Sorry for the long wait! Real life decided to come up and bite me. There was a death in the family, among other things, so I couldn't find the time to finish the chapter, so I just kept working on it during what small amount of time I had and tonight I made sure I got it done because I felt bad I left you guys hanging for so long, especially with how the last chapter ended. Anyways, I'm sure you don't want to hear my excuses. The bonus to the wait, at least, is that this chapter is also a bit longer. Not as long as the last chapter, but longer than the others. So hopefully you enjoy it and feel it was worth the wait!

Also, I have to say...you guys...are beyond incredible and amazing and just wow! The last chapter got 60 reviews! BIG thank you to everyone who reviewed! And I know I don't always respond to each review, but I do read every single one of them, and I appreciate every single one of them, so thank you.

I read it before putting it up, but if I missed any mistakes...sorry!

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, but I do own Twilight posters [never gets old staring at those].

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Chapter 9

My whole body was rigid as I continued to look at Carlisle's carefully composed and apologetic face.

Edward's loud growl of frustration caused me to snap my head in his direction. "Either tell us, or stop blocking your thoughts from me," he muttered as he pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep unnecessary breath.

Silence filled the room for another moment before Carlisle sighed, his eyes focused on only me now.

"You have some vaginal tearing." he said cautiously. "It doesn't appear that stitches will be necessary, and it should hopefully heal within approximately five weeks. However, you will experience some pain and discomfort in the meantime until it is fully healed," he finished with an apologetic glance at me, and then to Edward.

I felt Edward stiffened beside me at his father's words. "Is there anything else?" he asked his father through clenched teeth as I sat motionless beside him, trying to process the information.

The only coherent thought my mind could focus on was being thankful that there would be no needles or stitches involved, and that I wouldn't have to be touched anymore.

I let out the breath I didn't even know I had been holding, and shot a glance at Edward, who had a muderous glint in his eyes as he ran his free hand through his hair, all the while still grasping my hand.

"Bella, I'd also just like to ask a few more questions, if I may?" Carlisle asked softly, his tone of voice still holding a professional edge.

I nodded, casting my eyes downward, afraid of what else this may lead to. I could still feel the steady stream of tears cascading down my face, and my still slightly erratic breathing caused from the anxiety and panic from being touched during the exam.

"Have you been experiencing excessive fatigue or sleeplessness since the rape occurred?" he questioned, and after thinking about how exhausted I felt, and not only the fear of sleeping, but the very few hours of sleep I had managed to get since it happened, I gave a quick nod. He scrutinized my face for a moment, I assume confirming my answer after seeing the dark puffy circles that stood out beneath my eyes.

"Poor appetite?" Again, I gave a quick nod. I had no interest in food. "And what about nausea, Bella?"

I felt Edward's eyes on me, waiting anxiously for my response again. I hated admitting all of this in front of him. I let my hair fall forward, creating a curtain to hide behind. I didn't want Edward waiting for my answers to see how unfixable or badly broken I was.

With my hair now covering most of my face, I gave another small nod. I heard Carlisle sigh, which caused me to bring my eyes up to meet his.

"And judging by your reaction to the exam, even just while examining your bruises, I assume that you fear being touched, or begin to panic at the thought of anyone touching you, including those you know and trust?" he asked cautiously, which made me realize Edward had become as still as stone yet again.

"Yes," I answered quietly.

"All right, Bella. As I said, your bruises should heal perfectly fine. You have some vaginal tearing that should heal in just over a month. And based on the information you just gave me, it seems as though you are showing signs of PTSD - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is very common in rape victims. It also seems as though you have a case of haphephobia," he explained, his eyes now locked on mine.

I could feel my eyes grow wide with fear. I knew my bruises would heal. I understood about the tearing. I knew what PTSD was. But I didn't know what haphephobia was, but it didn't sound good. I already knew I was broken and unfixable, even if Edward didn't see that yet, and I didn't need something else to be horribly wrong with me, to prove to me again just how damaged I am.

Carlisle immediately seen my reaction, along with Edward, who gave my hand a squeeze, and began to rub circles on the top of my hand with his thumb.

"It's okay, Bella. There's no need to panic," Carlisle quickly assured me. But I wasn't reassured.

"What is it, love?" Edward asked me in a soothing tone.

"Haph--" I choked out, unable to spit the rest of the word out due to my own fear, and the fact that my body was beginning to tremble.

"Haphephobia?" Carlisle asked, his brows furrowed in concern as he realized why I was getting upset. "Bella, haphephobia is merely a fear of being touched. It's not uncommon after what you have been through," he explained quickly. "It may only last for a short while, or it could take longer for it to dissipate or become more manageable. But the fact that you're able to hold Edward's hand right now shows promise," he said in a softer tone, a small hopeful smile gracing his face.

He then turned his focus to Edward. "Son, I think you need to discuss it with Bella, but if she's ready, perhaps we should inform the family so we can all be prepared."

Edward nodded in his direction, his eyes now focused back on me. With one last look, Carlisle exited the room, leaving Edward and I alone.

"Bella?" he asked cautiously as he gazed at me as I sat there, stiff and unmoving.

"Can...we just go back to your room? I don't want to be in here," I questioned quietly, unable to stand being in this overly sterile room where I felt even more exposed. I needed the comfort and familiarity of Edward's room.

He simply nodded, and I released his hand, hopping down off the table, and began fumbling my way to the door and down the hall to Edward's room.

After I sat down on his black leather couch, I raised my eyes to meet his.

He stood in front of me, his eyes watching me warily, as though unsure of my reaction due to the upcoming topic.

"Are you all right?" he asked softly, his eyes still tense.

I couldn't find words to describe how I was feeling, because it was an insane mixture of things. Hurt. Anger. Pain. Sorrow. Fear. Stupidity. Hate. Insecurity. Confusion. Love.

So the only answer I could give him that would make sense was a simple nod.

I seen the look of skepticism on his face, but he let it go. "Are you okay with telling the family what happened?"

"No," I mumbled. Because in truth, I wasn't. I didn't really want anyone to know. "But I don't really have a choice."

"It's for the best, love, so we can all be prepared and able to protect you more thoroughly. I won't let anything happen to you, Bella," he told me fiercely, with such a deep intensity. "He's already done this to you, and I hate myself for not being able to stop it -- to protect you. If he were to do anything else to harm you in any way, it would kill me to know that I failed to protect you again," he murmured, his face turning to one of anger and sadness before he quickly composed his features.

"Edward," I spoke just as fiercely, looking up to meet his eyes. And this time, I forced myself not to look away, "this was not your fault. If anything, it's my fault. It's my fault for going there in the first place. You tried to tell me to stay away from Jake. I didn't listen. So if anyone's to blame, it's me. Not you."

"Bella --" he was going to fight me on this, going to try and take the blame like he always did. But I wouldn't let him, especially not for this.

"No, Edward. It wasn't your fault," I told him, the strength in my voice not matching my tired, frail body.

"It wasn't your fault, either," he spoke quickly before exhaling a loud gust of unnecessary air and he met my gaze again with troubled eyes. His expression held sadness, before I seen fury flit through his eyes, only for him to yet again mask his expression into one of calm and blankness.

I didn't want to argue this. I knew I was at fault for what happened. I also knew I was beyond angry at Jake for what he did, for what he took from me. But I was mostly angry at myself for not listening to Edward in the first place, for not finding a way to stop it, for letting it happen...and now for how many issues it was causing for everyone. So instead, I simply shut my eyes and took in a shaky breath.

"Everyone's waiting downstairs," Edward murmured.

"I can't tell them, Edward. I can't," my voice broke. I knew I wouldn't be able to say the words. To explain to them what happened. I hadn't told anyone, and I didn't know if I could bring myself to relive what had happened. At least not yet. Right now, I still hadn't been able to bring myself to even say the word 'rape'.

"We can do it together," he said, his hand outstretched, waiting for me to take it. "I can tell them what happened, if you'd like. But I don't know any of the details," he frowned.

"Can I just --," I paused, trying to think of what to do, because I knew I couldn't tell the details to all of the Cullens. "Can I just tell you what happened...later?"

"Later," he repeated, and I could tell by the determination in his eyes that he would hold me to that. I just hoped I'd be able to get it out without completely breaking down. But my doubts were interrupted by Edward's velvety voice.

"We'll have to tell your father later as well," he added.

I froze. Charlie and I didn't do well with emotional conversations, especially with one another. But he was also the chief of police. I would have to tell him, one way or another. And he's always loved Jake. How can I tell him what Jake did to his only daughter? Would he even believe me?

I could feel my head getting dizzier by the second with each thought, and I could feel my breathing pick up again, the anxiety setting in. I felt a cool hand gently touch my shoulder, and I instinctively flinched back, throwing myself flush against the backrest of the cool leather and my eyes snapped upward to a regretful Edward.

"Sorry, love. You were panicking, I didn't mean to --," he quickly tried to say, but I cut him off.

"It's -- it's okay," I stuttered, my thoughts still clouded with fear and uncertainty towards telling Charlie. "Can we just deal with the other stuff later, please?"

He nodded before I stood and waited for him to lead the way downstairs to six anxious vampires.

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"I've called a family meeting," Carlisle began as he stood at the head of the dining room table, his voice soft, but filled with authority. "There's something you need to be informed of, and to prepare for."

"Do we get to fight?" Emmett asked in an entirely too enthusiastic tone at the idea of some action, but quickly shut up when both Carlisle and Edward simultaneously sent him a look.

"Something grave has happened, and it deserves to be treated with the greatest amount of respect and seriousness," he proclaimed, again looking directly towards Emmett while saying this, making sure he knew to listen intently. "Edward, Bella," he waved his arm in our direction, bringing all eyes on us.

It wasn't until Carlisle took his seat at the head of the table, and I noticed every single pair of eyes on me that I began shaking.

Edward shot me a worried glance, but I nodded infinitesimally for him to proceed, despite my throat going dry and my shaking becoming more severe.

Edward pulled out the nearest empty chair for me which was a space away from the others, motioning for me to sit down, for which I was grateful for. He held his hand out for me, offering me whatever small amount of comfort he could.

I hesitantly placed my trembling hand in his, and he began to speak.

"As Carlisle said, something has happened. We need to be prepared for whatever may happen, and we must be able to completely protect Bella. She is not to be left alone at any point, and if I must hunt, someone else will need to be with her at all times until I return," his velvet voice became more harsh now. "We have no idea what the wolves may do, and as much as it pains and infuriates me, we should not go after them, in order to avoid ruining the treaty. That would only make matters worse," he ground out.

"Come on, man, just tell us what happened," Emmett cut in with slight impatience, to which the others nodded in encouragement for Edward to continue.

"Edward, please. You anger is so strong it's becoming painfully overwhelming," Jasper added with pleading eyes.

"That mongrel," Edward ground out through clenched teeth, his grip on my hand becoming slightly tighter. "Jacob Black raped Bella," he finally spat out, his expression becoming murderous.

I flinched at his words, and my shaking intensified more, if possible, and a few stray tears slid down my cheek. I had a death grip on his hand, afraid of what would happen if I let go while I was shaking so violently.

Alice sent an apologetic glance in my direction, having already known the truth, and knowing how much I hated having this conversation.

"Oh, Bella," Esme looked absolutely pained, her expression one of sorrow as she began sobbing tearlessly, her gaze locked on me.

Carlisle, although he knew already, wore a mask of calm, although the pain and sadness was detectable in his golden eyes.

Poor Jasper seemed to be feeling varying emotions from all around him, all within the range of a few seconds. His expression kept changing from one of shock, to fury, to sadness.

Rosalie, although she figured out what had happened the day before, still looked rather murderous as well, which I didn't expect to see, since it was no secret that she didn't like me, or care about me. Although given her past, and what she went through in her last minutes as a human, it made sense. Unless she was angry at me for causing her family so much trouble.

I quickly looked away from Rosalie, not wanting to keep thinking about the possibility of her hating me even more than she already does, and the fact that her anger may be directed towards me.

My gaze landed on the last Cullen who sat almost across from me. His reaction, however, I wouldn't have expected. I glanced in Emmett's direction, and seen a look of pure hated and fury wash over his usually cheerful expression, his fists clenching and unclenching upon the table top.

At vampire speed, he quickly shot up out of his chair, causing it to tumble over backwards. His fists were still clenched at his sides, his features showing every ounce of hatred he had.

"He raped you?" he boomed, tearing his eyes from Edward's still murderous expression until he was turned to me.

I cowered back into my chair at his angry booming voice, and his murderous stance. I was scared, which caused me to continue to shake, and more tears to fall. I knew I shouldn't be scared of him, because Emmett wouldn't hurt me, and he wasn't angry at me. But irrational as it may be, his furious voice and stance made me cower back into my chair, bringing my knees up to chest and hugging my legs tightly with one arm, my other hand still interlocked with Edward's.

Upon seeing my curled up shaking form, Emmett's face softened, his fists loosening slightly. "I didn't mean to scare you," he furrowed his brows in concern.

I nodded in response, not trusting my voice.

Esme stood from her seat, then, coming over towards me at a slightly faster than human pace, and held her arms out, about to wrap me into her embrace.

But I couldn't handle that right now. As much as I appreciated the gesture, I think it would have only made things worse for me. I didn't think I could deal with being touched, without falling apart completely.

"Please don't," I whispered, sending an apologetic glance in Esme's direction before staring back down at my knees.

She nodded, sending me a small understanding smile before she went to reclaim her seat beside her husband, her small body still shaking slightly with dry sobs.

I seen Edward take one more long anxious look in my direction, his face softening, before he turned to regard his family again.

"I'm going to take Bella back upstairs. This only occurred two days ago, and she's obviously overwhelmed. We can finish discussing this later. Right now what's important is to make sure that she's okay, and that we keep her protected and let none of those mutts near her," he explained, his tone clipped and fierce.

I assume they all must have agreed, because the next thing I was aware of was Edward gently tugging on my hand, willing me to stand up and follow him upstairs.

I choked out a quiet "I'm sorry" before I got up and followed Edward.

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After Edward brought me over to the bed, I dragged myself up towards the wrought iron headboard, using it to support me and keep me upright as I closed my eyes and tried to calm down. I felt weak and drained, but the shaking was subsiding and was only a slight tremble, and my tears had dried themselves.

Many moments of silence passed, with Edward sitting quietly beside me, his hand still gently holding onto mine in between us. He sat a slight distance away, giving me some extra space, which is what I needed right now.

"Are you able to tell me what happened now, love?" he murmured, his voice breaking the silence.

When I peeked an eye open in his direction, his form was slightly too rigid, and his face was anxious. Whether that was because of him being unsure of my reaction to his question, or due to the information he would soon find out, I wasn't sure.

But I considered his question, and whether or not I could do this.

I knew there was no possibility of me ever wanting to tell this story to anyone. But I also knew that I would have to...sooner, rather than later. I would need to tell Charlie later today. And at least if I tell Edward beforehand, any slightly more inhuman reaction he may have wouldn't be seen by Charlie. If I tell him now, he can prepare himself for when it's time for Charlie to find out.

I needed to do this. There wouldn't be a better time, or a better day. No matter when or how I tell him, I already know it will be horrible, and it was something I wish I didn't have to do. I just hope I don't fall apart while doing it.

So with a shaky breath and a slight nod, I mumbled the word that would bring on the pain that I didn't want to relive.

"Okay."

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Now, I know someone's told me I don't need to explain the character's reactions so much, but I'd just like to for this, just so there's no confusion and so people don't think Bella's reactions don't make sense. With her getting upset when she didn't know what haphephobia was...she's stressed, and panicked, and going through a lot, she didn't know what it meant, so she got scared. Don't just think she's overreacting. She's very on edge, as anyone else in her situation would be. And as for her getting scared of Emmett for a minute there...he's a big guy, and he was very angry, which was intimidating to her, especially after what she's just been through. She's gone through what's considered acquaintance rape, meaning it was someone she knew and trusted who raped her, which in most cases makes it harder for her to trust or be as comfortable with even people that she knows and trusts and loves...considering, she knew Jacob too, and cared about him, but look at what he did. So..just keep that in mind, guys. There's reasons behind all of her reactions.

I did make sure I had information right concerning the medical stuff again, including healing time on the tears, and the stitches not being necessary. Someone asked in a review about if the Plan B may not work, especially since Jacob's not fully human...just to clear that up quick, they still work, even if he isn't fully human. I do hope everyone's satisfied with the Cullens' reactions to the rape, though, even though Edward and Bella went back upstairs shortly after.

Coming up next chapter...Bella's going to tell Edward what happened, in detail. Is she going to be able to do it? How will she handle it? Will she completely break down? And she's also going to tell Charlie. How will that go over?

[There won't be as long of a wait for the next chapter, and sorry for the long AN]

Please review, and let me know what you think...I'd love to hear your opinion on the chapter! So leave a review and tell me what you thought, and to let me know you're still interested!