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 14
BELLA
No matter how I lie, the pain was unbearable. It felt like someone had smashed a hammer on my left side, leaving purple marks and cracked ribs. But I was only kicked by my brutal ex-boyfriend. A sharp pain pierced my skull every time I opened my eyes or moved a muscle.
The details of what Chris did to me were fuzzy and blurred in my mind.
Damn concussion, I thought as I shifted again.
Sleep was a torment, a cruel reminder of the soreness that plagued my body. My unconscious mind was trying to put the puzzle pieces together, while my waking mind resisted remembering.
I craved a distraction. "Edward," I called—not knowing if anyone else was here. I had heard the apartment door open and close as I tried in vain to get back to sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I was thrust back into the nightmare Dad woke me from. What was I going to do? Maybe if I asked, Edward would hold me. Maybe he could keep the nightmares at bay.
The floor creaked as someone moved toward the bedroom—was it Edward or someone else? I gasped and clutched the blanket as they moved closer.
"Edward," I said again, louder.
Esme gently shook her head coming into the room, a tender smile gracing her lips. She reached out and squeezed my hand. "No, sweetie," she said, her voice filled with warmth and reassurance. "He went to your apartment with Carlisle and your dad. Do you need something?"
I blew out a breath, my eyes moving toward the TV in front of the bed. I shifted on the pillows, trying to find a comfortable position. "A change of room," I said, half-joking.
She sat on the edge of the bed and gave my hand another gentle squeeze. "I'm afraid you're stuck in bed for a day or two," she said sympathetically.
She let go of my hand and reached for something on the nightstand. "Let's see if we can find something on TV."
The TV came to life with a buzz. It was tuned to ESPN. I made the "Mr. Yuck" face–tongue out and eyes closed. Esme laughed. "That's my reaction too." She knew I hated sports.
She flipped through the channels. "How about some SpongeBob?"
"Yes," I said, trying to shift into a sitting position. I winced as my movements caused my sides and leg to start throbbing—and my head to spin. "Or maybe some Peppa Pig."
We settled Saving Mr. Banks on Disney Plus.
We were a half hour into the movie when the apartment door opened and closed. I froze like a deer in the headlights, gripping Esme's hand. Had Chris found me?
"Esme," Carlisle called.
"In the bedroom," Esme said from next to me. "Bring Bella's meds when you come back."
Carlisle, Dad, and Edward came into the bedroom, their faces grim. Dad had two bags, which he set down on the floor. Esme looked at the three of them with concern as she accepted the orange pill bottle from Carlisle. Even I sensed something was wrong.
"What happened?" she asked.
Carlisle sighed. "We went up to your apartment, Bella. It was a mess."
I felt a jolt of fear in my chest. "What do you mean?"
Edward sat next to me on the bed, taking my hand. His eyes were filled with anger and sorrow. "Chris and the woman trashed your place. They broke your furniture, smashed your picture frames, tore some of your clothes."
I gasped, feeling tears sting my eyes. "No, no, no..."
A wave of nausea wash over me. I clung to Edward, feeling his warmth and his heartbeat. He kissed my tangled curls and whispered soothing words in my ear.
"Shh, it's okay, Bella. It's okay. I'm here. I won't let him hurt you."
Esme reached out and stroked my hair. "I'm so sorry, Bella," she said softly.
Carlisle nodded and put his arm around her. "We'll figure this out," he said firmly.
They didn't know the story of how Chris had abused me for months or how he had tried to kill me on several occasions. I survived each attempt.
They knew that Chris was dangerous. But they didn't know he was a drug dealer, a psychopath, using being a college student as a cover. He had connections and resources. He had followers and allies. He had power and influence. He was not someone to mess with. As soon as I thought of him, a shiver ran down my spine. I buried my face deeper into Edward's chest, hoping he would never find me. Hoping he would never hurt me again.
He had an unhealthy obsession with me, one that bordered on madness. He would go to any lengths, cross any boundaries, break any laws, to get me back. Or worse, kill me.
This wasn't the first time he's threatened me. When he was done with his latest fling, he would want me back. He told me countless times he owned me. He wanted to break me.f