A/N: Hello, my lovely readers! I hope you are all enjoying the story so far. I just wanted to drop in and let you know that the next few chapters are going to get dark. Of course, I'll leave a warning before the chapter so you know what you are getting into. If you have any questions or comments PM me or review and tell me what you think. Now, on with the story!

WARNING: CHILD ABUSE, MANIPULATIONS, VIOLENCE, NEGLECT, INFIDELITY, SLUT SHAMING, GRAPHIC LANGUAGE, TRIGGERING IMAGERY, BULLYING, AND ADULT IMAGERY. IF YOU ARE TRIGGERED BY THIS OR DO NOT ENJOY IT, DO NOT READ.

Chapter Twelve.

Bella's POV:

I woke up around six-thirty to a note from Charlie saying that there had been an accident and he didn't know when he'd be home. Right now, I cooked an easy recipe; spaghetti and meatballs with frozen garlic bread. Embry sat at the table, working on his homework. After I finished draining the pasta and putting it back into the pan, I noticed his face was scrunched in disgust.

"What is it?"

"Biology is so stupid. I don't understand it at all."

"What are you working on?"

"Here but be warned, this is impossible to understand." I gave him a small smile and turned to the textbook pages. In bold letters, the words Anaphase and Prophase glared back at me. Suddenly a memory filled my brain.

"Ladies first, partner?" Edward asked. I looked up to see him smiling a crooked smile so beautiful that I

could only stare at him like an idiot.

"Or I could start, if you wish." The smile faded; he was obviously wondering if I was mentally competent.

"No," I said, flushing. "I'll go ahead."

I was showing off, just a little. I'd already done this lab, and I knew what I was looking for. It should be

easy. I snapped the first slide into place under the microscope and adjusted it quickly to the 40X

objective. I studied the slide briefly.

My assessment was confident. "Prophase."

"Do you mind if I look?" he asked as I began to remove the slide. His hand caught mine, to stop me, as

he asked. His fingers were ice-cold, like he'd been holding them in a snowdrift before class. But that

wasn't why I jerked my hand away so quickly. When he touched me, it stung my hand as if an electric

current had passed through us.

"Bella, Bella. Calm down. You're okay." Edward disappeared and Embry took his place, his large, warm hands cupping my cheeks. My tears felt wet and my heartbeat hammered in my chest.

"I-I-"

"I'm sorry, I didn't think Biology would set you off."

"It wasn't Biology…It was him."

"Edward..."

"Mhm."

"Can I ask why?"

"He was my lab partner. This first day we spoke was the same day we did this in class." I hiccupped and cried again. "Why does it still hurt to remember?"

"Oh, honey." He pulled me tightly into his arms and kissed my forehead as I bawled into his frame. This was so embarrassing. How was it fair that he still hurt me like this? It had been a long time. I was ready to move on, so why wasn't my heart?

Sniffling, I turned my head and glanced up at him. "Embry, you're too good to me. I don't deserve you."

"Don't say that. You deserve the world and then some, okay? You are kind, smart, caring, beautiful, and you make me feel hope when all I've ever had is nothing."

"I'm glad that we can be each other's hope in this darkness we both share," I whispered back. We stayed like that for a few more minutes before deciding to take a break from homework and eat dinner. The rest of the night went smoothly.

On a warm Saturday during the middle of May, the eldest Black sibling graduated from her college. All her family and friends were in attendance, and that meant that Charlie and I had been invited. I thought of skipping, but I know I couldn't run from my problems forever. It would only be a matter of time before I had to face Jacob and Leah again.

We were staying overnight in Pullman and Embry would have the house to himself. He had kept muttering to himself about little people wrestling, but I decided not to ask about it. Some things are better left unsaid.

The car ride was long, and I kept feeling the urge to vomit throughout the graduation ceremony. Jacob and Leah couldn't seem to keep their hands off each other. They kissed, held hands, he pulled her close. I wasn't the only one becoming uncomfortable because Rebecca, the younger Black twin, smacked her brother to make them stop.

It only helped partially, but I was grateful. She glanced over at me and sent me a kind smile before turning back to the front.

As soon as the ceremony was over we rushed outside to meet the happy graduate and to take pictures.

Rachel Black was almost model pretty with her long legs and thick dark brown hair. With a pearly white smile, she yanked me into a tight hug. I felt a blush rush to my cheeks from my awkwardness.

"Bella! I'm so glad you came. Becca and I have missed you."

"I missed you both too." They missed me? The thought caused a warmth to fill me. She pulled away from my hug but still held on to me and gave me a once-over.

"You've got to pretty! You and I will have to hang out as soon as I'm all moved in."

"For sure."

"You remember Marissa, right? She and I are still best friends and she and I talk about you all the time. Maybe next time Becca visits us four can go back to being RMBB!"

RMBB. Wow, I had totally forgotten about that. It seems my hatred of the stormy weather of Forks had taken even the good memories from me.

I nodded and hugged her again before releasing her to visit with her family. Charlie put his arm around me and patted my shoulder. When I turned to him he gave me a sad smile.

"This will be you one day, kiddo. You ready?"

"Not sure, I hope so."

"I think you will be. You've always been resilient. You're going excel in whatever field you choose to go in." I pulled him into a hug and a smile made its way to my face.

"Thank you, dad. That means a lot."

"I'm only stating the truth, Bells."

The rest of the day went surprisingly well, and I found myself ignoring Jacob and Leah's presence and enjoying myself. That was progress, right? I sure hope so.

Embry's POV:

To my dearest,

I've finally settled in. Jason wishes you were here. He was looking forward to having you join the baseball team year. He's a coach at Stadium High. Maybe you could think about coming to visit? You might enjoy it more here.

Sending my love,

Mommy

I gave a sad sigh before shoving the postcard into my pocket and hopping on my bike. I would be meeting Paul at the diner before heading to a movie in Seattle and then shopping. Bella and Charlie were in Pullman for Rachel Black's graduation and he had left me a hundred dollars to pick up new clothes. I barely had any shirts without holes in them and most of my jeans had stains on them.

Mom had refused to pay for my things and after phasing I had no time for a job, so I continued to grin and bear it. When Charlie caught wind of my wardrobe he made me take some money he had tucked back.

At the time I felt embarrassed, but now I couldn't help but feel excited. When was the last time I had new clothes? I couldn't remember. Sam had loaned me a few after I phased and couldn't fit into my shirts, but that was a while ago.

Once I made it to the diner I parked outside and popped my keys into my pocket before laying the helmet in the back of his truck. It was a green nineteen-ninety-nine doge ram one thousand five hundred gifted to him by his dad when he turned sixteen. I slipped into the passenger seat and we took off to our destination.

We caught a shitty action movie that had us bored out of our minds before we headed to the mall. Paul waltzed right into Old Navy and went to look over the racks of clothes while I stayed behind him, feeling out of place. What did I even like?

Paul glanced over at me and raised an eyebrow.

"See anything you like, Em?" I shrugged.

"I don't know."

"Come on, we'll figure it out as we go. Let's start with jeans." He led me to a rack of jeans and over the course of an hour, we finally found some things I liked. We checked out and hit a few more stores before heading home.

"We should hit Goodwill."

"What? Why?"

"They have some great clothes for super cheap. Trust me, I go there lots." I nodded before clutching the car door as he made a U-turn and sped off. The rest of the day was spent in Goodwill, where I found quite a bit more outfits and even a gift for Bella. I tucked it away in my backpack and decided to give it to her for her birthday in a few months.

Jacob's POV:

"Jake, you can't keep acting like this. You're not only messing with the pack but your relationship with Leah. She's tired of you complaining about it." Quil said with a groan as they stood outside of Sam's, his face all business.

"Why hasn't she come to me then?"

"Because you're too stubborn to listen to anyone! But I'm sick of you always ragging on Embry. He's our best friend and brother and he doesn't deserve it. Neither does Bella."

"But she's literally using him to get back at me!"

"You don't even know if that's true! All you do is assume shit!" Quil yelled back with a growl. "I'm tired of you picking on her. She's been through hell and back!"

"And I haven't?"

"I didn't say that, but you know what I mean. You broke her heart, bro. Even worse than that leech ever did."

As if, I thought to myself. She never loved me. I was just some plaything to her. But I knew Quil would never understand that, so I had to lie. I needed to get back in everyone's good graces.

"Okay, okay."

"Okay, what?"

"You're right. I never thought of how it affected her. Lee was shattered when Sam imprinted on Emily, and I assume Bella felt similarly."

"Does this mean you're going to apologize to Embry?"

"As soon as I see him." A smile broke out on Quil's face.

"Finally! I haven't spoken to him since outing him to the pack. I should apologize too."

"If you feel you should then you should."

He pulled me into a hug and patted my back. "I'm glad you came to your senses, Jake. I miss my bros." At his words, I felt a sadness fill my chest that I couldn't place.

"I did too." We said our goodbyes and I went home to the Clearwater's. Leah was there waiting for me with a kiss and a sandwich. But even with the love, she gave me, I couldn't get rid of the sadness. I wish I could find out why.

Bella's POV:

On Monday I opted out of lunch with everyone and sat outside. Embry had packed me lunch today, just a simple ham and cheese sandwich, some chips, and a bottle of water, but it made me feel good to know he cared enough to do that for me. I sat on the grass behind the school and leaned against the wall. It was a gray day with no clouds in the sky, but thankfully the rain probably wouldn't come until later.

I ate my lunch and read a new book I had bought while in Pullman called 'Lord of the Flies'. It was about British schoolboys who got stranded on an island and had to fend for themselves. At my old school in Phoenix were supposed to read it, but then I moved. It wasn't really my style, but I was enjoying it immensely.

Time went by quickly and the bell rang. As I threw my trash away and started to leave, I heard two voices speaking. I couldn't help but be nosy as soon as I heard Lauren's name.

"She stopped taking her medication?" Mike asked. Medication?

"She keeps saying she doesn't need it, but I don't know. I want to be supportive, but she just keeps getting worse. She almost hit me yesterday when I tried to start something in the bedroom."

"Shit, dude. Maybe you should tell Mrs. Mallory."

"You know how her parents are. She'd be admitted before we could blink."

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't know, man." Their voices disappeared, and I suddenly felt sick. Lauren was on medication? And she stopped taking it?

I had so many questions.

With a tight stomach, I grabbed my things and went to class. Lauren stayed at the back of my mind for the rest of the day.

Paul's POV:

Rachel Black had to be the most beautiful woman in the world. And that scared the shit out of me.

So, there I was being the good Samaritan I am. I help Jake and Quil move her stuff back into the Black home. Wabam, I walk right into her. Wapow! I look into those pretty brown eyes and feel the cords connecting us to each other.

I fucking imprint on the Chief's eldest and I hightail it the fuck out of there.

Why you ask? Because I'm not about to be tied down to anyone. Even if she is the most beautiful, gorgeous, intelligent, sexy-

Damn it! Get your mind out of the gutter, you dipshit!

I hid out in the forest in human form for a few hours, just thinking and fighting the urge to run back and kiss her pretty mouth. When it hit ten and the sunset, I called around until I found a nice party in Forks to get fucked up.

Yeah, find a nice broad and lose myself for a while.

I brought Quil along with me and it didn't take long for us to each have a beautiful girl in our arms. The drinks kept coming and my girl and I found ourselves in one of the house's bedrooms. I didn't even know her name, but that didn't matter. I just wanted to forget Rachel Black for as long as I could.

It only brought me a little relief to lose myself in her body. Right as I was about to finish, the door opens.

My life flashes before my eyes.

Rachel is standing there with this disappointed look on her face.

"Fucking disgusting. No wonder they warned me about you. You're nothing but a cheap whore." The door slammed shut and I couldn't help but finish after seeing her all sexy and angry. But then the disgust set in. I left the girl I slept with covered and sleeping and disappeared from the party.

The dark streets of Forks felt lonely and my mind was in a daze. Rachel had rejected me.

Of course, she did, what she said was true. I'm nothing but a whore. I sleep around with any pretty girl that gives me attention. But she didn't even get a chance to know me. I guess I didn't make it easy, though. I rudely ran off without introducing myself and then she catches me fucking some rando.

She had me perfectly pegged and there was nothing I could do about it.

The Swan house was in sight and Embry sat on the porch reading one of the leech lover's books. Man, I've got to start calling her by her name.

"Embry," I said, my voice not sounding like my own. He looked up with wide eyes and then he disappeared from view. No, wait.

Why was I on the ground? The sky was dark and void of stars.

"Paul, buddy. Are you okay, man?" Suddenly, I was scooped up and a lump formed in my throat. Tears fell down my cheeks.

"She fucking rejected me."

"Who did?"

"I imprinted on Rachel and she rejected me. She doesn't want me."

"Come here, let it out." And I did. I bawled and snotted like a little bitch and when I was done I must have passed out because I don't remember shit. I was going to have a serious hangover tomorrow.

Rebecca's POV:

Hawaii used to be my home. It was where I truly came into myself. I met my husband here and had my sons. I found my love of art that I shared with my late mother, Sarah. I loved it. This was my home.

But then I caught them together. My whole world shattered. My favorite person was ripped away from me again. It was like life's cruel way of telling me I couldn't be happy.

Solomon and a long-legged blonde fucked in our bed, where we made love. Where we created our children together. I was disgusted and pissed as hell.

"What the fuck are you doing in my bed with that skank!" I screeched as I stood over them, my temper rising as I saw how oblivious they were to me. Solomon all but flew off of her with guilty eyes, running a finger through his hair. The girl covered up with the sheets, shock written on her face.

My blood ran cold.

Misty. My fucking coworker and best friend.

"Misty? What the fuck? Did you seriously think I wouldn't find out about this?"

"We never meant for this to happen."

"Too fucking late for that, bitch."

"Hey, I'm not the only one to blame here. Your husband came to me!"

"And you just hated the attention didn't you." When she didn't answer I sneered and turned to my naked husband. Even now he was shameless and didn't hide his private area. I guess there wasn't much use for that now.

"How long?" He refused to meet my eye. In a rage, I smacked him across the face. I had never been one for violence, but this was different. "How long, Solomon!"

"A few weeks…We slept together after that party. The one for your friend Mariela."

"You said you were staying at Derek's that night…You lied to me?"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you."

"Fuck." I felt boneless as I sat on the edge of the bed, looking down at my lap. It had a few stains on it from Joey, who was a very messy eater. At the thought of our children, I became even angrier. Solomon took a step towards me and sighed.

"I'm sorry."

"You selfish bastard. Wanted your quick fix and you didn't stop to even think about your sons!"

"I never wanted to get married so young! I never wanted to have children so young! You fucking wanted this because of your bullshit mommy issues."

"I want a divorce. I won't give you any more of my energy. From here on out, you both can go fuck yourselves."

"W-what? No! I won't let you leave and take my sons!"

"Why do you care? You never wanted us. So now you have your wish."

After that I picked up my luggage and sons and hightailed it back to the airport, intent on returning home. For good.