EDITED, AND 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: Six
Chapter Title: After Math
Warning: Includes mention of violence, and rape. Extremely vivid scene in this chapter, -** means it's starting. **- means it's over.
Authors Note: Okay, because I've had so many people say this, I need to say, I know what genital means. They're typos- 5am :P it happens. I clicked the wrong thing on the spell checker, and pressed "change all" or w.e it is. But, my insomnia has brought you this story lol
Okay, for the next week I am going into exam mode, so the updates will be less. I apologize. I finish on Dec. 17, so you can expect updates to be back to every day/ every other day after that. And a super, huge thanks to everyone who's been reviewing, you're my inspiration! It's so hard to write a story that no one likes or reviews. Thank you all!
OH and about all the 'medical mubo-jumbo' in the last chapter- that was made after like two hours of research over the Internet. It claims to know all, so if any of it was wrong, I'm sorry. If it didn't make sense, don't worry. It'll all come into play soon enough, don't worry^^. *muwhahaha* ENJOY! ... and review....
Fun fact: all the mentioned accidents in the chapter with Bella's 'luck', have all happened to me. Lol.
Special thanks: mikan kisses , Lily-Potter8, Future Mrs Morgan, twilight wolves, Crystallized Hope, -Azn-Grl-Twilight-Fan-, Drama Kagome, Nekokitten1123, RoryAceHayden147, arizonajess, bookie11
"It's what?" My heart sank. My baby!
"Totaled." Charlie shrugged slowly, "At least the insurance papers came from your mother today. It was in your name at the time of the accident."
"So? Why do I care about that? I have no car!"
"It means that, once the investigation is completed, the check will be signed over to you, for you to buy a new car."
"How long does the investigation take?"
"Probably about a month once all the paper work goes through, and you get the check."
"A MONTH?" I moaned loudly. This had to be a joke. A dark, dismal, cruel joke.
"Is everything okay in here?" A nurse asked from the door way. "I heard yelling."
"Bella just found out that her car wasn't as lucky as she was."
"Stupid van." I muttered, darkly. Now I was mad at Tyler. I was going to have to spend a month either getting a ride from Charlie, or walking to school for three miles. Three miles. I can't walk three feet without falling over! This was going to be humiliating.
"Well, the engineering on the safety equipment was good. The front was squashed, but not the seats. The air bags all went; if you where in that car, you would have been fine. Quite frankly, I'm amazed. I think you should look at getting the same type of car."
"Can I please have some time to morn my car, before we start talking about a new one? That's like telling a kid you'll get a new puppy, the day the old one passes away."
"You've always had such a way with words." Charlie mused.
"My car." I sighed.
Charlie had to do the 'police escort' thing to me, in order to get out of the hospital without being harassed. Everyone was trying to bombard me, and make sure I was okay. He did the whole, one hand out, the other hand hovering by my lower back, to remind me to keep walking.
I waved mechanically, hoping to convey the message that I was fine.
"I never thought I'd be happy to get in this car." I joked, as we reached the cruiser. Charlie just laughed.
When we were driving, we both kept completely silent. I was so wrapped up in my thoughts that I barely knew Charlie was there. I was positive that Edward's defensive behaviour in the hall simply proved that the strange events I'd seen, were correct. Which, in itself, was absolutely impossible.
"I'm glad you're okay Bella. You gave me quite a scare." Charlie finally said, as we walked up to the front door.
"Well, I've always believed I've got the best, bad luck imaginable."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means stupid things always happen to me, but in the best possible way. For example, when I was nine and had the huge bike accident going over to Caley's house, I landed on a doctors drive way, remember?"
"I do remember that." Charlie smiled, and opened the door.
"And when I was up in Ontario, visiting with mom's side of the family, I had another bike accident, but it was just outside an old age home, full of nurses."
"Only you would be able to go biking in a forest, survive, only to crash on the side walk afterwards." We where both laughing, and walked into the kitchen.
"And when you where fifteen, and we where in California, you twisted you ankle outside of a fast food place that some EMT's where eating lunch at."
"Exactly. Stupid things always happen, but in the best possible way." By this time, both us where sitting at the coffee table, laughing.
"Maybe you should lie down for a bit?" Charlie said after awhile.
"Yeah, I think I'm going to take some Advil and at least lay down for a bit. Why don't you head back to the station; I'm fine."
"I don't want to leave you alone, Bella." Charlie's expression sobered- he actually looked concerned.
"Dad, I'm fine. Doctor even said so. Besides, they need you down there. I'm just going to be sleeping, not much fun." I stood up from the table, and grabbed my bag. "Seriously, so back."
"Well, if you're sure."
"I am. Go."
I took some Advil, and as the pain eased, I finally drifted off to sleep.
That was the first night I dreamt of Edward Cullen.
In my dream it was very dark, and what dim light there was seemed to be radiating from Edward's skin. I couldn't see his face, just his back as he walked away from me, leaving me in the blackness. No matter how loud I called, or fast I ran, it wasn't enough. "Please, Edward- don't!" I screamed after him.
Edward's figure stopped, and he turned around. But something was different. Something- was shifting. He was blurry.
I woke up, but not screaming. I was confused, but not terrified. I knew exactly where I was, how I got there, and was totally aware that it was just a dream. I also could remember the dream perfectly. Charlie also wasn't in the room, or hovering outside my door. I smiled to myself; no terrors.
Satisfied with my check list, I rolled over and looked at my clock. The dark red letters shone a painful 4:57, am. I had slept through the whole afternoon, the evening, and most of the night. It was painfully early in the morning, and I was wide awake. In fact, it was the best I'd felt in a long time.
Not wanting to mess with a good thing, I pulled myself out of bed and groggily walked over into the bathroom to shower. The hot water relaxed every ouch of my body, leaving a pleasant feeling of comfort. I washed my hair and my face, shaved, resend off, and pulled myself out of the shower.
And suddenly all of yesterday's events flashed vividly through my mind. It caught me by surprise, and I grabbed the counter for support. "Hello, PTSD." I moaned. I allowed myself a minute to breath, before wrapping myself in a towel and escaping to room to change.
Everything was mechanical again; how I moisturized my legs, what clothing I put on, how I blow dried, and straightened my hair. I normally didn't wake up early enough to straighten my hair. I didn't turn the heat up all the way, so it still had a soft wave to it. I added minimal make-up, made sure I had everything I needed in my bag, and trekked down into the kitchen.
As soon as I pulled the milk out of the fridge, Charlie's alarm and my alarm began to both go off. I cursed to myself, and ran up stairs to turn it off. It was 6:30.
"Bella, you up?" Charlie asked groggily from his room.
"Yeah," I flung myself across the bed, and finally hit the off button. "I was downstairs, and forgot about my alarm."
"Downstairs?" I stood up and walked back into the hall. Charlie stood in his door way with his hair a mess, and still in his PJ's, his eyes squinted from the light. "Did I over sleep?"
"No, I just woke up around five, and since I slept so much I decided to get up and get ready."
"Oh."
We ate in silence for awhile. I was drawn back into yesterday's events. Why had Edward lied? What was he trying to hide from me? Had I walked into some small town mystery novel? Something about his whole family was different; from the way the acted, to the way the looked.
"Are you going to eat you breakfast, or stare at the cereal until it's completely mush?" My head snapped up. Charlie was giving me a questioning look.
"Guess I zoned out- sorry."
"What's on your mind?"
"Honestly, nothing. I really just zoned out." No teenage girl ever wants to tell there father when they're obsessing over something in any way related to a member of the opposite sex. Half they time, they automatically assume you're sexually active. And that was not a conversation was I ever going to have with Charlie. Ever.
"Well, how are you feeling? If you want to take the day off-"
"I'm fine," I cut him off. "I spent enough time wandering around this house. I need to go to school; besides, I've got an English test today I think."
"Alright," Charlie nodded, "well, if you're sure. I guess I should show you something."
"Show me something?" Uh-oh.
"Follow me." It wasn't a request. I'll admit, Charlie knows how to keep his poker face on. Reluctantly I fallowed him to the front of the house. He walked over to the key rack my the door, and pulled something off. "Here."
He placed a old set of keys in my hand, with a little yellow ribbon on it. Car keys. "I found a good car for you- for now- until the insurance check comes." I didn't miss the fact he said a good car for me, and not just a good car.
"What kind of car is it?" I asked, meekly.
"Well, it's a chevy truck. It's sitting in the drive way if you want to go take a look."
"How much do I owe you?" I asked, as I put on my rain boots.
"Nothing." Wow. Free,
"You didn't need to do that, Dad. I was just going to walk until the check came,"
"I don't mind. Besides, you'd probably fall on your way to school and hurt yourself." He pushed my shoulder, teasingly. I chuckled, and walked outside.
The truck was a faded red color, with big rounded fenders and a bulbous cab. To my intense surprise, I love it. I had considered myself a car girl, but the truck was fantastic. "Wow, Dad- I love it! Thanks!"
"I'm glad you like it," Charlie said gruffly, clearly embarrassed.
"What year is it?" I could tell by his change of expression that this was a question he was hoping I wouldn't ask.
"Well, the engine's been rebuilt, so it's only a few years old really."
"Who did you buy it off of?" I pressed. The model, although nice, was obviously not new.
"Do you remember Billy Black, down at La Push?" La Push- that's where I'd heard it before. It was a tiny Native reservation on the coast.
"The one we used to go fishing with?" The memory was foggy, which was understandable. I used to hate this place, and I'd done a good job of pushing out unnecessary memories.
"Yeah," Charlie and I walked back inside. "Well, He's in a wheel chair now and can't drive. He offered to sell me the trust really cheap, and I took him up on the offer."
"What year did Billy buy it?" I pulled of my rain boots. I was curious more then anything.
"Around 1984 I think."
"But he didn't buy it new," I pointed out, while leading the way back to the kitchen.
"No- it was new around the 1960's-late fifties at the earliest. And you don't have to worry about if it breaks down, the thing runs great- it's a little loud, but it's sild. They don't build them like that anymore."
"That's awesome," I said, Charlie looked confused, "it's an antique. Maybe we can re-build it or something one day and enter it in one of those car show-things."
"Maybe." Charlie smiled, but looked at me suspiciously. Last time he saw me, I knew nothing about cars. I still don't really. But John was always watching something about cars, wither it be NASCAR races, auctions, or reviews, and after dinner was 'family time' so I'd have to- painfully- sit through some of these programs. I actually learned a few things along the way.
Shortly after, Charlie disappeared for work. I thanked again as he left, and he awkwardly said 'your welcome' again. Neither of us are really good at expressing our emotions, but I felt obligated to show how appreciative I was. I had a feeling I was going to be surrounded enough as it was with this whole mess, so showing up in a car with flashing lights would only make it worse. Besides, the truck might shield me in the parking lot.
I ran out the car, as a light layering of snow was falling from the sky. I opened the door to the truck, and hoped inside. It was dry and warm inside the cab. Either Billy or Charlie had obviously cleaned it up, but the tan upholstered seats still smelled faintly of tobacco, gas, and peppermint. The engine started quickly, much to my relief, but loudly, as Charlie had warned. It roared to life, and then idled at top volume; a big difference from the civic. But, a truck this old was bound to have a flaw. Besides, the old radio worked which was an unexpected plus.
I fallowed the normal path to school, and pulled into the student lot. As soon as I was parked, I cut the engine to kill to loud road. With a deep breath, I grabbed my bag, and flew myself out of the truck and towards the building. At least I didn't have to worry about locking the truck- who was going to steal it? As soon as the started the engine, someone would look. And in this small town, there where no such thing as secrets.
Most people didn't recognize me as I walked through the lot. I was careful to keep my head down, and my feet moving fast. However, being that I am uncoordinated, I walked into someone because I wasn't watching where I was going.
And I bounced right off them like I walked into a wall. I stumbled backwards, but a strong hand grabbed my wrist.
"I'm sorry! Are you alright?" A high, soprano like voice, asked. She helped me steady myself, then let go.
"It was completely my fault, I wasn't watching where I was going." I mumbled, then looked up.
"It's alright," Alice Cullen smiled warmly at me. "I'm Alice."
"Bella, Bella Swan."
"Alice?" Both of us looked over to see a rather peeved looking Edward. "What are you doing?"
"I'm helping Bella, she almost feel over. You two are lab partners, right?" She asked sweetly. Edward glared darkly at her.
"Yeah, we are." I said softly. "I should be getting to class. Sorry for bumping into you." I walked away slowly well the two siblings stared at each other. Edward Cullen just got stranger; what was his problem with his sister?
The next few weeks after the accident where uneasy, tense, and, at first, embarrassing.
To my dismay, I found myself the center of attention for the rest of that week. Tyler Crowley was impossible, following me around, obsessed with making amends to my somehow. I tried to convince him what I wanted more that anything else was for him to forget all about it- especially since nothing had actually happened to me- but he remained insistent. He was starting to become the lead puppy; much to Mike and Eric's dismay. He followed me between classes and sat at our now-crowded lunch table. Mike and Eric were even less friendly to him that they were to each other, which made me worry I'd gained another unwelcome fan.
No one seemed concerned about Edward, thought I explained over and over that he was the hero. He had come over to ask me if I was ready for an up coming bio test, and ended up saving my life. He had pulled me out of the way and had nearly been crushed, too. I tried to be convincing, but something told me that there was no way a van was going to crush him.
The first hint being the huge, impossibly massive, dents he'd left in the van.
But I never said that. Every question I was asked I thought about before answering, making sure that everything fit perfectly into the cover story. And when something couldn't fit in, I simply said I couldn't really remember- everything happened so fast. Everyone else always commented that they hadn't even seen him there till the van was pulled away.
I wondered to myself why no one else had seen him standing so far away, before he was suddenly, impossible saving my life. But in reality, I knew why. No one else was so aware of Edward. No one else saw him the way I did. It was like I had a sixth sense for him.
How pitiful is that?
But, no matter what I said, no one was crowding around him for his first hand account of what happened, how he'd been there to safe me, the damsel in distress. In fact, people seemed less aware, and avoided him more, then usual. Made me wonder if that on some, subconscious level, they all knew, but didn't want to admit it. Getting close to a question, means finding answers.
Then again, maybe not.
In class Edward still sat as far away as the table would allow. He talked to me, when I asked questions, or greeted him, but that was in. No more interest, no more- anything. We were classmates, end of story. Which was actually fairly depressing.
I wondered if part of me was hoping I'd found my knight in shining armor, here to take me away to a different world. But that was childish, and didn't exist. This was all there was. No happily ever after's. No other-ness.
With my luck, I was probably going to die alone because I just couldn't trust males anymore, and I'm not a lesbian. Not that I have anything against them, don't get me wrong. I'm just not one. I would be the crazy cat lady. If I made it that far, any ways.
Mike, at least, was pleased by the obvious coolness between me and my lab partner. I could see how Edward's daring recuse might have impressed me, and he was relieved that it seemed to have the opposite effect. He grew more confident, sitting on the edge of my table to talk before Biology class started, ignoring Edward as completely as he ignored us. He didn't, however, seem to notice my slightly distant nature.
"Well, what do you think?"
"Hmm?" I said, pulling myself back into the conversation.
"Do you want to come over and study for the Bio test after school?" Mike repeated, softly bopping me on the head with a roll of paper.
"Oh, no- I can't. I cook dinner every night, and I'm making lasagna tonight. I'm sorry, maybe next time."
"That's cool." Mike tried to looked chill, but I knew he was actually upset. I returned to doodling on my note book. The cover had recently become full, and I'd moved to the back.
Thing's at home weren't fantastic, either. Charlie was working later and later, and I had accidently picked up the phone with screening, only to find John on the other end of the receiver.
I hung up on him as soon as I heard his voice, but he kept calling every five minutes, until five. Around the time when a) my mom would be getting home, and b) Charlie would be getting home. Which made me wonder why he was at home.
None the less, the phone call had happened on the first Monday of March, and before that, I'd been completely free of my night terrors. Instead, I dreamed of Edward Cullen. But after that call, I had the worst night terror I'd ever had.
-**
I was sitting in the old living room, with my mother and Edward. We where talking about school, about my life in Forks. Everything seemed perfectly normal; from the slight tension in the air, to the comfort of the sun shining on my face. Constantly I kept checking the the clock, but I didn't know why. Our conversation carried on, and I shifted uncomfortable. When the clock reached six, I became very scared. I heard the front door open, and my body began to shake. What was I so afraid of?
As soon as John walked in the room, I knew. He looked at all of us, then stormed into the kitchen. All three of us stood up. Edward smiled at me, and placed a hand on my shoulder. It was meant to comfort me- it didn't work.
Then, John busted into the room, a knife in his hand. Renee screamed, begged, but to no avail. Violently, and bloodily he forced her to the ground. Then, proceeded to stab her twelve time in the chest. The blood flowed from her body like water, all over the white carpet. Slowly it came towards me, the rusty-salt like scent burning in my mind.
Edward jumped in front of me protectively, but it was no use. John was so much bigger then him. He slit his throat in one swipe, and blood splattered. He feel to his knees, then to the ground, a chocking coughing sound escaping from his mouth. Both of his hands where pressed to his neck, but the blood kept coming. His hand reached over, and grabbed my leg, The blood on his hand made it warm. His eyes rolled back into his head, lifeless.
I feel to my knees beside his body. My heart clenched, and tears began to pour from my eyes. "No, not him- please, God, not Edward."
John laughed menacingly, then pushed me onto my back with his foot. The floor squished from all the blood when I landed. I kicked and failed, but it was no use. Using the knife he ripped off my clothing, exposing the flesh. The sun now burned like a million tiny fires, dancing on my body. He pressed the six inch blade against my neck, it's sharp edge just parting the first two layers of skin.
"Move and inch, and you're dead." He hissed in my ear. I silently cried as he pushed his way inside of me, but didn't struggle. I didn't cry for myself, I cried for Edward. His ice cold body lying limply in a pool of his own ruby-red blood.
I wanted to die. There was no life without him. I took one last deep breath, and pushed myself into the blade.
**-
I shot up in my bed, but wasn't screaming. My whole body felt completely numb; like I'd actually been raped again- like Edward and Renee were actually dead. A cold chill ran down my spine.