Disclaimer: It all belongs to Stephenie Meyer. Kitty and I just love making Edward and Bella do naughty, naughty things. No money is being made from the posting of this story or any other story posted by myself. The original idea belongs to Stephenie Meyers and the extras are just for entertainment purposes only.
I want to first begin by saying that the past 3 months have been especially trying for me and my family. On July 16, my uncle was shot execution style and killed while visiting a friend of his. My family didn't want to call and tell me until later in the day, because July 16th was also my baby girls second birthday. I found out on Facebook that my uncle had been killed, when I went to reply to a message one of my cousins sent me and she had posted on her wall a message saying RIP to my uncle. So as you can imagine, I was overcome with grief. My family has been dealing with a lot as far as trying to find out who it was that took my uncle and his best friend's life. I apologize for leaving you all in limbo in regards to "Storm Before the Calm" and "Doing Things Her Way". I made a promise in the beginning of my first story, SBTC, that I would never abandon any of my stories and I hate to break a promise!
Another thing that happened is that my laptop took the brunt of the grief on that same day. My husband slammed it shut (by accident) and knocked the programming out of it. When I took it to have it looked at, I found out that the hard-drive was completely destroyed. So I no longer have a laptop and I'm saving up to by a new one…the kind that I really want. So it's kind of hard for me to write when I don't have my main component for doing so. Don't worry, I'm trying to find ways around it.
So…I'm going to go ahead and finish up SBTC with the help of my lovely beta "LostPrincessKitty" formerly known as "Forevertwilight2013" as co-author for the remaining chapters. I will slowly but surely began working on DTHW. Since that story is going to be quite long, I really need to get my laptop before I get caught up in that one. Don't worry, it will not go unfinished. I have 2 other stories that have been dancing around in my mind and I plan to put them into action once I have my own computer again. The first one that I will post is tentatively entitled "As We Lay." It's a Jacob/Bella and Edward/Vanessa story. Always remember…I'm always Team Edward…ALWAYS.
Without further ado…
"Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence."
~Henri Frederic Amiel~
Song for this chapter is Sarah McLachlan's "Angel"
Previously on SBTC…
I sat down in the chair right next to her bed and looked her dead in her eyes. She reached out, grabbed one of my hands, and held onto it before she spoke.
"No matter what you tell me Edward, I know it wasn't your fault. So please stop worrying and just tell me what happened. I love you," she said while giving my hand a gentle squeeze.
"I love you too my love. I just hope you feel the same once I've said all that I need to say to you."
She smiled at me and nodded her head for me to begin.
"Bella…
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*~*EPOV*~*
"Bella…love…there are some things that took place tonight that's going to make you really angry," I began…feeling my throat catch."
"Edward, whatever it is can't be as bad as you're making it seem. Knowing me, I tripped and fell down," she said trying to make a joke.
"I wish that was the case my love, that would be one hundred times better than the truth," I told her honestly.
"Okay Edward, now you're making me scared. Please, tell me what happened at the party and why I'm here in the hospital," she asked beginning to sound hysterical.
"Bare with me love, this is not easy for me to tell you. I'm going to ask you one question beforehand and I really need for you to think through your answer carefully before you answer me…okay?"
"Okay. What is the question Edward?"
"What is the last thing you remember happening at the party?"
"I remember Lyndsay asking me if I wanted to go someplace quieter so we could talk. We went upstairs to one of the bedrooms there and sat down and had some more to drink. After that…nothing else is clear," she answered a bit nervously.
"Bella…I am so sorry about this. It should never have happened, but it did, and you deserve to know," Edward said hearing the anguish in his voice clear.
"Lyndsay drugged you. She gave you Ecstasy, the "love drug". It rendered you susceptible to any touch and heightened your sexual pleasure-regardless of who delivers it. She then had her date, Alec, come in and have his way with you. I was in time to stop him before he could have sex with you, but…
"But…what Edward? What did he do to me? Please, don't stop now," she practically yelled while going into hysterics.
"Love, I'm going to tell you everything, but please calm down for me. Otherwise, they're going to come in and sedate you. Can you do that for me Bella? Can you calm down," I asked her while rubbing her back and talking in a calm voice.
I could see her body begin to relax some and she nodded for me to continue.
"When Jasper and I arrived in the room, along with Lyndsay...I saw Alex on the bed with you, with his hand down your shorts and his mouth latched onto your breast. I was frozen in place Bella. I couldn't believe what was happening…I froze because I knew in that moment I had let you down," I told her as tears began to sting my eyes.
I kept going though, because she deserved to hear the truth about what happened to her.
"Jasper pushed Alex off of you and restrained him. I had hold of Lyndsay, because she was trying to run away. Alex told us that it was all Lyndsay and her father's plan to get me to sign with his label that's struggling. She was to get you and me to break up and convince me that signing with her father's label would answer all my prayers and help me get over breaking up with you."
Bella lay there in silence, stunned, not knowing what to say or feel.
"Oh My God Edward! Oh My God! That filth…that piece of shit had his hands down my pants? That bitch was setting me up…she drugged me? Oh my God! I feel so stupid. How could I be so stupid Edward? You all told me that she wasn't to be trusted and I trusted her anyway. Oh no…it's all because of my naivety that I was fucking violated," she screamed out.
"Isabella Marie Swan, first of all DO NOT blame yourself. This was in no way your fault; you were drugged, and you didn't even know it was Alex. Your brain registered only the ecstasy you felt. It is entirely my fault; I should never have left your side for a moment, even to go break up that stupid fight. I noticed you were missing afterward, but I…I didn't get there in time. I am a terrible boyfriend. I feel like I no longer deserve to have you."
Edward's voice trembled and cracked at the last sentence, tears spilling out of the corners of his eyes and rolling down his cheeks. He could not bring himself to look into the eyes of the love of his life, the woman who he had promised to take care of and always be there for; the woman to whom he had broken the most valuable promise of his life and who he had been unable to stop from being violated.
Bella's eyes widened. "No, Edward. Don't say that. I love you more than life, and though I'm distraught and more than a little shocked, I know more than anything that this is NOT your fault," she said as her eyes and voice softened. "
"I should have seen through Lyndsay all along," she admitted in defeat as a few crystal drops began to cascade down her face as well.
"Bella, don't do this to yourself. You are such a loving and open-minded person. No one can fault you for wanting to see the good in people. Don't do this to yourself love…please don't do it.
"Shh Bella, I'm here. It may take some time, but things will be alright," Edward said as he took Bella into his arms and held her close, just holding her for a few moments and letting her cry on his shoulder as he cried on hers, then began to sing quietly.
Spend all your time waiting for that second chance
For the break that will make it ok
There's always some reason to feel "not good enough"
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction, oh beautiful release
Memories seep from my veins
They may be empty and weightless, and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight
In the arms of an Angel, fly away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here
"Wow Edward, you have a very beautiful voice. I can't believe that I never knew that as long as we've been together."
"Thank you for singing that song to me Edward, it has calmed me down some…but I do have more questions about what happened. Can you fill me in on what else happened after you found me," she asked him.
"Well the police came and put Alex and Lyndsay are both behind bars. They will be prosecuted along with her father and her aunt," he informed her.
"Aunt…what does her aunt have to do with this?" Bella blanched.
"You'll never believe who her aunt is. Virginia Denali. She's Lyndsay's dad's baby sister."
"The police were called to the party by Emmett and they arrested Alex and Lyndsay. They have enough evidence on them to prosecute them without any worries. Plus Jasper and I will be testifying in regards to what we saw," I said.
By this time, Bella was staring off in the distance. I'm not even sure if she heard me or not.
"Bella…love? Did you hear me?"
At first she didn't respond, but right when I jumped up to run and get a doctor, she responded.
"Where is Lyndsay being held at?" she asked.
"She was taken to the lock up in Port Angeles. A lieutenant from their police department came down to take everyone's statements and to transport them both back to Port Angeles. In order to be sure that there would be no tampering with evidence or favoritism shown, because you're the daughter of the police chief here in Forks…it was decided to call in reinforcements."
"Edward, I really appreciate you telling me this and being there for me. I know that had it not been for you, Alex would've done much worse. I owe you so much, but I really need you to do something for me."
"Anything love. Just name it," I said sincerely.
"I need some time. I just need to be alone. Could you please pass the message on to the rest of our friends and family? Please…don't give me a hard time about this…I just need to process all of the information you've given me. Also, could you please send in the doctor? I need to find out when I can get the hell out of this place. I feel so dirty," she said with such calm in her voice.
"If that's what you truly want love, then that's what I'll do. Does that mean…do you want me to stay away too," I asked hesitantly.
"When I'm at home and have had a bath, I will call you to come and visit with me. Until then, please just give me that time," she practically begged with her eyes…although her voice was void of any emotion.
"Okay Bella, I'll send the doctor in and tell everyone what you asked me to tell them. In case the question is asked…who do you want to take you home, once you're released?"
"My parents…but I don't want James there. Please tell my mom that in private. I don't want to hurt James, but I can't deal with his attitude and the pity I know he'll have towards me regarding what happened. Although I know he means well, he can be a bit overwhelming at times," she said with finality.
"Is it okay if I text you, just to let you know I'm thinking of you or to check in on you? I just feel so helpless Bella, and I want to be there for you in whatever capacity you'll let me."
"Texting is fine. And Edward…don't think I don't love you or that I don't want to be with you; that's the furthest thing from the truth. I just have to deal with this on my own right now. Don't worry though, I will call you when I want you to come and see me. I need you always…don't ever forget that," she assured me.
I wasn't quite sure if it was okay to kiss her, so I just leaned over and hugged her and then softly kissed the top of her head before exiting her room in search of the nurse on duty.
After informing the nurse of Bella's request to see the doctor, I went to the waiting room where all of our friends and family were waiting. No one noticed me right away. It was my sister who saw me first and ran to me asking me a thousand questions.
"Oh Edward, how is Bella? Can we go see her? What did she say? Did the doctor say she can leave yet? If not, when can she go home…"
"Alice, Alice…you have to let me answer one question first before you ask another one. If you give me a few moments I will try to answer as many questions as I can," I said to them all.
I explained to them all what Bella's wishes were and asked them to just give her some time to come around. I expressed how important it was not to push or rush her into conversations about what happened or ask any questions about how she's feeling, because she hates to fussed over.
Everyone seemed to except her wishes, with the exception of James.
"Why should we trust anything you have to say? For all I know, you filled my sister's head with lies and just came out here to tell us to stay away so that she won't find out the truth. I'm going to see my sister and I'll get the answers I want from her myself."
As he got up to walk towards the exit, I stepped in front of him and placed my hand on his chest to keep him from proceeding forward.
"You will do no such thing," I told him in a deadly calm voice.
I saw the fear in his eyes momentarily before he quickly masked it with defiance.
"Who's going to stop me?!" he asked in a slightly shaken voice.
"I will not let you go in there throwing your weight around and rattling your sister. Do you not understand what she's going through knowing what that sick leech did to her? No, you cannot possibly imagine what she's going through, because you weren't in the room just now when she had a total meltdown. You are going to do as she asked, because it's not up to you when you get to talk to her and ask her questions…it's up to her. Right now, she don't want to see you. So go sit down, be quiet and deal with it," I told him while looking him dead in his eyes.
I could tell that he wanted to say something, but Charlie spoke up then.
"Son, sit the fuck down and do as Edward has asked you to. I won't be so nice if I have to tell you," he said matter-of-factly.
Moments later the doctor came in and asked Charlie and Renee to come with him. We all chose to wait and see when Bella would be released before going home.
Charlie and Renee returned minutes later and said that Bella was going to be released in an hour and that they would take her home. They also reiterated her desire to not be contacted and that she'll reach out to each of us individually when she is ready. Charlie told James to go home and get some rest. He nodded his head and then walked out the room.
We all began to file out of the hospital. As I got up to walk towards the elevators with my siblings and my parents, Charlie and Renee stopped me, hugged me, and told me that Bella wants me to be at their house tomorrow morning at ten. I felt as if a small weight had been lifted off my shoulders, because I wasn't expecting to hear from my love for the rest of the week. I was going to give her the space that she asked for, without any pressure. No matter what, I'm going to make sure she knows that she can count on me to be there for her. I love that girl too much and I would die before I lived without her.
*~*BPOV*~*
I couldn't believe what Edward told me. I just felt so betrayed, so violated. I kept internalizing everything beating myself up about making stupid decisions when everyone was so adamant about me keeping my distance from Lyndsay. God, how could I have been so naïve?
When the doctor came in to ask me how I was feeling and if I had any discomfort, I assured her that I was fine and that I didn't feel any pain. She said that she would release me within the hour and gave me a card for a therapist to call and schedule an appointment. She stressed to me how important it was that I talk to a professional about things, because it would help me deal with any questions, anger or pain I would experience behind this experience.
I assured her that I would make an appointment and asked her to send in my parents.
Charlie and Renee came into my room not long after the doctor left. I could tell that they weren't sure how to act around me and I wasn't sure how I felt about that. Instead of making things even more uncomfortable, I broke the silence.
"Mom, dad…I'm being released within the hour and I just want to go home and take a hot bath and not talk about any of this for now. I promise you that when I'm ready, I will sit down with you both and let you know what happened. Please for now, just respect my wishes and don't push me."
They both nodded their head, assuring me that they would comply with my wishes. I told them that I needed to get dressed and asked if they could just wait for me in the waiting room. Again, they both nodded their consent.
Just as they were about to leave, a thought occurred to me.
"Hey…mom?"
"Yes Bella?" she asked hopeful.
"Would you please tell Edward to come by the house tomorrow at ten? Only Edward, no one else."
"Sure Bells. I'll get the message to him," she said as she turned to walk away with a sad look on her face.
I knew it was killing her that I wouldn't let her coddle me, but I couldn't stomach that right now. I know she means well and only wants to do what any good parent would for their child in this type of situation. I just couldn't handle that kind of attention right now.
Unfortunately, Renee doesn't know how to do anything small. It's all or nothing. Unlike Edward, who knows when to hold me and when to let me be but still be there with me. He's such a good man and I'm glad that it's me he chose to be with.
Several hours later I was finally at home, my safe haven. I didn't stop to talk to anyone; I just looked at my parents and nodded before walking up the stairs into my bedroom and locking the door behind me.
I refused to wear the costume home, and the hospital provided me with a set of navy blue scrubs. They were quite comfy, but I still felt gross. I quickly stripped out of all my clothing and started a bubble bath. I made sure that I had all my toiletries before I submerged my body in the steamy water. I felt my body relax as the hot water massaged my skin. It wasn't until I let myself relax that I started seeing scenes of me at the party. Me drinking, dancing, shaking Alex's hand, following Lyndsay to the bar and more drinking. I vaguely remember following Lyndsay up the stairs to one of the bedrooms and sitting down on the bed talking to her.
As I sat there in the tub remembering these things, it wasn't until I remember feeling somebody's lips on me and then remembering hearing Lyndsay's voice tell me that Edward was here and he wanted to have some fun with me. It was at that moment that I realized that Lyndsay was the one kissing on me and trying to convince me that it was Edward in the room with me and not Alex.
I began to feel hysteria coming on and tears begin to fall rapidly down my face. Without truly realizing that I was doing it, I reached over and grabbed my phone from the ledge and dialed the familiar number.
"Bella…is that you?" his velvety voice asked.
"Edward…I need you," I said quietly before dropping the phone to the floor.
I'm not sure how long I sat in the bathtub, all I know is that I heard Edward's voice calling my name over and over before I felt him pull me against his warm body.
"Bella, love? Are you alright? I got here as fast as I could. Bella, talk to me. Say something," he begged.
"She kissed me on my lips," I told him through my chattering teeth.
"Is she alright Edward, do you need my help?" my mother called from somewhere in the distance.
"No, I only want you with me Edward…please, don't leave me alone," I sobbed.
"Don't worry love, I won't leave your side."
"Um no Renee, I have everything under control. I'm just going to put Bella to bed and then I'll come down and talk to you," he assured my mother.
"Okay dear," she replied.
"Let's get you dried off and warmed up," he said to me.
Edward helped me get dry and into my pajamas before tucking me into bed. He told me he was going to make me some hot tea and get me something to help me sleep, but that he would not be leaving the house.
He lifted my right hand and kissed the promise ring that adorned my ring finger, before getting up and walking out the door.
*~*EPOV*~*
I had just got into bed when my phone started playing "Claire de Lune", my special ringtone for Bella.
I quickly snatched it up and answered it right away.
"Bella…is that you," I said into the phone.
At first I could barely hear her because she spoke so quietly, almost childlike.
"Edward…I need you," she said into the phone before I heard the phone drop to the floor.
"Bella, Bella…pick up the phone love. I'm on my way love, just hold on for me."
There were a million scenarios running through my head as to what was going on. One of those being that someone from Lyndsay's family had got to my love and was hurting her.
I quickly threw on some jeans and a shirt, before grabbing my jacket and my shoes. I ran out of my room, down the stairs and towards the kitchen. My family was still woke and were all in the kitchen talking when I came stumbling in, trying to put on my shoes and walk at the same time.
"What is it son? What's happened?" my dad asked.
"It's Bella. She just called me saying that she needed me. She sounded so sad and alone dad. I'm going over to her house now and I'm not sure when I'll be back. I won't leave her if she needs me to be there for her," I told him letting him know that this wasn't up for debate.
I never disobey or disrespect my parents, but when it comes to Bella…all rules are thrown out the window. She's my life and no one will stop me from going to her when she needs me…not that I think that's what my father would have done.
"Okay son, call me and let me know if we can do anything. You know we love Bella like a daughter and we only want to see her happy," he said to me consolingly.
"That's right Edward. We all love Bella and we're here for both of you. Now go to Bella and be sure to let her know that we love her," my mother stated.
I was out the door and in my car within minutes. I hit the button on the garage to open up as I started up my Volvo, as soon as I was cleared of the rising door I peeled out and didn't slow down until I was in front in Bella's home.
I ran up to the door and rang the doorbell. Only seconds later the door flung open to reveal Bella's mom.
"Oh Edward, I'm so glad you're here. I could hear her crying and moaning from her bedroom door…but it's locked. I didn't know if I should have had Charlie break into her room so we could check on her. We were trying to give her some space," she said guiltily.
"I know this is hard for both of you and that you only want to console her, but she wants to deal with things on her own. She called me a few moments ago and asked me to come here. She said she needed me. Is it okay if I go up there to her," I asked politely…even though I was going up there regardless.
"Go ahead. Oh Edward, use this to get in her room. It's the one way we can get inside of locked rooms without breaking down the door."
I took the allen wrench from her hand and thanked her, before jogging up the steps to Bella's room. I wasted no time using the small piece of hardware to get me inside of my love's room and calling out to her. I found her in the bathtub, sitting in cold water rocking back and forth, while crying.
She didn't even know I was there. It took a few minutes for it to register in her mind that I was really here.
I helped her get dried off and dressed for bed, before tucking her in. She was scared that I was going to leave her, but I assured her that I wasn't going anywhere. Aside from going to get her some tea and a sleeping aid so she can actually rest, that is.
When I went down to make her tea, I found Charlie, Renee and James sitting at the counter in the kitchen. I didn't feel like dealing with James and his shit so I spoke solely to Charlie and Renee.
"She's lying down now. She just had an episode while she was taking a bath. She started remembering some things from the party and it caused her to go into hysterics. I told her I would make her some tea and bring her something to help her sleep, if you have anything here like that."
"Oh yes actually. The doctor prescribed her some medication to help her sleep. Let me get it for you and there's already water in the kettle for tea, just heat it up a bit," Renee said while she went in search Bella's meds.
"But she's okay, other than that?" Charlie asked concernedly.
"I'm not quite sure if I can accurately say that she's okay, but she's dealing," I told him truthfully.
"Hey Charlie," Renee called from the back of the house. "Do you know where I put Bella's meds?"
Charlie rolled his eyes and told her he was on his way. "I always have to go in and rescue my hair-brained wife. What would she do without me around," he said with a chuckle.
So that left James and I in the kitchen and I just knew he was going to start some shit with me.
"Edward…I owe you an apology," he began.
To say I was stunned would be an understatement.
"I took my anger out on you and blamed you for something that was completely out of your control. I felt helpless and just needed someone to point the blame on. You were an easy target so I went after you."
"You've been nothing but great for my sister since the two of you have been together and I'm grateful to you for that. I know that I never have to worry about her while she's with you. I'm sincerely grateful to you for all that you did for her at that party. It could've been so much worse, but thank God it wasn't."
"I guess what I'm trying to say is…I'm sorry and thank you," he said to me.
"While I didn't expect that to come from you, at least no time soon, I appreciate it. However, no thanks are needed because Bella matters to me just as much as she matters to you, if not more. Your sister means the world to me, James, and I keep beating myself up over the fact that I didn't keep her safe from all of the things that happened to her," I admitted.
"Don't beat yourself up over it Edward. She's safe and she will get through this with the love of you, her family and her friends," James told me with a smile.
"I hope so," I said.
Before he could respond the shrill call of the kettle was calling and I left my spot at the counter to go over and prepare Bella's tea. Right as I was finishing it up, Renee and Charlie returned with Bella's medication.
I took the tea and the meds up to Bella's room and found her sleeping. I gently nudged her and watched her stir awake.
"Sorry to wake you up love, but I wanted to give you your meds and I also have your tea here."
I saw an unopened water bottle on her bedside table so I cracked it open and handed it to her along with one of the small white pills.
She swallowed the pill first and then chased it down with half of the water in the bottle. She thanked me for getting the pill and tea for her. She took a few sips of her tea before she was just too tired to stay awake.
"Lay down love and get some more sleep. I'm going to sit over here in your chair and I'll be here when you wake up."
"No Edward! I want you to lie down with me."
She pulled the covers back and patted the spot right behind her. I quickly removed my shoes and jeans, before crawling into bed beside her. I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her in close to me. Within minutes, we were both asleep.
So there you have, the long awaited Chapter 29. Once again I deeply apologize for lapse in updates…it's just been way difficult to be in the mind-frame to write competently. I'm feeling up to par now, so I will get this story finished hopefully by month's end.
Coming up next…Bella's first day back to school, Alex and Lyndsay's trial and Graduation!
*~*~*~So…the end is near my lovelies. There's one more chapter left and then the epilogue. ^_^*~*~*~
Sweetmahogany ©2009