Standard disclaimer...Don't own, SM does, just borrowing...yada yada yada...we've all read like upteenth times...

Let's welcome OrangeBlossom to our author community. This is her first story and I'm touched to be able to help her do this. She's a wonderful writer as you will find out. Though, if things go as hoped, our writing will merge perfectly and you won't be able to tell that it's two writers.

Welcome OrangeBlossom!!

BPOV

Who am I? Why do I even bother asking the question?! I'm still nobody, but now I'm a nobody who's going to be short on her next paycheque and living off of Ramen noodles for the two weeks after. So why am I being hauled off in a limousine with two of the most recognizable movie stars in the world and three strange men who may or may not have less than noble intentions for my pathetic self?

"Bella?" Alice's voice disrupted my thoughts.

"Hmmm?" I refused to look at any of them, choosing to keep my gaze firmly fixed out the tinted window and on the people and scenery flying past me. If I ignored them, I'd be fine. I just needed to focus on something else and they'd leave me alone. I wished I really could make myself disappear just then.

"Bella?" she called out to me again, forcing me to pay attention. "Um, you're looking a little scuffed from your, um…" Alice paused, searching for the right words. "Fracas?... with Mike, back there. Can we take you somewhere to change and clean up before we head out?"

I was surprised, to say the least, when I looked down and saw that I was quite the dusty mess. The wrist that Mike had decided to manhandle was aching, I knew that much. What I hadn't noticed was the raw scrape on the palm of my opposite hand and the scratches onto my arm, now stinging angrily. It must have happened when I dropped to the ground. Wow, I really hadn't been paying attention to what was going on around me! I blinked rapidly, trying to hold back my tears. How did I end up this way? I flashed on me sliding down the stuccoed wall of the studio exterior and flinched at the memory. All I could manage was a meek, "Oh," as I tried to keep myself from panicking again.

After a minute of obvious deep breathing, I looked up in time to see them exchanging worried glances. Great, I thought to myself, now they all know what a mess I am! I must look like a caged animal! I knew what I had to do.

I cleared my throat and looked to Alice, "Look, I really do appreciate the offer for lunch and all, but I really should just go home." I could only hope that she could hear the desperation in my voice and just accept that I wasn't worth the time. Of course, I couldn't be that lucky.

"Bella, I thought we had decided that you really had no say in the matter!" Alice countered. She shuffled a little closer to me and tentatively put her hand on mine. Her tone was soft, still melodic, as she continued. "I think you could have a really nice time today if you just decide to… please?"

It took me a minute to process the fact that her hand was there, her skin on my skin. The warmth of her small hand was oddly reassuring. What is it about her that makes me feel so safe? I couldn't help but wonder. Her face held such an angelic innocence, what else could I do? I cautiously looked around me again.

I could see that Rosalie was uncomfortable with my being there. Her disapproval was all the more evident when she turned away from me. I couldn't help but feel the stabbing in my chest as I was smacked with the reality of my nothingness. Well, she's already decided I'm not worth the effort. I tried to shake off what felt like the world's most obvious snub, but who was I kidding? I really couldn't blame her anyways. She was gorgeous and how could a so in-your-face gorgeous tall blond bombshell be bothered to associate with a wretched nothing like me? I could feel myself shrinking at the thought.

I looked over the men next. Emmett was sitting closest to Rosalie. His hulking mass didn't seem nearly as intimidating as he sat all squished in his seat. He was looking anxious and excited as he stared at me, though. He had the most ridiculous grin on his face, making him seem so eager and ready to take on the world. Oh, to be that happy, I thought. I imagined that, if he hadn't been sitting next to Rosalie, he'd have bouncing up and down like a kid on Christmas morning waiting to open the piles of presents.

Like Rosalie, Jasper wasn't looking at me either. It wasn't rude though. In fact, I rather preferred it that way. He was too busy looking at Alice, who was still busy looking at me. Wow. I blushed as I got all too caught up in the silent profession of love that I was witnessing. I thought love like that just happened in the movies. Well, I guess if it were to happen to anyone, Alice deserves for it to happen to her. I confess, a part of me was jealous of what they have, but such is my miserable life. I was startled when I felt the tears in my eyes again. Geez, Bella, pull it together! I thought. Don't go getting any stupid ideas… that'll never be for you. You're too broken for anyone to love and you know it. I looked to Jasper's left.

Edward. There he was... the voice. He made no effort to hide the fact that he was sizing me up. I couldn't help but wonder what he was seeing? I knew what I wished he would see, but that would make this a dream, and I wasn't allowed to have those. That was a lesson I learned all too long ago. Edward's green eyes burned with an intensity unlike anything I'd ever seen, right into my soul. I couldn't help but push myself further back into my seat. What is he planning? Hell, I wish I could read his mind… I felt so vulnerable, raw… naked? I grabbed at the neckline of my shirt with my free hand, pulling it closed and wished that I could draw my eyes away. Of course he sees me that way, one look at me and anyone can tell that I'm ready to be used and thrown away! I reminded myself, angrily. He's a man! He's going to hurt me! That's all any of them want! Why am I even considering this? The tears welled up again.

I pulled my scraped hand from Alice's tender grasp and tried to shift my thoughts so I'd calm down. I moved my palm to my lips, blowing lightly across the scrape, trying to soothe the hurt, like I'd always wished my mother would do. I knew it was futile to think like this. All it ever did was make me wish I had more, and I knew I was never going to get better. For all of my imagining, I still hadn't moved my eyes from Edward, and as I passed over my scratch a second time, I thought I saw him cringe. I nearly froze on the spot. What did I do? Did I breathe on him? Am I so lowly that I can't even breathe the same air as him? I was saddened and confused, and needed this whole thing to end.

Finally ready to decline Alice's offer once and for all, I inhaled deeply and turned to face her. She seemed so hopeful. I wonder what that feels like? Hope. Her blue eyes were so alive and glistening as she waited for my reply.

I closed my eyes, my brow furrowed. I knew what I needed to do but my thoughts and words betrayed me. Where did my resolve go? What am I doing?! "Alright." I sighed and opened my eyes to face the window. "Just turn left at the next set of lights. I'm sorry to make you backtrack, but my apartment wasn't that far from the studio and I should have been paying better attention. I'll just run up quickly and be down before you know it… is that alright?"

Alice squealed, clapping her hands together excitedly. "Bella, I'm so glad you've decided to come! We're going to have the best time! Who knows? Maybe by the end of this, we'll all be the best of friends!"

I smiled a little again, for the second time that day, as I moved to look out the window again. Maybe she's right. I thought. Is this what hope feels like? Perhaps Alice Brandon could really be the balm to soothe my ravaged soul?

* * * * *

APOV

I must confess I was startled to see the condition of the building when we pulled up in front of it. I knew Bella wouldn't be living in a mansion, but come on? This?! Granted, the butcher shop wasn't located in the worst area of town, but there was a definite air of neglect that hung over the whole neighbourhood. Graffiti was minimal and the light posts were covered in posters for all sorts of local bands. At one time, this area was probably the place to be… not so much nowadays, though.

We had barely slowed the limousine in front of the store when Bella opened the door and stumbled out onto the sidewalk. I'll have to remind her that we pay people to help with that. I suppressed a chuckle and called out to her, "Are you alright?" Her face was so flush with embarrassment that if I hadn't already seen it happen, I'd have thought she was choking on something or having some sort of fit!

"I'm good." She mumbled and pulled her long hair forward, trying to hide behind it to escape the stares of those gathering around the sleek, black automobile. "Um, I'll be right back… just, um, wait here?" Bella seemed to muster up some hidden courage because she looked me right in the eye before tentatively closing the car door and turning toward the entryway. She's probably wondering if the rug is about to be pulled out from under her. She must think this is a great big practical joke… How horrible to live like that, I couldn't help thinking to myself as I settled back into the leather seat. I shuddered as I flashed back on how I used to be, all those years ago… No. No one should ever live like that. We have far too much work to do. All of a sudden it was all I could do to contain my grin.

Jasper cleared his throat, interrupting the start of some masterful planning on my part. "Did you have something to say, Jazzy?" I smirked and raised an eyebrow, daring him to voice his thoughts.

"I'm just curious to know what's going on in that deviant little pixie brain of yours." He replied. "I'm pretty sure we'd all like to know what the deal is with this poor woman, but we all need to be on the same page." I looked around and saw them all nodding their heads in agreement of his statement. Well, all except for Rosalie. She was focussing all of her attention on the dingy streetscape. Jasper leaned over and, with a gentle touch, pulled my chin over so I was looking into his glorious blue eyes. "Alice, love?"

Oh, how I love this man! "Well, if you must know, I've decided we need to help her. Granted, Mr. Jenks hasn't gotten back to me with the background check yet, but still! Everything about her is screaming for help! I want to do that for her. I need to do this for her! We can do this. I know we can! We have exactly what it takes to bring her back from the edge. You saw the look in her eyes… Jasper! All of you did!" I felt the enthusiasm bubbling up inside of me. "Think about it! Jasper, Edward, Emmett… you have no idea how incredible you are! If any man could convince her to trust, it would be you guys! Heck, with your backgrounds and Edward's education, we're set! Maybe Mom and Dad can help, too! Oh, this will be fantastic! I'll have to contact the studio and find a way to get a hold of Angela because she can help, too… and then Rosalie…" I turned back to her then, not expecting what was before me.

The tears streaming down her face immediately quieted any further comments I was going to make.

"Rose?" I whispered and moved to kneel before her.

"Alice… please don't ask me to help with this." She mumbled as she shifted her entire body away from us.

I felt so awkward returning to my seat. I didn't know what to say. I must have looked like a fish struggling for air as my mouth opened and closed, then opened again. No sound escaped my lips, yet everyone stared at me as if expecting me to know exactly what to say. I looked into Emmett's eyes, shaking my head and shrugged, knowing I'd never felt so helpless. What have I done?

For being such a big kid, he was incredibly perceptive. Emmett sidled closer to Rosalie and placed his arm protectively around her shoulder. He nuzzled his nose into the crook of her neck and spoke quiet words of love into her ear. "Hush now, my beautiful Rose… you're safe. I promise you…" She shifted again, this time toward him and threw her arms around his neck. She ran her fingers through his dark curls, allowing the action to calm her tears. He pulled her up into his lap and began to rock, back and forth.

I turned to Jasper and Edward and motioned to them that we'd best step out of the limo for a few minutes. It wasn't often that we saw Rosalie this way, but she definitely didn't like having a witness to her displays of weakness.

It was only moments later when Jasper, Edward and I quietly closed the car door behind us. "Guys, I'm so sorry… I really didn't expect her to react that way." I couldn't bring myself to look up at them. How could I be so stupid! How could I not think about everything she's been through? I'm such an…"

"Sweetheart?" My internal dialogue was interrupted by my own personal saviour. "Alice, you couldn't have known." Jasper took my hand in his and squeezed it in reassurance.

I offered a weak smile to Jasper and Edwardthen took in our current surrounding. A couple of people were looking out of their windows and a small crowd was starting to gather across the street. I knew that they hadn't seen me yet, thank goodness for my height deficiency, but it would only be a matter of time. "Umm… I think we might be wise to take this conversation to a less conspicuous location." Jasper and Edward glanced around us and immediately flanked me on both sides and assumed their roles as personal bodyguards.

"You're right. Let's move over this way." Edward took the lead and brought us over to the small alleyway that led to Bella's apartment staircase. "There," he announced. "Now all we need to do is wait for Bella to finish up and we'll be ready to go. It's been a while. She should be ready to go soon, I hope."

Edward was the first to hear the doorknob squeak. He turned his head to watch her descend when…

* * * * *

BPOV

I couldn't believe how frantic I was feeling! Maybe I should just sit tight and they'll leave if I don't come down right away? This has to be a huge freakin' cosmic joke anyways! I kept repeating it, but couldn't convince myself. I saw the look in her eyes. She meant it! She really, truly meant it! Allowing that to become truth, I was no longer frantic… but excited? It took me a moment to calm myself enough to focus on what needed to get done.

Alright, first order of business. First aid kit. I pulled my dirty t-shirt off and went to the kitchen and grabbed my little baggie of bandages, gauze and tape with one hand and the peroxide with the other. I made quick work of the scrape, cleaning and covering the surface of my palm where the scrapes were the worst. I thought about Mike and how pathetic my pleas must have sounded to him. Stupid bastard! Why do I let him do that to me?! I felt the tears well up again, but this time I allowed them to fall. I was safe here. Not happy, necessarily, but no one had ever violated my sanctuary. Here was where I was allowed to fall to pieces…

But then I caught myself. Ugh! NOT NOW! I hastily wiped away my tears and turned my attention to the second task. Clothes. It's not something that I've ever been too bothered with, my budget took care of that. That didn't mean that I wanted to look like a total bum. I was checking my overall condition when I saw the damage to my pants. Crap! I really don't need this on top of everything else! The tear in the backside was big enough that no amount of patching could salvage them. Oh, crap! Please tell me no one else noticed… Alice would have said something, right? She wouldn't have left me to embarrass myself, would she?

I started thinking myself in circles again. I could almost feel the waves of nausea wash over me as I replayed my pathetic situation over and over again to myself. I needed to stop this! I forced myself to take control and cautiously crept up to the window to check outside. I couldn't believe my eyes. They're still here. This isn't a dream. This isn't a joke. There it sat, in all its glory… the limousine. Alice, Jasper and Edward were climbing out of the vehicle for some reason. They all looked rather grim. Curious? I hope they aren't coming up here to get me. It bothered me that Alice wasn't being her regular, exuberant self, but at least I knew she wasn't pulling some sort of horrible prank on me.

I ran my fingers through my mousy hair and drew in one more breath. I needed to pull myself together, fast.

I noticed that I'd need to do laundry soon, as my meagre supply of clean shirts mocked me from their mismatched hangers on that bloody rack. I grabbed at a blood red v-neck t-shirt and threw it over my head and promptly changed from my now ruined pants to a pair of baggy black jeans. Don't want to bring too much attention to myself, now do I? I grabbed my black sneakers from by the futon and threw them on.

I went into the bathroom for one final check. Blech! My eyes were still red and swollen still from the whole Mike fiasco so I splashed some cold water on my face and hoped for the best. There. Done. Well… as done as I can be…

The reality of what was waiting for me downstairs was starting to press in on the periphery of my mind. I couldn't let myself think about it or the fear would overtake me. I wouldn't allow that today. I have Alice, and I'm safe. I have Alice, and I'm safe. It was my mantra. If I held onto this, I'd be alright.

I straightened myself up and cleared my throat. "I can do this." Saying it out loud made it the truth, right?

As prepared as I could possibly be, I opened my door and stepped out onto the landing. I turned to lock the door, placed the key back in its hiding place and then took my first tentative steps onto the staircase. "I can do this." I whispered to myself and smiled, just a little.

It was then I heard the terrifying creaks and groans beneath me. I paused, not daring to move until the sounds stopped.

"Bella?" Alice questioned, looking up at me. I didn't answer, taking another step down the stairs, putting a little weight onto my foot waiting for any noises. When none were forth coming, I put all my weight down, only to go crashing through. Screaming I grabbed the step below.

"Bella!" Alice, Edward, and Jasper screamed. I started sobbing. I knew it was too good to be true. This is what I get for hoping. Why hadn't I listened to myself? I knew that dreams, wishes, and hopes were a waste of time. This is what I get for indulging.

"Bella! Hang in there! Edward, Jasper, and Emmett are going to get you down." I heard Alice shout to me. Men? Near me? I heard a car door slamming and a commotion as they all gathered beneath me.

"No! Please no! I didn't do anything! Just go away!" I panicked, almost letting go of my perch.

EPOV

I stood open-mouthed and stared at Bella's struggling form as Emmett rushed over asking, "What happened?!"

"She fell through the stairs." Jasper replied tensely as we evaluated the situation.

It was time to take action. "Emmett, Jasper go stand under her," I directed walking purposefully past Alice who was wringing her hands. The stairway had nothing under it, allowing Emmett and Jasper to do as I ordered.

Slowly I ascended the stairs, not wanting to fall through myself. The closer I got to her the more she started screaming. "No! Please! I didn't do anything wrong! Don't hurt me! Please!"

What had happened to her to elicit such a response? "I only want to help." I pleaded with her, "Like with your hand! Will you let me do that?"

"No! Please no! Don't hurt me!"

My heart bled for her. Whatever had happened to her had really scarred her. How could anyone do that to her? She looked so innocent. Well, like she should be innocent. Taking a deep breath I moved closer to her, reaching out to take her hands. She let out a bloodcurdling scream before passing out.

"I'm going to lower her down. Be careful, though. She's passed out." I told them, gripping her hands.

"Whenever you're ready." Emmett called up. Making sure I had a firm grasp, I lifted her up and down through the hole.

"Got her!" Jasper said and I let go, watching to make sure she was safe in Jasper's arms before carefully going back down the stairs to take her from him, cradling her against my chest.

"Is she alright?" Alice fretted as we got back in the limo.

"I don't know." I replied buzzing the driver. "Achaius, take us to our parent's house."

APOV

The silence in the car was deafening.

Once Jasper had made the phone call to Carlisle to fill him in on what had happened, it seemed a stupor had settled over the lot of us.

Edward looked absolutely distraught. We had tried to talk to him about what the cause of Bella's unconsciousness could be, but after realizing that he wasn't listening to anyone else, we all stopped questioning. He refused to loosen his grip on her, choosing instead to cradle her limp form gently in his lap and whisper gentle assurances into her hair.

Jasper was busy taking in the overall mood of the group. I couldn't help but feel like everything was going to be okay when he was around. It's a gift he's always possessed and one I was especially grateful for. I thought back to all those years ago and the anchor he had been to me when I had first come to the Cullen home. I shivered at the memory.

Poor Emmett didn't know what to do with himself. He looked almost tortured as he tried to decide where to allow his attention. Like the rest of us, he felt drawn to Bella. He's always been the stereotypical big brother, and I could see how he already wanted to make all of Bella's hurt go away. He was struggling to take comfort in the fact that Edward had her well in hand because Emmett knew he needed to focus on someone else.

Rosalie. Sitting there, enveloped in the arms of her protector, she barely resembled the woman she had struggled to become. The tears she had shed earlier were memorialized with dried streaks of mascara and smears of eyeliner. The sadness in her face was heartbreaking and I could only wonder where MY Rosalie had gone to: Rosalie, the hard ass; Rosalie, the temptress; Rosalie, the one who could bring a studio head to his knees with a sneer of her voluptuous lips. Looking at her brought me back to a time and place that it seemed I was destined to return to…whether I liked it or not. She had been so disturbingly silent as she watched the drama unfold around her, that I could only assume that was where she had chosen to retreat in her mind.

I knew that I needed to talk to her soon.

It wasn't too long after that Achaius found his way clear of the congested city streets and we were on quieter winding roads through the hills outside of Los Angeles. I breathed a sigh of relief when the limo glided through our exclusive community gates and made its way to our personal refuge.

Once the car came to a stop, we didn't even bother to wait for the driver. Jasper lurched forward and pushed the door open. Edward shuffled forward onto the seat and then somehow managed to make his way out of the car without jostling his sleeping beauty from her slumber. The two were already up the stairs and entering the mansion before I had put my foot onto the drive. Damn, that Edward is fast!

I had barely finished stepping out when Rosalie pushed past me and ran up the steps, seeking her escape. Emmett emerged next, lumbering and awkward. He stood to his full height and looked down at me with his sad dark eyes. "Emmett, go see if you can help with Bella," I said softly. "Let me take care of Rosie, okay?"

I'm not sure if he was relieved to be absolved of the duty to deal with Rosalie or if he was just glad to be able to go make sure Bella was okay, but not having to make that decision seemed to bring a small smile to his face. He didn't say a word, just put his hand on my shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze before turning away to join the other men.

I took a deep breath and pulled my hand down my face. Think, Mary Alice, this is going to be a big one…what are you going to do? The epiphany I was hoping for never came. Of course, that would be my luck, I thought to that I couldn't put it off any longer, I turned, took a deep breath, and started towards what I knew would be a very difficult conversation.

RPOV

"Idiot, idiot, idiot!"If I didn't have that blasted photo shoot in the morning, I'd probably be doing more than just calling myself names and pacing back and forth. Shit! I wanted to scream, pull my hair out, punch the wall! I knew that nothing would be good enough to get rid of this enormous pressure on my chest. "AAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!" I couldn't keep it in anymore. I picked up the rose-filled vase from off the table and hurled it at the wall. I had really hoped that seeing some sort of pointless destruction would help, but it barely blipped on the 'Emotional Meltdown Radar'. Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit…

My little rant was interrupted by a knock at my bedroom door. A muffled "Can I come in?" came from the other side. Before I could answer, the door was open and Alice was peering cautiously into my room.

"What do you want?" I deadpanned.

"I came to make sure you're okay… you were kind of quiet in the car and, umm…" Alice looked to the floor and surveyed the mass of stems, water and broken crystal.

I wanted to be so angry with her at that moment. My hands were fisted and ready to strike out at her. How dare she bring someone like THAT into our lives? How dare she bring someone like that into our sanctuary and act like it's a positive thing! I couldn't stand it anymore. I had to get it out.

"Mary Alice Brandon Cullen," I seethed. "How could you do that to me? How could you?! What made you think that it was okay to take a perfect stranger and play God with her life and in the process, mess up mine?! Who the hell are you?"

Alice fidgeted a little then opened her mouth to speak. I decided I wasn't going to have any of that so I started again. "NO, don't answer that! I'll tell you exactly who you are! You are a selfish, inconsiderate, masochistic BITCH!"

Alice stood there and took everything like a champ. Her silence convinced me that she agreed with everything I was throwing at her, so I kept on blasting her.

It was a few minutes later that I started to wind down. I vaguely remembered telling her that she couldn't predict the future and that she may have just made things worse for her little Pygmalion. I remembered Alice gasping in reaction. And then I remembered that sinking, horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach when I first saw Bella outside of that studio. I grabbed at my midsection and lowered myself to the floor, finally quieting down. "Alice?"

"Yes?" She approached me guardedly.

"Was I really like that?"

She came closer to me and ran her fingers through my hair. "Yes."

"Alice?"

"Yes, Rose?"

"Why her? Why now when I finally feel like it's not just a mask?

"Rose, do you really need me to answer that?"

"Yes."

"There, but for the grace of God, go I…" she whispered.

"Alice?"

"Yes, Rose?"

"If I seem to forget that, could you please remind me as we go along?"

"Anytime."

"Alice?"

"Yes, Rose?"

"Can we go check on her?"

She smiled sweetly and helped me to my feet. We sidestepped the crystal shards on the floor and headed down the hall, following the hushed sounds of the men's voices.

We had just reached the doorway when we heard a gasp. We exchanged a nervous glance and moved to go in when we heard Carlisle exclaim, "Oh my word!"