A/N: hey guys! I wanted to thank you for your kind words towards my best friend. Her ex-fiancé happened to have their baby for the day when he found out that she was moving on and hanging out with her ex. He literally kept the baby hostage because of it HAHA! It's not like she even did anything wrong! So immature! And in my state, a parent can do that as long as there's no court ordered custody agreement (which they didn't have at the time). So, they went to court and she was given joint custody of her daughter! And she sees her more often than he does! Yay…. i HATE HIM! Haha:) so, everything is good!

Disclaimer: I do not own twilight!

EPOV:

Bella gazed at me from under her thick lashes, her brown eyes filled with sorrow and embarrassment. That look in her eyes shook me to the very core. It felt like the pain in her eyes was setting me ablaze.

Was I ready to hear this? All the horrid, fucked up things that those cocksuckers did to my Bella? I wasn't sure if I could handle hearing it. It would probably send me into a full-blown meltdown.

But, Bella wants to talk to me about it, just as I've been asking her to do in the first place. I have to put my rage and temper aside to be there for her.

"Of course, Bella. You can tell me anything you wish."

"Promise you won't be mad?"

"I can't promise that," I sighed. She cast her eyes downward, and I realized that she was asking me to promise that I won't be mad at her. I leaned forward and gave her a chaste kiss. "Love, I mean I can't promise that I won't be mad at the situation. I could never, ever be mad at you for any of this. None of this was your fault, okay?"

She hesitates before nodding. I offered her a small smile, silently willing her to continue.

She played with her fingers in her lap, struggling to begin. I stayed quiet patiently, knowing she would do this at her own pace.

"I was so… surprised. I can't believe I really thought Billy and Jacob were relatives of mine. It was so stupid of me to trust people that I didn't know. I've been teaching myself for years now to push everyone away, to protect myself."

"There's no way you could have known that they were lying," I said.

She frowned deeply. "I still should have kept my guard up. I was just so confused. I walked into their house, and immediately Jacob turned into a different person. I asked about the apparent news they had about Phil. That was when Jacob laughed in my face, and said I was stupid. My stomach did a complete somersault, and I knew right then and there that I walked myself into a trap.

"He told me everything. That his Dad and Phil were best friends. That they were given the task to bring me back to him. I tried to attack Jacob. I kicked him in the balls and ran outside. I was literally inches away from your car before he caught me and carried me back in."

My hands were balled in tormented fists at my sides, the anger bubbling up inside me. I swallowed the bile in my throat, reminding myself that I had to stay sane enough to get through this. For Bella.

"He brought me into a bedroom and… well, you know," she was choking on her words, her voice tangling with a heavy sob. I slowly rubbed my hand up and down her back in a gesture of comfort. I think it was more for my own benefit, to be honest. I needed to feel her body in any way that I could. I needed to remind myself that she was with me, where she's safe. Still, my brain was bringing her words to life, showing me images of Jacob assaulting her. I pinched the bridge of my nose, squeezing my eyes shut and counting backwards from 10. I begged my racing heart to slow. I begged my mind to reel itself back into reality. I could not flip out in front of Bella. She was too fragile at the moment and would certainly take it the wrong way.

"Edward?" She called warily, bringing me out of my murderous rage.

"Sorry, just give me a moment," I sighed through gritted teeth. I needed just a few more seconds of silence before she continued.

I opened my eyes to find her glancing at me, her own orbs filled with water. I offered a small smile and nodded, assuring her that she could continue.

"When he was done, he smashed my cell phone before getting on his own and calling Phil. He made me talk to him. I was a-attached to the bed by handcuffs. I c-couldn't escape. The second I heard his voice, I knew I was in for it."

The tears began to fall from her eyes, and the sight of her pain made me begin to cry silently, as well.

"Jacob shoved a needle in my arm and drugged me with s-something. Next thing I know, I'm waking up in a dirty motel. Phil beat me senseless for leaving him. I was stuck in there, b-being restrained unless I was given the luxury to eat or shower. One morning, I pretended to sleep while I listened to them talk about their next plan. I heard 'cabin', 'Oakridge' and 'Laurent' and I knew I had enough info. I had to think of a way to l-leave a clue.

"I was awake in the middle of the night when I saw the knife laying next to me - the one Phil used t-to draw a slit in my forearm for fun. I carved the clues into the table, praying it would work."

"That act is the reason you're in my arms right now, Bella. I don't want you ever thinking that you're worthless or stupid. You saved your own life. Without that note you left, who knows if we would have ever found you?" I choked through my words, unable to imagine the possibility of never seeing my Bella again. I would not have been able to live through it.

Nothing was the same without her. Food had no taste. Sleep did not erase the exhaustion. Music was always a huge love of mine, but - without Bella - I couldn't hear any melodies or rhythms. My life was simply meaningless without her.

She pursed her full lips in wonder, wiping the numerous tears that were cascading down her flushed cheeks. "You're right. I'm not sure if anyone w-would have found me if I didn't leave that note."

I nodded and placed a small kiss on her forehead.

She continued. "They drugged me again before bringing me to the cabin. Living there was just like living at home, instead I couldn't leave. All I did was cater to their every need. I cooked, cleaned, and was beaten when Phil was bored. I was constantly on edge, waiting for Jacob to assault me again. Thank God that never happened."

I let out a huge breath I didn't realize I was holding. One act of sexual assault was already too much sadness and anger on my heart. I greatly feared that he had done it numerous times. Learning that he did not was like finding ice-cold water after being stuck in the desert for days.

"They made me stay in the basement whenever I-I pissed them off. There was n-nothing down there, Edward. Just a single chair. They would… strap me to it and turn the lights off, leaving me in complete silence. It was s-so… maddening. I was stuck with nothing but my fear."

I reached over to gently wipe the tears that were still flowing. "Whenever I got too upset, I thought of y-you. I thought of the way it felt when you held me, and I thought of the way your laugh sounded when we watched that stupid Sharknado movie. I thought of your promise to bring me to a Coldplay concert. I thought of your lips, and your warmth."

She smiled after I kissed her softly before continuing. "I thought of all of you guys. I thought of the fact that I secretly liked shopping with Alice. As much as it exhausted me, it was amazing to spend time with her. I thought of the hilarious look on Jasper's face whenever he saw food when he was stoned. I thought of Emmett secretly enjoying that sappy vampire romance we watched. I thought of Rosalie giving me the confidence I always needed. I thought of your parents… and how they made me feel the way my Mom used to make me feel. Every single solitary happy moment I had with you all was on my mind. You all gave me something to live for."

"Oh, Bella," I breathed, pulling her further into my embrace. She buried her face in my chest as I hugged my cheek to the top of her head. "You can't fathom how scared I was. I thought of you constantly. I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep, I couldn't think about any fucking thing but you. I was so lost, baby." I was borderline sobbing at this point, clutching her to me as if she would disappear in an instant. "I could never live without you, Bella. Never."

I felt her nod against my chest, her body shaking with the sobs that have been sitting inside her. "I need you, too, Edward. More than anything. But, I'm different now."

"What do you mean?"

"I… ugh. I… well… I don't know when I'll be able to be physical with you again."

I shook my head hastily. "You don't need to worry about that, I promise. All I care about is you being safe and happy, and mine. The only thing on my mind is helping you heal before we even try anything like that. Is that okay?"

"I don't want to make you unhappy. I want to please you."

"Bella, I wish you would understand," I chuckled lightly. "Being your boyfriend is the most amazing pleasure there is. I'm more than happy with you, no matter what."

"You deserve more."

"There is nobody else for me."

"I'm ruined, Edward. I'm just used goods."

I shook my head back and forth. "That's not true. They are at fault for this, but don't let them ruin your spark. You are still intelligent, warm and breathtaking. You will always be everything that I want, and more."

"I just want the world for you…" she trailed off with a deep frown.

"You are my world."

She sighed, but nodded.

I crooked my finger under her chin, willing her to look into my eyes so she could fully understand the truth behind my next words. "Let's not dwell on this too much. Everything is going to be great now, love. You can finally live the life you want - the life you deserve. Where shall we begin?"

She wiped the remaining tears from her perfect face before smiling a tiny smile. "I want to find a job and start applying to colleges. It's time I make something of myself."

I felt a frown form on my face. College. I never really put much thought into Bella and I attending. What if she didn't want to go to the same school as me? What if she wanted to spread her wings and fly? What if she finally wanted to taste the independence that she was never given?

"What's wrong?" She worried, tracing my lips with her fingertips lightly.

"It's nothing. I just wonder what's gonna happen when it comes to college."

She scowled. "Well, we go together, right?"

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was even holding. "Sounds absolutely perfect."

She giggled. "Did you think I would want us to be apart?"

I shrugged, attempting to seem nonchalant. "Kind of."

She rolled her eyes, playfully shoving my chest. "Do you really not see how much I need you?"

I pressed my lips to hers. Once. Twice. Three times. "I was being foolish."

"Indeed, you were."

"I love you."

She smiled and pressed her lips against my nose. "I love you, too."

The next Day was Saturday and Bella and I made plans to get some chocolate chip pancakes from the local diner for breakfast before waltzing along the main strip of town in hunt of a job for her.

"Do you have any place you want to work more than another?" I asked as I maneuvered the Volvo out of the driveway. I thought it was a great idea for Bella to get a job. I could tell it excited her to be able to start a normal life. She's always great at things that require responsibility. Any employer would be beyond lucky to have her.

"Not really, I'll take anything I can find."

"I could see you enjoying a library or a daycare. Maybe a coffee shop, too."

"Yeah, especially the library. I could see myself getting lost in those books. I've never had much of a selection. You're right."

"Per usual," I joked. Bella rolled her eyes teasingly and turned the music louder.

An hour later, we were leaving the diner and walking a few blocks over to Main Street. Bella's eyes lightened up when we - indeed - walked past the library.

"There's no 'help wanted' sign," she pouted.

"Let's go in and find out for ourselves," I offered.

We trotted happily inside, our hands clasped around one another's.

An older man was seated behind the desk, giant glasses propped on top of his red nose. His hair was graying and very thin, almost standing up in different directions. He was a bit heavy-set, his smile was warm and welcoming.

"Hello there, can I help you?"

"Well, I was actually coming to see if you're hiring."

"At the moment, we are not. However, my daughter helps me run the place and she is going to be leaving us next month because she is pregnant. I'll be needing help then, if you would still be interested."

Bella nodded eagerly, and my heart skipped a beat at the sight in front of me. I was so proud of her for taking this step in the process of healing. She was so brave and so determined to finally live the life she deserved. Everything about her was admirable. My own personal superhero.

"How about I take down your information and we could set up an interview when the time comes?"

His suggestion reminded me that Bella would be needing a new cell phone. I would have to take her to the store today to get one.

"She actually needs a new cell phone, but you can put down my number for now. We live together," I informed him with a smile on my face.

"Okay, sounds good."

Bella wrote down her name accompanied with my phone number. "What would the hours be?" She inquired.

"Well, I imagine you're still in school. I could use some help maybe 3 nights during the week for about 4 hours each shift. On top of that, maybe a longer shift on a Sunday. How does that sound?"

"Perfect!" She enthused excitedly.

After the library, Bella and I walked back to the car. "Why don't we stop at the AT&T store and get you a new phone, love?"

"No, Edward, they're far too expensive. I'll buy myself one once I start working. I don't need one that badly."

"It will make me feel better if you always have a way of contacting me in case you need help."

"Can I at least pay you back?"

I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes. Money would never - could never - be an issue for me when it comes to Bella. I would give her every last dime behind my fucking name if she needed. But, I know she has a tremendous sense of pride and she enjoys feeling independent. She hates others taking care of her, and I'll always respect her wishes when it comes to her self-confidence. "That's fine," I chuckled.

I bought Bella a brand new iPhone, just for the sake of spoiling the shit out of her. She scowled the entire time, but not as much as I did when I noticed the salesman attempting to look down her shirt. I wrapped my arm around her waist tightly and gave him the most menacing glare imaginable. His eyes were never on her again. I couldn't stand it when men looked at her as if she was nothing but a piece of greasy meat. Anyone showing my Bella a sign of disrespect sends me through a bit of a frenzy.

"Edward?" She asked in a tiny voice as we were driving back home.

"Hmm?"

"Can we stop somewhere before we go home?"

"Sure, where?"

She hesitated before revealing the destination. I glanced over to see her chewing her bottom lip. "Bella?"

"I want to bring you to my mother's tombstone… if that's alright."

I truly felt honored in that moment. I knew Bella thought the world of her mother, and the fact that she wanted to bring me to her grave meant that I was truly special to her. Like her mother would have approved of our relationship if she were still alive. I could only hope that her Mom was happy with Bella choosing me to be her boyfriend. I wanted her to see that I was someone who would always make sure her daughter was happy and safe - even if I failed her by not going with her to the Black residence. I hope more than anything that Bella and her Mom know I would never make that mistake again.

"I would love to, baby."

My car shook gently as we drove over the stone path. The tombstones passed by slowly, each of them different in their own ways. Some were bare, some were small, some were insanely large. Some had flowers and pictures everywhere. Some had American flags, indicating a veteran.

I parked the Volvo when Bella told Mom e to, and i helped her walk through the wet grass. Her hand was holding mine tightly and I could sense that she was upset. I hated that she always felt this way, but I was glad she was taking me.

We stopped at a tombstone that read "Renee Dwyer. July 8th, 1968 - February 19th, 2013. Devoted mother, wonderful wife, courageous soul." Next to the tombstone sat a big, black suitcase. I furrowed my brows in confusion as Bella pulled a key from her purse before opening the suitcase. Inside sat a spiral notebook with a pack of colorful pens and sharpies. Everything in the suitcase was inside plastic bags with ziplocks.

She glanced up at me and smiled with a timid look in her eyes. "I write to her in this notebook every time I visit. This is my special journal to her… all my entries are basically about me keeping her updated on my life. Just talking to her in general. I write her poems, too."

"And you keep it in the suitcase because of the rain, correct?"

She nodded. I was truly flabbergasted at the notion. Bella never ceased to amaze me. Her creativity and intelligence was truly astounding. I loved that she always seemed to reach as deeply as she could when it comes to showing her loved ones how she feels towards them. She's so down to earth, so warm.

"Do you think I could write a letter to her in the notebook?" I asked as we sat on the grass, ignoring the fact that it was wet and cold. None of that mattered in moments like these.

She smiled and glanced at me with watery eyes. "I would love that."

I grabbed a black pen and grinned crookedly before reaching over and grabbing the notebook.

Finding the words to say came effortlessly. Everything about my love for Bella was effortless.

Mrs. Dwyer,

I really am glad to be sending you a message. You mean so much to Bella, so it means a lot that I have the honor to tell you about her. Your daughter has the most beautiful soul I've ever witnessed. Her kind heart and free spirit are enchanting. You have truly raised a wonderful person. She is responsible, smart and absolutely loving. She would give everything in her pockets to anyone that needs it. Her bravery is admirable and her wonderful mind is so perfectly mysterious. You would be so proud of the person she is. Actually, I'm very sure that you are. She loves you more than I could place into words and she is always doing everything in her power to make sure you live on through her heart. You are always on her mind. I want you to know that I am very in love with her, and I will spend the rest of my life making sure she is taken care of. She will always be happy and safe. I will never hurt her or let any harm come her way. My life is truly devoted to making her smile. She is the light of my life, the reason I am the man I am today. Thank you for bringing her into this world. I will be sure to write to you again, soon, as long as Bella wishes me to.

-Edward Anthony Cullen

I allowed her to read the entry, and I watched as tears fell from her eyes and onto the paper. She glanced at me when she was finished reading and launched herself into my arms, kissing me with a fire that could burn down half the state. Our lips moved in sync with a spark that erupted my body. I cupped her cheeks in my hands, willing her to be as close as possible.

"Thank you," she breathed when she pulled away, our foreheads resting on one another's.

"For what?" I asked as I peppered her nose with a few kisses.

"For loving me the way you do. For making this life worth living."

"You deserve everything, baby. I want to give you the world."

"You already did. You gave me you."

A/N: hope you guys enjoyed! Now… I have a question. This story still has a few more chapters before the epilogue, however, I'm not sure how to completely end the story. Would you guys like to read a sequel? It would most likely be about the gang heading off to college. It would be more lighthearted and fun… but I'm not sure when I would write it since i have a new story planned out. The other option is ending this story completely… I would make the epilogue about their life maybe 10-20 years down the line? So just review and let me know what you guys would prefer! Leaving it up to you :) thanks!