A/N: hey guys! I want to, again - as always - thank you all for your reviews! I am more than happy that so many of you enjoy the story. I have had a anonymous reviewer wondering why Phil treats Bella the way he does… I promise it will be cleared up later in the story! Thank you for your criticism, i truly love hearing what you guys have to say :) as always, enjoy and review!
ALSO - I just wanted to warn you guys that the next few chapters will be pretty long and especially M rated! You'll see why :)
Disclaimer: I do NOT own twilight!
BPOV:
"Are you sure she's going to wake up soon, Dad? It's been longer than you predicted," a concerned, velvety voice swirled around in the depths of my mind. I couldn't help but feel peace at the sound of it. It was warm, welcoming.
"Do you hear that? Her heart rate is quickening. That means she is waking up," another deep voice added. It was then that I heard the sounds of a monitor growing faster in pace. I became aware of the sterile scent of cleaning supplies, the smell so intense that it was almost too clean.
I slowly lifted my eyelids to the best of my ability, mentally cursing myself when the lights shot blinding daggers into my eyes. I quickly shut them, wishing to crawl back into the hole of darkness that I was just in.
"Bella?" The smooth voice called, and I knew by the increased speed of the heart monitor that it was Edward. No other voice would get that reaction out of me.
I opened my eyes again, thankful that I was mentally prepared for the stupid fucking lights.
Edward was standing above my body, looking down at me with relief, happiness and warmth in his eyes. I instantly smiled, the sight of him so beautiful and necessary.
"Edward," I breathed his name, gazing up at him through my lashes. He grinned my favorite crooked grin and grabbed my hand, kissing it tenderly while beaming into my eyes, a fire of passion burning in his. I hoped that mine reciprocated the same emotion.
"Bella," Dr. Cullen butt in, looking concerned, as well. But, he was smiling, nonetheless. "How do you feel?"
I didn't feel much, but I suddenly became aware of the fact that my left eye was almost closed shut with puffiness. I was so focused on Edward that I didn't even fucking notice. My obsession is becoming pathetic.
Everything started coming back to me, piece by agonizing piece. Edward came over out of no where and confessed his feelings to me, his eyes burning from the weed, but also burning with desire. I will never forget that moment, when my heart almost leapt out of my chest. The moment when I discovered that Edward fucking Cullen - the object of everyone's desire - is interested in ME. Poor, pathetic, beaten, fucked up Bella Swan. How could it even be true? There was a tiny, tiny part of me screaming at me. 'How the fuck could you believe this, Bella? Edward Cullen would never want you like this. It's a fucking joke, or a bet'.
However, on the contrary, there was no way he was faking that hypnotic look in his eyes when he declared his feelings for me, the nervous glint so anxious that it looked as though he would explode right there in Phil's outdated patio chair.
"Bella?" Dr. Cullen called again, interrupting my thoughts of one of the best days of my life.
"Um, I feel okay... numb, almost."
"Those are the painkillers. I've prescribed you enough of them for a few weeks, or until I notice that you don't need them anymore."
Suddenly, it all came crashing down. All I remember is yelling at Edward through the bathroom door to escape as quickly as he could the second I heard Phil's uneven footsteps parading through the house.
He came home because he forgot his wallet, and began beating me when he realized that there was laundry to be done and I wasn't doing it. I remember taking blow after blow to various aspects of my body, growing shocked when he actually put his hands on my face. I always thought he was smarter than that.
I don't remember anything after him hopping into his cruiser and driving away, leaving my mangled body on the floor. My breaths were coming in short pants as I closed my eyes and willed the pain to take me somewhere. Anywhere.
Now, waking up in the hospital, I realize that Edward must have come back inside and brought me here. Edward found me, beaten to a pulp on my own living room floor. I tried with every muscle in my body not to cry in front of him and his dad, but it was difficult. I was extremely embarrassed that Edward found me like that. I never wanted it to happen like this.
What about Phil?
Did he know I was in the hospital? How long have I been asleep? Did he know that our secret was out?
I was unsure of whether to laugh or cry. My emotions were all over the fucking map.
The betrayal heart monitor made it known that I was falling victim to a vicious panic attack. The beeping on the machine increased rapidly, as did my breath. Edward immediately placed his hand on my cheek and stroked it lovingly with his thumb in an effort to calm me down.
"Bella, it's okay, everything will be fine," he soothed gently, his musical voice helping me.
Dr. Cullen smiled grimly before standing next to Edward, looking down at me with a sad, yet warm expression on his face. I could see pity in his eyes, but I could see that he genuinely cared. A part of me wanted them to stop staring at me, to leave me alone and let me be. Another part was basking in the fact that it seemed as though people actually fucking cared about me.
"Bella," he pressed, rather urgently. "I know this is very overwhelming, but please do your best to take care of yourself. That means keeping calm and relaxed. I want you to heal as quickly as possible," he smiled kindly.
"Okay, Dr. Cullen, but I need answers first."
"Dad, could you give Bella and I a minute?" Edward interjected, his eyes never leaving me. I blushed and looked out the window at the rain as it shot out of the sky like cannons. So fast, so strong, but soothing. I think it was because it fit the mood.
"Yes, I'll be back soon. Press the red button on the wall if you need me."
Once we were alone, Edward sat at the edge of my bed, never letting go of my hand as if I was his lifeline. I wondered if he was aware of the fact that it was the other way around.
"Bella, I... I don't have words," he fumbled, his eyes holding anger. Was he ashamed of me? That I allowed such a monster to bestow such a great amount of pain in my life? He probably never wants to see me again. How could Edward not be disgusted with me? I could feel a hole slowly digging its way into my heart, a spot only he could fill.
"Edward, I understand," I whispered sadly, feeling the tears well up in my eyes, even the fucking puffy one.
"Understand what?"
I shook my head, not even wanting to talk about it.
"This just kills me. I... I'm so sorry I was never there to protect you. I wish more than anything I could have been there sooner in your life," his voice was quiet and filled with regret, sorrow building in his green eyes. Suddenly, he began to cry, tears running down his face fiercely. My heart broke and I let out a small cry as I reached forward and wiped his tears away.
"Please don't," I begged, a lump forming in my throat. The sight of Edward crying was too much to bear.
"I'm so sorry, Bella. I'm just... I'm so sorry," he was almost sobbing now, hiding his face in his hands. I wrapped my arms around him, allowing his head to rest against my chest in comfort. We stayed like that for a few minutes, crying together at this change of events. Edward is now aware of everything about me. This was all too much.
When he finished crying, he sat up and held my hand, looking at me with red eyes. I forced a smile on my face as he gently caressed my cheek, rubbing his thumb across the wetness on it.
"This is why you shouldn't be in my life, Edward. Do you get it now?" I huffed, begging my eyes to stay focused on the rain so I wouldn't get lost in Edward's. I think it was useless, but worth a shot.
"No, you're wrong. This is EXACTLY why I should be in your life," he vowed. "I will never let him near you again, Bella. I won't let anyone hurt you, I swear," his voice was suddenly dripping with venom, anger in his fierce eyes. He was leaning towards me, the natural connection between us pulling us together, like magnets. Fuck the rain, I never wanted to look away from his eyes again.
He kissed my cheek ever so slightly, as not to disturb the marks on my face. I blushed and leaned my head against his chest as he sat next to me gingerly.
"Where is Phil?" I asked, my heart suddenly pounding with anticipation for the answer.
Edward sighed heavily, stress radiating off his body. "We don't know. I'm sorry. We called the cops, I think he may have gotten tipped off, though. He skipped town, but they're looking, Bella. This town is so small and thhe cops have nothing better to do. They'll be constantly patrolling the town and his house."
I couldn't help but begin to sob uncontrollably, even though it was the last thing I wanted to do in front of Edward. I couldn't help it. There was no fucking way in hell that I could handle Phil being on the loose. He would find me. He swore he would, always, any time, any place. I didn't know where to go or what to do. My brain was caving in on itself with the knowledge that he would come after me one day.
"It's okay, love. Please calm down, he's not going to get near you," Edward whispered in my ear, dragging his fingers through my hair.
After I finished letting my emotions flow out of my system through my tears and loud cries of despair, I looked up at Edward with tired eyes. He smiled sadly at me before kissing my forehead.
"I know this is soon, but I've talked to my family and you are more than welcome to stay at our house. I want to make sure you are safe and there is no better way than you living under the same roof as me."
My eyes widened in shock, the disbelief surrounding me, suffocating me. This couldn't be true... Nobody wants me like that. Especially a picture-perfect family.
"I... I can't possibly-" I began, but Edward cut me off. "Please don't look at it like a pity party, Bella. We WANT to help you. Actually, I NEED to help you. I want to be there for you, to protect you and help get you through this. Please, come stay with us. I swear on my life that it would not be an imposition or a burden at all."
I thought by now I would be done fucking crying, but I wasn't. I began sobbing again, because this very moment was the one I've spent the last many years of my life dreaming about. This moment followed me everywhere, the thought of it mocking me during every single session of abuse from Phil. I never thought this day would come. I was sure I would die at any given moment in that stupid, ugly, 2-story white house on the corner of Carmellow Road.
"Bella, please don't cry, this is going to be amazing. I promise," he vowed, his voice nothing but a gentle whisper in my ear.
"Are you sure about this?"
He smiled, kissing the back of my hand. "100%."
"Thank you so much, Edward. I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I will forever be grateful," I breathed, hugging him as tightly as I could without disturbing my injuries. He placed feathery kisses onto the top of my head as I rested my ear against his chest, listening to the heartbeat of the man who officially stole mine altogether.
I fell asleep in Edward's arms, the pain medicine as well as the overwhelming turn of events taking a huge hit on my energy. I woke up later that day, around 6 P.M. I heard the voices of Alice and Mrs. Cullen in the room, talking to Edward. I decided to be a little nosy and keep my eyes closed a little longer, feigning sleep so I could eavesdrop.
"Edward, please at least go home and shower and take a nap. I know you want to be here but you need to take care of yourself, too," Mrs. Cullen gently urged.
"I'm not leaving her here, at all. What if she needs me?" His velvety voice was thick with worry, and I imagined him running his hands through his bronze hair in agitation.
"Right now, the only thing she needs is to rest. Dad said she'll probably be asleep all day and night. We'll stay here while you leave and wait with her until you come back. If she needs anything, she has us, too," Alice battled, and my heart swelled in my chest. I don't fucking know what I did to deserve their graciousness.
I heard Edward sigh heavily before muttering "I don't want to be away from her right now."
"I know, it will only be for a little while. You need to rest. Alice and I will be here."
"But,"
Figuring Edward would listen to me if I scolded him, I decided to "wake up." I knew he needed to sleep and step out of the hospital for a few hours. This probably wasn't good for him.
"Edward," I interrupted him. "Listen to them. I'll be fine, you need to sleep, too," I said. Esme and Alice threw grateful smiles my way before enveloping me in hugs, whispering in my ear how sorry they were and how they will always be there for me. I cried at their words, marveling in the sensation of their support.
"Okay, if you insist, I'll go. Only for a few hours, okay? If you need anything, call me," he said before lightly pecking my forehead and walking tiredly out of the room, dragging his feet.
"Bella," Esme began as soon as Edward was gone. "I know Edward has told you, but you are very welcome to stay with us for as long as you'd like. I will beg you if I must. I would hate to see you go anywhere else, and I know Edward would, as well."
I smiled, nodding my head. "I would like that. Thank you, so, so much. I truly appreciate it."
"We're so sorry about everything, Bella. It broke our heart. We'll be there for you to get through this, no matter what, okay?" Alice chimed in, her musical voice soothing me. I nodded before she jumped into bed with me and kissed my cheek, sealing our friendship.
"I will owe you guys forever, I can get a job to help-"
"Nonsense, dear," Esme scoffed, waving her hand across her face. "You owe us nothing. You have given us what we've been looking for for a while now."
"I did?"
She nodded. "You put the smile back on Edward's face. You put the light back in his eyes. I missed him so much, Bella. His ex-girlfriend really broke his heart. He was sort of in a shell, but you pulled him out."
I could not believe what I was hearing. I had THAT effect on Edward fucking Cullen? How could this be? What did I even do? Was I magical or something?
"How?" I asked.
"He talks to us more now, and he doesn't mope around the house or get moody. Sometimes it was a real pain just to get him to talk, but not anymore," Alice giggled as she casually flipped through a fashion magazine. She was highlighting different stores and outfits.
"Are you planning a shopping trip with a highlighter, Alice?" I laughed.
"Yeah, these clothes will look great on you!"
I raised my brows. "ME?!" I shrieked.
Alice rolled her eyes. "You really didn't expect a wardrobe change? If you live in the Cullen house, you gotta dress the part!" She giggled, that damn highlighter in her hands marking my torture.
I was grateful for Alice and Esme, because the entire time Edward was gone, they didn't mention Phil or any worrying we would have to do in the future about this whole incident. They spent most of the time preparing me to live with them. They mentioned strange habits that some family members inhabited, like Carlisle's recurring appetite for steak in the middle of the night, and Edward's habit of eating food out of the fridge that had someone else's name written on it.
We laughed and I listened to them tell family stories over the years. I didn't realize that it was 5 hours later when Edward returned, looking much better than before he left. The bags under his eyes were visibly smaller, and he shaved the 5:00 shadow off his face. He wore my favorite crooked smile as he waltzed through the door.
"I'm surprised you're still awake. How do you feel?" He murmured as he sat on the white plastic chair next to my bed, stroking my arm lovingly. I blushed, watching Esme and Alice smile widely at the sight of Edward being affectionate towards me.
"I actually feel pretty good. Your Mom and sister kept me company and had me laughing for hours."
Esme smiled and kissed my forehead. "Anything for my new daughter. You ready to go, Alice? You have school in the morning and I have work."
Alice nodded and pecked my cheek lightly. "Hopefully you're out of here tomorrow, Bella! Mom and I have been getting your room together and we're almost done. I can't wait for you to see!" She chirped, clapping her little hands excitedly.
Edward and I were left alone, and I blushed when I asked him to join me in bed.
He chuckled. "Anything for you, Bella." He snuggled under the covers with me and gathered me in his arms, where I coincidentally fit perfectly. I sighed in bliss and closed my eyes, allowing sleep to consume me.
I woke up late the next morning, noon right around the corner.
"Good morning, beautiful. How do you feel?" Edward's soothing, deep voice was right in my ear. I shivered at the sound of it, my body always being affected by everything about him.
"I feel better, a little less sore."
He nodded, grinning. "Good. Dad said you could most likely go home today. He wants you to stay for a few more hours, just to be safe."
I nodded my agreement, then started thinking of what would be happening today. I would move into a new home, with a family who's goal was not to cause me immeasurable amounts of pain. It was still shocking that this day had actually come. With every second that passed by while living in that house, I believed more and more that I would never get out.
Where was Phil? The fact that he was still out there, somehow, swirled around in my mind, causing fear to swim through my senses. Would he find a way to me? I couldn't allow that to happen. Especially to the Cullen's. I had no doubt in my mind that he wouldn't hesitate to hurt anyone on his journey to finding me. What if one of them got hurt because of me?
"Bella, what's wrong?" I heard Edward ask, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"I'm just... scared," I uttered pathetically, hiding my face deeper in his chest.
He ran his fingers through my hair slowly. "I know. But, I promise, you don't need to be. He would be a fucking idiot to try to come back. He was a cop, after all. He knows he doesn't stand a chance."
"But, he's also crazy. I think he's so desperate to find me that he doesn't care about the consequences of trying. I can't let anything happen to you or your family," I whispered sadly.
"Bella, please don't worry. The only thing we want is for you to be safe, in a good environment to heal from all of this, physically and mentally."
"But-"
"Bella, love, please don't worry," he repeated. "My Dad has a gun license. I'm not supposed to tell anyone this, but he has a gun in his bedside table just in case anyone intrudes in our home. He also has one on the second floor, where Alice and I's - and your - rooms are. It's in a litte table in the hallway, so Alice and I could protect ourselves, as well, if something were to ever happen. I have every intention of using that gun in a heartbeat against Phil. He doesn't stand a chance."
His words helped calm my nerves and anxiety. I loved hearing that the Cullen's had means to defend themselves, and I felt much better about living with them.
"Okay," I smiled, but he looked upset and angry.
"What is it?" I asked.
"It's just... the fact that you're this terrified of him must mean that he was truly awful to you. I don't even like to think about it. It makes me fucking sick," he growled, his hands balled into fists at his sides.
I shushed him, rubbing my thumb across the length of his long, slender hand. "It's okay, Edward. I'm okay now, thanks to you."
He scoffed. "Yeah, I've known you since kindergarten and it's taken me this long to help you. How long has this been going on, Bella?"
I looked at my lap, too ashamed to confess to his face. His perfect fucking face. "Almost 4 years."
"Since your Mom passed, I'm guessing?"
I nodded.
"That's bullshit!" He was yelling now. "His wife dies, so he uses his pain to abuse her daughter, who is probably feeling even more pain than him because of her death? What a fucking coward! Bella, you don't know how badly I want to kill him."
"You and me both," I muttered.
He crooked his finger under my chin, forcing me to look at him. His eyes softened a little, the anger slowly disappearing. "They'll find him, Bella. And, we'll put him in jail. He will waste away in there, I promise."
Edward and I sat in a comfortable silence for a little while, just enjoying the feeling of holding each other. I was so grateful to have his arms to sink into when I felt like I would sink in the stress.
Carlisle came into the room, smiling warmly at us. "How are you feeling today, Bella?"
"Not bad," I wasn't lying. I was fully aware of my injuries - especially the fucking eye - but the painkillers did a great job of battling the agony. I wished I had these things the past 4 years.
"Good. You're healing as expected, so I don't see an issue with your leaving today. I've typed up a list of instructions for you."
I read over the paper, sighing to myself. I was grateful for his help, but it sucked to deal with. No school for 2 weeks. No driving for 2 weeks. Try to stay in bed as much as possible. 2 pills a day during week 1 of recovery. 1 pill a day during week 2 of recovery. 1\2 a pill a day during week 3 of recovery.
"Thank you, Carlisle. For everything."
"We're excited to have you, Bella. It's also great that I can monitor your recovery at home, as well."
3 hours later, I was being put into a wheelchair and sent home with Edward. I smiled the whole way out, more than willing to get out of this fucking hospital. To a real home.
"Bella, this is your room!" Alice shouted happily as she opened the bedroom door at the end of the hallway on the second floor. My heart pounded in anticipation.
A large bed sat against the back wall, a green and white comforter adorning it. On the left wall sat a large, rustic white desk with a flat-screen TV sitting on top. The right wall was home to a white desk and a white dresser. A laptop sat at the desk, as well as a cup full of pens and pencils. A speaker sat on the dresser, as well as an iPhone.
"You guys really didn't need to do all this for me," I gasped, taking it all in. It was just so... me. I wondered if they truly cared about me or if I was just an open book.
"Nonsense, Bella. We had a blast doing it!" Esme chuckled as Alice nodded fiercely next to her.
"Thank you, so much," I whispered, hugging them both. Edward sat on the foot of my new bed, smiling widely, lighting up my world, again.
I couldn't believe they had gotten me a laptop AND a new iPhone. These people don't even know me that well, yet they're taking care of me as if I'm one of them. Maybe, I was destined to actually be one of them.
"As for clothes, Bella, we weren't sure what you wanted to do. Would you like to go back to your house and get them, or we can just set you up with a bunch of new ones?" Esme asked.
"New ones! Shopping trip! Big shopping trip!" Alice sang excitedly, literally jumping up and down.
I didn't want to disappoint Alice, especially after everything she has done for me, but I didn't need an entire new wardrobe. I decided to settle for both. "I'll pick up my essentials, but I could definitely use some more."
Did I really want to go home, though? I was planning on never stepping foot on that property again. I wanted to be completely and utterly free of that house. Just the thought of going home to get clothes made my stomach churn with nerves. I knew the cops were sitting outside the house, waiting for Phil to return, so I would be safe if I did choose to go.
"What's wrong, Bella?" Edward asked as Esme and Alice glanced at me with worry.
"It's nothing, I... I just don't know if I even want to go back there." I crossed my arms against my chest, as if I was holding myself together.
"I'll go tomorrow after school, since I have the best fashion sense and I know exactly what you'll need," Alice volunteered. The perfect happy medium. I smiled and handed her the house key from my tiny, beat-up purse.
Esme went downstairs to prepare dinner, ignoring me when I offered to help. She commanded me to rest. I obliged, sitting on the edge of my bed next to Edward.
"What do you wanna do now, Bella?" Alice inquired.
I desperately needed a shower, but I was far too sore from Phil's beating to scrub my body. I tried as hard as I could to ignore the feeling that I was filthy, but it nagged at me to no end. I hated to do it - not comfortable with anyone seeing my bare body because of the scars and bruises - but I needed help showering.
"I, um, I need to shower. But, uh, I think I'm too sore. Could you, um, help me, Alice?"
She giggled softly, and Edward's eyes widened as he actually blushed. I wondered if he was imagining himself helping me shower or something.
"No problem. Shoo, Edward, it's girl time."
Edward rolled his eyes at his sister but smiled my crooked smile at me and exited the room.
"Don't worry, Bella, I'll scrub ya down!" Alice had absolutely no problem getting 100% comfortable with someone right away. For some reason, I didn't feel awkward about her seeing me naked. Or scrubbing my naked body. I trusted her, and I was starting to look at her like a sister.
Alice grabbed her expensive, high-end hair products to the shower in my bedroom. They all smelled exquisite, and even the packaging was beautiful. She stood outside the shower and reached in, washing my hair for me with shampoo and conditioner. I managed to scrub my privates alone, and Alice did the rest of my body. She even squirted a small amount of facial cleanser into her hands and scrubbed my face, babbling on about skin care and how the expensive products are absolutely worth it.
The rest of my night was absolutely perfect, and by far the best night of my life since before Mom died. I thought about her a lot tonight, wondering if she was happy to see that I was safe. The Cullen's and I watched movies together in our pajamas, mostly comedies to keep the mood light. UI think that was for my benefit, which I was grateful for. We ate popcorn and ice cream and laughed the night away. I felt like a part of an actual family. I felt support. I felt love. It fucking scared me, because there was always that little voice in the back of my head - which sounded a lot like Phil - that told me love doesn't exist and nobody will ever care for me.
I could only hope that it was wrong.
A/N: review pls :)