Chapter 4- one thing after another

Edwards POV

The morning at school passed slowly. At lunch I sat at our usual table from across the room I could see Bella enter. But she quickly left with Mike. This worried me the way mike had grabbed her. I didn't like him one bit, and even less when I listened to his thoughts. I heard him planning to ask Bella out, and other childish disgusting thoughts. I was happy when I heard he had been rejected. The disappointment in Mikes head was almost funny. However it didn't take long for Bella to cheer him up again. I knew Bella would she always hated hurting people's feelings.

I watched Bella return to the canteen and sit at a table. She was still blushing. Mike returned shortly after sitting across from Bella. I couldn't help but watch them. She's so fit! I'm gonna have her if it's the last thing I do. Her pale skin, I want to touch her so bad, I know exactly what I want with her. But she's so small and vulnerable, and I cant even get her to go out with me. Every thought of Mike's echoed in my head. I wanted to tear his head off and rip him apart.

I couldn't help but let a low growl rumble from my throat. Alice hit me hard. "what are you doing Edward?" she whispered watching my piercing glare. She pulled on my arm but I wouldn't move. Next thing I knew Emmet had pulled me out of my seat and was guiding me outside. I resisted but my strength wasn't enough for Emmet he removed me with ease, without any of the other students even noticing. Emmet sat me in the silver Volvo and drove out of the school gates. "What do you think you were doing, bro do you want to give us away or what. You can't lose control like that Edward no matter what". Emmet said patting me on the back.

I talked things over with Emmet, he understood why I was angry. But told me not to let it get to me, to move on. "that's the problem I can't" I groaned. "Why don't you just change her then" Emmet suggested. I let out another growl. "I could never do that, she has a life, I don't have the right to take it from her". I answered angrily. "I understand but then that means you have to control yourself Edward, I know its hard" Emmet calmed me down as he drove back to Forks just in time for the start of Biology.

I made my way to my seat, Bella was already in the chair next to me. She smiled awkwardly as I passed. "Hi" I said as I sat down. "Sorry about the other day, the outburst it was stupid" Bella whispered clearly embarrassed. "Don't worry about it, all forgotten" I answered. This wasn't true however the outburst yesterday had me extremely worried about how messed up I had really made her. I smiled into her beautiful chocolate brown eyes. She stared back at me face full of love and pain.

"Can I ask you one thing" I said about halfway through the lesson. I had to ask it was frustrating me so bad. "Sure whatever" Bella answered clearly curious. "Well I know this might be out of place but please can you not go out with Mike" I asked hopefully. Her face screwed up. "What?" she cried. "Please he's not good for you" I pleaded. "Why do you want me?" Bella asked light flashing across her eyes. "No Bella that's not what I mean. I just don't want to see you get hurt. I'm not good for you and neither is he". This wasn't going the way I had planned, and I was glad the class was loud today working on an experiment.

"What right have you got to tell me who I should go out with and who I shouldn't it's none of you're business and how do you know he asked me anyways". Bella said raising her voice slightly. "I'm sorry, I just don't want to see you get hurt, and I heard you and Mike talking from down the corridor" I lied. "Well it's none of your business, and you don't want me so what does it matter" she huffed. Bella turned away from me and didn't talk for the rest of the lesson. She was angry I could tell. I hadn't wanted to upset her. It was like this for the next week Mike kept trying to get her on her own and I continued to tell her to stay away. Although I could see it hurt her, at least I was pushing her away. Making it easier for her to move on. I could tell that my warnings were making her doubt whether I was her Edward.

Bella's POV

Edward was starting to really annoy me. Maybe it wasn't my Edward after all. Why should he tell me who I should and shouldn't be friends with. When he wouldn't even be friends with me. He just kept saying that he was dangerous for me and that Mike was too. But to be honest I couldn't see Mike as anything more than a softy. The more Edward warned me about Mike the closer it pushed me towards him. Mike Newton suddenly seemed more appealing.

It was cold on Monday morning when I got up and when I stepped out the house I fell straight onto my bum. The road was icy. Charlie had changed my tyres so that my truck wouldn't slip on the road. I made my way once again to Forks High school, perhaps a bit more slowly than usual. When I arrived the car park was just as full as it normally was. Clearly thick ice was a regular occurrence here. I jumped out of my truck and picked up my bag. I saw Edward watching me from across the car park.

Then I heard the roar of an engine. An out of control engine. I swung around to see who it was and saw Tyler's van skidding straight towards me. I didn't have time to get out of the way it was going to hit me side on. I closed my eyes and braced for the impact. I didn't even have time to scream. The car was headed straight at me. This was it, I told myself.

The suddenly out of no where somebody grabbed me around the waist. They were cold and very hard. The force pushed me to the ground banging my head on the slippery ice. I opened my eyes to see Edward, staring straight back at me. Then the car swung back towards us for a second go, but Edward stuck his hand out leaving a dent in Tyler's car, also bringing it to a stop.

How was anyone strong enough to do that,? I wondered and how had Edward reached me so fast ? he had been across the other side of the car park. I didn't have time to ask, as the whole school was now rushing over shouting my name. "Somebody call an ambulance, Bella, Bella!". Oh my God this was so embarrassing I said to myself. "Did you hit your head?" Edward asked stroking back my hair. "Yes, but I'm ok" I breathed, dazzled by his beauty and caring nature.

I was strapped onto a board and taken to the hospital when the ambulance came. Even though I had told them there was nothing wrong with me. Mike had insisted on coming with me and I could see the anger in Edward's face as we rode in the back. They hadn't made Edward lie on a board, and this made me more annoyed. Mike was telling me "Every things going to be alright Bella" trying to calm me, instead it was just irritating.

When we arrived I found out why Edward wasn't sat here on a hospital bed like me. His dad was a doctor here. Dr Carlisle Cullen, just as beautiful and handsome as the others and very compassionate. Something was not right about this family. Although they were alike they were also very different from each other. Dr Cullen told me I seemed to be ok, but told me to take Tylenol for the pain in my head if it worsened. I agreed, so he would let me go.

I made my way to the reception. Charlie and Mike were both waiting for me. They both stood up out of their seats and made they're way over to me. I put my hands up "I'm ok, there's nothing wrong with me.. Like I said" I added. Charlie and Mike both seemed pleased. We were just about to leave, when I saw Edward. "Dad, Mike can I have a minute please, alone with Edward. He did save me after all" I asked. Charlie agreed and so did Mike a little reluctantly.

"Edward" I called. He turned round to look at me. "Can I talk to you please?" I asked. He nodded and pulled me into the hospital family room, which was empty. "Thank you for earlier, but how did you reach me so fast?" I said getting straight to the point. "What are you on about Bella I was stood right next to you the whole time." he answered. "No you weren't I saw you on the other side of the car park just before Tyler's van". I said annoyed about his denial. "Bella, listen you hit your head, and what does it matter anyway?" he said. "It does matter Edward, it matters to me. What about the van, how did you stop it from moving. No human is strong enough to stop a car skidding like that with just one hand". I said slightly angry. "It was adrenaline, I was desperate to save you, isn't that enough for you?" Edward asked is face sort of mocking.

I huffed angrily. "Edward, please I know who you are. I saw the way you looked into my eyes when you saved me, and the way you stroke my hair back, it was just how you used to. Please just tell me, what happened Edward?, why are you being like this? I tried to move on, but I can't I loved you so much and every time I start to get on with my life you come back to haunt me. Maybe you should of just let Tyler hit me. It would have been easier for the both of us." I broke down. Completely losing control, again and letting the tears roll down my cheeks.

Edwards' face dropped immediately. "Don't you ever say that Bella, ever. I would never regret saving you. It wouldn't make it easier for me, it would destroy me Bella. But I don't know who you are, I only met you a month ago. I know whatever happened in Phoenix must have been difficult for you, but you must try to get on with your life. What is it about me that remind you of your Edward? He asked his voice changing into a whisper. He knew too much, why why why was he doing this? "Firstly your eyes, they are slightly different but I can see behind them, then your jaw line, one of your prominent features, and your hair as well, is exactly the same. You're the same height, you talk the same and when you touch me, you touch me like he used to". I couldn't stop the tears from falling.

"Bella, you have to stop this, you're making yourself ill, Edward wouldn't have wanted you to be like this." he soothed. He walked forwards and wiped away the tears from my eyes. His hands were so cold and his touch gave me butterflies. I stopped breathing for a few seconds, until he moved away. "Come on, let's get you back to Charlie. He showed me out of the door before returning me to reception.

Edwards' POV

I didn't regret my decision to save Bella. Although the other Cullen's weren't pleased. They had seen me run across the car park at inhuman like speeds, and then use incredible strength to stop Tyler's van. "You could have given us away" Rosalie whined. "but I didn't" I replied. Rosalie was angry at me for the rest of the day. What was her problem any way? Alice had tried to talk some sense into me, but said she would have done the same if it was her. This made me feel a bit better, but I had a lot to think about.

The weekend went slowly. We went hiking but couldn't find much wildlife so close to home. It wasn't bear season. I was happy to be back at school on Monday but also nervous to see Bella again. I was right to be nervous. She looked a complete mess. Her eyes were puffy and red. Her skin was pale. Not a nice pale anymore, but gaunt and sickly pale. She looked weak and wobbled more than usual when she walked. When she sat down at her usual table in the canteen. I wasn't pleased when Mike started putting his arm around her. I listened in closely to Mike's head. "What happened to her this weekend she looks terrible. Like she could drop down dead any minute. I'll cheer her up. She needs a good kiss just to get some colour back in her cheeks. The accident must have hit her hard maybe she's in shock, perhaps it's time to make my move this weekend. Their's more to Bella than meets the eye. I will get it out of her."

Mike was using Bella, that's what he always did. He found out their deepest darkest secrets then drops them as if they meant nothing. He spreads the information around the school. But he always gets away with it somehow. I knew if he did this to Bella it would be the best gossip he ever heard and it would destroy her. I had to warn her as much as I knew she wouldn't like it.

I waited till Biology, she seemed to look a little happier now their was now a hint of colour on her face, and eyes weren't so red. "Bella" I said facing her straight on. I looked deep into her eyes. "Bella I know you will be angry with me, and I've told you 100 times already, but please listen stay away from Mike. He will hurt you Bella". She started to wobble even in her seat. "like you haven't hurt me Edward, you hurt me more than anyone" she whispered violently. She got up out of her seat and left the class. Mr Molina looked worried and shocked that she had walked out, but didn't follow her. So I did instead. I followed her to the car park.

She spun around angrily. "What do you want Edward? To warn me away from Mike even more. You don't want me, and who said me and Mike were even going out." she screamed at me. "I know you're not together Bella but that's what Mike wants. I'm only looking out for you, and where are you going?" I said as Bella stomped into her truck. "Well I don't need looking out for and it doesn't matter where I'm going it's none of your business. Don't follow me." she shouted slamming her truck door and roaring the engine to life.

Bella's POV

He made me so mad. I had, had enough. I didn't want to go home early in case Charlie saw me, so I decided to go and do the shopping instead to calm myself down. I made my way to the Thriftway. It was nice in their it made me feel almost normal. I bought everything I would need for the rest of the week and then started loading the bags into my truck.

Suddenly someone grabbed me from behind and placed a hand over my eyes. At first I thought I was being mugged and resisted the urge to scream. Then I head the familiar voice saying "Hey Bella, guess who?". I sighed and let my body relax. "Hi Mike" I said pulling his hand from my face. I turned to confront him. "You scared me, I thought I was being kidnapped" I said. A grin spread across Mike's face. "I could if you want me too" he said in a playful manner grabbing me again. "I mean I could take you out somewhere, if you would like". Mike said facing me. "Um Yes, I could do with a night out, after the day I've had. Just let me get the shopping back and change" I answered. Mike smiled slightly shocked at my answer. "Aw cool Bella. I'll pick you up in half an hour. We can go into Portland if you like." "Sounds good" I replied climbing into my truck.

Edward had wound me up so much, I had decided to go against his advice. I wouldn't let him tell me what to do. I unloaded the shopping into cupboards ad then ran upstairs to get changed. I changed into my nicest jeans and my favourite blue shirt. I left a note for Charlie. He wouldn't mind he was always nagging me to go out. I was ready when Mike arrived. He drove us into Portland where we watched the latest Zombie film out. After we went to a restaurant for something to eat. It was small and cosy inside and we were sat at a table away from everyone else.

Mike ordered the food and then started talking. "So I was thinking after we could meet a couple of my mates. Would you mind". "Um no, not at all" I answered. We talked about a lot of things and I was enjoying myself the first time in a long time. Mike told me all about his family. Then he asked about mine. "So Bella, why did you move here again?" he smiled. "Um Charlie was offered a job here." I replied hoping he wouldn't ask anymore. "How comes you moved with your dad and didn't stay with your mum." Mike said curious.

I didn't know what to say. I was silent. "What is it Bella? What happened in your life that made you like this. You can tell me, I might be able to help. Don't you trust me?" Mike said placing a hand over mine. I was silent for a while. I could trust Mike, he had been a good friend, maybe it would do me good. "Okay promise you won't tell anyone, this is between you and me". I said sternly looking at his face. "Promise" Mike moved his hand away and listened intently to what I was saying. I told him everything only leaving out a couple of details. I told him about Edward and how he went missing, finding his blood. I even told him about my suicide attempt, and how I had been sent to live with Charlie. I could tell Mike hadn't been expecting all that but he comforted me all the same.

I thought telling him would take the weight off my shoulders a bit. It didn't it made it all come flooding back. We ate in silence for a while and then gradually Mike had the courage to start talking again. He asked me more questions but not so difficult ones this time. Mike paid the bill, even though I had offered, he insisted paying my share as well.

We walked outside, to meet Mikes friends. I was slightly nervous, I always found meeting new people difficult. Mike led me down a small alleyway it was pitch black. He held my hand as he led me through to a small paved clearing, surrounded by tress. It was completely deserted. "What are we doing here?" I asked wishing I had gone home instead. "waiting" Mike replied sitting down. Mike seemed different now, not so chatty and slightly cold towards me. In the darkness he no longer looked so friendly. I was scared.

Mike urged me to sit next to him. I did, afraid of what would happen if I didn't. He pulled me close to him, he was stronger than I thought. I couldn't wriggle away. "When are you're friends coming, it's getting really late and we need to get back to Forks" I asked my voice shaking with both nerves and coldness. "Don't know could be here any minute. We're not going back till they arrive". Mike said sharply. We waited for another half an hour neither of us talking. "Mike I'm really cold, I want to go" I said shivering violently. "You're not leaving." mike said tightening his grip.

Mike leaned in towards my face, he was too close. His lips touched mine. I pulled away violently. "What are you doing?" I shouted. "I wanted to kiss you Bella, I've wanted to for a long time and that's not all I want to do to you either" Mike sneered. I tried to pull away, he disgusted me. "I thought you were my friend." I said crying. I tried to struggle free but Mike pushed me down. He had me pinned to the floor and was holding my arms down, whilst sitting on my stomach. "Get off me!" I screamed. "Ah doesn't Bella want to play, you're a silly girl Bella trusting me after all Edward's warnings. You told me everything, it won't take long to spread all your secrets around a small school like ours will it Bella." Mike laughed. "You wouldn't, I would tell everyone what you did to me, and what your really like" I shouted.

I couldn't believe I had got myself into this situation. How had I been so stupid. Mike unbuttoned my shirt as I struggled. I screamed for help, but he clasped a hand over my mouth. He was stronger than he looked. I couldn't believe it was Mike doing this, it was the last person I would have expected. Mike let go of my mouth and pressed his lips to mine. I wanted to be sick. I thrashed away from Mikes mouth. "You're friends aren't coming are they" I said. "Oh yes they are, they're coming to finish the job Bella." Mike slammed me into the ground. I felt the pavement scrape across my flesh. "What do you mean?" I said shivering. "Well Bella, I've moved to the next level. I can't have you telling everyone about me can I. After we're finished with you, you will be disposed of. After everyone here's about your attempted suicide they will think you just succeeded this time." Mike spat in my face.

I screamed "Help, Help" no one would here me, we were in the middle of no where. I heard footsteps. I prayed it was someone coming to help me. It wasn't. Three men were walking towards me and Mike. "How you doing mate?" one of them called to Mike. It was his friends I was doomed. The four of them laughed and sneered at me. They let Mike do the work though. Mike undid my jeans. I tried to scream but one of them put his hand over my mouth. He was pressing so hard I could hardly breathe. My eyes rolled into the back of my head as I fighted to stay conscious. Mike noticed, how hard the man was holding me. "What are you doing, don't kill her yet, I want her to be alive, until after, no fun otherwise" Mike said. "I won't kill her, the minute she passes out I'll let go, it keeps her quiet though, and at least you'll be able to give her a kiss goodbye as well" the man replied. I tried to scream again. I wriggled around, but it was just waring me out quicker.

I didn't have a chance against 4 strong men. The man held his hand over my mouth tighter this time. At least I wouldn't feel any thing while I was unconscious. I couldn't breath at all now. My eyes bulged, and my chest rose up and down heavily, as my body fighted for air. I couldn't take much more, my heart pounded in my chest. My eyes were closing, when suddenly an incredible force hit me. The man let go of my mouth and I lay gasping for air.

Edward's POV

I knew what I had done was wrong and despite Bella's warning, I had followed her. I had to, Mike had taken her away from Forks. After school I waited a while and made my way to Charlie's house. I saw the note Bella had left. I made my way to Portland and searched for the pair. I couldn't find them. But then my phone rang. It was Alice. "Bella's in danger" she had told me. She explained her vision and then described where she had seen them.

I searched for the place Alice had mentioned, but it was difficult to find. I searched frantically for Bella. I was going to kill Mike, for hurting her. I looked for ages until I caught Bella's scent. I made my way down a small alleyway. I prayed I wasn't too late. I couldn't believe that Mike had gone to such extremes. Even though I knew he was bad news, I never expected he was capable of this. I reached the end of the alley. In front of me was a small clearing.

In the far corner near the trees I saw people. There were 5. I knew I was in the right place. I moved closer and could see Mike on top of Bella. A growl escaped my throat. I saw two others standing laughing, and a third with his hand over Bella's mouth. I ran forwards and knocked the large man away from Bella. She lay gasping for air on the floor. The man was shocked at my strength. Mike laughed, "Come to help have you, think you can take us all on". My mouth moved back and I pierced my glare on him.

I was so angry. Bella was sat up watching. The men edged forwards, clearly my warning wasn't enough. I pushed the 3 away all at once and with incredible force. I knew Bella was watching, but I had to protect her. The men lay cowering on the ground. "What are you?" Mike shouted at me!" now worried. "You'll live to find out" I growled back. The three men had stood back up and hadn't given up it was clear I was going to have to hurt them. I had no objections, except I didn't want Bella to see this.

The largest of the three. Ran at me and tried to throw a punch. I grabbed his arm and threw him to the ground with such force, he could only be dead. The other two decided against attacking me and ran off. I was about to follow, I could out run them easily. When I heard a groan. It was Bella. I turned to see Mike stood over her holding a blood stained knife. I looked at Bella she was collapsed on the ground holding just under her chest. He had stabbed Bella.

I growled and bared my teeth at Mike, I edged closer. Mike dropped the knife, to the floor and stood still, in shock. I knew how scary I must look right now. I grabbed hold of Mike by the throat and lifted him off the ground. I could still hear his pathetic thoughts in my head. I looked into his eyes and leant forwards. I could never forgive anyone who hurt Bella. I put my mouth to his neck and bit. I sunk my teeth into his flesh. The blood slipped easily down my throat. Mike face turned to shock horror. His body tensed I was going to kill him for doing this to my Bella. I was feeding on Mike when I heard Bella's screams. "What are, you doing? Stop!". I had almost forgotten Bella was still here. Suddenly the screaming stopped and she was quiet.

I turned to face her Mike's flesh still in my mouth. Like a dog with a bone. She was now collapsed in a heap on the floor unconscious. She was slipping further away from me every second. I had a choice, and I needed to make it quickly. I could leave Mike and save Bella. Or finish Mike off first and risk losing Bella forever. I knew it would be difficult to stop, but I couldn't leave Bella to die. I forced myself to stop biting Mike, it was difficult but I managed. Just. I knew the consequences of what leaving Mike would be. He would turn into a vampire too if left. But Bella was my priority now. I rushed to where she lay and scooped her into my arms.

Her pale skin was paler than usual, she had broke out in a cold sweat. Bella didn't have long left. I exited the clearing, leaving Mike writhing in pain. I would send Jasper and Emmet to finish him off later. He wouldn't be able to go anywhere on his own. I ran with Bella as fast as I could back to the Cullen house where I knew Carlisle would be waiting. Alice would have alerted everyone on the situation by now. I struggled to stop myself from biting Bella there and then, both afraid I wouldn't be able to stop and also it not being what Bella wanted. But the blood that was pouring from her stomach was mouth watering. I used all my will power to get her home safely.

As I made my way through the door Carlisle was already stood waiting. He grabbed her from my arms and took her straight to a room upstairs. I followed, praying Bella would be ok now. Carlisle laid her on a bed in the middle of the room. She looked so small and helpless lying there. "Will she be ok?" I asked as I watched Carlisle quickly examine her. "I think she will, but there are risks Edward I can always change her if that's what you want" he replied. "No!" I shouted back "Sorry I mean no she should have a choice and if she can be saved then there is no need" I finished. Carlisle nodded "You'll have a hell of a lot of explaining to do when she wakes up kid. Edward I think you should leave I'm not sure you will be able to sit through the surgery. Wait outside and I'll call you if I need anything" Carlisle pressed ushering me towards the door.

I didn't want to leave but I knew Carlisle was right. There would be too much blood for me at the moment. I wouldn't be able to resist. I made my way downstairs to explain to the other Cullen's what had happened. Emmet and Jasper set off immediately when they heard about Mike. I sat outside the room and waited. I listened into Carlisle's thoughts. I had to know what he was thinking. Would Bella survive? , What were her chances, really?. I waited tensely until Carlisle came out and said it was safe for me to see her.

I sat by Bella's side day and night. I had rung Charlie and told him Bella was having a sleepover with Alice for the week so they could do a school project together. I could tell Charlie was suspicious but he couldn't know the truth. Jasper and Emmet had returned the next day. They had searched all night but Mike had disappeared. They couldn't find him. This worried me. It meant someone was helping him. Another vampire. Mike wouldn't have been able to move on his own, not yet anyway. I tried to keep Mike out of my head and concentrate on Bella. She was the only thing important now, anything else could be dealt with later. I waited and waited never leaving Bella's side until she opened her eyes.