A/N: Hey, I'm back! I really hope you guys enjoy this chapter, I had a lot of fun reading it. I'm glad you guys seem to be enjoying the story so far :) Please continue to review and let me know what you think!

Disclaimer: Twilight is not mine

BPOV

I felt my heart racing deep in my chest as I parked my truck in the driveway and headed inside. I was nervous to see what was waiting for me on the other end of the door.

I hesitantly unlocked the door and quietly stepped inside, praying Phil was passed out drunk and wouldn't hear my presence. He did not take my plans of heading to Edward's very well, as expected.

-Flashback-

I paced back and forth in my bedroom. It was 5:20. Dinner was in the oven and would be ready in a few moments. Phil had to be on his way home. I didn't know how to inform him of my plans to leave the house for the project. I have never asked him for permission to leave the house, ever. I was frightened to the point of feeling today's lunch rise from my stomach into my throat. I swallowed it down and decided to suck it up and do it. I've been beaten before, it wasn't anything new. I could take it.

I pulled the pot roast out of the oven and stacked it onto a plate, along with corn and mashed potatoes. I grabbed a beer from the fridge and set everything on the table for him.

Four slow minutes later, I heard the front door open and then bang shut, his filthy boots stomping towards the kitchen. Each step somehow sounded louder than the last. He looked at me with distaste in his eyes.

"Sir?" I called out as he speared a piece of pot roast into his mouth.

He glared at me, his bushy eyebrows receding into the crease of his eyelids. "What?"

I fiddled my thumbs nervously. "Well, I was, um, a-assigned a history project today that is to be worked on…uh…out of c-class and with a partner. I am supposed to head over t-to Dr. Cullen's tonight at six PM to work on the project with his son, Edward."

His silverware clanked loudly as he dropped it onto the table. "You're trying to leave the house?"

I didn't answer.

He sauntered towards me, an evil smile playing on his lips. His face was only inches of mine; his wretched breath blowing in my face.

"Why did you choose a boy to be your partner? You're a filthy slut," he boomed before punching me in the gut. I doubled over in pain.

"We didn't get… t-to choose our partners, sir. They w-were assigned to us," I mumbled breathlessly, clutching at the spot he rammed his fist into.

"Whatever, bitch. Don't complain to me if you whore around and get knocked up." He grabbed my shoulders now and pinched roughly. I winced in pain, but held back the tears. "I will find out if there actually is a project to be working on. If not, you will pay." He shoved me into the counter, forcing the granite deeply into my back. I shut my eyes and prayed for the pain to go away as he dismissed me from the kitchen.

-End of Flashback-

"Isabella," I heard his demonic voice call from the living room. He sang my name, acting as if he was sweet. He was mocking me.

"Yes, sir?" I inquired as I stepped into the living room, strategically placing myself as close to the door as I possibly could.

"How was working on that project?" He sneered the words at me and slowly crept towards me, fury evident in his lifeless brown eyes. The smirk on his face caused me to shiver intensely.

"Good, s-sir. It's coming along w-well."

He nodded without interest and grabbed me by the hair, throwing me onto the carpet. That was going to give me a major headache.

"Just so you know, I emailed your history teacher pretending to be you. I asked him to clarify the due date of the project, and he did. So, if you claim to be working on a project any time after the 16th, I'll know you're lying. Do you understand me? Don't think you can use this project as an excuse to leave this house for any longer than need be. The only reason I'm letting you leave this house is because people would wonder why you're not allowed to work on a project. Nobody can know a thing, got that?" He grabbed me by my biceps and squeezed so hard, I thought I was going to burst. He pulled me onto my feet and shoved me toward the stairs.

"Now, get out of my face for the rest of the night," his words dripped of pure hatred. I nodded and sprinted up the stairs. I locked myself into my bedroom and plopped onto my bed, welcoming the tears as they flowed down my cheeks. I reached into my backpack and pulled out what I was looking for.

Edward had given me the last cookie that his mother had made for us. I stared at it for what seemed like hours, memorizing the shape, color, and amount of cinnamon baked onto the top. I knew I would never be able to enjoy something so sweet and homemade from the heart ever again, so I savored every moment I had with it. I closed my eyes and felt the tears run down my face as I took a bite of the cookie, moaning quietly at the amazing taste.

Edward's Mom made me depressed. That sounds bad, but it's true. Walking into his house and seeing a loving mother handing cookies out made my heart break, because I knew I could never have something like that. She was a beautiful woman, and I have nothing like her. I did, but I never will again.

After I, unfortunately, finished the cookie, I heard the door slam and Phil's engine roar to life. He was headed to the bar, per usual. I smiled widely and reached into my backpack, pulling out my journal. I only wrote when Phil wasn't around. I didn't want him ever sneaking up on me while I wrote. He would definitely kill me if he read the words I scribbled onto the pages.

After writing for about a half hour, I did some homework and took a hot shower. As I was showering, I noticed bruises were forming on my shoulders and arms, where Phil had grabbed me forcefully. I padded downstairs after the shower and grabbed some ice, gingerly placing it on my skin before going to bed.

As I laid in bed, I found my thoughts drifting to Edward. He was so… different from everyone else at school. He was kind, gentle. Everybody else thought of me as a freak. You would think, since Edward was the most popular guy in school, he would be the ring leader of the bullies. But, he wasn't. I have no clue why, but he wasn't.

I was locked in a dark room. Where I was, was completely uncertain. I looked around in the darkness frantically, but found nothing. I screamed and cried, but there was tape placed tightly over my lips. I had a feeling nobody could hear my desperate pleas for help. The floor was cold like cement; goosebumps ran up and down the length of my body. The only reason I was warm was because of the hot tears soaking my face.

A door suddenly opened, revealing a figure. I blinked away the tears in an effort to better depict the person, but I knew this was unnecessary. I knew who this monster was before he even opened the fucking door.

"Isabella," he whispered in my ear, his hot breath poisoning my skin.

"Now you know to never try to get away from me. I told you what would happen, but you still did it. You're a stupid girl," he murmured, running his fingers roughly through my knotted hair. I winced and shut my eyes, hoping my mind would show me something pleasant.

I opened my eyes to see the lights were on, and he was stalking towards me with a giant knife in his grubby hands.

Suddenly, Edward ran into the room and knocked Phil off his feet, shoving him into the wall. Phil's head was covered in blood from hitting the concrete wall with such an amount of force.

He threw a few heavy punches into Phil's face, knocking him out completely. I felt nothing but happiness when I saw the blood oozing down his filthy skin.

Edward looked over at me, fury in his gorgeous eyes. When he saw me, his eyes softened and a look of pain flickered in them. I wanted the look of sadness to leave his eyes. He was too beautiful to be sad.

"I'm here now, Bella," he whispered before pulling me into his arms.

I awoke with a jump. I looked around the room and realized it was only a dream. Sweat covered my forehead and tears littered my face. I wiped the wetness away and sauntered into the bathroom.

As I got ready for school, I couldn't help but wonder why Edward was in my dream. Was it because I had been with him last night? Yes, that must be it.

I got dressed in another one of my infamous oversized sweaters and faded jeans that barely fit me anymore. It was always very difficult to get new clothes. Phil gave me $150 once a year to buy clothes, and that money had to be spent on every season of the year. I usually ended up shopping at the thrift store, so I could get as much as possible with the money.

After changing, I grabbed my backpack and bounced downstairs happily. Phil always left for work a little before I woke up, so I could at least have a little something for breakfast.

I chose a granola bar- something too small for him to get mad about- and headed out to the truck.

I stayed in the truck as long as I possibly could after pulling into the parking lot of the school. I yanked out one of my favorite books, Wuthering Heights, and read until I heard the ten minute bell ring. I grumbled in anger and tossed my book into my backpack, preparing to face the real world.

"Hey, Swan. That sweater looks great on you," Tanya Denali called as she walked past me with her friends, Jessica Stanley and Leah Clearwater. Sarcasm tucked inside her nasally voice. I hid behind my hair and shuffled away. I reminded myself to not let her words bother me as I made my way to my locker.

First period was boring, like always. As I walked into second period, Alice Cullen was smiling warmly at me, per usual. I smiled back and took my seat.

"Hey, Bella!"

"Hello," I murmured.

"When are you coming over again?!" She asked curiously.

"Tomorrow."

She clapped her hands in excitement. "Yay! You should hangout with me for a little after you're done working on the project. I would love to show you my room. I have so many clothes that I thought would fit me, but they don't. You should try them on!"

I felt my pulse quicken. What if the clothes didn't cover the bruises? Maybe I could think of an excuse to get myself out of it.

I smiled politely. "Sounds nice."

She grinned, clearly proud of herself, as the lesson began. I couldn't help but wonder why Alice wanted to give me clothes. Was the fact that I wore the same few baggy outfits really that offending to the public eye?

As I plopped at my usual lunch table, I retrieved my journal out of my backpack and found the nearest blank page. I told my journal about Phil's threats he had given me last night, and how much pain I was in from his abuse. However, the main topic of my journal was not, for once, Phil. I found myself writing about Edward. I couldn't seem to stop. I just had so much to say.

Nobody has ever paid as much attention to me in my life. I mean, I know he has to due to the fact that I'm his partner, but he treats me as more than a partner. He treats me with… hospitality. Something I have never seen in my life. He talks to me about other things besides the project as if he wants to understand me. I made sure to share that with my journal.

As I took the last bite of the PB&J sandwich I had packed, I found myself smiling. I felt so stupid, really. I mean, I was smiling because I got partnered with a beautiful boy who appreciated the same music as me and also gave me cookies. It probably is normal life situations- but not for me. It was truly a blessing.

I looked over at Edward's table and felt my smile grow even more. He was laughing at something one of his friends had said. The huge grin on his face was breathtaking. He looked so happy… so free.

I hadn't seen Edward that happy in a while- at least from when I would admire from afar. He's looked troubled lately. But, it appears as though his guards are down.

It's almost as if he read my thoughts, because his eyes drifted to mine and he smiled brightly. I quickly looked away, having been caught staring at him. I don't need him to think I'm a freak, just like everyone else in this school does.

"Sir?" I called as I crept hesitantly into the kitchen, watching Phil devour his cheeseburger, grease seeping into the pores on the wrinkly, tired skin around his lips.

He didn't respond, choosing to glare at me instead.

"I just wanted to i-inform you that I'm heading over to the Cullen's soon…for the project."

"Whatever. Be home in time to clean the house. I want it spotless in here, and that's your job," he snarled the words in my direction. I simply nodded and scurried out of the room, heading upstairs to grab my backpack before going to Edward's.

I felt… peaceful as I drove through the windy streets. Phil didn't touch me at all today. He didn't complain about my food. He didn't even get mad that I'm going to Edward's. I mean, he knows about the project, but still. I was in a good mood, and I haven't felt this way in a while. I was going to savor it.

After about ten minutes, I found myself gliding down the Cullen's never-ending driveway, headed to their miraculous mansion. I still can't believe this is where they live. They have it so easy. I hope they never take their lives for granted.

I got out of the truck and headed up the stairs to the porch, stumbling on the way, but catching myself before smoothing out my sweater and knocking on the mahogany door.

The door was pulled open to reveal little Alice beaming. She grabbed my arm forcefully and yanked me inside. I almost yelped in pain. Alice provided pressure onto my bruises, and it hurt like hell. But, I had to stop the tears. I didn't want them to think badly of me.

"Alice! Let me out of here. She's over here for me, not you!" I heard Edward's muffled voice shouting from somewhere in the house, but I didn't see him at all. I raised my eyebrow in question.

"I locked him in the basement," Alice waved her hand like it was nothing.

"Why?"

"Because I want to hangout with you, too, and he's gonna try to 'save you from my clutches'," she put air quotes around the words. I couldn't stop the chuckle from escaping my lips.

"Come on, it'll be quick! I just want you to see my room and try on some clothes," she announced before taking my hand and dancing up the stairs.

"You're really gonna leave him down there?" I found myself laughing harder now. Their sibling rivalry was highly amusing.

"Oh, he'll be fine. He's got the big screen TV, the comfy couches, the pool table, and the workout space down there."

I shrugged and followed Alice into her room. It was rather beautiful. Her walls were a light purple shade, with white lights dangling all around the tops. On the left wall sat a huge TV with two shelves standing next to it, all filled with movies and CD cases. The right wall held a stereo system, with a door next to it that led into a private bathroom. The carpet was a light gray, and the huge bed placed against the back wall held a black and white comforter. There were pictures and colorful tapestries all over the walls.

In the back corner, next to the window, was another door. Alice smirked at me before gliding over to the door and opening it, revealing an enormous walk-in closet. I walked inside and felt my jaw drop. The place was cluttered with so much clothing and shoes. There had to be thousands upon thousands of dollars' worth of attire right in front of my eyes.

"Wow, Alice. How did you manage this?"

She giggled. "I'm a Daddy's girl."

I felt a pang in my heart, but forced it away. I didn't need to pity myself right now.

"So, before you came, I put all the clothes that don't fit me onto this shelf," she pointed to a bag on one of the very many shelves.

"Why did you buy clothes that are too big for you anyway?" I challenged.

"They were too beautiful to resist, and none of them were in my size. I thought I could either try to shrink them or give them away to someone who could make use of them."

I nodded in understanding and watched as Alice retrieved the bag and pushed it into my arms, shoving me into the bathroom. I couldn't help but envy the fact that she had enough money to buy clothes that she knew may never fit her anyway.

"Try them all on and show me how you look in them! It'll be a fashion show," she winked and shut the door behind me.

I looked through the bag and only paid attention to the items that would cover my bruises. I was not about to show them to Alice. If she were to ask why I wasn't trying on the shorts or short sleeves, I would lie and say I was cold or something.

For some reason, I held no fear or hesitation towards Alice. I knew that she was far too kind and bubbly to show me any type of harm or disrespect. I really liked her.

I pulled a cashmere midnight blue sweater out of the bag, snaking it around my body. It fit perfectly, although I knew I would have to hide it from Phil. It showed too much cleavage.

Just as I was about to try on a pair of black skinny jeans, I heard Edward's voice.

"You're evil. What did you do to her? Shove her into that black hole of a closet?"

I heard a slap and then Edward screech "ow!" I stifled a giggle.

"How did you get out?" Alice sounded annoyed.

"Mom heard me yelling."

"Well, Bella's trying on clothes in the bathroom."

"Ugh, leave her alone, Alice! She's not a Barbie doll," he exclaimed, clearly agitated. I decided to save Alice from her brother's anger, so I quickly hiked the jeans up and buttoned them before opening the door.

Both their heads turned towards me.

Alice's face lit up like a Christmas tree, and she clapped her hands in approval.

Edward's eyes were wide with surprise. His mouth was open in awe, but he quickly closed it and grinned crookedly. I blushed and looked down, staring at my feet.

"Bella, you look hot," Alice chimed, clearly pleased with herself.

"It's just an outfit," I muttered.

"No, Bella, Alice is right. You look beautiful," Edward's voice was soft and smooth. I snapped my head up and met his beautiful eyes. He looked happy.

Could he really mean that? No, he was just being nice. I mentally scolded myself for even considering the fact that Edward Cullen could ever think I was beautiful.

"Thanks."

"Come on, Bella, let's go before Alice tries to take you to the mall," Edward gently grabbed my hand. The touch sent a wild shock through my body. I wondered if he felt it, too.

"Whatever, Edward. One of these days Bella is going to come over and it's going to be to hangout with me, not to work on your project," she called as we left the room. I felt a stab in my chest, knowing that could never happen.

"Sorry about her," Edward apologized as he led me into his room. I smiled before sitting on the edge of his bed, pulling my textbook out of my bag.

"Are you ready to get shit done?" Edward asked playfully, waltzing gracefully toward his stereo system and playing another mixtape. I felt my tensed muscles relax at the sound of Coldplay. I loved them and I loved Edward for playing them so often.

"You seem to really enjoy them," Edward observed with a playful smirk on his face.

"Can you blame me?" I challenged. How could you not like Coldplay?

"Not at all. They're even better live."

"Ugh, I would kill to see them live," I dreamed. I don't know how I was being so talkative. I just felt great.

"You mean to tell me that you're as big of a fan as you claim, yet you haven't seen them in concert?" Edward exasperated, his voice rising in disbelief. His eyes were wide, but his smile was mischievous.

I grew upset, knowing I could never see them in concert. I knew Edward was teasing me, he didn't know my reasoning behind not purchasing a ticket.

"I just never found the opportunity."

He rubbed his chin in wonder. "Hmmm… Okay, here's an idea. If we get an A on this project, I will buy us both tickets to see them next time they come to Seattle. Deal?" He reached his hand across the bed, offering me a handshake in order to seal the deal. I gazed at his long fingers and immediately lectured myself for imagining the things they were capable of.

I already knew Coldplay wasn't coming back to Seattle for another year and half. Edward will definitely forget by then. No harm in making this promise that I can't keep.

I smirked and took his hand. "Deal."