Hi everyone! Here's a new chapter for you guys. It's a long one, so I hope you enjoy it! Things will start heating up soon. Let me know what you think! As always, thank you for your support. Review!

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight

BPOV

As I drove home from school, I could not get Edward off my mind. That probably wasn't a good thing.

How could I agree to let him help me out? I can't do that. The closer anybody gets to me, the closer they are to the truth. I can't allow anybody to discover what Phil does to me. He will literally kill me. If I wasn't careful around Edward from now on, he would figure it out. He would either see a bruise, see something about Phil in my journal, or just put the pieces together on his own. Edward is a very smart guy. I know he is completely capable of figuring out what goes on at home.

But, the way Edward defended me made me feel ways I haven't felt in years. I felt… cared for and respected. I haven't felt those things since Mom was alive. I didn't want today to be the last time I feel that way. I was so emotionally unstable because of Phil that I needed a friend the way I needed air and food. I simply couldn't reject Edward's offer of being my friend. My head told me it was a bad idea, to back out now and completely forget about Edward.

However, my heart told me to let him into my life, even if it was just a little bit. My heart told me to accept his friendship. I will just have to be extremely careful.

And they say to listen to your heart, right?

I stirred the taco meat in the pan, preparing Phil's dinner. I hummed softly to myself as I cooked. I was in a rather good mood after allowing myself to befriend Edward. I knew it wouldn't be a typical friendship, but it was something. Something I was extremely grateful for.

I grabbed the head of lettuce out of the fridge and began breaking it up into small pieces for the tacos. I was thinking of ideas for the history project when I heard Phil's car pull into the driveway. I quickly placed some meat into the soft taco shells and sprinkled lettuce, cheese and onions on top before he walked into the door. I set the food on the table as I heard his boots stomping towards the kitchen.

He looked at the table and froze in his place, glaring menacingly at the plate of food. I felt my heart rate quicken. Did I do something wrong to the tacos? Lettuce, cheese, onions... that's the way he likes them. I didn't fuck them up.

"Isabella, what the hell is this?" He growled, pointing his dirty fingers at the plate. I began to literally shake in fear.

"Tacos, s-sir," I stuttered pathetically.

He walked across the room and grabbed my shirt, throwing me against the wall roughly. I smacked my head and instantly felt the headache.

"You're so fucking stupid! I sent you a text message telling you I want steak and you can't even listen to that? What is wrong with you? You're so useless that you can't even read a text off a phone that I provided for you." He was screaming in my face, his breath smelled of stale beer. I closed my eyes and waited for it.

He punched my gut, causing me to double over in pain. He then grabbed my hair and used it to throw me onto the ground. I smacked my face on the hardwood floor and smelled blood coming from my nose.

He grabbed my shoulder and forced me up.

"I do so much nice shit for you. I bought you a car, a laptop, a cell phone, and I give you money for clothes every fucking year and this is how you repay me?" He bellowed, his voice echoing throughout the house as he pulled at my hair roughly.

"Tell me right now why you didn't do what I asked."

I began trembling, tears threatening to spill over. I couldn't cry though, he would get even madder.

"I apologize, sir. I- my phone was dead and I did not see y-your text. I am so-so sorry. I could make you a steak now if-if you would like."

He laughed darkly and kicked my shin. I yelped out in pain and let a few tears fall as I hid behind my hair. I would definitely have to sneak downstairs later and get some ice for that.

"It's no use now. Make sure to make me steak tomorrow or you will get it, now get out of my sight." He pushed me roughly and I flew across the room. I got upstairs as quickly as I could, shutting my bedroom door behind me. I sunk onto the bed and let the tears flow freely, pulling my knees up to my chest and burying my face in them. I felt so fucking broken and used… so disrespected. I fucking hated myself. When will I ever escape this hell?

The next day, I was sitting at my usual table at lunch. I made sure to keep my hair in my face all day today, even though I applied makeup this morning and brought it with me. My nose was a bit bruised from Phil throwing me face first onto the kitchen floor last night. I always make sure to have some makeup just in case he ever put any marks on my face.

I quickly pulled out my cell phone and looked into the tiny screen, making sure the makeup was still doing its job when I heard a bunch of chairs being pulled out at my table. The screeching against the floor brought me to reality. I quickly glanced up and saw Edward smiling at me with Alice Cullen, Jasper Hale, Emmett McCarthy, and Rosalie Hale. I felt my face grow hot in utter embarrassment.

"Hi, Bella, can we sit with you today?" Alice's sweet voice rang as beautifully as bells. I forced a smile and nodded, feeling extremely nervous. These people were all popular and gorgeous, what was I supposed to say to them?

"So, Bella, will you be coming over tonight to work on your project with Edward?" Alice asked before she took a bite of her salad.

"Yes, I believe so," I muttered.

"Great! This time I can show you my makeup and-"

"Alice, no!" Edward interrupted while shaking his head, an amused, crooked smile on his lips. Damn, he was so beautiful. Like a Greek God. And he smelled amazing, as always. I wish I could just sit in his closet and inhale his scent. I don't care how weird that sounds.

"Why not? Bella is my friend too and you can't keep hogging her," Alice pouted. Jasper put his arm around her comfortingly and rubbed her shoulder. I smiled at the sight of them. It must be nice to be in love; to have someone who is always there to just brighten your day and make you feel happy and warm. I craved that.

"Bella comes over to do a project, not to be bombarded with you and your obsession with beauty. It's a tad overwhelming," Edward stated matter-of-factly. Alice rolled her eyes and flipped him off.

"Bella, aren't you hungry?" Rosalie observed, smiling politely at me. I felt my face blush. This was the first time Rosalie has ever talked to me. Her beauty was rather intimidating to say the least.

"Not really," I mumbled quietly, fiddling with my thumbs in my lap.

"Seriously?! I am starving!" Emmett's voice boomed. I looked at his plate and saw two cheeseburgers, a plate of fries, a bag of chips, and two chocolate milks. I giggled at his enthusiasm.

"Emmett, you're always starving. And, you're a giant. You need much more food than Bella does. You always act like everybody needs to graze as much as you do," Rosalie pretty much ranted.

"Aw, Rosie! I love you, too," Emmett faked sweetness and placed a wet kiss on her cheek. She smeared it away with a feigned annoyed look on her face, but she was smiling nonetheless.

"So, Bella, Rosalie and I are going shopping Saturday morning. Would you like to join us?" Alice asked, smiling warmly at me. Her big blue eyes were rather convincing, but I knew I could not. How could I ever possibly get away with leaving on a Saturday? Unless I told Phil that it was for the project. But, I couldn't do that. What if they asked me to hangout another time? I couldn't use the project for an excuse forever. I knew letting people into my life would be difficult. I had to come up with something, quickly.

"Oh, I would love to, but, um, I'm going to stay with my grandmother f-from Friday until Sunday. She, uh, has had a hard time getting around lately." I was extremely impressed with the lie I created on the top of my head. I had only known my Mom's parents, and they both died years ago. I didn't have any family besides Phil left.

"Oh, that's really sweet of you. Where does she live?" Rosalie inquired. I blushed and looked into my lap.

"Port Angeles," I spoke the first town that popped into my head.

"Oh, okay, well, next time then," Alice declared happily. I only nodded in return, knowing that I would have to let her down again.

I could literally feel the sweat dripping down my forehead as I began preparing Phil's dinner. He expected a good steak and I had to give him one. I had to go to Edward's in an hour for the project and Phil needed to be in a good mood so I could go without an issue. He was already pissed at me for not cooking the steak last night.

I decided to find whatever I could in the back of the freezer and cook him a big feast. I knew it would make him happy – well, as happy as he could possibly be – so I was all for it. Anything to get him off my ass for at least one night.

I threw the steak on the grill and came back inside. As everything cooked, I cleaned up around the house a bit. I wanted him to be in a good mood so I could go to Edward's in a good mood.

I found myself puzzled over the fact that Edward and his friends sat with me today. I mean, I guess it would make sense for Edward and Alice to sit with me. I've been to their house and have had some conversations with them. But, why the others? I've never talked to Jasper, Rosalie or Emmett in my life. Either they all felt bad for me, or they thought Edward would sit with me again and they wanted to be with him. I prayed for the latter, but I knew the first instance was true deep down. I just hated that people showed me pity. I didn't want or need it.

Time passed quickly since I was doing so many things at once, and I began placing all the food on a plate for Phil. I made him two steaks, corn, baked potatoes and a caesar salad. I grabbed a beer out of the fridge and placed it on the table next to the plate, knowing he would be home any minute.

As I began doing the dishes, I heard Phil come home. My heartbeat quickened immediately, it was almost like an instinct. I was constantly on edge when I was near him.

He grunted in my direction and sat down at the table, digging into the food. He had the same blank expression on his face, which meant he was enjoying it. When he wasn't enjoying it, either the food or his fists were thrown at me.

I looked at the clock on the wall and saw it was already 5:45, I would have to leave now to make it in time.

I took a deep breath and prepared for the worst, though I was hoping and praying that he still wasn't mad about the taco incident the night before.

"Sir?"

He just glared at me in reply.

"I just wanted to let you know that, um, I have to go to Edward's soon f-for the project…"

"Whatever, I don't give a fuck. Just be sure to come home at a reasonable time and do what you're supposed to do."

I thanked him and climbed up the stairs, retrieving my backpack in a hurry. I found my keys quickly before looking into the mirror and reapplying a bit more makeup onto my nose. Once I was satisfied, I flew down the stairs and headed out the door, thankful to be escaping this place for even a few hours.

I arrived at Edward's about ten minutes later, perfect timing. I quickly ran my fingers through my dead hair before getting out of the truck and making my way up the stairs. It wasn't my first time here, but I was still completely amazed by the house. It was utterly beautiful.

I took a deep, slow breath before ringing the doorbell. Even though I had obviously spent time with Edward before, being around him still made me nervous. Actually, being around anyone made me nervous.

Edward smiled graciously as he opened the door, motioning with his arm for me to come in. I smiled politely and entered the grand home. His crooked grin made my heart race, per usual.

"Bella, hello again! How are you?" Edward's mother was so sweet. Her personality lit up the room, and she wasn't even trying.

"Good, how are you?" I smiled.

"I'm doing well. Are you hungry? I made some chicken, mashed potatoes, and broccoli. We have some leftovers if you would like!"

"Oh, no, thank you. I just ate," I lied, not wanting to be a burden. However, at the mention of food, my stomach growled. Esme raised an eyebrow in question, and I felt my face grow hot.

"Well, I didn't eat much, I was, uh, running late so I ate quickly," I fumbled over the lie.

"Say no more, why don't you two start heading upstairs and I'll bring you a plate of food after I heat it up," She declared, heading into the kitchen before I could even protest. I found myself smiling, though. She really was an amazing woman.

"Shall we?" I heard Edward's voice right next to me. He was gesturing towards the stairs the same way he had when I was standing outside just a minute ago.

"Go ahead and make yourself at home, I have to go downstairs and get my laptop," Edward explained before smiling at me, his beautiful green eyes filled with warmth. I nodded as I watched him exit the room, grace in every step he took.

I found myself glancing around his room yet again, completely amazed by it. I definitely was not expecting Edward's room to be so… mature, I guess you could say. I was expecting someone popular like Edward to have a room filled with posters of Kim Kardashian in a swimsuit or Bob Marley smoking a joint. His room was nothing like that, though. Everything was organized and neat. I mentally scolded myself for assuming Edward was as shallow as I thought. He was so much more than that.

"I'm back," he called when entering the room, throwing me another one of his infamous smiles. My heart fluttered in my chest at the sight of it.

"So, you ready to get started?"

"Yup," I answered. Edward turned on some music and kept the volume low as background noise. I was flipping through my textbook when Edward's Mom entered the room, carrying a plate of food that smelled delicious.

"Here you are, Bella, I also brought a glass of water. I hope you enjoy it," she smiled warmly, causing my heart to ache. What I would do to have my mother back.

"Thank you, I appreciate it."

"Let me know if you kids need anything else," she called before exiting the room.

I cut up a piece of the chicken and tossed it into my mouth, moaning at the taste. It was amazing.

Edward chuckled at my enthusiasm, causing me to blush and look away. I can't believe I just moaned in front of Edward Cullen.

"It's good, isn't it?" He asked, a playful smirk written on his face.

"Let me enjoy my food in peace," I teased, loving the feeling of being able to joke around with someone.

Edward laughed, a sound that was literally music to my ears. I vowed to try to make him laugh much more often.

"Let's get started then," he suggested, opening his laptop and typing away. I glanced a peek at him and felt butterflies in my stomach. He seemed to be searching for some sort of information, because his forehead was creased and his lips were pursed, making them look more full and pouty than usual. He looked adorable. I had to look away before I started drooling.

We worked on the project for a good amount of time, sharing observations and ideas back and forth. We ended up getting a good chunk of it done, which I was grateful for, but then again, I was upset about. This project was literally my only taste of freedom. It was the only way I could leave the house other than school, even though it was for school. It was the only way I could spend some real time with Edward.

But I was grateful because this project was scaring the shit out of me, because every time I had to tell Phil I was going to Edward's, my heart would beat so fast that I felt it would burst. I would sweat and get nervous and fear for my entire existence. I was extremely shocked that he has let me out without much of an issue these past couple of times.

"Alright, if I read Hitler's name one more time I might throw up. I'm definitely satisfied for the night," Edward announced, closing his laptop and placing it gently on the bed next to him. I couldn't help but stare at the muscles in his arms when he moved.

"Me, too. I guess I better go," I began to pack my things when Edward suddenly grabbed my arm. I looked up in fear and quickly yanked it away, gasping for air. I had to remind myself that Edward wasn't Phil. He wasn't grabbing my arm out of anger.

Edward noticed my odd behavior and swiftly let me go. I immediately felt embarrassed. "Sorry, I just was going to suggest that you stay for a little longer. It's only 7:30. We can just…hangout."

Edward Cullen wanted to hangout with me? This can't be. Something has to be going on. He must be sick or something.

But, what could it hurt? Phil would still think I was working on the project, and I would do anything to be out of the house for a little longer.

"S-sure," I stammered, sounding like an idiot. I would keep my guard up, though, for I had no idea what Edward's intentions were. And when you live with Phil, you learn not to trust anybody.

"So, tell me about yourself. We're partners but I feel like I barely know you," Edward said, throwing me another one of his crooked smiles. His green eyes twinkled in a way that made me forget everything. I probably couldn't even remember my own name in that moment.

"Well, uh, there's not much to know."

He chuckled and rolled his eyes teasingly.

"Oh, come on, Bella. Just tell me one interesting fact about yourself. What's your favorite type of flower? Anything!" I couldn't help but smile at his effort.

"Hmm, well, let's see. My favorite flower is an orchid…" I trailed off, glancing at him nervously, wondering if that was good enough for him. He smiled brightly.

"What else is there to know about you?"

"Why do you want to know?" I challenged.

He shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm just a curious person. Call me 'George' if you must."

"Did you really just compare yourself to a mischievous monkey from a children's book?"

"Thank God you got that reference! I was afraid you wouldn't," Edward teased.

Okay, so I definitely was not being cautious, but I literally could not stop smiling. Usually I was so reserved and hidden behind the imaginary wall I built between myself and the rest of the world, but with Edward, it was… easy, natural. Talking to him was like breathing. I silently hoped we would be assigned another history project and he would be my partner.

"How could I not? My Mom always read me 'Curious George' before bed when I was little. She said I was just like him," I looked down at my hands, thinking back to those times. When it was just me and my Mom. Where constant hospitalization and chemotherapy didn't exist to me. Where Phil didn't exist to me.

"How so?" He pressed, seeming rather intrigued with my story.

"Well, my Mom said I was always very observant, but it didn't just stop there. I was just curious about everything. I wanted to know what the purpose was behind every object in the house. I was always breaking everything because I would pick stuff up and examine it like I was some kind of scientist. Although, since I'm clumsy, I ended up dropping a good amount of stuff."

Edward laughed again, his hair bouncing with volume as he shook his head. "You must have been a handful."

"Yes, I most likely was," I agreed.

"What else is there to know about you?"

I sighed in pure confusion. "Not to be rude, Edward, but where is this coming from? We've been going to the same school and you've never shown an interest in my life. Why now?"

He ran a hair through his gorgeous, messy hair. "To be honest, I'm not sure. Please don't hate me for saying this, but I knew what everyone thought of you, so I assumed they were right. I hate myself for taking this long to realize that everyone is wrong about you. You're not a freak. I feel like we could have been friends for a long time now if I opened my eyes earlier. So, that's what I'm doing. I'm starting now. Better late than never."

I felt my breathing quicken, my palms grew sweaty. Any normal person would smile and accept someone's friendship without thinking twice, but I was not normal. I was far from it. I was a broken and ruined.

I also reacted this way because I was scared. Not for my own safety, but for Edward's. If Phil ever found out that I had a friend, and that my friend was a boy, he would go after him in fear that Edward would discover what Phil does and tell on him. I can't let anything happen to him. He definitely did not deserve it.

But, I simply couldn't ignore the feeling that caused warmth to radiate throughout my body. I know I told myself earlier today that I would be Edward's friend, but I meant a simple 'hi' in the hallway at school or maybe a few conversations here and there in history. I didn't mean getting to know each other's lives like Edward was insisting tonight.

The feeling was amazing, though, and I never wanted it to go away. I didn't want to tell him he couldn't be my friend.

"I, uh, I guess I understand," I whispered, looking at my hands. I would just have to be very careful with my friendship with Edward. Phil could never find out.

"Great! So, as I was saying, what else is there to know about you?"

Before I could answer, my phone began blaring the annoying ringtone. I froze in fear. I felt my body shake without being able to control it.

Only two people had my phone number. Edward and Phil. And, it obviously was not Edward calling.

Phil only called when he was very angry.

I closed my eyes tightly before I answered the phone. I didn't dare look at Edward, I did not want him seeing the fear on my face.

"H-hello?" I stammered, trying my best to sound casual. Obviously it was not working since I felt like I was going to throw up Esme's dinner. I felt Edward staring at me intently, but I kept reminding myself to keep my head down.

"Isabella! Get home, NOW! You left the fucking dishes in the sink. Are you fucking retarded? I am completely furious with you. If you're not home in ten minutes, you are going to regret it," his menacing voice spewed the words at me, he spat my name like it was poison in his dirty mouth. I hoped to God Edward didn't hear the conversation.

Phil hung up before I could even reply.

"Are you okay?" Edward asked, sounding concerned.

"Y-yeah, my Dad is just mad at me because I, uh, didn't do my chores, so I-I have to go," I tried desperately to swallow the lump in my throat. Edward could not know how scared I truly was. I could not cry. I hoped he didn't notice that I was shaking and that tears were blurring my vision.

"Oh, okay, I'll walk you downstairs."

"Are you heading home, Bella?" Edward's Dad asked as I made my way down the stairs, Edward following closely behind me.

"Yeah, thank you for having me over," I put on a fake smile.

"Anytime! Have a good night," he called kindly. I just nodded in reply and headed towards the door, knowing Edward was still behind me.

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight, Bella," Edward's velvety voice was low and not as bright as a few minutes ago.

I, again, just nodded and headed outside, practically running to my truck. I had to get home ASAP, even though I did not want to at all.