Bella's POV:

I was running. I was running as fast as I could through the forest that surrounded my village. I had grown up in the village, but it was not my home. That was only a place of horrific memories. Memories that I was running from. I couldn't go back to that vile life I was brought into. I would rather die that return.

I was a harlot. Not by choice, no. but My parents had a large debt, and in exchange for repayment, he took me. That was years ago, when I was still a child. From that day on, my needs were destroyed as were my innocence. He even used me to gain himself money. I was never allowed to leave the filthy cell her kept me in. I hardly ate, never saw the sun. But I couldn't stand the pain anymore, I had to leave. So I did. While my keepers back was turned, I had knocked him unconscious and ran for my life. Only now do I see that I was foolish to even attempt to. My life in captivity had weakened me. I had entangled my ankle and thus twisted it as soon as I entered the forest. It was a miracle I made it this far before I finally gave up.

I had left in almost nothing. My clothing consisted of a small chemise. It was once white, but now grey. The fabric hung off my thin, pale shoulders. Over that was a blue inset, that was tie along the side. The inset only reached my knees, but it was long than my chemise that reached my mid thigh. I wore a thin green cloak over my body, hoping it would help me blend in with the forest around me.

Now, here I sit. In the middle of a small clearing, beneath the bright sun. All my fears poured from my eyes without hesitation. There was no hope for me now. I would be dragged back to the village…and then receive my punishment for me attempts to run away. I cried harder, praying to god that he would send someone to help me escape this horrible life I was given.

Behind me, branched crunched loudly. I gasped, fearful that I had been discovered. I quickly turned around, only to freeze. A young man- who couldn't possibly be older than myself- stood behind me. He looked mesmerizing, standing in the forest. His face looked almost inhuman, he was too handsome to be real. But every amiable quality I saw was instantly diminished when I saw his eyes. They held the same look every man gave me…hungry and lustful.

I turned quickly. I had to escape this man. I crawled out of the suns warm glow, back into the shadows of the trees. A fallen tree lay inches from me. I crawled to the tree and used it as a brace to stand. The weight on my ankle sent flares in pain through my leg, but I couldn't let that stop me. I would feel more intense pain if I was caught. I looked back at the young man. He was still there, but his eyes had changed. They held a softer, more concerned gaze. I longed to stay in his grasp, but I couldn't. I turned again and took one step.

My ankle screamed in agony and gave out. I stumbled forward onto the forest floor. I caught myself with my hands, groaning in pain. My ears caught a faint rustling. I looked up and my breath became caught in my throat. The young man was kneeling in front of me, his gaze of worry locking with my eyes. His hands hovered near my shoulders, almost waiting to catch me.

"I won't hurt you." he voice spoke like a melody. He held his hand out for me.

I don't know what changed his eyes, but his voice and his words were the truth, I knew they were. My hand felt small and fragile in his. He gently grabbed my arm and helped me stand. My heart beat franticly under his touch. He help me back onto the fallen tree, before turning his attention to my ankle. His hands quickly removed my knee high boots, sending a shiver from his touch. I watched him as he inspected my ankle. He ripped a strip from his cloak and wrapped it around my ankle. I felt a twinge of guilt surface for his actions.

He gazed up at me, slipping my boot back on without looking. It was then I saw the beautiful color of his eyes. Soft, warming topaz. They matched his face perfectly. I snapped myself out of gazing when he opened his mouth to speak.

"Do you think you can walk if I help you?" he asked.

I couldn't stop myself, "Why are you helping me?"

For almost a second, his face looked lost in thought. Then he smiled slightly, "How can I let a beautiful young woman travel alone when she is injured?"

I was silent. His response had taken me by complete surprise. My cheeks warmed with his words. I watched his smile widen.

"What is your name?" he asked.

I couldn't hold myself form telling him, "Bella."

"Beautiful." He said. "Do you think you can stand, Bella?"

I felt my heart skip hear his voice say my name. I couldn't answer, so I nodded my head.

He took my hands again, lifting my to my feet. I balanced myself on my left foot, whilst he held my waist. My arm wrapped around his neck for support.

"My name is Edward." He said. It seemed to fit his appearance.

We stepped cautiously together. My ankle burned fiercely, but Edward didn't seem to mind helping me with my struggling steps.

"Perhaps carrying you would be the wiser choice." He chuckled.

I looked up to protest, but my words were lost as fire tore through my back. The quiet, still, air around us filled with a single gunshot…

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

oooooo...now what happens?