I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.

Ch. 10 (BPOV)

I watched from the kitchen window as the guys headed across the Cullen's' yard towards Edward's old treehouse. My hair was still damp from my shower. I didn't bother drying it since Alice was going to give me a haircut. It would be my first in about four years. Alec didn't want my haircut.

"Ready?" I heard her behind me placing things down on the counter.

I turned and climbed into the seat. I jumped slightly when she wrapped a towel around my neck from behind me and clipped it with a hairclip. She fluffed my hair and started running a comb gently through it.

"What would you like me to do? Any ideas?" she asked.

"You're better at this than me. I trust you," I answered, glancing around and playing with my hands on my lap.

"Okay, I think I'll shorten it a few inches, not too much, you look good with long hair. Just enough to get the dead ends off. Then I'm going to add long layers. That will help the waves and the curls of your hair," she explained as she started to pin some sections of my hair on the top of my head.

She moved to the front of me with scissors in hand and I started to tense. She raised them and out of the corner of my eye I saw the scissors coming at me. I started to panic, my breathing faltered and I flinched away, shaking. I closed my eyes tight as the tears started to well. I tried to take a few deep breaths to calm myself.

"Shit," I heard Alice mumbled. I heard something metal hit the table beside me. "Bella, it's okay. I'm not going to hurt you. I put them down," she said softly.

She touched my arms and I jumped and almost fell of the chair.

"Shit, I shouldn't have done that. Sorry, Bella. Breathe, okay, nice and slow. I promise that you're safe." I heard her move away and the fridge open and then a can open. Her soft deliberate steps came back in front of me. "Here, I got you a drink. There's a straw, just open your mouth and take a sip." She offered.

I opened my mouth and she placed the straw in. I took a sip of sugary cold cola. I took a few more tentative breaths and slowly opened my eyes. Alice was standing in front of me holding a cola, she was looking worried and slightly nervous. She placed the can on the counter and offered me a tissue from a box.

"I'm sorry, Alice, I know you would never hurt me. I don't know what happened," I apologized wiping my eyes.

"It's not your fault that you've been traumatized. I'm going to touch your hand," she warned before she gently took one of my hands and gave it a squeeze. "God, Bella, I'm sorry that you've gone through all this. I wish I could've done more."

"Not your fault that he used me as punching bag, all because the fucker couldn't tell his parents he was gay," I snarled in confession.

"He's gay? Does that mean he's never…" she trailed off looking ashamed for asking.

"No. He never touched me that way." I took another deep breath, starting to relax.

"Thank goodness," she said softly.

"I'm fine now, if you want to continue." I felt calmer now. I picked up the soda and took another sip.
"You sure? We don't have to do this today," she said cautiously.

"I'm sure. I think I'll keep my eyes closed though." I closed my eyes.

She waited a moment before letting go. I heard her pick up the scissors and moved to my side.

"I'm going to start again," she warned, a moment later I felt a small tug on my hair then a snip.

"I think I'm going to call Carmen and get the number of her friend that's a counselor. I don't like being like this. Maybe I should have Masen see someone too." I decided.

The more I thought about Emmett the more I was worried that recent events would affect Masen in the long run.

"I think that's a great idea. I know I'm not educated in that area, but if you ever need someone to talk to I'm here too." I could hear the smile in her voice.

"Did you know about Emmett's father?" I asked since she knew him longer than me.

"No, none of us did. Not even Jasper and Edward. We were so young, maybe five, when he left for the war. We were told he died in the war and that Emmett's mom died in a car accident," she answered.

"That's what I was told too," Emmett spoke up from the doorway.

My eyes flew open and shot to where he was into the doorway. He looked terrible with drooped shoulders and bags under his eyes. He seemed completely heartbroken and nervous standing there.
"Emmett, I don't think you should be here right now," Alice's voice was clipped.

"I just wanted to apologize again when I was sober. I'll get out of your way." He turned to leave.

"Emmett," I called out to him. He turned back and remained silent.

"If that was what you were told, then when did you find out about the other stuff?" My curiosity got the better of me.

"When I came home after Rose broke up with me. My grandma wanted to know why I was so upset. When I told her, she said it was a good thing that Rose did what she did. She never liked Rose and said I was better off without her. She told me it was better that it happen now rather then later when I was in the middle of a war. She then informed me the truth about my parents. I had always had a recurring dream when I was young about a man hitting me for spilling a drink. My grandma just told me it was a bad dream back then. I found out it had actually happened and it was my own father." His eyes looked dazed before focusing on the two of us. "I know you two don't believe me, but I just didn't want anyone hurt like I was over Rose. I was stupid, but I am sorry."

"But you did hurt me, Emmett. I loved Edward more than anything. I wouldn't have done the same as Rose or your mother. Alice wouldn't have done that to Jasper. Besides who sends a 'Dear, John' letter after they had already broken up?" I whispered in disgust.

"I was irrational and made a horrible call. I started to realize that when neither of them could get over you. They still carried torches and wouldn't even look at other girls. When I found out about Alec, I was furious that not only someone could treat you and that little boy that way, but it was my fault that it happened because I wasn't thinking and kept the letter from Edward," Emmett's voice sounded broken.

I took a deep breath. "Alec isn't your fault. Even if Edward got the letters there is no saying what would've happened. Alec put up a good front at first and had me fooled. I wouldn't have gotten back together with Edward just because I was pregnant. I knew from my own parents that doesn't work. As much as I'm angry at you for keeping the letters from Edward and hurt that you tried to keep us a part, Alec isn't your fault."

Emmett hung his head. "I think you're wrong. I will make this up to you someday, if it's the last thing I do." He turned and left the kitchen.

I sighed and my shoulders relaxed.

"Done," Alice announced.

"Already," I touched the back of my hair.

"Yup, at least he's a good distraction." Alice rolled her eyes as she took the towel away from my neck.

"Thank you," I slid off the seat. "How are you and Jasper?"

"We are on better terms, I guess. We talked some. I found out the real reason he broke up with me." Alice busied herself with a broom. "He told me he didn't want to hold me back. That I was so excited for the city and he was a country boy who would never do well in the city. He said, he was letting me go to spread my wings. He claimed that if I knew his real reason, I would never had gone and tried. He wanted me to try for my dream even if didn't include him." She looked up teary eyed. "I guess that makes me feel guilty for hitting him back then, but not for the banana." She smirked.

"You're so lucky that went above Masen's head." I tried not to laugh. I started to put away the breakfast dishes.

"Whatever happened to Rose?" I asked.

I had lost touch with her a long time ago. Even before Masen was born. I couldn't believe that she was so shallow that she broke up with Emmett because of money and because that he became a solider, it seems that she provoked him to react like he did.

"She is married to a man name Royce King. I think he's involved with banking." The name sounded familiar but I couldn't place it. "Rose has been in and out of 'spas' for the last few years." I raised an eyebrow at the way she said spas. "Rehab, Bella. She has been drinking and dabbling in other stuff. Every time she gets out, something sets her off and she ends up back after not too long."

"Oh," I commented with wide eyes.

"Bella, I have something to tell you that I haven't before. It's not bad but I don't want to hide anything anymore," Alice shifted nervously.

"What?" I asked warily.

"The lady I'm personal shopper for, it's Sulpicia Volturi." She revealed. "Before you start to get upset, she's on your side. She was forced to marry Aro when she was pregnant with the twins. Although, Aro pretends that they are his, they are really Suplicia's driver's. She doesn't think Masen is Alec's, which is why she never pressed to meet him or you. She thinks you were put in a similar position like she was. Though Aro has never hit her, but then I don't think she believes Alec hits you. I took the job to try and keep an eye on you." Alice admitted.

"You should tell the guys. They are looking for ways to bring Alec down. Maybe Sulpicia would be a help," I commented, slightly relieved it wasn't as bad as I had thought. In fact this could be good.

"I told Jasper last night. He told me that I shouldn't keep it from you." She nodded.

"Thank you, I'm really starting to hate secrets," I declared.

LB

I entered the laundry room to do wash some clothes. I picked up a pair of Edward's shorts and checked the pockets before tossing them in. My hand pulled out a white card. I frowned when I looked down at it.

We were at Bella Italia for our first Valentine's Day together. The waitress had been flirting with Edward the whole night putting me in a slightly pissy mood. The topper to the cake is she handed him her card with the check, not too subtly either.

I watched as he started to pocket the card.

"That's it, I'm gone." I stood up.

He grabbed my hand quickly. "Baby, where are you going?" He looked alarmed.

"Home. You obviously want something else or should I say someone." I pulled my hand from his.

"What are you talking about?" Edward reached for me again. "There is no one else."

"Then why did you take that girl's phone number?" I argued back.

"I didn't want to hurt her feelings by leaving it there. I was going to throw it out as soon as I got home, like I always do."

That didn't make me feel better when he said always. It means it always happens

"What about my feelings. How do you think I feel seeing you take another girl's phone number? How would you feel if I did that?" I crossed my arms hurt. He sighed and looked perplexed.

"I wouldn't like it, but what am I supposed to do?" he asked.

"Ignore it or decline her politely as you can, if you're worried about hurting feelings. By taking it you're showing her she has a chance." I settled into my seat again.

"Okay, you're right, I'm sorry. Do you have a pen?" he asked.

I found one in my purse and handed it to him.

He scribbled something and handed it to me. It read: I'm sorry, but I can't accept this. I already have the most beautiful girl in the world as my girlfriend. I would be a fool to screw that up.

"Better?" he asked with a crooked grin.

"Much." I nodded.

I quickly walked out of the laundry room and towards the porch door. I saw Alice look up, but didn't stop me. Edward was heading up to the house alone when he spotted me, he smiled crookedly.

"Hey, I was just coming to find you. I need to talk to you about something." He called out.

"I needed to talk to you too, about this." I held up a small white card in the air between my index and my middle fingers.

He froze in his spot and his face drained.

"I can explain," he rushed.

"Okay go ahead." I waited for him to start talking.

"She means nothing. Nothing happened. Emmett wanted to go clubbing before we saw you in the store. He talked some girls into join us. When they approached before we left, we told them we couldn't meet them. We were going to help you and beside I had no interest in the first place. I tried telling her that, but she forced her card on me anyways." His eyes begged me to understand.

"You didn't look at the card did you?" I commented with raised eyebrows. I held it out to him.

"I don't want it, throw it out." He raised his hands and backed away like I was trying to poison him or something.

"Edward, take the fucking card and look at it." I insisted.

He grabbed it lightly and looked at it.

"FBI?" his head shot up and his eyes met mine.

Well, I guess my question had been answered, he had no clue.

"Yes, I'm assuming the other two with Tanya were Irina and Kate. They are FBI and have been watching the house for a while. Alice sent them my way to help, but I thought Alec dealt with insurance so I wasn't aware of shady business. So I couldn't really help them out."

"You could have told them about the abuse," Edward said quietly.

"After Charlie, I wasn't going to risk anyone else's life for my own." Edward sighed and looked at the card again.

"Perhaps we should give them a call then." He turned to the house.

"Edward, where is Masen?" I looked around for him.

"Jasper is keeping an eye on him. They're looking for frogs. That's right, my question… do you want to press charges against Emmett?" he asked.

"Charges for what, being a well-intentioned jerk?" I asked hesitantly.

"No, he messed with me getting the mail. It's a federal offense if we turn him in." Edward explained slowly.

I paused thinking it over.

"I don't know if I'm comfortable with that. Sure I'm pissed and hurt with how he handled things… but jail? He thought in some fucked up way that he was trying to help us. I mean, I don't think I can trust him again, but guys like Emmett don't belong in jail. Guys like Alec do. Do you want to press charges?" I looked up at him.

He eyed me for a moment.

"I'm still pissed the hell off. I keep thinking if I got those letters you wouldn't have gotten in the situation that you're in. I still want to kick…" he trailed off when I flinched. He sighed and kicked a rock away.

"I hope you don't because it won't solve anything. Violence never does, it just makes things worst. We don't know what would've happened if you got the letters and there was no way for Emmett to know what I was wrote about. This situation is Alec's fault alone."

"You're better person than me. It could be so easy for you to blame everyone for this mess. How you keep thinking clearly is beyond me." He offered me a small smile. "Should we give Tanya call then, I hopefully we can get Alec, put away. The sooner the better."

"Okay," I replied nervously.

LB

We headed back to the house together and into the living room. Edward stopped short so I ended up running into him.

"What the hell do you think you're doing now?" Edward snapped. I moved around him to see Emmett by the door with a duffle bag over his shoulder.

"What does it look like? I know I'm not wanted around here anymore, so I'm getting out of your way," Emmett answered.

"So you were going to just run and vanish on us." Edward's arms were across his chest as it heaved in anger.

"I left a note, I figured you weren't speaking to me," he answered glumly.

"Well, you're right. What you did was completely fucked up, Emmett. I want nothing more than to kick your fucking ass," Edward hissed.

I backed away nervous that Edward would start swinging in a minute. My movement caught his eye and the anger changed to sadness. He took a deep breath before turning back to Emmett. "Do you know we could press charges for what you did with the letters?" Edward demanded.

I turned when Alice came up beside me. She waited for me to glance at her before taking my hand.

"Is that what you want? Because I will turn myself in if you want." Emmett offered meeting his stare. "I'm sorry that I fucked everything up by hiding the letter. I'll do anything you want to fix it."

"I don't think there is anything you could do to fix it. I can't even see how we are supposed to be friends after this. How am I supposed to trust you with the two people that I love more than anything in life, after you nearly kept them from me and they could've died?" Edward's fist clenched and I took another step back.

"I would never lay a hand on either of them." Emmett grew angry now. "I'm not like my father."

"I guess that makes you more like your whore mother," Edward scoffed.

Emmett flinched and his jaw tightened but he didn't say anything.

"Edward," I spoke up because I thought that he went too far.

He glanced at me again before closing his eyes and hanging his head back. After a long moment he straighten up and looked at Emmett again. "We're not going to press charges. As much I hate you right now for what you did, your ass doesn't belong in a jail cell," Edward stated.

"Thank you," Emmett said quietly.

"Don't thank me. Thank Bella. She is the only reason why you're still breathing," Edward retorted stepping further away from Emmett, much to my relief.

Emmett turned to me and opened his mouth.

"Emmett, maybe you're right. I think it will be best that you leave."

Thinking that if he stayed around the animosity in this house would be too high to be comfortable for anyone. He nodded before reaching for the door again.

Before he could take another step, Masen came running into the room.

"Mommy, Daddy, look what I got." He held out a large frog in his hands.

Jasper followed behind him smirking. He paused looking uncertain when he took in the situation.

"I see." I forced a smile on my face. It wasn't too hard seeing Masen so happy.

"That's a big frog, little buddy, what are you going to do with it?" Edward looked glad for the distraction. The whole situation with Emmett was momentarily forgotten as the room focused on the little boy and his frog.

"Can I keep him? Uncle Japer said I had to ask." He didn't wait for answer before he shoved the frog in Alice's face. "Look, Auntie Alice."

"I see him," Alice leaned away. Her nose crinkled slightly, but she still smiled.

"Uncle Japer bet me a whole dollar you wouldn't kiss him." Masen held the frog closer to her.

"What?" she glared at a still smirking Jasper.

"Come on, Alice, kiss it. I would like to see if it will turn into a prince." He smiled cheekily at her.

"I'm not a princess. Maybe your mom can give the frog a kiss?" she suggested.

"But mommy is a mommy. That make her a queen. You're pretty like a princess. Please! I'll give you my dollar." I watched as the puppy dog eyes came out. Alice's face struggled to stay resilient, but she was quickly wavering. Then Masen's lip started to pout she crumbled.

"Fine." She took the frog from Masen. She brought it up and closed her eyes. She puckered her lips and kissed the frog on the head. Just as her lips touched the frog he let out a loud croak. Her eyes flew open and her face soured before she dropped the frog, who promptly started hopping around the room with Masen tried to catch him.

"Ewww," she wiped the back of her hand over her lips.

I couldn't help the giggle that escaped me. The guys weren't much better as they snickered.

"Where Uncle Em go? I wanted to show him my frog." Masen stood up with the frog in his hand. The laughter ceased abruptly as we looked towards the open door. Emmett had left while we were distracted.

"He had to leave," Edward told Masen kneeling next to him.

"No. I want him to stay. Make him come back." Masen's face fell.

"I can't do that." Edward frowned back at Masen. Masen shook his head and tears started to form. He turned to me.

"Mommy," he pleaded.

"I'm sorry…" he didn't let me finish before he shoved the frog at Edward and ran out the door. "Masen, come back here." I called after him. I followed quickly with the others behind me. Edward handed off the frog to Jasper and quickly passed me on the steps.

"Uncle Em, wait!" Masen screamed as he ran as fast as little legs would take him down the driveway.

Emmett stopped and turned around, when Masen reached him her wrapped himself around Emmett's legs. I paused at the bottom of the steps and Edward stopped a few feet from them and pinched the bridge of his nose.

Emmett knelt down to talk to Masen face to face. I couldn't hear what he was saying, but Masen shook his head several times. Emmett raised his fist for a fist bump, but Masen ran from Emmett still in tears. He ran past Edward's reach and headed straight for me. He crashed into my legs nearly knocking me over and started sobbing. I picked him and sat on the stairs just held him.

Emmett remained kneeling, but had the heels of his hands over his eyes as he seemed to be shaking too. He looked up and met Edward's cold stare with red rimmed eyes. After a moment he rose to his feet, and with a nod of his head, turned and walked down the driveway.

Masen's tears slowed to sniffles. "Mommy, was Uncle Em really a very bad boy? He said he was bad," he asked.

"He did something he shouldn't have that hurt a lot of people's feelings," I answered brushing the hair off his face.

"But he apoljayed, can't he just get a time out?" he asked.

"It's more complicated than that, sweetie. I'm sorry." I kissed his forehead not correcting him while he was this upset.

"Will I see him again?" He looked up at me with watery eyes.

"I'm not sure." I knew I couldn't make any promises.

"But he's my friend." His lip trembled.

Jasper came down the stairs with the frog in one hand and a note that he passed to Edward in the other. He sat down next to us on the steps.

"Do you know what Emmett is going to do?" he asked Masen who shook his head.

"He's going to keep an eye on Mr. Alec so that he doesn't hurt anyone else," Jasper explained.

"Really?" Masen asked hesitantly.

Jasper nodded and I looked up at Edward, who sighed and crumpled the note into a ball.

"So, Mommy and Daddy, are we keeping this little guy or bringing him back to the river?" Jasper changed the subject holding the frog out to Masen. He let go of me and took the frog with watery smile.

"Please can I keep him?" He looked at the frog with so much love.

"Masen, I don't know, he's used to the wild. We don't have any place to keep him or other supplies." I tried to reason with my already upset three year old.

"We can put him in my parents' bathtub." Edward suggested.

I gave him an incredulous look. Esme would have a fit if she found out.

"I think it's the perfect place." Edward gave me a knowing wink. "One of us can take a ride to Port Angeles to a pet store later."

"No need to go that far. Newton's now sell fish. So they have tanks." Alice mentioned.

"Really?" I turned to see her at the top of the stairs. She nodded.

"It was Jessica Newton's, formally Stanley, idea. She figured if fisherman like to fish they might like to look at fish too." Alice shrugged.

"Well, then we can go there later and get supplies. So what are you going to name him?" Edward asked, stooping so he could see Masen and the frog better. Masen bit his lip as he thought.

"I'll call him, Em Japer Longlegs. Em for Uncle Em cause I will miss him. Japer cause Uncle Japer helped me find him." Masen grinned then looked at us for approval.
"I think that's a good name." I agreed. "You could call him E.J. for short."

"Okay," Masen seemed happier now.

"Let's get E.J. settled in the bathtub and then wash you up for lunch." I stood up and placed Masen on his feet.

"Alright, Daddy, will you help me?" He looked up at Edward.

"Of course," He took the frog in one hand and Masen's hand in the other. They disappeared into the house together.

"Esme is going to have a fit if she finds out about the frog in her tub." I shook my head.

"At least she didn't have to kiss it." Alice scowled. She stomped down the steps and held her hand to Jasper. "You owe me a dollar."

"I only promised Masen the dollar." He snickered at her. She narrowed her eyes at him.

"Fine, if I have to kiss a frog, so do you." She quickly planted a quick kiss on his lips and stomped back up the steps and into the house leaving a stunned Jasper behind.

I let out a snicker and turned to see that Emmett was gone from sight. "Is he really going after Alec to keep an eye on him?" I asked hesitantly.

"Something like that." Jasper stood up. I gave him a worried look. "Don't worry he knows what he is doing." Jasper disappeared into the house.

Emmett's parting words from the kitchen earlier rang in my head, that he would fix if it if it was the last thing he did.

"Oh, god, Emmett, what are you going to do?" I frowned as I hugged myself.

A/N: So Emmett has left for now. I know there will be mixed feelings on that. Poor Masen is a little heartbroken, poor guy.

A little insight into Rosalie. Many of you have asked about her. She will show up eventually but not for a while. The same with Carlisle and Esme.

Jasper didn't know what was going in the living room when he arrived with Masen. If he did he would've held Masen back from going in. He was just trying to get Alice back for the banana.

So Tanya, Kate and Irina are the FBI agents that have been watching Bella, Masen and Alec. Remember even though there was suspected abuse they never witnessed it first hand and Bella didn't confide in them so there was only so much they could do.

Back in the chapter 3 where Emmett spotted something in Bella's neighborhood, but brushed it off. He saw the trio, but didn't want to say anything. He thought it was just a coincidence.

Thank You For All Your Reviews!

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Preview alert:

"Would the name be by any chance Alec?" Jasper came up to my side with his arms full of stuff.

"That's it." They both squealed in sync causing me to flinch. "Hi, Jasper."

"Ladies," I could see the strain in his eyes as he tried to stay polite. "Do you by chance remember when he told you this?" Jasper asked turning on the charm better than I could with them.

"Umm, it was some point during the summer. Right, Jessica?" Lauren seemed unsure.

"Yeah, it was just after I found out I was pregnant with Mickey. In fact, I was walking out of the doctor's office and saw Bella in the waiting room. Remember, you flirted with him in the parking lot, but he said he was waiting for his girlfriend Bella and that she pregnant with his baby and he wasn't the kind of guy to fool around on her." Jessica nodded.