Hey everybody =) If you want to go check out my one-shots, please do! There is the new one up now!!! I also realized that my Chapter 16 was very jumbled for some reason and I re-wrote it. There is a pretty important flashback so I would love it if you took the time to read then end again.

Chapter 21

Bella POV

I knew that this needed to be done and honestly, I think that I have delayed long enough… I took a deep breath,
"Yes…" I answered Carlisle's question. I told them everything. I started with the first night when Charlie came home late and drunk. I was surprised that I had enough water in my body to produce tears, but apparently, I had plenty!

I watched my angel's faces grow dark as I described my night, Esme and Alice looked horrified, Rosalie looked enraged a long with Jasper and Emmett. Edward looked tortured. Carlisle seemed to be struggling to stay composed.

"Was t-that the only time?" Carlisle asked. I looked at him only since his expressions was the easiest to bear.
"No-" a loud cracking noise came from where Emmett was sitting; he had broken his chair. I gulped and fought against the panic attack. Oh god- he was going to hurt me.
"Bella, its ok, don't worry. He just cares about you." A calm voice informed me. That only sent me reeling back to my last encounter with Charlie, 'I love you baby' he had told me…

"Deep breaths Bella. Count your breathing- concentrate!" Carlisle's voice reached me and I tried to do as I was told. I suddenly felt pressure on my hand. Before I could panic, I remembered that it was Edward touching me and not Charlie. Edward brought his arm to my chest.
"Breathe with me Bella." I concentrated on the rising and falling of his chest. I slowly calmed down and I was back at the hospital; in both mind and body.
"Good girl." Edward approved fondly before dropping our hand back on the bed. However, the deep breathing had only reminded me of the pain in my ribs…

"I'm sorry Bellsy," again, comfort in the familiar nickname "I was just mad at him." He seethed. "You know I could never hurt you." He said hurt at the end. I looked at his bulky figure.
"I know. I just forget. And its not you that I am afraid of, it's the flashbacks you bring." I smiled sadly and sighed,
"Carlisle, I want to finish this now. Do you have any pain medication that won't make me sleep?" Edward groaned quietly and Carlisle nodded. Once the pain started to ease, I continued my horror story,

"The next day, when Marc came home, he had brought a guest with him." I wasn't ready yet to tell them about Marc/Charlie- it was too soon. "I overheard them when they were in the hallway. 'first time, she might need taming, but no need to be gentle. She is pure, I am afraid it will cost more.'" I repeated his words with disgust in my voice. Everybody in the room growled, including Carlisle. I wasn't fazed, if I could growl, I could.
"They then started being 'nice' to me so I was sure that I wasn't supposed to hear them. Marc told me that he bought a 'dress' that he wanted me to wearto dinner." I frowned at the memory of that particular outfit. "It was the sluttiest outfit I had ever seen. Instinct overtook me as I packed my bag for school and some spare clothes and I threw them out of my window. The man who 'bought' me then called me down again and it was his turn to… touch me." I said unable to read my friend's expressions as I was blinded by tears. "I ran out of the kitchen window, and that's the night I came to you." A small smile graced my lips as I remembered our cookie time.

"Oh Bella! We should have figured out that night! We didn't- we would have-" Rosalie's voice broke. I temporarily released Edward's hand to reach out to her. She came to my side quickly and held my hand both of hers.
"No, don't blame yourself. I didn't want anybody to know." I said gently before chuckling without humor, "So I kind of messed up when I showed up on your doorstep." They all looked hurt and confused.

"The nightmare." I sighed. " I have been having that dream since I was five, but that night, it was… worse." I closed my eyes and frowned at the memory. "I scream almost every time, I should have known not to come and disturb you guys." I scowled regretfully; I was a dreadful friend.

"We were all glad you came that night honey." Jasper said. What? How did he-? How did he know how I felt? There were a few more minutes of silence before Esme broke it hesitantly.
"Last time?" she asked. I tensed, I couldn't talk about that night yet, it was too fresh. I was on the verge of another flashback. No nononono!
"Enough for now." Jasper said firmly as Edward reclaimed my hand, rubbing circles in my hand. "Deep breaths." He whispered and I nodded before calming down.

"I want to sleep now." I wanted to avoid anymore conversation. They all nodded and waved goodbye as they stood up reluctantly. This frustrated me, I wanted to hug them, I really did, but I was scared. Tears sprung to my eyes as anger overtook me due to my lack of physical contact. Jasper turned around in surprise before he asked,
"What's wrong Bella?" Alice gasped when she saw my tears.
"Oh Bella, are you in pain? Carlisle!" She called. I shook my head strongly even though my body did actually throb.
"I can't touch you." I said pitifully. "I want to be able to hug you." I cried. All their faces crumpled as Rose approached me slowly and bent down to give me a short, gentle hug. However, I still tensed. I hated my body's responses.
"You will." she whispered "You just need time." She said sadly and I nodded before determination over took me.

"Emmett, can you please help me sit up?" I asked. He looked shocked but nodded and approached me slowly. He put his arm behind my shoulders and I stiffened but nodded for his to continue. "Thank you." I said in relief as I reached for his hand gave him a short squeeze and pulled back. It was short but he was obviously pleased.
"No problem Bellsy."
"You know, that sounds oddly familiar." I chuckled and so did they, but it was forced. I could feel my eyes droop and Edward said,
"Okay, time for bed." He laughed at my pout but I gave in. I didn't feel determined or courageous any more and I felt more comfortable around girls.
"Esme, Alice?" I asked. They nodded in understanding and helped me lay down once again.
"Go to bed Bella." Edward pressed.
"Mhmmm" I mumbled in agreement before searching for his hand; it comforted me. I found it and he held on to mine. I never realized how cold his touch was, but like everything else about him; it was comforting.

I fell asleep, not caring hat all the Cullens were still here, watching me. The fact is, they are still here even when they know the truth…

They really are my angels.

Edward POV

I really wish I could sleep. This day has been draining and I just wished I could escape it all for a few hours. I looked down at Bella, our fingers still intertwined. She also looked worn… I was being selfish, her day was obviously worse than mine or any of my siblings. Having to relive her… ordeal must have been extremely painful and not to mention traumatizing. To even think that someone could, could-
"Edward, stop. You need to stay in control for Bella." Jasper reminded me. Bella started whimpering. Carlisle had to go attend to other patients, but he was still close by.
"Carlisle, I think Bella needs more pain medication." I said in a normal volume.
Be right there. He answered in his thoughts.

Bella's hand then grasped mine tighter.
"No no no. Your not my father…" She murmured then started thrashing. Oh no- another nightmare.
"Alice, Esme. Restrain her!" They gently held her down.
"Bella, its okay. You're here with us, you're safe." I said while she held onto my hand like it was her life-line.
"Bella," I begged. "You're hurting yourself. Please wake up, please. For me." Her eyes shot open and she looked around wildly. Esme and Alice released her immediately. She looked down to our hands; hers was white due to the force she had been holding mine with.
"We are all here, always." I calmed her. My family hovered a few paces behind her bed. They didn't want to crowd her.

"My leg really hurts." She whimpered at the exact time Carlisle arrived.
"Bella, I am going to give you medication for the pain and to help you sleep okay?" She shook her head frantically.
"Please, I don't want to sleep."
"We will all be here when you wake up. We will protect you." Jasper said with a fierce emotion burning in his eyes. Bella slowly nodded.
"Giver her something that knocks her out cold. She can't take any more physical or emotional pain." Jasper whispered too low for Bella to hear. Carlisle agreed.
"I think she will need it every night. At least until she is strong enough to fight." Sighed Carlisle. I tapped into his thoughts,
My daughter never deserved this. Never. I sighed as well. Bella should be living a happy life.

The medication was helping as Bella's hand loosened and eventually became limp. A soft knock interrupted the silence. Nurse Roberts walked in.
"Excuse me, but somebody is here to visit Miss Barker." An old man followed by a teenage boy walked in. We all gasped before narrowing our eyes.

What was a werewolf doing here?!

Hehe… The werewolves finally get involved. But they do not have a large role, so sorry for pro-werewolves. Oh and again (sorry to repeat myself) I believe it will be truly beneficial for you to read the one-shot in Carlisle POV as it gives new insight to the story =D

Thanks again to all my readers! Your reviews cheer me up beyond belief and make me love writing!