Rain. I had moved across the country and still I could not escape the dreary weather of my youth. When I had researched colleges I found I liked CU in Boulder, Colorado which boasted low perspiration and 365 days of sunshine a year alongside a remarkable Journalism program and here I was. I had just stepped out of class into a puddle of icy rain that seeped into my boots instantly chilling me. I pulled the hood past my hair trying to salvage the little effort I had put into it. CU's campus was large and I was dead center. If I went left I would get to my bio class, right would take me through the green up a hill and to my tuck and the doors behind me would lead me down a windowless hall that would lead me to another door and that door would take me to my small apartment that I shared with my cousin Leah. I stood under a half inch awning debating the merits of going to class verses going back home to sleep in the comfort of my bed as the rain pounded at my windows. My thoughts were interrupted by the beeping of my phone.

We're at the dining hall. They are serving those fries you like…Join us? –E

I smiled quickly replied and went forward towards the dining hall. The walk took longer than I would have liked and by the time I entered the dining hall I looked like an extra from Blue Cush. The smell of food assaulted my chilled bones and across the crowded room I spotted my friends taking up the length of a table. I ignored them making a mad dash to the coffee bar and ordering an extra hot latte. As I stood waiting a felt a pair of strong arms wrap themselves around my waist. A husky velvet voice whispered in my ear.

"You look like something my cat throws up Swan."

"Its raining again… why does the rain follow me?" I fake pouted. By now the arms had released me and I spun to face the owner, Edward Cullen. He had been my best friend since our freshman year here when he had offered to walk me home after the night lab we shared. On these walks we had discussed books, movies and our common hatred of all things rap and by the end of the term we were attached at the hip. Now three years later nothing had changed.

"So Swan why did you blow us off over there?" He said twisting his head towards the group of people across the hall. I took a step towards him pulling myself to stand my full 5'5 and realizing how little effect that would have on a 6'4 Edward still I spoke firmly.

"Coffee always come first Cullen, you know this." My little speech was met with a slowly raised eyebrow on Edwards part and a moment of awkward silence which he of course broke.

"You're so frekin weird and why are we using last names?"

"Ok first off, screw you and secondly you stared it." I said reaching for my coffee that the barista just finished. I thanked her and walked to the table to sit with the group of friends Edwards claimed I had ignored. The table had six chairs but eight bodies. Edward sat at the far end to his right sat Ben with Angela on his lap, Jessica, Mike, Lauren, Paul and Emily. The group was diverse containing everything from sic majors (Paul) to per med (Edward) but somehow it just worked. After being greeted and stealing Edwards's fries I sat down on the edge of Emily's chair.

"Aren't you supposed to be in class?" She asked scooting from the suddenly crowded chair to the comfort of Paul's lap.

"I wasn't going to go anyways. Anyway I have the best science geek to help me. Why should I go?"

"Who says I would help you?" Edward laughed cracking his knuckles.

"Who said I was talking to you?"

"Science geek… come on…?" Was his cocky reply.

"Ok. Please help me Eddie! Dr Mayers is sooo boring. If you love me you will help me."

"Damn my caring nature. I can help you tonight. Just meet me at the library around nine."

"Oh good nice and early you can study and still have time to study and bone your bartender." Of course Mike was the one who had made the comment. The words had no sooner left his mouth then I felt my face grow hot with embarrassment. I buried my blush and eyes into the crook of my elbow just in time to hear a slap and moan from Mike's direction. A slap severed him right. I briefly wondered who did it and made a mental to find out and thank them.

The bartender Mike was referring to was actually Victor my boyfriend who also happened to be a bartender. He had dropped of college years ago to start a bar and while he was saving he had yet to get one. For now he worked at a small bar while living above it. I hardly ever discussed him with my friends and we never hung out as a group. They didn't really like them and he saw them as spoiled rich kids with too many opinions. I had once made the mistake of asking my Friends what they didn't like about Victor. I saw him as a strong man built of hard work and loyalty and apparently they saw a middle aged college dropout living off of tips and his much younger girlfriend's good will. I thought this was unfair he wasn't that much older than us; our ages ranged form 23-26 and he was only 32 and so what if I had to help him rent and utilities every now and again I had the means and I loved him.

"So you're still dating Victor?" Sneered Edward who hated Victor more than the rest.

"Off limits." I said referring to the discussion at hand.

The silence was palpable after that and one by one the table began to empty until last it was only Edward and me. He offered to drive me home which I accepted. We made a mad dash through the rain which was quickly becoming sleet into the comfort of his Jeep. Once inside the only sound was the rain's soft ping as it connected with the glass and metal around us. It got tense like this between us anytime anyone brought up Victor. I usually fought Edward out if these moods but between the warmth of the car and my full belly I didn't fill like fighting but the stand off had to end, maybe a light joke could pick at the ice.

"So who hit Mike… I need to thank them."

"It was Lauren." His reply was made with a stoic and cold silence. Two people could play at that game. I sat back into the leather crossing my arms and biting my lip. We had reached my apartment complex after another silent five minutes and as I unlocked my door and made ready to bolt when I Edward finally spoke.

"Do you really make love to him?" I felt my cheeks grow hot just like they did every time sex was mentioned.

"We have been dating for six months."

"That wasn't an answer."

"Yeah..we do…I mean have…ugh."

At the "Yeah" Edward had gripped the steering wheel making his knuckles white and faced the sky a look of terror on his face.

"Bella. He-is-a-loser!" Each word was spoken slowly as if I were a child asking why a stranger's candy was unsafe. This made me angry and in trying to prove I was not the child his tone implied I let my temper over take my mouth.

"He may be a loser Eddie, but he's well hung. I'll get Leah to help me with bio...don't call me." I got out if the car and slammed my door. I was in my cozy apartment before I knew it and lying down for a quick nap soon after that. I lied in bed as the rained picked up pace and right before I drifted off I briefly wondered if I would ever see the sun again.

I woke up after two hours of a dreamless deep sleep. The clock on my bed side read half past six. It was a Wednesday and I would usually be starting my bio reading around this time but since I had opted out of that class and Edward wasn't around the night was mine. I rarely got to see Victor on the weekdays but since I was commitment free and bitter about my fight with Edward I decided to surprise him with a quick visit. I threw on my cute jeans and I warm but feminine pink sweater. My hair was a rats nest but I managed to pull into a lose bun. I was almost done getting ready when I remembered that my truck was clear across campus. I looked out of the window and to my relief saw Leah's car sitting there. I went to the living room to find her spread out across the floor sketches and rulers everywhere. She was the only woman majoring in electrical engineering and she was determined to prove herself.

"Hey cousin!"

"Let me guess you parked at the North Campus again and now you need my car?"

"Yep."

"Have her home by one am she has a curfew." I gave her a hug and raced down the stairs keys in hand.

The drive to Victors was slow. Everything in Boulder was slow when it rained. People in Colorado would drive super fast in five feet of snow but give them two days of rain and the world was at a standstill. I was musing this interesting topic as I mindlessly pulled up to Victors. The bar was open but I knew it wasn't his night to work so I went towards the back of the bar and to the steps that led to Victor's admittedly dingy apartment. Old concrete stairs lead to a landing barley big enough for the welcome mat that read "Must bring beer to enter." I flipped the mat to find the hide-a-key in place and I slowly unlocked the door. The apartment was only a small studio and was a bachelors pad in every sense if the word; sports banners covered the wall and the smell of stale beer and pizza was firmly imbedded in the dirty carpet. The only furniture in the room was a TV and a ….bed. I fully expected to see Victor sprawled across that bed asleep and when I walked in that's what I saw only he wasn't asleep. His arms were over his head and his legs were also parted but not in a sleepy numbness but in to throngs of passion. A small naked blonde startled him her hands gripping at his chest as he thrust into her. My first thought was damn I hate when Edwards right but then I realized that's not what I should be thinking and I suddenly felt the anger and sadness grip me. I felt like crying and screaming but all the came out was a hiccup/gasp that I dint even know I was capable of producing. I guess it was loud because they stopped and looked at me. Stony silence filled the small space and the blonde smiled.

"Im Jamie." She didn't even cover up. I couldn't stand there and watch Victor try to explain while he was still in her so I ran. The frits few steps were ok but on the third I slipped. The cement was grainy and hard. I felt my thighs and arms getting sliced and as the railing made contact with my face I felt pain in my right eye and cheek I was almost to the bottom my arms stretched in front of me to brace my fall when I felt a snap in my wrist. I was laying on the bottom step in so much pain but I knew if I stayed here Victor would come and I could see him…not now….not like this. Every fiber of my being was concentrating on getting up. If I could make it to Leah's car I could get to the hospital, I could do that and so I did. I went to open the door and it was locked. I tried the back and then the other side. I had no purse and the keys were not in my pocket. I looked around panic setting in, I COULD NOT SEE VICTOR. I peered through the window and sure enough the keys were on the seat along with my phone. I wanted to scream and cry and throw myself down…maybe drown in the rain. I was just about to do that when I saw hope across the street in the form of a payphone. I made a mad dash avoiding the light traffic and cold rain all the while ignoring the pain I felt from head to toe. I reached the phone and from my pocket pulled three quarters thanking god that my coffee was $4.25 this afternoon. I dialed the number I knew would answer he did on the third ring.

"Edward." I breathed.

"Bella. What's wrong?" His voice sounded panicked and I could hear him putting on his shoes ready to come to my rescue if need be. I didn't realize how bad my wrist hurt or how bad the cold was affecting me until I heard him speak and it made me feel oddly safe. He could take control and I could finally do what my body and heart had been telling me… cry. I did, loudly.

"Bella…calm down… where are you? Are you hurt? Please just tell me." He was level and firm. I needed to control myself so he could come get me.

"Victor…ewohtoioudshaweh….broken wrist…raining." Was all I could muster.

"Shit Bella…Please…WHERE ARE YOU?"I could tell his voice was close to cracking and panic was tenfold of when he had first answered. I could hear his engine in the background and I knew he was racing around Boulder looking for me.

"16th and frontage." I could hear his tires squeal as he turned in his new direction towards me. My sobs were making me shiver or maybe it was the cold but I was miserable. Edward was telling me not to worry that he was coming but those ended about a minute after I told him where I was and my time expired on the payphone. I don't know how long I sat there willing him to appear but suddenly a silver jeep appeared and flew into the lot faster than anyone I have ever seen. Edward bounded out of the car not even caring that the door was left open and that his leather was being destroyed by the rain. He ran at me gathering me in his arms. I felt his warmth through the his jacket as he lifted me placing me in his jeep. He turned on the over head light and I looked down. My pants and top were torn with bloody patches of skin peeking through. I was missing a shoe and my wrist was swollen and had a purple tint. Edward's eyes scanned my body stopping and growling at the marks. He gently touched my wrist and cupped my chin in his big hand searching my eyes for something.

"What happened Bella?" His tone was clipped but soft.

"Isn't it obvious? You were right Victor broke me." Edward let go of my face. He slammed the door and got in on the other side.

"Your wrist is broken. I'll take you to the hospital. I'll call Leah, she can call everyone else."

That was all he said as we drove to the hospital…no I told you so…for now. Thank god.

Edward wheeled me right to reception and after a few well chosen medical phrases on his part I was taken straight back to x-ray. The nurse gave me a dry gown and we started the endless process of taking x-rays. I told her my wrist was the only thing that hurt but she told me Edward had given her strict orders to cheek everything. The entire process took about an hour and by the time it was done Leah, Jessica, Anglea, Lauren and Emily all sat waiting in the room where I would get me cast (I had broken two bones in my wrist). Surprisingly the small clock on the wall said 9:08 which felt much earlier then I would have guessed. Had it really only been two and half hours ago that I woke up in my warm bed after taking a prefect nap?

"You guys didn't have to come all the way down here in this storm." I spoke to the group at large but it was Leah who answered.

"I couldn't get here fast enough." She smiled. They all nodded their heads in agreement and the room fell silent…to silent. No vulgar comments, no shy half hugs and no brooding. I realized why.

"Where are the boys?" Again I spoke to the group but instead of answering the girls all fell silent shooting pointed glares at each other. I knew I could crack Lauren the easiest she was a gossip and secret keeping was something she had never done.

"Come on Laur, you know you can tell me." I smiled and as expected she cracked.

"They went to kill Victor." The words rushed out of her mouth causing her to gasp for breath at the end. She had a very annoyed gaggle of female venom flowing in her direction.

"No, not kill…talk to…roughly." Angela tried to rectify the situation by fixing the word choice but I knew my boys and I knew what would happen. Victor would get his ass beat. I just couldn't figure out why. Sure he cheated on me but so did Jessica's ex and the boys didn't jump him. So I asked. Emily answered.

"He beat the shit out of you Bella."

"Ah no he didn't."

"You are in the hospital because he broke your wrist and gave you a black eye. Your definition of kick your ass must be different than mine." Trust Leah to speak her mind.

"He didn't, I slipped on the stairs outside his place after I caught him with another girl. Where did you get the idea that it was him?"

"Edward. He was boiling by the time we all got here. He said that you called him crying and when he found you all you said was Victor broke you. The boys all left to get him." Emily was apparently the spokes girl. Shit! I hated myself for my word choice. I yelled for someone to call them but no one would answer there damn cell phones. I stole Jessica's phone and quickly texted Edward.

No need to go ape shit. I fell and Victor had NOTHING TO DO WITH IT! –B

I waited for what felt like hours but was probably only minutes when he finally texted me back.

You said he broke you. - E

My heart not my face.-B

Ok. We will come back but if I see that you are lying to me and you know I can always tell when you lie I'll come back and pummel his shit.-E

No lies honest. Why haven't you gotten to him yet? It's been like an hour.-B

"You know Boulder in the rain…parking lot. We will be there in 20.-E

It took my wrist longer to heel then it took my heart. By the end of that fateful weekend I was over Victor. It didn't take me long to realize everyone was right he was a loser. The cast come off after six weeks and two short weeks later it was finals. With Edwards help I had passed Bio and now knew I would graduate next week with my friends. There was only one problem finals were not the only test I was worried about passing…I needed to take a pregnancy test. I thought I had always been careful with Victor but lately I had been getting weird bouts of nausea and I had missed to cycles. I sat on my bathroom floor with various pee sticks eye level waiting for the allotted two minutes to pass. The timer rang and I read my results.

Pink plus.

Smiley face.

Colored box.

Blue pee.

FML I was knocked up.