A/N: and hello again everyone! I can only beg for your forgiveness for the extremely late update. Things have been hectic and my life took a sudden turn, my desire to write has not ebbed I promise you that much, writing is my therapy when my life is dark so just bare with me. We're almost done with high school Bella! Only a few more chapters to go. Let's get on with it! :)

Disclaimer: Meyer is the moneymaker. Duh.

-x-

Chapter 5 – Discovery

Everything's dark, suffocating. I can feel the blackness weighing down me, the feeling unbearable. This is it.

What was all that training for? I was still weak, I allowed this. To be caught off guard and unaware, it never usually happened, but for some unexplainable reason today, I didn't even feel his presence. James.

Bella?

Bella!

Bella!

I hear a voice, tinged in fury. Why? Why are they so angry?

Suddenly the pressure I was feeling is ripped off of me. And I can breathe, I greedily gulp in deep breaths, but I'm still swimming in an ocean of blackness.

My head lolls to the side and I can distinctly hear the sound of flesh on flesh. Brutal contact and the wet sound of blood assaults my ears, the rusty stench following shortly.

There's growling and shouting but I can't make anything out.

Eventually everything is quiet and I fade.

-x-

"Emmett, get to school now! Bring the others.." I hear a voice right next to my ear, "I dealt with him, but one of you need to drive him in, he's not getting away with this shit." He growls.

Jasper?

"Bella? Come on open your eyes" they plead but I just can't.

-x-

I'm soothed by the gentle rocking motion, but also awakened by it, Im in the air, being carried. I feel strong arms hooked under my legs and wrapped around my back, my arm lazy hanging around their shoulder, bridal style. My head rolls to the side and my nose meets fabric. I breathe deep and his scent hits me like a freight train.

I struggle to open my eyes. I have to see his face. I have to be sure. I might be dreaming in my confused darkened state but I need to know.

"Shhh Bella, it's okay, you're okay now, I've got you.." That voice…

There was no way…

"Go back to sleep, rest." He soothes in his velvet tone, his fingers lightly running through my hair, slowly lulling me back to sleep, his voice laced with concern.

He came back for me?

-x-

The next time I'm conscious I'm lying flat on my back, and panic bubbles in my throat, and I force back the scream that threatens to escape.

Did James leave me in the alley behind the school?

It's then that I begin to hear the infamous beeping sound associated with my least favourite destination.

A fucking hospital.

I sigh heavily and my body slowly comes back to life with an ache. My muscles are stiff and cramped all over, it's when I turn my head that I realise its worst in my neck.

I muffle a groan and I'm suddenly assaulted by several voices.

"Hey guys she's awake" Jasper?

"Finally, Rosie wake up!" Urgent tapping is followed by Emmett's voice.

I crack open my eyes and immediately shut them, my eyes shocked by the sudden intrusion of light.

"Easy…" A hand cloaks my eyes, providing a shadow and giving my eyes time to adjust.

I manage to get them open and the first thing I notice is my friends lined up on either side of my hospital bed. I'm slightly choked up at this sight. They never left my side, this much is obvious with Rosalie's ruffled appearance and the currently sleeping Alice.

It's then I realise that Edward is missing and I furrow my brows briefly.

And then it hits me. Hard. He came back for me. It was him.

Or maybe it wasn't? I mean wouldn't he be here?

"Where's Edward?" I blurt, instantly regretting the outburst, purposefully ignoring Jaspers confused look.

My first words upon waking? Really?

"He's speaking with the doctor" Emmett answers me.

So he is here.

"And James? What happened?" I ask nervously, my voice cracking, I almost don't even want to know.

"I'll go get you some water" Rosalie announces before abruptly leaving.

My eyes follow her graceful exit, perplexed at her reaction.

I notice Jaspers face clouding with anger before he composes himself.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there Bella." He says solemnly, in a self-reprimanding tone.

"You couldn't have known, so don't apologise Jaz" I shake my head, no one was to blame but me.

"When Edward called us I didn't know what to think…" Emmett begins, sighing heavily and running a hand down his face.

"Edward?" I question, I need to be sure it was him. I want to know why he came back, he'd already left, five whole minutes before me.

Emmett nods, "he's the one who found you, he's also the lucky bastard that got to lay into James" he growls, "if it were me, James would be dead." He finishes bluntly.

"I'm surprised he's not already dead" I turn my head swiftly at Alice's voice, she stretches and chuckles darkly at her own statement before grasping my right hand between both of hers.

"Edward usually doesn't have self control when it comes to shit like that, so yeah, I'm surprised James is still alive" she explains when she sees my bewildered expression.

It's Jaspers turn to chuckle, "Have you seen James? Cause he might as well be dead with the way he looks…" He trails off and I'm assaulted with memories of the sounds of flesh on flesh, and the churning smell of blood.

I could only imagine the damage Edward has done.

Bile starts to rise in my throat at the thought of my next question, "did he…" I begin and swallow back the sob that's threatening to explode, "did he manage to… You know… I mean, what's wrong with me?" I ask subtly.

I pray my injuries are external and not internal.

"No." Rosalie strides back in, her answer strong and relief floods in.

She hands me the plastic cup of water and elaborates for me, "Edward got there just in time Bella, I swear it." She reiterates when she sees my scepticism.

But I believe her and I cry in happiness, in pure relief, unable to hold it in anymore.

And all I can think is that for some reason, a reason I did not know yet…

He came back for me.

-x-

I can hear a flurry of movement throughout my restless nap. People bustling in and out of my hospital room, the rare murmur of voices before an authoritative voice hushes them, "She'll be uncomfortable if she wakes up, so keep it down kids."

"Sorry Dad." Alice?

Dad? Her dad is here? Why?

I'm momentarily confused until I remember someone mentioning it to me once. Dr Carlisle Cullen was Alice and Edwards father, and Emmett's uncle.

He's my doctor? Isn't this mortifying.

I slowly rouse from my relatively short rest and see my friends immediately huddled in a corner of the room near the window. I wince in pain at the strain on my neck and head.

They all seem to be napping now, and I wonder how long they've been here. I notice Edward still isn't here and sigh in annoyance. I want to thank him, but obviously he didn't care enough to be here.

Before I can wallow in my self pity, a Greek god of a man enters the room, in a pristine white lab coat, blonde shining hair and piercing blue eyes, so much like Alice's that's it's impossible not to recognise this man.

He smiles gently when he realises I'm awake and comes over to check my chart.

"How are you feeling Dolcezza? (sweetheart)."

I furrowed my brows in confusion, not understanding why he made me feel immediate comfort in his presence.

"I'm okay…" I shrug not truly knowing what was even wrong with me.

"My name is Dr Carlisle Cullen and I'll be your doctor, is that okay?" He questions kindly.

I nod appreciating the fact that he even asked.

"I'm going to probe your head now, so let me know where you feel pain okay? I'll try to be gentle" he smiles apologetically before reaching behind me and probing my skull gently.

I close my eyes and try to focus and pinpoint the irritation, he touches a sore spot and I hiss in pain, he quickly withdraws and I can hear the scratch of his pen as he notes it down.

I open my eyes and all I can see is a furious forest of green and I almost lose my breath.

Edward.

He slides into the room silently, my eyes following his movement as he leans on the wall with his arms folded. He lowers his head slightly, the anger not having faded from his eyes just yet.

I try to thank him with my eyes, hoping he understands the magnitude of my gratitude. He saved me.

He came back for me.

Dr Cullen asks me to rotate my head left and right and I'm hesitant. I don't want to lose sight of him, worried he'll leave again before I can speak to him, but I do as I'm told.

"How does that feel?" He asks.

I shrug, "Just a little sore" I smile.

He nods and jots something down again. He pulls out another pen like tool and turns on the light at the end of it.

"Follow my finger" he instructs and moves his finger between my eyes. I do so easily and he backs off seemingly pleased.

"Well, Isabella, you're injuries could be worse, you have a mild concussion and muscle soreness in your neck, probably whiplash to be honest, your back is also quite bruised, but you'll be free to leave in a few days time."

He says in one breath, and now I know he's definitely related to Alice.

"Can't I go home today?" I ask, slightly anxious to be out of here. James is probably here too.

"We'd just like to keep you for observation" he smiles in a no argument type of way, and then I know he's definitely related to Edward.

My eyes snap back to Edward at the thought of him and I'm relieved to find him still standing there.

"Where's my uncle?" I ask, "he's probably freaking out" I sigh wondering how to do damage control. He's gonna freak out. He really will, say bye bye to public school Bella.

"On his way, he got caught up at work" Carlisle says gently, hooking the chart back onto the end of the bed.

"If you feel any pain Bella, just press the button beside you and a nurse will come straight in." He tells me waiting for my nod of confirmation before exiting the room with a warm smile. He seems so familiar to me but I can't place him.

I'm pondering this when I realise that now is the perfect opportunity to speak to Edward. I glance at my friends and notice they're still slumbering.

I look back toward Edward, who hasn't taken his eyes off me and clear my throat gently, nervousness creeping in.

"Hey…" I start pathetically.

He's silent, his eyes smouldering and burning me in his intense gaze. He runs his eyes over my face and my pale form, as if he's taking inventory of me. His eyes are darker when they climb back up to meet mine.

"I just wanted to-"

He cuts me off abruptly.

"You don't have to thank me Bella." His voice is gruff and to the point.

I shake my head as he speaks, "No but I do, you came back and if you hadn't…" I drift off, the implication clear.

I watch his shoulders tense and tremble, his wrath shrouding his posture. "I should've waited for you" he grits out through clenched teeth, one hand reaching up to pinch the bridge of his nose. "It wouldn't have happened at all if we'd left together" he breathes, the same hand running back down his face.

"You couldn't have known Edward." I state firmly, the same way I did with Jasper. They were not to blame for my weakness.

The silence stretches between us, his breathing heavy and harsh, mine shallow and quick. I wait for him to meet my eyes before I speak.

"You came back for me." I state again, knowing this to be a fact now.

He sighs but doesn't even blink, he nods once and now I'm satisfied having it confirmed from him.

"Why?" I ask curiously, "you'd already left.."

He doesn't speak, he doesn't even move. Minutes pass and I begin to assume he just won't respond. Frustrated with his lack of words, I sigh and turn over. I had a feeling he wouldn't say anything, but I really hoped he would.

I close my eyes and ignore his still presence all together, I can play that game too.

All too soon, I'm drifting off and I don't even know if he's still standing there, in his dominating all consuming stance.

Im stuck in that brief moment of almost unconsciousness, that precarious balance of just about asleep but partially awake. That pause in reality where anything after this point could either be a dream or real. It's this exact moment that I feel a hand brush down my cheek, and down toward my chin, I can smell musk and man, and a finger softly strokes my bottom lip.

I can imagine pouty lips and forest green eyes, as these words are murmured into my ears, following me into my final state of blissful sleep. And I wish, oh how I wish I could be awake to know if this was happening.

"Because it was you…"

-x-

"Is she okay? What's wrong with her? Where's the fucker that did this?"

I'm awoken to the sound of my Uncles frantic voice and I suppress a groan of frustration, knowing how difficult it will be to diminish the situation.

I sigh and open my eyes slowly, watching with morbid fascination as he gestures wildly to Carlisle and asks question after question.

"Alec…" I interrupt and I'm completely ignored, I don't think he even realises I'm awake.

I sit up in amazement, he's completely absorbed in his anger and a feeling of awe flushes through me.

"Alec!" I holler a little louder and finally gain his attention.

It's almost comical how quickly he snaps his head to me, his blue eyes crazed and wild, his hair ruffled and unkempt.

He zooms over in a blur and crushes me in a hug, he releases me so quick, I would think the hug didn't even happen. Just as quickly he's running his hands over my head and my shoulders, assessing me for any visible damage, he quickly kisses the top of my head and slumps down in the seat in relief.

All of this in a matter of minutes. He is a force to be reckoned with.

"Thank god, Isabella, if anything…" He begins his head in hands. He looks up at me and I can see the pure self disappointment in his eyes.

"Hey, woah I'm okay" I reach over and grasp one of his hands. "This isn't your fault, whys everyone blaming themselves?" I question completely mind boggled.

"Because you're my responsibility Isabella, perdonami Charlie (forgive me).." He looks down again and sighs heavily as he crosses himself. "I knew public school was a bad idea" and so it begins.

I sit up, infuriated my own mistake could lead to the end of my high school life. "Listen Al, no one knew this would happen, it could've happened anywhere" I start, "just because it happened at school doesn't mean I should stop going" I furrow my brows unsure if he understands my meaning.

He sighs again and slowly shakes his head, his elbows on his thighs, hands and head hanging.

Frustration wells up, my eyes watering from anger, "please…" My voice cracks unintentionally and I hate how weak I sound right now. "Just please don't take this away from me?" I croak blinking furiously to keep the tears at bay.

His head whips up, seemingly stunned by my tears, "I didn't know it meant that much to you…" He trails off.

I nod vigorously, "it really does" I sniff and lay down again, a mother of migraines on its way.

"We'll talk about it later Bella, just rest." He urges and presses the button beside my head to call in the nurse.

I don't fully know why it means so much to me. I just know it's the first time I've ever felt normal, I don't want to lose that. Ever.

It's horrible growing up basically alone. Of course I had my uncle, but my childhood memories? Funnily enough I was the only child in it. I never got the chance to play with other kids, I was the outcast and now I finally wasn't anymore.

I relax a little at his slightly defeated tone, I haven't won just yet but I would.

The nurse comes in and bustles about fiddling with my IV drip and before I know it I'm drifting off once again.

-x-

I open my eyes and I know immediately I didn't wake naturally, but because someone is trying to wake me.

The first face I see is Carlisle's and Im momentarily confused.

"Sorry to wake you Bella but there are some officers here to see you." He smiles apologetically, his blue eyes warm and comforting.

I struggle to sit up and the nurse beside him quickly rushes over pressing buttons on my bed that make the bed rise. I'm finally sitting up comfortably and I notice Alec beside me sleeping in the same chair.

He's slouched in his suit, hand supporting his chin. I smile ruefully and almost don't want to wake him, but I know he'll kill me if I don't for this meeting.

He's woken up and he shifts from drowsy and bemused, to serious and unyielding.

"Carlisle you can let them in." He says firmly, un-wrinkling his suit and adjusting his tie.

Carlisle goes to wake my friends first, ushering them out as they wipe away the sleep from their eyes. They give me friendly smiles and I wish they could stay. I wish they could stay in for this but Carlisle thinks it's best for them to leave.

I go back to the moment Jasper walked out, a look of yearning and support lacing his grey eyes. He'd be there for me after, I was sure of it.

My attention snaps back to the present as two burly officers step into my quite large, private hospital room. One is russet skinned, with dark cropped hair and deep set eyes. He immediately reminds me of Jacob and I'm hardly surprised when he introduces himself as "Billy Black". His voice is deep and ignites a short flash, my mind telling me I know him, but it's gone, and the familiarity I was sure I felt, fades.

The man with him, officer Fisher gets straight to business almost startling me with how quick he dives head first into it.

"Miss Swan, I'm sure you know why we're here so I won't waste your time.." He begins and falters when Alec sits up straighter in irritation at the lack of sensitivity.

"It's fine" I dismiss him, "let's just get this over with" I sigh.

They ask me question after question, that it almost makes me dizzy.

What happened?

Who was there?

Were there any witnesses?

What time would you say it happened?

Did you provoke him?

At their last question, Alec snaps "Provoke? Officer did you really just ask my niece if she provoked Mr Hunter? Into attempted rape?"

Officer Black gives his colleague a glare before addressing my uncle.

"My apologies, he's a rookie, I think he meant to ask if Miss Swan knew of any reason in particular he chose to pursue her in the way he did?"

I shrug, "how should I know? He was always bugging me, and to be honest I don't think I'm the first…" I begin, suddenly remembering James' words.

"Miss Swan please be warned of the seriousness of your allegation, you think he had other victims?" He leans forward now.

"Yes, it was something he said when I was trying to kick him off of me."

Alec flinches and I reach over to grasp his hand.

"Could you tell us what he said?" Black pushes for me to continue.

"He said 'I love it when they fight'.." I shiver remembering how hopeless I felt when he said that, and how my mind immediately flashed to his rumoured girlfriend.

"You should speak to Victoria Miller, she goes to my school and was rumoured to be his girlfriend, I'm sure she knows something" I shrug suddenly exhausted.

"I can see you're quite tired, thank you for your time Bella" both officers rise and shake Alec's hand, giving me friendly smiles as they leave.

I notice the glare Alec levels on Officer

Fisher and role my eyes at his antics.

He comes back over and runs his hand over my head, "You okay?" He asks concerned, and I nod.

"Bella… Can I ask you something?" He begins, his eyes brows furrowed in concentration and confusion.

I nod again slowly, curious as to what he could possibly want to know that I didn't spend the last hour answering.

"When James attacked you, why didn't you fight back? You're strong Bella, you've got incredible skills that no young man, not even one as strong as James could counter, so why?" He rubs at the back of his neck seemingly lost and I look away ashamed and utterly disgusted with myself.

"I tried, but he caught me off guard Al, I didn't expect it and by the time I did it was too late" I admit.

I fought dirty and messy, not skilled and controlled. The way I'd been taught. It all went out of the window.

"I panicked and I didn't see it coming, and I'm so so sorry that I'm weak and-" he cuts me off as my voice borders on hysteria, moments away from hyperventilating.

"Hey hey, woah Bella hush" he whispers into my hair.

"I didn't mean to upset you love" he says brushing my tears away from under my eyes, "it's not your fault Bella, you're not supposed to expect something like that in a school, somewhere you're supposed to feel safe, it's not your fault okay?"

I don't acknowledge what he's said, I mean how can I? It was my fault. I've been training all my life, what was it all for?

"Bella." He says firmly and I automatically look at him, his eyes are fierce and they burn even brighter as he drives his next words home.

"It was not your fault, do you understand me?" He doesn't blink and he waits for my agreement.

I nod.

And he kisses the top of my head.

And I feel safe.

And for the first time in my life, since I met him, Alec feels like an uncle to me, one that I know will protect me.

And for the first time, I notice the slightly terrifying proportion of anger in his eyes and I pray that James doesn't come near him or see him in the near future.

Cause for some reason..

I truly believe my uncle, could and would kill him.

Scary.

-x-

"Come on Bella please?" Alice begs, batting her eyelashes, her blue eyes shining at me in full force.

I sigh, wondering how I thought I could even resist that face of hers.

She squeals in triumph, my sigh giving away my defeat. "Oh Bella we'll have so much fun I promise! I'm gonna go and get everything!" She squeaks in excitement rushing off to god knows where.

"She's a force to be reckoned with right?" Rosalie chuckles occupying Alice's now empty seat.

I chuckle and nod, before excitement builds. I was finally going to be leaving this horrid hospital room. I was finally cleared for discharge this morning. I've missed about two days of school, but then again so have my friends in their ridiculously loyal ways.

It's Friday today and Alice has declared it to be sleepover weekend, I didn't want to be a burden since I was still quite sore all over, to be honest I just wanted to go home and crawl into my bed. But like I said I couldn't resist Alice's pleading eyes.

We'd all be going, though I wasn't sure if Edward would grace us with his presence during the whole escapade. I haven't seen him since we spoke, and my lips are still on fire from his burning touch. If that even happened, I'm still fuzzy and unsure but I still have a huge urge to see him.

An urge I'm trying to squash.

Not a second after that thought has past, Jasper slinks into the hospital room, having gone home to change and shower.

"Alice told me about the sleepover" he smiles in amusement probably at her overexcitement.

I smile and shrug, "I couldn't say no to her." He laughs clearly knowing exactly what I mean.

Rosalie attempts to subtly leave the room to give us a moment, "I'm going to see if Emmett found the cafeteria, the buffoon always gets lost" she sighs in exasperation and slips out.

There's a moment of silence before Jasper slowly comes over to the bed taking a seat on the edge.

"Feeling better?" He questions, running a soothing hand down my cheek.

"Much." I say in response, my heart jumping a little at his expression.

His eyebrows are knotted and his jaw is locked in determination as he levels his gaze onto mine.

"Bella can I ask you something?"

Seems like today everyone had a question for me.

"What's up?" I ask curiously taking his hand from my face and linking his fingers with mine.

He takes a deep breath and I suddenly notice he's nervous as hell.

"Will you go on a date with me?" He suddenly blurts out.

I'm stunned for a split second before a face splitting grin makes its way onto my face.

He responds in kind, his own smile knocking the breath from me, "Is that a yes?" He questions with a smirk.

I nod vigorously unable to use words and he chuckles before slowly leaning in and pecking my lips gently. I'm heady with his scent and sigh in contentment when he leans away.

"When do you want to go?" He asks, running his nose down my cheek and back up toward my ear.

"Hmmm" I mumble enjoying his ministrations too much to respond.

"How about next weekend?" He asks giving me a kiss under the shell of my ear.

I shudder and nod my approval before he graces me with another chaste kiss.

"Perfect, it's a date." He grins at me, and I can't help but respond, "No, you're perfect." And I connect my lips to his once more.

Not once does Edward invade my thoughts.

Wait, does that count?

-x-

It's finally time for me to leave this hell hole and I couldn't be more happy. Hospitals left a bitter taste in my mouth, the oppressive lingering feeling of death and sickness in the place made me downright uncomfortable.

To think, I was lucky to leave alive, while others? Not so much.

My thoughts are unusually dark this afternoon as I dress into the pair of jeans and simple sweater Sammi came and dropped off for me. I can't put my finger on why, but my mind wonders to Carlisle and his easy presence, and the hideously dreadful familiarity that came with him.

Don't ask why, but I just felt so strange whenever he was around. His Italian terms of endearment and his scrutinising blue eyes.

I slide my feet into my black converses, the scuff marks on them making me cringe internally, my stomach going queasy whenever I remember where they came from.

James.

The fucker was still in the hospital, he was really messed up all thanks to Edward and that filled me with a rush of butterflies. He protected me.

I sigh and at this moment Alice flits into the room.

"Oh come on Bells, it won't be that bad" she pouts and folds her arms.

I chuckle at her wide eyed sad face.

"No I'm actually looking forward to it Al, I swear."

She furrows her brows and drops her arms, she comes over to the bed and sits beside me. "Then what's up?" She asks concerned.

I shake my head and stand up stretching my stiff muscles, groaning when I feel the kinks in my back.

"It's nothing, just a mood I promise" I reassure her as I twist this way and that.

She watches me closely and then eventually takes my word for it and lets it go.

"Everything's set up, you ready to go?" She asks with a smile.

"Yeah but how are we getting to yours?" I question, looking around the hospital room and making sure I wasn't forgetting anything.

"Emmett's picking us up in about 5 minutes." She says standing and making her way toward the sliding hospital door.

I grab my phone of the little desk beside the bed and shoot off a text to Alec, confirming that's he's aware of my plans for the weekend. He gives me the green light and I look up at Alice with a grin.

"Let's go."

-x-

We pull up the driveway to the Cullen household and it's beautiful, very similar to my home, but that's not what shocks me at all.

"Alice, dude, I live like two minutes away." I say in confusion exiting the car and looking around.

Emmett laughs, "how did we not figure that out?"

"Well to be fair you guys have never been to my house…" I trail off quite surprised.

I can literally walk from here to my house. "I'm surprised Alec didn't mention it to be quite honest."

Knowing him he probably completely forget.

"Okay okay, let's go inside now!" Alice grips my hand and drags me behind her, her little legs carrying her at the speed of light.

I giggle at her enthusiasm as she swings open the door, and the first person I see is Edward.

He looks completely disheveled, in just a pair of grey sweatpants, no shirt.

I can't help but run my gaze down his chiseled chest, defined abdomen and toned arms. He was perfect in every way and bigger than I thought. My eyes linger a little longer on the deep V muscle I was beginning to form an obsession with.

I hear a throat clear and my eyes snap up to meet his fiery green emeralds.

I'm met with hooded eyes and a smirk, his head tilted, "Bella" he acknowledges with a nod.

Before I can respond, Alice is off again yanking me out of the foyer and around the house at breakneck speed.

I honestly cannot tell you what she was saying or showing me. My brain was off on a vacation, specifically on Edward island.

Why was I so attracted to him?

"Earth to Bella!"

I jolt out of my thoughts, "Sorry Alice…" I begin with a grimace.

"No worries, I can imagine you're stressed out right now, I mean it's been a difficult few days for you." She rambles a little.

I smile and nod, so relieved she didn't notice why I was really distracted.

"Where are Jasper and Rosalie?" I quickly change the subject.

"They're running a little late but they'll be here soon."

I nod and finally take in my surroundings. My eyes are reeling from the flood of colour I'm seeing. Reds and glittery silvers everywhere. It was almost like a unicorn threw up sparkly shit everywhere.

"Uh Alice… How old are you?" I laugh breathlessly in complete bewilderment.

She gives me the stink eye but laughs and shrugs in a don't judge me kind of way.

After showing me the guest room and where I was staying, (which happened to be on the same floor as Edwards bedroom), she drags me back down the stairs and into what looks like a den.

There's a massive television with surround sound speakers. A pool table and games all around, and right in front of the television is an assortments of blankets and plush pillows piled around for our movie night. I chuckle at the sight of the cliché setting and Alice immediately catches my train of thought.

"Whatever Bella" she rolls her eyes and then stops suddenly sniffing the air around me. I back up slightly weirded out.

"What are you doing!" I laugh swatting her hands away from my greasy tendrils.

"You need to shower.. like now" she giggles, "feel free to use the shower in your room Bellabee, I'll leave stuff out for you to change into." She pushes me into the direction of the stairs and I sigh knowing that I probably did smell after days of not showering.

I lug myself up the first set of stairs and. Shin to dart up the second when I suddenly bump into a hefty chest. Again. Really?

I stumble and prepare to face plant when warm large arms grip my waist steadying me and unintentionally pulling me against their lean body. I shudder when I recognise his scent, my hands finding solace at his solid chest to brace myself.

Edward.

My eyes flash up to his emerald orbs, surprised by the hunger I see nestled in them. A storm whirling in his irises with flashes of lightning emitting flecks of gold.

I stare completely entranced and unable to tear my gaze away. What's wrong with me? He licks his lips, our proximity becoming more apparent when I realise I can feel the heat radiating off of his skin.

"Careful…" he murmurs, his voice silk and velvet, his chest rumbling with the low tone flowing out of his mouth.

"Sorry" I whisper breathlessly.

"Anytime Bella" he chuckles the action shifting my hands on his chest, and dragging slightly toward his abdomen. I stifle a gasp at the solid muscle, warm and tense under my fingertips. I wish he hadn't put a shirt on.

I blush furiously at where my thoughts take me and suddenly snap out of my lustful trance. I step away completely but drag my hands as subtly as possible down his torso and shudder at the ridges my fingers register.

He watches me step away curiously, not stopping me or pulling me back the way I want him to.

I'm shocked at my thoughts and I almost choke at how much I want him to do it. I back up further and spin on my heel as quickly as possible turning into Alice's room at lightning speed and firmly shutting the door behind me.

He is so dangerously beautiful. He exuded power and sex at such a young age. I could only the imagine the magnitude of appeal he would have as a man. It's ridiculous. My heart my is racing, my breaths shallow and my skin flushed and that was all just due to his mere presence. We'd barely even exchanged words for fucks sake!

I drop my weight against the door, tipping my head back and close my eyes taking a deep breath.

I want Jasper.

Jasper!

For the first time I felt like I was trying to convince myself.

-x-

I feel fresh, the shower did wonders to ache the sore muscles in my back and neck. My hair hangs loose around my shoulders dripping onto the floor so I twist and tie my hair up into a neat bun and tuck the towel under my armpits hoping Alice hadn't forgotten to leave clothes for me.

I step of the stifling steamy bathroom and immediately my eyes fall on the comfiest looking set. Pyjama shorts and a matching long-sleeved shirt, she even left out a bra and knickers, both with tags on them and in my size. Alice was a force to be reckoned with.

I quickly slipped everything on after thoroughly creaming myself and felt slightly bare, my smooth legs rubbing against each other, but I felt extremely warm so I was willing to deal with it.

I make my way downstairs hearing the soft drone of chatter and several eyes meet mine when I stand in the doorway of the den hesitantly.

I glance around ignoring the searing gaze that was Edwards as Jasper comes over to me.

"How you feeling Bella?" He asks, concern touching his tone.

I smile and nod telling him without words I'm okay. He takes my hands and leads me further into the room.

"So what we watching guys?" Emmett booms clapping his hands together in excitement, his deep dimples prominent.

I plop down on the blankets between Edward and Jasper and cry internally but quickly yell out "No action! I hate action movies!"

Emmett's face drops "Oh man really Bells?" He looks to me pleadingly.

I nod vehemently, sticking to my guns.

"I agree with Bella.." Rosalie interjects, "you get all hyped up and annoying Emmett and I am not dealing with that" she sniffs folding her arms.

He shrugs smiling, not denying the child within him.

"How bout' a horror?" Alice offers and there's no objections.

We settle in as Alice slips the CD in and dims the lights.

I wish she didn't.

The tension is immediately palpable in the dark room, my shoulders rubbing against Edwards and I shudder.

"You cold?" Jasper murmurs completely oblivious to my reaction.

Edward scoffs softly and I sneak my hand between us and pinch his side. He jumps and grunts but otherwise keeps his eyes on the screen.

I nod in answer to Jasper "sure" I smiled.

That prompts us all to cover ourselves with the soft blanket and all too soon we're immersed in the movie. For me the movie is sorely lacking but when I glance around I see Rosalie sitting stiff between Emmett's legs, her against his chest, even Emmett is quiet watching intensely without his usual quips.

Alice is practically cowering behind Jasper and he seems to be just as scared. I giggle quietly amused.

I look at Edward on my left and he of course looks utterly bored. The light from the television flickers across his face, illuminating it for brief moments as the lights flash in the scene. I'm stunned once again by his obvious beauty.

I stare unabashedly and he cocks a brow and tilts his head slightly in my direction, feeling my gaze on his face. I flush and snap my eyes back towards the tv and keep it there.

It seems we all fall asleep because the next thing I know, bright lights flood the room and a gentle yet extremely familiar voice tickles at my ears.

I stir, my neck sniff from the awkward position I slept in, my head resting on Jaspers shoulder. I notice Edward slumbering on my shoulder and Jasper on Alice. Like dominoes one by one we all groan and rouse from our sleepy states.

"Come on children, you can't sleep down here." Again, that voice registers at my ears and I furrow my brows but rise with everyone else.

We stretch and sheepishly smile at one another when I freeze.

"Bella move." Edward mumbles behind me, stretching his taut arms above his head, the slither of skin exposing itself not even enough of a distraction to tear my gaze away from the woman in front of me.

"Bella…" she says so softly it barely reaches my ears.

"No" I shake my head, hysteria building.

She steps forward reaching toward me, the deep blue of her police uniform even more illuminated under the lights. Her badge glistening dangerously, her boots softly thudding against the carpeted floor.

"NO!" I roar, her green eyes and caramel hair too familiar, I choke on air, I breathe in fast, too fast and keep breathing in not registering the need to exhale.

My vision swims and white dots swirl under my eyelids.

Everything goes black.

-x-

AN:

This time I'm not gonna to promise to update within a week. Everything is undergoing a rewrite once again, nothing drastic just a few tweaks here and there.

If I'm completely honest I'll probably be updating twice a month, sometimes once if I'm not truly happy with the chapter.

What do we think about Bella's internal struggle with Edward and Jasper?

And what teams are we?

Have we switched? Or remained loyal?

Drop a review and let me know!

Xoxo