Two weeks after I was released from the hospital I sat outside a courtroom. I stared at the floor thinking about how my relationship with my foster family had changed. I tried to avoid looking at my hands, so I wouldn't be reminded why I was here…

Edward was slightly more distant; we didn't hang out as much. I couldn't imagine why. Maybe he was just afraid of what Zach would do to him…

I was surprised at how much Jerry reminded me of a mother. Sometimes I forgot that I wasn't going to stay with her until I graduated…

"Bella, I would like your honest opinion about something." I looked into her eyes curiously.

"Don't I always tell you the truth?"

She smiled. "Yes, but I was wondering if you would like to be adopted by me." I smiled.

"I would love that. I've never felt like I've belonged anywhere, before my parents died, until I came here…"
"I'm glad you feel that way."

"…let me finish. I can't, though. I'm going to be taken away by one of my…friends."

"So you don't want to stay here?"
"No, I don't want to leave. I shudder at the thought of what would happen if I returned to California. I want to stay here."

"Okay then, Bella. We'll go to court, and let the judge decide. I won't let you leave unless you want to leave."

"Bella," Edward said, "are you okay? You don't look well." I stared up at him with fear in my eyes.

"I know we're going to lose Edward. I'll be shipped off to California, and you'll never hear from me again." He sat down next to me, and put a hand on my shoulder.

"It's going to be okay, Bella. I won't let you be taken away."

I walked into the room, trying to believe Edward. I knew it wasn't that simple, though.

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"She brought me into her room, and started to force herself on me," Zach described. "I couldn't do anything about it. Next thing I know, she's blaming me for raping her. She dragged me downstairs, and starts to threaten me. What I had to do was purely self defense, but I still love her. Who knows what being away from California does to her. She needs to return and live with me."

"Okay, Bella. It's you're turn." I walked to the stand, and sat down. "Hold up your right hand." He held up a Bible, and I stuck my hand on top of it.

"Will you tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"

"Yes."

"Okay, tell us your side of the story."

"I came home from school, and Zach is sitting on the couch, uninvited, watching T.V. He drags me up stairs, and ties me down to my bedpost, and rapes me… I try to escape, and call for help. Zach pushed me into the wall and repeatedly pounded my head into the wall."

"How was your life before that day?"
"I don't think I've ever been happier since my parents died, sir. Sure, I miss the sunshine occasionally, but I have a supporting family and boyfriend." I smiled at the last word. It was true, I was really happy.

"Okay, that's all, Bella. I've reached my decision. Bella stays in Forks," the judge announced.

I walked down from the stand and to Jerry and Edward. I hugged both of them really hard. "Thanks guys for making my life such an improvement."

Zach walked over to us. "Bella, may I talk to you alone?" I looked into his eyes. All I was able to see was hatred.

"Whatever you want to say to me, you'll have to say it here."

"Fine. I just hope you're happy, Bella because I know you'll regret this. When you do, I won't be there. We're through. Permanently." I shrugged. He stalked off.

"Thanks again, for helping me stay here."

"Bella, we're going to celebrate," Jerry announced.

"Before we go, Aunt Jerry. Can I have a word with Bella alone please?"
"Sure." She walked off, and I looked at him expectantly.

"Bella, why didn't you tell the judge about the heroin?"

"It wasn't relevant."

"I believe it was, since it inhabited you from fighting back properly."

"I was tied to a bed, Edward. I couldn't do much fighting in the first place."

"So you willingly took the heroin, and that's why you didn't tell the judge about it."

"NO!" I shouted. "I didn't willingly do anything! Zach is so much stronger than me."
"I think you're lying Bella. If you didn't want to take the heroin, you would have told the judge."

"What will it take for you to believe me?"

"Tell me the truth."
"I AM TELLING YOU THE TRUTH!"

"A druggie will always be a druggie." He turned around angrily.

"Does this mean we're over?"
"I don't know how I can trust you if you lie to me about taking drugs, but let me think."

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We walked into the car. Edward stared out the window. Jerry could feel the tension, so she tried to break it. "Where do you want to go celebrate?"

"I'm tired. I just want to go home." She dropped Edward off, and then went home.

"Are you sure you don't want to go out?"
"Yes." I ran up to my room, slammed the door before she could see the tears streaming down my face.