CHAPTER THREE

Edward and I opened the door to our home and I nearly jumped out of my skin.

"Jacob!" I clutched my chest, "What are you doing here?"

Jacob was standing in our entry way, he looked relieved to see us.

"I tried calling but none of you would answer the damn phone. I was worried so we took the first plane out. Emmett told me. Bella, I want to talk with Edward for a minute." Jacob looked scary.

"Why the hell would you need to talk to Edward? This doesn't concern you, Jacob. Thank you for your concern but this is between Edward and me."

"He hurt you, he physically hurt you." Jacob replied angered.

"Yes and it is up to me to decide what I wish to do about that. Now you can either leave it to me to handle or you can just leave."

Jacob huffed and backed up a pace.

"Emmett needs to see you, Edward." Jacob informed.

"I will call him and invite him over." I replied never letting Edward answer. I walked toward the kitchen and dialed Emmett's number. He seemed relieved to hear from me and I asked him to come by as soon as he could. I don't know why but something was troubling me. Edward said that Emmett would have done worse if he hadn't taken off; I needed Emmett to understand that I would not stand by and allow him to be violent with Edward. He could yell and lecture all he wanted but I didn't give a flying shit what the Tria Fata protocol was; I would not allow them to hurt Edward for his past actions.

"Bella." Becky bounced into the kitchen and greeted me happily.

"Hey, how are you." I went over to her and hugged her.

"Great. Happy to be back in the United States; things just make sense for me here." She replied.

"Well don't get too comfortable this is Hollywood, I doubt much makes sense here." I laughed. "When did you arrive?"

"On Wednesday. Jacob was really freaking out. We were in London and he finally was able to get a hold of Emmett; I hardly had time to pack a bag. Jacob was really pissed. Is everything okay? He wouldn't tell me what happened."

"Edward and I got into a big fight so I went to New York for a couple of days. Edward and I finally talked and worked out our issues and I think we will be okay but you know Jacob and how much he loves to blow everything out of proportion."

"I'm glad everything is okay." She smiled.

The doorbell rang and I went to get it. It must be Emmett.

When the door opened however it was Emmett and Jasper and Garrett and Peter and Carlisle.

"Whoa, is this some sort of welcome home party?" I asked kidding.

"Bella, let them in. I need to talk with them." Edward said softly from behind me.

I pulled the door open and they all filed in. They looked to be headed towards Edward's office.

"Just a minute." The herd stopped and turned to look back to me. "I know you wish to deal with this in your own little Tria Fata manner however you better not lay a hand on Edward. I appreciate your need to stand up for me but I don't agree with any sort of violence and I am warning you now if I find out that you went against my wishes I will do everything in my power to bring your little group down. Do not fuck with me."

They looked startled by me, hell I was startled by me but I stood my ground. I did not see the need for adding more physical cruelty to the situation. The men all turned and slowly continued on toward Edward's office. Edward came down the last couple steps to me.

"Baby, it will be okay." He kissed me on the head and squeezed my hand and left to join them. It took everything in me to not push my ear up against that door.

I decided to find focus in the kitchen and start answering some of my messages from the past couple of weeks. I did the coward thing and just sent out a cliché text.

I'm home. Sorry to worry you. I'm fine.

That probably wasn't the best thing to do because my phone blew up with calls and more texts. The first person to get through was Scott.

"I'm fine. I promise. I just needed some time away." Scott had asked me a thousand questions of course he wasn't privy to the truth surrounding the past couple of weeks but I tried to keep it vague as possible.

"Well they are releasing the movie next month and Warner Bros. wants to talk to you regarding a contract to use that song we wrote. Can you meet with them sometime this week?"

"Yes, Scott but not Monday. I already told Darren that I would meet with him Monday morning. I've been kind of working on a possible album."

"What? That's great. But you didn't sign with WMG."

"Well, I want to keep it on the down low for now and I plan on meeting with them in a couple of weeks and see what we can do. But I want to have it finished I will not allow the suits to come in and tell me what kind of album to make. They will either take it or leave it."

"Damn what happened to you? You're all kick ass Bella."

"Taking names in the evening." I laughed. "I guess I just found my voice."

After Scott I talked to Marcus who was not too pleased with my prolonged absence and said he could forgive me just this once. I told him I would take him out to lunch this week to make up for it.

I called my mom next which turned out to be a mistake.

"Oh Bella I saw on US Weekley that you couldn't handle the engagement and you fled to get away from Edward. Are you alright?"

I groaned.

"I'm fine mom, and Edward is…fine as well. Please don't read those gossip rags."

"Well if you won't call me back then I have to resort to drastic measures to get my information on you and your whereabouts." She complained.

"I…we just wanted to get away for a little bit and go and visit Savannah and Gracie." Not a complete lie.

"Well next time do you think you could, I don't know check in every once in a while or at least tell us when you are going on vacation."

I sighed, "Yeah, the next time we go on vacation; I'll be sure to alert the media."

"Not the media, just your mother. Geez, Bella for all I knew you and Edward could have been lying in a ditch somewhere."

"Mom, I gotta go. Give my love to daddy."

Jacob walked into the kitchen and laughed at my expression.

"Talked to your mom."

"She's relentless." I huffed.

"Bella, I just care about you…you know that right?" Jacob turned serious.

"I know and thank you but just tone down the Rambo." I smirked. "So how many days did you hold back filming this time with flying out here?"

Jacob rolled his eyes. "Two days. Nothing." He dismissed.

I slapped him in the arm. "Nothing to you but that's a lot of money the production loses every time you want to act like a diva. I must say, if I ever get to direct a film, you will be my last choice to work with."

"That's harsh, Bells."

My attention turned to Emmett who appeared in the doorway.

"Bella, I just wanted to check on you and make sure you are really okay?"

I walked over to him. "Physically I am fine, mentally I am not there yet but that is for Edward and me to repair. I know you hit him in what I'm sure was a moment of anger but please don't do that again. I truly appreciate everything you have done for me. You know I love you like a brother but I need to handle this with Edward and only Edward."

"Okay Bella, you know I'm always here for you." He leaned down and kissed my cheek. He turned to leave, "Oh and can you call Rose when you get a chance."

I nodded. Rose I had saved for last. But I didn't think a call would be sufficient so I decided to plan on visiting her tomorrow.

I found Edward still standing in his office staring out the window that overlooked the pool. I quietly approached.

"So…how did it go?" I asked.

Edward remained silent for a couple of seconds before turning to me. "It's done. I didn't hear anything I didn't already know."

I didn't know what to say. I wanted to know what happened but I wasn't sure if I should push it.

"I remember the night you told me you were a virgin. At the time I already loved you and something inside me said that if I loved you I should let you go. I knew the life that I was going to bring you into if we continued on with our relationship. But I was selfish, I knew you were the one but if I had left you then maybe you could have gone on and found someone else to make you happy. Someone who wouldn't have hurt you. Emmett told me at the time that there were no guarantees with who you would eventually end up with. I remember him saying that I would have no control and it could be anyone. That man might cheat on you. That man could be abusive. I never realized that I was that man. I should have let you go."

"Edward, I don't know if I would have let you let me go. Well first off imagine what would have happened if you broke up with me the day after I told you I was a virgin. I would have gone nuts; we all know I made crazy stupid choices back then. Somehow I don't think you would have allowed that if you truly loved me. I'm sorry that you are in such mental anguish I wish there was something I could do to help alleviate it but unfortunately guilt is something I have lived with and no matter what I do or say; you are the only one who can change it. I do love you. I wouldn't be here if I didn't but I can't just forget what happened."

Edward pulled me to him. I could tell he was breathing my hair in. He did that a lot lately. "You said you would give me a chance and I will prove my love to you. I don't deserve it. I never did but I don't want to let you go."

We held each other for a few moments.

"Remember when we were in Venice and we couldn't leave so we just stayed inside and ordered room service. Can we just order in tonight and hang out?" I asked.

"Sounds perfect. Edward whispered.

Edward told me to order whatever I liked. I went to ask Jacob and Becky if they wanted something and I decided on tacos. I called down to our usual restaurant and waited for them to arrive. One of the things I loved most about this place was that they were always so prompt. Within twenty minutes they were at our door for delivery. I left Becky and Jacob's dinner on the kitchen counter and made my way upstairs.

I almost missed a step on the stairs when I realized that this would be the first time that I would step foot in our bedroom since the incident. I was suddenly worried about how this was going to affect me. My hand shakily took hold of the door handle and I tried to compose myself before opening the door.

Edward opened the door for me. I guess he heard me standing outside. When I walked in our room it looked different. The whipping bench was gone. Where I do not know but Edward made sure that I would never see it again. He pulled the top mattress down to the floor and brought the television down to sit in front of it. He had dimmed the lights and even put blankets on top of the bed spread which I still believe was his intention to change the room as much as possible before I came in.

"Do you like it?" he asked nervous.

I nodded my head. "Thank you." I didn't need to tell him my nerves, he already anticipated my feelings. Edward took the plates from me and brought them down on a tray on the mattress. The television was already geared up to my favorite movie, Sabrina. He remembered.

We ate our dinner and talked. At first I think we were still fighting the awkwardness but eventually Edward laid down and I forced myself to lay in his arms. I know force is a strong word to use but at the time I knew I needed to try to move on and the only way I could do that was if I could find forgiveness. Laying in Edward's arms for the first time after…I still could feel the belt whip across my bottom. I still could see the look of anger raging in Edward's eyes.

"Edward, I forgive you." He looked down at me. "I…I still don't know if I trust you but I love you and I can't love you if I don't forgive you. Not truly, so I forgive you."

Edward laid the most gentle kiss upon my lips, it was the first time that he would kiss me on the lips. "Thank you, Bella. I don't deserve your forgiveness so I thank you for that gift."

My body relaxed and after Sabrina talked of the moon that reached for her; I feel asleep.

I told Edward that I wanted to go over and see Rosalie. After breakfast, I made my way to the garage. I was pulling the BMW out when something caught my eye or rather the lack of something. Edward's motorcycles were missing. I stopped the car and got out and returned to the garage. I looked around trying to locate them but nothing. Then something caught my eye. It was what looked to be part of the mirrors and it was broken into pieces. I don't know what happen and I wasn't about to ask.

Rosalie came to the door and when she saw me she exhaled with relief and what seemed to be anguish.

"Oh god Bella, I'm so sorry. I feel absolutely sick, this is my entire fault."

"Rosalie, this was not your fault. I'm afraid to say if it didn't happen now, it would have happened eventually. I made the poor decision but Edward made a worse decision. It's not your fault."

Rose pulled me in for a strong hug. We walked together toward her sitting room. "You're okay right?"

"I am getting better every day, it was hard for a long while but I want to heal completely." I declared.

"Alice feels absolutely horrible, she called Edward on us."

"I know. I'm not crazy pissed at Alice but I do feel somewhat betrayed. I'm not sure if I should be allowed those feelings but I can't help it."

"Emmett told me that you told the boys, that they weren't allowed to touch Edward. He said that you said to not fuck with you. Is that true?"

"Yes." I laughed. "As far as I'm concerned, what happened is between Edward and me. I don't give a shit about the Tria Fata and their proverbial pound of flesh. I didn't mean to be a bitch but they needed to understand that I meant business."

"Okay who are you and what the hell happened to Bella Swan?" she laughed.

"I think in a weird way that what happened could very well be the best thing to have happened. I feel for the first time, like I am strong woman. I feel like no one has power over me any longer. I guess I finally realized that I needed to be my own advocate. One of the conditions that Edward agreed to was that he will no longer punish me in any form."

"Wow. I'm happy for you. I hope that you and Edward will find peace."

I stayed a little longer but then I knew I needed to get home. I still had a lot to do now that I was back from what my mom called a "vacation."

The next week flew by, probably because every day I was working on something. I felt like I had never been busier in my life. Most of my time was spent with Darren; I would spend nearly eight straight hours a day with him in the studio perfecting the double album.

Jacob and Edward were finally talking to each other again and in fact Edward told Jacob that since he needed to return to London for the last few days of filming we would watch over Becky until his return. I think Becky was happy to stay with us for a change. She was super easy to live with and since she was sixteen I didn't feel the need to constantly watch after her.

Edward and I were making progress with one another. We slowly eased back into our relationship and were able to joke with each other and laugh. Edward didn't seem nervous as much anymore. We still hadn't had sex and it felt like the longest time in history for two people sleeping together to not. I had a feeling he was waiting for me to give him the okay but I wasn't sure if I was ready yet.

I was happy to see Jasper and Emmett talking to Edward again and I tried to watch their body language to see if there was any awkwardness but from my point of view they seemed okay with another again.

"Hello." I answered my phone. I saw it was Jacqueline so I sang the hello.

"I'm finally home for good…well at least until I have to pick up and move my life to whatever movie I'll be making next."

"So good to hear. Maybe now we can hang out more."

"Of course. Why do you think I was calling you? Are you free for lunch tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow? I guess I could eat tomorrow. Where?" I asked.

"How about some place where we can be ourselves. I make a mean chicken salad. My house?"

"All right I will pencil you in. Let's say one?"

"Cool. See you there, chica."

I was happy to end the conversation when I did. I could see Darren buzzing through and I really needed to take that call.

"What up, yo?" I said in my best gansta voice.

"Don't…just don't." Darren laughed. "I got the records ready. I went through and made all the necessary changes that we discussed."

"Awesome. I will call up Riley. Thank you, Darren. This never would have been possible without you, Embry and Levi."

"Just remember that in thank you portion on the back of the CD."

I laughed. "Already written."

I walked over to Edward's office; it was time to discuss some things.

"Hey sweetheart." He greeted.

"Hey…so I need a favor." I started.

"Always happy to help."

"I need your lawyer; do you think he can handle contract law?" I asked.

"Yes, of course…what is this regarding?"

"Well, I am about to call Riley and tell him that I want to set up a meeting to go over my possible album. When I was in New York, Embry got me to see that I should do this. So I did with the help of a few friends. When I go into that meeting I want someone you know we can trust to help me regarding the contract. I want to be very specific in my terms and agreements."

"Okay, that's not a problem. I'll call Sam Uley. He is the one that handles our contracts and such. However honey, I don't believe that Riley is with Warner Music Group any longer. I can call them and see who we could talk with."

"What happened to Riley?" I wasn't upset, he was dick but still. Edward looked away for a moment and then his eyes met mine. "What did you do?"

"Bella, I did what was necessary. I didn't want that man around you. I merely informed WMG that I was not very happy to hear one of their own accosted you."

I sighed, "You know if you keep this up, pretty soon there will no one left in Hollywood to work with."

"Well you still have Canada; I hear a lot of production is moving there due to the California tax rate."

"Ha ha, Edward. Just find out who I need to speak with." I turned around and went back to my desk. And another one bites the dust.

It was a chore and a half to find Jacqueline's house the next day. Even my GPS was having issues, I finally had to call her and get the play by play but when I found it I fell in love. Her house was nestled into all of these trees and plants. It looked like Snow Whites cottage. Once you were inside however the home seemed to go on forever.

"I love your house." I remarked.

"Thank you, it's the only place in the world where I can find complete serenity. It took nearly two years to get it all complete." She replied.

I followed her into the kitchen. Her table was already set up in a small round room surrounded by windows.

"So, how's it been? I have seen some things in passing on magazine covers but don't worry I'm not stupid enough to believe it." She started.

"Well, Edward and I did get into a big fight and I thought it would be best to leave and go and visit my friend Embry. I took care of his kids over the summer and I missed them. Of course Edward came and we were able to work out our differences."

"That's harsh. I hope everything is okay."

"It will be. I think we both needed time to evaluate our relationship."

"I see you're not wearing the ring." Jacqueline poured me some tea and I started nibbling on her little tea sandwiches.

"Yeah…I think I rushed into things. I love Edward and I do want to marry him but I…I just feel like I don't know him well enough. I'm fighting with myself constantly. Do I trust him? Should I get married to a man who I just don't know a whole lot about?"

"Well you two have only been dating a year. I don't think that taking some time is absurd. I know you love him…you must…I hope it works out for you. Have you talked to him and fleshed out information you think he could be keeping from you. Maybe if you had all the facts, you may feel different."

"I understand that sometimes you just want to keep things private. I have my own things I try to keep private. I try to respect that but sometimes it really kills me. I'm a hypocrite. I keep things from Edward all the time." I replied.

"Maybe you both need to just level the playing field. I think you both need to work on communication."

Jacqueline and I talked on some more while we ate. She was right; she did make a mean chicken salad. After we were done with lunch she was nice enough to give me a tour of her gorgeous house. For a girl only twenty-two, she had done well for herself.

"This house is beautiful, its good to see that you used your money wisely from your child star days." I remarked.

"That money is in the bank. This place I got with my inheritance. You see my mom passed away when I fourteen. Cancer. Her father, my grandfather never really like my dad. I was an only child and so when my grandfather died two years ago he left me quite a sum of money and everything he owned. It was a chore and a half to go through his house and belongings but I knew I owed it to him."

We walked into the Library that she had been telling me about. I could see why, it was definitely the largest room in the house and majestic. Two stories high with long windows to fill the room with sunlight.

"Wow, Jacks you weren't kidding. This room is gorgeous, look at all the books." I walked around in amazement.

"It's my favorite room in the house. I spend most of my time in here."

I was scanning a shelf of books; Jacqueline went to sit on the couch.

"Bella, there's something I have been wanting to share with you. But, I'm kind of worried to do so."

I turned around and went to sit on the couch near her.

"You can tell me. I promise I won't say anything. If it's a secret you wish me to keep."

She laughed a short laugh. "This isn't about my secret; I think it's more about yours."

I gave her a look of puzzlement.

"I want to give you something but I want you to understand that I am not giving this to you because I want to create distress among you and Edward. I want to give you a book. You can do what you wish with it. It's yours. Keep it. Burn it. Read it. I won't be upset with whatever you choose to do."

Jacqueline rose up from the couch and went to pull a book shelf out. There was a safe hidden behind it. What in the world could she possibly be giving me that would require a safe?

"Wow, really? It needs its own safe?" I laughed.

"You have no idea. When I was at my grandfather's packing things up, a man came to my door one afternoon and tried to tell me that I had something that belonged to him. He asked for a book back and tried to tell me that it wasn't my grandfather's to will but I assured him that my lawyers were better than his and I would have no problem kicking his ass up and down to the Supreme Court if need be. I wasn't just going to hand something over to him because he said so."

She walked back over and exhaled.

"This was my grandfather's and I want you to have it."

"Thank you." I replied.

"Don't thank me yet. I sincerely hope that this won't cause a problem between us. I haven't been able to make many friends; you are the first genuine friend I have had in a long while."

I took the book from her. It wasn't very large, maybe only fifty pages or so. It looked really old however. I opened the front cover to the title page. There was no title only a symbol. Three intersecting circles in a line. Kind of like the Audi Car symbol but only three circles instead of four. I was still confused so I turned to the next page.

Tria Fata Oath.

"Oh…my…god." I said slowly. I looked up to her in shock.

"How…how…how…" I couldn't even form a sentence.

"How did I know?" she relayed. "When I was over at your house that night after we completed the music video, we were all sitting on the couch and when Edward came in he sat down and he brought his leg up. I saw that symbol on his ankle. It was brand, Bella. They brand their members."

How did I not see that symbol before? How could I have missed it all this time? I'm sure Edward would have told me if I asked but still how unobservant was I?

"Like I said, it's yours to do what you wish."

"Your grandfather was Tria Fata?" I asked.

"Yeah…kind of weird to think that my granny got spanked and shit." She shook her head as if to try to shake the image from her mind.

I sat there just staring down at the page. I had the Tria Fata handbook in lap. I felt tingling with power.

"So what are you planning to do?" Jacqueline asked uneasy.

I looked up to her with a smile. "I plan on leveling the playing field."

A/N: EXCITED FOR THE NEXT FEW CHAPTERS AND YET NERVOUS AS WELL! THANK YOU FOR READING AND REVIEWING!