I DON'T OWN 'EM.

CHAPTER 25

School was okay. People still stared when they saw Edward and I together, although less than the first time. I guess they were getting used to it. The whole school knew we all had the 'flu' and I had appendecitis. They probably would've thought it was mono or something, since we all got it, but I think having surgery to remove my appendix helped them to believe our story. I wasn't behind since Sunday Edward had given me the work I missed and we did it together. The day was going by perfectly until lunch. We were all about to sit down at the table when I heard someone yell from behind me.

"Isabella Marie Swan!"

I knew who it was before I turned around. Edward was stiff by my side. A few people at the tables near by saw and heard, but most were oblivious.

"What do you want Charlie?" Edward came to my rescue I'm not sure I could've spoken.

"I'd like to talk to my daughter. I have rights as her father!" He was starting to get loud, and I didn't want to cause a scene.

"It's okay Edward. He wouldn't do anything here. Charlie, we can talk, but outside."

Edward tried to come with me, but I stopped him.

"Edward, I can handle this. He won't try anything in public. He's too afraid for his reputation."

He squeezed my hand and I returned the gesture.

"I love you" he said softly to me. I heard Charlie scoff as he turned to head out the door. I reluctantly followed.

He turned around abruptly when we were around the corner and kind of...growled at me.

"Where have you been. I've missed you. WHY did you go to the hospital?! I'm gonna make you pay for making me look like a fool. That damn Cullen doctor came to my house and threatened ME!" He backed me against the wall and had his hand against my throat. I was scared. He's never done this in public before. I thought I'd be safe here!!

"I couldn't stop b-bleeding Charlie. I was gonna die. I had to go to the hospital. I didn't tell him anything. He guessed and when I started crying..he just knew! I didn't mean to, but I was dying! I wasn't thinking straight. Then I was afraid to come home, and they are good people. They like me. They don't hurt me like you do. I'm staying with the Cullen's Charlie. There's nothing you can do unless you want the whole town knowing exactly how you love your little girl."

He squeezed my throat tighter and some tears escaped.

"They don't like you. They probably just want to see how much you'll trust them before they hurt you. The boy doesn't love you. He just wants to get into your pants...or maybe he already has? You always were such a slut." I couldn't breathe. I was about to loose consciousness when I heard him say he'd kill me and all of them, then I felt his hand leave my throat. I heard a loud crash, and just before I fell to the ground I felt two rock hard but soft arms catch me.

Edward was whispering to me and carrying me to his car while Emmet and Jasper were taking the knocked out Charlie through the woods to god knows where.

Alice and Rosalie went to the office to tell them I wan't feeling well and Edward was taking me home.

They were so efficient and just..simply astounding.

They really did love me. Why though?

I guess Edward or someone called the house bacause Carlisle and Esme were waiting for us when we got there. Jasper and Emmet showed up with Rose and Alice right after.

"He wo't hurt you again. I promise. We told him this was the last time, and if he came near you again we'd tell everyone. We all saw him hurting you, can he knows Carlisle has proof of...He won't come near you again Bells. I promise. I'll kill him before I let him hurt you little sis." Emmet was usually so happy. It was weird to see him so serious and protective.

I gave him a hug and whispered "Thank you Em. I love you so much, and I'm glad to finally have a big brother to protect me!" a few tears escaped but Emmet wiped them away before putting me back into Edwards waiting arms.

They all dissipated, and Edward took me upstairs to his room. I was still upset, and Edward seemed to sense my discomfort.

"Bella, my love. I need you to know how much I care for you. Everything that monster said to you was a lie. You are an angel. I loved you from the first moment I laid eyes on you. That will never change. I know you said you loved me too. If you were just saying it, if you don't really love me, it doesn't matter. You'll still be safe here with us. I don't want you to think we're helping you because we expect anything back. We all love you, and will no matter how you feel. If you ever want to leave you can. You can do anything you wish. Please...tell me how you really feel. Promise it won't change a thing."

"Edward...you're the stupidest, most amazing genius I've ever met. Can't you see how much I love you?! All of you. I don't care if you love me back or if you all decided to leave me, I'd still love you with every fiber of my being. I know you can hear my heart when you're near me, it feels like it's going to explode at the mere mention of your name. Ask Jasper how I feel. I'm sure he knows. Edward Anthony Masen Cullen...I LOVE you."

He kissed me more passionately than ever. He trailed light soothing kissed along my neck where bruises were already formed. Then, he just lay back and pulled me into his cold, yet warm, tight embrace.