Chapter 3

landing

EPOV

I worked on Bella's car while she slept, discovering it just needed an oil change. It was something I could make a run to the store for. When I returned, getting back under the hood, I was just in time to see Miss Swan make her grand morning appearance.

I was in the middle of changing the oil when I heard a groggy "good morning", causing me to jump, hitting my head.

"Oh, Edward, I'm so sorry I didn't mean to scare you." I heard her gasp, feeling her hands on my head.

"I-it's all right, Bella, I'll be fine." I tried to smile it off, but if truth be told, my head hurt; I just didn't want her to worry about it. So, the faster she believed it, the faster she would stop touching me.

I liked her and all that, but being touched put me on edge.

"I just got dressed, and I knew you'd be out here. I just wanted to talk," she explained kindly.

"Oh, all right, but what is there to talk about?" I ask her, confused.

"That kiss…" she said pausing for only a moment, "it was out of line, and I just wanted to apologize." She smiled shyly, looking down as if she felt bad—maybe because of how I'd reacted.

"Don't be sorry, Bella. In truth I wanted to, and I'm sorry you had to see that, but everything's cool, don't worry." In truth, I wanted to distract her from the real me. Some might call it misleading; I called it hiding the truth.

"Oh, all right. It's OK I came to you, right?" she asked, as if she was searching my face for any sign of emotion.

"Yeah, sure. I actually slept better, thanks." I smiled.

"Great. I really do hate being alone," she explained with a sigh.

"I don't blame you, Bella. No one does." I shook my head for emphasis, before looking at her and adding, "Listen, Bella, I'll have this done in about 20 more minutes. If you're hungry help yourself."

"Thank you," she said, grinning as she skipped off back in the house.

Once she was out of sight I went back to working on her car, grateful she didn't ask questions, like Alice did.; I honestly hated talking about myself. Maybe she did want to know, but if she truly did I wasn't sure; her mind was blank to me. I needed time, but I just needed to keep her at arm's length right now.

Until due time.

I sighed; my own thoughts depressed me.

But would I ever be ready to tell her? That was the question that seemed would never be answered.

Sometimes, I wished I could just erase certain memories, but sadly, I couldn't. I was just different, and being turned brought memories of my childhood back; it pained me deeply.

After 20 minutes of depressive thoughts, I was finished. Closing the hood, I walked back in the house with oil covering my blue t-shirt. Just as I was about to enter the kitchen, I stopped; Bella was dancing barefoot in jeans and a t-shirt. She looked amazing from this view.

Yep, the plane has landed; I think I love this girl.

I was officially in love.

I thought, instead of bothering her, I would call Emmett and Jasper, and let them know how I was doing. So, picking up the phone, I dialed Jasper first.

"Hey, man! What's up?" Jasper said, right upon answering.

"Hey, man. Nothing really. I met a girl, but that's beside the point. How about you?" I asked shifting the conversation to him.

"Alice is ready to pop, but that's about it. Wait—what? You met a girl? An actual girl?" He sounded surprised.

"Yeah, that night you called after my date with Lauren," I explained.

"Oh that's great, Edward!" he exclaimed in what I thought was way too much excitement, but hey, he'd been after me to get out there, so I couldn't really complain.

"It is, but relax, I'm not sure where I want it to go yet," I explained truthfully. I was just scared to go further.

"It's cool, man. If you really like her then if it's meant to be it will happen," he said in a sympathetic tone.

"Good to know. Well, I will let you get to Ali. I can hear her in the background." I sighed hanging up before quickly dialing Emmett's number.

The conversation with Emmett pretty was much the same; he was happy for me and so was Rose. All they really wanted was my happiness. I'd spent too much time depressed, sad or scared about my past, and in truth, Jasper and Emmett were the only men I could trust.

Afterward, I went back to the kitchen; Bella had already had breakfast and was just sitting at the table looking around. Obviously, marveling at my décor, I assumed.

Yeah, I had a lot of money; being a lawyer allowed me to decorate my environment how I pleased. I enjoyed having control when for so long I didn't,

That was the thing that broke me the most; being helpless. Today I still felt helpless and was struggling to put my past behind me.

In was in the middle of my thoughts when I realized Bella was watching me.

Shit, she saw me.

Her eyes met mine, and I knew we both felt a spark—a connection on a deeper level, like love at first sight.

"Hello," she spoke with a smile on her face as she began to stalk toward me.

Hello, Miss Swan." I nodded, smiling.

"Shall we go in the living room?" she asked sweetly, and I nodded as we both walked out of the room.

We spent every waking moment together for the rest of the day. You could say I was developing a bond with her, and I felt it.

"So, you're leaving in the morning?" I asked her as we sat on the couch watching a move after dinner.

She signed and bit her lip. Was something wrong?

"Edward, truthfully, my place sucks. It's a tiny apartment filled with boxes, because I'm new to town. I have had to sleep in my car a few nights. I wanted to be honest, but I just don't want to be a burden to you." She signed, and I thought I could see a tear but I wasn't sure.

"So, do you need a place to stay for now?" I asked her, quite concerned for her safety.

"Truthfully, kind of. It's scary on my own," she explained, and I knew exactly how she felt.

"Bella, you are not a burden. You can stay here." I told her, smiling happy that she will be here with me.

"Are you sure? I could find some were else," she asked, but I just shook my head.

"Yes, I'm sure." I smiled.

She smiled in return, and I felt so fuzzy inside—which was odd.

Bella took care of all my unspoken needs for the rest of the night. I knew she thought I was acting a little skittish, and I could see she wanted to ask questions, but she didn't.

I relaxed and let her cuddle me.

Right up until we went to bed, that's what she did. She created feelings within me I never thought I could feel, and to be honest, I was scared for what was to come.

What would these feelings lead to?

That's the least of my worries, I thought before drifting into a peaceful slumber.

A/N: As usual review, let me ask this though, how do you guys think the abuse and drugs tie into Edwards story what kind of abuse? And any ideas of what his story might be?

Leave me love!