I was excited with how many reviews I got, and how helpful they were. If you are wondering, why I want good and bad feedback so much, well it's because... I've writing the story, basically, for YOU yes YOU who are reading this right now. In addition, if you don't like it then I want to know so I'll be able to fix it and make myself a better writer. So all in all your reviews, even just telling me I'm doing a great or horrible job, benefit you and me in some way. Just thought I'd clear that up (: Thank you for all reviewers of last chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own twilight, nor am I making any profit from this story. Twilight and twilight characters belongs to Stephenie Meyer. However, this plot is entirely mine.

ALSO, my birthday is March 11th (: Happy Birthday to me. That's not a lie. I get to go on a shopping spree.

I'm excited.

I first noticed that not only had the number of bruises increased, but also they looked worse than they had when Bella was over during the weekend. They were bigger, and darker. They were daunting. I wondered how bad they hurt Bella. I wondered how her dad put them there. I wondered what other... bad, things he's done to her. I guess in time, Bella will be able to trust me enough to tell me about her and her life. As she said, I'm the only one she has. She most likely was paranoid with me knowing her deepest secret, me, a complete stranger. However, I think it will benefit her if I just listen, and offer her a place to stay when her dad kicks her out again. Maybe a friend willing to listen without judgment is all she needs.

I think, although it will be hard, I think I can manage to handle that.

When I looked up to meet those melted chocolate eyes, I noticed light purpling shading under her eyes. She was tired, obviously. My clock read 10:23 p.m. She let out a silent yawn and I let her know that she could lie on my bed if she wanted to. She took me up on that offer.

I allowed myself next to her on the bed, a fair distance apart. She let out a shaky breath, probably not knowing where to start. I thought, maybe it would be better if I started. So after clearing my throat I was ready to start the most serious conversation I'd ever had in my life.

"Your bruises, they're a lot worse today..." I looked up at her face, from my spot on my lap, to see if I'd cross the already line. Her lips were pressed together and she let out a subtle nod. "Why?" I whispered, wondering if it would be better to just turn off my light or too leave in on all night, or at least until she fell asleep. Would I get better at this, sneaking a girl into my room? Would I get the chance to? Would Bella always be that girl? I didn't like the thought of any other girl in my room.

"My dad, I guess he forgot I was going to ask Alice if I could study, when I got home... he was mad. I waited until he passed out to leave my house, to go nowhere in particular. Like the night you found me on the streets, I had nowhere to go. That's when I remembered you." She finished her sentence with a teary-eyed smile.

I couldn't help feel responsible for Bella's bruises. Even though, I knew that even if Alice didn't think I liked Bella, Bella still would have gone over to Alice's house. Even if I was there or not, I couldn't prevent Bella from getting hurt. But knowing that I couldn't stop Bella's pain that hurt me. I just hope that if I stick with Bella maybe she'll see that it doesn't have to be this way. She can be happy, with friends and a family and no bruises to hide, and no bruises to show. I want her to have that life, the life I'm so privileged to have. I suddenly felt selfish.

"Bella..." I began to mumble but she just let out a laugh with no humor inside it. "Stop, Edward. I know what you're going to say. You're going to say that you're sorry this is happening to me. You're going to say that this can stop, that I don't have to get hurt anymore." She was right. I was thankful that she didn't sound angry or upset.

"I've never actually heard those words directed towards me but I've seen enough dramas on lifetime." I had to let out a small laugh, Bella was not only smart, pretty, and nice; she was funny too. She laughed a little too, which caused my heart to skip, I retained my blush. I was getting better.

"Then, after I tell you those words you're supposed to fall into my arms and cry." She turned her head to smile at me, I was smiling back.

"Yup, then we're supposed to live happily ever after." I was happy to see her tears are gone. "Okay, since you don't want my advice, I'll let you talk." She nodded.

"You want to hear the full story? From the very beginning?" I nodded; she pulled her knees to her chest and rested her head on top of them.

"Okay, well about two years ago my mom got breast cancer. My dad wasn't the chief of police yet, that he just retained this year, so we were living off of a police's salary of a small town since my mom quit her job. With bills, rent, and food we didn't really have the money for my mom's chemotherapy. My dad tried his best, but we all knew it wasn't enough. When my mom died, he took it the hardest. Soon after, he obtained a drinking problem. In the beginning, it was easy to deal with. Make him dinner, clean up after him, send him to bed, and lay out two Advils in the morning. When he because chief of police the stress was building up. Not only was he behind on bills, he had another mouth to feed; me.

I remember the first night vividly, he had been drinking with his buddies in La Push and it was a little past ten. He came home screaming about how Renee', my mother, would still be here if it wasn't for me. Because I was the one who was taking up all the money. I couldn't help feeling a little guilty, he hit me a lot telling me it was my fault, and in the morning, I left my hair down threw on a sweatshirt and put on a lot of cover-up. The makeup thing helped, but he told me I looked like a whore. So I've been banned from wearing makeup. He also told me that wearing so much makeup was no way to impress boys, which he then stated I also wasn't allowed to do."

By the end, she had silent tears traveling her face. I wanted to sooth away the tears, but I had no idea how. She already banned me from using my words to comfort her. I decided to awkwardly put my arm around her shoulder, she stiffened for a second and I was worried that I had rested my arm on a hidden bruise. Just as I was about to pull away she rested her head on my shoulder, her body heaving slightly.

After some time later, her body stopped quivering but never pulled away from mine, I was thankful since she was the only thing keeping me warm.

"Why do you let him hurt you, Bella? I know you don't want my advice but... you don't deserve that." She lifted her head off my shoulder and stared into my eyes for some time.

"I know, thank you for listening, Edward." But she never answered my question. I was going to ask her again and then again if she didn't answer we the next time but I felt a pair of soft warm lips graze me cheek. I was surprised I even felt it. But as soon as I felt them, I didn't. It was quick and I'm sure there was no meaning behind it. If I told my friends, I was happy to have gotten a kiss on the cheek they probably would've laughed in my face.

I don't blame them what with all that sex they do and all.

She was still looking into my eyes, and I noticed a bright blush on her cheeks, much brighter from the one in science earlier today. I decided that out of all her smiles and laughs; I like a blush on her best.

"Can I sleep here, Edward? I'll leave before your parents get up. I'll sleep on the floor if you want me to." I slid my arm off her shoulder carefully, making sure not to hit any bumps on the way down but I nodded.

"Yeah, of course you can stay here. But you don't need sleep on the floor, I don't mind sleeping there." She shook her head gently.

"You can sleep on the bed with me." I nodded and got up to turn off the lights.

I made sure to be as far away from her as possible, which was quiet, easy with my California king. We both slipped into the covers and sleep took over me quite easily.

xXxXxXx

I was awoken by a rustling in my bed. Warmth and weight were soon removed. My eyes fluttered open and I looked to my alarm clock.

4:30 a.m.

"Sorry, I tried not to wake you but Charlie wakes up for work in a half an hour."

Charlie, her dad. The chief of police.

I briefly wondered how she got up at the perfect time. She didn't even seem sleepy. Maybe she was used to getting up this early.

"No, no. It's okay I'm a light sleeper. It's fine, really." She pulled on her shoes and I wondered when she took them off. I shrugged that thought out, it didn't really matter when.

"Thanks, Edward. For listening, for letting me stay, for not telling anyone. For everything, just... thanks." She was opening the window and I realized I didn't want her to go yet, I knew I had no choice though.

"Wait, Bella!" My voice spoke up on it's own and it was a little too loud for this current situation, but it caught Bella's attention. But I realized I had nothing planned to say.

"If you ever need to come again, any day of the week. Any time. You can come here. Without hesitation." This was said quieter.

Bella nodded, "I might take you up on that offer." And she left. My heart soared. There was no denying it. Alice was possibly right.

I think I might like Bella. Which is ridiculous considering I barely met her.

But Bella is amazing, in more ways than one.

I know, short. But I like to think of it more as a 'thank you' chapter, for the reviews. Me posting this chapter does not mean another chapter won't be posted this week, it very well could. It depends on you.

Happy birthday to me tomorrow :D

Review! (It'll be your birthday present for me."

Hazel Eyed Harlot