Breaking Free

Trigger Warning: This story contains scenes of domestic violence, and physical and emotional abuse. The main character was in an abusive relationship with her ex-boyfriend, who hurt her both physically and mentally. The story also depicts the main character's struggle to escape from the abuse and find love and healing with another person. If you are sensitive to these topics, please read with caution. If you are experiencing domestic violence or need help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit their website. You are not alone, and you deserve to be safe and happy.

Chapter 3

EDWARD

I slammed the door behind me and threw my keys and phone on the table. My heart was pounding and my hands were shaking. I needed to talk to someone about Bella, but who could I trust? I knew Mom would be concerned, but she would probably tell me I was making a mountain out of a mole hill. Besides, I doubted Bella had told her anything about the guy she was dating. She was too good at hiding her pain.

I paced the length of my living room, racking my brain for someone who could help me with Bella. My living room was a stark contrast to hers. While mine was sparsely decorated, with only the essentials and nothing more, hers was sophisticated and cozy, with elegant furniture and personal touches. I had always admired her taste, but now I wondered if it was a facade to hide her pain.

I groaned and pulled at my hair, feeling a surge of frustration. I resumed my restless circuit, glancing at the phone on the table. I thought about calling Charlie, but I quickly dismissed the idea. I didn't want to burden him with my unfounded suspicions. Maybe Bella had already introduced her boyfriend to her dad. Maybe he was a nice guy after all. No! I shook my head, refusing to believe it. Bella's behavior spoke volumes. She was hiding something, and she didn't want anyone to know.

I scanned my living room, looking for a distraction from Bella. The room was dull and lifeless, with nothing but a few books on a lonely table next to a leather couch and a couple of recliners. The books were the only hint of my personality, but they couldn't hold my interest now.

After a few more minutes of fruitless pacing, I gave up and threw myself down on the couch. I racked my brain for someone who could help me with Bella, but only one name came to mind: Rosalie. She was Emmett's girlfriend and worked as a lawyer. She also was a counselor for domestic violence victims. I had met her a few times at social events, and she seemed nice and smart. Maybe she could give me some insight into what I saw in Bella's apartment. In Bell's behavior. But would she be willing to talk to me? And would she keep it confidential? I hesitated, unsure if I should call her or not. However, I knew I couldn't just sit here and do nothing. I had to do something. Anything. I scrolled through my contacts and found Rosalie's number. I pressed the phone icon, calling her. Would she answer? And if she did, what would I say?

Rosalie answered on the third ring. Her voice was cheerful and friendly. "Hey, Edward," she greeted me. "What's up?"

I felt a pang of guilt for disturbing her. I knew she was busy at work. But I also knew she was the only person who could understand what I was going through. I swiped a hand down my face, not sure how to start. I cleared my throat and tried to sound casual. "I ran into a childhood friend today. Bella Swan. I know you don't know her, but I need some advice."

There was a pause on the other end of the line. Then Rosalie said, "What kind of advice? Legal? Relationship?" She sounded curious.

"Well, I saw some things that make me believe she's in a dangerous situation with her boyfriend." I then explained to her about the bruises on Bella's arms and neck, about the fidgeting and nervous looks she gave me, about the hidden phone numbers in her contacts.

Rosalie gasped as she listened to me. "Good Lord, Edward. I think you might be right. She's acting much like I did when my ex used to direct his fists at me." Her voice was filled with sympathy and anger.

I sighed and again swiped a hand down my face. "How do I help her?" I asked, feeling helpless and frustrated.

Rosalie sighed too. "You don't, at least not until she admits to herself she needs help," she said gently. "When she is ready, just listen. And be supportive. And let her know that she is not alone." She tried to sound hopeful and encouraging.

I felt a surge of gratitude for Rosalie. She had been more helpful than I expected. She had given me some insight into Bella's situation, and offered to be there for her if she needed a friend. "Thanks, Rosalie. I appreciate your insight." I said sincerely, hanging up.

~~~ BF ~~~

I glanced at my watch, feeling a surge of adrenaline that made my heart pound, even as a knot of anxiety clenched in my stomach, making me feel nauseous. Emmett and Jasper would be here soon to watch the American League Division Series game with me. I hoped they and the game would be the distraction I needed. It was the third game of the series, and Baltimore was on the road taking on Texas. I was rooting for Baltimore, of course. They were my favorite team since I was a kid. I hoped they would win and advance to the next round.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, startling me. I pulled it out and saw a text message from an unknown number. I wondered if it could be Bella. Maybe she had changed her mind and decided to reach out to me. Maybe she needed my help. I felt a twinge of curiosity and concern, but I decided to ignore it for now. The message could wait a little longer. I had more pressing matters to attend to. Like ordering pizza for me and my friends.

I opened the app of Pizzazz, a local pizza joint that had been in business for over 20 years. They had the best pizza in town, in my opinion. They were fast, fresh, and delicious. I ordered three large pizzas: one pepperoni, one with the works, and one plain cheese. I knew Emmett and Jasper liked different toppings, so I wanted to please them both. And I liked cheese, so that was for me. I confirmed the order and paid with my credit card. The app said the pizza would arrive in twenty minutes. Perfect timing, I thought. Just enough time to get ready for the game.

I walked to my bedroom, feeling a rush of nostalgia. I pulled out my Baltimore jersey from the closet. It was number 14, with the name of my favorite pitcher, Carter. He was a legend in the game, and I admired his skill and passion. I put on the jersey, buttoning it up. I felt a sense of pride and anticipation. I was ready for the game.

My eyes moved to the framed picture of Bella and me that Mom had taken. It was on my nightstand, next to my alarm clock. Bella and I were smiling and hugging, holding our high school diplomas. We looked so happy and carefree back then. What had happened between then and now? I wondered once again. How had she ended up with someone who was possibly hurting her? Someone who made her lie and hide? I felt a surge of anger and sadness. I wished I could help her. I wished she would let me in.

I shook my head, trying to banish the thoughts of Bella from my mind. I knew I couldn't do anything for her right now, unless she reached out to me. And I didn't want to do anything stupid, like going back to her apartment and demanding answers. That would only make things worse.

"Hey, man, are you ready for the game?" Emmett's voice boomed from the other side of the door. I heard him knock loudly, followed by Jasper's chuckle.

I grabbed my phone and put it in my pocket, leaving the unread message behind. I walked to the door and opened it, forcing a smile on my face.

"Yeah, I'm ready. Come on in, guys. The pizza should be here soon." I said, stepping aside to let them in.

They walked in, carrying a six-pack of beer and a bag of chips. They were both wearing Texas jerseys, just to annoy me. They knew I hated Texas.

"Nice jersey, bro. Too bad it's the wrong team." Emmett teased, poking me in the chest.

"Shut up, Emmett. You know Baltimore is the best." I retorted, pushing him back.

"Whatever, man. We'll see who's laughing after the game." Jasper said, joining the banter.

We settled on the couch, turning on the TV. The game was about to start.

I hoped Baltimore would win. I hoped Bella was okay. I hoped I could forget everything for a while. I hoped.

~~~ BF ~~~

Hours later, after Baltimore dominated Texas, I checked my phone. I had been thinking about the unknown message all night, wondering who it was from and what it said. I felt a surge of joy when I saw it was from Bella. Maybe she had changed her mind and decided to open up to me about her boyfriend and his abuse. I saved her number before reading the message.

Bella: 'Not sure if I said this, but Friday sounds good. Pick me up at Creative Spaces, if you don't mind. We can go to dinner and reconnect. I missed you.'

I smiled when I read her words. She sounded more relaxed and friendly than before, though I knew I could be reading too much into the text message. She had agreed to see me on Friday, and she had even said she missed me. That was a good sign, right? Maybe she still cared about me, as a friend or more. Maybe there was still hope for us. I typed a quick reply, trying to sound casual and upbeat.

Me: 'I missed you too, Bella. Friday sounds great. What time do you get off? I'm flexible since I'm the owner and CEO of Cullen Enterprises.'

I hit send and waited for her response. I wondered what she would say. Would she be distant and guarded like she was when I ran into her? I hoped for the best, but prepared for the worst.

Later that night, I checked my phone again, hoping to see a reply from Bella. I had been waiting for her response ever since I texted her back. But there was no new message from her. She hadn't responded. It was then I remembered she was making dinner for her boyfriend – I sighed worriedly, settling under the covers.