A/N: I'm so sorry it's been ages! I've just had too many ideas for stories lately, and this causes me to forget to update my other ones. But fear not! An update is here! And just so you know, this is the second last chapter. After this one, there is the last…and then the Epilogue.

Hope you like this one, please let me know :)

Brown Eyed Girl

Chapter 8: I'll Never Leave Her

EPOV

You know when there's a sudden change or a sudden anomaly in a system that completely alters the path it was on, and completely affects its outcome? Kind of like a train on a railway track after someone has switches the train's direction. One small, insignificant move; and the train ends up in a completely different location.

That was kind of what today felt like. It felt as if someone had decided, 'nope, you know what. I'm going to completely alter this boy's life and see where he ends up.'

Three things occurred today, effectively changing my life forever. Firstly, I dumped Rose. To other guys I would seem crazy to do something like that, with a girl like that. And sure, she was beautiful, and funny and nice. She was also very confident in the sack, but she wasn't what made me happy.

It was the fact that I would maybe have a chance at seeing Bella, if I went to her house. Or at school, I would have an even better chance at seeing her, and maybe talk to her. When I saw her in the cafeteria, I knew I hadn't seen anyone as beautiful as her; even her sister.

Bella had her own unique, timeless beauty which was sort of ethereal in its simplicity. Her pale, yet flawless complexion was emphasised by her brown and auburn hair, and her chocolate-brown coloured eyes. Of course, her cute little nose and full pink lips helped as well.

And God knows, if Rose hadn't shown any interest – along with the fact that Bella seemed to have a boyfriend – I would have definitely pursued her that very day.

Anyway, the second thing that happened today was almost the worst thing that could have happened. When I followed Jake into his house I had no idea what we might find. His face earlier was worrying enough as it was, but I had no clue as to what could cause it. All I knew was that Bella was there, perhaps waiting for Jake to come home.

The last thing I expected to hear was a sobbing Bella followed by a quiet, 'why?' and Paul's response had me as rigid as a wooden plank. 'I'm loosening you up baby. So that when I fuck you we'll both enjoy it.'

Of course, this was followed by more cries and sobs from Bella, which finally woke me up from my horrified faze. When Jake led me to the living room and the couch, I couldn't believe my eyes.

There, lying on the couch in no clothing at all was my Bella. Black lines covered her face as her tears ran down, collecting mascara. As soon as I took in the fact that Jake had just yanked Paul's body off of her, effectively pulling out his fingers, which were inside her, she yelped in pain. And when she whimpered, probably anticipating the pain of his cock being rammed into her, with her eyes closed and eyebrows puckered, I lost it.

I couldn't concentrate on anything else besides the man that Jake had just pushed to the ground. He reeked of alcohol and cigarettes. And I can't completely remember what I was thinking or what was going through my head. But I just couldn't do anything other than hurt the guy who had harmed my Bella. I saw red.

I moved to him, faster than I thought possible, and just began punching him. First, I gave him a right hook to the nose, followed by the jaw, eye, and then I moved to his stomach. I lost count after eight hard punches. And by the time Jake pulled me off of him he was unconscious. I'd knocked him out good. But I still wasn't satisfied. Since the arsehole was alive.

After that I knew I had to calm down. As I moved slowly to the couch and sat down with my face in my hands, I took a brief glance to see Bella in Jake's lap as he tried to wake her.

Fuck.

I can't imagine what she's going through.

When I felt my own tears falling down my face, I sniffed and tried wiping them as I continued to hold the weight of my head in my hands. I couldn't believe I'd just done that. It was such an adrenaline rush. I think I'm going to start up boxing. Because it felt fucking good. However, this time was uncontrolled. I needed to work on that.

I could hear Jake beside me trying to get Bella to respond. Shit. What if she doesn't wake up? I couldn't imagine losing her just before I was going to admit to her my feelings. Even though she had Jake, she also had the right to know why I ended things with Rose. Please God let her wake up.

"Bella? Bella sweetie, please wake up," he sobbed, joining my quiet whimpers. "Baby, wake up. Please!" Yes, please! "Oh thank God, you're awake." He breathed. "Edward, she's awake."

I exhaled quickly as I thanked God, relieved that she was alive, that he hadn't done anything more seriously fucked up. I turn to find her watching me, both of our eyes filled with tears as we gazed into each other's eyes.

"Bella," I had whispered. When she started to cry, Jake pulled her in tighter. Yet her eyes didn't leave mine. In that moment, all I wanted to do was hold her myself. Claim her as mine, and not let any other guy touch her again. But I knew I couldn't. However I wanted to see if I could just give her a hug. I mean, she thought we were friends right? Friends hug. And I needed to have her in my arms so badly.

I extended my arms towards her. "Can I?" I asked both her and Jake.

As she reached her hands to me, Jake let her go and gently moved her on to my lap, before saying he was going to make some phone calls. I figured Charlie and Rose might be the main two calls.

I had wrapped my arms tightly around her and we both sighed heavily; I didn't understand hers, but I sighed in content. Finally, to have my arms entirely encompass her body; having her against mine so tightly. Not just a crappy little hug. This was the mother of all embraces, and I cherished it with my heart. With the thought of never letting her go. And I didn't want to. Ever.

Her face was hidden in the crook of my neck as one of my hands held it there. And I ran my fingers slowly through her hair. Trying to soothe her. Keep her relaxed.

"Edward," she had whimpered.

I whispered that everything was going to be okay, and that I would never let her go. When I started to kiss her shoulder and forehead, I knew I was pushing it but I couldn't seem to stop. And when she kissed me back, I wanted to kiss her lips so badly. But I knew I couldn't. Not so close to dumping her sister. It just felt wrong. But my previous kisses were to help calm her, make her feel safe. And they seemed to have worked.

She seemed shocked that I had feelings for her, and that I had ended it with Rose. But when she had told me she felt the same way…well that was the third thing. The third thing that happened today which I knew would change my life forever.

Because I knew, as long as she wanted me, I'd be here with her. I knew it was too early to know for sure, but I was pretty damn positive that I was in love with Bella Swan. But I figured I should probably take her on a few dates before I drop that little bomb.

Right now, as I contemplated the three things that would change the course of my life as I know it; I waited outside in the hospital hallway. Bella was being questioned and examined by some doctors, but she had asked before we left, if I would come with her.

Ah, fuck yes I'm coming with you, even if you don't want me to.

Well that was my response in my head, but I just said 'of course.'

My knees bobbed up and down as I waited.

When they were finally finished, the door opened and she was let out before she power walked her way over to me. As I quickly wrapped my arm over her shoulder and brought her in closer to me, she sighed and then spoke quietly.

"I just need to answer a couple more questions for the police," she looked into my eyes, "would you mind being with me?"

I frowned, "Of course not. If you ever want me with you for anything, I'll always be there for you." I said seriously, before adding, "Except, if you ever want me to go to a spa or a beauty salon…I think I'll pass." I chuckled, which earned me a bright smile.

I mentally fist pumped in the air. It was her first real smile today, well tonight. It was getting quite late now.

"Where do you have to speak to them? Here or do we need to go to the station?" I asked.

Understandably, Charlie Swan couldn't take her statement or ask any questions as an officer since he was her father. Conflict of interest and all of that.

"Um…they said that a couple of officers were waiting just outside but- oh, there they are." She pointed to across the hallway and down a bit, where a man and a woman stood in uniform.

I led her towards them as I held her tightly. I was serious about not letting her go. If she is ever in the same room as me, it's going to be fucking hard to pull me apart from her.

As we approached, they turned to face us. The woman had long, strawberry blonde hair while the man had a black mop of hair, falling into his face. They both smiled at us as the woman extended her hand.

"Hi, I'm officer Denali and this is officer Peters. You must be Bella, and I'm guessing you're Edward." She said as she shook our hands.

"That'd be me."

"Okay, well why don't we just take a seat over here and we'll just ask you a couple of questions from both of you if that's okay. If there's anything more we need, we'll come find you. Now firstly, I just want to confirm, Isabella, that you are pressing charges on Paul Black?"

"Fuck yes, she is," I blurted without thinking. Silence met me before I turned to Bella apologetically and she confirmed it.

Officer Denali wrote on a pad and then looked up at Bella with a reassuring smile, "Okay, now Bella…could you please just give us a brief run-down of what happened when you went to the Black's house?"

Overall, the questioning took about ten minutes. Bella recounted the events in her perspective and then I followed. Officer Peters warned me that Mr Black may press charges against me for beating him up, but he said not to worry about it since I was provoked in this certain circumstance, and that it probably wouldn't hold.

After we were finished talking to them, we shook hands and parted ways.

Once we paid, we left and walked to my car. As I drove Bella home I held her hand the whole way.

A/N: Thoughts? How did you like Edward's POV for a change?