Disclaimer- I don't own Twilight.

Okay, I have to say I was a bit flustered… you guys treat me much too well. This is my most popular story so far and I'm happy you guys wanna read more! So let's stop reading my ranting and get to the reviewers!

Only one of you got the answer to my question correct…

Reviewer(s) of the chapter-

Angel27eyes- because you guessed right and I'm still astounded… your ex is getting that kick in the ass XD

TwiDi- all of your glorious questions are answered below!

Sanders61584- for having a worried 4 year old lol.

ElspethGordie- haha I have you completely hooked. I have no idea why I like the idea of that so much…

And special thanks to (in no particular order)- cheermom13, beffy-beffy123, tw1l1ght4ev3r, Lemonaide, elliemay101287, GumyGrape5794, futurecullen11, Littleangel53126, IMCullen, MidnightTulip (thanks), Vampirelizgurl, Kayla1013, twilightgirl80, Ms. Jessica Cullen's BIGGEST FAN (still flattered), and my epic beta, Pix, A.K.A. VaMpIrExPiXiE

VOTE FOR PEDRO-

LAST ON SILENCE

"Why not." He asked me, pinching the bridge of his nose again.

Because he'll kill you.

I tried to say through my eyes. He just stood there, breathing heavy and shaking for a few minutes, looking at my pleading eyes. Probably wondering how serious I was.

When a tear escaped my eye, he shut his eyes and blew out a large breath through his nose.

"Fine." He said.

He grabbed his coat from the hanger and opened the door, and then looked at me.

"Well, come on." He said, sounding impatient.

Where are we going?

I asked silently and he looked at me for a moment before assessing the correct question from my eyes.

"We're leaving." He paused, "Like, leaving, leaving."

CURRENTLY ON SILENCE-

B.P.O.V.

I ran to the couch in a daze, grabbing the paper to write things I couldn't convey with my eyes.

Charlie will be mad, he's probably already pissed at me, and it'll be bad enough as it is when I get home. Besides, if you mean leaving like I think you mean it, I don't have anything packed.

I held the paper to him and he grabbed it impatiently, skimming it over.

He looked at me, incredulous and spoke in a sharp tone, "You think I'm letting you go back? And we'll go shopping." He shrugged off my last concern.

I gulped, looking at him, not wanting to voice my other concerns out of fear.

He saw that and sighed, stepping closer, I moved back on instinct.

"Trust me." He said his eyes intense.

And I found myself trusting him, the last time he said that, he saved my face.

I stepped towards him and he looked relieved as he ushered me out the door and into his car, I had no clue where we were going.

So here we were, in his car. He had started driving, and it only now occurred to me that he was still wearing sweat pants and flip flops and it was well into the afternoon.

I tried to avert my gaze away from his chest and his body about 5 minutes in, but it was hard. My gaze eventually locked there, drinking in Edward's physical appearance as he drove.

It seemed like a million amazing years before I looked up to his face to see that he was smirking out of the windshield.

I blushed, looking away. Neither of us said anything, not that I could.

I reached up to lightly brush my hand across my face, and thought back to last night and this morning… how surreal it was.

I found myself to be unafraid of Charlie with Edward here. I didn't know where he was taking me, but it had to be better than home.

I chanced another glance at his face and he was looking at the road, of course he would be.

I wanted to ask where we were going. But I couldn't.

Even without looking at me, Edward seemed to feel my frustration and at a red light next to a sign that said Welcome to Forks, he leaned his seat back and pulled out a white board and a red marker and handed them to me.

I ignored the way his muscles moved when he did. Or tried to.

Where are we going?

I wrote down and showed him.

He turned his head to the side, thinking.

"We're going to get you help." He said, obviously set in his ways.

I frowned slightly, and it stung my cheek a bit.

No, I don't want anyone else knowing… I wish you didn't know.

He clenched his jaw. "Why."

Because… I don't want Charlie to hurt you either… or anyone.

I added the last part to make it sound less personal.

"But I'm going to get Charlie… put away…"

Who are we going to?

I wrote hesitantly.

"My step dad."

This led my mind to an array of new questions, but I filed them away for later.

But…

He didn't even let me finish writing before he answered.

"No buts, Swan, I trust him. And I know you want to know more, but ask later… just not now. You said you trusted me, so trust me, I'm not taking you anywhere bad."

Okay… can you at least tell me where we're going though?

He pursed his perfect lips, and then he sighed, " Dallas , Texas ."

Without thinking, my mouth flew open, " Texas ?! We can't just take a random road trip to- ow!" I screamed once I realized the idiocy of my actions.

I felt the blood on my cheek and Edward looked at me, annoyed.

"Fuck, girl…" He said, causing me to shiver.

He pulled over immediately and got out, moving to my side and sitting me on top of the car.

He popped the trunk and took out a trunk identical to the one in his kitchen.

The pain seared and I whimpered as it spread. I felt guilty at the blood in his car.

"Shh." He said calmly, removing the soiled gauze from my face and pulling my hair away from my face.

He immediately took out the numbing stuff and shot it into me. He waited a couple of minutes before continuing.

In that time, he chose to assess the damage and take some things out of the box.

He took out a pair of fine tweezers and started removing the broken stitches. I couldn't feel a thing. I kept shooting him apologetic looks that he didn't pay attention to as he redid his work.

"Don't talk, Swan. But yes, Dallas . I'd fly us out there… but my step dad will need a few days to prepare anyways." He said softly, obviously his step dad was a happy thought.

Once he was done with my face, he shot me a warning look telling me not to do it again. I nodded; you didn't have to tell me twice.

Once we were back and driving, I wrote more on the white board, more than a little anxious to hear more and give him an out.

I feel like I'm imposing so much… you can just take me home, this is wasting so much of your time and money for gas and I'm not even that important.

He looked at it, blinking.

"There are so many things wrong with that." He said, looking at me, disapproving.

Like what.

I wrote back sarcastically.

He frowned.

BASBASBASBAS

A couple hours later I started to grow impatient with this long drive.

How are you driving all the way to Texas without a map?

He rolled his eyes, "How do you have so many questions? I drive there a lot."

Why don't you just live with your step dad then?

I asked, trying to entertain myself, but also trying to find some answers.

Something came across in his eyes and I refrained from asking. Maybe his dad was a touchy subject for him like my mom was for me.

"Because… they moved… my parents I mean." He said, looking out of the window as if looking for a way to evade the subject.

And what? They just left you in Forks or something?

His nostrils flared.

"Enough questions," I restrained the urge to yawn as he talked, "You're tired. Sleep."

I nodded, somewhat incoherent, and positioned myself in a comfortable position. Well, at least the most comfortable position you could put yourself in when in a car.

But I wasn't sleeping. Why didn't he live with his dad or his step dad? Why were they even in wholly different parts of the country?

I didn't question him further, though, I knew what that felt like.

But it didn't mean I wasn't curious.

But then something hit me.

We're driving nonstop to Texas ?

He nodded and yawned, a bit tired himself.

At least pull over so you can sleep, I'd offer to drive, but I have no clue of how to get there.

He contemplated that for a moment.

"I'll stop at the nearest hotel."

I blinked.

Are you sure?

He nodded, "Yeah, I think I see one a couple miles down the road."

I inched myself up. Yeah, I saw one… but it sure as hell wasn't a hotel I'd ever seen. This was a fancy ass hotel. My eyes bulged.

It was called The Ritz Carlton.

Holy shit. I thought to myself.

Do you have enough money for that?! Besides, we don't need something that fancy, do we?

He blinked, "It isn't too fancy, besides, and my family gets a discount there. Besides, I do have enough money for it."

I shrugged and slumped in my seat again. I looked at the clock, 11 o clock. Too late… and to think we had started this afternoon! We must be half way to Eugene Oregon now…

We pulled up near the valet and my eyes drooped.

Someone opened the door for me and I tried to find the will to make my legs move, but I couldn't. Edward, who had put on a sweatshirt, rolled his eyes and helped me out and tipped the men and went inside.

I was too tired to appreciate how beautiful it was as he pulled me towards the front desk, talked to the guy and was led to an elevator with golden gates.

I leaned my head on something soft and felt my weight being supported but I was still moving.

I felt myself being laid down, and I fell asleep.

BASBASBASBAS

Mmm… soft… I thought as I ran my fingers over the beautifully soft sheets of my bed when I woke up.

I had the weirdest dream last night… Edward, yeah, Edward Cullen had suddenly decided to drive me somewhere south, and I didn't talk the entire time.

Dreams were ridiculous.

My eyes were still shut as my hands stroked sheets that felt like silk. My eyebrows furrowed. Why was there a ton of hair on my sheets? And why did it have a pulse?

My eyes flew open to see a man… with my hand running up and down his thigh… I looked up to see Edward Cullen. And Edward Cullen was only wearing…

Boxer briefs.

I think I might have moaned.

My eyes widened and before I could even move my mouth, his hand flew to my chin and held it there in a vice grip.

"Don't even fucking dare open your mouth." He mumbled sleepily into his pillow.

I was still focused on how his hand was on my chin.

I reluctantly pushed it away and pulled my hand from his leg. He sat up lazily and stretched his hands above his head.

I looked at the floor, embarrassed.

Wait, why was I in a bed with Edward Cullen? And why was Edward Cullen wearing the sexiest guy underwear? Why wasn't I awake?

I pinched myself under the covers. Nope. Awake.

I looked up to see the nicest hotel room I'd ever seen.

We were situated on a king sized gold bed in the middle of a large room with multiple windows, televisions, fridges, and sofas.

I gasped and looked to a smirking Edward.

"You know, Swan, you really shouldn't grope a sleeping man like that, some would consider it rape." I didn't need to look up to see the smirk on his face, I was mortified.

I buried my face in my hands. I wanted to argue, but two things stopped me. One, my mouth wasn't to be moved. Two, I didn't like back talking Edward. He wouldn't take it well.

So I just looked away. I felt pressure on the other side of the large bed, and saw Edward getting up and going into the bathroom.

He was taking a shower, I realized when I heard the water. Mm…

Perv!

My mind screamed and I focused my attention on something else.

I sniffed my hair, I so needed a shower...

I was going to shower in the same shower as Edward Cullen.

Imagine if it was at the same time…

Perv, he doesn't even like to tolerate your presence.

My mind screamed at me. And I agreed. Like I would be good enough for that anyways.

I laid there for a good 20 minutes until he came out, wearing one of the complementary robes. It looked sinful on him, of course, as it wasn't fully tied. It would be so easy to-

Perv.

My mind screamed again, and I raised my eyes to Edward's face. He was walking towards me.

He bent down in front of me and I flinched, he sighed, running his fingers through his wet hair.

He took my face in his hands and looked at the bloody gauze.

He smiled. "You almost won't need the gauze anymore… so long as you don't talk…"

He gently peeled the gauze off of my cheek and I winced, closing my eyes.

"We can put some more on when you've finished your shower… because let's face it, you stink, Swan." He said, and it was true, in every sense of the word, but he was smirking, was he joking? "There's a toothbrush in the bathroom but don't use it, I will."

I was horrified, he was going to brush my teeth for me. He chuckled at my reaction and rolled his eyes, as if I was passing up a perfectly normal opportunity.

"I'm going to do it because you'll break your stitches, you have to do it carefully." He said, and I could tell he thought I was going to mess it up.

I huffed, grabbing the hotel pen and paper.

I've brushed my own teeth with stitches on my lip before.

He raised his arms in defeat, "At your own peril."

I walked to the bathroom, relieved. As much as I wanted Edward in my mouth, this wasn't how.

I got in the shower, confusing myself. These emotions I was feeling right now wasn't normal. How can you feel so much lust and fear towards one person at the same time?

I guess I didn't have much of a reason to be scared right now, I know he wouldn't ever really do anything physical like Charlie, but I was expecting to be hurt. I wasn't used to being away from Charlie, and I felt fear for him now. There were two things that would happen.

Charlie would either come looking for me, and I shuddered at that particular thought, or he would just… not care and put on a show that he did for everyone else.

I shuddered and thought about something else, I hadn't ever really felt this lust before either. I had always been attracted to Edward, but I didn't know that when he was being civil and in an enclosed space with me, after touching my mouth for an extensive amount of time that it, the lust I mean, would be this damn intense.

And… somehow… when Charlie swore, it was scary, and it was menacing and creepy. But when Edward did it, it was one of the sexiest things I'd ever heard. Correction, it was the sexiest thing. Everything he said was.

Perv.

My mind screamed and I sighed, pushing those thoughts out of my head as well. I exited the shower, reveling in the feeling of just being clean. It had been two disgusting days since I had taken my last shower.

I brushed my hair with a comb that the hotel had, and I put on the other robe, but it was huge on me.

I put on the fluffy slippers and opened the door, looking out to see Edward on the phone. He looked happy… something I wasn't used to Edward being, and I'm not talking arrogant Edward happy, this was genuine Edward happy.

He was also wearing clothing, a pair of black skinny jeans and a plain white t shirt. He was wearing blue Nike's too.

I smiled at the sight and quietly went to sit on one of the sofas, staring out at the beautiful view. And no, before you ask, not of Edward, out of the hotel.

A snapping of fingers led my gaze to Edward, who was pointing to the bed, where some clothing was, and mouthed to me to change, and then pointed to his watch, still talking to someone he called Carlisle .

I nodded, moving to the clothes and picking them up, moving to the bathroom to change.

I examined them, and they were nice. Yellow tank top and a pair of jeans. I looked at the tag… exactly my size.

I looked underneath them to find a pair of black chucks, my size as well, and…

I blushed beat red. Underneath were a pair of fancy ass underwear with a matching midnight blue, lace bra.

That, too, was exactly my size. 28 C.

And it was one of the tiniest things I'd ever seen.

Edward had picked this out… and pictured me in it. I shivered at the thought

Perv.

I blinked as I stared down at them, wondering how the hell he had known what size to get me, and at the sight of him in an underwear store, trying to pick them out.

How freakin' embarrassing.

I thought, but then I remembered that he wanted me to hurry, so I put everything on, and just left my hair and my face be.

And I used that toothbrush without breaking my stitches. But it hurt like hell.

I walked out and Edward was off the phone. I wanted to be polite and say thank you but my stitches were in the way and I was still blushing, rendered too embarrassed for speech.

He had some Neosporin and gauze and tape out, and he put it on my face gently.

"Okay." He said offhandedly as we walked to the elevator, "I talked to my step dad, Carlisle, and he said he'll be expecting us in 7 days, so we'll have some pretty heavy driving time. You had a good point last night, and I printed off the route I was taking from the internet and programmed it into my G.P.S. so you'll be able to drive sometimes when I get tired."

I nodded robotically, adjusting. I was slightly afraid I would crash his beautiful Volvo.

I'd never been to Texas … I thought randomly, and found myself to be excited. I wondered if anyone would say howdy or y'all.

"But I'll start off. We'll be driving exactly 35 hours to where we're going. We drove 2 and a half hours yesterday, so we'll have 2 and a half hours today, every other day will be a 5 hour drive. Understand?"

I nodded. That was a long drive…

He handed the key back to the guy at the front desk who offered him a smile and told us to have a lovely trip. His smile was fake though, I pitied him, and he had to do that all day, every day. But then I looked at the hotel. I bet the fucker enjoyed it…

We got back in the car and Edward started driving immediately.

And okay, I knew I would sound rude… but I had to ask…

I'm not trying to sound rude… you're doing so much… but I wanted to know why, why does it matter so much that we're taking this trip to go get help, couldn't we go somewhere closer? Why do I matter? Because I really will end up being a waste of your time.

Edward read my words with a clenched jaw. " Carlisle is a police officer, and probably one of the closet ones that isn't under the influence of your father, and will believe you. And it matters because, yeah, Swan, I like pushing you around. But it's my job, and he went too far. You're supposed to be safe at home, that's one of the definitions."

I had nothing to write in reply. I was stunned.

BASBASBASBAS

About an hour later, I was back to blushing about my bra. I desperately wanted to ask him how he knew… but what was I going to say? 'Oh, and by the way, I was just wondering how you knew how big my boobs were? Or my feet for that matter.'

I really did like the shoes… they were comfortable. I had a pair like them at home.

"How does your cheek feel?" He asked offhandedly.

Fine, it feels a bit swollen, but it doesn't really hurt.

"Good. You might be able to talk soon." He said.

It was a statement that didn't require a response. I still wanted to know how he knew what my sizes were. I started fidgeting as I always did when I was trying to hold back something to say.

"If you have something to say, I'd say it because we're about an hour and 15 minutes from our next hotel, but I was thinking we'd get something to eat in about a half hour."

Okay… um… I was wondering

And you know it's called stalling when you write the word um.

If you, or how you knew what, oh never mind.

His eyebrows furrowed, I shouldn't even have thought to ask…

I looked away, blushing.

"God damn it, just tell me."

I shivered at his forceful tone.

Perv.

My mind shouted.

Did you go shopping while I was in the shower?

He bit back a laugh as he returned his attention to the road.

"That's what you've been so worked up about? The fact that I went bra shopping for you?" He teased me.

I sunk further into my seat in embarrassment. I shouldn't have brought it up.

I tentatively looked up at him and he was still smiling, "Well, I guessed what size you were if that's what you were referring to," his gaze dropped to my chest and he smirked, "And I guess I guessed right. I guessed on your feet, too. And I assumed you weren't a medium or a large for your shirt, and you just look like your jean size is a 2." He said, still smiling, obviously enjoying my embarrassment.

You didn't have to get me hardcore lingerie though… I'm fine with the plain stuff.

He grinned, "Yeah, but that wouldn't have been nearly as fun to pick out." He winked and my eyes widened as I coughed.

I didn't realize how much time had passed as I sat, drenched in embarrassment, but I was guessing it was 30 minutes because we had pulled up at a Chilli's.

I got out of the car myself this time, and we waited in a line for about a minute until a waitress, who was shamelessly ogling Edward, seated us at a table, fairly nice.

I narrowed my eyes at her as she put the menu in front of Edward, winking at him and tossing one at me.

I blinked, glaring after her.

Edward quirked an eyebrow in amusement at both her and me, but didn't speak.

He set his menu down after a while, "Point out what you want."

I pointed to the Chipotle Chicken Crispers and he nodded, flagging down the waitress and ordering for us.

BASBASBASBAS

Once we had finished lunch, the rest of that day's drive wasn't bad. We got settled into another fancy ass hotel called The Chambrolet.

And since it was only 1 o clock, Edward decided we would just relax for the rest of the day.

He ordered The Blind Side off of one of the flat screens in the room and for about an hour after it was finished, we argued about the point of the story.

He, naturally, thought it was all about football.

And I knew it was about the connection between the family.

He won, but in my defense, I couldn't talk in the fight, and he was intimidating.

"Besides, the ending, the beginning, and the middle is about football."

But the story uses football as a metaphor! Whatever…

He rolled his eyes, "You wouldn't know anything about the family aspect of it, Swan."

I blinked back tears and bit my lip, he was right of course… I fiddled with my fingers.

Well, neither do you.

He nodded, "Touché…"

Why don't your step parents live with you?

I asked after a moment's hesitation.

When he looked down and didn't respond, I quickly took it back.

Never mind.

He sighed, "No… it's okay… my, uh, my mom and dad…" He looked like this pained him to say.

He looked around the room, as if for something to do.

You don't have to tell me if you don't want to… but if you do… then why don't you do something while you do… you look uncomfortable.

He nodded and rounded the bed, grabbing that damned doctor's box.

My eyes widened.

"I'm just replacing the gauze."

I nodded.

"Okay… so, my mom and dad… they… they disowned me when I was 8." He said, refusing to look at me as he took off the gauze and tape.

His eyes were hard, refusing to look anywhere but at my cheek.

"Oh… Edward…" I said, so softly that my mouth didn't even move.

His eyes narrowed as he examined my stitches, "I'm not looking for sympathy."

I nodded slightly, "Why?" I asked softly, though a stiffly shut jaw.

He sighed, "Because… I was a mistake," he spat out, "they never wanted me. They… had this… large empire mad up for them, Masen Corp. and they didn't want me inheriting the money. They just sent me to foster care without so much as a goodbye."

His voice cracked, and I saw it. This was his moment of vulnerability. I didn't know if he wanted me to comfort him, so I sat there awkwardly until he continued.

" Carlisle and his wife Esme adopted me, but respected my wishes to stay in Forks. They also have a large company in Dallas that requires them all of the time, but they sent up their other daughter, Rosalie, to come up and take care of me."

"Why did you want to live in Forks?" I asked, nearly silent.

He smiled a sad smile, "My family used to vacation there, it was the only piece of normalcy I wanted to keep."

I nodded, "So what were you saying about Rosalie?" I asked softly.

He paused, "Rosalie was 22 when I was 8, and living in Forks anyways, so she was sort of like a second mother to me, along with her husband Emmett."

He gently rubbed more antiseptic on my face, "When I turned 16, Emmett got a job in California , and Carlisle and Esme wanted to give up their company to come live with me, but I told them I was okay on my own now. They send me money to get myself by and I drive down, or they drive up to visit me every other week."

He smiled slightly, "On the weekends I'm not with them, I drive down to stay with Emmett and Rosalie."

He put on the gauze carefully, "Carlisle and Esme have a daughter named Alice that's about your age, she's my step sister, and we'll be staying with them."

"The reason they have to stay is because Carlisle is the chief of police, like your father, in Dallas , and Esme is an interior designer in Fort Worth that requires her constant attention."

I blinked, astonished. I had to keep my tears at bay. Here I was thinking, snotty little perfect Edward Cullen just looking for some fun… but I hadn't ever guessed that Edward had a haunting past of his own to deal with, and that I was only someone to take his emotions to.

He put on the tape and refused to look at me, rocking back onto his knees.

I couldn't help myself, I threw my arms around his neck again, unable to hold back my apologies and empathy.

"I'm sorry…"

He rubbed my back softly, as if he was comforting me, instead of the other way around.

I pulled away after a while and looked up at him with big, watery eyes.

Here, he had a past that was worse than mine, and he was still out of my ugly league.

"I'm sorry… that might've been too much to say." He said, glaring at the floor.

"I'm glad you told me." I said quietly.

He looked up at my eyes, obviously seeing if I was lying. After a while, his expression smoothed.

"Me too… Bella."

Aw! Doesn't it just make your heart melt?! Do you all understand why Edward is so mean now? Or WAS so mean?

Yeah, Bella still has a ton of emotional problems, and those are focused on in the next few days.

Angel27eyes gets a kick in the ass for her ex for guessing correctly!

Pix- wow finally were getting some where J he come the adventurer!! And good riddance Charlie!

Chapter question- HOW SHOULD EDWARD GIVE BELLA HER FAVORITE BOOK BACK? (Make it amazing, because I want it done in a more romantic way and I want you guys to play a part lol)

REVIEW!!!