The Curse of Destiny

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. I wish I did, but I don't. I own this plot line (originally it was a short story I wrote for a college class and I decided to turn it into a longer fanfiction story). I hope you all like it.

Description: The doctors threw around the term "Stockholm's Syndrome." All Bella knew was that she missed her kidnapper and wasn't sure how to function without him anymore. She needed him and she had to get back to him…somehow. Could she love Edward, the man who had both abducted her and stolen her heart? Could she live without him? Time will tell…

Author's Note: Thank you to all who sent me personal messages. I feel a little better so I decided I would get a chapter in before Easter. Thank you for all your love and support. It has been a tough go of it, but I am feeling better. I figured you all deserved a chapter before Easter. I hope you like it. Thank you again for all the love. You are all so wonderful!

Chapter 9 – The Truth…

Bella woke up and felt drowsy. The pain in her ankle throbbed as tears leaked out of her eyes.

"I have some painkillers if you would like…" Edward says softly as his voice trails off.

Bella looks down at her clothes and feels immense relief that she is still in them.

"I…I didn't want to make you uncomfortable so I didn't put you in fresh clothes." Edward looks at her earnestly and Bella feels her heart beat escalate as she tears her eyes away.

"Thanks." She mumbles.

Edward looks at her in surprise. She spoke to him willingly in a polite manner.

"Would you like to change now? I could leave the room and get you something to eat?" Edward's voice is soft, low and sweet…like melted honey.

Bella nods mutely. Edward gets up quickly and walks over to the dresser. He pulls out a long t-shirt and a pair of sleep shorts.

"You can't walk yet. If you put any pressure on your leg at all it will make it worse. You will have to change in the bed."

Bella nods again. She winces as she moves to sit up and Edward is beside her instantly. Bella shies away from him and he remembers himself and distances himself slightly and looks apologetic.

"How long was I asleep?" Bella asks.

Edward sits back down in the seat with her clothes folded on his lap. "12 hours."

Bella seems surprised, but shrugs her shoulders as if it doesn't matter. "I want a painkiller, please."

Edward nods vigorously and sets the clothes on her lap before leaving the room and closing the door behind him.

Bella quickly removes her shirt and slides the oversized shirt over her body. Carefully she tries to lower her pants, but the pain in her ankle prevents her from doing much. She yanks them down and pushes them off with her good ankle until only her one leg is in the pants. She knows she will never get the shorts on, so she throws the blankets over her body and leaves only her bad ankle propped up outside of the blanket.
Edward knocks when he returns. He waits a minute for a response before entering. He sets a bottle of painkillers on her nightstand and hands her one with a glass of water as he balances her tray of food in his other hand. Bella takes it eagerly and swallows it down.

Edward sets the tray on her lap and then sits in the chair close to her bed. Bella looks at him squarely. She wants to talk with him before the painkiller makes her drowsy.

"What are you keeping from me? What do you know about my family?"

Edward looks alarmed, but takes a deep breath to answer. "My father is friends with someone who talked about you often. I heard a lot of things…things that bothered me enough that I wanted to find out who you were."

Bella looks confused. "What friend?"

Edward's gaze settles on her and she sees nothing but concern for her in his eyes. "Billy Black."

Bella gasps as the familiarity settles around her. "Your father is friends with my father's best friend?" She asks.

Edward nods. "Yes, they are or were quite close I don't know if they still are now."

Bella is eager to know more. "What did Billy say about me that upset you?"

Edward's face falls and his eyes implore her to believe him. "He talked about how he and your father had an arrangement, Bella."

Edward looks down at his hands seemingly hesitant to say the rest. Bella squirmed on the bed. Edward returns his gaze and settles on her face. He looks down at her tray and frowns.

"I will only keep talking if you eat." He says sternly. Bella picks up her ham and cheese sandwich and takes a big bite so he continues. "Your parents had made a deal with Billy. When you turn 18, then…" He trails off and Bella snaps at him.

"Spit it out, Edward! What in the hell do my parents have planned for me when I turn 18?"

Edward stands and paces the room. He runs his hands through his already messy hair and sighs heavily. "Bella, you have no reason to believe me. I know that. I just ask that you hear me out before you lose it."

Bella nods. She knows her father. She isn't surprised that he would plan to use her to his advantage in some way. "Just tell me, please." She whispers. She tenses up feeling that Edward was going to tell her the truth and she wasn't sure she could handle it right now.

Edward sits down on the bed as close as he thinks she will allow him to do so. "Bella, your father arranged for you to…Billy paid your father for…"

Bella looks exasperated before Edward finally spits it out.

"Bella when you turn eighteen you will have to marry Jacob Black."

Thoughts on this chapter? I would love to hear your thoughts, please review! Please and thank you all so very much! Before you freak out that I have gone old fashioned on you, please allow me to let Edward explain it all next chapter. Bella will fill in the blank with some flashbacks. If there is anything you would like to know please review and I will try to make sure to answer your question soon.

Thanks again for all the well wishes! The next chapter will be longer, I promise! Happy Easter everyone!