Chapter Five – Beauty & The Beast

He wasn't in school today; not that I cared, of course. But when a little voice in your head starts telling you that it might be your fault, you have to listen.

'But was it my fault?' I wondered, parking the truck precariously into the extremely small space that was obviously not made for the monster of a car that was mine.

Luck apparently wasn't going my way and I realized, too late, that the space was too tight and I couldn't get out of my seat or get the truck out.

"You are a complete idiot Swan! And now you're talking to yourself, great! An absolutely perfect way to start your day: get stuck in your own car because of your utter stupidity."

Having realised that telling myself off would not result in me getting out, I was reduced to yelling for help. Sometimes I surprise even myself with my inner helplessness.

"Help! Err…I'm stuck!" Trying to fight the blush that was rapidly appearing on my cheeks, I called again. "Anyone there? I need a bit of help!"

To my complete and utter embarrassment my knight in shining armour was none other than, Eric. 'Brilliant.' Sighing, I committed myself to answering the question I most wanted to avoid.

"Isabella, why do you need help? Did you hurt yourself?" He asked trying to maintain an expression of apparent coolness that he probably picked up from a Bond movie. To me, he just looked like he was in pain.

I swallowed. "It's Bella and I, err…can't get out. It's too small." I let out a nervous laugh; it seemed that the whole school had heard that. 'Just what I need, people gossiping about how little Bella Swan couldn't get out of her car.'

"Oh…just one second, I'll help you." He scampered off like a good little rabbit, only to return with another little rabbit: Mike. After they made some calls and an unnecessary amount of tire smoke, I was free.

…To suffer eternal staring and gossip. But I shouldered on staring straight ahead, hopefully today won't be so bad.

…

It wasn't. Sure, people talked, but did I actually care? Not really.

Except he wasn't there. Edward. Questions filled my head. Did he go because of me? Am I really that repugnant? 'As I should be.' I told myself. 'I'm too dangerous for anyone to get close to me.'

After this morning's adventure, Mike and Eric felt that it was upon them to ensure I was never alone. Which was why I was currently running out of school at full speed, having put them on a wild goose chase for a pair of non-existent earrings.

The engine was its usual clunky self so I set off, only to find mike and Eric chasing me in the rear-view mirror. I laughed and accelerated further, thinking, 'Let's see if they can catch up.'

"I found your earrings!" Mike yelled, then Eric pushed him to the ground and they stared brawling. 'Were those boys actually fighting for me? Me? The girl who wants to be unnoticed and blend in. I really must practice more.' Taking a left I thought, 'But whose earrings where they then?'

I heard a bang and my world turned upside down. Sparks flew everywhere and I was trapped for the second time today, only this wasn't funny. "Come out with your hands on your head! If you do anything we will engage." An unfamiliar voice shouted everything was a blur of colours and noise; a high pitch whine started in my ear.

Slowly I dragged myself out, forcing myself to concentrate. It looked like the truck had been hit by a grenade, which had then made it swerve out of control.

I felt a gun to my head as I lied on the floor. "My, my…Beauty's finally been caught. I knew you weren't a beast at heart. You'll always come home." I knew that voice, teasing but at moment's notice turning cold and violent. The voice that belonged to the man above me, my saviour and my destroyer. "You will come quietly, won't you? Don't even think about having a life; I gave you life. I own you."

That was the last straw. 'I was not going with him, I was not going to bow down to him. I will not!'

Pushing myself up, I slammed my hand into his nose, breaking it. The men surrounding me fired, none of them hurt me. I was about to break his neck when he…laughed?

"So you are a beast!" He raised his eyebrows in a teasing fashion. "I'm pleased. We trained you well." Motioning with one hand, four soldiers marched up to me, tying me down.

I threw the bonds away. and stood in front of them. 'Bend your knees Bella…just a little more. Now relax, tensing won't help you…you're shorter than them so get in close and keep them close, that will make their guns harder to use and it gives you an advantage.' You should always analyse each fight before you enter it. He had taught me that himself.

"You should run away! This is your last chance," I said. I felt the rush of adrenaline. I'd had enough of running, hiding, and being hunted. Now I was making a stand, showing them I was no longer prey but predator.

A soldier stepped in front of me and I delivered a sharp jab to his temple. He died instantly, but I didn't care. I advanced on the others, taking them down one by one. They stabbed at me, shot at me, tried to hurt me, but I never stopped.

It became almost automatic for me: block…punch….divert…punch…kick…block. And soon enough I was alone. They had run, just as I had told them to.

I walked to the truck, flipping it the right side up. Thankfully, the engine was still running. I slid into the driver's seat and sped past all the buildings, all the people. I smiled. It would be ironic if Charlie had to arrest me for speeding, especially since he was the person I was speeding for.

I almost ran to the house; night was falling and I could already feel the energy leaving my body. I slammed through the door, knocking it off its hinges into Charlie's arms.

"What on earth happened Bells? Are you all right?" Charlie stroked my hair.

"The…the agency ambushed me." At the mention of the agency Charlie stiffened. "I fought them off, but they hurt me and they know where we are and it's not safe we need to…"

The pain was all over my body, and everything started to melt away. Charlie said something I couldn't hear, and everything went black.

…

EPOV-

The sleeping girl almost looked peaceful. Her scent was intoxicating, making me crave her blood but I controlled myself. I was stronger than this, than her. I may be damned but I don't have to be a monster.

"Edward." I looked up to Carlisle's calm face. "She's been through a lot," Charlie said. "She'd been mugged straight out of school. They were vicious; I didn't think she'd make it when I first saw her, she had lost so much blood."

I tried to maintain my composure but the image of so much blood was nearly too inviting. Nearly. Carlisle sensed this and hurried me out of the ward.

"Come on, Edward. You can do this, control yourself!" Carlisle urged. We passed Charlie on the way. "Charlie you can go visit Bella, although she's asleep." Carlisle said, and with one funny glance at me he rushed to Bella's room.

…

CPOV-

Bella was sleeping, but I didn't wake her. She needed her rest after what they had done to her. I sat down with my fists clenched. 'How dare they do this to my daughter? After all I did to protect you they still hurt you.' I looked up to her closed eyes, eyes that would normally spark with determination and ferocity.

"Bella, I'm sorry. I…I shouldn't have left you. Not just today, but before. I know you don't know this but I do love Renee. And I do love you," I whispered, pouring my heart out.

I closed my eyes and begged whoever was up there. "Please…please help my daughter."