Chapter 7- Too much
Bella's POV
Angela nodded her head towards me and let out a small smile as I sat down next to her. I managed to let the corners of my mouth turn upwards to show a slightly awkward smile back, but then I noticed Jessica. She was on the edge of her seat looking glum but ready to question me, I could tell by the way she was biting her bottom lip, as if trying to keep the word's from spilling out uncontrollably, however hard she tried, I knew it wouldn't take long for her silence to be broken. With Jessica Stanley it was inevitable and only a matter of time, so I sat down quietly waiting, pretending to listen to the teacher. However instead I was thinking through all the possible questions Jess would ask and how they could be avoided. I could feel myself panicking slightly and I knew Angela had also noticed my fidgeting. So I tried to calm myself down by scribbling the notes from the board onto my paper.
It was half way through the lesson before anyone spoke and to my great surprise it was Angela who fired the first question. I looked at her slightly unprepared and listened carefully to what she was saying. "Bella, it's nice to have you back we've missed you. Were you ill?". I nodded my head slowly in answer trying to remain calm. All this was becoming increasingly difficult, telling different people different things, Charlie thought I had been at school the whole time doing a project with Alice and the people at school were meant to believe I had been sick. What if someone spoke to Charlie in conversation? I gulped and turned back to my work. But before I could put my pen back to my paper Jess tapped me on the shoulder. She felt safe to talk freely now that Angela had made conversation first.
I looked up and turned to face Jess, she wasn't smiling but I could see the eager anticipation behind her eyes. Her whispers suddenly burst through the air and although she was trying to be quiet so we weren't overheard, she was still too loud for my liking. "So, since when have you got that close to Cullen?". She asked. I pressed a finger to my lips to shhh her and then answered as best I could. "We just sort of met, I mean you know we had Biology together." I noticed Angela sigh behind me in admiration of Edward Cullen. But Jess frowned slightly and said "I know that, but you weren't that close before, I saw you holding hands Bella, and anyway I thought you were ill, when did you have the time to get close to Cullen?". I could hear the slight jealousy in her voice, but I couldn't worry about that Jessica was waiting for a sufficient answer.
"Um well, we just sort of bumped into each other before I got sick, then he's been visiting me while I was ill… you know" I mumbled. "No I don't know, Spill" Jess pushed eager for more. I huffed and knew she wasn't going to give up easily, but was silently thankful when Angela interrupted and politely told Jessica Stanley to give me a rest. "She doesn't have to tell you everything, give her some space." Thankfully to which Jess shut up and moodily folded her arms across her chest, glaring at Angela. I wanted to grab Angela right there and then, and give her a kiss on the cheek. It saved me from answering the particularly difficult question. I didn't want to have to go into details about me and Edward, as there wasn't much truthfully I could say and I hated having to lie as it was.
Nonetheless it wasn't long before Jess opened her mouth again to speak. "I suppose you've heard about Mike then?" she asked. This had been the conversation I had been dreading the most, I tried to look slightly upset and nodded my head. "Yes, just that he has disappeared" I replied trying to dodge any sort of interrogation. Jess started off telling me everything she knew, just as I had suspected she would. I caught Angela roll her eyes a couple of times when Jess went over the top in her explanation. I wanted to run from the room and the lesson to be over it was all getting too much. Having to sit and listen to Jess prattle on about how worried everyone was about Mike and how the police think something bad might have happened, as there is no trace of him any where. I wanted to scream out the truth, but knew I couldn't. I would just have to sit and suffer until the bell rang.
"He was such a nice guy Mike was, I really liked him… a lot, he was so popular as well, I can't believe he would just run off like that, something must have happened to him. But who would harm poor Mike he wouldn't hurt a fly, why would anyone want to hurt him?" I was gritting my teeth trying not to let Jess get to me. How could she be so clueless? I wanted to tell her exactly what Mike was like and who he would actually hurt, I wanted to tell her exactly who wanted to harm him. I gripped my hand around the seat I was sat on trying to stay sat down. "Bella what do you think?, I mean you've lost someone close to you before. I mean that day in the canteen you said that your boyfriend disappeared, I know you never told us any details but you must know what it's like, it's the same sort of situation." Jess babbled. But that was it, I lost it I took my hand from the seat and leapt up to tower over Jess, slamming my hand down on the table and picking up my pen and notes.
I saw Jessica quiver and look at me confused, Angela had stood up and was trying to calm me down. But I couldn't. How could she compare Mike going missing to Edward, my Edward. It wasn't the same at all. Mike was a monster and Edward was the love of my life who would never dream of hurting anyone. He was compassionate and kind, beautiful and protective. I stuttered a few times before taking out my anger on Jess. I was aware that the whole class, including the teacher were now all watching. "How dare you, how dare you say that Mike going missing is like me losing Edward. You have no idea, how different they are, you have no right to make assumptions that my Edward is anything like that evil Newton boy. If only you knew Jess, if only you knew what you just said to me meant, how you've offended me and, and …" I couldn't say his name as my voice squeaked into a small measly whimper. So instead I slung my bag over my shoulder and stormed from the classroom. Before I had left I saw a small tear fall from the Stanley girls' cheek.
How could I have been so stupid? I was such an idiot I had ruined everything. Losing my temper so easily. I ran out of the building and around the back of the school. I sank to the floor and sat sobbing into my knees. I should never have done what I did, and it wasn't Jess's fault at all, she wasn't to know. I could just imagine the gossip already spreading around the classroom, and out into the corridors. I could just about see Jess and Angela's silently stunned faces as they sat still, shocked, in their seats. I wanted to scream out loud, but instead I muffled it quietly into my t-shirt. I wasn't crying long, when suddenly I felt Edward's cool touch on my shoulder, I shuddered and looked up, I should have known he would have heard what had happened by now, after all it would be all anyone was thinking about. I pushed my face into his chest and said sorry over and over, while Edward tried to calm me down.
Edward's POV
It pained me to see my girl acting like this. I wanted her to be happy, and be like a normal teenage girl, I didn't want her to have all these worries. I sat holding her until her cries turned into occasional sobs and then eventually stopped altogether. She lifted her head and then buried it back into my chest. "I'm so sorry, I'm such an idiot, Why couldn't I just keep my mouth shut?" she said through clenched teeth. I smoothed the back of her hair with my hand. "You're not an idiot Bella, it's just other people don't understand" I answered placing a kiss on the top of her head. "But people will think I know something about Mike disappearing now, and also don't you think Jess is going to find it strange that I lost and Edward and now I've found one" Bella said shaking her head. I couldn't help but let out a small smile. She was over thinking things. "Do you really think Jess is smart enough to put two and two together anyway she never saw Phoenix Edward, she will just think you have a thing for boy's with my name" I teased. Bella couldn't help but smile and I could tell she agreed with me about Jess. At least she had cheered up a bit.
I lifted Bella to her feet and walked her to my Volvo. I opened the door for her to get in. I was going to take her home. I knew she wouldn't want to face everyone again today. I started the engine and began winding my way down the road. "Edward, what are we going to say about Mike?" Bella asked, I could see from the way her fingers drummed her leg that she was tense and worried. SO I would have to come up with an answer now, to settle her. "Um we'll have to tell anyone that asks that you and Mike met up one night after school and he wanted more than you did, It's up to you how much you want to tell people, but I'll go along with what ever you say. But Bella you mustn't tell anyone that it was the night he went missing otherwise people will be suspicious. With this story, people could believe that he left Forks because he was worried what you might say or tell your father". I finished, and looked into Bella's eyes.
She seemed calmer but still worried. "I suppose at least it's not a complete lie" she finally spoke. "but that means I will have to tell Charlie, as he will find out from someone else." she said her voice cracking slightly. "Yes it does but I will be there with you, I will say me and Alice found you and took you back to ours. It will be ok Bella". I said cupping my free hand around her face. She gave me a small fake smile as we pulled into Charlie's driveway. Charlie wasn't home from work yet and it gave Bella and I time to go through the finer details of our plan. Bella got increasingly more fidgety as 6 o' clock drew nearer.
It wasn't going to be easy for either of us particularly Bella. Charlie would be less than impressed that Bella didn't come straight home to tell him when it happened so he could have done something about it. He would be even more angry that I had let her stay at my house and let him think everything was ok when his daughter had been attacked. But he had to be told their was no way around it, as if we didn't he would find out from someone at the school. Which I imagined would be worse. I gave Rosalie a quick ring on my mobile to tell her where I was and that I had the car. It meant they would have to walk home, which wouldn't be too much effort for the Cullens and surprisingly Rosalie was sympathetic for once, even wishing me and Bella good luck.
At half 5 Bella turned to me and said "what if Charlie gets so angry he doesn't want me anymore?, what if he calls mum and sends me back to Phoenix?". I gulped at the thought of us being separated again. "that won't happen Bella, I won't let it, if he doesn't want you, you can come and stay with us. But Charlie loves you , I don't think he'll send you away, he's already lost you once". She let out a small tear and I just sat and held her. I held her tight not ever wanting to let go. Her scent was irresistible, but I loved it so much I never wanted it disappear. This had been the only thing that had ever stopped me from taking away her scent. I couldn't bear thinking about it if I ever did, and buried my nose into her beautiful brown hair at the thought.
The clock's ticking seemed to grow louder and louder as the hour came closer. I could fell Bella's heart pound faster and faster in her chest as the time grew nearer. The moment she would have to tell her dad she had been attacked by a boy, who's family her dad was close to, the boy that had now been missing for a month. How had we ever got into this mess. It was a million miles away to the life we had both shared 15 months ago, where we had no worries and no clue as to what was about to happen to our entwined lives.
I heard another car pull into the driveway and could hear Charlie's thoughts as to why my car was here? I heard the click of the door as he entered the house and felt Bella jump between my arms. Her heart momentarily stopped as she shook with the thought of what was coming next. I heard Charlie start to climb the stairs "Bella, Bella are you home?" he called. I held Bella so tight as I saw the handle of her bedroom door start to turn. I could imagine the look of shock on Charlie's face when he saw me and Bella sat holding each other on the bed with his daughter in tears. The panic and worry in Charlie's eyes that I was sure I would see in a matter of seconds, as the door gradually started to creep open.
Bella's POV
I couldn't breathe. How was I going to tell my father I had been attacked, almost raped a number of weeks ago and had failed to tell him earlier. What made it harder was my relationship with my dad wasn't exactly a good one. We didn't argue with each other, but neither of us was good with expressing our emotions. Maybe it would be easier if I was telling my mum. But I couldn't imagine how Charlie was going to react and this was what worried me. As Charlie stepped through the door I felt Edward's arms tighten around me. Protecting me as best he could. I knew this wouldn't be great for Edward either as Charlie was sure to blame him for something.
Charlie's face turned red as he took in the scene that was in front of him. He didn't move more than two steps into my bedroom. "What's going on?" Charlie stammered tracing his fingers down his moustache. I could see he was panicking unsure of how he was going to be answered. So I decided to tell him slowly, ease him into the real reason. "Dad I need to tell you about something, I, I don't know what you're going to think but I need to tell you" I said stuttering and stumbling my way through the sentence. Charlie's eyebrows crossed and he sighed "Why is Edward here? You better not have hurt her" Charlie aimed at him pointing his finger straight at my boyfriends, beautiful face. "No, no dad Edward's just here for support. He hasn't hurt me, but.. but someone else has. This is what I need to tell you." I answered squeezing Edward's hand tightly and closing my eyes slightly.
Charlie's face went from red to purple. He was angry, that someone had hurt his only daughter. But I wanted him to calm down before I told him. I ushered my dad to sit on my bed next to me. I wanted to explain properly before Charlie jumped to conclusions anymore. He sat beside me, but I didn't look into his face, I kept my head slightly down looking forward. "Dad, a few weeks ago I went out, not on a date, just out with this boy in my class at school. We went into Portland and watched a film and then went for something to eat. I trusted this person and told him some things that I wish I didn't" a small tear started rolling down my cheek "everything was fine until he said we were going to meet some of his mates, I was cold and wanted to go home. But he wouldn't let me. Instead he, he tried to kiss me. I pulled away but he threw me to the floor and and…" I couldn't go on, Charlie had completely tensed and his hands were clutching my bed sheets tightly.
There was silence in the room for a while before Charlie managed to speak "Did this boy rape you? Who was it?" he said through clenched teeth. "N-no dad, I wasn't raped, but when his mates arrived they hit me and one held his hand over m-my…well if Edward didn't help me…" I broke down sobbing uncontrollably, I hated having to relive that night. I wasn't going to tell Charlie about being stabbed, I didn't want too much fuss and Charlie would get angry with Carlisle for not informing him. I couldn't finish what I wanted to say, so Edward cut in. "I found Bella, I heard her scream and voices so I rushed to help when I saw it was Bella" Edward winced and then carried on "the attackers scattered when they saw they had been seen. I grabbed Bella and took her back to mine. Carlisle checked her over and we have been looking after her until now." Charlie looked gob smacked. I could tell he was shocked that all this had happened without him knowing.
"Who was this boy, you said you knew him from class, you have to tell me Bella" Charlie said finally showing some true emotions by holding my shoulder, comforting me. I shook my head not wanting to say his name aloud. I knew I had to though Charlie would only take an answer from me on this one. So I opened my mouth managing to whisper his name "it was M-Mike Newton" I said turning my head into Edwards chest. I could tell Charlie believed me by the way he stood up and slammed his hand on my bedside table. "Newton boy, no wonder why he's disappeared, if he's done this to you!" Charlie shouted, shaking with anger. "Don't worry Bella I'm going to find Mike Newton, and when I do…" Charlie trailed off ranting and raving, while Edward rocked me.
"And you Edward Cullen, how could you lie to me, you said she was fine, you said she was studying with Alice!" Charlie roared. "I'm so sorry Chief Swan, but Bella she didn't want you to know, she didn't want you to worry" Edward answered trying to calm my dad down, unsuccessfully. I was annoyed that Charlie had shouted at Edward for doing what I wanted so I stepped in. "Dad it's not Edward's fault. I asked him and the other Cullens not to say anything, I didn't want a fuss, we should be thanking Edward he was the one that saved me. I'm sorry dad if anything like this happens again, I promise I will tell you straight away in future".
Charlie started to calm down I could tell by the way his shoulders started to rise and fall less prominently. "Nothing like this is ever going to happen again Bella, I will make sure of it. I'm going to have to tell Renee though and the rest of the police station. They need to know what we are dealing with. Edward I'm sorry I understand, it's just in future I would prefer it if you didn't lie to me". Edward nodded and I let out a small smile to show my appreciation to Charlie. "I'll leave you two alone for a bit, while I sort some things out, Bella I will need to get a statement from you later. I know I'm your dad but we have to deal with this properly" I nodded my head and Charlie left the room leaving me and Edward alone together.
"See not too bad was it, I told you Charlie loved you" Edward said kissing my forehead. I smiled, no it hadn't been too bad but wasn't fun. It was something I never wanted to do again, and now Renee was going to be involved, all she would do is worry about me. But at least it was over, sort of. Edward and I led on the bed together, I cuddled into his muscular chest while he stroked my hair (the way he used to). "I think your dad knows about us now", I mean that we're together" Edward chuckled quietly. "Hmm" I answered before drifting off to sleep. Right now it didn't bother me. Nothing could bother me. I had Edward back, and I felt calm and safe in his presence. I could sleep without being disturbed by nightmares. Everything was perfect for once. It was like being back in Phoenix before all this had started, just me and Edward in my room, together the way we should be.