Author's Chapter Notes:

This chapter isn't very long, but it shows what happens on that fateful day of detention with Edward and the almost rapist (Mike). DUN DUN DUN!

Mrs. Sumner was kind enough to grant me the permission of coming to school today to "work out my differences" with Mike Newton. Translation: I have detention on a Saturday and am being forced to say nice things to Mike Newton. Though I will suffer during this time, it's worth it. By punching Mike and being punished, I saved Bella from Mike and his wretched intentions. He wanted to strip her of her dignity and innocence, and all for his pleasure. If it meant she stayed safe, I would spend years in this purgatory.

The budding shrubbery and trees in the front yard of the school was a wonderful farewell gesture. I think I could possibly explode in frustration if I attempt to settle things with Mike, so it's nice to have one of the last things I see be the beginning of spring. Along with the specks of green in the bushes, the windows of the classroom windows were all open, spurts of giggles and moans floating out. What was going on in there? Amidst the disturbing sounds, birds sang gleefully and children laughed. Even the sun was shining! To most, this would have been one of the most gorgeous days of the year, but those people don't have to be without their soul mate for hours at a time.

Mrs. Sumner's daunting figure appeared at the door. "Do you plan to stand there all day, Mr. Cullen?" she huffed.

"No ma'am." I said, keeping my tone polite and free of the rude thoughts going through my mind. If I got a chance to really open my mouth, I'd be here for more than one Saturday.

I recognized the hallway we were walking down as the senior hallway, and the classrooms it held. I went down this row of lockers everyday to get to my advanced chemistry class. A few of the seniors had become friends. Mrs. Sumner stepped aside and gestured to a metal door much like the others in the hallway. Inside the cramped classroom, Mike Newton sat fuming at some unknown force.

"Hello, Mr. Newton." I managed to say politely.

He grunted in response.

"I'll leave you two to settle out your differences. If you need any words of guidance, I'll be nearby." Mrs. Sumner said. Translation: If you guys start beating each other up, I'll be standing outside the door.

I nodded in reply and walked slowly over to Mike. His hands were clenched tightly into fists, and his eyes were shut closed. I swear I saw steam come out of his ears.

"How the hell do you suppose we 'work out our differences'?" I questioned harshly. Mike and I had never been the best of buddies, but never before like this where we so malicious.

"I take Bella. You can have Jessica and I get her. Everyone's happy!" he propounded.

I was sure my mouth was hanging open in shock. Give up Bella? For this stupid imp? "No! She's mine!" I hissed, and then added more gently, "I love her, and she loves me."

"When you took her that day did you not see her and I? She was mine, and still is. She's just so sexy!" he gushed.

"Don't talk about her like that! She wasn't your girlfriend, she was your toy. You're just too much of a disgusting creature to realize it."

"I realized that she love me! She wanted what I was about to give her as much I did." he roared.

"Then why was she crying?" I fumed. It hurt me to see Bella crying. Such an innocent creature shouldn't be hurt so badly that tears fall. I would do anything to make sure that she never cries again.

All of the sudden there was a throbbing ache in my stomach, and I was half-way across the room. I realized that Mike had punched me. Hard.

I stood back up quickly and charged over to where he was standing. My hand went into a hard ball, and swung towards Mike's jaw. I heard nothing snap after the hard impact, but how do I wish I would have. To know that Bella's pain had been avenged would have been the most desirable victory. Sadly, Mike was able to get up and throw a blow into my stomach again. I hissed in pain, but brought my hand up to meet his face again.

"Boys!" shrieked Mrs. Sumner. "Stop, you barbarians!"

We froze and turned our eyes toward the enraged woman. She continued with, "Now I want you two to stop fighting and hug."

"What?!" both of us screamed.

"You heard me. Now hug!" she ordered in a voice that made me think of an army officer. We sighed and reluctantly stepped forward. I wrapped my arms around Mike. His arms went around my back and we pulled back.

"Ah ah ah!" she snapped. "You'll be hugging until you can say something nice to each other."

We repositioned ourselves back into a hug and sighed angrily. This could take quite a while.

After about five minutes, I took a deep breath and began with my false compliments. "You have good hair, Mike."

"You have a hot girlfriend, Edward." he chuckled. I stiffened. I could practically hear his disgusting thoughts about what he would do to Bella if he got the chance. The sick monster!

"Have you said kind things yet?" Mrs. Sumner prodded.

"Yes." Mike and I answered.

"Alright. You're free to go then." she said. I ran out of the room and down the hall, wanting to be out of the presence of those disagreeable creatures. The lockers flew past me quickly as I fled from more possible punishment. A beautiful sight met me at the front door. Her hair swished lightly around her heart-shaped face, complete with a dazzling smile.

"Did you have fun?" Bella giggled. I grabbed her around the waist and pulled her over to our spot.

Instead of answering immediately, I pressed my mouth to hers. She was surprised, but responded. My hands moved up to her hair and started playing with the silky locks. Her fingers climbed up to the back of my neck. Using the tips of her fingernails, she rubbed tiny circles on my skin. I was going insane with pleasure. My tongue lightly flicked her bottom lip, pleading for entrance. Happy to oblige, she gladly let me in. Our lips moved in foreign ways, and made my nerves dance beneath my skin.

We pulled back, gasping. "It certainly wasn't as fun as that!" I panted. She laughed.

"So what's on the agenda for today?" Bella asked, also breathless.

"After I shower, I'm going to take you somewhere." I answered.

"Why do you need to shower?" Bella cocked her head to the side, confusion evident on her beautiful face.

"Love, I was just hugged a man that attempted to rape you. I believe a shower is in order." I answered.

Her mouth popped in an 'o' and she grabbed me around the waist, trying to walk toward the Volvo. I felt her elbow rub against my stomach, and I hissed in pain.

"Are you okay, Edward?" she prodded. Her tiny fingers lifted up the hem of my shirt, examining my stomach. I saw a growing blue spot in the middle. "Well, the bad side is that your bruise is about the size of an ape. The good side is that you have amazing abs." she complimented.

I chuckled. "Thank you, sweetheart. For such a sweet compliment, you deserve a reward." I said. I caught my mouth in hers, reveling in her lovely taste. She was so tempting, but I don't think she realized how alluring her eyes were; how those full lips could draw in men like fish to a worm. She pulled away laughing.

"Come on, lover boy. Let's get you a shower and some aspirin." she said.

Chapter End Notes:

Poor Edward! Maybe if I kissed the bruise it would feel better. ;)