Disclaimer: None of this is mine, nor will it ever be (sigh). I like to play with the characters that Stephenie Meyers created and make them do pervy things or become angels with a bad attitude.
Chapter Five
EPOV
I didn't go home. I tossed my bag into the car and parked it around the corner. Removing my sweater, I released my wings and took off, staying on the roof of the school. I could hear Bella working on her grades and making a mental to-do list. I wanted to help her as she dragged out the tubs from her store room, but as far Bella knew, I was gone for the day.
However, I could feel Bella's terror when she was leaving her room. Just before her mind emptied, I heard her mental call. Edward, please! I flew down and went into the school. I slipped on my lanyard and saw a tall, menacing looking man hovering over Bella's prone form. "Hey, what are you doing?" I asked, keeping my voice even.
"She fainted, man. I don't know what happened," he shrugged, stepping away. "Your girlfriend?"
"Something like that," I said. "Step away. I'll take care of her." The man sneered and pushed his cart away. I crouched down, lifting Bella gently. "Pretty Bella?" She didn't respond, just cuddling closer to me. I slung her bag over my shoulder and easily picked her up, carrying her out of the school. I shot a look back at the man, who was thinking about the unconscious woman in my arms. He was remembering vicious things, like how he'd take her without her consent. His evil smile made me shudder and I feared for her.
I drove us to her apartment, using her keys to let us in and setting her onto the couch. I made some tea and some light dinner. Bella stirred, whimpering quietly. I moved and sat down next to her, taking her hand. "Bella? You're safe. I promise you."
Her eyes blinked open and she shot up, looking around. "How did I get home?" she asked, her face as pale as a sheet. She looked at me, her brows furrowing. "Edward? Did you even leave?"
"I forgot something in the building," I lied. Yeah, I forgot to protect you and some skeeve who did unspeakable things to you tried to make another move on you. "I drove you home and carried you into your apartment. I hope you don't mind."
"No, I don't," she said, sitting up and grimacing as she rubbed her head. "Ouch."
"You okay?" I asked.
"I must have bumped my head when I fell," she muttered.
"Who was that guy?"
"An ex-boyfriend," Bella replied, her nose wrinkled. "He was a complete asshole, stealing a lot of money from me on top of other things." She shuddered, her memory swirling of Riley beating her up and doing unspeakable things to her body. "He was arrested but the case was thrown out. I thought he'd moved away, but apparently, he didn't and was hired as a custodian in our building."
"Are you going to mention it to Mrs. Cope?" I questioned. "Obviously, this guy did a lot to you to garner such a reaction."
Bella bit her lip, torn about what to do. She was terrified of this guy, but her good nature hated to cause him to lose his job. "I don't know," she shrugged.
"You were so freaked out that you fainted, Bella," I said, picking up her hand. "I think this garners a conversation to Mrs. Cope. I don't want you to be afraid of where you work." I listened to her mind and she was panicking that she wouldn't survive another run-in with the guy, Riley. "And you can talk to me about anything."
"Not about what he did to me," Bella said, her voice deadening and her eyes losing their sparkle. "I'm destined to be shamed for the rest of my life. It's my legacy." She was caught in vicious flashback. I kept my face impassive as I saw her past flicker into my mind like a horror film. I reached for her hand and she flinched, her flashbacks coming in waves.
"Pretty Bella, I'm here," I whispered, my thumb rubbing across her knuckles. I closed my eyes and forced my thoughts into hers. I protected her, making her history disappear and she eventually crawled into my lap. I held her tightly, rocking her gently. She drifted off and I moved us to the couch. I cradled her against my body. I wish I could take her memories away, replacing them with happier memories, but I could only fight her imaginary demons. While she slept, I did heal the bump on her head.
She roused an hour later, her body stiff and sore. "How did I end up in your arms?" she asked, blinking up at me.
"You crawled into my lap," I said, tightening my hold on her. "I won't hurt you, Bella. You needed comfort and I gladly gave it to you." She sighed, snuggling into my embrace. Her stomach snarled and she blushed. "Do you want me to get you something to eat, Bella?"
"I have something in my fridge," she replied, getting up and padding to her kitchen. "Do you want anything, Edward?"
"I'm good," I replied, though I was slightly hungry because of the healing I'd done to her head. She puttered, pulling out leftovers and making a meal for herself. She still carried two plates, handing me one with an arched brow. "Thank you."
"It's the least I could do. This is the second time you intervened when I needed it," Bella said. Even though she was smiling, I could still feel the cold dread in her stomach and emptiness in her soul. "Thank you, Edward."
"Any time," I smiled, tucking into the meal. We ate quietly and Bella barely said anything, but she was focused on Riley, her ex-boyfriend. "Thank you for dinner, pretty Bella." She blushed, ducking her chin. "I don't know if you want me to stay, but I'll get out of your hair."
"I appreciate all of your help," she said. "But, I'm going to head to bed." She looked at me, her mind warring. She wanted me to stay because she was terrified. However, there was a level of distrust embedded in her psyche. Abruptly, she threw her arms around my neck and squeezed me tightly. "You have no idea how much I needed you to be there tonight, Edward. You are truly a guardian angel."
I felt my own cheeks warm as I buried my face into her curls. If she only knew the truth about me. "I mean it, Bella. I would do anything for you," I whispered, rubbing her back. "I'm just a phone call away."
"Promise?" she whispered brokenly.
"I promise, pretty Bella," I said, tightening my hold on her. "I can stay, if you want."
"No. I'm fine. Just shaken up, but a good night's sleep will do me some good," she said. She hugged me again and her fingers grazed the tops of my shoulder blades, almost causing my wings to fling out involuntarily. I grit my teeth, keeping them buried beneath my skin until we broke apart. She led me to the door, whispering her thanks. I waited until she was in bed before I took off to check on Felix.
He gave me the stink eye. "I know. I know. I suck as an owner," I said, letting him run around in the backyard while I made his dinner. "But, you met her, Felix. She needs me." Felix woofed quietly, disappearing into the backyard to take care of his business. He came back, plopping down next to me with his tongue lolling out of the side of his mouth. "You think I'm crazy, don't you?"
"Woof," Felix replied, putting his head on my thigh.
I rubbed behind his ears. "I just can't leave her alone. She means something to me and she's gotten under my skin, Felix," I whispered. "She's been through hell and back and yet, she's still good and kind and loving." I sighed, opening my mind to hers. Even miles away, I could hear her. She wasn't having nightmares. For the first time, her dreams were pleasant. I was the star of those dreams and I was her protector, fierce and loyal. "I'm afraid that I can't protect her. Her abusive ex is now the custodian at the school I'm working at. He did horrible things to her. Plus, there's something super dark about him that I don't trust. It was like his soul was gone." Felix whimpered, moving closer to me. "I'm talking to my dog. I'm so fucked in the head. I mean, really."
With a sigh, I brought Felix inside and fed him a big meal, spending the rest of the night with him. I kept my mind open to Bella, but she was fine for a majority of the night. Her only nightmare came just before she woke up and it was a memory of Riley beating her before … and she woke up. I blew out a breath, showering and dressing for work. Angela said that Fridays were casual, so it was completely appropriate to wear jeans. I put on a pair of dark jeans and a school t-shirt that Mrs. Cope gave me once I was hired as Angela's sub. I folded a white sheet for my toga and took off, flying to pick up my car.
Parking in the lot, next to Angela's Ford Focus and Bella's beast of truck, I went inside, signing in the main office. "You need an ID, sweetie," said Mrs. Molina, the secretary for the building. "Mrs. Cope told me to hook you up. After today, you won't have to sign in."
"Okay," I said. Mrs. Molina took my picture and handed me a badge for Jefferson Elementary School. "Ugh, I look like a ghost."
"A handsome, sexy ghost," Mrs. Molina said, smirking at me. "Have a good day, Mr. Cullen."
"Happy Friday, Mrs. Molina," I said, slipping my ID into my lanyard. I walked down the hallway, putting my jacket into Angela's room. I heard Angela speaking to Bella and Mrs. Cope. I picked up my notebook, heading into Bella's classroom.
"I appreciate your concern, Bella, but Mr. Biers came highly recommended," Mrs. Cope said, her arms crossed. "He does not have a record and I cannot fire him because your past with him."
"I'm talking about a bad breakup, Mrs. Cope," Bella argued. "This guy is dangerous."
"Not according to his background check," Mrs. Cope sighed. "Just make sure you're gone before four and you won't have to deal with him." I kept my face impassive, angry that Mrs. Cope was dismissing Bella's concerns. She turned, smiling at me. "Mr. Cullen, how was your first day?"
"Good! Looking forward to the Greek party this afternoon," I said, smiling tightly. "I've got my costume ready to go."
"You'll be there, right?" Angela asked. "We need our Hera for the afternoon."
"My toga is in my office," she replied. "Now, if you excuse me. I'm going to check on the buses. Bella, I hope you understand why I can't do anything about Mr. Biers." Bella didn't respond. Her eyes stayed focused on my shoes. Mrs. Cope left and Angela huffed out a breath.
"She's wrong, Bells. My guess is that we're so short-staffed in the custodial department, that she would not want to fire him," Angela said.
"You didn't have to deal with him," Bella sneered. "You don't have the scars, the emotional and physical scars from that monster."
"Did you press charges?" Angela asked.
"I did, but there was not enough evidence," she sniffled. She wiped her tears away and shook her head. "I need to get ready for the day and I don't want the kids to see me all bleary-eyed. I'll just have to deal and leave by four so I don't have to see him." She scoffed, stomping away and making her way to the bathroom.
"I want to strangle Mrs. Cope," Angela growled.
"Did you know Riley?" I asked.
"You know about him?" Angela asked.
"I was here when she saw him for the first time. I had forgotten something in your room and she passed out when she ran into him," I explained. "Did you know him?"
"Not personally, but I remember when I first met Bella. She was a shell when she was hired and it was because of Riley. He broke her spirit," Angela sighed. "Keep an eye out for her, Edward. She doesn't have anyone. Rosalie is a bitch and only looks out for Rosalie. I try to help, but Bella's as stubborn as stubborn could be. I love her, but damn."
"I'll do everything to make sure she's okay," I said.
"Good." Angela eyed me, looking at my arms. "Tattoos? Are you completely covered?"
"Pssh, yeah," I chuckled. "It's an addiction. This isn't against dress code or anything? I have a long-sleeved t-shirt I can put on underneath."
"No. The kids will love you even more," Angela chuckled. Mrs. Cope's voice filtered on through the speakers. "Bus duty. Get your coat, Mr. Cullen. Time to freeze your balls off."
"What about Bella?" I asked.
"Go check on her. I'll head outside," Angela said, slipping on a coat and a fuzzy hat.
She gave me a warm smile. I used my hearing to find Bella and she was in the bathroom just around the corner. I knocked on the door. She responded with a raspy voice. Opening the door, she gasped when she saw me. "Edward, I'm fine."
"You're trembling," I said, taking her shaking hand. She relaxed and moved closer to me. I hugged her, leaning my cheek against her hair. "I'll stay with you and walk you out to your car. I promise."
"I just need to deal," she shrugged, stepping back.
"But that's the thing. You shouldn't have to deal," I argued. I cupped her cheek and she flinched. "I'm sorry."
"No. I'm just … I'm not used to such tenderness," she sniffled. She looked up at me, her brown eyes filling with tears again. "For a big guy, you're a big softie."
"Funny, Bella," I deadpanned. But, when it came to her, I was. I hated that so many men in her life used her as a punching bag. And the pain of her past was spreading, making her heart seem emptier. "I mean it. I'll take care of you." She gave me a tiny smile and hugged me once more before the sounds of the kids broke us apart. Bella plastered on a fake smile, greeting her students. I did the same, smiling at the fourth graders from Angela's class. I also collected food and treats for the party, putting them into the staff lounge once Angela came back from bus duty.
The morning went by quickly. Angela gave a spelling test and we spent some time reading from class novel. One of the girls, Madison, requested I read since my accent was so cool. I obliged and then moved on to the math lesson before the kids went to lunch. While they ate, the two rooms were change into ancient Greece. In Bella's room, we were having a craft and a video. In Angela's room, we'd be having a separate craft, a musical presentation and food.
The Greek party was awesome. The kids had a blast. Bella was dressed in an elegant toga with a sheer sleeve and a jeweled belt around her tiny waist. Angela's was a bit busier, but it fit her personality. Mine was just a white sheet, draped around my body with a belt. "I didn't know that the costumes were this insane," I whispered to Angela.
"You just got the job on Wednesday. You're fine," Angela giggled. "Though, you make a bed sheet look sexy. Have you done this before?"
When I was alive and not an angel. "Nope," I chuckled. "I do have to admit that this is a lot of fun. I learned more about Greek mythology than when I was in elementary school."
"We were afraid that with the new curriculum, we'd have to cut this unit, but Mrs. Cope said that she saw how much the kids enjoyed this. She fought for it and it's grown," Angela said. "Timmy, baklava is for eating, not throwing!" She rolled her eyes, admonishing Timmy for using the Greek dessert as a basketball.
The party broke up a half hour before the end of the day. Parent helpers wrapped up the food and the three of us took down the decorations as the kids spent the last thirty minutes on the playground. As we were cleaning up the rooms, Riley came in with a large garbage bin. Bella stiffened as he gave her a smarmy grin. Angela pushed me to Bella and I helped her, glaring at Riley. "I thought he was going to be here at night," Bella hissed to me, red splotches on her neck and arms.
"I'm here and I'll kick his ass if he does something to you," I whispered.
"Don't. I don't want you to get in trouble. I'm not worth it," she sighed. Her thoughts turned dark and visions of ending her life swirled in her mind. What's the point? Riley and every other monster will continue to haunt me until I'm nothing but a broken shell. Even Edward will see that. I just want to die.
"No," I breathed, my heart breaking and stumbling with the sheer amount of agony I felt from Bella.
A/N: So, the man that freaked Bella out was Riley, her ex-boyfriend. He was not a nice guy. At. All. But he's not who he seems. Leave me some … oh, and pictures of the Greek party, the costumes and Riley are on my blog. You can find the link to my blog on my profile. I'm also on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79.
