Song

To The Wonder - Aqualung, Kina Grannis

Chapter Six

Bella

"My room is just down the hall and as for Peter's, it's right next to your room so if you need anything just let us know. Okay?" Jasper asks me as soon as he shows me to the guest room, raising his brows at me when he realized I hadn't moved from the spot where I stood in the hallway. Biting my lip I stepped into the bedroom and looked around, I felt like this room was bigger than my own room - hell it had to be bigger than my whole rundown apartment.

There was a queen sized bed to the right, decorated with several pillows with beautiful embroidery on each of them and the grey covers looked soft and warm in its fluffy texture. The rest of the furniture matched the creme colored walls in an array of grey and obsidian. The windows went all the way up to the ceiling that were vaguely covered by the long curtains.

It was so nice, too nice for the likes of me.

"Do you not like it?" His question brings me out of my admiring and I turn around immediately shaking my head.

"Oh no it's wonderful really." I say, holding my hands together out of nervousness as I realize I'm alone in this bedroom with Jasper.

"But?" He inquires as if he could sense my hesitation.

"It's just that...it's a lot. I can sleep on the couch in the living room, I really don't need all of this, Jasper. Tomorrow I'll start looking for a place as soon as I can."

"Isabella," his stern voice comes back and it's makes me blush as his blue eyes never stop looking at me. "You can stay in this room for as long as you want. There's no rush whatsoever but if you're uncomfortable here I can ask Rosalie to arrange something for you tomorrow morning. You will not be sleeping on any couch, don't speak nonsense like that again."

I bit my lip at his smooth, commanding voice that made me restless. I felt myself getting wet just imagining how dominating he was and was equally surprised that I liked it.

"Okay, thank you, Jasper." I say, blushing from my perverted thoughts.

A knock on the door frame brings us both out of our conversation. Looking over Jasper's shoulder I see Peter standing there with a smile plastered on his gorgeous face that sends a wave of excitement through me. God, I wasn't going to survive with both of them in the same room as me.

"Hey there darlin', you hungry?"

I sat on a stool by the island as I watched Peter cooking in his and Jasper's enormous kitchen. He asked me what I liked to eat and after a lot of debating and insisting, he decided to cook Italian. I wondered if he knew that was my favorite food to eat. When Peter has his back to me as he turns the stove on I couldn't help but admire his appearance. He wore a long sleeved black t-shirt that outlined all of his muscles making it hard to ignore just how built he was.

Jasper was pouring whiskey into two glasses, one for him and the other for Peter but not before asking me if I wanted something too. I settled for a glass of water and I was grateful when they didn't ask me why I didn't choose to drink. Having a drug and alcohol addicted father would probably make anyone stay away from those substances. I know that at least for me that was the case. But I didn't mind seeing Jasper and Peter bringing the crystal glasses up to their lips and drinking the amber liquid as they conversed about their day. I found myself taking a big sip of my glass of water to focus on something else before they caught me ogling at them like a teenager. Even when they drank alcohol it was fucking hot.

Once Peter started boiling the angel hair pasta, I offer to help make the salad and was glad he agreed to let me help him without any argument. I could feel his eyes on me as I went over to the fridge to retrieve everything I needed to make the salad. Tying my hair in a low ponytail before washing the vegetables, I then stood next to him while I chopped the lettuce on the cutting board. I was halfway through cutting the bell peppers when I felt his cool fingers brush the side of my face. Not expecting to feel the sting of my bruise I flinch and can't hide the hiss release from my lips. Moving away I quickly look to see Peter with a strained expression on his face, his hand slowly falling to his side.

"You should put some ice on that tonight, I'll get you an ice pack after dinner. I didn't mean to hurt you by doing that. Sorry..." He says in a whisper before looking back down at the pasta, waiting for it to drain of the water in the strainer. My heart was pounding and I could feel my cheeks flush from embarrassment that I reacted that way to his touch.

Biting my bottom lip I slowly walk back over to him and finish making the salad.

"It's okay...it didn't hurt." I lied when I actually wanted to tell him it did hurt but it was okay because I wanted him to touch me. For some reason though - I couldn't bring myself to say it.

Thankfully, Jasper turned into the kitchen after he set up the table and took the tension away with some lighthearted banter with Peter.

During dinner they talked a lot about their family. Esme, their mother wanted them over to her home for thanksgiving dinner and how their father threatened to kick their asses if they failed to meet her request. They told me about Rosalie being engaged to be married to one of the bouncers in Eclipse named Emmett along with other normal topics. Or at least what they considered normal.

"So Bella you mentioned you had a brother?" Jasper asks me after taking a drink from his glass. Peter's eyes never left mine as he waited for me to speak. I felt so small and on display whenever he did that and with Jasper practically mirroring him I felt even more so.

Twirling the pasta with my fork absentmindedly I nod, "Yes, Paul. He's my younger brother, a bit of a troublemaker for sure but he's a good kid. Actually he moved out last week to go to university in Tacoma which is really great for him." I couldn't help but smile as I think about him. Thinking about Paul and the memories we made together always made me forget my worries.

When I realize I rambled on I look back up to see both of the men were still looking at me. Jasper looked to be enjoying my talking about Paul as a hint of a smile appeared on his lips. They both did that a lot for some reason, they take in every word I say as if they were trying to decipher it - to understand me.

"And what about you?" Peter asks.

"W-what about me?" I ask him nervously, furrowing my brows in confusion at his sudden question.

"You're only a few years older than him right? How was university for you?"

Feeling my cheeks beginning to grow warm I place my fork down onto the plate.

"Well, after my father passed away I had just graduated from high school. My grandmother took us in but she was very ill, college wasn't really an option when I had to raise a child and find a way to pay for the bills so..." I shrug my shoulders, hoping they wouldn't judge me for not having a full education.

"I'm sure your brother is very lucky to have you in his life." Jasper says, breaking the momentary silence to which Peter agrees with him but I can tell the bruise on my face troubled him. Not expecting them to admire the sacrifices I made in my life, I looked down and finished eating my dinner.

Once we were done eating and the three of us cleaned up, I heard my phone ring from my purse that hung on the stool, making me jump and nearly breaking one of the plates. I couldn't bring myself to get it yet when memories of James yelling at me through the phone and his threats plagued my mind.

The way the phone rang insistently I couldn't take it anymore and just had to answer it. Taking a deep breath, I walk around the counter and pull my phone out of my purse. When I see the caller ID I instantly breathed a sigh of relief to see Paul's name on the screen. Looking over to Jasper and Peter, they're both leaning against the counter. Peter was giving me a look of concern while the other had an expression I couldn't quite read again before turning around to put the dishes away.

Excusing myself, I walk over to the hallway and answer.

"Hello?"

"Bells? I finally got a hold of you, I've been calling home all day!" He sounds relieved to hear my voice and I feel something tug at my chest at the mention of our now destroyed apartment.

"Sorry! I've been at work all day...I just now got home..." I feel so guilty lying to him but how could I explain what happened without worrying him?

"Don't work yourself too hard okay? I got a job at the boxing gym so I'll be able to send you some money as soon as I can."

"That's great, buddy! Don't worry about me, you know I always manage to get by somehow. Sounds like you're having a good time?" I force myself to sound more excited than I was, hoping to change the subject of money. The last thing I wanted was Paul having to worry about money when he was living on his own. My fingers trace circles on my jeans as I listen to Paul's happy voice, excitedly telling me all about the new friends he made and how his classes were going. I couldn't help the genuine smile that graced my lips.

"Hey, Bells?"

"Yeah? What's up?"

"...if something happened you know it's okay to tell me right?"

"W-why would something be happening, Paul?" I chuckle nervously.

"You just sound...sad over the phone. I don't know, I just thought I should tell you that if you need me - I'm always here for you."

His kind words take me aback, bringing tears to my eyes. Looking out the window I clear my throat to shake my overwhelming emotions away and replace them with another one of my laughs, "Who's sad? Me? No, I'm just tired it's been a really long day. And don't worry Paul, honestly...everything is okay over here."

"If you say so, Bella. Well I'm gonna go to bed but I'll call you tomorrow."

Just as we said out good nights I said, "And Paul? Thank you for worrying about me. I'm always here for you too."

He chuckled on the other line, "I know you are, Bella. You're always there for me."

After we hung up I looked back up from my phone and stare out the window, seeing the smile on my lips fade into a thin line in my reflection.

"...always."

Once it got late, the three of us walked upstairs to go to bed.

Jasper said goodnight first, having to wake up early in the morning for a meeting. I said goodnight to them and went into the guest bedroom I would be sleeping in until I found a place tomorrow. Taking a quick shower and pulling on a pair of my plaid pajama pants and a tank top I hear a knock at the door. Growing nervous to see Peter or Jasper and having no idea what they would want I cautiously open the door to see Peter standing in the hallway with an ice pack in his hand.

My eyes wander up to his face and he looks slightly uncomfortable as he scratches the back of his head with the other hand before he spoke, "I forgot to give this to you downstairs. There's more in the freezer if you need it."

Slowly taking the cool blue pack from his hand sparks reach my skin as our fingers come into contact, making my breath hitch in my lungs.

"Th-thank you."

Nodding, his eyes wander over me for a moment, "Yeah, well good night."

"Peter?" I call out to him as soon as he turns around to head for his bedroom. Hearing my voice he turns around, "Did...did I do something to upset you?"

I feel so small and insecure asking him such a question. I should be used to people turning their backs on me, to men being cold and cruel to me but the last people I want to dislike me are Peter and Jasper for some reason. It makes me nervous and anxious at the mere thought.

"What? No you didn't do anything, Bella."

Stepping out into the hallway, I speak again, "Then what's wrong? Is it because I'm staying the night? I can leave if it makes you uncomfortable."

He must be thinking how unprofessional this is. Having his employee spend the night in his home.

I don't blame him for being mad at me. I'm such a problematic person.

"Stop." His blunt voice cuts through my thoughts. I think this is the first time I've heard Peter speak to me in a tone that wasn't light or teasing. Looking up into his cool grey depths as they stared into mine, looking right through me and leaving me feeling exposed. Running a hand through his brown mess of hair that only made it look even more ruffled from it. Walking closer to me I instinctively walk backwards until my back is against the wall, my heart starts pounding in my chest as I stare at him. Placing his hand against the wall he bends down so that he's looking right into my eyes his other hand comes up to cup my cheek, being much more gentle about not pressing on the bruise that's still there. My breathing grows heavier as he speaks in a low voice, "I want you here. But I don't want to see any more of these bruises on your beautiful face so put that compress on it tonight and we'll talk more tomorrow."

His thumb runs up and down on my cheek, looking at me with softer eyes now that almost make my knees weak. I bite my lip to control the wave of arousal I feel for this man when a wave washes over me, sending knots to form in my stomach. He's so close I can almost taste the delicious cinnamon scent he always seemed to have. God, I want to taste him.

"You have no idea how badly I want you, Isabella." He whispers into my ear, startling me - not expecting to hear those words from him at all. My chest rises up and down at a fast pace as his thumb travels down to my lips, lightly brushing my bottom lip to free it from the hold my teeth had on it. Our lips are only inches away from each other and I can feel his breath fanning my face. I want him to kiss me so bad, I need him to kiss me. I wrap my around around the back of his neck, about to pull his lips on mine when I hear a voice.

A voice that always haunts me.

"Isabella."

Stopping all movement I look to my right to see James standing in the hallway, a look on his face that sent cold chills down my spine.

"Peter-" I look to him only to see that Peter's nowhere to be found. The only thing that was left of him was the cold compress that numbed my fingers.

Loud footsteps stomped on the hardwood floor, growing faster and faster almost matching the way my heart was not beating. Trembling and barely being able to stand I look up at the man that has made my life into a living hell as he sneers in my face, "I found you, little bitch."

Just as he balls his hand into a tight fist and it flies towards my face I see darkness.

"No!" I scream, gasping for air as if I had been suffocating. Clutching the bedsheets in between my hands as I panted uncontrollably.

My eyes were filled with tears, making the creme colored ceiling look like a blurry mess. Blinking them away I sit up, holding the blanket close to my chest while I took in my surroundings. When I started recognizing the room I was in, I let out an exasperated noise before holding my head in my hands. Taking deep breaths to calm myself down I try to control the tremors that coursed through my body.

You're in the Cullen's house, remember? It's okay, it was just a dream Bella. It's okay he can't get you here.

"Just a dream..."

Thank god it was a dream this time.

I forced myself to curl up under the covers to will the trembling away when I felt something cold on my arm. Lifting the covers I see the cold compress that Peter gave me last night. At least not everything was a dream, right? Without being able to stop them, more tears escape my eyes and onto the pillowcase. Even when in my dreams, even if I'm in a different house where he can't find me...James will always control my life and it was the worst feeling in the world accepting that fact. Covering my mouth with my hand I tried my best to control the sobs that wanted to escape.

When I heard a knock I sat up quickly, my eyes wide open looking towards the door.

"Bella? You okay?"

Jasper.

"Y-yes..." I can barely say in between my shaking chest.

"Can we come in?"

Peter.

They want to come in? Now? What do they want from me? Are they going to yell at me for waking them up or making too much noise?

"We just want to make sure you're okay."

"I'm okay." I call out, hoping that would be enough for them to take my word for it.

"...can you open the door? Please?"

Knowing I wouldn't be able to say no to them I cover my head with the covers and curl into a ball, "Y-you can...come in."

Not even a second after I said those words, I heard the door open followed by footsteps approaching the bed. I gripped the sheets as I waited for them to yell at me or to tell me to get out.

"Can I see your face, darlin'?" Jasper's voice is right in front of mine, the only thing separating us is the thick blanket I was using as a shield.

"I don't think that's a good idea. You don't want to see me like this." I manage to say in a hushed tone.

"We'll be the judge of that." Peter says.

With a shaky hand I slowly lift the cover slightly over my head, my eyes being the only thing visible and I can finally see them. Jasper was kneeling down in front of me with Peter standing behind him - they were both still in their pajamas. More tears run down the side of my face when I see their caring eyes, deep with concern.

Concern for me?

"Can you tell us what happened? How can we help you?"

Shaking my head I bite my lip to keep myself from sobbing again.

"Okay but we're not leaving until I know you're ready to talk. It's the only way I can know how to help you, sweetheart."

Without another word Peter moves to sit down next to Jasper, crossing his legs while I feel one of his hands very close to mine over the blanket. Pushing the blanket a little lower until my whole face was finally out for them to see, more tears come up as Jasper tilts his head to the side, "Hi."

"Hi..." I whisper.

"Can you let us help you, Bella? Please?" Peter asks me, his hand giving mine a slight squeeze over the blanket.

"I'm scared."

"We're here. We are not going anywhere and nothing is going to happen to you as long as you're with us. I promise." Jasper says, the back of his fingers wiping the stray tears that fall. I close my eyes, feeling calm and reassured by his simple, caring touch. I wanted to believe them. I wanted to believe that they could help me escape the hell I've been in for so many years but would they really keep their word after they find out how damaged I am?

After a few minutes of pondering I decide to make another choice. I decided to trust them and what ever happens, I'll accept it.

"Okay...I'll tell you."

A/N: What a chapter, whoo! Bella is finally breaking down her walls for our boys but how will they react? Just thought I'd leave a little list of each main characters age in case any of you were wondering!

Jasper (26)

Peter (25)

Bella (22)

Rosalie (26)

Emmett (30)

Paul (17)

Thanks for reading!