Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Songs for this chapter: If You Only Knew - Shinedown (they own I don't)
All songs and photos can be found on my blogsite for this story linked in my profile.
I awoke to the shrills of Alice's cell phone the ringtone blaring Katy Perry's California Girls. I couldn't help but smiled as she stumbled out of bed and grabbed it off the top of the chest of drawers.
"Hello?" she answered sleepily. I rolled over and faced her, cuddled up to my chin in the blanket.
"Yes, this is Alice Hunter…No, it's fine…Oh, okay…Is there anything I need to do?...Okay…Yes, I understand…Thank you for calling…Goodbye."
She sat back slowly onto the bed, staring down at the phone clasped in her hand.
"Alice?"
"That was the Jacksonville Police. They were calling to let me know that James skipped his court appearance and is in violation of his bail." I could hear the fear in her voice as she spoke. "My feelings were right Bells, he's here. I just know it." She sobbed as she slowly turned and faced me.
Shit.
"I won't let him near you. If he comes around all we have to do is call the police and he goes to jail. Emmett is right next-door and Edward is a phone call away. We won't let him hurt you again Al." I reached out for her hand and squeeze as she nodded and tears slid down her cheeks.
Truth be told, I was pretty scared of the fact that James was most likely here in San Diego. It tied my stomach in knots, and not necessarily because I had ever been afraid of him, but he hadn't contacted Alice at all since she left him and then he just mysteriously shows up here without a word? Her sense that he was following us couldn't have been far off, but again, why would he suddenly be stalking her? Creep.
After talking through her feelings about her situation, we managed to get a few more hours of sleep. The next time I opened my eyes it was to the sound of the shower running. I rolled out of bed, grabbed my robe off the back of the bedroom door and made my way down the hall to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. Kaylie's flight from Arizona should have already arrived, so I am sure her and Edward are enjoying being together. I couldn't help myself as I sent him a quick text.
I love you. Hope you have a good day. – B
It's a perfect day now. Love u too. – Edward
Seconds later a picture text chimed showing me a smiley blue-eyed beauty with her arms wrapped around her daddy's neck their cheeks pressed together. Kaylie's top two teeth were missing and it made me giggle. So cute.
Now those are some beautiful blue-eyed babes right there. :) – B
I prefer brown-eyed babes myself. ;) - Edward
I blushed and smiled hard. Edward had always been sweet, but it seems as though over the years he'd gotten even more romantic. If that wasn't proven on Christmas night, then I don't know what would. He was definitely trying to prove his love to me again. And as bad as I wanted to embrace it full force, there was that small part of me that was still afraid to open up to him completely for fear of him running away again. Time. We just need time.
Alice joined me not too much later for a cup of coffee as well. Today we were going to just relax and keep things low key per Emmett and Edward's request. I went to the living room and pulled out a bunch of movies from the DVD cabinet for us to veg out with for the day. It was a beautiful day as usual, so I opened up all the windows in the living room and opened the front door, locking the deadbolt on the metal screen door. This way we'd get a nice ocean breeze through the house as we enjoyed our girl time.
"Maybe I should call him." Alice said as she sat down in the recliner with her coffee mug. I stopped dead in my tracks and swung around to look at her, shocked.
"Don't look at me like I have two heads, Bella." She snorted. "If I call him, maybe I can figure out where his head is, and why he feels it necessary to sneak across the country to stalk me instead of just calling."
My mouth was hanging open, and I was trying to form a coherent thought. On one hand it could be a good thing for her to contact him and find those details out, but on the other hand, he'd physically harmed her and I was not ok with the idea of him being in the same city as her at the moment, so contact with him scared me.
"I…Alice…I don't know…what?..." I took a deep breath. "Did the police say anything about contacting him or the restraining order? I mean, if you call him, does that break any rules?"
She shrugged. "It's just pissing me off that we have to be on guard is all. I figure if I call him, maybe we can get it all out there. I already know that Monday I'm filing for divorce, nothing is going to change that."
"Ok, well I'm gonna call Emmett and Rose over. I know it's just a phone call but I'll feel better with that bear around."
Alice took her phone into the bedroom to call him while Rose, Emmett and I sat out in the backyard with the kids. I could only pray that this conversation went well with them and she could somehow convince him to leave or...something.
"Have you talked to Edward today?" Emmett asked.
"Only a brief text a little earlier. Haven't spoken to him, no."
"He'll be pissed if we don't tell him about this, you know that right?"
"Emmett, it's just a phone call. It's not like we invited James over here or anything."
"Then why did you want me here?" he asked, his eyebrow cocked and a knowing look in his eye.
"I don't know. I just…I just did ok?"
We were in a stare down when a loud commotion came from inside. Both of our eyes grew wide, as we heard clangs of metal and a distinctly angry voice accompanying it.
"Open this fucking door right now, you crazy bitch!"
"You need to leave James!" Alice screamed back.
Holy shit. James. Is. Here.
Emmett bolted from his chair with so much force that it sent it flying behind him and landed off the patio in the grass. Rose ran to where the kids were playing on the swing set as I followed behind Emmett. From the backdoor, I could see into the hallway and Alice was cowering on the floor, her arms wrapped around her knees and her head leaning back against the wall. From this angle James could not see any of us as the living room wall blocked his view from the front door. Emmett stopped just inside as he saw that Alice was still safe, turned to me and placed his finger over his lips signaling for me to remain quiet. He then pulled his phone out of his pocket, dialed and handed it to me. The screen read '9-1-1', and I met his eyes. He nodded his head for me to go back outside with Rose and the kids.
James was still raging and banging on the screen door, and for the first time in my life, I realized how excited I was to have a metal screen door with a deadbolt. It kept him out of my house. After what seemed like a lifetime, I gave the operator the details of the situation and she informed me that someone was on their way. Emmett waited for me to complete the call and then I watched in shock as he walked into James' view.
"Is there something I can do for you man?" he asked calmly, slyly.
"Yea, you can open this fucking door, so I can see my wife, asshole." James snarled.
"Look dude, it sounds to me like she doesn't want to see you, so maybe you need to take a moment and just chill out." Emmett said calmly still.
"Fuck you! I don't need to fucking chill out! I'll kick your fucking ass when I get the chance!"
Emmett chuckled. "Ok man. Whatever you say."
"If you're such a hot shot, then why don't you open this fucking door and man up? Or are ya scared?" James taunted.
"Yep that's it dude. I'm scared all right. I'm scared I might just rip your damn head off that pencil neck of yours and kill your stupid ass. See, because me and you….that would be a fair fight. Or…oh that's right…you don't know anything about that now do ya? You like to push women around when they are defenseless. Who needs to man up now huh?"
"Fuck you!" James spat.
From my angle right inside the back door, my eyes locked on Alice. She was shaking and tears were rolling down her cheeks falling from behind her squeezed closed eyes. I wanted so badly to go to her, but I didn't want James to see me. I walked towards the kitchen and grabbed my phone off the bar. I could see out the kitchen window at James. There was a fire in his eyes that I had never seen before and he was stalking back and forth like a caged lion. He looked angry enough…to kill someone.
Where the hell are the police already?
Without thinking it through, I sent Edward a text.
James is here – B
Almost immediately the phone rang. I darted out the back door to avoid James overhearing anything I said. As I leaned against the corner of the house I answered.
"I'm so sorry Edward, I should have called you."
"Bella, Jesus, what the hell is going on? Are you ok? Is Alice ok?"
"Yes, we're fine. Well, sort of. She called him to try and talk things through. I knew you were spending time with Kaylie. I didn't think it was a big deal…"
It was if everything happened in slow motion. From behind me I heard the distinct sound of the gate to the backyard click as it latched closed. Before I could turn around and register the sound, a hand was in my face and I felt and arm grip forcefully around my waist. My phone fell from my hand and landed in the grass. I tried to scream by his hand went over my mouth and muffled my cries. He was pulling me back around the side of the house out of view of Rose. Wriggling and squirming, I tried to free myself from his grasp, but it was futile. I felt his hot breath in my ear as he spoke.
"You stupid bitch! You thought you could just hide her away from me? You think I didn't know this would be the first place she would go running to? You always try and come between us…but not anymore. She's mine and I am not going to let you come between us ever again." he sneered quietly into my ear. I could barely keep my footing as he drug me back swiftly towards the side door to the garage. I began clawing at his arms, trying to reach his face, eyes, anything. I was trying my best not to panic, but my heart was racing and I could feel the fear bubbling up in my chest.
I kept struggling against him as he tried to open the door and he'd let go of my waist. I continued to fight for my life, determined to not let him get me into the garage. Who knows what he would do to me. Then I felt a sharp, dull, blinding pain rip through my side and my breath left my lungs in a whoosh. My eyes rolled back in my head as I fought to stay conscious. I lost the fight.
As I slowly regained my bearings, I was acutely aware of the feel of cold grass pressed against my cheek. My head was throbbing where it was pressed against the ground and the entire right side of my body screamed in pain. His beautiful velvet voice was soothing me as his hand stroked my hair.
"Bella…Bella, can you hear me? Oh love, please open your eyes."
Edward.
"Edward…." I croaked groggily slowly opening my eyes.
"Guys! She's waking up!" he yelled out and resumed stroking my hair. "Bella love..."
I placed my hands on the ground to push myself up. A pain shot through my side like a hot iron and my head throbbed. I winced as my vision began to clear and I made eye contact with Edward. The look of panic and worry in his face was permeable. I wrapped my arm around my middle and tried to massage the pain.
"Where does it hurt baby? Let me help you. We should get you to the hospital." He said slowly moving to stand and help me up. He wrapped an arm around my waist and put my arm around his neck, guiding me towards the back of the house.
"My ribs and my head." I said softly, breathless. "What happened? Where's James?"
"We took care of him, and when the police showed up, they arrested him. God Bella, I was so worried. I didn't know Emmett was here...and..." He choked as he pressed his lips to my forehead.
"How did you stop him?" I asked, still not remembering how I got away from James.
"Emmett watched James walk away from the front door, so he came out back to tell you and Rose. She never saw James grab you, and Emmett knew you had come outside when I called you, so just as James was about to drag you into the garage, he came around the corner and saw you slumped in his arms..."
"It took everything in me not to kill the guy Bella." Emmett interrupted as he came out the back door handing me a bottle of water. "When I saw you…I thought… I just saw red. But you made a sighing sound and at that moment, I knew you were still breathing, so I charged. He threw you into the ground just as I lunged at him."
Edward guided me to sit in one of the patio chairs. I winced again, as my ribs were throbbing. He sat on the arm of the chair and wrapped his arm around my shoulder. Rose joined us handing me an ice pack and sat next to me, taking my hand into hers. "What happened to me? Why was I unconscious?" I gasped. "Where's Alice?"
"She's fine. She's laying down in bed right now." Rose said softly.
"From what I can tell, he punched you hard in the ribs and it caused you to black out. Then when he…threw you…you hit your head." Edward said sourly.
I turned and looked up at him. His eyes were so full of love and concern. I threaded my fingers through his on my shoulder and squeezed gently. He smiled painfully and kissed the top of my head. My head began to clear little by little and I shivered as I remembered trying to fight James off. Just then the doorbell rang. Emmett jumped up and went inside. I looked back at Edward slightly confused.
"It's probably the paramedics. The cops called them when they arrived and saw you passed out." He said softly. I nodded.
Emmett appeared in the doorway. "Bella, I know you're probably not feeling up for it right now, but the police would like you to go down to the station and make a statement in the next twenty-four hours." I nodded, still not believing how this day had begun. "The paramedics also want to check you out. You don't have to go with them, but at least let them take a look at you."
I entered the living room and two EMT's were standing waiting patiently. I flushed, never enjoying being the center of attention. They motioned me over to the couch and moved closer to begin poking and prodding. They checked all my vitals and made me do a number of movements and breathing exercises to try and determine the extent of the injury to my ribs. Not being completely sure without an x-ray, they suggested that I should follow up with my doctor, since I was opting out going with them to the hospital. I agreed and thanked them. Edward let them out and then joined me on the couch, cradling me against his chest.
It suddenly dawned on me…
"Where's Kaylie?" I asked sitting up too abruptly, it made me hiss as the pain shot through me.
"She's in Madysen's room. I didn't think you'd mind." He smiled sheepishly but his brow was furrowed in concern.
"No, of course not. Can I see her?" His grin grew wide on his face as he nodded. He removed his arm from around my shoulder and reached for my hand. I stood up slowly, feeling slightly lightheaded still, but better than just a little while ago. We made our way down the hall, Edward never removing his hand from my back as we approached the door to Madysen's room. It was slightly cracked open and the sounds of The Little Mermaid echoed from inside. I slowly pushed it open to see her dancing around and singing along with the movie. So adorable.
"Hey there pretty girl." I said softly, a huge smile plastered on my face.
"Bella!" she exclaimed as she jumped up and came running to me. As quickly as I could, I dropped to one knee and met her embrace. I'm not going to lie, it hurt like hell, but I was happy to see her nonetheless. I let out the breath of air I was holding in anticipation of her grip and winced again at the pain.
"Easy Kay. Bella's a little sore." Edward said, pulling her back.
"I'm sorry Bella, did I hurt you?" she asked sweetly stepping back.
"No baby girl, you didn't hurt me. Don't worry about it. How are you?" I asked poking her in the tummy. "I sure did miss you."
"I missed you too." She said giving me another hug. "My daddy got a new place to live and we can see all the way to Mexico from the living room." She said enthusiastically while nodding her head.
"Really? All the way to Mexico huh? Well, you're just going to have to show me that." I smiled touched my finger to the tip of her nose and started to stand up. Edward grabbed a hold of my elbow and helped me gain my balance.
"Did Santa come to your daddy's new house?" I asked, giving him a soft jab in the ribs.
"Yes he did! I got a new Nintendo DSi and some games and a new Barbie doll and some CD's for my stereo in my room…" she took a breath. "and some clothes and pajamas and some candy…" she paused again to think.
"And I think you may have had a little too much of that candy there young lady." Edward chuckled. "Why don't you finish up your movie and we'll get ready to go so Bella can get some rest."
I patted her head as she turned back to the movie. We headed back down the hall to meet Rose and Emmett in the backyard. Right before the end of the hallway Edward swung me around and pressed me up against the wall. I sucked in a deep breath, both from being startled and the twist of pain I felt. He cupped my face in his hands and stared intensely into my eyes. "Do you have any idea how scared I was today? I didn't know if I would get to you in time. God…" he breathed and he leaned his forehead to mine. I ran my hands up his back and left them on his shoulder blades.
"You're here now." I whispered softly.
Very softly he slid his hands down to my neck and pressed his lips gently to mine. I pulled him closer to me and his body pressed to mine. He softly moved his mouth over mine, sucking on my bottom lip. Warmth grew in my body as he pressed even more into me. This kiss felt different somehow. It had a feeling of relief and softness, love and something more. I couldn't pinpoint it. It was something refreshing and exciting. I could feel his growing arousal pressing into my stomach and my body responded. My hips pressed into him of their own volition. I pulled back, gasping for air as his lips went to my jawline. He dropped his head to my shoulder, wrapped his arms around my waist and my hands found their way into his hair. We just stood there holding each other, not speaking, just breathing and embracing.
Unexpectedly, I was aware of wetness on my shoulder. Edward was crying. I instantly pulled him tighter to me and I heard his sniff and gasp as tears filled my eyes as well.
"I'm ok…it's ok. Everything is fine." I whispered into his ear, my cheek pressed tightly to the side of his head. He took a deep, trembling breath and lifted his head, his blood-shot baby blues meeting mine. "I love you."
I don't think I would ever get tired of hearing those words on his lips for me. My gaze softened and I pressed my lips to his softly. "I love you." I wrapped my arms tightly around his waist and pressed my head to his chest. I didn't want to lose this moment...but all too soon it was over. He grabbed my hand and led me back to the patio where Rosie and Emmett were still seated. Rose smiled sadly as we walked out.
"I'm so sorry Bella." She said quietly as I sat down next to her.
"What are you apologizing for? You didn't know that psycho was going to grab me." I said placing my hand on her forearm.
She burst into tears, and for Rose this was a shocking site to see. "I should have…maybe if…" she floundered.
"No Rose, don't do that. Neither of us had any control of the situation." I sat forward and wrapped my arms around her shoulders.
"I was just so scared that he…that you…" she sniffed.
"If anyone should be apologizing, it should be me." Emmett said shamefully leaning up against the side of the house.
"Look you guys. Stop. I'm fine okay? Please don't beat yourselves up with the 'woulda, coulda, shoulda's'. Okay? Please?" I said forcefully as I leaned back and looked into Rose's eyes.
They both nodded and at that moment Alice stepped into view of the backdoor. As I turned in her direction, her blue eyes were piercing through the red swollen skin around them. She looked completely spent. I stood slowly and moved towards her as she walked out the door. She nearly collapsed in my arms as we both began sobbing.
"Oh Bella, I'm so sorry. I had no idea he was near the house when I called him. He was so mean and cold. I've never heard him talk like that before." She sniffed and I squeezed her tighter. "He actually said to me, 'you won't let me be nice to you'. Can you believe that? Typical of someone that just got out of jail for hitting me." I cringed at her words as we pulled back and looked at each other.
"It's over now sweetie. We'll press charges and he won't be able to get anywhere near you ever again." I said as I swallowed my emotions down.
"Or you." She said in almost a whisper. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm a little sore, but I'll be ok." I shrugged, trying to reassure her.
"Maybe we should take you to the hospital and have them check you out." Edward said from behind me. "Make sure no ribs are broken."
"I think that's a good idea Bells." Alice said, still gripping my arms.
Figuring it was useless to argue with them, I agreed.
"Edward, if you don't mind, I'd like to take her. Since this is all my fault anyway." Alice said shyly.
"Stop it! This is not your fault. Do you hear me? I don't want to hear you say that Ali. He did this, not you." I said sincerely as I looked deep into her eyes. She nodded reluctantly.
We arrived back at my house around dinnertime, to find Emmett happily parked on my couch flipping the channels on the television. After spending four hours at the hospital, filling out countless forms and lying in awkward positions for them to x-ray my ribs, all I wanted to do was take the pain pills they had prescribed me and go to bed. The x-rays determined that none of my ribs were broken, just severely bruised from the heavy blow of his fist.
Emmett didn't hang around long, but as he left he made sure we set the house alarm. I usually set it at night before bed, but I was fine doing it now instead to ease his and our minds. Alice and I made quick sandwiches for dinner and snuggled into the couch to try and relax after an extreme day. She wasn't back to herself yet, and I knew that it would probably take a little time, but what bothered me most was the guilt she was feeling for it. She had told me in bits and pieces what was said between her and James that possessed him to show up at my front door. It had to be bothering her on some level that the man she had been married to and loved for so many years, was suddenly a stranger to her. I know it would be hard for me to process if I were in that situation, so I tried to be empathetic to her pain.
I called Edward once we were settled and let him know we were home safe and sound. For the first time, I found myself slightly jealous that Kaylie was here only because it meant that he couldn't be here with me tonight. Of course I didn't hold it against her, I loved that little girl, but after today all I wanted was to be in his arms.
"I sure wish you were here to hold me right now."
"I do too love, but we'll come see you tomorrow."
"You don't have to break any plans for me Edward. Spend time with Kaylie while she's here. We'll make up for it soon enough."
"Oh, you better believe we will."
I giggled as I felt my body respond to his words. It's amazing how simply his voice had that power over me. Yes Edward, you better believe we will.
"You can't say stuff like that to me you know. You just can't."
He chuckled and teased me more. "Just call it foreplay my love. Then we can just skip right to the good part when the time comes."
"You're such a tease." I joked, feeling my cheeks flush.
"Before I get carried away and forget…I think I am going to have a New Years Eve party here at the new digs. Jasper called today. He and Garrett are flying down from PA on Monday. So, I called some of the guys from the Academy, and now I just need to find me a hot date. You wouldn't happen to have any single friends you could hook me up with do you?"
"Hmm…can't say that I do. All I know is washed up old single moms."
He exhaled heavily, trying to control his laughter. "Old huh? I suppose that will have to do."
Now it was my turn to chuckle. "Bella?"
"Yes Edward?"
"Will you do me the honor of being my…date…for New Years Eve?"
"I would absolutely love to. I can't imagine starting the new year any other way, than with you."
"Good. Because I don't want to start the year any other way that with you either."