AN: Hello, it's me again. I want to thank all the people who put me on alert and favorite. From the bottom of my heart thank you. And thank you for the people who reviewed. A special thanks to pmk Kelly for her advice.

Disclaimer: Stephanie Myer owns twilight. I'm just giving Edward and Bella a little anger issues.

Chapter 5: Knowledge

Every one of us has had a moment in their life, where they felt they were on the outside looking in. It's almost like having an out of body experience, where you can feel and touch and smell and speak and see, but YOU are not really there.

The first time I experienced a moment like the before mentioned, was when I watched my parents fight, scream and cuss at each other, and it was all because of me. You see when I was a little girl, I absolutely adored animals, and I adore them still. My father made the mistake of falling for the sweet, innocent puppy face I used against him and got me a kitten I saw in a little box outside the locale supermarket. I was the happiest little girl on the planet, until we reached home. My mother saw the little white angel in my hands, and I saw the moment her nostrils flared. I don't remember much of what was being said, I remember it lasted for almost half an hour, my mother was allergic and my father was accused of being insensitive. I remember I could hear them, but I couldn't process their words. I could smell the food my mother was cooking burning on the stove, but I couldn't do anything about it. The most important thing I remember is that I lost the little angel; they gave it to the lucky kid next door.

At this moment, with Esme Cullen leading me to her sitting room, I was having one of those moments. She was talking, but I couldn't understand anything she said. I was fine a few seconds ago, but when we reached the living room something changed. The whole ordeal started sinking in when I saw their flamboyant, elegant, striking room.

The furniture looked comfortable but expensive, burnt brown and ivory dominating. The walls were the softest shape of light brown and the TV was absolutely humongous. A beautiful fireplace was situated on the Far East corner of the room, and I couldn't help but comparing it to our modest living room back home. And then it hit me; Forks wasn't home anymore. My father gave me up, and my mother knew about it. I guess this stunning house and its occupants were my home and my family now.

I was a jittery mess of nerves, and I suddenly felt the overwhelming urge to cry. I wasn't the type of person to cry in front of people and I'd already lost the battle once today, I wasn't going to lose it again. Not in front of these people, these people who were supposed to be my family now.

How fucked up is my life? I had a new family I didn't know anything about, except for their names and the fact that they were filthy rich. My old ones sold my like a freaking pig.

As Esme continued on, I found myself thinking, contemplating, wondering what the hell I did for me to be punished so severely. I didn't trust people easily; the only people I trusted broke my trust and spat on the pieces. How was I supposed to trust these strangers?

"Isabella?" Esme said "Did you hear me?" She asked kindly.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Cullen, I wasn't paying attention." I replied, embarrassed.

"Oh honey, it's absolutely fine. You have a lot on your mind, I completely understand."

"Did you ask me something?" I asked, overlooking her last remark. It was still a little weird to me, them knowing about the whole arranged marriage and contract thing, and the fact that they were so tolerant.

"I asked you when you'd be expected to start school." She said, not a hint of annoyance in her tone.

"The first of October." I said solemnly, I was looking forward to my new life, and now I'm seeing it perish in front of my eyes.

"Oh, well that gives us about three more months to get to know each other better." She said, smiling.

I can't take the confusion and speculation anymore. I have to ask her how she knew about my marriage to her son. Had Carlisle been honest with her contrasting the dishonesty of my father showed me? Had Edward told her? Or had Elizabeth announced it smugly?

The others joined us, including Edward who sat on the other side of his mother; Esme sitting as a buffer between us.

"Mrs. Cullen" I said, and was interrupted by her telling me to call her Esme. "Esme, excuse me for being so forward. I was wondering about that fact that you all seem to know about this, this whole marriage ordeal, and the fact that you all seem very accepting and welcoming. It's a little strange to me. Who told you? And how can you welcome me into your home so effortlessly?"

"Isabella," she said, but this time I was the one interrupting her, telling her to please call me Bella.

"Well Bella," she continued " Carlisle told me about a month ago, I know this whole contract and deal thing took place three months ago, but Carlisle was trying very hard to convince his mother to let go of the horrible idea. He tried with all his might, and unfortunately he failed. So about a month ago, he come home and sat us all down and told us. At first I was very upset, I couldn't believe how manipulative and evil she was being. She was adamant on destroying both your lives and that just made me so angry. I tried talking to her too, but she gave me no mind either. That's how we know about the marriage. And as for welcoming you into our lives, that's no hardship at all Bella. We heard Carlisle saying what a smart and genuine person you are, for Charlie spoke very highly of you. Please believe me that none of us begrudge you for what happened. You're part of our family now, and we will exert as much effort into getting to know you as we did with Jasper and Rosalie." She said honestly.

I was shocked and extremely thankful for their support. They could have made my life a living hell if they wanted to. Instead Alice promised me friendship, Emmet offered me protection, and Jasper and Rosalie offered me kindness and support. And Esme, she offered motherly comfort and acceptance. Edward was the only one in the room who was looking at me with distaste. But I could understand that, he was still processing this, same as me.

We spent hours talking, trying to get to know each other. They were effortless and in no way hesitant about telling me all about themselves. I learned a lot in those few hours about the kind people I would be sharing the same roof with.

I learned that Emmet was 26 years old, and he, like his father and his brother, majored in business in Dartmouth. He held a very prestigious position at Cullen Co, and was currently taking his yearly vacation. He loved all things sports and was a very easy going person. He told me he met Rosalie when he was in his last year at college, and they had a love\hate relationship at the beginning. The hate part came from Rosalie, who was studying art history and is currently 25 years old. "She was a tough cookie;" he said "she wouldn't give in at first." He laughed, and then told me that he eventually persuaded her into accepting a date and the rest, as they say, is history. They got married two years ago.

I also learned that Rosalie and Jasper were cousins, which kind of threw me a bit. Alice and Jasper met at Emmet and Rosalie's wedding and they instantly hit it off. Jasper was living in Texas back then, and had finished his degree in History. He came to New York looking for a teaching position, and when he met Alice, his life instantly changed. He was currently 24 years old and had been married to Alice for about a year.

The piece of information that surprised me that most was that Alice was actually Edwards's twin. They were both 22 years old. She majored in Fashion design in college and currently had her very own Haut Couture shop.

Esme was an interior designer, and she actually designed the entire gorgeous house we were currently in. It had 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, a library, and den\game room not counting the various balconies and the huge garden and pool.

Edward didn't share a thing with me, but I learned from his family that he also majored in business at Dartmouth, and that he was currently the head of accounting at Cullen Co. They call him Carlisle's protégé, because he has a business mind that's absolutely genius and unprecedented.

I told them about my mundane life in Forks, and I told them about my love for medicine. They asked me about my parents, but I refused to talk about them; the subject was still too raw.

"Would you like to call you parents Bella?" Esme asked "I'm sure they're worried sick by now.

I actually snorted at her words. My parents didn't give a shit about me. They sent me here with no knowledge that I was about to get stabbed in the back. They didn't even have the decency to be there for me as I signed the papers.

"No thank you Esme." I said "I won't be talking to them anytime soon."

"I understand." She replied "But I'm sure their intentions were good. They didn't mean to deceive you."

"Yeah, well…" was my only response.

After they were all finished telling their stories, I helped Esme with dinner, against her numerous protests. By eight o'clock, Carlisle was home was we all sat down to have dinner together.

"Bella," Carlisle said "How do you like your new home?" He asked me benevolently.

"You have a very beautiful home Mr. Cullen" I replied. I won't call it my home, I wasn't entitled to.

Conversation was spars during dinner, and I didn't have any appetite to eat. I pushed my food around my plate, and pretended to enjoy the meal.

By the time dinner was done and the kitchen was back to its spotless appearance, we sat in the living room together, sharing conversation and bonding a little bit more. Edward was absent. He excused himself straight after dinner and disappeared.

By eleven o'clock, I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. Fortunately, Esme noticed.

"Dear, I'm sure you're extremely tired after the day you've just had." She said "Why don't I show you to Edwards's room?"

I blanched at her words. What did she mean Edwards room?

"Excuse me?" I said bewildered.

Carlisle then cleared his throat nervously and then sighed.

"Bella," he began "Part of the conniving contract my mother cooked up, is that you and Edward are required to share the same room." He said "I'm sorry; I know this is a huge inconvenience, but that's what your father agreed to. Elizabeth was very specific, she included in the contract the facts that you have to be there with Edward at every official gathering or party, the fact that you should uphold and horror the Cullen name and the fact that you and Edward should sleep in the same room." He said sadly.

I just gaped at him, trying to process it all. Could she really be that evil?

I was resigned to my fate, there's no point in fighting it. I was fighting a losing battle. Everyone seemed to know everything about everything, except for me… the battle was long fucking lost.

I just told them I understand and Esme led me to the room. I hauled my duffel bag up the 30 flights of stairs; my things were scheduled to arrive the day after tomorrow. I guess my father knew where to send them.

The room she showed me to was absolutely manly and beautiful. The dominating colors were black, and white. The walls were white and the furniture was eye-catching black. The bed had a black and white comforter with a few red throw pillows strategically placed on the pretty fabric. The sheets, it seems were black and red as well.

The room was a little on the large side; it had a huge walk in closet and a round open space where three comfortable looking couches were places in a semi circle in front of a big flat screen. Each couch had a different color. One was white, the other black, and the third one was red.

Two double doors were situated on the west side of the room, opening up to one of the beautiful round balconies.

As I was thanking Esme for showing me the room, the door swung open and in walked Edward. It seemed that his mood had lightened a bit, for he stopped and kissed his mother on the forehead.

"Night gorgeous lady." He said, and I smiled at his affection for his mother.

"Night baby." She said "Goodnight Bella…" She smiled and walked out.

"Goodnight." I said softly.

As she closed the door behind her, I was starting to get extremely nervous. Where was I supposed to sleep? The couches weren't big enough, was I supposed to share the bed with Edward?

Edward coughed and looked rigidly at me. "Like the room?" he asked

"Your room is very beautiful Edward." I replied "But ummm, where am I supposed to sleep? I… did the contract say we have to sleep in the same bed too?" I asked nervously.

Edward started laughing, his laugh was loud and clear. He was laughing at me.

"Look at you…" He said "Intimidated, innocent little girl. What are you afraid I'd jump you in your sleep or something?" he snorted.

My eyes widened, and I gasped. "W…What? You… you wouldn't do that right? I'm… that can't happen." I was starting to panic. Did they expect me to have sex with him? Oh my god, was I supposed to actually act like his wife? Perform wifely duties and all that crap? I was in no way, shape, or form capable of doing such things. This marriage was just make-belief. That's all it was. I'll be damned if I don't kill that old shrew if she even breaths the words "marital intercourse" and "great grand babies." This… This is where I draw the bloody line.

I'm sure my expression looked a mix between scare to death, pissed off, and slightly constipated.

Elizabeth, with all her nasty rules and guidelines was going to drive me to premature heart problems. Possibly even diabetes.

"Relax Bambi." Edward said, snickering. "Trust me; you're not at all my type." He winked and grabbed his shirt, taking it off smoothly.

"What the hell are you doing?" I yelled. I was very glad to hear that I wasn't his type. This was a good sign; I didn't have to...do anything I didn't want to do. Anything I flat out refused to do. They couldn't make me become that kind of a person. It'd be a cold day in hell when Elizabeth actually manipulated her way into making me lose every spec of respect I had for myself.

His looked at me bemusedly and shrugged. "Getting ready for bed."

"Oh… ummm" I had no idea what to say; he clearly wasn't thinking about the same things that were pounding inside my head.

But with everything I was contemplating, Edward shirtless was a sight to behold. I couldn't stop myself from looking. He was spectacular. He had the body of a model, absolutely male and strong and beautiful. Strikingly sculpted pecks, and jaw dropping six back abs. The V disappearing into his pants was very provocative, leading my sight to the black, silk looking boxers peeking out from under his jeans. He was an Adonis.

Realizing that I was staring at him, and that he probably noticed, I turned around and spoke "Where am I … ummm… supposed to change?" I asked.

"Right here?" he replied, the mocking tone persisting. "It's not something I haven't seen before. Matter of fact, I've seen much prettier, alluring bodies before, I won't even notice yours."

"That's a relief." I said, insulted despite myself. I didn't care what he thought, he meant nothing to me. "But please just show me to a bathroom."

He laughed and said "On your left, that door right there…" He trailed off.

I reached for the door quickly and stepped inside. The bathroom, if you can even call it that, was big, black and white and a little bit of red in it, complementing the theme of the bedroom. It had one of those antic looking tubs, white and engraved. And a monster shower enclosed in four glass walls.

I slid down against the door, and took a deep breath. What am I supposed to do now? Was I supposed to just walk out there in my ratty old sweat shirt and short cotton shorts? I couldn't do that, I've never been that comfortable with my body, and now Mr. Self absorbed troublemaker was supposed to see me this way?

My duffel bag was thankfully still weighing down my shoulder, and as I put it on the black floor I tried talking myself out of my nervous trembling. It's inevitable, we're going to be sharing a room for God's sakes, and I couldn't very well sleep with my clothes on for the next five years.

I quickly stripped, after making sure the door was locked, and debated whether I was allowed to take a shower in his bathroom. Would he consider it a transgression?

My craving for cleanliness won at the end and I decided to screw the consequences. I found big fluffy white towels and took a quick shower.

After brushing my teeth, I hesitantly walked out of the bathroom to find Edward on his bed, under the covers, sitting up and apparently waiting for me.

"You're sleeping on the floor." He said sternly "There's no way I'm giving up my bed. I put a pillow and some sheets and a blanket down there for you, so… knock yourself out." He said in a rude tone.

I fought back my tears, my chin quivering a bit.

Sleep on the floor. Like some common whore or something. And this man was supposed to be a gentleman. He was supposed to have a nice upbringing filled with morals and etiquette and the correct ways of treat human beings. I had no idea why I was being so overly sensitive about this, I guess it was because I had a tendency to get insulted easily. I didn't like this feeling of inferiority. He was treating me as if I was a bug on his flashy wall, as if I meant nothing and deserved less than nothing.

But like I said before, this was a losing battle. I couldn't make him respect me, I had to show him, show them all that even though my father traded my dignity for his freedom, I was a person worthy of respect. So, with a heavy heart, and nothing but determination, I just nodded and padded towards my "bed".

It took me a couple of minutes to fix the white sheets he gave me, so that they cover the floor I'd be sleeping on. I eventually succeeded after a little tussle with the fabric and then placed the pillow carefully on top of them and laid down.

The floor was hard on my back, my vertebras protesting loudly. I felt like a dog sleeping in the corner of the room, after his owner scolded him for getting on the bed. It was extremely condescending and humiliating. My new life was looking pretty ominous right this second.

But, we should always thank God for small miracles; all I could say is that I was very thankful for the hot weather He bestowed upon us this night, because in addition to the cold air blaring through the vents, the floor was pretty chilled to begin with. I could feel the coolness seeping in through the thin fabric of the sheets. Good thing it was summer; I'd hate sleeping here in the winter.

I'm sure I'll be developing back problems in the near future.

I turned on my side and sniffed gently. The man I'm supposedly married to was a class A asshole. He was cruel and haughty, he was temperamental and unfeeling. What fate was waiting for me with this person? Was he the one who was going to make my life a living hell?

I heard him huff, followed by the sheets rustling. He turned off the lights and then shifted again.

"Look Isabella." He said "This shit is all new to me, and I know it's new to you too. I don't know what the hell I'm doing here, but I won't apologize for the way I'm acting. You have no right to expect me to walk on egg shells around you. Anyway, I guess I'm just trying to say that we'll find you something more comfortable to sleep on alright?"

"Don't bother," I answered. "This is very fitting; it's where I belong after all." I replied sarcastically.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"He asked angrily.

"It means that I get it, alright? I get what you're trying to convey here. You're high and mighty, and I'm just some poor inconsequential girl that means nothing. I belong on the floor, right? I mean… my own father didn't give a shit about me, didn't hesitate to sell me like a piece of meat. So go ahead, treat me like your inferior, treat me like a fucking whore and give me no mind. I understand Edward, but I want you to know one thing; I didn't choose this. I didn't become a cheap piece of meat, a whore, by choice." I had tears streaming down my face by the time I was done talking. He brought out rambling and cussing out of me. I couldn't hold back my words any better than I could hold back my treas. It was the second time today that I'd lost the futile battle with my tears.

I did understand though. This guy thought he had it all, and being forced to marry someone who he wouldn't even look at more than once, someone who was poor and apparently powerless was not very enticing to him.

I figured he was cruel by nature. His own grandmother had had her fill of his troublemaking. He's a player, used to breaking hearts and claiming new notched on his fancy bed post.

"Isabella…" He said "Look, I know I've been a jerk today, but I don't think you're…" He cut off his own sentence and said with a little more venom. "Your father is the fucked up one here okay? Don't beat yourself up over this; you won't get any sympathy from me. It was your father that got me into this God dammed mess in the first place."

I knew very well that I wouldn't be getting any sympathy from him. I wouldn't be getting any caring or gentleness. I wouldn't be getting any kindness or understanding. He didn't look like the type of person who cared about charity cases. I was just that… A charity case.

I took about an hour to fall asleep. Edward was perfectly still and I didn't hear any sheets resulting, so I figured he's already lost to the world.

Eventually, exhaustion from this rollercoaster day won and my eyes drooped slowly. I fell into a fitful sleep.

It was the first night the nightmares began.

I was the first night I dreamt of Edward Cullen…

AN: If you're still reading this, please send me a review and tell me what you think so far. I know Edward seems very uncaring right now, but things will get a lot worse before they start getting better.

Anyone who has any ideas or advice please let me know.

And one more thing, should I make the chapters a little bit longer? Or are you satisfied with their length?

Thank you