AN: I just want to say I'm so sorry I've been MIA, life has been a rollercoaster and a bad one at that for the last few months. I've been hiding behind reading others stories to comfort myself than rather updating mine, I'm so sorry for that. I have not abandoned You Set The Forest Ablaze. I'm currently working on the next chapter but I also wanted to start this.
Firstly, this story will be a bit different. For one, roles are reversed. Bella is the vampire and Edward is the fragile human. There will be very slight dom/ sub undertones, Edward being submissive in some cases only because Bella's inner "Beast" expects nothing less than compliance as it recognizes Edward as the "weaker" half. I hope that makes even a shred of sense.
Secondly, I really wanted this story to defy all our society's outlook on women. That we're the weaker sex that relies on a man for protection, but Please keep in mind, Edward is still very much a man in this story just sometimes Bella's inner beast takes over.
I hope it's okay and please ignore any grammatical errors. I'm still learning.
Blurb: Bella had been alone for what seemed like an eternity. Sure, she had family but nothing would come as close as having her own mate, her other half.
She was incomplete until a very human Edward Masen moves to Forks to live with his cynical, abusive father. Bella will do anything to protect her mate, to protect what is rightfully hers. Anything.
Chapter 1
Edward sat cramped next to a mother and her two year old son who was crying hysterically because he wasn't allowed to pick his mothers nose for her.
Needless to say, the flight couldn't end fast enough.
"Ladies And gentleman, the Captain has turned off the Fasten Seat Belt sign, and you may now collect any hand luggage and may make your way off the plane. We hope you had a pleasant flight!" a cheery flight attendant said over the intercom.
Yeah right, 3 hours and 57 minutes of a pure headache.
Edward then realized, he'd have to meet his father soon. His personal Hell hadn't even started yet.
A month ago, Edward's mother, Elizabeth, died in a car accident. It was unexpected and it left Edward in a state of panic. One of mom's Co workers and friends agreed to take Edward in until some sort of plan was made.
Elizabeth and Edward scraped by each month, she had no extra funds to send Edward to a good school so he was sent to the public school. It wasn't the best as Edward was bullied every day while there, but academically, he excelled. He was the best student they had. But from the age of 14, he had to balance school and try to find some extra work to help with the bills. A roof was over their heads and some nights they had to eat dry, stale bread with just a glass of water to wash it down but they survived. Edward adored his mother, even though in the worst circumstances, she was sunshine in a form of his mom.
Pregnant at 18 and abandoned by Edward's father shortly after Edward was born with the parting words that he wasn't interested in being a father, Elizabeth's entire family had abandoned her as well, but she made a plan and raised Edward on her own. She was the best mother, given the circumstances.
And then she died. Leaving Edward on his own. So Shirley, his mother's co worker and friend took Edward in for a month. They got contacted by the State and was told Edward was to go live with his father, a man he hardly knew but detested.
Michael Masen was known as a cold man, endless one night stands, no responsibilities. Just the way he enjoyed it. He was contacted by the state a month ago that his offspring's mother had died and it was his responsibility to care for the child. Michael did not like that one bit.
He fought to have the responsibility taken off of him, he hired some of the best lawyers but to no avail. As Edward was only 16, Michael was legally bound to care for him until he reached 18.
Edward hated having the mans surname but at the time of his birth, his mother thought it would make Michael happy that she gave Edward his surname. It did not.
Edward walked out the plane, down the stairs, while breathing in the Seattle air.
It was chilly as it was nearing November, but all Edward had on was a hand me down pair of jeans, old sneakers with holes in them and a thin sweater. Edward and his mom were either given clothes by her co workers or if need be, they went to good will.
The only luggage Edward had was an old backpack with a toothbrush, one pair of pj's, two pairs of briefs and another pair of jeans with two extra T-shirt's. Fortunately, as a parting gift, Shirley gave Edward one of Frank's, her husband, jacket he no longer wore. So Edward wouldn't freeze completely.
And ofcourse, nestled in his backpack, wrapped in a cloth was a picture of his mom and him when he was about 10. The only thing he had of his mother.
Edward had collected his luggage and was waiting for Michael's work colleague to fetch him. The man couldn't even be bothered to fetch Edward himself, so he asked one of the women in his office he knew had feelings for him to do his bidding. Pathetic.
"You must be Edward." A blonde woman with much too tight, revealing clothes on, said with a sneer.
Ah. His darling father must have mentioned how much he hated his own child.
"Yes." Edward said softly.
"Well come on. I haven't got all day. Here, take this. It's the rules from your father, that you will abide by while under his care.
Edward opened the letter and felt a lump form in his throat when it was officially confirmed, his father indeed did hate him.
"You will call me Mr Masen at all times. I am NOT your father, dad or pops.
1. You will stay in the shed at the back of the property. There is a bed, a box for your belongings and there should be a working light, if not you will have to make a plan.
2. You are never and I mean that, NEVER allowed in my home. Ever.
3. Regarding your bathroom breaks, there's a forest behind the house, make use of it.
4. I will not provide food for you, so if you do not make a plan, then you will starve.
5. In regards to hygiene there is a stream a few miles in the forest. Don't get lost, it would look bad on my part.
6. I'm legally bound to pay for your school fees so you will attending Forks High. Do not embarrass me, boy. You will not like the consequences if you do. You start next week.
Edward sighed, folded the letter and put it in his pocket. His eyes were damp but he refused to shed a tear over this monster.
Edward wanted his mother back, he wanted someone to protect him and love him like she did. But he had nothing and no one anymore.
The drive from Seattle was long but it gave Edward time to think. He would start looking today for work. Shirley was kind enough to give Edward $20 should he need it, which was greatly appreciated as Shirley had 7 mouths to feed and was financially strapped herself. Her husband had to stop working 7 months ago due to bad back problems so it fell to Shirley to be the bread winner in the household.
Edward would do his best to spread the $20 as much as he could. He'd buy soap, toilet paper and some bread. If he had enough, perhaps he could get some deodorant.
"Get out."
Edward was so lost in his thoughts, he barely noticed they'd arrived at his father's house.
"Thanks." Edward mumbled.
Edward stared at the home in awe. It was huge. A classic white picket fence home.
"The shed is in the back. Don't go near his home." The woman, who still remained nameless snarked back.
Edward walked to the back of he property and saw the shed he would be staying in. It was right at the back , very close to the forest line.
The shed must have been a good looking shed back in the day but now it was old looking, the roof looked to have holes in it and it was quite small.
Edward opened the door and saw a musty looking cot as a bed, with a cardboard box next to it for the few possessions Edward did have.
Edward tried the light switch and thankfully, it buzzed a few seconds but eventually turned on. Edward breathed a sigh of relief. He was sure he couldn't afford candles as well as matches.
Edward placed his backpack on the bed and looked around.
It could have been worse. It wasn't as bad inside as it looked outside. There was even a tiny shelf that must have been for tools and such that Edward could place his mothers picture on.
His bed was lumpy but it would do. An old sheet covered the bed and he had a scratchy-feeling, gray blanket to cover himself. He had no pillow but it wasn't a necessity.
Edward took a deep breath and looked at the old watch on his arm that he found on street one day back in Illinois, it thankfully still worked.
It was 2pm, it gave Edward a chance to find where all the shops were and see if any vacancies were available.
He walked for a few blocks past a few houses and eventually he saw he was getting closer.
Edward finally came upon the collection of shops and saw there was a pharmacy with a job sign in the window. They were hiring. Edward sung a praise to whoever was above and just hoped they'd consider him for the position.
He walked in and smelt the most mouthwatering smell, it smelt like freshly baked cookies.
He then saw where the smell was coming from there was a little table near the entrance with cookies of different flavors with a sign that said try a few.
Edward was a prideful person but he hadn't eaten since the night before and he knew it would be a while till he would be able to afford any luxuries such as these delicious treats.
He snuck one of each in his pocket for later on when he got back to the shed.
Edward walked up to the counter and before he could peer around to see where one of the staff members were, the most beautiful woman walked from behind the door at the back.
She had beautiful auburn hair with butterscotch colored eyes. She also had a gentle, motherly smile on her face. She looked like a angel. She reminded Edward of his own mother and without his permission, a lump formed in his throat and tears welled up in his eyes.
"Are you alright, love?" The angel-looking lady asked in such a beautiful voice.
"Uh, oh right, sorry, yes thank you. Sorry about that." Edward stammered as his face flushed scarlet.
"I'm Esme Cullen. My husband and I own this pharmacy. He's a doctor at Forks General. You look new, are you from around here?" She asked with a gentle smile.
Edward scratched the back of his neck self consciously.
"Uh, yeah. I'm Edward Masen. I just moved here from Illinois. My mo...my mother passed away last month so I'm here to stay with my father." Edward mumbled, strangely feeling comfortable around this woman.
Esme's eyes filled with tears that strangely never fell.
"Oh you poor dear. I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother, sweetheart." she said softly placing her unnaturally cold hand upon Edwards warm one.
"Thank you, ma'am. I never meant to ruin your mood with my sorrows, I actually came in to inquire about the position that was advertised on the window." Edward mumbled shyly.
"It's yours. When can you start?" Esme asked seriously.
To say Edward was flabbergasted would be a vast understatement.
Esme must have seen his bewildered look and quickly explained.
"That position has been advertised for two months, you're the first person to inquire about it. Plus, you look trustworthy and hard working." Esme smiled at Edward.
Edward felt his body release the tension it was holding. For the first time in his young life, it seemed he might be catching a break. He wasn't expecting the first place he applied or inquired at to hire him but alas,here he was. With an actual job. He wouldn't be starving after all.
"I can start now. Thank you so much ma'am. I'm so grateful, thank you." Edward said sincerely while attempting to smile at her.
"It's quite alright, sweetheart. I should be thanking you. I've needed help around here for so long, you're heaven sent. You'll be getting paid weekly, it's $700 per week. Is that satisfactory?" Esme asked while getting something from behind the counter.
Good thing she wasn't looking at Edwards face because his jaw dropped and he felt faint, he quickly grabbed onto the counter and tried his best to make his knees lock at a standing position.
He was expecting, at maximum, $100/week due to his age and lack of experience.
"I can't accept that much. I have no experience and I unfortunately start school next week at Forks High so I can only work after school and weekends. I'm so sorry, I should have mentioned this all before. " Edward said, nervous she would no longer want him working for her.
"Nonsense, you will be getting $700 per week and we can ofcourse work around your schedule. Sweetheart, as I said earlier, you are helping me as much as I'm helping you. If not, more so." Esme said softly while handing Edward an envelope.
Edward opened it and found $350. He immediately tried to give the money back to Esme which she was expecting and stated firmly but kindly,
"Love, take it. Buy yourself some school supplies and anything else you may need. Friday, I'll give the rest. Please, it would make me so happy." Esme begged while staring at Edward with those warm golden eyes.
"Thank you so much, ma'am. Is there any other work I can do for you. To make me feel better. I can do garden work,house work and I can cook." Edward pleaded.
"Well, how about every Saturday you can help me in my garden. You can even stay for dinner. I have children about your age, they also attend Forks High. They're all seniors." Esme said with a smile, a strange twinkle in her eye. As if she knew something I didn't.
"Ofcourse, I'd be very grateful." Edward stated. This woman not only looked like an angel but she acted like one too.
"You said you start school next week Monday. It's Tuesday so that gives us four days to train you. Well three, Saturday we will be gardening. But we will start tomorrow. Be here at 10am tomorrow morning but for now I want you to go get yourself some food and anything else you may need. I also want you to have a proper dinner. Do you hear me, Edward?" Esme said firmly like a mother would to a child.
Warmth bloomed in his chest for this woman who he had just met. He already knew she would come to mean a lot to him. She emitted sunshine and warmth just like his late mother. He knew then and there, his mother had sent him this angel. He vowed to do anything to make Esme proud of him.
"Yes ma'am. Thank you ...you have no idea how much you have helped me already. Thank you." Edward said softly, his eyes once again welling up.
He bid farewell to Esme who smiled at him with sad, knowing eyes, as if she knew everything Edward had been through in his 16 years of life.
He went to the little grocery shop a few blocks down from Esme's and bought some essentials. Anything that wouldn't need to be kept in the fridge but that could be made as dinners and other meals. He wouldn't waste the money he made. He would save it.
As scanning the aisles for things he may need, he saw there was an aisle for linen and all things bedroom related, Edward grabbed a pillow as well.
If he saved enough he could one day soon afford to get the electricity running properly in the little shed and get a small refrigerator for foods that were perishable out of the fridge. Maybe even a one plate stove.
There was an aisle on electronics, Edward saw there was a Stone age phone only meant for calls and text messages, it's price was on sale for $30.
Edward decided he would get it for emergencies and to phone Shirley and let her know he was okay.
The consultant helped Edward set it up and then Edward was the proud owner of his first ever phone.
Edward also got a cheap cooler-box to keep water in for drinking and brushing his teeth since he had no bathroom.
By the time Edward was finished,it was dark out and he had a fair distance to make it back to the shed.
Edward arrived home just after 7pm. He was exhausted. But he was happy. Sure he wasn't living in the best place but he had food, a roof over his head and now a job. What more could he ask for? Especially all in one day.
Edward packed all the items away and tried to make the little shed a home. His bed was made, the box next to his bed held his little clothes he had and the cooler box was at the end of his bed with little snacks and bottles of water.
The picture of his mom was on the shelf. Edward smiled at the smiling face of his mom. Even in the after life, she was still watching over him and protecting him.
He made a mental note to call Shirley tomorrow and get her banking details from her. He made a vow to himself with every paycheck he got, he would send $100 to her. For taking him in when no one else wanted too.
He got his clothes ready for tomorrow before having a ready made meal he bought for supper tonight. Cottage pie with a side meal of mashed butternut with cheese on top.
Edward gulped down the food so fast, he hadn't had a proper meal in what seemed like forever. Living at Shirley's for that month, Edward made sure he ate last and whatever was left he would eat. Some nights, it wasn't much but Edward didn't mind in the least.
Edward saw his father's lights were still off. Which didn't matter to Edward. The less he saw of him the better.
He set an alarm on the phone for 6am so he could have a wash. He had enough bottles of water and soap to have one.
Edward fell asleep with a relieved heart, that maybe just maybe, he might make it somewhere in life.