Thank you to jetstreamRose, twicrack83, and MarchHare5 for your lovely reviews! And of course a huge thanks to MsWDarcy for her amazing beta-ism skills, and for allowing me to send her emails/questions/concerns/text at all hours. All my love!

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns all character names etc. I just like manipulating them, of course destroying their lives, and then maniacally watch them try to put it back together. mwa-ha-ha-ha.

Warning: This story is rated M for Bella's past, which includes adult subject matter and violence. (all to be revealed in time) :)

Chapter Three: Connection

I bolted.

I immediately hit a large immovable object, a man. A stranger. He gripped my shoulders holding me up.

The Cullen's living room disappeared.

A burst of pain exploded in my face. I braced myself against the wall. It was sharp and rough, and cut into my hands.

Hands grabbed at me. Hands twice the size of my own. They pulled at me, turning me around to face their owner. The owner of the hands that became fists. I backed into the wall, pinpricking my back. I tightly shut my eyes refusing to see what would come next. If I didn't know it was going to happen it wouldn't be real.

The hands began pulling at my shirt. It would rip any moment. I tried to push him away. But he was stronger. So much stronger. I finally looked into his face. It was angry, and full of need. My shirt tore, and I tried to smack his hands away. That made it worse.

He was going to hit me again. I promised myself I wouldn't but I couldn't hold it back.

I begged.

"Don't hurt me. Please don't hurt me."

And then it was gone.

Cool hands were holding my face. These hands were still large, but nice—gentle. They eased the phantom sting that still lingered.

I opened my eyes. I was on the floor. Again. And my comforter's hands belonged to someone.

Not just anyone. Edward.

He crouched over me in a protective stance above my body. His face was fierce as he gazed into mine, eyes glancing back and forth, seeming unsure what to do.

He was completely focused on me.

I suddenly remembered we weren't alone.

Emmett was hollering. "Don't touch her man! I don't know why, but she doesn't like it. Keep your hands off of her!"

Edward obviously heard him too, because he quickly jerked away his hands. Their cool relief only a memory.

But he leaned down again, the action hidden by his body, and brush one finger along my jaw.

Edward was pulled out of the way and replaced by the man. The stranger. Not that I was bosom friends with everyone else, but we had at least exchanged first names. He was blond with Edward's eyes and Alice's smile. He kneeled next to me, and reached for my arm, probably to take my pulse.

I yanked my hand to my chest and out of his grasp, searching the room for safety. My eyes landed on Alice. She was standing next to Emmett, wringing her hands. He stood defensively with his arms crossed, obviously unhappy with the situation.

No kidding. I wasn't too enthused about it either.

I looked imploringly at Alice, and she rushed to my side, crouching down. She helped me into a sitting position, and let me scootch a few feet from… her father?

Ali placed her arm around my shoulder and I unconsciously leaned in. Esme stood in the corner of the room talking on a phone. I caught snippets of the end of the conversation. Something about fainting spells, and vomiting. Awesome.

"Bella, I'm Carlisle Cullen. I'm a doctor. Sorry for stopping you earlier. Would it be okay if I took your pulse?"

I shook my head.

He smiled. "That's okay Bella. Do you mind if Esme takes your pulse then?"

I shrugged. Darn nosy doctors.

"Esme, dear? Would you mind coming over here?" She was done talking on the phone, I guessed with Charlie. She moved towards me, like she was approaching a scared animal. Gently she took my wrist in her hand and watched the clock on the wall.

Alice began to rub my shoulder as if I was cold. I must be shivering. Esme looked back at Dr. Cullen and nodded slightly. Apparently I passed inspection.

Esme and Alice helped me off the floor and into a chair. Esme and Carlisle sat down in a couch across from me, while Alice stayed by my side.

Emmett flanked my other side like he was my personal body guard, but Edward kept his distance, watching me intently.

I took a deep breath. Damage control commence. "Uh. Well." Great start Bella, you have them on the edge of their seats—literally.

I ran my fingers through my hair awkwardly. "I have this traveling problem." Liar. "You see I get really bad motion sickness. Really bad. So I haven't eaten much today, or even yesterday. And whatever I do eat I throw-up, which I guess causes me to be fatigued, and leads to whole lot of fainting." I glanced up at Alice and her parents through my eyelashes.

Beyond them Edward was narrowing his eyes.

I looked down at my twisting hands. "I'm so sorry I freaked everyone out."

Alice answered for everyone. "Bella, don't feel sorry. These things happen." She patted my hand.

I stood. "Thank you. I've certainly made a great first impression."

Esme's smile reminded me of Mom's take-care-of-yourself-or-I-will look. I missed her.

Carlisle waved his arm. "We're just glad you're fine. But don't hesitate to let us know if you aren't," he said pointedly. "I know you just met us, but if you need anything, let us know. Especially while Charlie is working."

I just nodded, too exhausted to argue. He wouldn't have let me anyway.

"Time to go, Bells." Emmett stated gruffly. I agreed, we still have groceries in the car, and Charlie was on his way home—thanks to Esme's call.

Edward was still watching, standing on the sidelines, the only one not to say anything. He inspected me, almost suspicious. But he couldn't be suspicious. He didn't know me, couldn't tell when I was lying.

And I had become an excellent liar.

Just in case, I silently beseeched him to stay silent. The message must have gotten through because he nodded minutely, said goodbye to Emmett, and left the room.

The car ride home was quiet. Emmett kept glancing over at me, but I wasn't offering any other explanation. I couldn't

Reaching my dad's house, Emmett helped me unload the groceries, and stock the fridge and pantry. I started putting things away anywhere. The cupboards were basically empty, and I would organize them to my liking later.

We didn't say anything other than what was necessary, but I could tell that he wanted to talk. He lingered after the last item was put away.

"Emmett I'll be fine. My dad should be home soon." He raised his eyebrows. "Really. I'm good."

Looking away from me, and then back again, "Bella, I get that you don't know me, but if you need to talk I'm here, and Alice is here. You fainted twice today. Not that I'm an expert on fainting, but that's not normal."

I ignored the offer, instead turning it into a joke. "What? All the girls normally faint more than twice? Darn. Now I'm just one of the fan club."

He laughed. "Naw, that's Jasper or Edward. I make the girls scream."

I let out a surprised laugh.

"But I mean what I said. We're here." He pulled out his phone, "what's your number? I need to program you in."

I smiled cheekily. "Are you asking for my number? Isn't that going to make Alice jealous?" His eyes widened. "You know, cause you're right, she's pretty awesome."

He sputtered. "Bella, Alice and I aren't together. She's like my little sister! Plus Rose would kill me." Point for me.

I grinned, "Oh, well in that case." I gave him my number.

Once he was gone, I headed to my room. I intended to unpack but as soon as I lay on my bed I fell asleep.

I was in my backyard, underneath the huge oak that held my childhood tree house. It looked different, older somehow. As I leaned against the withered trunk, a little girl's laugh interrupted the peaceful quiet.

A child with long dark curly hair came bouncing towards me, and jumped into my arms. Her eyes bright blue and sparkling, lit up her face. I swung her around and laughed with her. Our voices intertwined into a melody, sweet enough to be music.

As we played I could feel them watching us. Those green eyes. Protective and clear, almost laughing with us.

But the darkness and smoke began to swell, separating me from his gaze, intruding on me and the little girl.

She couldn't come with me. She couldn't be in that room. I had to protect her.

I jerked awake to find Dad standing over me. He must have shaken me awake because his hand was hovering a few inches away. I pulled away from him.

I was definitely awake.

"Uh, hey dad." I pushed my hair out of my face.

He sat down at the end of my bed. "Bells—how are you feeling? Esme Cullen gave me a call earlier. I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner."

"I'm fine, really. I just have terrible motion sickness, especially after flying."

He tried to pat my leg; I pulled it away before he could touch me. He sighed, and ran his fingers through his hair. "I talked to your Mom, Bella. She told me about Jimmy." I looked away. I was not going to talk about this. Not with him.

"I know he hurt you real bad. And I wish I had been around. But I'm here now, and you can have a fresh start." I picked at the comforter. What did he want me to say? That my ex-boyfriend beat me up? Or all the things my mom had not told him. Yeah, everything was just hunky-dory.

"I know dad. Thanks." He stood up, and patted the bed. He had said his piece. He didn't feel the need to prolong it, or hover. That's what I loved best about him.

"Dad?" He turned in the doorway. "I love you."

He blushed and responded gruffly, "Yea, you too Bells."

He needed to know it. He didn't know what I brought with me. .

I slept peacefully that night. No dreams. I woke unsure I had actually slept—it was so rare not to wake in the middle of the night. I was more rested than I had been in two months.

I got up and found dad rumbling around in the kitchen, going from cupboard to cupboard searching.

"What cha looking for dad?"

He jumped. I snickered. "I thought detectives couldn't be caught unawares."

He shot me a look. "Where's the coffee?"

I walked into the kitchen and pulled it out of the cupboard above the coffee maker. Shocking, coffee by the coffee maker.

I pulled out a coffee filter, and measured the coffee grounds. "Emmett took me to the grocery store yesterday. I bribed him with dinner. And I know I didn't have to; I wanted to." I smiled over my shoulder.

Dad chuckled and shook his head. "I'm sure you can get Emmett to do anything if you offer food."

We moved about the kitchen, I pulled out ingredients for omelets, but he kept getting in my way, so I made him sit down at the table. I started to make breakfast.

Charlie coughed awkwardly. "How's Renee?" His face went a bit pink. Huh, so that's where I got it from.

"Good, crazy. The usual." He looked at me inquisitively. He wanted to know more. He was so not over her.

"She went all out this year for the 4th."

He chuckled. "That always was her favorite."

"She dressed in hot pink and decorated the yard with 35 pink flamingos." I smirked. She did it to cheer me up, and it had, for a little while.

He smiled, obviously envisioning my ridiculous mother and the plastic birds.

We spent the rest of breakfast in companionable silence.

I cleaned up after he left, and reorganized the kitchen to my liking. Honestly, it just makes sense to put the glasses near the sink, and the plates above the dishwasher. Make it easy on yourself. Yep, I've officially become my grandmother.

I moved to my new room, and began to put things in drawers. Like I said, I hadn't brought much with me; the climate in Phoenix is as opposite as opposite can be. I bet I would make Ali's day if I asked her to take me shopping.

I pulled my laptop out of my backpack, and set it up on the desk. Opening my e-mail I found that I had two facebook friend requests waiting for me, Alice and Emmett. I logged in and accepted their requests. As soon as I did a chat box popped up.

Alice Cullen: Bella!!!

Bella Swan: Hey

Alice Cullen: How's the unpacking??

Bella Swan: Not much to unpack. I'm already done.

Alice Cullen: Really!?!

Bella Swan: Yea most of my stuff was for the rain and the wet.

Alice Cullen: OH!!! Do you want to go shopping?

Bella Swan: Sure, but I can't today.

Alice Cullen: But this week!?

Bella Swan: Sure.

Alice Cullen: Hey do you have a ride to school tomorrow?

Bella Swan: Yea, probably my dad. But Emmett said he could too.

Alice Cullen: Okay! Well let me know if you need a ride or anything. I'll see ya later!!!!

Bella Swan: Bye Alice.

Wow. I could feel her enthusiasm, and I wasn't even in the same room as her.

I spent the rest of the day puttsing around the house. I cleaned a bit, and took a shower. I only puked once. Victory!

I finally got around to calling my mom. She had left another message on my phone.

I took a deep breath to brace myself, and dialed her number.

"Bella!"

"Hey, Mom." I put the phone under my ear, and began to refold the clothes in my drawers. Don't judge. It's relaxing.

"Why haven't you called me!? I've been so worried." Her voiced started to get a whiny tone. She spent too much time with first graders.

"I've been busy mom. I've been settling in, and I went to the grocery store."

"On your first day?"

"You know Charlie. He lives on take-out. You know I can't eat that stuff now."

She sighed, and ignored my comment. "How is Charlie?"

I switched the phone to the other ear. "He's fine. Busy with work. But he seems good—content."

She sighed again. "Bella, how is everything else going." This is why I didn't want to call.

"Fine, mom. I'm fine." I tried to keep the frustration out of my voice. "I got to go. I still have a lot of unpacking to do."

"Alright honey. Please call me more often. I love you."

"I love you too." I hung up, glaring at the phone. She reminded me of everything, and right now I just wanted to forget.

Charlie came home in the evening. I had chicken and green beans for dinner. He acted like it was a gourmet meal. He had to go into work early in the morning, and asked if Emmett could pick me up for school.

Honestly, I was relieved. What high school senior wanted their dad dropping them off? I was already the new girl, and several weeks behind. School at home hadn't started yet, but here school started at the beginning of August. Ugh. That should be illegal.

I gave Emmett a call. He picked up on the second ring. "Bellaphant!"

Trying to hold back my laughter. "Dude. You did not just compare me to an elephant, because you are sooo gonna regret that." And he didn't know how much.

"Aww, Bells! You're just too easy! You know I'm just messing with you." I wasn't sure if he was properly repentant. You never—ever—compare a teenage girl to bulbously sized animal. But I let it slide.

"Favor?"

"Anything for you Bells. Do you need me to kill something? Cause I've really wanted to try out Jasper's hunting bow on something worth while." He sighed. "Rabbits are no fun."

"No impending mayhem today." I chuckled. "But tomorrow still looks promising. Can you give me a ride to school? Charlie has to leave bright and early."

"No prob." I heard something thump from his end of the line, sounding like wild banshees were attacking. Emmett grunted.

"Emmett? What's going on?"

There was a lot of shuffling, and an unknown male answered the phone. "Uh, Emmett can't come to the phone right now. He's currently being pelted by water balloons."

I laughed. "Okay. Have fun with that."

He laughed. "Sure thing."

I hung up. I couldn't wait to hear about that tomorrow.

I crawled into bed, and curled onto my side. I tried to read the paper back I had sitting on the nightstand, but I kept rereading the same page over and over again. The memories were always there, waiting to surface whenever I was unsuspecting.

I would never escape the questions. Someone will notice. Someone will ask. And no one will understand.

Mom didn't, and she was my best friend.

I could see the little girl from my dream in my head, full of laughter and joy. I lifted my shirt and took a look at my tummy. Still flat and smooth.

I could hide if for a while, but eventually my secret would be obvious to everyone, even the most oblivious.

I had made my choice. I would not go back.

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