel the familiar tightening in my chest. I back away from the phone in full panic mode. My lungs were now burning from the short gasps of air and my head began to spin. I grabbed a hold of the counter to steady myself; my fingers turning white from gripping the edge so tightly.

Now is so not the time.

I consciously forced myself to take a few deep breaths all the while willing my rapid heartbeat to return to its steady rhythm.

I walk to the restroom and slide down the wall to the floor and let myself succumb to the threatening tears. They fall down my cheeks in streams.

James is a Chicago Police Officer and Adrianna's father. It wasn't until we had been dating for a while that his violent tendencies and drug dependencies became apparent. He had a short fuse and an even quicker hand. My father disliked James; he said he was dishonest and an opportunist. On more than one occasion my dad tried to make me see the light. Of course every eighteen year old thinks they know better. James knew my father didn't approve of him and purposely did things to cause arguments between my father and me. There were always arguments and living with my father became very tense. James suggested that I move in with him. When I declined he blackened my eye and dislocated my shoulder. This is the day I said good-bye to James. It was empowering. I was so proud I stood up for myself.

Later that month, I found out I was pregnant.

As much as it sickens me, I can't regret meeting James though – the only good thing in my life came from him. Adrianna.

James has never been a part of Adrianna's life. When I first told James I was pregnant, he called me a whore and accused me of cheating on him. Being on the receiving end of James's anger once again, I almost lost Adrianna. That was the scariest day of my life. Nothing James could do to me would hurt more than the loss of the baby I hadn't even met yet. When the results from the paternity test, I requested, showed that James was indeed the father he was indifferent….said he never wanted any children. That suited me just fine and I never asked him for a thing.

I stand up and try to pull myself back together by splashing some cool water on my heated cheeks. Turning away from the broken reflection in the mirror, I take a deep breath and return back to the floor.

Immediately I phone Mrs. Cope. It's with great effort that I keep my tone sounding casual and light. Mrs. Cope assures me that everything is fine and Adrianna is literally elbows deep in cookie batter. I smile to myself picturing my sweet baby all gooey. I imagine she's somehow wearing more cookie dough than they'll actually have cookies for.

To keep myself busy and my mind busy from thoughts of James, I bring Emmett a refill. "So you live around here?"

"Um yeah, just down the street. I share an apartment with my friend. I moved in about six months ago or so."

Emmett quirks an eyebrow and suggestively asks, "Friend, huh?"

I quickly clarify Emmett's misunderstanding. "Oh, no, no, not like that. I mean my friend, Jessica." Really I don't need the added complications of a boyfriend in my life.

He takes my notepad out of my pocket and scribbles something.

"I like you. This can be a rough neighborhood, you know…lot of creeps out there" he gestures to the window with his hands "for a couple of girls living alone. I know a lot of people..…If there's anything you need or if you ever need some help with something…" keeping his eye contact he leans forward in his chair "somebody not treating you right; giving you a hard time," He hands me the piece of paper. "give this number a call. You'll be ok."

Obviously my mini break down hasn't gone unnoticed and I'm mortified. I wish the earth would just open up and swallow me whole. Despite my mortification, I smile anyway and politely thank Emmett for his kindness.

It had been a long day but as tired as I was I was looking forward to the tea party I had promised Adrianna. I shut the lights off of the now closed café and brought out my keys to lock the door. I was wrestling with the lock and didn't hear him approach. My body freezes as the ice coldness of fear sets in my veins. My trembling hands dropping the keys when I feel his hot breath in my hair and his calloused hands slip under my blouse snaking around my waist. "Hey, babe. How's my girl?"

His rough thumbs press deeply into my flesh and I feel his body moving forward to close the distance. I try to keep the tremor out of my voice when I answer. "I'm not your girl." His pupils are dilated and his dark eyes look almost black in the dim lighting. He leers down at me eyes glinting with malice as I push back on his chest to distance myself. But this only seems to spur him on; he squeezes my upper arms and roughly shoves me back against the building. My head jerks back with the force and I crack the back of my head against the jagged bricks.

"Now that's no way to be." He leans in and skims his nose across my collarbone. With his head turned into my neck, he inhales deeply and lets his hands drop down to my hips, his fingers now biting into my flesh. "Mmmm it's been a long time." He grabs my face, pressing his fingers into my cheek hallows and painfully squeezes. Pressing his body into mine, he turns my head to the side, leans closer and whispers in my ear. "Are you gonna play nice?" His voice is husky as he slurs his words. The stench of whiskey is thick on his breath and I feel my stomach begin to roll.

"You're drunk." Although his strength is no match for me, I push against his chest again anyway. "Go home."

He steps back and laughs; his narrowed eyes darkly shine with the promise of violence. "That's fucking funny. You telling me what to do now?"

I take advantage of the small distance he's granted and move to slip out from under him; he grabs my elbow and slams me again into the hard brick wall. His solid body effectively holding me in place. The buttons on my blouse pop as he runs his hands over my shoulder and underneath the flimsy material. I hear the small buttons scatter as his large hands roughly knead the sensitive skin above my bra.

"James stop!" I turn my body away from him and wince at the tightness of his fingers. "I don't think so….we're just getting started." He yanks at my arm pulling me closer to him tearing the sleeve of my blouse in the process.

"Get your hands off of me!"

His arm crosses his chest and with the back of his hand he smacks me across the cheek. The pain is instant and brings fresh tears to my eyes. It feels as though a thousand needles are biting at my skin and I bite down on my bottom lip to keep from completely breaking down. There's no way I'd give him the satisfaction.

He grabs me by the hair and forces me to look up at him. "You always were a cock tease."

James looks up as two men round the corner of the street. They stop a few feet from the corner to assess the situation. My guess is they're trying to determine if there's a threat and weighing the pros and cons in getting involved. James doesn't wait for them to make a decision. He turns to me with a sneer across his face. "Gotta go, Babe." He leans down and inhales deeply along my collar bone before placing a wet kiss on my throbbing cheek. "We'll play again soon."

I let out a rush of air I didn't even know I was holding and feel on the ground for the keys I had dropped. My hands are shaking so badly I can barely unlock the door. Once the door is unlocked I enter the safety of the café with urgency and force the door closed behind me. I fasten the lock and run to the restroom where I let my walls come down and surrender to the tears. I don't know how long I sat on the floor sobbing – it seemed like hours. In addition to the throbbing pain inflicted by James, my eyes and throat felt like sandpaper.

I stood and walked to the sink, my eyes assessing the damage in the mirror. I was a fucking mess. The yellow lighting gives my skin a sickened green look and my rounded cheek is already emitting a darkened shadow where James's hand struck. My clothing is in shambles; with the tears in my blouse, I don't need to undress to be able to see the dark imprints of James's hands that are stamped on to my arms and chest. The back of my head aches and I can feel moisture on my fingertips as I feel around the quickly rising knot. I rub my fingertips against my thumb and sickly look down at the sticky redness that has thickened. The sight of the blood makes me feel dizzy and I feel my stomach begin to roll. Waves of nausea are coming quickly; the sourness of bile burning the back of my throat. I barely make it to the tiny stall where I drop my full weight to my knees and empty the contents of my stomach. My chest is heaving and when there is nothing left to purge I lean against the stall and let myself catch my breath. Avoiding my reflection in the mirror, I walk back to the sink and rinse the bitter taste from my mouth. I hold on to the sink to steady myself before rinsing the perspiration off my forehead.

I can't let Adrianna see me like this. She would be so frightened. And truthfully I'm in no frame of mind to care for her tonight. With a heavy heart I work up the courage to phone Mrs. Cope and ask if she might be able to keep her for the night. I remember the tea party she was looking forward to and can't help the guilt that pierces my heart. I have failed her – again. I assure Mrs. Cope that it's nothing serious – just a touch of the stomach flu. She more than happily agrees to keep Adrianna and promises to give her a big hug and kiss from me. She suggests that Adrianna stay another day even, while I'm on the mend; and it hurts knowing that I will likely take her up on her kind offer. Lying to Mrs. Cope is just plain wrong– but what else could I say? Gee, sorry Mrs. Cope but my crazy ex-boyfriend came to visit me today and he wasn't in the best of moods. Yeah, I don't think so.

I look out the window and survey the street. I want to go home but I am terrified to open that door and leave. I'm also terrified of walking into that empty apartment and spending the night alone. God, I miss Jessica. She went to spend the week with her parents and help with the preparations of her sister's wedding. If I called her, I know she'd come back tonight. No questions asked. That's just how Jessica is. Even though her parents aren't more than an hour away, I can't do that to them. This is an important milestone for their family – and I don't want to be the dark cloud that hangs over her sister's happy day.

My mind wanders to the number that is now clenched in my hand. It was like I had two angels sitting on either shoulder warring with each other.

No. No fucking way.

You're scared to death. What else are you gonna do? Spend the night on the couch in the café?

No way! He'll ask what happened…there is no way….just…NO!

You don't have to answer….you've always been good at covering for James.

There really wasn't anyone else to call. So before I lost my nerve and changed my mind, I unfolded the scrap of paper and carefully dialed the numbers he had scratched down.

I hear him say hello and I almost lose my nerve and hang up.

God what am I doing? This is a whole new form of pathetic, Bella.

I take a deep breath and ask for Emmett. I hear the irritation in his voice when he asks who's calling and it takes all my nerve to squeak out a reply. Confusion sets in when I realize its Edward and not Emmett who has answered the phone. I hear the desperation in my voice and any strength I have left crumples. I can't control the sobbing as I explain to this stranger the urgency in reaching Emmett.

Edward's questions are endless. There is no way he's going to get the answers he's seeking and it makes me feel guilty. Guilty for pulling him into this mess and guilty for being dishonest – even if only by omission. Although I don't want to cause problems for Edward or Emmett, I feel a brief sense of relief when Edward agrees to come back to the cafe.

The café is silent save for the ticking of the oversized wall clock. The ticking seems too loud for the quiet confines of the empty café and I find myself wanting to rip the offending thing off the wall. Each tick marks the passing of time – time which seems to creep along. I nearly jump out of my skin when Edward knocks on the door and I literally have to force my feet to walk the distance to the door. Suddenly I'm not sure if I can do this. I'm embarrassed at my battered state and afraid of letting Edward in.

Edward is always a bit intimidating. He's always so indifferent and….well I guess distant would be as good a word as any. He strikes me as a man who knows and gets what he wants – and takes no shit in the process. I can't imagine anyone having the courage to tell Edward 'no' to his face.

He knocks again and I hesitantly open the door.

I can't look him in the eye as he takes in my state. I feel dirty and unworthy in his presense. It barely registers that he's talking to me – asking me a question I think – yet all I'm capable of doing is sinking to the floor and crying. Crying from the guilt of failing Adrianna. Crying from the pain James has caused. Crying from the embarrassment of being so weak.

He pulls me into his lap and I feel so safe with his arms securely around me. His velvety voice whispers soothing words that act as a balm for my frayed nerves.

I don't know how long he held me in his lap. But after what seemed like hours…and in all honesty it could have been hours; I just really didn't know any more…. he broke the silence.

"Come on. Let's get you home."

I barely have the energy to nod as he gently helped me to my feet. This sudden change in position has made my head spin and my vision momentarily blacken. I stumbled forward and as I reached out to brace my inevitable fall, I feel Edwards long hands reach out to steady me. I let him guide me against his strong chest and let my head drop. He leans his head back to look down at me.

"Whoa, you ok there?"

I'm momentarily lost in the depths of his green eyes. The usual hardness in his eyes seems to have been replaced by something else. Something softer. Sadness maybe? I really don't want his pity and I find myself feeling uncomfortable under his stare and pulling away from him.

"Um, yeah I guess," is my intelligent reply.

"You ready to go?"

I let Edward slip his jacket over my shoulders and guide me out of the café. He becomes impatient with my unsteady hands and abruptly takes the keys to lock up for me.

He opens the back door to the dark SUV and helps me get in before walking around to the other side and letting himself in.

I find myself staring at the café, my mind replaying the horror show of tonight like a movie when Edward asks for directions.

I absently give him the directions to my empty apartment.

He barks the directions to a man in the driver's seat. Stupidly I just now notice that Edward is not driving. The driver is quiet as he quickly pulls in and out of traffic. I find myself wondering who he is – but I don't ask. The silence in the car is too comforting and I'm not ready to open the doors of conversation.

As we near the apartment I feel my heartbeat begin to race. I am terrified of walking into that empty apartment alone. Despite my tightening jaw, my teeth relentlessly chatter and I am sure Edward can feel the ripples of fear emanating from my body because he helps me out of the car and walks me to the door.

He calls over his shoulder to the driver. "You stay in the car."

He takes my keys and opens the door letting himself in first.

"Is there anyone home?"

"No. My roommate is out of town for the next week. So right now it's just me."

"Why don't you stay here a minute and I'll take a quick look around."

My eyes widen in fear. The idea of standing out here alone is just too much.

"It'll be ok." He points to his SUV. "Jake is sitting right there." His hands come up to cup both of my cheeks and he looks me directly in the eye. "Nothing is going to happen." He never breaks eye contact as his thumbs lightly trace the swell of my cheeks. "I promise."

Hesitantly I agree. While I wait for Edward to return from his walk through I keep looking over at the SUV like it's a security blanket. I can't help but fear it will just disappear if I stop looking or something. Thankfully, the apartment is small and it doesn't take Edward long to return.

"Everything looks ok." He opens the door wider, indicating I should come in now. I let out a long and shaky breath as I watch Edward lock the door. I'm unsure of myself and just stand at the door dumbly as Edward fumbles around in the bathroom.

He comes out with first aid supplies and motions for me to follow him to the kitchen.

"Let's get you cleaned up."

I let out a hiss as Edward cleans the cut on the back of my head. His large hands angle my face toward the light, his thumbs gently pull up on my eyelids and he looks at my eyes.

"I don't think you have a concussion."

I just nod. I know the questions will be coming and I'm trying to find the courage to answer him - the best that I can anyway.

He wraps a frozen bag of peas in a clean dish towel and holds it to my cheek. "This will help keep the swelling down."

Again I nod as I take the bag and hold it to my cheek appreciatively.

Edward brings the other chair closer to me and sits across from me. His brows furrow as he pinches the bridge of his nose. He takes a deep breath and leans forward resting his arms on his knees.

Here it comes.

"Bella, I need to know if I should take you to the doctor."

I shake my head to answer his question. Hospitals ask way too many questions. I know this from experience.

I watch Edward's expression carefully. His eyes narrow and his jaw clenches. I watch as his hands tighten into fists; his nostrils flaring with each breath. "Is there some place else you're hurt." He blurted out his question so fast; it didn't even register at first. I just sat there dumbly looking down at the edge of the chair I was nervously picking at.

I look up and he pointedly lets his eyes fall on my torn clothing and further bruising. "Bella, I need to know what happened?"

"I…" What do I say? I have dreaded this question my whole adult life.

I stop myself and look up at him pleading with my eyes to just leave it be.

"Go on." His tone is clipped and I can hear the irritation behind it.

I carefully choose my words. There's no way I want to share the unedited version of my life but I know I have to give this man some type of explanation. I take a deep breath before I begin.

"Its just…well…James" How to say this? While I'm sure he knows what I'm going to say – he's still going to make me say it.

He abruptly interrupts my thoughts. "Who the fuck is James?"

When I look up at him there is a scowl across his face and the muscles in his neck are tightened. I feel my heartbeat quicken at the fierceness in his dark green eyes. He looks completely feral and I lose my words.

"Tell me." Again his words are curt.

"He…I… used to date James." He nods his head indicating that I should continue. I swallow thickly and take a deep breath that sounds more like a shudder.

"He…he" sob. "He" Sob. "Stopped" Sob. "By the" Sob. "Café tonight."

I hanged my head in shame and let my salty tears stain my pants. Avoiding eye contact with Edward, I become engrossed in the small patterns they're making on the denim material.

Edward takes my chin in his hand and lifts my head to meet his eyes.

"He came to the café…and?"

"He got mad," I say softly.

Edward's eyebrows furrow in confusion. "I don't understand. What's he pissed about?"

"I…well...that's just James." I shrug hoping he will just leave it at that.

"What the fuck Bella? You just let him treat you like that?"

"Now wait a minute Edward! You don't know a damn thing about me! So don't fucking sit there throwing stones!" I was pissed. Seriously who does he think he is?

"You're right I don't know you." He glares across the small space before he continues. "But I know your type."

"What the fuck does that mean?" I glare back at him. "What type is that?"

He smirks through his words. "The type of girl that spreads her legs for some asshole and puts up with whatever he dishes out with a big fucking smile on her face and her fucking hand held out. And as long as he keeps that hand filled with a few bills…that makes it ok." He looked so smug sitting there I wanted to hit him.

"Excuse me?"

"I don't think I fucking stuttered, Bella?"

"You know what? You sit there so smug thinking you know everything. Well, Edward you don't know shit!" My chest was heaving with anger.

"I met James when I was young – people were just drawn to him; thought he was a fucking choir boy for Christ sakes! I've made mistakes, Edward – I've never claimed otherwise."

I paused to catch my breath.

"But I learn from my mistakes and I won't let history repeat itself. The day I walked out on James I thought the nightmare was over. Turns out it's never over. Just plays over like a bad fucking re-run. It wouldn't matter if I moved clear across the country – he'd find me…it'd only be a matter of time."

I knew I sounded boarder line hysterical at this point – but I was past giving a damn. I was on a roll. It felt so good to just let it out…so I just continued with my mini-rant.

"Everything I do is for Adrianna. I haven't taken a single dollar from him – not that he has ever offered. Every time I walk out that damn door I worry about Adrianna's safety. I worry that maybe today will be the day he'll use her to get back at me. And that – that would kill me, Edward. That would hurt far worse than anything James could do to me."

Edward sat there silent; digesting the information I had given him…which was more than I had initially intended to say. Still, like I said, it felt good to just get it out.

Edward cleared his throat and sat back. "Who's Adrianna?"

"She's my daughter."

"And James…" he circled his fingers in the air.

"Yes, he's her father." I finished for him.

Edward drags his hands through his hair. "Where is she?"

My forehead wrinkles in confusion and Edward clarifies. "Adrianna – I mean."

"She's downstairs with our neighbor – Mrs. Cope." I shrug and feel like I need to defend myself. "She babysits her when I have to work."

"Where are your parents?"

I don't try to hide the irritation in my voice. "What is this – 20 questions?"

"Just answer the question, Bella." His demanding tone leaves no room for argument.

"My mother left when I was ten. I haven't seen her since."

My teeth pull on my bottom lip as I consider my next words. "My father is gone."

There let him surmise what he wants from that. Technically it's not a lie. He is gone.

"Happy now?" I sneered back at him.

"Shit…I'm sorry."

My head is throbbing – mostly from James's handiwork but partly from the aggravation of Edward's interrogation. I rub the knot on the back of my head before letting the weight of my head fall into my opened hands.

Edward gets up to leave the room and for a moment the fear is back. The fear of being here alone; the fear that James will make good on his promise and return to finish the job. Fresh tears fall from my burning eyes and I try in vain to wipe them away with the back of my hand.

Edward fills a glass with water at the sink and returns to the table with two aspirins. I gratefully take his offerings.

Edward kneels in front of my chair and wipes at stray tears with his thumb. Exhaustion takes over and I know that I am physically finished. I can't keep having this conversation; I just don't have the energy.

"Edward, I'm so tired."

"You need to sleep, Bella."

"Edward…"

"Hmm?"

"Do you think that maybe you might be able to stay for a while." I quickly add. "Just until I fall asleep maybe?" I feel so pathetic asking this stranger to stay until I fall asleep – yet I'm too desperate to really to care what he thinks.

He stops and studies my eyes. What he could possibly be seeing? I have no clue.

"Give me a minute." He stands and walks to the door. He opens the door and stops to turn around and look at me. "I'll be right back. I want you to lock this fucking door." I'm still sitting and barely nod in response. "Bella? Did you hear me? I want you to lock this door."

I stand and walk the short distance to the door. "Don't open the door until I get back. Ok?"

I clear my throat. "Where are you going?"

"Just to see Jake for a minute. I'll just be across the street – ok?"

My eyes sting and I bite my bottom lip to hold back more tears. I try to seem brave but I don't trust my voice. All I can offer is a small nod.

Edward leans down to look at me and sets his hands on my shoulders. "It'll be ok." I nod again and lock the door as he instructed.

While Edward is gone I busy myself with my nightly routines. After wiping down the sink in the small bathroom, I return to my bedroom and slip on a pair of cotton pajama pants and a plain t-shirt for sleeping. As I'm pulling my hair back in a messy ponytail I hear the swift knock on the door. My eyes are immediately drawn to the door like a magnet – and out of habit, scanning to make sure the locks are secure. I have this reoccurring vision of James –-

"Bella, open up." Edward's soothing voice pulls me from my thoughts and I walk over to the door and still find myself reluctantly pulling back the locks.

"See? Everything's ok." Edward looked slightly off – somehow the confidence he usually projects was wavering and I wasn't sure if he was trying to reassure me or himself.

I keep tossing and turning in my bed. Sleep just won't come. I watch shadows dance across the ceiling in blurred hues of red and green; the soft background noise of the TV offers no comfort from my thoughts.

"Edward?"

His eyes remain glued to the TV but he angles his head in my direction.

"I can't sleep…do you think I could watch TV with you for a little while?"

He offers a tired smile and pats the couch.

I don't know what he's watching – and it doesn't really matter. I just need a break from my own thoughts – even if we watch infomercials all night.

Edward pulls my legs across his lap and hands me the throw that hangs over the back of the couch. He rests his hands on my legs and lazily draws small circles on my inner ankle.

"Edward?"

He doesn't look away from the TV as he responds. "Hmm?"

"If I fall asleep and don't get a chance to see you later….well…I just wanted to say thank you."

He turns his attention from the TV – his eyes study my face.

"You're welcome, Bella."

A/N

The Police Chief of Melrose Park really was indicted for strong arming local businesses. I did use pseudo names – well it's not like I'm protecting the innocent cause let's face it they were convicted – I just didn't know what protocol is on using names of real people.

BTW – Caramel Sunrise is actually a coffee you can order at the Dolce Casa Café – it's my favorite!