Disclaimer: Not mine. SMeyer owns it all.

Chapter Eight- When You Read My Mind

"She said

I don't mind, if you don't mind

Cause I don't shine if you don't shine

The stars are blazing like rebel diamonds cut out of the sun

When you read my mind"

-The Killers- "Read My Mind"

Rosalie

Bella had been staying with us for a month now. It had been three since we found her in the woods. Her condition was improving. She talked a little more but it still was nothing more than a few words here and there.

It's been months, and it's time for us to talk. I knocked on the door to her room. "Bella?" I called.

I heard a rustling and the door opened. Bella was wearing a white t-shirt and black pajama bottoms. She smiled a little and opened the door for me. I noticed she looked down at herself as if she felt self-conscious around me. Looking down at my own outfit, I could understand why. Overdressed was probably an understatement.

There was a chair beside her bed, so I sat down there. "Bella, I think we need to talk." She only stared at me. I looked at my hands. "I know what happened to you was terrible, but I need you to know that you're not the only one who has suffered." She went on staring.

I drew myself up. "You see, when I was human, I was engaged to a man. It was all about money, status. Pretty superficial relationship, but it was normal for that time. Despite the fact that my parents had the whole thing arranged, I did love him. Then one night, he got drunk. He and his friends beat me, raped me and left me in the street to die. The man who was supposed to take care of me and never hurt me is the one responsible for my death. He was everything I thought I wanted and he destroyed me." I looked up at Bella, knowing my expression was angry.

The human girl had tears welling up in her eyes. She wiped them away hurriedly. "Carlisle found me and turned me into what I am today. I went on a rampage when I woke up. I killed Royce and his piece of shit friends." My voice was cold, but I still felt the pangs of sadness in my heart at his betrayal.

"I'm telling you this because I want you to know that no matter what happened to you, no matter how bad it got, it will get better. If you have the strength and the will, and supportive people around you, things will get better for you. You're already healing so well, and doing much better than when we found you," I told her softly. "You have a long way to go, still, but Alice and I are gonna help you. We're gonna be with you every step of the way."

She was staring at me with tear-filled eyes. Slowly, she nodded. "Thank you," she whispered. I don't know why she was thanking me and if I even helped at all, but I was glad for some kind of response.

I leaned forward and held out my hand. She looked at it for a moment before placing her own hand on top of mine. "When you're ready to talk, I'll be here. Alice will be here." I paused. "And if you should feel up to it, Edward will be here." Her weak grip tightened on my hand for a second and I took that as a good sign. Standing, I pulled my hand back. "Get some rest, I'll bring you some food in a little bit."

As I was closing her door, Edward spoke to me. "Thanks, Rose." I faced him, standing in the doorway to his own bedroom. "That could help her a lot." He smiled weakly at me.

"I hope so," I said and walked away quickly. I never shared my story. I've only talked about it a handful of times and it was mostly with Emmett or Carlisle. To tell it to a human girl was something highly uncharacteristic of me.

I found Emmett sitting on the couch in the living room. "I hope she realizes how special she's become," I told him, cuddling up into his side.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"I told Bella my story."

"Oh." Emmett was quiet, a thoughtful expression out of place on his normally cheerful face. "She'll be okay," he said finally.

I stared at him for a long moment. "I hope you're right." He only smiled in response.

Bella

I played Rosalie's story over in my head, still in disbelief she shared it with me. That doesn't seem like something she talked about with just anyone. It gave me some hope, though. Knowing what happened to her and seeing her now, I know I'll be okay someday.

I'd been sitting in the same position since she left. Now, I lay back on the bed and rolled to face the window. Night was falling and the stars were out. The stars. They had always held a special meaning to me. And apparently to Edward, as well.

I smiled at a memory. Then it disappeared as quickly as it had come. When I was locked in that shack, I would look out at the stars and imagine Edward coming to save me. After so many failed attempts to escape and getting beaten for my efforts, that was my last hope. That he would come to get me.

After three months passed, he did come to get me. My rescue wasn't how I pictured it though. I would find myself scared to be alone with Edward, or even my dad. Rose and Alice were the only ones I felt really comfortable around. They've helped me so much. And now I know Rose understands what I'm going through.

I sighed and rubbed my eyes. Tomorrow was another day. I'd have to see my therapist tomorrow. Even though I rarely talked to her, she tried so hard. And gave me tips on how I could mend myself. Rose and Alice have been forcing those on me. Some have helped, some not so much. When they talked I always answered them in my head, unable to find my voice.

Leaning up, I turned off my lamp and climbed under the covers. Someday I would find my voice and I would tell them what happened to me. But it wouldn't be today. I fell asleep staring at the stars outside my window and a smile forming on my lips.

December 25th

My dearest Bella,

I hope you had a Merry Christmas. I've still got your gift here. A gift I don't think you'll ever receive. The stars are bright over Alaska tonight. When I was a child I used to think stars were magical, you know this already. Over the years they lost their magic. Now, they have a new meaning. Ever since that night you and I spent together, just staring up at them. They've become even more special to me. Only you will ever know the story behind it.

That's why some nights I climb up on the roof, just to stare at the stars and relive that memory. Pretending you were with me all the time. I hope the stars mean the same to you. Or maybe they're just a memory to you, like everything else about me. My heart breaks at the thought I'm only a memory for you. My love for you is still very much alive.

Merry Christmas, sweetheart.

Love, Edward

A/N: Have I mentioned I adore Rosalie? And Emmett? Had to throw some of those two in there. This was mainly a filler chapter and hey, we got to hear from Bella for the first time! Thoughts? ~JLL