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 13

EDWARD

No one spoke a word as we rode down the elevator. We clenched our fists, our hearts pounding in our chests. It felt like we were heading into a war zone, not Bella's destroyed apartment. Off the elevator, I headed for 10C. The brass numbers glinted, beckoning us to the horror.

I turned to Charlie and Dad. They looked nervous and grim. "Brace yourselves," I said, inserting Bella's key into the lock. With a deep breath, I turned the key.

The door swung open, revealing the gruesome spectacle. Crimson splashes dotted the floor, contrasting with the glittering shards of glass. They looked like cruel diamonds, mocking us with their beauty. Furniture was torn and overturned, as if a frenzied attacker had torn through the apartment. A metallic smell of blood filled the air, making me nauseous.

I saw traces of the police investigation as well: fingerprint dust on the furniture in the living room, creating a gray contrast to the red stains; a swatch of carpet cut out from the bedroom, where the bed had been stripped. There were even fragments of yellow tape that marked off the crime scene on the floor. The sight seared into my memory, like a branding iron.

Charlie gasped and covered his mouth with his hand. Dad cursed under his breath and clenched his fists. I felt a surge of anger and fear, wondering what all had happened to Bella at Chris' hand.

We moved as one to her bedroom, and I pointed to a bare patch of floor next to the bed. There was a bloodstained note found in the area. "The handwritten note was there," I said. "I believe that is where Bella had collapsed."

"And it said what?" Charlie asked in a thick voice as his eyes scanned the room again.

"I don't remember exactly," I said. "I read it over the shoulder of the police officer. But I do know that Chris said things were far from over. That he would decide when he was done with her."

In the dimly lit room, the pressure of the ordeal was suffocating. Dad's hand, weathered and strong, rested gently on Charlie's trembling shoulder, a gesture of solace amidst the chaos. His voice, usually calm and steady, now carried a resolute determination as he spoke words of reassurance.

"We'll find him, Charlie. We won't rest until he pays for what he did to Bella," Dad's voice resonated with unwavering conviction, a promise etched in every syllable.

Charlie nodded in response, his eyes filled with a mix of grief and determination. He slipped on a pair of rubber gloves, a shield against the unknown. He examined the place, searching for any clues or evidence that the police might have missed. I chalked him doing this for his peace of mind.

He opened a drawer in the nightstand. He found a leather-bound photo album, filled with pictures of Bella smiling and laughing with her friends and family. A pang of sadness marred his tired face as he flipped through the pages. I wonder if we would ever see her truly smile again, not just a passive "thank you" smile.

He slid the album back into the drawer and headed for the closet. There, he found an old suitcase and handed it to me. He rummaged through the hangers, looking for something to pack.

"I'm not taking any chances with the police," Charlie said, his voice firm and defiant. He was determined to find justice for Bella.

I looked at Dad, hoping to see his usual calmness. But his eyes were blazing with anger, unlike anything I had ever seen before. Bella, a beloved family friend, had been attacked, and his fatherly instincts had kicked in.

"Dad?" I asked, worried.

He gave me a fierce look, his words full of passion. "I'm with Charlie. If Chris shows up here, I'm not waiting for the cops. I'll take care of him myself," he said, his voice heavy with resolve. He was ready to fight for Bella.

I felt his words echo in my chest, igniting a fire in my soul. I couldn't bear the thought of Bella, sweet and gentle, being hurt by that monster again. I was filled with a rage that wanted to explode; however, I wouldn't stooped to Chris' level. "Bella, wouldn't like you for either of you to end up behind bars."

"Still," Dad said, "I would make a citizens arrest and make sure the bastard doesn't get away."

Charlie, driven by a need to protect Bella, quickly filled the bag with the essentials. He chose each item with care, as if they were part of Bella. Clothes, underwear, a hairbrush, a toothbrush - each item a reminder of who she was, of the life that had been broken.

He added pajamas, cozy and soft, to the bag, hoping to give Bella some comfort in this horror.

~~~ BF ~~~

As we waited for the elevator, my phone buzzed in my pocket. A wave of warmth spread through my chest as I recognized Emmett's number. Dad and Charlie continued their stride, unaware of my distraction. I stopped, motioning for them to continue on, when they looked back at me. I pulled out my phone and read Emmett's text. His words made me smile and relax a bit. He was always there for me, even when he teased me mercilessly.

Em: No snide remarks. Bella must be special to warrant you protecting her by moving in with her. Rosalie might be willing to help her legally. I can talk to her if you like. If Bella likes. But we should arrange a meeting. Rosie's been through hell with her ex, too. Some camaraderie might be just what the doctor ordered. Oh, I'm ordering dinner for you and some carnations for Bella. Are her parents there? Yours? I know I don't know her, but I'm here for both of you.

I chuckled as I read Emmett's words, devoid of his usual playful banter. A warmth spread through my chest as I saw his teddy bear side showing. I'd only seen it a few times in college when he started dating Rosalie. She was a stunning blonde with a fierce attitude and a painful past. He was a muscular jock with a big heart and a sense of humor. He joked and flirted with her relentlessly, but he also listened and cared for her deeply. He let her rage at him, cry on his shoulder, and heal at her own pace. He became more protective and gentle with her over time. I admired their relationship and their resilience. I was going to have to be there for Bella like he was for Rosalie. His advice was something I needed. I would have to call him later, when I had a clear mind and had slept.

I hit reply

Me: Thanks, Emmett. I talked with Rosalie Tuesday before you and Jasper arrived for the baseball game. I'll have to check with Bella. She might not be up to meeting new people right now. She has a bad concussion, so keeping the noise and visitors to a minimum is for the best. And I haven't even thought about dinner. Her dad is here and so are my parents. Thanks for thinking of us. I'm sure Bella will love the flowers. Talk to you later. I want to pick your brain for other ways to help Bella. I need more sleep before we have that conversation. It's been a whirlwind of a day.

I slipped my phone back in my pocket, once again feeling a pang of worry for Bella as I thought about her lying in bed with a bandage around her head. I wanted to be with her, to hold her and kiss her gently, but I couldn't kiss her. I had to keep reminding myself I wasn't her boyfriend. I clenched my jaw as I remembered what her ex had done to her. He deserved to rot in jail for hurting her. hoped Emmett's dinner and flowers would cheer Bella up. I couldn't wait to see her smile again.