Yay, new chapter! And as bonus, this one is the longest one yet.

Thank you to Feenrai, my beta, who has been seriously amazing.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight...I just want Edward. Doesn't mean I own him, though...

Previously:

I tried to give them my full attention as Alice tried to barely touch my slightly trembling hand as she painted my nails a pale pink, and as they talked about Jasper and Emmett, and some clothes they hoped to get that they had seen one of the last times they were shopping in Seattle.

I did listen to what they were saying...my mind just wasn't absorbing it. However, Rosalie's next words, as she closed up the vibrant red nail polish she had been using, caught my interest instantly, and just like that: she had my full, undivided attention.

"I think it's time you and I talk, Bella."

Chapter 16

I knew my eyes were probably wide with shock, and maybe also a little fear. The most Rosalie and I had ever spoken to one another was the night she came into Edward's room and told me about what had happened to her, and explained, somewhat, why she didn't like me.

So now, after she turned to me, telling me it was time to talk, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. Was she about to tell me I was causing too many problems and ruining things for her family? I don't think I could honestly blame her if she did. I knew how many problems I was causing for Edward, and for all of the Cullens. But, as always, upcoming conversations with Rosalie left me feeling apprehensive and unsure of what to expect.

So with a shaky breath, I turned myself to look directly at Rosalie, and this time, I forced myself to make eye contact. It had never done me any good to fear Rosalie before, and it wouldn't help to fear her reaction or words now. Whatever she had to say, I would at least listen.

"We all know about what happened to you, Bella. We know what that mutt did," she spoke bluntly, but her voice was not hard, as her eyes continued to study me, while Alice sat silently beside me.

This information was nothing new to me, though. I knew the other Cullens were all aware of what happened. It was discussed at the family meeting, so my mind was whirling with why she was declaring that they all knew. But then cognizance struck me as she continued.

"I don't know all the exact details. But what I do know, is that regardless of the details or the situation...it's still hard for everyone," her tone softened on the last part, and in what appeared to be a distraction from her own emotions, she lifted her hand up and examined her freshly painted nails with great focus. "I told you what happened to me, Bella. I'm sure you haven't forgotten, since it wasn't a very pleasant story," she looked at me pointedly, and I nodded in acknowledgement that I did, in fact, remember her story.

"I know you don't like to be separated from Edward right now," she said softly, almost compassionately. "And I've always known how much it's terrified him to be away from you, and I presume that's only intensified now. But it was for the best that he go home for a while, and you spend a bit of time with Alice and I," she explained.

"You know we just want what's best for you, Bella," Alice chimed in, her usual peppiness now replaced with a tone of seriousness.

"We're not doing it to be cruel," continued Rosalie.

I nodded. "Okay."

I still didn't understand why it was necessary, but I would trust them; even if I didn't like it.

"Let me start by telling you a little bit more about my past," Rosalie began. "After Carlisle changed me, I had him, along with Esme...and Edward I could have gone to, to talk to about what happened. But I didn't. I kept it all to myself, and it consumed my every thought. I didn't ask for help. I simply tried to deal with it on my own, and found my own ways to cope; to deal with the fear, along with the anxiety and trust issues. I was also in a house with virtual strangers, though considering they tried to save me, I didn't think they would try to harm me. I soon realized Carlisle and Esme were much too kind to willingly harm anyone.'

"My point is: I tried to deal with it alone, much like you seem to be doing, with the exception of Edward, perhaps. But I understand about it invading your every thought. I know all the doubts, and questions that run through your mind. There are always going to be what if's, Bella. I still wonder what if I had called my father to escort me that night, what if I had left Vera's earlier, or not gone there at all that night. But what I've learned...is that you can't dwell on the what if's. It won't change anything. What's done is done. All that we can do is try to move forward," she said softly, now sitting directly in front of me as I take in all the information she's giving me. She fixed her eyes on me again, then shook her head slightly before continuing.

"I think Emmett is what helped me the most, even if I didn't have him with me during the beginning. Not at first, mind you." Her eyes seemed to glint in remembrance, before a ghost of a smile played at her lips. "You know how boisterous Emmett is. The first time he went to give me one of his big bear hugs, well...it didn't go over so well," she smiled softly now. "I know I was the one to save him, but...that was just too much, he was too close. I just wasn't ready for that, especially with him still being a stranger to me--to all of us. But once he knew about what happened to me, he was very careful to respect my space, to not overstep my boundaries. He respected me, and still ultimately loved me, and that was exactly what I needed. Over time, I realized I could trust him completely, and he was patient with me the entire time. It was ultimately him who helped me feel better about myself, because I realized there was nothing wrong with me. If he could love me, then why couldn't I love myself?" she looked away as she spoke the last sentence.

"But unlike my situation, you've had Edward there to help you through this from the beginning. And I'm glad that you do, don't get me wrong," the breathtaking blonde added quickly. "I can see how much you both love each other, and believe it or not, I'm proud of Edward for standing by you throughout all of this. He's handling things very well," she said, her chin jutting out slightly. "But, Bella," she began, in a much softer tone than I've ever heard her use before. "There are some things Edward can't help you with. There are some things that you need to do on your own. You have to, because some things, as much as he may want to...he can't help you with..."

Her eyes were nothing but compassionate. She reached out her hand, and very slowly, I assume so I could stop her if I wanted to, she placed her hand on top of mine and squeezed it gently.

As much as I appreciated her advice--because if anyone could relate to my situation right now, it would be Rosalie--I didn't completely comprehend part of what she meant. What would I need to deal with alone? Because as ridiculous as it may be, I basically needed Edward to function right now. I didn't feel safe without him, and to put it very mildly, the idea of being away from him even more than necessary, like for tonight, did not sit well with me. I knew it was irrational, but at this point, I just wanted normalcy, and for things to be...okay again. And right now, Edward made me feel the most normal. I just wanted to spend time with Edward like I always did, and just try to forget that this even happened.

"What do you mean?" I practically whispered, unsure of if I wanted to know her answer. "What do I need to do alone?"

Rosalie sighed, before flipping her golden hair over her shoulder, and looking at me, as though she was searching for something. "To want to heal, and get better. To let yourself heal. And especially, to learn to trust again. Edward can't do those things for you. Those are things that you need to do yourself."

"I do want to get better. And I do trust him," I exclaimed immediately, which seemed to cause Alice to throw me a sympathetic glance for some reason. How could Rosalie possibly think otherwise? I furrowed my brow, as I silently questioned if Alice maybe agreed with her, for her to respond like that as well.

"I'm not just talking about you trusting Edward. I'm talking about you trusting anyone. And for the record, right now...you don't fully trust Edward. Rationally, you do. But the irrational part of you that's controlled by your fear...that part doesn't," she explained, her words somewhat making sense.

"But I do trust Edward," I still protested. Because even when I barely knew him, and had first found out what he was, I still always knew I could trust him. I trusted him still now. I knew he wouldn't hurt me.

"Bella," Alice interjected softly, as she scooted herself closer to sit directly right up beside me, and grasped my other hand, while Rosalie still hung onto the other. "Right now, you don't trust anyone. If I were to hug you right now, you wouldn't be comfortable with it. It would scare you. I've seen it," she said quietly, her eyes sad.

"But I do trust you," I squeaked, and I could feel my tears welling, ready to fall from my lower lashes.

"You don't trust anyone—not completely," Rosalie said quietly. "It's just...hard to trust anyone after something like that. Remember what I just said before? Logically, you know you're safe with Edward, or with Alice, or any of us, but there's going to be that irrational part of you that screams out against that trust because of the fear.

"Bella, you trusted Jacob. You knew him really well, and you trusted him. And by doing what he did to you, he shattered your trust completely. Not just your trust in him, but in everyone. It'll take time, Bella, for you to be able to completely trust someone again. Right now, it's kind of like your mind's defense mechanism, to try and help protect you. Just give it time," she said gently, but her eyes still stayed locked on mine. But this time, I couldn't remain looking at her. I looked down, ashamed of the fact that I didn't even trust Edward completely anymore, when I knew in my heart that he would never hurt me. I've always known that he would never hurt me.

I felt a few tears break free and slide down my cheek. I couldn't wipe them away, as both Rosalie and Alice each held one of my hands.

Alice's free hand was suddenly in my line of sight, as she hesitantly brought her hand up, before bringing it to my face, and gently wiping the tears away. I flinched back on instinct, at the close proximity and at the touch. No one had touched my face since it had happened, except that same night, when Edward still didn't know and kissed my forehead before he left to go hunting.

Alice pulled back, with a tiny frown on her face, which then turned into a small, apologetic smile. "You should probably get some sleep, Bella. You've had a long day, and Edward would kill me if I didn't let you get enough sleep," she said with a tiny smirk.

I nodded hesitantly, unsure of if I even wanted to sleep without Edward nearby. He had been there to calm me after my nightmares, to hold my hand, or stroke my hair--even just lying next to me calmed me more than I could explain. And now he wouldn't even be here with me, and I knew, as always, that my dreams would be filled with nightmares.

I got up, and grabed my pajamas and my bag of toiletries, before making my way to the bathroom to get ready for bed. I brushed my teeth, as slowly as possible, and then using cold water--which I've been using for everything--I slowly washed my face, taking my time. I dreaded going to sleep, especially without Edward here, and I didn't know what my nightmares would consist of tonight.

I also sat there thinking of what Rosalie had told me, and trying to figure out how I would accomplish what I would need to do on my own. How I would learn to trust again, and figure out how to help myself get better? I wanted to trust Edward completely. I wanted to be able to hug him like I used to. I wanted things to be like they used to between Edward and I, and also between me and the rest of the Cullens.

After taking as long as I could, and even brushing my hair to take up some more time, I finally went back into my room. Alice and Rosalie were both sitting on the floor, seeming to have a silent discussion. Now, Rosalie was also painting Alice's toenails.

I slowly made my way over to my bed and climbed in. Just as I was about to lay back against my pillow, Rosalie's voice stopped me.

"You know, if you...ever need to talk, I'm here," Rose said awkwardly. "I know we haven't always gotten along the greatest, and I haven't been the nicest to you, but...I know what you're going through, and I know what it's like not to have anyone to talk to who would understand. So if you want to talk...just let me know," she said with a shrug, as her eyes stayed focused on me for a moment.

"Thank you," I responded, stunned by her offer. I wasn't sure I ever would want to talk about all of it, but it was nice knowing that the option was always there--that I could talk to her whenever I wanted or needed to.

"And you know I'm always here for you, Bella," Alice smiled softly, her face seeming to hold the innocence of a child.

"I know, Alice," I gave a small smile back.

And with that, the girls turned back to what they were doing. I laid back, pulling the blankets up to my chin, and attempted to snuggle into them, seeking some kind of comfort.

I wasn't sure how long I laid there, unable and, in all honestly, unwilling to sleep, for fear of what nightmares may come. After a while, the blankets just made me feel too warm, without Edward being next to me. The entire bed just seemed too warm, which wasn't helping me with trying to fall asleep. I tossed and turned for who knows how long, with Alice occassionally throwing me sympathetic smiles.

After a while, Alice's voice broke the long silence in the room. "Would you like me to lay with you?"

I nodded, knowing that I was safe with Alice, and maybe if I knew she was nearby or next to me, that it would help me sleep, and possibly, hopefully, keep the nightmares away…at least somewhat.

She climbed into bed beside me, giving me my space. She curled up on her side like a small child, her hands beneath her cheek, as I stayed laying mostly on my back but slightly on my side towards her.

I closed my eyes, and finally, after a short while, I was able to find sleep. It was riddled with dreams and nightmares, however, with visions of wolves, and Jacob. Memories of what had happened flashed beneath my closed eyes as I slept.

Alice stayed beside me the whole night, while Rosalie took a seat in the rocking chair. Every time I woke up from a nightmare they were still there: Alice beside me, and Rosalie in the rocking chair. Alice would murmur soothing words, and I would eventually drift off again, all the while, my thoughts focusing on Edward every time I awoke from a nightmare, and wishing, futilely, that he was here.

EPOV

Both of my sisters had been attempting to hide their true thoughts from me. That alone should have caused me to worry. But the only thing I was focused on and worried about was the beautiful girl they were practically holding hostage.

I didn't want to leave her, as I saw the tears within her eyes and falling steadily down her cheeks--I wished more than anything to be able to stay. To never have to leave her side.

But, as always, one can never go against Alice. I had no choice right then but to trust that Bella was safe with them. Truthfully, I knew that she was safe with them. But still, the thought of being away from her simply terrified me. Alice, however, had promised that Bella would be safe with them, that they would be staying inside the house and just talking. That still didn't mean I approved of what they were doing. Or at least, not their methods for going about it. If, as Alice said, tonight would help Bella, then I would do whatever it takes.

Which is why I did as I was told, and went home for a while.

As I entered our home, I could hear that Emmett and Jasper were playing a game of chess in the living room, while Esme was in the kitchen debating whether or not to plant a flower bed in the back of the house. And, of course, Carlisle was in his study. By the track of his thoughts, he appeared to be reading some medical journals--his thirst for knowledge never quenched.

But it was not their activities that caused me to stop dead in my tracks once I entered the house. It was what their thoughts kept coming back to, what their thoughts were focused on: Bella.

"Hey, bro!" Emmett nearly shouted as he both heard and saw me come into the living room once I was able to force myself back into motion.

I wonder if Bella will be able to get through this. I miss how funny she used to be when I spent time with her...even if it was just from her being a klutz...

"Edward," Jasper nodded. "How's Bella?"

Poor Bella. The amount of pain she's in is tremendous, along with her fear. Hopefully her time with the girls will be good for her. It's been difficult for me to take all of her emotions.

"Fine," I ground out, immediately disliking their thoughts of pity towards Bella, even though I knew they weren't purposely attempting to share their thoughts with me. "As well as can be expected," I added, in an attempt to seem more polite and proper.

But the truth was that Bella would be fine. I would make sure of that, because I would not let what that mongrel did to her cause her to lose herself, or to lose who she was. I would make sure she got through this. And my brothers' thoughts of pity, which seemed to imply that Bella may not make it through this, simply sparked my fury.

Sorry.

Jasper's thoughts broke through my own, as he apologized. I knew, also based on his thoughts, that he had picked up on my anger. So I gave him a curt nod in acceptance of his apology.

He nodded briefly in return, before turning back to resume his game of chess with Emmett.

I had planned to spend the evening in my room, away from everyone and everything. I wanted some time to think.

So I made my way over to the stairs, about to do just that, when Esme's thoughts stopped me.

She shouldn't have had to go through any of this, the poor dear. I just hope she's strong enough to get through it. I saw how hard it was on Rosalie, and she's as tough as nails.

More pity. Always so much pity. I had heard it for days now, from the thoughts of my family and also from Charlie.

It was the pity everyone kept feeling towards Bella that was slowly driving me to the brink of insanity, and making me want to lash out. Every one of us is aware of how difficult this is on Bella, and how unfortunate it was that something this awful, this harrowing had to happen to such a precious being. But I could see what their looks of pity were doing to Bella. I could see them treating her differently, being overly cautious with what they say and what they do around her. She had already begun to notice it, and every time, it seemed as though she retracted a little bit more within her shell, in an attempt to shield herself from it.

If there is one thing Bella hates, it was attention. And although they mean well, and are only concerned for her, it continues to make her uncomfortable. And what she needs right now is for things to be as normal as possible.

But with so many people constantly pitying her that makes it near impossible.

As a result, I couldn't bear to continue to listen to Esme's thoughts, so I ascended the stairs. Upon reaching the first floor, however, I noticed Carlisle's thoughts had gone from his medical journals to cases.

So many similar cases to Bella's. Most have done quite well as far as their recoveries go. I can only hope Bella shall show such progress. She seems to at least be making progress with Edward, as far as letting him in goes.

Carlisle's thoughts seemed to be the worst. He was looking at Bella as though she were merely a case: as though she were a subject to study. But Bella is not a case, nor is she an object to study. She is much more than that.

She is already considered a member of this family. She is best friends with Alice. And more so, she is my life, my everything. My world. And yet he's looking at her as though she's nothing more than a case--a stranger whose charts are being looked over.

I couldn't hold back the growl that escaped me, as I quickly turned away, wanting to be far away from Carlisle's thoughts.

As I angrily made my way back downstairs, my piano caught my eye, instantly drawing me to it. If anything could help try to calm my rage, it would be to play something. Possibly Bella's lullaby.

After seating myself in front of the ivory keys, I let my fingers begin to move of their own accord, orchestrating the notes to create the lullaby that I held so close to my heart.

But after playing multiple bars of notes, I realized that it was having the opposite effect. Instead of calming me, it was only fueling my agitation.

It only caused my thoughts to go to Bella even more, but this time, instead of fueling my anger, it continued to remind me that I was forced to be apart from her for the first time since I had learned what had happened to her. All of my instincts screamed to stay with her at all times, to be sure that she was okay, and ensure that no further harm would come to her. So to be away from her now…it tore through my every thought, making me ache to be with her, to protect her, and just be near her.

Being as masochistic as I was, my thoughts ventured to what things would be like if I had lost her--if she had ceased to exist. A blind rage immediately shot through me as I realized what it would be like to no longer have her in my life if Jacob, or anyone else for that matter, had done anything to stop her heart from beating.

At the thought, my fingers faltered on the keys, missing the notes I knew so well, as I attempted to continue to play, despite my thoughts. But each thought kept coming back to Bella.

She was beautiful and exquisite, and truly unique. I had never met anyone like her, and to this day, she is still completely and utterly fascinating to me. But most importantly, she also holds my heart. She has become my world, and my only love. I couldn't imagine spending the rest of my existence without her, because there is nothing in this world that I love more than her.

So the thought of her being gone, of Jacob harming her worse than he already had, tore at my un-beating heart. But the thought of what he'd already done…what he took from her…the pain and anguish he had already caused her, the self-doubt he had inflicted into her thoughts! As I thought back to Rosalie's words, insisting that I only wish I had been able to hit Jacob as Emmett had, I knew she was right. The only reason I wouldn't dare is because of Bella, because of the promise she made me give her.

But that didn't stop the flurry of fury from picking up and continuing to swirl within me. I hated Jacob for what he did to Bella. For how he treated Bella. In the past, he would have been exactly the kind of vicious monster I would have killed and drained of blood, letting him pay for the horrendous things he had done to others. He was now part of the disgusting filth that I would have thought deserved to die.

I wholly believed that he deserved death. He had turned Bella's life upside down and ruined her trust and her faith. He had damaged her confidence and part of her strength. He had altered her life in every possible way with what he had done to her. Not only that, but now, the people surrounding her, those who love her...they all now treat her differently, and continue to walk on egg shells with her, and worst of all, just continue to pity her.

I stopped playing entirely, as my hands clenched tightly into fists as I fought to hold back my rage at the situation.

The thought of all of this, and of what it had done to her, and of how it had caused the people around her to treat her, ate away at my control: the control I had been trying to keep in place so completely and thoroughly since Bella confirmed what Jacob had done to her.

I had kept it at bay, but it was never gone. It was always there, brewing within me when I learned the hell she was being forced to live through.

I couldn't stop the outrage that ripped through me as I continued to focus on what all of this had done to her. In a moment of fury, my fist quickly slammed down onto the piano, easily shattering and splintering the once pristine wood beneath my fist.

The release that flooded through me and the adrenaline that coursed at the prospect of releasing this anger and aggression caused me to continue. I brought my fist up again, and quickly pounded it back down onto the already damaged instrument, further destroying it, only to repeat the action once more, as one of the legs flew out from beneath it due to the force of the blows I inflicted.

But I didn't care. I didn't care that I had just destroyed my piano—the piano that I had once held so dear. It didn't matter. Nothing mattered. No possession currently held any meaning to me. It was all irrelevant.

Despite not needing to breathe, I was practically panting, due to my anger. Even after seeing the damage to my piano, I still felt no remorse—only more fury. I didn't feel any better. I didn't feel any less angry. And nothing, not a single thing that I owned held any meaning to me.

So with that thought in mind, I ran at full speed up to my room, not even allowing myself time to focus on Carlisle's thoughts through my rage. When I reached my bedroom door, I swung it open, nearly ripping it off of its hinges in my uncontrolled state.

I approached my music collection--so completely organized, alphabetized, and cared for--lining my wall within the plethora of shelves. As I thought of how Bella had used to approach the shelves, gently running her fingertips over the spines of the CDs as she browsed them, compared to how almost..despondant…she was to things such as that now, I felt my body moving of its own volition again.

I didn't stop to think as my hand reached out, grabbing a fistful of CDs and throwing them across the room. I listened to them smack against the wall, before falling to the ground with a thud. But that didn't stop me—instead, I grabbed another handful, quickly tossing it across the room as well. But it wasn't fast enough to simply grab a handful at a time. I wanted to destroy it. To destroy the reminders of what Bella could no longer enjoy. So, using both hands, I quickly gripped one of the many shelves, ripped it from its place, threw it to the ground behind me and then grabbed the next shelf.

I didn't stop until every single one of my shelves, along with my sound system, lay scattered and broken on my floor.

I couldn't bring myself to care about my shattered possessions: the things I once loved. Because Bella was the one thing in this world that I loved the most. Sure, I loved many other things, some of them material--my piano, my music collection—but, none of it mattered in comparison to Bella. All of it was replaceable. Every single piece of it, regardless of its age or meaning. Whereas Bella, my beautiful Bella, was irreplaceable.

She was the only thing that mattered. And right now, she was broken, and hurting, and in pain, and I could do nothing about it. I could do nothing to help her.

With those thoughts, I fell to my knees, as I felt my chest constrict, before a loud sob ripped from my chest, into the empty and destroyed room surrounding me. I held my head in my hands, as I continued to sob, despite the fact that my eyes remained tearless.

As much as I wished to help her, I felt as though I couldn't. Whatever I did was not enough. There was nothing I could truly do to fully help her or take her pain away. Nothing I could do to help her feel safe, or to feel better again. I had known that before, but even now, the simple though crippled me.

She was the most precious and irreplaceable thing to me, and yet, she was the one I couldn't seem to help. I was utterly helpless in this situation. I could and would stand by her, and be there for her every possible moment, and protect her from anyone or anything that may harm her...but would that be enough to help her through this? Would she be able to get through this?

I wasn't sure how long I remained on the floor, tearlessly sobbing with my head in my hands, but after a while, I felt a large hand grasp my shoulder. I had been so engulfed in my own thoughts, and in my pain, frustration, and longing to help Bella, that I hadn't heard anyone approach.

I looked up, only to find Emmett clasping my shoulder, and a sympathetic look on his face, with Jasper standing a few steps behind him.

"Edward...you should go, man. Just go for a run, clear your head. Bella needs you and you need to stay strong around her. The girls will probably be back with her in a few hours. So just go for a run, clear your head, and get yourself together. Jasper and I will take care of this," he said, nodding towards the destruction that surrounded me.

I wordlessly stood, unable to find words. I had single-handedly trashed my piano and my room in my anger, frustration and desperation...and yet here my brothers were, ready to clean up my mess, ready to offer their help.

I wanted to thank them, but I found no words to properly express it, so I simply nodded, instead.

Emmett clapped a hand on my back, giving me a push towards the door. But I paused, still hoping to find words to express my gratitude.

I could tell Jasper was picking up on my moods, sensing my hesitation, gratitude, and every other myriad of emotions still coursing through me.

"Don't worry about it, Edward. You don't have to thank us. Just go and calm yourself down, before Bella gets here. You know what it would do to her to see you like this," Jasper told me quietly.

I nodded one last time, before quickly doing as they suggested and heading downstairs to go for a run in an attempt to clear the rampant thoughts and emotions still stirring within me.

As I approached the main floor, and headed in the direction of the front door, I stopped when I spotted both Esme and Carlisle near the piano. Both were bent down, picking up the smaller splintered pieces, as they gathered them together, placing them in a garbage bag.

Esme smiled sympathetically at me, her eyes sad. But it was Carlisle's thoughts that captured my attention.

It's okay, son. It was only a matter of time before it became too much, and you had to let it out. It wasn't good for you to hold it all in, Edward. This situation is hard on you, too, and it has affected you deeply as well--anyone can see that. Go clear your head. Alice called not long ago, saying that Bella was asleep, and that when she woke, they were bringing her here. She's anxious to see you.

Again, I couldn't seem to find the appropriate words, so I simply nodded once more, before leaving the house and running into the woods.

As I ran, I realized that I did feel bad for destroying things the way I had. Not because those objects held too much meaning to me, but because it had caused damage within the house, and it was now left for my family to clean up. As my thoughts raced within my head, almost at the same speed that I ran, I realized one thing: no matter what, Bella would always be the most important thing to me, and everything else--everything else I owned or was once passionate about was irrelevant, as long as I had her. Because she meant more to me than I could even fathom, and she is simply irreplaceable.

The sun had already risen by the time I made my way back home.

As I entered, I could see that where my paino had once been, there was now an empty space. It seemed odd, in our already spacious home. I quickly went upstairs, checking my room. Amazingly, it, too, had been cleaned up. The shelves had been put back on the walls, and some of the few CDs and records that had survived my path of destruction had been placed back in their rightful place on the shelves. The stereo, however, was gone--obviously destroyed.

I walked back downstairs, finding my parents and brothers sitting in the mostly unused kitchen, absentmindedly discussing something.

"Thank you," I stated simply. There was much more I could say, but the words to do so failed me. I figured it best to stick to simplicity at this point in time, despite that fact that the mere words 'thank you,' seemed like a large understatement.

They all nodded, or murmured a faint 'you're welcome'. I stood awkwardly at the entrance of the kitchen, unsure of what to do or say. Never in my existence had I felt so ineloquent.

As I turned to go, wanting the solace of the privacy of my room, Emmett quickly approached me, stopping me just as I got to the bottom of the stairs.

"I know this is hard for you, bro. And I just wanted you to know that you can consider this -- the house -- pretty much a free space. If you need to let loose, then let loose. But you know that you can't lose it like that in front of Bella. At this point, it would just scare her. And you know how she is, Edward. She would blame herself if she saw you lose it like you did last night. So around her, you need to be strong. But here, in the house? If she's not here, then you don't need to hold back. Otherwise, it will just eat away at you." His voice was serious, but friendly, and it held no hint of irritation at my behavior from the previous night. For this, I was grateful.

"Thanks, Em," I told him in all sincerity. "For everything."

"And Edward?" he called, as I began up the stairs. I stopped, turning to look at him. "If you need to talk, I'm here. I know I act like an idiot sometimes, but I'm not stupid....well, not completely, anyway," he said with a grin, which caused me to laugh--a true, pure laugh, which sounded strange, even to my own ears, after not finding laughter in anything for days now. "This is something I know something about. So, hey," he shrugged, "if you want to talk, you know where to find me."

"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Emmett."

With that, he turned around and went back into the kitchen, while I proceeded upstairs.

I wasn't in there long before I heard the front door open, followed by Alice and Rosalie's thoughts filtering into my mind.

I was already near the bottom of the stairs when I heard Alice silently announce their presence.

Edward! We're back!

I reached the landing, and saw Bella standing near the door, her eyes fixed on me. A slow smile spread across my face at the mere sight of her. I could feel myself relax, being able to see her and know that she was okay. I quickly made my way over to her, just wanting to be near her, to feel her warmth, and hear her heartbeat more clearly with the closer proximity. I relished those sounds: her heartbeat, her every intake of breath. All were signs that she was still alive and breathing, and that I hadn't lost her.

She met my gaze for a moment, her eyes locking on mine. But as she had done ever since the rape, she quickly looked away, unable to hold the eye contact. She seemed to be scanning her surroundings, but then froze.

"Edward," she gasped. "Where's your piano?"

This time it was I who froze, unsure of how to answer her question without exposing my prior actions, or upsetting her.

"I thought Edward could use a new one, so I got rid of his yesterday. I already ordered another one. We're just waiting for the new one to come," Alice chimed in, as an old vision flashed through her mind.

It was of me, destroying the piano. She had obviously known I was going to lose my composure, and lose control. It all seemed to make sense now, as she had insisted on the girls night last night, of all times, regardless of mine or Bella's displeasure at the idea of it. Alice had been trying to protect both Bella and I.

Bella seemed to accept Alice's explanation, and turned her focus back to me, though she still wouldn't look me in the eye.

I leaned down, bringing our heads more to the same level, before leaning in to whisper in her ear: "I missed you."

"I missed you, too," she said shyly, tugging at the sleeve at her wrist as she did so. Ever so hesitantly, she brought one of her hands down, before grabbing my hand.

My heart soared, realizing that this was the first time she had initiated any physical contact between us, aside from asking me to try and stroke her hair. She had managed to take a step forward, by being brave enough to grab my hand without any prompting.

I couldn't help the large smile that appeared on my face. I leaned down to whisper to her yet again. "I'm so proud of you," I murmured.

I saw her lips twitch up into a slight smile, before I froze, along with every other family member.

I could hear the distinct footfalls of animals. Wolves, specifically. And obviously, so could my family, as they all tensed. But what they didn't hear were the thoughts that accompanied the offending foot falls:

Outside, you blood sucking leech. We need to talk to you.

Okay, so...now you know why Alice and Rosalie insisted on the girls night, and we also got to see in more detail how all of this has been affecting Edward, too. I hope the chapter was worth the wait, and hopefully you all also like the conversation between Rosalie and Bella. And I know...evil cliff hanger, but...it had to be done =b.

Next chapter: Obviously there's going to be a confrontation with the wolf pack...how will that go down, and what are the wolves going to say about everything? And will Bella take Rosalie's advice and act on it?

Twitter account for this story: _fix_you_
My personal twitter, for anyone who's interested in following me: frosted_stars

I just want to note quick, since I noticed there was a bit of a big drop in the amount of reviews last chapter compared to the past few... I just wanted to explain that I use the amount of reviews per chapter as a way to see how many people are still interested in this story, since we all know that sometimes people lose interest in a story after a while. So...with that in mind...I do love getting your reviews, and I do read each and every one of them. They truly do make my day. So even if you just review, saying to update soon...it helps me to know that you're still interested in the story, or to give a rough idea of how many are still interested in the story as the plot goes on.

So with that said...let me know what you thought, and leave a review, and let me know you're still interested. I love hearing your opinions =).