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.
Up next will be Bella ... and her time with Olivia, helping her heal. And possibly some drama with Rosalie, but we'll see.
Chapter Sixteen
BPOV
I was sitting in the waiting room of my therapist. I was nervous. Olivia and I were going to talk about my past. Up until this point, we'd talked about my job, my blooming relationship with Edward and my time in college. But, Olivia wanted to talk about my abuse and how I could, possibly, get over it. Edward was nothing but patient, holding my hand as I tried to keep my emotions at bay. He was also sweet, tender and never pushed me in the physical aspect of our relationship.
I was grateful for that, but I was terrified of taking it to the next level. I was terrified of saying that I loved him. Anyone who loved me and I loved in return, they hurt me or abandoned me. I couldn't open my heart that way and have Edward leave me. He was the only one to show me true kindness.
"Pretty Bella," Edward cooed, picking up my hand and kissing my wrist. "I can feel your fear, your anxiety. You don't have to say anything if you're not comfortable."
"I have to. I've been in denial for years and it's not healthy," I whispered. "I've built this wall around me and you're, kind of, tearing down the bricks, but I'm terrified to make it fall completely. What if something happens and I'm totally broken."
"It won't happen. I promise, Bella," Edward whispered, tracing his fingers down my cheek. I felt butterflies in my belly, leaning my cheek against his shoulder. He kissed my forehead. I stayed like that until Olivia guided me into her office. Edward was anxious me being away from him, but he was respectful of my privacy.
"I know that you're anxious about this appointment, Bella. You have no reason to be," Olivia said.
"You're going to hear how I'm ruined," I frowned.
"First off, you need to stop thinking that way," Olivia chided. "You're not ruined."
"I was raped for the first time at the age of fourteen and it didn't stop until almost ten years later," I snapped. "My foster fathers and foster brothers, they used sex to control me. My ex-boyfriend, who I thought cared about me, was too impatient and he … because of him, I can't have children. He was cruel, brutal in his attacks. On top of that, he stole money from me and he's working in the building as a custodian."
"Did you press charges?" Olivia asked. "He should be behind bars."
"When he stole from me, he disappeared," I shrugged. "And he was close friends with the police chief. He said that they wouldn't believe me."
"And you believed him?" Olivia frowned.
"I don't need to be lectured about my stupidity," I growled. "I was grateful he was gone and I prayed I'd never see him again, but I was wrong."
"What does he do? Where is he working?" Olivia asked. "I'm sorry about making you feel uncomfortable."
"He's the head custodian at Jefferson Elementary School," I grumbled. "I've told my principal, but she said that his background check came back clean. She was also adamant that I don't provoke him. She won't fire him."
"When were you attacked?" Olivia whispered.
"A little over two years ago, was my last attack," I muttered. "It was the most brutal and was the cause of my hysterectomy at the age of twenty-four." Tears fell from my eyes and I blew out a breath. "That's why I'm ruined. I can't have children. I'm afraid that when my current boyfriend touches me, he'll hurt me. I know, in the deep recesses of my mind, that he won't, but that irrational fear is there."
"Is your boyfriend here?" Olivia asked. I nodded. "Can I ask him to come in so you can discuss your fears with him?"
"He's aware, but if you think it'll help," I shrugged. Olivia got up and ushered Edward into the room. He seemed larger than life in the tiny office. He was so big, strong and his eyes were soft, filled with concern. He sat down next to me and I jumped when he reached for my hand. I'm sorry, Edward. I'm feeling very, very raw right now.
He stared at me, concentrating on me. I understand, pretty Bella. "It's nice to finally meet you, Olivia," Edward said, smiling at her.
"You, too," Olivia said. "Bella said that you two were dating?"
"Yeah. It's pretty new," he nodded, squeezing my hand. I gave him a sheepish grin.
"Do you know her history?"
"I know everything," he said, his smile fading. "Men who hurt women like that … they deserve a special spot in hell. I couldn't even imagine touching Bella in any way but tenderness, or love."
"Not many men would be patient or as understanding," Olivia said, arching a brow.
"He's pretty special," I whispered, sliding my eyes to his. He gave me a soft, crooked smile. "But, I'm terrified that he won't think that I'm worth it." His smile fell and he frowned deeply. It's the truth, Edward. I'm damaged goods.
"Bella, you are worth it. All of it. I can see that Edward cares a great deal for you, despite your history," Olivia said, leaning forward.
"But, what happens if it I'm … raped … again?" I snarled. "It's a distinct possibility with Riley working in my building. He's planning something. I know it."
"What's Riley's name? Full name?" Olivia said. I told her his name. She arched a brow with a wry grin. "You're within the statute of limitations to press charges against him. I can get a cop here, right now, to take your statement. The fact that he's working in a school, with children, and terrorizing you, as well."
"Bella, it could help," Edward whispered. Press charges. Nail that bastard. He needs to pay for what he did to you. He took away your choice, twice. The first time by raping you and the second time by causing so much damage to your body that you had to have a hysterectomy. He stopped thinking to me, pinching his nose. I squeezed his hand. "I'm okay, pretty Bella. Sudden migraine."
"Bella, do you want me to call?" Olivia asked.
"Yes," I nodded. "Yes. I want to press charges."
"Did they take a rape kit at the hospital?" she pressed. I nodded, giving her the information where I had my examination and procedure, removing my uterus almost two years ago. Olivia called the hospital and the rape kit was still there, along with forensic evidence, DNA and pictures of what had happened to me. Thankfully, I was the last appointment of the evening and Olivia stayed with me as a detective from Port Angeles Police took my statement. Detective Leah Clearwater was understanding and believed everything that I'd said, unlike Riley's threat that I'd be ignored. Once my statement was taken, a squad car was dispatched to Riley's apartment to bring him in.
But, he wasn't there.
Shocker, I thought to Edward.
"Bella, you admitted that he hurt you. That's the first step in healing," he said, twining his fingers with mine. "I doubt he's staying at his apartment anymore. If I had to guess, he's strengthening his …" He trailed off, his lips pursed.
"What?" I asked.
"I'll tell you when we get home," he said, picking up my hand and kissing my wrist. With a furrowed brow, he stared at me. It's the unnatural, evil part of him …
I nodded, leaning against Edward, wishing that I had his wings surrounding me. They brought more solace and comfort than anything ever. They were impenetrable and Edward was adamant on protecting me with them. With my charges, I was granted an order of protection. I was not looking forward to tell Mrs. Cope that her new head custodian was going to have to be moved, but Detective Clearwater said she'd handle it. I was grateful for her willingness to talk to my boss.
Shortly before nine, Edward drove us back home and he was trying to convince me to take the day off. "Bella, you pressed charges against Riley. You should take the day," Edward said. "Alice is certified to teach and she can sub for you."
"Riley has taken enough from me. I refuse to let him take my job," I scowled. My cell phone rang and I saw that it was Mrs. Cope. I blanched, looking at Edward. He held me as I swiped my finger across. "Hello?"
"Bella, I just got off the phone with a police detective," she said, her voice someone terse. "You have an order of protection against Riley Biers?"
"Yes. I told you that I had some issues with him," I whispered. "I didn't feel comfortable around him. He stole money from me and …"
"I know what he did," she snapped. Tears welled in my eyes and I felt Edward hold me tightly, but his eyes were swirling with anger. "I'm sorry, Bella. I didn't mean to yell. We're struggling with keeping our custodians. The contract is not all that great."
"He raped me, Mrs. Cope. No woman should ever have to be in the same room as her rapist. He's made comments, done things during the day and …" I trailed off, my voice cracking.
"Now, I understand your position. Riley is innocent until proven guilty, but he will be reassigned to a different building," Mrs. Cope explained. "Until he's moved, which I believe we'll discuss this with him tomorrow, if he shows up to work, I want you to stay home."
"Am I in trouble?" I asked.
"Heavens, no!" she said. "I think that, in light of the allegations against him and the trauma you've endured, you should take tomorrow off. Spend the day and rest. Mr. Cullen can help with plans. Ms. Brandon is a certified teacher and she can easily take over your class."
See? Edward thought to me. I nodded, tears streaming down my cheeks. "Okay. I'll be back on Monday."
"I'm sorry about being so harsh with you, Bella. I didn't know," Mrs. Cope sighed. "Relax and take time for yourself. Be safe, Bella." I ended the call, trying to keep myself from sobbing.
"Pretty Bella," Edward cooed, wiping my cheeks with his thumbs. "She should have heeded your concerns prior to this. I'm so sorry."
"I just wish that I was normal," I sniffled.
"Normal is overrated," Edward snorted. I gave him a glower. "It's true!" He pouted. "I just wish I could stay with you, Bella."
"Someone has to bring my sub plans," I said, taking my laptop out of my bag to type them up. Edward took my hand, guiding me away from the computer. "Edward …"
"I know what you're doing and Alice has been in your room for a month. She can figure it out. You need to relax, let your mind not focus on what just happened and veg out for the rest of the evening and for the entire weekend," Edward chided, leading me to our room. "Let me handle it. You've been so strong for so long."
"It's all I know how to be," I whispered.
"And I love you for that, Bella," he whispered back, cupping my cheek and staring into my eyes. "But, I can feel that you're hanging on by a thread. Sometimes, all you need is a really good cry and a soak in the bathtub."
"Are you really not a woman?" I teased, barking out a laugh. Edward pursed his lips, giving me a look. "What?"
"I'm, in fact, as male as they come," he said. "But, I've seen those Lifetime movies. Soak, relax, sob. I'll be here when you're ready."
"What did I do to deserve you?" I asked, reaching up to caress his cheek. He smiled softly, kissing me tenderly on the forehead. I hugged him before ducking into the bathroom. I took his suggestion, soaking in the tub and languishing in the massive bathtub that could easily fit four adults. I did allow myself to fall apart, but I never sobbed. Getting out of the tub, I changed into one of Edward's t-shirts and a pair of yoga pants. I padded to the kitchen, seeing Edward. He was talking with Alice and Jasper, who were staying in the guest house on his property. Edward encouraged me to sit down, pushing a plate of food my way. "Is everything okay?"
"Fine. Edward told me about taking the day off. I'm covering your class and you don't have to worry about a thing," Alice chirped. "Jasper will be staying with you."
I nodded at the other man in the room. His lips were pursed and his dislike for Edward permeating every inch of the kitchen. He did not like being near him and as a result, was not too friendly with me. I nibbled on the plate Edward gave me, but wasn't really hungry. Alice smacked him. "Alice!" he barked.
"Stop being a jerk," she hissed. "He'll behave tomorrow."
"What am I missing?" Jasper asked.
"You're giving Bella a sneer, jackass," Edward snapped. "You may not like me, but she's my mate. She had nothing to do with what happened to you. You protect her or I kick your ass. Capische?"
"Yeah, yeah," Jasper snarled, leaving the house and stomping onto the deck. His wings spread and he took off like a shot.
"I'm sorry, Bella. My mate has some strong negative feeling toward yours," Alice said, laughing nervously.
"He needs to build a bridge and get over it," Edward muttered, standing behind me and pushing the plate back to me, picking up a carrot and crunching on it. "Eat, pretty Bella. I'm worried about you."
"My stomach is unsettled," I whispered. "I'm an anxious mess. What if he's not caught?"
"With Riley completely giving himself over to the evil, he probably won't be," Alice said, examining her nails. I blanched. Edward growled, causing Felix to start barking at Alice. She looked up at Edward, her eyes wide. They had an entire conversation mentally and she muttered a quick apology, leaving us.
"Bella, I'm sorry," Edward said, scooping me up and placing me on his lap in the living room. "Alice, she's unaccustomed to dealing with humans directly."
"What did she mean?" I squeaked out. "He won't be caught?"
"He's been completely taken over by Satan," Edward said. "His mind is no longer his own. He probably no longer lives in his apartment, because he knows that you'd eventually press charges. He'll trick you, trick others, with his powers."
"Could he impersonate you? Or Alice? Or Jasper?" I asked, my already nervous stomach churning.
"It's a possibility. But, there's a way you can tell if it's really me, or any of the rest of us," Edward said, taking my face into his hands. "Look into my eyes." I did, but I was confused. "What do you see?"
"They're green. Very, very green," I answered.
"Riley's eyes will always be black," he murmured.
"He could put in contacts," I whimpered.
"Not even contacts can hide the darkness within," Edward said. "Look into the eyes and if they're black, it's not me, or Alice or Jasper."
"This is all a nightmare," I sniffled. "I'm nothing special. Why is he, Satan, fixated on me?"
"I don't know, Bella, but I'll do everything in my power to protect you," he vowed.
"Hold me. Hold me …" I trailed off. With your wings. He removed his shirt, allowing his wings to unfurl. Curling against his bare chest and tracing the tattoos that lay on his pale skin, his wings protected me with his strength, his devotion and his impenetrable wings.
A/N: We're going back to Edward next chappie … what will happen with Riley? Will he be at work?
Leave me some!
