I know I said I would update Wednesday, but your reviews made me so happy that I just had to write more! He he he… Ok, do not question me, I am in a weird mood and what can I say? You guys are just such good readers and I am generally a happy person =) Sorry about uploading it twice, I read it and it had a few major mistakes so I took it down again. Oh and this is going to be a pretty important chapter, so stay tuned!

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight and I am not even upset about it, Twilight belongs exclusively to Stephenie Meyer!

Chapter 15

Bella POV

Today has been difficult. I was so scared of physical contact. I guess this was just another way in which Marc could scar me.

I almost had a heart attack when Emmett wanted to give me a high-five. I was actually feeling marginally comfortable around the Cullens And I had even managed one witty response, but then I just had to blow it all!

This day was also terrible because I felt like crap. On top of my physical injuries, I was feeling sick and faint. My last period before lunch was free and I was praying that The Cullens wouldn't be there. It wasn't that I didn't like them, I loved them! They were the light at the end of the tunnel, but I knew that light was going to go out. I didn't want to be there when the fuse was blown. I sighed when I saw them all sitting down in the classroom. Jasper called me over and suddenly, I felt extremely sick. That was when I had fainted.

That was also when the Cullens nearly discovered my secrets. Ye, definitely not the highlight of my day. First, I had to faint, them I completely lost it when Edward was holding me. For a second, I swore he was Marc… They all seemed to buy my excuse of falling off the bike I don't even own. It's actually pretty weird, sometimes I can be the most convincing liar, but usually, I just suck.

Even after me freaking out a few times at the mention of being touched, they still decided to sit with me at lunch. On top of all their kindness, Edward bought me lunch! Abruptly, the question that had been on my mind all day just spilled out;

"Why?" They seemed so confused.
"Why what?" Emmett asked me to clarify.
"Why do you care?" I didn't manage to keep my voice straight and I saw the expression on all of their beautiful faces; heartbroken. I quickly looked down with an epiphany; they pitied me. I was about to stand and leave, but Rosalie stood up and looked at me straight in the eyes.

"Isabella," she saw the fear in my eyes and corrected herself,
"Bella, you are the nicest, shyest, sweetest, selfless girl I have ever met. Why do we care? Because you deserve to be cared for." She approached me slowly and gave me a gentle hug. After a few tense seconds, I relaxed in her embrace.
"Thank you" I replied simply, there was no hint of a lie in her voice, and I didn't find the will in me to doubt her.
We both sat down and Alice eased the rest of the tension with her bubbly personality,

"So, about that shopping…" Everybody laughed while I allowed myself a smile.

Maybe I could have friends and keep my secrets. They already knew I was bullied at school, so I could blame all my injuries solely on that abuse. My smile grew wider. Maybe…

Or maybe not.

…………………………………………………………

I was just about to leave the school parking lot when the Cullens drove past and stopped the car.

"Come on Bella, let us give you a ride." Edward said. Before I could say anything, Alice unleashed an extremely talented puppy dog pout.
"B-but, you don't h-have any room." I stuttered while still looking at Alice's face.
"That's no problem, you can sit on Edward's lap and Emmett will drive." Rose said practically. I froze, I couldn't let him touch me. Already spending time with them was pushing my limits. Brief images of Marc flashed before my eyes and I stumbled backwards while shaking my head.

"Seriously, I like walking."
"I am warning you, I will strap you to the roof." Emmett threatened, his voice was serious and I would have had a panic attack right there and then if it wasn't for the spark of amusement in his eyes.
"I'll just sit in the back." I mumbled. Everybody smiled as I squeezed myself next to Alice. I knew it was Alice, but any type of physical contact made me nervous. I was taking deep breaths fighting my panic attack the whole way home. At the start of the rise, Jasper had asked,

"Bella are you okay?" all the faces of my angels were concerned. I gave a weak smile and said; "Car sick." They didn't bother me after that, but they shot glances in my direction.

When we arrived at my house, I practically jumped out of the car in a haste.
"Bye guys, thanks again for the ride!" After a second hesitation, I added; "See you tomorrow?" It came out more as a question, but they all smiled so wide- it was freaky.
"Of course." Edward replied before they drove off.

I took a deep breath- it had been a pretty eventful day today; I am finally going to give friends a try and I am hoping that it wont blow up in my face.

I entered the house and started cooking some fish fry. At six, Marc arrived, but he seemed to have company- good thing I made enough food. Marc's voice floated to the kitchen from the hallway.

" …first time, she might need taming, but no need to be gentle. Since she is pure, I am afraid it will cost more…"
"No problem." Responded a keen and unfamiliar voice.

I froze in horror. Marc was selling my body? He was selling his daughter's body?! Horror, fear and anger ran through my veins at an alarming rate. They had now reached the living room- what am I supposed to do now?

"Isabella dearest." Marc called innocently.
"Yes?" I asked in fear.
"Come here, I would like you to meet somebody." His voice was still innocent, he obviously didn't mean me to overhear his previous conversation.
"I'll be right there." No way in hell was I going to go through this! Now, adrenaline was coursing through my veins. Think! Think!
"Actually Isabella, could you go to your room? I got you a present and I would love to see you wearing it at dinner."
"Umm s-sure, t-thank you." I ran upstairs and locked my door. On my bed was the skimpiest dress I had ever seen. I quickly started packing a bag with a spare set of clothes and I also grabbed my school bag before throwing both of them out of my window.
"Sorry Izzy, change of plan. I like my women skinny. Serve the adults dinner first, then you can model that dress for me." Said the low, strange voice. I descended the stairs and gulped; he was waiting at the bottom. He seemed like an ordinary business man, overweight with his tie hanging loose around his neck.

As I tried to pass him, he grabbed me around my waist and pulled me to his chest only to lay a long, disgusting kiss on my unwilling lips. He then moved his lips to my ear and murmured,
"More to come later." I shuddered as he licked my earlobe then smacked my butt.

I ran to the kitchen 'to get their food' but I went straight to the window and climbed out since I was on the ground floor. I squeezed through and ran to find my bags before I ran. I ran and ran, getting as far from my house as I could. I had no idea where to go.

Only one place seemed plausible…

There we go guys, this is a major turning point, so once again I hope you enjoyed my story and thank you for reading!