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 11
EDWARD
Once Bella had nestled herself comfortably in my bed, a gentle knock pierced the silence of my apartment. It was a sound that couldn't possibly belong to Charlie or my parents, not yet at least.
"I'll be back," I whispered to Bella, my voice barely audible in the hushed room.
With a sense of curiosity tinged with apprehension, I made my way towards the living room. The chaos of graduating college and starting my own business had left me with little time to bring up the pictures and trinkets that held memories of a life before this place, now relegated to the confines of my basement storage unit.
The knock echoed once more, insistent and demanding attention. Peering through the peephole, I caught sight of the landlord, his presence unexpected yet not entirely unwelcome. He and I talked on frequently, me being the building owner and all. The tenants didn't know who I was or that I lived in the building.
"Hello, Edward," he said politely. "I'm here to inform you that a tenant on the twelfth floor was attacked early this morning. The police have already been through the building, but they may return. Might want to talk to you."
I nodded solemnly, absorbing the gravity of his words. "I'm aware. The person who was attacked is a friend of mine."
Understanding flickered in the landlord's eyes as he processed my response. "So you've already talked to the police, then?"
"Yes," I replied, my voice heavy with a sigh. "I was going to contact you later. She and I have decided to move in together. I'll be moving up to the penthouse."
His nod conveyed both sympathy and comprehension.
"Do you know if the police are done processing her apartment?"
He nodded. "Yes, the crime scene people left about twenty minutes ago."
Thanking him again, I decided to give Detective Carter a call. He was the lead detective on Bella's case, and he had been very helpful and supportive so far.
~~~ Breaking Free ~~~
I dialed his number and pressed the phone to my ear, listening to the ringing tone.
"Hello, this is Detective Carter. Who's this?" he asked in a crisp voice.
"Hi, Detective. It's Edward Cullen. I'm Bella Swan's boyfriend," I said, hoping he would remember me.
"Hello, Edward. How are you and Bella doing?"
"We're doing okay, considering the circumstances. We're at my apartment right now. She's resting."
"That's good to hear. I'm glad she's safe with you." He sounded genuinely concerned.
"Thank you, Detective. I appreciate your concern." My gazed moved to my closed bedroom door.
"Of course. Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Well, I know it's not been long, but I was wonder if you have any updates on Chris and the woman." I hoped for some good news, but deep down I knew it was unlikely.
"I'm afraid not, Edward. We're still working on it, but we don't have much to go on. Chris and the woman are still at large, and we have no idea where they are. The owner of the apartments gave us access to some security footage. The hallways, the lobby, and parking area. The techs are going through the videos," he said, his voice apologetic and frustrated.
"That's frustrating."
"I know. It's a tough case. But we're not giving up. We'll find them, Edward. We'll find them and make them pay for what they did to Bella."
"Detective, can I ask you something else?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"Has Bella's apartment been fully processed?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Bella needs some additional clothes, and –" I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should tell him. "And Bella and I are moving into the penthouse soon."
"Ah, I see," he said with a slight laugh. "Yes, the crime techs are done collecting evidence and photographing all the rooms. I'll plan on taking to the owner again and asking him not to rent the apartment for a while, just in case."
"Thank you for everything. I'll call you if Bella remembers anything else about the attack," I said, feeling a surge of gratitude for his help.
"You're welcome, Edward. And, yes, please call if she remembers anything," he said in a fatherly way, his voice warm and reassuring.
"Goodbye, Detective."
I hung up the phone and sighed, feeling a mix of exhaustion and anxiety.
~~~ BF ~~~
I waited another agonizing fifteen minutes before I couldn't resist checking on Bella.
As I tiptoed into my bedroom, a pang of longing hit me. She lay there, sound asleep, her chest rising and falling in a peaceful rhythm. The muted sunlight a soft glow on her face, highlighting her delicate features, the bruise on her face. I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around her and hold her close, but the fear of her reaction held me back.
I knew that Chris had caused her unimaginable pain before he turned violent and sent her to the hospital. How could he do this to her? How could he hurt someone so sweet and kind? The thought of how long she suffered made my heart ache, and I couldn't bear the thought of causing her any more pain.
I had to be careful not to overstep the boundaries of our friendship, especially now that we were planning to move in together. I had to follow her lead and respect her wishes.
As I grabbed a spare pillow and blanket from the closet, I made sure to keep my movements quiet so as not to wake her. I also grabbed my phone charger, knowing that I had a few calls to make before I could even think about getting some rest.
Leaving the room, I pulled the door almost closed, leaving just a crack of light shining through. As I made my way down the hallway, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness wash over me. I longed to be close to Bella, to hold her and protect her from the world.
But for now, I had to be patient and wait for the right moment. I had to be there for her, no matter what, and show her that she could trust me with her heart.
I sank into the plush cushions of my couch, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle upon me like a heavy cloak. With a sigh, I reached out to connect my phone charger to the port on the elegant side table beside me. My phone, on the brink of death, flickered to life, illuminating the dim room. And there it was, a text message waiting for me, like an unwelcome intruder in the midst of my weariness. It was from Emmett, and I couldn't help but groan inwardly. His trivial problems with his girlfriend were the last thing I needed to deal with right now.
Em: Hey Edward! Where are you? I thought you were joining Jasper and me for a little Saturday fun. It's unlike you to forget.
I winced. I had forgotten. My fingers dancing across the screen as I tapped out a reply.
Me: Em, I'm sorry. I did forget. Bella arrived unexpectedly in the dead of night. Her not ex-boyfriend hurt her. I just returned from the hospital with her. She's staying with me now, and... and before you make any snide remarks, we've decided to move in together. For her protection.
With a frustrated toss, I abandoned my phone on the table. My client could wait until Monday; I had made no promises to provide them with a phone estimate today. Right now, my focus was on Bella and ensuring her safety and well-being.
As exhaustion began to claim me, and I jolted awake at the sound of another knock on the door. Rubbing my weary eyes, I attempted to shake off the remnants of sleep that clung to me.
Approaching the door, I peered through the peephole once more. To my surprise, I saw Charlie and my parents, standing in the hallway. I forgot they were coming over to see Bella. Opening the door, I motioned for them to enter, my voice hushed.
"Bella's asleep," I murmured, my words barely audible in the quiet room.
As the words escaped Mom's lips, a gentle reassurance wrapped around me like a warm blanket. "That's alright, Edward," she whispered, her voice carrying a tender warmth. "We're here for you too."
Dad, his eyes brimming with empathy, nodded in silent accord, sinking into the plush embrace of a brown leather recliner.
Charlie, his face mirroring the anguish that consumed my own heart, settled into the other recliner. In that moment, it was as if we were all adrift in a sea of uncertainty, grappling with the overwhelming fear that had engulfed his beloved daughter.
With a heavy sigh, I resumed my seat, feeling the burden of the world on my tired shoulders.
Mom and Dad looked at me with expectant eyes. I could sense the question burning in their minds. I felt a pang of anxiety in my chest. The unspoken question lingered in the air, demanding an answer. What could I possibly tell them about Chris?
"I'm sorry, I don't know anything," I confessed, my voice barely audible.
"Please, Edward," Charlie said, his eyes filled with worry and hope. "Tell us anything you can. We need to know why this happened to Bella."
With a deep inhale, I made a choice. The weight of the situation was heavy on my shoulders, but I knew I had to speak up. "It was Tuesday when I ran into Bella in the lobby. I had no idea she lived in the same building as me until then. But what caught my attention were the bruises on her arms. Some were fading, but others were fresh. I should have asked her about them right then and there. It's a decision I regret."
Charlie's face remained unchanged, still lost in thought. It was clear that Bella hadn't confided in him about Chris.
I explained about what I saw in her apartment. "I decided to offer her a lifeline. I asked for her phone and found only your name, Charlie, in her contacts. But what I discovered next was confusing. There were several numbers under your name, Charlie, but not all of them were yours. I recognized my parents' numbers."
"Why would she hide our numbers under Charlie's name?" Mom asked, puzzled.
Dad was quick to respond. "My guess, dear, is that Chris was trying to isolate her from everyone."
I couldn't help but frown. "Damn. Why didn't I see the hidden numbers as a cry for help?" I ran my hand down my face in frustration.
"I don't think I would have either, Edward," Charlie offered. "And I'm trained to look for stuff like that."
"I added my number under Charlie's name, along with my apartment number. I didn't see Bella again until early this morning when she pounded on my door, needing my help."
A moan and a tormented scream tore through the air, jolting me from my seat in the living room. Bella. I rushed to the bedroom finding her twisted up in the blankets and sheets. Tears glistened on her cheeks, but she was still asleep. Caught in a nightmare.
This is what I was afraid of. Nightmares. I stood there helpless.
Charlie put a hand on my shoulder. "Let me, Edward." He gently shook Bella awake, calling her name softly.
Bella opened her eyes and saw Charlie's face. She gasped and threw her arms around him, sobbing uncontrollably.
"Shh, it's okay, Bells. It's okay. You're safe now," Charlie whispered, holding her close.
I couldn't bear to watch the chaotic scene unfolding before me. My heart was heavy with worry. Mom and Dad stood behind me in the dimly lit hallway, their concerned expressions mirrored in their eyes. Mom, sensing my distress, opened her arms to me, a silent invitation for comfort.
"I know how much you care about Bella," she whispered softly, her voice filled with empathy and understanding. In that moment, as her words washed over me, I clenched my fists, feeling an unwavering determination ignite within me. I would do whatever it took to protect the girl I loved, to shield her from harm.
Dad, ever the pillar of strength, spoke gently, his voice a soothing balm to my troubled mind. "Let's go back into the living room, Son," he suggested, his words laced with a quiet reassurance. "Charlie seems to have things under control for now."
Nodding in agreement, I followed my parents back into the living room, the weight of the situation still heavy on my shoulders. Dad was right, Bella needed her father by her side in this moment of crisis. As we settled into the familiar surroundings, Dad began to share the information he had gathered during the drive from the hospital to the hotel.
"Charlie informed us that the police are actively searching for Chris and the woman he was with," Dad revealed, his voice tinged with concern. The gravity of the situation hung in the air, casting a shadow over our conversation.
I lowered my gaze, my eyes fixated on the floor, as I absorbed the weight of Dad's words. "Yes," I replied quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. "I filed a report, and Bella spoke to Detective Carter after regaining consciousness. She confirmed the limited details I had shared with the police officer and the EMTs."
Dad's brow knitted in bewilderment, his face a canvas of questions. "But how did you know what to tell them?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
I paused briefly, contemplating how much to reveal. "I managed to gather some information from Bella before she lost consciousness," I admitted, my voice tinged with a mix of guilt and determination. "And her apartment…" I trailed off, not wanting to delve into the horrors that awaited us there. "You'll have to see it for yourself, Dad. Mom, I understand your curiosity, but it would be best if you didn't."
Charlie spoke up, breaking his silence. "I would like to see it. Bella asked me to get her a few things. Told me about agreeing to move in with you, if a two-bedroom is available."
"There's have one available," I said and turned to Mom. "Do you mind staying with Bella?"
"Not at all," Mom said. "Go and get what you can for Bella."