Hi lovely people! Here's the chapter.

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Warning: For How Long deals with physical & emotional abuse. If these things offend you or are hard for you to handle then please don't read. It won't be anything too graphic but the abuse is still there.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or it's characters. I do own this though.

For How Long - Forward

-To get where you want to be...always put one foot in front of the other-

I watch as Edward walks out the door. This time I'm not afraid of it. He'll be back and the next time he leaves, I'll be with him.

He's going to his apartment to shower and change clothes. He's going to call his father and they're going to come get me. Both of them.

Edward says I need to tell my parents. He looked a little embarrassed when he explained why I need to do it now. He said my bruises would speak for themselves.

Edward told me not to answer any calls from Demetri and I told him he was out of his mind. That would only cause Demetri to show up sooner rather than later. As it was, we only had three days to perfect this getaway.

Right now the tentative plan was for me to stay at Edward's until I could get a restraining order. I would inform my parents not to talk to Demetri or contact him in any way. The Cullen's would be asked to do the same.

Edward was confident that without any information from our families, Demetri would be flying blind. I wasn't as sure as he was but I didn't have a better plan so I didn't protest too strongly.

I decide to take a shower and pack a bag. I'll need things at Edward's. I'm not sure how long I'll be staying there so I just guess as to how much to pack.

After the restraining order is in place, I'm going to be staying with my parents. That is, of course, if they'll let me. Edward thinks I'm insane for thinking that they wouldn't want me there. I suppose I see his point, but that doesn't mean all the uncertainty goes away.

I'm just putting a pair of jeans in my suitcase when my cell phone rings. I look at the display and see it's Demetri. He'll call the home phone when I don't answer my cell. Usually, it's to make sure I am, in fact, home.

I take a deep breath and prepare to ignore the ringing. When it starts, instinct kicks in and I run to the phone in the living room. I stop myself just before I take it off the cradle.

It rings four times before heading to voicemail. I make a mental note not to ever check that message.

Ignoring that phone call does two things; it makes me realize I can ignore them, and that I'm even more afraid then I was five minutes ago.

I hear my cell phone chime to indicate a text message has been received. I walk in and open it.

I suggest you make yourself available to take my calls, Isabella. I'll call again in a couple of hours.

Honestly, I expected him to be more upset but one can never tell in a text message.

Another message arrives, but this one is from Edward.

I'm leaving my place now. I'll be there with Dad soon. Are you okay?

He shouldn't worry so much about me, it will do nothing but stress him out. I reply.

See you soon. I'm fine, really.

I don't know that I believe it any more than he does.

-xx-

I'm watching a re-run of Dawson's Creek when I hear the knock on the door. I should be a bit embarrassed about the fact that I'm watching a show that was cool back when I was high school, but I'm not. I always wanted a love like Joey and Pacey; meant to be but had to be worked for. I want that.

Still, I turn the television off and I open the door. I see two of the most handsome men I will ever see, apart from my father and brothers.

Edward takes nothing from his dad, physically. He's all Esme on the outside, but it's his character that screams Carlisle.

Carlisle looks at my face impassively. He's a doctor right now. Not a friend.

"How are you, Bella? Any pain?" He asks, motioning to the sofa.

I walk over and sit.

"I'm fine, and no, there's really no pain."

He nods and sits next to me.

"I'm just going to check the bones and make sure there are no fractures I can feel, if that's okay."

I turn my face toward him and he pushes on it in different places. I flinch when he reaches my left cheek.

"Well, I don't think it's fractured but it's definitely bruised. I'd say your cheek will be the last thing to heal on your face. Where else are you hurt?" The question is meant for me but he looks to Edward. I would have told him the truth.

"Her abdomen and her shoulder were giving her trouble yesterday," Edward answered softly.

"Do you mind if I check them out, Bella? We can go into your room if you'd rather not do this in front of Edward."

I don't have a problem with it. I can show Carlisle both parts without exposing myself.

"No, it's fine. We can stay here."

I lift my shirt so that it's just below the cups of my bra. I see the bruises, but the pain has all but disappeared. Carlisle pushes in a few places and is satisfied there's nothing broken.

To see my shoulder, I have to unbutton my shirt a bit. I have the first button undone when Edward clears his throat.

"I think I'll get something to drink. Anyone else?" Both Carlisle and I shake our heads as Edward all but runs from the room.

"Is he okay?" I ask, concerned.

I hear his father chuckle and continue to unbutton until my shirt slides off my shoulder.

"He's fine, but you're undressing and while I can look at you with doctor's eyes, I think my son finds it a bit harder to do."

He looks at my face and I'm sure he sees the look of confusion it wears. I'm not naïve, I'm just not following.

"I'll just say this, I see you as a daughter. You're nearly the same age as Alice and Rose. Edward most definitely does not consider you a family member, Bella. He cares for you."

"Oh." I don't know another way to respond. I hate that he's uncomfortable around me though.

"Will staying with him make him uncomfortable? I don't want him to feel like he can't be in the same room with me…"

"You can button your blouse and no, I think as long as you don't start undressing in the middle of the living room, he'll be just fine." He winks at me and I smile.

He calls for Edward. He emerges warily.

"I'm going to go make a call, I'll be right back," Carlisle explains before ducking into the nearest open door.

"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable."

He shakes his head and walks toward me.

"You didn't. I just…Bella I…" he opens his mouth to finish his sentence but all that comes out is a gust of air, "I just didn't want you to be uncomfortable."

"Alright, I have everything set up and the car is waiting out front."

Edward and I look at Carlisle as he comes to stand next to us.

There's a beat of silence. I'm trying to figure out what Edward was going to say. Edward is trying to get his father to say something by giving him not so subtle looks and head nods. Carlisle has a look of amusement on his face.

"Well, we should go. Bella, where are your things, Edward can carry them down."

"They're in my room, I'll go get them."

I walk into the bedroom and look around. Nothing of any importance is in here. Demetri didn't allow me to have personal pictures up. He said if he wanted to stare at my family's faces, he'd ask them over.

I pick up my suitcase then let it down. I roll it out and Edward takes it from me.

"Is there anything else you'd like to take from here, Bella?"

I look at Edward. His good radiates from him.

"There's nothing in the apartment that I ever want to be near again."

This time when Edward walks out of my door, I am right next to him and I know this is where I'm supposed to be.

-xx-

On the way to Edward's apartment, Carlisle explains we'll go to the police tomorrow. He wants me to have time to work through all this mentally before I actually go and do it. I'm not sure another day will change anything, but I'll gladly take the extra time.

Edward lives in a beautiful apartment complex. It's a high rise just like mine, but his isn't impersonal gray, it's a soft brown. I'm sure I've suffered a head injury as I sit here and look out the car window and love the color of his building.

My door is opened and I step out.

"I'll inform my door man that you'll be staying a few days. He'll have a key made for you."

I quickly look at Edward, panicked. I didn't plan on being alone.

"I have to go into the hospital for a few hours; I've got patients I need to check in on. Taking a couple days off does back things up." He says with a smile.

I feel awful. I didn't think about him missing work. Yes, he must go in. I'm a big girl. I can do this by myself.

We walk into the complex and stop at the front desk.

"Caius, this is Bella. She'll be staying in my apartment for a few days. She'll need a key and full access to tenant areas please."

Caius is handsome. He's younger than me, probably in college. He has a nice smile and kind eyes. He looks me up and down; I blush but don't feel offended.

"Of course, Mr. Cullen. I'll have the key for you first thing in the morning and I'll get her access card as soon as Tyler gets here to take over."

There's a silence, then Carlisle suggests Edward find his manners and introduce Caius and I.

"I'm sorry, Bella, this is Caius. He's worked in the building long before I became a tenant. He's very trustworthy and I hope you'll feel comfortable with him helping you at any time."

Caius stuck his hand out toward me and I shook it firmly.

"It's nice to meet you, Caius. Thank you."

"It's nice to meet you as well, Ms…" He trails off not sure of my last name. Also, he's given me the wrong preface.

"It's just Bella for now Caius, is that alright?" Edward asks, looking down at me.

I nod. We say goodbye to Caius and head to the elevator. Edward pulls out a black card with the name of the apartment complex on it.

"This is my access card. Only people living in the building have one and you can't get on the elevator or stairs without one, unless Caius or Tyler uses theirs, and then they escort the delivery man or whoever up. Aside from my family, everyone who visits me will have an escort."

That's comforting. I tell myself that's a great safety feature.

All three of us board the elevator and Edward pushes the round '24' button on the keypad.

"Bella, when would you like to call your parents?" Carlisle asks softly.

I wanted to answer with never. I didn't want to tell them that they're "strong and independent" daughter has been a victim of domestic abuse for nearly four years. I was most afraid of seeing the disappointment they'd feel.

I cleared my throat, "Well, I thought about just waiting until tomorrow to do that as well so I could give them all the information at once. I don't want to tell them they have to wait for answers. I'll invite them over for dinner, if that's alright."

Carlisle nods and seems satisfied with the answer.

"Do you think they think it's odd you're staying with me and not them?" Edward asks, staring straight ahead.

"I'm sure when I explain as to why that is, they'll find it a reasonable plan."

"Of course."

The elevator dings twice and the doors open. We turn left once we're in the hallway and I notice there are only three apartments on this end of the hallway.

"There are six apartments on this floor but only three are occupied. Two on this end and one on the other. My neighbor, Tanya, is in 2407. I wouldn't be in a hurry to meet her."

"I don't plan on the leaving the apartment so that won't be an issue," I state. I wonder why he said that though.

"She's had it bad for my boy the entire time he's lived here and he won't give her the cup of sugar she wants to borrow," Carlisle explains with a pat to Edward's back.

I smile at Edward's red face and his glare towards Carlisle.

"What?" Carlisle asks, feigning innocence.

I can't help but laugh out loud now.

"Don't encourage the poor bastard, Bella, it'll just make it worse."

"Edward Anthony, I'm telling your mother about the manner in which you spoke in front of a lady."

"Dad, you just insinuated my neighbor wanted to jump my bones. If you tell, I will too."

I watch the tennis match in front of me and I sigh contently. Their lives are so uncomplicated. I hope I don't change that.

"Fair enough, now are you going to show Bella the inside of your apartment or just let her admire the door?"

Edward lives in apartment 2409. It was at the end of the hallway. He swiped his key and the lock beeped once.

I entered first and looked around. I didn't want to seem nosy though so I quickly turned toward Edward and awaited his direction.

"I'll show you the guest room; we can put your stuff in there."

We walk through his living room, which is open and bright thanks to the wall of windows. It's clean but not obnoxiously so. The furniture is dark and homey. I fall in love with the fireplace at first sight. I don't get much time to see the details of room because we're already in the hall.

"This is my bedroom here." He points at the door on the right.

We pass the bathroom and he says it's mine to use, as he has his own. The guest bedroom is on the other side of the bathroom. It houses a queen size bed, a dresser, and a flat screen television hanging on the opposite wall.

The closet is a walk-in and will house what I brought easily though I'm still not sure if I'm going to actually unpack anything.

"Please make this your room. I don't mind at all if you want to move some things around, and if you need anything, please let me know."

I can't help myself. I walk to him and hug him around his waist. He's caught off guard I'm sure. It takes him a few seconds to respond and then I feel his warmth around me.

"Thank you for everything," I whisper.

-xx-

Carlisle stays. He talks to me about what happened this last time and tries to get me to talk about all the other times Demetri abused me but I don't feel like it. I've tried so hard to just forget about them. He assures me that I don't have to tell him anything I don't want to. He would have to share my medical records from the free clinic though. It seems like a million years ago that I had to go there.

He asks if I've heard from Demetri at all. When I tell them he's called my cell phone a couple of times and the house phone once, they encourage me to continue to ignore him. I agree but only because he's got to be livid.

When Carlisle gets up to leave, he gives Edward instruction to make sure he leaves his cell phone number where I can find it. Edward agrees and he bids us a good night. He promises to see us tomorrow.

"I'll be leaving for the hospital in the morning, probably around nine. I'm going to try and only stay a few of hours so I can be here when your parents arrive. Dad will come over before his shift and check on you. He goes in at one."

I feel like a child but I am grateful. These wonderful people who didn't even know me a few weeks ago are doing everything they can to help me out of this life I've made for myself.

"Thank you." I feel like I should say more but I'm not finding the words.

"Are you hungry? We can order in or I can see what I have to cook…"

"I can fix something," I respond, standing up.

"No, Bella, you don't have to do that," he counters, stepping in front of me.

"I don't mind, Edward."

"I know, but let me just order something and we just sit down and relax. You've had a rough few days. Just take it easy."

I look up at him and I see concern written all over his face.

"You look exhausted," he points out.

"Do you like Mexican food?"

He nods and smiles.

"I'll take a chicken quesadilla with a side of rice, please"

"I'll go call and you can get the drinks if you don't mind. There are all sorts of things in the fridge, tea, juice, water, wine, and beer."

I laugh. "All different flavors huh?"

"You never know what you're in the mood for."

He walks in the other room to make the call and I wander into the kitchen. I personally want wine but I can't imagine him having a wine on hand that would go with Mexican food, so I get out two beers and pop the tops.

"It'll be here in about half an hour," he announces, leaning up against the counter.

"So with traffic, they mean forty-five minutes?" I joke, holding his beer out for him to take.

"Basically." He plays along.

"We can eat in the living room if that's okay with you? I don't ever use the table in here unless it's for a holiday my mother insists on having here."

Once I've settle into the sofa and Edward into the oversized chair, we look at each other. I'm not sure what to say. There are tons of things running through my head but I'm trying to keep things as light as possible.

"Are you close with your sisters?" I figure this is a safe and light route to take.

"Yes. We haven't always been close but since we've become adults, it's been easier. Alice and I never really had a problem, but Rose and I would tick each other off every day."

"Rose is a lot like you though. She's a strong willed person, she doesn't back down easily."

He takes a swig of his beer before he speaks.

"Exactly. Neither of us would give in first. Mom, Dad, and Alice about went crazy. Looking back, both Rose and I feel awful about how we acted."

"I'm sure they forgave you easily. It's what makes a family a family."

"I suppose you're right," he says with a chuckle, "What about you and your brothers, are you guys close?"

"Yes, usually. I talk to Jasper more now because he lives here and Emmett doesn't, but when Em did live here, we were inseparable."

"It must have been hard only having boys to play with and stuff."

I sit my beer on my leg and watch the condensation make wet spots on my jeans.

"I definitely had a rough childhood. My brothers would often forget they had a sister but I learned to be as tough as them. Give the shit they made me take, you know?"

"Yeah, I do. Try having two sisters, everything was dresses and hair bows. Then it was Aunt Flo and boys. Now they're worried about never finding Mr. Right, which would lead to not having perfect babies," he rolls his eyes, "They should be more like me, then Alice wouldn't have to color her hair every three weeks to hide the grays she gives herself."

I snort. I really need to stop doing that…

Edward looks at me and laughs. "Did you just snort?"

"I get it from Em," I explain, laughing.

"Favorite family vacation," Edward prompts.

I hate twenty-questions. It feels so impersonal which in ironic considering it's supposed to help you get to know someone.

"Umm, probably Germany. We went when I was ten, and I loved it. It was dark and rainy almost the whole time but we had so much fun. We rented a car to take on the Autobahn. I don't think my mother has ever been so scared in her whole life." I re-tale the story and I can't help but smile at the thought of my mom closing her eyes and praying the entire time.

Edward sits up with his elbows on his knees and his eyes are bright.

"Mom did the same thing when we went! I was twelve. She had fallen asleep which is the only reason Dad got away with doing it in the first place. She woke up and thought she was dreaming. She started pinching herself."

We are both laughing so hard.

"That's…when…Mom…made Dad…get rid of the…Aston Martin." Edward can barely breathe between laughing and taking shallow breaths.

When the phone rings, I start trying to compose myself. I have tears flowing down my cheeks and for the first time in a long time, they're happy tears.

"Hello?" Edward asks, still out of breath, "Okay escort them up, please."

I look at him and ask the question without words.

"Foods here in under an hour. Nice."

"This was all nice," I say standing up at taking his empty bottle.

Before I enter the kitchen I hear, but just barely, "Yes, it is."

-xx-

"Remind me never to eat that much Mexican rice again," I complain while holding my stomach.

"Bella, you didn't even finish what they sent you," Edward responded with a laugh.

"Still, I ate way too much. I'm going to have to work out an extra twenty minutes this week," I say with a groan.

"You work out?" Edward asks with genuine interest.

I shake my head. "No, but I might have to start after that meal."

Edward stands and walks to this massive entertainment stand that houses a ton of black electronics. He goes to his IPod that's sitting in his IHome. He plays with it for a minute then turns toward me with his hand extended.

"Dancing is a great way to burn unwanted calories." He sounds like a late night infomercial.

"Yes, well, unless we're going to salsa, tango, or do the Macarena, I doubt it's going to help," I say with a smile.

"It's worth a shot, c'mon."

I stand and he hits the button on his IHome. It's a slow song. He gathers me up and holds me close. I let myself meld into him.

"Dance with me Bella," he whispers and then we're moving.

Cut my skin and I bleed

Just like anybody

And I want and I need

As much as anybody

Sometimes I cry

But doesn't everybody

I feel his warm breath on my ear before I hear his soft words.

"He'll never hurt you again, Bella."

I have secrets, I have scars

As deep as anybody

I have fears no one hears

But don't tell anybody

Sometimes I lie

But doesn't everybody

Sometimes

Doesn't everybody

I can't stop the tears as they flow. This song is beautiful in such a painful way.

I know that sometimes I end up running wild

I feel just like a little child but tell me

Doesn't everybody

Sometimes

Doesn't everybody

Sometimes

Well I stumble and I fall

Just like everybody

Try to walk before I crawl

But doesn't everybody

Wish I could fly

But doesn't everybody

Sometimes

Doesn't everybody

"He'll never make you feel unworthy ever again."

I know that sometimes I end up running wild

I feel just like a little child but tell me

Doesn't everybody

Sometimes

Doesn't everybody

Sometimes

Doesn't everybody

Sometimes

Sometimes

The song fades out but we keep moving. He pulls back just enough to see my face.

"Promise?" I don't know why I ask. He can't possibly make the promise with complete certainty that he can keep it.

"I promise, Bella."

I believe him.

-xx-

We've both showered and now we're trying to figure out how to say goodnight.

I'm in pajama shorts and a tank top. Edward wears black sweatpants and white V-neck that I suspect he's only wearing because I'm here. He's barefoot and incredible.

"I'll be up for a little while longer working on some charts so if you need anything, please let me know," He explains as we walk down the hallway.

He passes up his room and goes with me to mine.

"Well, you don't have your keys out and ready, so you must have liked the date," he says with a smile.

It was a joke so I laugh, but it's only kind of a joke. I did have a nice time with him. This isn't an ideal situation, and we're not at this stage, but I feel like I could love Edward the way you're supposed to love someone.

"I did, indeed."

His next words are so soft I'm not sure I hear them right.

"Can I kiss you?"

Yeah, I heard them right.

I look into his eyes and he's gone out on an unsteady limb. I want to, I just don't think this is what we need right now. Nothing can come from it, at least not right now. I'm still very married and even though I'm not with Demetri anymore, I still feel as though I'd be cheating on him. Not that Demetri has ever cared about cheating on me.

I am about to say no when his left hand comes up and his thumb rubs my cheek gently.

We should talk about this. We will talk about what this means and what this changes. Tomorrow. That's when everything else is being discussed after all.

"Yes."

His eyes go wide at first. He's probably just as shocked as I am that I said yes.

"You're sure?"

I nod. "We'll have to talk about everything tomorrow, but right now, I just want this."

He leans in and I feel the most wonderful sensation shoot through me when his soft lips meet mine. The kiss is slow and gentle but already so much more passionate than any kiss Demetri and I shared.

We break apart and his lips are on my forehead.

"Goodnight, Bella."

"Goodnight, Edward."

I walk into the room and close the door. I don't even try to stop the smile on my face as fingers touch my lips. I want to hold on to his taste forever.

Next chapter will be up soon. Next wknd probably.

Also, if you read At The Hip I updated that today as well. Gasp! Ikr?

I posted the o/s I entered into the Blue-Collarward Contest on my profile. "Snake" ...check it out if ya have time.

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-rach.