I own nothing.

Chapter 4 - Swiss Army Romance

When I was 8 years old, I got punched in the face by Brad Davis. He was a year older than me and convinced that I had cooties. I just wanted to play pirates with him and the other neighbor boys.

". . .and then he told me that I was just a stupid, useless girl," I sobbed to my dad, as he carried me back to our house after being called by Brad's mother.

He carried me up the front steps, into the kitchen where he sat me down on one of the chairs. He brushed the hair back off my face.

"You're going to have one heck of a shiner," he said, his eyebrows furrowed in concern.

He went to the fridge, filling up a small plastic bag he had retrieved from the pantry with ice. Walking back over, he gently placed the bag onto my knuckles. I cringed, the cold hitting the sore spot on the back of my hand.

"Daddy, I know I shouldn't have hit him, but he hit me first," I hiccupped through my tears.

"You're right, Bella," he responded, inspecting my hand. "You shouldn't ever hit anyone. . .even if they do have it coming."

A small smile played on his lips, silent pride playing on his face that his baby girl was fully capable of defending herself.

"On the other hand, you have to be able to take care of yourself," he continued. "Don't ever let anyone hurt you like that, okay honey? Boys shouldn't hit girls."

I stared up at him, not sure exactly what he meant. Not having ever witnessed any real violence in my life, my young mind wasn't able to comprehend what he was getting at. But the look in his eyes, the need for me to understand his words was clear.

"Okay, Daddy."

I often wonder what my father would think of me now. What his face would look like if he saw the bruises. Knowing that I let it happen. Knowing that I didn't fight back this time.

But he wouldn't understand. Wouldn't get what it was like to love someone so much that you would take everything they gave you, even if it what they gave you hurt.

"So Chief, anything exciting happen this week?" Jacob sat across from my father, shoveling his steak into his mouth.

Every Sunday Jacob comes over for dinner, further charming my parents.

"Just another week in Forks," he starts. "Met with that new doctor, Cullen."

I keep my head down, trying not to show that my interest is peaked. The Cullens, having only been here for less than a week, are already the talk of the town. Rumors and stories are spreading like wildfire: why they're here, why the kids are adopted. I've heard stories that Edward got into some legal trouble back in Chicago, getting kicked out of school and causing the entire family to uproot. I've heard that Emmett was offered some sort of football scholarship at the University of Washington and the family moved out here a year early to help get him adjusted to the area. I've heard story after story, never sure which one is the truth.

"They seem to be all anyone is talking about," my mother scoops another helping of mashed potatoes onto Jacob's plate. "I ran into the wife at the grocery store. Beautiful woman, really elegant looking. I can't imagine what brought them to Forks."

"Dr. Cullen said he was getting tired of city life and the constant stress," Dad says in between bites. "He wanted his kids to know there was more to life than clothes and money and privilege."

"You wouldn't think that by the house he bought," Jacob quips.

The Cullens had moved into the what was locally known as The Lake Mansion. It's located on the outskirts of town, along the edge of Lake Wallace. It's a huge, beautiful house that had been vacant now for the better part of a decade. The story was that some big shot from Microsoft had built it as a vacation spot for his new wife. Just a few months after it was completed, the wife-along with their unborn child-had been killed in a car accident in Seattle. No one had ever actually lived in the house, it just sat there, empty and alone.

I would walk up there a lot, as a kid, and drive up there when I got my license. By myself, I would sit on the dock, staring at the house. Wondering what that guy had been envisioning for his family when he had it built. Wondering what he was doing now. Wondering if he had a new family, if they would move into the house. But no one ever moved in.

Until now.

"It is a pretty extravagant home," Mom's words bring me out my thoughts. "But you bet your keister I wouldn't mind living there."

"They've got three kids your age, Bells," Dad says. "Two boys and one girl. Have you met any of them at school? I told Dr. Cullen I'd tell you to make them feel welcome."

I could feel Jacob's eyes on me at the mention of the two boys. Dad had used one of his trigger words.

Boys.

My face is completely blank. What Jacob doesn't realize, what the truly funny thing is, that he has made me become the world's best liar. Even to him.

"Um," I say thoughtfully. "I haven't met either of the boys, but I've talked to the girl, Alice. I helped her get her textbooks in the library."

"That was nice of you," Mom says, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder.

There's a few minutes of silence as everyone finishes their meal. Mom begins clearing the table, as Dad and Jacob talk sports. I sit back, thinking of that house, with the trees surrounding it. The freedom from the rest of the world it provides. I have never been one to covet wealth or expensive things; my parents never left me for want of anything. But that house, that was the one thing in my life that I have always wanted.

Once I got into high school and started going out more with friends, getting more popular, I didn't go visit it as much. Didn't think of it as much as I did as a curious, adventuresome child. I had movies to go see, parties to attend, clothes to buy.

When the hitting started, that's when I went back. I thought of that house: empty, alone, forgotten. It drew me in, the stillness of the lake freezing it in time. It was weird to know that there was life in it again, after all these years. There was music and laughter and light.

I could never escape the draw of the house. And Saturday night, I had made a huge mistake.

The path through the woods had overgrown with weeds. When I was younger and took it everyday, it was a clear trail of dirt and mud. Like everything else, though, it had aged. I hadn't walked the path in years, choosing to drive to the house instead. Now I couldn't do that, couldn't park in the driveway freely anymore without drawing attention to myself.

Still, despite the fact that I knew the Cullen family was living there now, I couldn't help myself. It was like something was pulling me in that direction.

I pushed the tree branches out of my way as I made my way through the woods, taking in the smell of someone's bonfire from the nearby campgrounds. The air was crisp, not quite biting but still enough to produce a chill in my bones.

I wrapped my hoodie around myself tighter, stepping over a fallen log. My shoe caught on a rock, but I caught myself before I could fall. I laughed to myself, the idea of giving myself a bruise funny for some reason. It was at least another mile before I reached the tiny clearing of leaves that led up to The Lake Mansion. I slowed my pace as I approached it, not sure if any of the Cullens would be outside. It was nearing twilight as I glanced towards the house.

The front of the house had huge, looming windows that overlooked the lake. I had always wanted to know what the view looked like from the inside, but never had the nerve to attempt to break in. It seemed wrong somehow, to disturb the grieving house. For the first time, however, the windows were lit brightly, life shining through.

I carefully made my way down the stairs leading to the dock, not seeing a Cullen in sight. I relaxed a little, allowing myself to ease my shoulders and breathe lighter. I made my way towards the end, the last remaining remnants of sunlight reflecting off the water. The water was ice cold as I put my feet into it, but it felt good, invigorating. Even though there were people living there now, it was still silent of human noise. Only the slight breeze and remaining crickets filled the air.

There was never any fear here. Never worry or hurt or pain. It was just me, the lake and the house watching over us.

I rolled up my pant legs further, revealing a few yellow bruises nearing the end of their life. The summer had been a difficult one, always having to find a reason to not wear shorts. To not go swimming and wear a bathing suit. Not to go out. I was exhausted, tired of lying. Tired of being stressed out. But most of all, tired of being scared every single minute of every single day. Except when I was here, where Jacob would never think to look for me.

Suddenly I heard the front door of the house swing shut in the distance behind me. The noise echoed slightly throughout the woods. The sound must've seemed so foreign to the trees, having heard nothing but nature for so many years. It was too dark to make out details, but I could tell by the tall, lean shape that it was a male. There was too much distance and night between us for him to see me. I slowly pulled my legs out of the water careful not to make any noise. I rolled my pants back down, and crotched down on the dock to make myself as invisible as possible.

He was coming closer, making his way down the stairs to the dock. I couldn't make out his face, but the moonlight was reflecting off the lake, hitting his hair, igniting it like fire.

Edward.

He was at the beginning of the dock, walking closer towards me. There was no way he wouldn't see me. I had two options: jump in the lake, risk hypothermia and pray that I could swim to the other side of the shore before I froze to death. Or admit defeat and show myself.

The latter option seemed like the most logical.

I stood up carefully, hoping I didn't scare the shit out of him.

"Who's there?" he asked, noticing me right away.

His voice was deep, but gentle.

"I'm sorry," I answered. "I just wanted to feel the water."

He walked closer, still unable to make me out. And suddenly, he was right there, his face inches from mine. His breath smelled of peppermint and cigarettes. He was several inches taller than Jacob, but nowhere near as intimidating.

"It's you," he simply said.

I gaped at him, not sure what he meant. I opened my mouth to respond, but nothing came out. He was beautiful. So beautiful it hurt to look at him.

"I. . ." the word hanging off my lips.

I felt awkward and ugly, standing before this perfect boy. My baggy jeans, my loose hoodie. My hair, unkempt, hanging limply.

"This is private property," he said.

I continued to stare at him, unable to produce sound.

"Hello?" He waved his hand in front of my face.

Say something, you idiot, my inner-voice yelled at me.

He just stood there, waiting. Probably wondering if I was, indeed, a crazy person. His eyes were intense, burning into me. I was scared, but in a way I had never felt before. In a way that wasn't terrifying.

I didn't know what to do, what to say.

"I'm sorry," I repeated, finally.

And then I ran, barefoot, leaving my shoes and socks behind. I didn't look back, I didn't want to see his face. My heart was pounding, whether from the run or from Edward, I didn't know. All I knew was that something in me felt alive for the first time in so long. I didn't feel the rocks cutting up my feet, the branches scraping against my face. I just felt the wind, blowing through my hair.

Monday morning comes and with it, the creeping dread of running into Edward Cullen. I woke this morning, unsure if I had dreamt the entire encounter or if it had really happened.

"You're awfully quiet," Jacob says as we make our way towards my school in the Rabbit.

The rumbling of his car fills the few moments of silence while I think of an excuse.

"I didn't sleep well last night," I say, which isn't a complete lie. "I kept having nightmares."

Again, not a complete lie. I just leave out the fact that all of the nightmares were about him.

"I'm sorry, babe," he rubs his hand over my leg.

I place my hand over his, entangling our fingers together. These moments between us, these were the moments when I was reminded why I loved him. Why I stayed, no matter how much it hurt.

"I have a surprise for you," he says, pulling into his spot in the school lot.

I smile, turning towards him. His face is lit up, he looks like a little boy on Christmas morning.

"You do?"

He reaches in the seat behind us, bringing a small plastic bag back up with him. I clap my hands together, excited at the surprise.

"What is it?" I reach for the bag.

He laughs, holding the bag away from me, "You're so impatient."

I put my best pout on, the look that he was powerless against.

"Oh no, not the face," he closes his eyes.

"Gimme! Gimme!" I laugh.

He begins opening the bag and for a second, it feels like old times. Like how it was at the beginning. All fun, all laughs, all tender kisses and gentle touches.

"You were singing along to them the other day and I found out they were coming to Seattle," he pulls out a pair of tickets and hands them to me.

I look down at them, unsure of what exactly he's talking about.

The Showbox - Seattle, WA

Death Cab for Cutie

October 24

8 p.m.

"Oh my god, you got me tickets to see Death Cab?" I squeal, holding the tickets to my chest.

"Well, before you get too excited," he starts. "Me and some of the guys are going camping that weekend off the Reservation, so I can't go with you."

My face falls a little. I thought maybe this was for us, some sort of peace offering. He's just trying to buy me off, again, thinking material things will make everything better.

"Babe, come on," he lifts my chin up with his hand, so that I'm looking directly into his eyes. "You can take one of your girl friends."

I don't mention that I haven't hung out with any of my girl friends in months, too afraid that if they got me alone, they'd somehow get my secret out of me.

"It's okay," I say, not wanting to risk angering him. "I'll take Jessica or Angela."

I look down at the tickets once more before putting them into my backpack. I turn back to Jacob.

"That was really sweet of you," I pull him close to me, smelling his musky cologne, the same cologne he always wears.

He kisses my head before pulling away.

"I'll see you after school," I gently peck his cheek, grabbing my back and opening the door.

As I make my way towards the school, I see the Cullens pull up. I've never seen their car before, but it being a Volvo-the only expensive car in the lot-I assume it's them. I quickly hide behind one of the trees along side of the building, hoping not to be spotted.

Alice is the first one to exit the car, coming out of the back left side door. She's dressed in clothes that I imagine are designer and would cost nearly three times my father's monthly salary. Emmett exits next, from the passenger side. He's a bear of a guy, all muscle. He would be terrifying-looking if he didn't have a seemingly perpetual smile on his face.

Then came Edward, from the driver's side. Dressed in dark jeans and a grey coat, with a green shirt peeking out. While Alice and Emmett seem friendly and open, Edward is closed off. His face in a permanent scowl. I wonder if any of them are actually blood related, linked in a way other than their adoptive parents.

Emmett's hair matches Alice's, as black as night. But where he is tall and overpowering, she is short and frail. I realize suddenly that I am not the only one staring at the three of them, dozens of other eyes upon them.

I look away and begin making my way towards my locker, not wanting to look like one of them. Another townie simpleton, curious about the new kids from the big city.

"Bella!" I hear my name being called suddenly, from somewhere behind me.

I stop, turning slowly, not recognizing the friendly voice. Then I see Alice emerge from the pack of students crowding the hallway. She's lit up, smiling and waving as she walks closer.

"I thought that was you," she says, coming up beside me.

"Hey Alice," I respond, unsure of why she is speaking to me.

There's an awkward pause and I begin to think she regrets approaching me.

"I just wanted to thank you again for getting me those textbooks, you have no idea how much I got done this weekend," she shifts her backpack to her other shoulder.

"Yeah, no problem," I shrug.

She continues staring at me, smiling like knows something I don't.

"I was wondering," her voice suddenly sounding unsure. "Maybe you might want to hang out. I mean, I don't really know anyone here and you're really the only person I've talked to. Not that we really talked, it's just that it's hard to make friends in such a small town where everyone already knows each other."

She's rambling and I can tell that, despite her outward confidence, she's incredibly nervous. I wonder what it must feel like, moving somewhere completely new, on the other side of the country, leaving everything you've ever known behind.

"Um, sure," I reply. "We could do that."

Her face lights up, like I just told her I found her lost puppy or something.

"Really?" she beams.

"Yeah," I say.

She goes on about going shopping this weekend and all I can think is what have I agreed to. Another person to have to pretend with. Another person to have to lie to. Another potential distraction from Jacob. Another hit. Another bruise.

Thank you for all the feedback, it is very much appreciated. Please let me know what you think so far, if you have any questions, etc.

Also, I have added a playlist for each chapter on my profile.