EDITED, RE POSTED JAN 22
Title: Twisted Twilight
Author: Midnight
Beta: Moonlite
Synopses: A different version of Twilight. What if Renee never married Phil, but John Reed, a local cop. John is actually an alcoholic, and is abusive to Bella and Renee. It's after a brutal attack, that Bella decides to go to Forks to live with her Father. As Bella's life experiences have changed, so has our beloved story. See how!
Rating: T
Chapter: Four
Chapter Title: Open Book
Warning: Includes mention of violence, and rape.
Authors Note: About the updating every day, I'm going to do everything in my power TO update everyday, but I can't make any promises. I've started exam season (woo university. Yes, I'm in university and write fan fictions, they make my day ^^! Just like Twilight ^^) so I'm going to have to start studying soon. HOWEVER, I really am going to do everything I can. And this chapter is a little shorter, but that's because I wanted what happens next to have it's own chapter.
Special thanks: RoryAceHayden147, Mandie12341, Lily-Potter8,jules452, Stargirlrox-hearts-Avatarx3, Affectionate, The Novel-et, mikan kisses, Liebe,-Azn-Grl-Twilight-Fan-,afallenheart, Drama Kagome,Luminous Mist ,tala., A is for Angel, Gothic Saku-chan, Little Silver Rose
If I missed anyone, once again I'm super sorry. I just have to say I'm tickled pink that so many people like this story! And that you've reviewed! You're making my day, every one.
I glanced up from doodling on my note book to see he was staring at me, the same inexplicable look of frustration in his honey colored eyes.
"Did you get contacts?" I blurted without thinking. Something about his look just- it made you say what you where thinking. Besides, there had to be some rational explanation for why his eyes had been coal black that one day.
He seemed puzzled by my unexpected question. "No."
"But," I stuttered out, while staring at his angel like face, "Before you- disappeared for the week- they where black."
"Yeah, I was out of town for uh, personal reasons." He looked down at his paper, as if reviewing our answers.
"But your eyes?" I pressed.
"It's the fluorescent." He mumbled, without looking up. We were in the same room- his eyes would look black now if that was the reason. Unless he was lying about the contacts. Or I finally snapping under the pressure.
Which seemed far more likely. Who would lie about contacts?
Edwards hands were clenched into hard fists again. I kicked myself internally; apparently I'd hit a nerve. Probably something to do with Dr. Cullen saying he had secrets of his own.
Mr. Banner, with his always impeccable timing, came to our table to see why we'd stopped working. He looked over our shoulders to glance at the paper- then took a double take, as if to see if the answers where even correct.
"So, Edward didn't you think Isabella should get a chance with the microscope?" he asked.
"Bella," Edward corrected automatically. "Had identified three out of the five, sir. Even checked my answers." Mr. Banner looked at me now, his expression was skeptical.
"Have you done this lab before?"
"With white fish blastula." I smiled sheepishly. "But I was in AP biology back in Phoenix."
"Well," he said after a moment, "I guess it's good you two are lab partners." He mumbled something else as he walked away, but I missed it.
Once he left, I returned to doodling on my note book.
"It's too bad about the snow, isn't it?" Edward asked. I had the feeling that he was forcing himself to make small talk with me. Paranoia swept over me again; it was like he'd heard my conversation with Jessica, and was trying to prove me wrong.
I really was going crazy. I looked up to meet his curious gaze.
"Not really," I answered honestly, instead of pretending to be normal. I was also still trying to dislodge the stupid feeling of suspicion and couldn't concentrate.
"You don't like the cold." It wasn't a question.
"Or the wet." I sighed heavily, and looked back down.
"Forks must be a very difficult place for you to live," he mused.
"Lesser of two evils," I muttered darkly. Intending on giving him a stern look, I titled my face back towards him. But he just looked at me like what I said was the most fascinating thing he'd ever heard. Surely he was smart enough to put two, and two together? I tried to muster up a sarcastic look, but his face was so beautiful I elected to avoid looking at it more then courtesy absolutely demanded.
"What do you mean? Why here?" He pressed, titling his head slightly to the right. No one had actually asked me straight out why I'd come, especially not in such a demanding context.
"My dad lives here."
"And?"
"It's complicated."
"I think I can keep up," he smiled, like he was trying not to laugh.
I paused for a long moment and then made the mistake of meeting his gaze again. His golden eyes confused me, and I answered without thinking.
"My mother remarried," I said.
"That doesn't sound so complex," he disagreed, but suddenly became sympatric. "When did this happen?"
"Grade nine." My voice sounded sad and weak, even to me.
"And you don't like him." Edward surmised, his tone still kind.
"John," I felt the rage boiling under my skin, and a lump form in my throat. I closed my eyes in attempt to repress it back down. I wanted to forget him, forget Phoenix, "is an ass-hole."
My pencil snapped in my hand, causing several people from surrounding tables to look over. I attempted to look innocent.
"He's the reason..." Edward trailed off, but he didn't need to finish; the question was obviously- he's the reason why you where in the hospital.
"Yes." My voice was curt and rude. Conversation in the room picked back up again, everyone forgetting what had happened only moments ago. Anger seemed to flash in Edward's eyes, and, instinctively, I pushed my chair back, and looked down at the floor.
"Does your mother know?" His voice was low, and reserved. I didn't answer right away. Edward anger subdued itself as he realized my response, but then his eyes where filled with curiosity. He waited. After a minute I looked up again.
"She pretends she doesn't." Anger shock beneath my voice, it was etched in pain. Why did he care so much, any ways?
"I don't understand," he admitted. It seemed to really upset him, too. "Do you mean she's still with him?"
"Yes, she is. He's good to her, I guess. But that's only a matter of time at this rate. Without me, she's bound to be next. But she'd diluted herself into believing that she's happy with him. Now she can get the quality with him she so desperately needs- maybe then she'll see what she's married."
"That's terrible." Edward's hands relaxed, and he leaned in towards me. I surprised myself by not jumping backwards- normally I would have. I didn't like people invading my bubble, yet, with Edward I didn't seem to mind. In fact, I leaned in towards him.
"That's life," I responded, coldly, "it sucks, then you die."
"You can't keep the world out forever, you know. Don't get me wrong, you put up a good show, but I'm willing to bet your suffering a lot more then you let on."
"Why do you care, any ways?" the questions wasn't defensive, but actually curious. Why was he so interested in me?
"Am I wrong?" he asked. I didn't respond, merely leaned back towards my side of the desk. Why was this all about me, any ways? "I didn't think so."
I sighed, scowling at the board. "Am I annoying you?" he asked. It sounded amused, and yet sad.
I made the mistake to looking at him and told the truth, "Not exactly. I'm more annoyed with myself. My face is so easy to read that my mom used to call me her open book."
"On the contrary, I find you very difficult to read." Despite everything I'd said, and everything he guessed, he sounded like he meant it.
"And you're normally pretty good at reading people, right?" I replied.
"Usually." He smiled brilliantly, flashing a set of perfectly white teeth. I chuckled slightly, and looked around the room. Other groups where starting to finish up.
"I'm sorry if I've upset you, I'm just trying to figure you out." he added.
"I'm a very complex person- it could take you awhile. But that could just be because I'm female."
"Alright everyone, listen up," Mr. Banner announced. "In third place, Mike's team." He paused to let people clap. "In second place, Angela's team." People clapped again. "And in first place, Edward's team. Enjoy the golden onion." He placed it on the table between us. People clapped, a couple people went 'obviously'.
"Think it's safe to cook with? I forgot to pick some up yesterday." I joked.
"I wouldn't suggest it. There's a good chance that the chemical in the paint has seeped into the separate layers by now." He flashed a crocked smile, causing his whole face to seem so much warmer, kinder even.
"Well, you keep it then. With my luck, Charlie will eat it."
"I assure you, I have little use for an onion, particularly a golden one. Perhaps it could live on your desk? Or, if you're not partial to onion smell in your room, your garden?"
"I don't even know if Charlie has a garden. But, I guess I can find a home for it."
I tried to appear attentive to the rest of Mr. Banner's lesson, but my thoughts had become unmanageable. I was trying to process to much at once, and finally just allowed myself to space out completely.
When the bell rang, Edward rushed as swiftly away and as gracefully as he had last time. And I, as before, stared after him in amazement.
Mike skipped quickly to my side and picked up my bag for me. I imagined him with a wagging tail.
"That was awful- we ended up using the text book under the table. That's why we finished in third. They all looked exactly the same to me. You're lucky you had Cullen for a partner, I mean he's weird, and kind of a freak, but he's smart."
"I didn't have any trouble with it," I said, stung by his assumption. I regretted the snub instantly, though. It wasn't Mike's fault I was snappy, "I've done the lab before, though," I added quickly, so his feeling's wouldn't be hurt.
I left out the part where that lab was on an exam, which we had to do on our own, and I was still the first one done.
"Cullen seemed friendly enough today," he commented as we shrugged into our raincoats. He didn't seem pleased about it at all. Which, quiet honestly, I found amusing.
"I wonder what was with him before?" I tried to sound indifferent. Obviously I hadn't imagined the whole thing.
I couldn't concentrate on Mike's chatter as we walked to Gym, and P.E. didn't do much to hold my attention. Not that it ever did. Mike was on my team. He chivalrously covered my position as well as his own, so my woolgathering was only interrupted when it was my turn to serve; my team wisely ducked warily out of the way every time I was up.
The rain was just a mist as I walked to the parking lot, but I was happier when I was inside the warm car. I unzipped my jacket, and pulled my wet hair out to dry on the way home. As per usual, I waited for the lot to clear out before I attempted traffic. Last night two cars got hit, and I wasn't risking the only thing stopping me from either walking, or getting a ride a police cruiser everyday.
I looked around me to make sure it was finally clear. That's when I notice the still, white figure of Edward Cullen. He was leaning against the drivers side of the shiny Volvo, while his siblings climbed into the car. He was staring intently in my direction. I swiftly looked away, and threw the car into reverse. I almost hit a straggling Toyota in my haste. It was totally his fault though, he shot out of the spot beside me, when I was in reverse.
But considering I didn't have the insurance completely over in my name, avoiding accidents seemed like a good idea. I smacked my feet down, one on the clutch and one on the break, but still stall out because of the speed. I cursed the fleeting Toyota, started the car again, and speed off.
I could have sworn Edward was laughing when I drove past.
When I got home, I put the onion on the front step. It was the only place I could think of. Charlie was still as work, so I started on dinner. Due to the cold, wet weather, I elected to make home-made soup.
Okay, no entirely home-made, I used the broth out of a can, but when was I going to have time to cook a chicken, to boil the bones? Never. While the broth was simmering, I cut up carrots, and celery. Different spices I could find, I added too. Not to mention noddles and diced chicken.
By the time Charlie got home, the whole lower level of the house smelt tasty.
"What's for dinner?" He asked while hanging up his gun.
"Home-made chicken noddle soup. Well, almost home-made, I didn't have any bones to boil. I figured since it's so cold out, it'd be a good soup day."
"Sounds wonderful. I'm going to change, then come right back down."
"Alright." I smiled, and stirred the soup. Cooking always left me in a little world, completely separate from everything else. An escape. I'd always been fairly good at it, which is surprising given my mother's habit of- getting creative- in the kitchen, and normally giving people food poisoning. When I was in grade nine, I started to make dinner on a regular bases because she managed to poison every kid from my birthday party. A party I didn't even want in the first place.
Too bad I never thought to poison John.
The phone rang, causing me to jump about three feet in the air. Have you ever had it happen, where you think about someone, and then they call? I was staring daggers at the phone, refusing to pick up the receiver. Charlie didn't have caller ID, which meant I was going to have to start screening my calls.
The answering machine picked up, and I continued to glare.
You've reached the Swan house. Leave a message. Charlie's voice said.
Bella, it's mom. Please call me, sweetie. I miss you. You know the number.
I was still staring at the machine when Charlie came back down.
"Bella, are you alright?" He asked reluctantly. "Because you look like you want to kill someone."
"Soup's ready." Charlie's voice brought me back to reality. I pulled the pot off the hot burner, and grabbed bowls from the cabinet. Charlie walked over the answering machine, obviously noticing where my death glare was pointing, and hit the play button. But as soon as he heard Renee's voice, he shut it off.
"Smells great." Charlie gave me an encouraging smile.
"Thanks."
About twenty minutes after diner, the phone rang again. Charlie and I made eye contact from across the living room, but neither of us moved. This was getting ridiculous; I was afraid of my own phone?
Ring. Ring.
I got up, and walked to the nearest phone, with Charlie right on my heels.
"Swan residence." I said in a cheesy-happy voice.
"Well, hello there Isabella. Billy Black, here- it's been far too long since I've seen you."
"Oh, hello Billy." I looked at Charlie with a relieved look. The name sounded familiar- I think him and Charlie used to go fishing together, or something.
"Is Charlie there?"
"Yup, one second," I handed the receiver to Charlie, "it's for you."
Charlie and Billy talked for about twenty minutes, give or take, which I suppose is a long time for guys. Apparently they'd had some fight awhile back, and Billy was attempting to amends. Which was cool, I guess. A lot of older people don't like to admit when they're wrong, so all the power to him for apologizing.
I disappeared off to my room to work on my Trig homework. The questions where fairly simple, so it only took me about half an hour; surprising given the fact that I'm normally terrible at math. But once I finished, I packed my bag for tomorrow and headed off to have a shower.
The water was hot, and relaxed my muscles. I thought about Edward, and his strange bout of friendly-ness. I wondered why his cold hand felt like an electric shock going through me. Not in a bad way either, no. It was almost- nice. In a weird kind of way.
But all too soon my thoughts traveled to Renee. Why was she trying so damn hard to get a hold of me? To get everything 'back to normal' because that wasn't going to happen. Not any time soon. If ever. Why do parents always do that? They assume that everything was 'working' because everyone was alive, and living in the same house.
But because I'm the one who left, I'm obviously the problem.
I could feel my heart racing with frustration. She had no right to invade on my life like this. None at all. I was safe here, far safer then I'd even be in Phoenix. Quite frankly, I'd be surprised if I went back there, and John hadn't made it his personal goal to see me wind up dead.
My knees gave out from underneath of me. How easily I seem to contemplate my own death? The bone wrenching depression began to sink back in; I hadn't felt it so strong since I got here. I closed my eyes, feeling the burning hot sensation of tears forming behind my eyelids.
Why did he have so much control over me? Why couldn't I be stronger? My whole body shock, as John's voice whispered inside my mind's ear, like Iago.
No one will ever love you, Bella. Look at you- you're no where near pretty. Not to mention that you're a freak. I've seen you at school, sitting by yourself. Ha. Don't kid yourself. You're lucky I even agreed to have you live here with your mother- we should have sent you off to an orphanage or some damn thing! You've been nothing but trouble for us. You should be thankful for what we give you.
I turned the tap off, as if that was the key to silencing the voice. My whole body was shaking. Slowly, I rose to my feet and grabbed a towel off the rack. You're no where near pretty.
Absolutely, extra ordinary. That was me.
After my little break down in the shower, I was slightly shock up. I said good night to Charlie, and just climbed right into bed. All I wanted to do sleep. Sleep forever. When you're asleep, you can't get really hurt, because it's just a dream. I pulled the covers up over my head, and cried until I was finally out.
Pounding on the door. "IZZY! GET OUT HERE, NOW!" Fear shock through out my whole body. I slowly closed my closet door to hide me. "I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE!"
I prayed to God he wouldn't find me. Not again, not tonight.
I was supposed to go to a dance with some girl friends tomorrow. They all think I'm strange enough as it is, this was my chance to be normal. If I cancel, they'll know something is up.
"DAMNIT, ISABELLA- YOU OPEN THIS DAMN DOOR, RIGHT NOW, OR I'LL BREAK IT DOWN." My whole body shock in fear.
Thump. Thump. THUMP.
The heavy piece of wood feel, lifelessly to the floor. I closed my eyes, still trembling. He ripped the closet door open, and reached in for me. I screamed.
"Bella!"
"Get off of me, get of, get of!" My arms where failing everywhere, as I attempted to push Charlie away. I wasn't fully awake. "Please, please stop- stop!"
"Bella!" He grabbed my shoulders, and gave me a gentle shake. "Bells, it's alright."
"Dream," My eyes where wide with terror, and my whole body covered in sweat, "it was just a dream."
"Bella, this is getting out of hand- I'm taking you to doctor tomorrow."
"What?" I pulled the comforter up around me. "Why?"
"You've been screaming in your sleep every night since you got here, there has got to be something we can do. When you're awake, you're absolutely exhausted because you haven't really been sleeping. I'm taking you to see Dr. Cullen tomorrow."
"I thought he was surgeon." I muttered, thinking back to our pervious conversation.
"Yes, but he also works in the clinic at the hospital. Same as all the other doctor's. That's where I took you the other day."
"Oh." I was all I could say. It made perfect sense I guess, when you thought about it. I'd seen a hospital clinic, like on House, M.D. One of the few shows I actually watch from time to time.
I really am a freak.