Disclaimer- Stephenie still owns the usual suspects.

I own my original characters and original story.

**I didn't want to repeat all of Bella's story, so I omitted all the dialogue that was in V&V. This will only show Edward's reaction to it. So, I combined two chapters of V&V into this one. Enjoy.

**************************************************LRM*************************************************

Chapter 11 & 12 - The Calm Before The Storm

As Bella's story unfolded, I couldn't say I was completely surprised. I had expected it to be bad, after all, I'd known that her mother died that day.

Even after all these years, I could tell that she still felt guilty about not going with her mom to Flagstaff. Maybe she just felt guilty about fighting with her. I hoped that Bella understood that even if they'd left town, this maniac Jeff would have taken the opportunity to attack them at a later date, and Bella might not have been lucky enough to survive that attack.

Lucky? How could I think of any part of that day as lucky? Bella watched her mother brutalized and murdered in front of her eyes. She, herself, was beaten to a pulp. Nothing about any of that was lucky.

Except… Bella wasn't murdered. Bella wasn't raped. She survived because of her mother's courage and the fact that her friend Lianne had the presence of mind to call the authorities instead of stumbling into that scene, and possibly becoming a victim herself.

I tried to console her as she shared the events of the most horrific day of her life. No matter how I tried, I couldn't fathom how someone, anyone, could ever want to harm Bella. And yet, it had still happened. She had suffered so much at the hands of this monster. He'd not only stolen her mother, he'd stolen her youth, her innocence, her peace of mind, and her chance to have a 'normal' life for the last seven years.

As she forced herself to share the details of that horrid day, I felt my mood waver between extreme sorrow, my heart literally breaking for the woman I loved, to all-consuming hatred for that soulless monster who dared to hurt her.

After she described her mother's last moments, I felt remorse for the low opinion I'd held about Renee Swan until then. Whatever mistakes Renee had made, she'd been punished far more than she deserved. That this man was even in their lives, was a direct result of her poor judgment, and she paid for that mistake with her life. In the end, she did the most selfless thing imaginable. Knowing that she probably wouldn't survive the bastard's anger, she forfeited her life in an attempt to save Bella.

As I stood beside the lake with Bella in my arms, I vowed to myself that Renee's sacrifice would not have been in vain. She'd saved Bella's life, and I would do everything in my power to help her to become whole again.

As I held her, the hatred I felt for the monster started to overwhelm me. My body literally trembled with it, and in turn, I found myself running through different scenarios in my head of how I could have him killed in prison. I had enough money to get away with it. It would be easy, people were killed in prison all the time. Then I remembered my parents' and Alice's faces when I was in jail, falsely accused of harming Meghan.

No, I could never run the risk of causing them that pain and sorrow again. Not to mention what it would do to Isabella.

"Don't ever tell me his last name Bella." I needed to purge these murderous thought from my mind. "Don't ever tell me what prison he's in."

"Why Edward?" She was bewildered.

"Because I want to kill him Bella. I want to end his miserable life. I want to torture him first though. I want to make him feel more pain than you can even imagine for what he did to you." I couldn't believe I was sharing this with her. Didn't she just go into graphic detail about the effects of having a violent, murderous, monster in her life?

She will probably be utterly disgusted with me.

Instead of reacting the way I expected her to, Isabella surprised me by kissing me. This wasn't a normal kiss though, it was passionate and painful, emotional and sorrowful. I felt every ounce of her overwhelming grief and gladly took it upon myself to help share the burden of it, I would do anything to lessen her pain.

We didn't speak during most of the drive back to my parents', I just held Isabella's hand as I processed everything she'd said.

I loved her so much. She was, and always would be, the most important thing in my world. I knew that I would do everything in my power to protect her from anything or anyone that would ever try to do her harm.

Upon our arrival, Alice greeted us at the door. I could tell by the expression on her face that she'd had a premonition about Bella. She immediately hugged her "I sensed that you would need a cup of tea."

I never left Bella's side during our visit. After everything she'd been through today, I couldn't bear to be away from her.

"So" My sister began. "I've changed our flights so we'll be traveling with you on Monday Edward." She smiled. "I thought you might like the company."

Ordinarily, that would be the last thing I would want. Now, the change brought about by knowing and loving Bella was affecting we in ways I never expected. I no longer wanted to be the solitary figure I'd been for almost seven years.

Parting from Bella was going to be painful. Maybe having Jazz and Alice with me would help.

"Thank you Alice, that was very thoughtful." I smiled at her in return.

Bella was quiet for most of the ride back to her apartment.

She stirred, and I knew she was going to speak. "Edward, the night of your, er, prom."

Well, that got my attention.

"Yes" I answered.

"Did Alice sense that anything bad would happen?"

"Not until it was too late. She tried to calm me down after Meghan stormed out, she agreed that I should go back to my hotel suite. It wasn't until the next morning that she knew something bad was going to happen. She and my parents raced to the hotel. It was too late, I was already at the police station, and the damage was done."

It was painful to think about that time, much less speak about it. But after everything Isabella had shared with me, I could deny her nothing.

By the time we got back to Bella's, I was exhausted, but I just couldn't bring myself to go back to my hotel right away. We sat close together on her sofa, reveling in our time together. It was growing short. I would be back in L.A. this time Monday.

When Bella started to doze off, I made my move to leave. I didn't want to do it, I hated the thought, but she needed her rest. "I think it's time I headed back to my hotel." I forced a chuckle to mask my sadness.

"No, not yet." She mumbled.

"Bella, I'll see you tomorrow." I reassured.

"Are you going to the football game with us?" She asked, suddenly more awake.

"I wouldn't miss it." I smiled and kissed her goodbye.

-LRM-

Sidney pulled up in front of my hotel. "Sidney, I'll need you fairly early tomorrow morning. I'm going to take Isabella to church. I'll text you with the exact time."

I saw Sidney's lips quirk, as if he was trying not to smile. "Yes sir."

After my shower, I crawled into the bed, mentally and physically exhausted.

The next morning, I woke an hour before my alarm and dressed hurriedly. I really wanted to surprise Bella, so I needed to be at her apartment early in order to be sure she wouldn't leave without me.

When Bella answered her door, and I caught sight of the way she was dressed, or a better term would be 'disguised', I was overcome with a bout of uncontrollable laughter.

"Why are you laughing?" She asked.

"Bella, this is quite a different look for you. Did you become a spy since the last time I saw you?" I couldn't stop laughing.

"Ha Ha. Yuck it up. It's all shits and giggles until Bella drops the 'F' bomb in Church. I need to NOT be recognized today."

"I have that problem all the time, not the 'F' bomb, but the trying not to be recognized." I laughed again. "Seriously though, are you ready?"

"Yes, um, Edward why are you here exactly?"

Oh, damn it, time for the truth.

"I wanted to take you to Church today, if that's alright?"

I really hope she doesn't reject the offer.

"Of course Edward, that would be really nice."

I breathed a sigh of relief as I grabbed her hand and we headed out.

-LRM-

I'd never been to St James Cathedral before, it was really quite beautiful.

I realized about ten minutes into the service that rather than Bella, I should've been the one in disguise. All around us were the familiar stares and glimmers of recognition as we tried to pay attention to the Mass. I really didn't want to deal with 'fan encounters' while attending church.

My usual method of tuning out everyone around me wasn't going to work today because there were too many so-called 'church-going' men ogling my Bella. I glared at each until they looked away in embarrassment.

What the hell? You are in church you lecherous bastards. Keep your eyes off my girl. Although I realize that even in disguise, she's an exceptional beauty.

I had no problem ignoring the women aiming lustful stares in my direction. Bella, on the other hand, was having a difficult time dealing with them. In fact, she was getting pissed. Thankfully, the elderly couple sitting next to me seemed oblivious to our presence.

Finally, I was able to settle in and listen to the Archbishop's sermon which was all about the Holy Family. I found it to be quite interesting, and it had a calming effect on me which I hadn't felt for years.

While sitting there, I realized that I hadn't been to a church service since I'd moved to L.A. That is, if you didn't count the odd wedding here or there that I'd attended.

Soon, it was time for the 'sign of peace'. I was chuckling to myself as I remembered Bella's run in with 'boogerboy', and wondered if he was somewhere in the cathedral.

I turned toward my Bella, the only one with whom I had any interest in sharing a 'sign of peace'. Suddenly, the little old lady to my right grabbed my shoulders and turned me round. I politely leaned toward her, thinking she was going to ask me a question. Before I realized what was happening, she had me in a lip lock. I desperately tried to break away, especially when I felt her trying to force her tongue into my mouth.

What the …?

I tried to gently pull out of her grasp, but she was having none of that. One of her arms snaked around me traveling up under my suit jacket, enabling her claw-like hand to grab my ass cheek in a death grip.

I realized that her other arm was on the move, so I quickly placed both my hands over my junk, just in case she attempted copping a feel.

What a loon.

I was still stunned when Bella stepped around me, effectively switching seats.

Thank God. I'm pretty fucking certain that crazy little old lady just broke several laws against God and man.

I feel so dirty. And molested.

For the next few minutes, I was treated to a show by the little girl standing on the kneeler next to me. Evidently, she had absolutely no interest in the Mass, but a lot of interest in me. More specifically, she had a great deal of interest in flashing her Hello Kitty underpants at me.

Soon, people started shuffling out of the pews, heading for the Communion rail. The underpants flasher remained.

It was at that very moment that I remembered the pair of Little Mermaid underpants I'd stolen from Bella and tucked away in my suitcase. I thought about how thrilled I'd been to find them.

Fuck, does that make me some sort of pedophile? Because I like Bella's Disney underpants? The same underpants worn by little girls. I fell sick.

My stomach formed a knot at the thought. At that same moment I felt Bella stiffen beside me.

Oh Christ, she thinks I'm a pedophile too. I need to go back to Dr. Gould.

I turned to try and explain myself to Bella, and realized she wasn't looking in my direction. Instead her gaze was fixed on a little boy walking down the center aisle with his mother.

Bella grabbed her purse, frantically looking for something.

What the hell is she doing?

Suddenly the little boy shouted while pointing at Bella, "Dere's da fwucking ladee. Hey fwucking ladee, I gots no boogers, I wicked them awf. Can I shake you fwucking hand now?"

Oh my God. Little boogerboy. This shit is too funny.

Everyone stared at poor Bella while I tried to keep my laughter in.

Just wait until I tell Emmett about this.

Bella grabbed her sunglasses and my hand before we made a hasty departure.

Once we were in the car, neither of us could hold back the laughter any more.

"Miss Swan, I have to say that that was the most fun I've ever had in a Church. I can't wait to do it again." I leaned in to kiss her lips.

"Hold on right there Mister." She said while jabbing my chest with her finger. "I don't know what denture cream tastes like, and I don't want to find out now."

Fuck me…she doesn't know how right she is.

I groaned as I thought about the crazy old lady trying to shove her tongue in my mouth and grabbing my ass. "That wasn't the worst part Bella."

She looked puzzled.

"While she was kissing me, she grabbed a handful of my ass cheek. I feel so violated." I whimpered.

At least I successfully protected my junk. No one gets to grab that but Bella. Someday.

Back at Bella's apartment, we changed for the game. After brushing my teeth, I made sure to collect the kiss I was owed.

-LRM-

I was beginning to learn a little more about Sidney every day, and realized that we were going to get along well once he came to work for me. When I informed him that he would be attending the game today, and would be seated in WIRI's box with us, he actually smiled.

I must remember that Sidney's a football fan.

Normally, I would enjoy watching the game, but I was fast coming to realize that when Bella was with me, nothing else was ever quite as interesting as her.

She really seemed to be enjoying herself, especially every time Rose was able to have her image plastered across the big screen. Bella smiled and laughed, as carefree as a child.

She was enchanting.

She became less carefree after the arrival of that asshole Mike Newton. I saw him glare at us a few times, but paid no attention to him after that.

We'd all been drinking, except Sidney of course, and the girls were obviously tipsy when they decided to leave together for the ladies' room.

I knew that if I followed them, Bella would not be pleased. Therefore, I quietly pulled Sidney aside and asked him to shadow the girls, ensuring that no one bothered them.

I've become such a worrier. But only about Bella.

It was then that I noticed that horrid makeup woman standing in a shadowed corner of the skybox, another equally unattractive woman by her side. They both tried to smile at me in what they probably believed to be an alluring manner. I narrowed my eyes and glared at them, wanting to make clear my feelings.

It seemed to have been effective, because they both left a minute later. I sat down by Jazz, drinking my beer.

"Back to the grind tomorrow Edward." He remarked

I looked down at the floor, unable to respond. The thought of leaving Bella was physical torture.

"Glad you came home for Christmas this year?" Jasper asked quietly.

I looked at him, his eyes were gleaming. "It was the best decision I've ever made Jasper, bar none."

He grinned and clinked beer bottles with me.

Before long, my beautiful girl made an appearance back through the door. She seemed a bit flustered. I couldn't help myself, I swept her into my arms, embracing her tightly.

"Wow, what was that for?"

"Just for being you. I missed you by the way."

Why did she even have to ask?

I went to the bar for more drinks, when I turned back toward Bella, that ass Mike Newton was sitting beside her as if he belonged there.

I don't fucking think so.

I returned to Bella as quickly as I could. "Yes Mike, I'm with Edward. You need to leave now." I heard her say.

"Just remember Bella, when he dumps you, because you mean nothing to him, I'll be there to pick up the pieces."

Son of a whore.

"I think I heard Bella ask you to leave." I barked out. "Although I don't owe you an explanation of any kind, I feel the need to correct your assumptions. I'll have you know that Bella doesn't mean nothing to me. On the contrary, she means everything to me."

I truly don't deserve her.

I looked at Bella, and she was beaming up at me.

-LRM-

The rest of the game flew by quickly. As expected, Emmett was masterful at entertaining the sports reporters afterward.

We opted out of participating in any end of the season celebrations, and headed back to Bella's apartment with heavy hearts.

We spent hours talking, or saying nothing, just being together was enough. We argued about silly things, each of us trying to put off the time of my inevitable departure.

It was late, she was lying in my arms when I spoke again.

"Bella, it's late, I should go." She needed to get up for school and work.

"No Edward, not yet." She almost pleaded.

How am I going to do this?

"Bella, you have a very busy day tomorrow, I don't want you to be exhausted. I'll call you every day until I return, I promise."

"I know you will, but when will I see you again?"

At that moment I decided come hell or high water, I would be back in Seattle next weekend.

"I'm going to try and come up next weekend. Would that be too soon?" I smiled, knowing her answer already.

"You're kidding! Wow Edward, I thought you had a lot to do in L.A."

"I do, but I think I can squeeze a weekend trip in. Besides, we need to have that 'first date'." My mood was already lighter, thinking about seeing her in less than a week. "I start filming my next project in about a week and a half. Once that starts, my free time will be rather piece meal, but I'm still going to try and see you as often as I can."

She sighed. I knew she was feeling as happy as I was. "I'm going to miss you like crazy." she said quietly.

"Me too Bella. You have no idea how hard it's going to be for me to get on that plane tomorrow."

"I have an idea, believe me." She said as she started to cry.

It broke my heart, but I had commitments. More importantly, I needed to resolve the Tanya situation in order to truly be with Bella.

I held her close, realizing that it was getting later and later. I finally stood to leave, giving her a kiss to remember me by.

I wouldn't let her come to the door, not wanting my last image to be of her standing, crying in the hallway.

Two short weeks ago I had dreaded coming home to Seattle. It represented the most difficult period of my life. Now, it represented love, home, family, and everything good in my world, starting with Bella.

I sent her a quick text, before crawling into bed.

My dreams were filled with visions of my beautiful girl, and the happiest two weeks of my life.

***************************************A/N*************************************

A/N Next will definitely be a chap of V&V. Important stuff will be happening soon in that story, so stay tuned.

The next LRM should be interesting also…it will be when Edward deals with the Tanya situation and all pressing issues in L.A.

Reviews are what I wish for most. Well, that and world peace. Yeah, right…like that's an attainable goal. pffft