Epilogue

Epilogue

BPOV

2 ½ years later….

"Damn it, Bella! Sit still." Alice growled, as she grabbed another strand of my hair harshly. She had already burnt me, six times already, and I wouldn't have been surprised if there weren't a patch of hair missing from my head.

"Ouch! You would move too, if it felt like someone was pulling out your hair. That shit hurts." I grimaced, and almost to prove my point, she grabbed another strand of my hair too tightly and I flinched once more, fearing that I was going to get burnt once more by the hot curling iron she held in her hands.

"Isabella Marie Swan!" she huffed, glaring at me as I glared back. She had no idea. It was easy for her and her short spiky hair. All she had to do was run her fingers through hers and she's all set. She doesn't have to sit through this torture of having nearly every strand on your hair pulled from your head.

"Mary Alice Cullen!" I huffed back, as she let out a startled breath. I smiled evilly. I knew how much she hated the use of her full name."I can't believe you pulled the "Mary!" she nearly screamed. "You know how much I hate that."

"Well, you called me Isabella." I retorted. Just like she hated being called Mary, I hated being called Isabella. Bella just fit me better."You let Edward call you Isabella." she said back, tapping one of her slipper clad feet. She had a point. It just sounded better when he said it.

"That's different; he's my boyfriend, who by the way I would like to see before I turn sixty. Besides, we have to be there at 1 to line up." I huffed. This was just crazy. We had been cooped up in Alice's room for about 5 hours now since 6 am and it was now almost eleven and we still weren't dressed. I had a headache, I was sleepy and starving, and then add a hyper active pixie to the mix; we were a couple of steps from the loony bin.

"You'll see him later. If I have to wait to see Jasper, you'll live to see Edward." she laughed, but I found it un-humorous. I missed him, and desperately just wanted to feel the youth of his lips against mine. She had it easy; she had seen her boyfriend already. I frowned at her.

"Aww turn that frown upside down and smile." I quirked an eyebrow at her, the frown still upon my face.

"Stop killing my high, and close your eyes." She glared, and I simply complied. There was no point in arguing if I just wanted to prolong this any further. I looked on as she grabbed various brushes, and assortments of make-up bouncing from place to place. I simply closed my eyes, and as I felt a brush drift across my features, I let my mind wander.

Today Alice and I were accomplishing a major milestone of our lives. We were finally graduating college. Not high school, elementary school, or any other form of recognition that happens in school, but college. To be honest, I didn't even think I would make it this far, but here I was in front of the mirror, enduring Alice's wrath so I could walk across the stage. And to think, I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for the help of my family and friends.

The first six months after the accident I would say were the hardest for me. After a stay of five weeks in the hospital and an additional 2 weeks of bed rest, I had to endure the painful torture of physical therapy. I had hated the idea at first, figuring I could recuperate on my own, but soon realized that if I wanted complete use of my foot, I had to suck it up and go through it. It was necessary. I had two surgeries on my foot. The first to stabilize the bones, using rods, and the second to remove them once the bones in my foot had healed. When I first saw my foot after the first surgery, I nearly fainted. No one ever wants to see metal rods sticking out either side of their leg. I first had to get the green light to start therapy from my doctor once my ribs healed, and had my head checked. The doctors had said that my epileptic seizure occurred from stress, and that I couldn't let myself not to get too worked up. Easy thing to do right? Not in my case.

I hadn't made it through my first week of PT (physical therapy) when I wanted to give up. I was in agonizing pain. We had started strengthening exercises, that by the end of the day I would end up in tears. My therapist would push me continuously through my sweat and tears until I would collapse at the end of the day in pain. Although I had suffered only minor nerve damage from the surgery, I would still get an occasional sharp shooting pain from the ankle down.
That soon became my routine for the next three weeks. I would wake up, get dressed, go to therapy, sweat, cry, take a break, and sweat and cry again. It was an endless cycle, and I was soon reaching a breaking point. I was on the brink of breaking down, the stress of everything getting to me. I would have thrown in the towel if it weren't for Edward. He was the only person that truly kept me going, while he recovered himself. He had gotten his stitches taken out 3 ½ weeks after I was released. He was lucky it hadn't let that big of a scar, leaving a crescent like pink line against his skin.

Then after a grueling 3 months of PT, I was deemed free to go, and like the doctors had predicted I had a slight limp but it was virtually unnoticeable unless you paid close attention.

Then there came the issue of school. The dean was appalled, and hoped that the scandal didn't reach the press, because the school didn't need that kind of publicity. Luckily, it didn't and the dean talked to all of professors giving me two months to finish any left over work from the semester and too take my exams. With the help of Edward and I Alice, I was able to finish out the semester averaging an A- in all of my classes.

Not only did I have to deal with the stress of PT and school, I had to do with the repercussions of that night. After the police hade gathered our statements, we were told that they were both charged, and if they go to trial that one of us might have to testify. Edward immediately stepped up and I was grateful, because to be honest, I really didn't want to relive that night. It was just too painful to think about. Even to this day I was still plagued by nightmares of Tanya pulling a gun upon Edward and I. Luckily for the both of us, more witnesses came forward from past incidents who were to afraid to report for the threat of their families being injured.

I was even more surprised to hear from Edward, that it was Renee who had tipped him off about my where abouts. Once she given her statement she disappeared. Last time I heard, she ran off with a Latino version of Fabio, and the two of them had ran off to Spain. But long story short, Leah and Jacob were sentenced fifty six years to life, without parole. To say I wasn't relieved would be the biggest understatement of the century. I even mentally threw my own little party when I heard the verdict. I was so happy. I could get back to life; the night mare was finally over. I could start my life again.

I was pulled from my thoughts, when I felt a sharp pain at the back of my head.

"What the fuck Alice." I winced. I wouldn't have been surprised if she held a handful of my hair in her hands.

"Get dressed. It's 12:15 already!" she screamed throwing me a garment bag. I just stared in awe at her. We were running late. This was a first for Alice, the queen of hating to be late to anyplace. The drive alone to the venue where the ceremony was being held would take 30 minutes, then to find a parking space, and then put on our caps and gown, and find our place in line.

"Don't just sit there! Get dressed!" she said, stripping in front of me. I just turned my head and blushed.

"It's too late for modesty, now come on!" she said, as I pulled out my own dress. It was a jade green silk dress that ended just above the knee, that had bows tied across my bust. I quickly threw it on careful not to wrinkle it as I glanced over to see Alice adjust her own strapless pink dress that ended above the knee that had a tie to the side of her bust. I looked around for shoes, when Alice threw me a pair of gold thronged sandals, as she quickly threw on a pair of peep toe heels. I could have opted for heels, but my ankle was hurting lately and I didn't want to risk busting my ass going across the stage. I barely had enough time to adjust my charm bracelet that Edward had given me, before Alice grabbed my hand pulling me downstairs. I was almost tripping in her haste to get out the door, grabbing the bags that held our caps and gowns in one hand and mine in the other. I was surprised I even had enough time to close the door to our apartment, before she pulled me towards her car. I hadn't even fastened my seatbelt, before she sped off towards the highway.

"Can you believe it!" she squealed, not taking her eyes off the road.

"I can't. It's finally our turn. This is it. They say in high school that we're finally adults, but this just brings it all home." I answered.

"It does. And the whole family's here to witness our big day!" she squealed again, and I had to smile at her enthusiasm. It was just contagious.

"This is a big change, isn't it?" I said resting my head against the window.

"It is, but isn't that what life's about changes?' she responded.

"I guess it is." I answered closing my eyes.

There had been so many changes. Rose and Emmett had postponed their wedding, much to my irritation, claiming that she wasn't going to have a wedding until her brother and sister were healed. They were married mid October, and honeymooned in Hawaii for two weeks. When they had returned, we all had decided it was best that they moved out to their own place, so they could have the privacy without the ears and eyes of their siblings. Emmett had waited till Rose had graduated to move to Ithaca so he could enroll in Cornell University's vet med program, while Rose started working as a publicist for events. Jasper was off, much to Alice's dismay, where he got the opportunity to intern at an office in Jersey. He came down to see Alice every other weekend. Then it wasn't too long after when Edward graduated. With everyone being out of the house, I had decided to sell the condo, where Alice and I moved into our own little comfy apartment about 30 minutes away. Esme and Carlisle had decided to move back to Forks when Carlisle got the opportunity to expand his research to Washington. I hadn't seen them in over 5 months.

I was again broken from my thoughts, when I heard Alice squeal.

"Come on we're here!" She said jumping out of the car with me in tow. Since we were already running behind, I wouldn't have the chance to see Edward beforehand. I missed him so much.

Ever since that night, it was like something changed between the two of us. We had already had an bond, but this was just something unbreakable. We still had so much baggage to sort through and we decided it was best to remain friends for the time being until we worked through our issues. That lasted all but a couple of months until Edward and I got a little too hot and heavy one night, where he promptly popped my cherry against my bedroom wall. After that we had decided to take things slow, and re-learn things about one another. When he graduated, I was heartbroken. He had got a once in a life time opportunity in Miami to work as an intern for a media publicist in the music department. I couldn't let him past that up even for me. After a three hour long talk, it was decided he would move to go follow his dream. I hadn't seen him since he left, except from the constant text messaging and webcam chats, but it was nothing compared to the actual thing. I missed everything about him. His scent, his touch, his smile. I felt lost without him here. I couldn't wait to see him, and wrap my arms around him and pepper his face with kisses. I was feeling slightly anxious. A year made a big difference no matter where you were. I just hope he still felt the same towards me and didn't let the L.A life get to him.

I shook my head at the thought. Giving Alice a quick kiss on the cheek and wave, we went our separate ways to find our place in line. Settling my cap against my head and securing my gown, I took a deep breath and settled myself behind my friend Hannah. I started bouncing on my feet, as the dean told us it was time. Taking a deep breath, I followed in line as we headed to the floor where graduates would sit. I looked around to see the stands filled loved ones supporting their loved ones. I tried to see where the others were, but all I was met with were flashes and horns, as we sat in our seats.

It wasn't long before, the dean and valedictorian spoke, before it was time to deliver the diplomas. When they called Alice's name she all but danced across the stage, as I screamed and cheered her on and heard the un-mistakable voice of Emmett and Esme screaming.

"That's my baby sister!" he boomed, the same time Esme screamed "That's my baby!"

The other names were a blur, until it was time for my row to stand. I was walking on needles, praying to god that I didn't fall going across the stage.

"Isabella Marie Swan." the dean said, as I walked across the stage hearing the screams of my family and friends and one voice in particular that me flush a million shades of red.

"That's my girlfriend!" Edward screamed from a blow horn, earning laughs from the audience and graduates. I quickly got off the stage, and headed back to my seat still flushing. It wasn't long before the dean passed out the remaining diplomas, and we threw our caps in the air, signaling that this was it. This was the real start to the rest of our lives. Alice immediately ran to me, the two of us a sobbing mess, as we grabbed our friends taking quick pictures, before the two of us went off to go find our family.

It wasn't long before I felt Alice release my hand and take off in a sprint, as I saw her crash into the arms around Jasper, wrapping her arms around him. I looked around frantically for any sight f him, but when I saw the unmistakable flash of bronze hair, I did the same as Alice and took off in a sprint, when he caught sight of me. I crashed into him; Edward stumbling a few steps back as I crashed my lips against his. His lips moved against mine, as I savored his taste, the reality of him being here making this moment all too real.

We broke apart as he pressed his forehead against mine, the two of us breathless, his green eyes peering down into my brown."Well I guess if I'm going to get that kind of welcome, I should stay away more often." he smiled crookedly at me.

"You better not." I grinned pressing my lips against his once more, when I heard a throat clear.

"Uh hello. There are others who would like to see Bella." Emmett huffed as we broke apart.

"Aww and I wouldn't want to disappoint my Emmy Bear now would I?" I teased as he grabbed me into a bone-crushing hug the others following after him as Edward hugged Alice.

"Come on, we have reservations for 5, so don't spend too much time making out." Esme winked at Edward and me. Blushing, she grabbed my cap and gown and gave me a kiss on the cheek. Edward grabbed my hand, and pulled me off towards his rental car.

"Where are we going?" I asked him, as he leant back against his car door, with me pressed against his chest.

"I don't know yet, but I would go anywhere with you." he smiled kissing my forehead.

"Anywhere?" I teased, rubbing my finger against his chest."You name the place, and I'll be there." he smirked, pressing a kiss against my neck.

"Even Miami" I smiled hoping he would catch on.

"Even Miami, but wait I'm already there." he said, leaning back a look of confusion upon his face.

"Not without me you aren't." I grinned, as his mask of confusion shifted to one of pure joy.

"You serious?" he grinned.

"Of course silly. You don't think, that I was going to leave you in Florida all alone, did you?" I laughed, but was cut off, as his lips crashed down on mine once more.

"God, I love you so much." he said, as we broke apart, my head resting against his chest, as I listened to the steady thumping of his heart. This was the two of us. The love, the hate, the laughter, the arguments. Without him there wouldn't be me. I was ready, and this was our time. We stood there for a couple more minutes, relishing each others touch, when he whispered into my ear.

"Are you ready love?" his husky voice said, the warmth from his breath sending chills down my neck.

"Ready for what Edward?" I whispered back breathless.

"The rest of our lives." he grinned, pressing his lips against mine, and I smiled knowing that with him, I was ready for anything.

~The End~

Chapter 38

Chapter 38

EPOV

You know that strange feeling, where you feel like you're drifting off in your own sorts of limbo. Everything's weird, nothing seems to make sense without any rational explanation. You see various colors and everything's disoriented. I felt somewhat loopy. I had been staring at the white tiled ceiling for about twenty minutes, wondering why in the hell that it was smooth in some places and bumpy in others. My guess was that whoever the technician was that installed the tiles, probably thought we were dumb enough not to stare up at the ceiling, which is hard, when you're on your back. I kept staring at the ceiling for a couple of minutes, when the door opened. In entered a middle-aged woman with a blonde cropped bob and square framed glasses perched upon her nose.

"Hello there Edward," she smiled. "I'm Dr. Biers, but most of my patients call me Dr. Riley." she continued. Doctor? Was I in the hospital? I glanced over to my right and noticed an IV stand slowly dripping into a needle that was inserted in my arm. Hmm, maybe I was in the hospital.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, grabbing a clipboard from the base of the bed.

"Weird. Somewhat ditzy if you want to call it that. Doctor Riley if you don't mind me asking, why am I in the hospital? Is it a hospital and an insane asylum, because I'm feeling somewhat crazy? And why can't I seem to remember anything?" I asked her curiously.

"Well that's to be expected." she mumbled to herself.

"But to answer your question you are indeed in the hospital. And the reason you're feeling disoriented is because of the pain meds. You sustained a number of injuries and the side effects from the medication is prone to hallucinations and short term memory loss." she answered.

"So that's why I can't feel anything from the neck down. Oh god, I'm not paralyzed am I?" I asked panicking.

"No you're not." she laughed. That was no laughing matter. She must have noticed the look of horror upon my face because she cleared her throat.

"Then how bad am I?" I asked.

"Well when you were shot, the bullet punctured your femoral artery. Luckily, EMT services arrived or you would have bled out. Your leg is going to hurt for a while. Since you were shot a close proximity, before the bullet entered it grazed along your thigh leaving a nasty 12-inch burn. The skin was so damaged that we had no choice but to remove it, and when had to give you 19 stitches to close up the wound. You also suffered a minor concussion, two bruised ribs and 3 fractured knuckles." she said as I gaped at her. I was pretty banged up. I had been shot. I didn't remember too much other then untying Bella. Bella? Wait was she all right.

"Wait." I gasped. "My friend Bella is she alright?" I asked.

"A Miss Isabella Swan?" she said, tilting her head to the side. I nodded my head. Before she could answer me, I saw a blur of black, blonde, and caramel colored hair come flying at me.

"Oh my baby!" my mother sobbed, planting kisses all over my forehead and cheeks.

"Don't you ever do that to us ever again." Alice said smacking my arm, her hazel eyes glistening with tears.

"It's not like I wanted to be here intentionally." I grumbled.

"We know that, but you don't know how it feels to receive a phone call telling you that your brother has been shot and rushed to the emergency room." Rose added, her green eyes unfocused on nothing in particular, although I could see that they were swelled with tears. It took a lot to make Rose cry. Not even when she fell broke her wrist climbing down a tree when we were eight.

"I'm okay Rosie." I said, using my hand that wasn't attached to the IV ,and gave it a squeeze. I smiled when she squeezed tightly back.

"You better. You may be older than me by 2 minutes, but I'm stronger and I will beat you up myself if you ever do this to me again." she laughed, letting a few of her tears fall. She wasn't lying. Rose was one the strongest people I knew. Emotionally and physically.

"Where's Dad, Em, and Jas?" I asked.

"There with Bella." Mom answered, and my heart jumped n my chest, the heart monitor startling everyone as it quickened up it's pace.

"Is she okay? Can I see her?" I said all in one breath.

"She's as good as we hope." Alice said quietly.

"She's okay though right?" I asked fearing the worst.

"She's in a sedated coma. When she first woke up, she began panicking and it triggered a seizure. Mom was there when it happened." she continued, fingering the frayed edges of her skirt.

"I think it was my fault. I had asked her if she remembered anything, when it happened." My mom said fingering a strand on her sweater.

"But she's okay, right?" I pushed. I wanted a definite answer. It was a simple yes or no question. Was she or wasn't she all right?

"We don't know." my mom cooed, raking her fingers through my hair.

"So looked horrible when I saw her." Alice said quietly, as her eyes welled up with tears once more.

"Her left eye is swollen shut. She broke three ribs, and the bones in foot were shattered. They had to pins in to stabilize it and to make matters worst, it was the same foot she had injured before. They had to remove a lot of scar tissue and the doctors say with a bit of physical therapy she'll get full use of it again, but she'll probably have a limp for the rest of her life." she breathed, before her little sobs took over her body, Rose rushing over to comfort her. I even felt a few of my own tears fall down my face.

"She saved me." I said as they all looked at me. "Tanya was going to shoot me a second time, but Bella stopped her. She saved my life. She stopped Tanya." I whispered.

"Please do not say her name ever again while I'm here." Alice growled. " She almost took away the two most important people in my life." she huffed, her fists balled at her sides.

"Okay I won't. But if you don't mind me asking," I paused. "What happened to her?"

"Well from what they told us, the security guard was the one who shot her. When EMT arrived on the scene, she was unconscious. They rushed her hear after you guys. At first, they couldn't find the bullet, but when they did, it was too late. Apparently ,the bullet ended up puncturing through both lungs, and began filling up with fluid. She died on the operating table." she shrugged, looking out the window. I thought about what she just said Tanya was dead. Gone. She couldn't hurt my family or me anymore. A small smile took over my face.

"Well if you want, I can send my condolences to her family, I will, but good riddance to you all if you think I can't say that I'm not glad." I answered, wincing a bit as my leg began to ache.

"And no one blames you sweetie." Esme smiled, although I could see the worry hidden in her eyes.

"And get this. Tanya isn't even who she says she is. Her real name is Lou Anne Claire Call from La Push. Mr. Denali's not even her dad he's her uncle. She's not even 19, she's 32! She must have the best plastic surgeon known to man." Rosalie added.

"She's from Washington?" I gasped.

"They all are. She was Embry's ex-wife. He left her as soon as she found out all the crazy shit she's been up to." Alice said.

"Do I wanna know?" I asked.

"Nope." she smiled.

"Good. What about Leah and Jacob?" I said, wincing as I tried to adjust myself in the bed.

"There in custody." she answered, as I nodded my head a grimace took over my face. My chest was hurting with each breath I took, and my leg felt like it was on fire. My mother must have noticed the pained look on my face, because she pressed the nurse's button.

"Yes?" a woman's voice answered.

"I think it's time for some more pain meds." she said.

"We'll send someone up momentarily." she responded before clicking off. I noticed they all stood up, grabbing their bags.

"You're leaving?" I asked through gritted teeth, as another pain shot through my leg.

"Yes, you're probably tired, and you're in pain. We'll see you tomorrow." my mom said, kissing my forehead, then Rose and Alice.

"Can I see Bella?" I asked hopefully, as a stoutly woman entered with a needle.

"We'll see." she laughed.

"Here you go. It's going to knock you out for a while." the nurse said, injecting the meds into my IV. Moments later, I began to feel my eyelids began to droop as they headed for the door.

"Hey al." I said groggily, as she turned around, the others already out the door."Yeah Edward?" she said walking back over to the side of the bed.

"So, no told you so?" I asked, wondering if she was going to lash out at me for being right.

"Nope, just I love yous." she grinned kissing me once more on the cheek.

"Love you to Al." I said as my eyelids drooped further down leading me to unconsciousness.

"Get Better." she whispered, as she closed the door behind her.

Time goes on. The first week I was there seemed to go on forever, and eventually it managed to turn into two. I had been released three days ago, and spent those days in the comfort of Bella's room. When I first saw her, I nearly dropped to my knees if it weren't for Emmett and Jasper catching me. Her frail body was covered in yellow and purplish bruises. Her left eye was still closed but most of the swelling had gone down. Compared to her, I was unscathed. My ribs were wrapped up, and I had to walk with the aid of crutches to prevent myself from re-opening the stitches.

Bella's condition hadn't changed. She had being taken off sedation two days ago. We were just waiting for her to wake up. Doctors prompted that if we tried talking to her she could possibly wake up.

We were now on day three of trying to wake her up and Emmett was driving us all crazy. We were all settled in the chairs, watching Emmett harass her. He was over in Bella's ear, shouting as if she were deaf, all of his little pet names he had for her. It was fine for the first couple of minutes but he was slowly running us all crazy. Even mom looked a little agitated. He had been going on like this for the past 2 hours. My patience was already shot, and for a moment, I just wanted to go over and shut him up with a nice swift kick to the gut, but I would probably cause my self more pain then I tried to inflict.

I was just about to tell him to shut the fuck up ,but Alice seemed to beat me to the punch, chastising him. They went back and forth for a couple of minutes, until dad decided to be mediator and end it. Emmett being the big baby he was pouted as if he was five , causing us all to roll our eyes. I looked back over at Bella to see that she had a huge smile across her face.

" Look….she…she's smiling." I gasped startling everyone. It was the first movement she has made since she was taken off of sedation. I began prompting her to open her eyes, and was rewarded when her good eye began fluttering. But leave to Emmett to make a smart-ass remark, earning a smack against his head from Rose. They were all around the bed, as I was pleading with her to open her eyes. She kept blinking repeatedly, before opening her eyes, where I was rewarded with the most beautiful shade of chocolate brown.

BPOV

Library…Tanya…Leah…. Jacob…

Basement….Pain…Edward…

Tanya… Gun…Edward…

Pain…Edward…Darkness…

Edward….

I awake to an incessant annoying beeping sound. I keep my eyes closed and listen, trying to figure out where this traitorous noise was coming from.

Beep…Beep…...Beep…

Using my right hand, I searched around blindly, not getting far when I felt my arm being restrained by something. I tried to open my eyes, but noticed that my left eye would not open and that I could only see out of my right eye. I began panicking, the beeping noise in the room becoming louder and louder. I try to move when I heard a soft voice whisper in my ear.

"Bella, sweetie calm down." I turn my head to see the soft caramel locks of Esme.

"Es…Esme?" I croak, my chest aching in the process. She handed me a small cup of water, as I gulped it down, my lips stinging slightly in the process.

"It's okay sweetie." She cooed, rubbing her hand through my hair.

"Whe…where am I?" I ask feeling slightly confused.

"You're in the hospital. Do you remember what happened?" She asked, when it all came flooding back to me. Blood, Tanya pointing the gun at Edward, Edward crying out in pain before stilling.

The beeping noise in the room became louder and louder, the images in my head seeming to be on repeat in my head. My ears felt like they were ringing. All I could think about was Edward. Where was he? Was he okay? Was he alive? What about Tanya? Leah, Jacob? I felt my eyes roll to the back of head, as I began thrashing uncontrollably. Doctors rush into the room as I fight their grip, numerous arms flying as they trying to hold me down. I just wanted to know if Edward was all right. I felt a slight pinch in my right arm, as everything became slightly hazy. I could feel my body stops moving, as I lost consciousness, my mind wavering to only person. Edward.

"Belly." a deep voice sings in my ear.

"Bella boo." the voice says again.

"Belly bean, wake up." The voice says, that I now recognize as Emmett. What was he doing here? My head was killing me, and I felt nauseous.

"Bellie button." he says again, when I hear the high-pitched voice of Alice.

"Em, leave her alone. Let her sleep. She'll wake up when she's ready." she growled.

"But she's been asleep since we got here. It has been 2 weeks already. Besides, the doctor said if we talk to her, she might listen and wake up." He said.

"We were there you know. And if I were her, and heard your booming voice in my ear, I would stay asleep too. Your voice is probably scaring her." she huffed as they continued arguing. Suddenly I had the mental image of Emmett with a huge pout upon his face, and suddenly I felt a smile start to spread across my face.

"She'll wake up on her own time." a male voice said that sounded a lot like Carlisle, when I heard a voice that made my heart stutter in my chest.

"Look, she's…she's smiling." the voice said again breathless and soon I hear a cacophony of voices. It was my angel. The voice was calling me.

"Bella, love, open your eyes. Come on open those beautiful brown eyes for me." he says again, as I try to open my eyes. I must be dreaming, he was not here, he couldn't be here.

"Hey, shouldn't you say eye, since the other one's swollen shut?" Emmett says, and I hear a thundering thwack echo across the room. Probably courtesy of Rosalie."Ignore him." a voice huffed, that I now know was Rosalie. This just motivated me more to try to open my eyes so I could see there faces. I still couldn't move my left eye, so I tried to open the right.

"Come on, open those eyes of yours." he says, and it almost sounds like he's pleading. My good eye began to flutter, as I tried to fully open it.

"That's it, come on my beautiful girl." he says, and I finally open my good eye blinking rapidly, as I try to adjust to the light in the room. I hear a few gasps, as I turn my head slowly to follow that beautiful voice of my angel, only to gaze into the most beautiful shade of green eyes."Edward. Are you here? Are we dead?" I whisper, in disbelief as I hear a few chuckles.

"Oh, my sweet Bella. We're not dead. If we were you wouldn't be here with me." He smiled crookedly at me as I smiled back.

"That's silly." I said, my voice croaking on the last word. Esme went and poured me a cup of water.

"Help me up, a bit." I said, as Jasper and Edward grabbed an arm, slowing raising me enough, so that I could drink without choking. The water helped my dry throat, but had a horrible after taste. I smiled sheepishly at everyone."So, what did I miss?" I smiled, looking at everyone.

"Oh you don't know how much I missed that smile." Edward said his voice thick with emotion.

"How are you feeling?" I asked him."You're in the hospital bed, and you're asking me how I'm feeling? Really Bella." he said pressing a kiss to my forehead.

"Hey, where's the rest of my kisses" I asked, looking at everyone as they pressed kisses over my face.

"How are you feeling sweetie" Esme asked me.

"Not bad, but I can't really feel anything. So tell me how bad am I?" I asked a small grimace forming on my face.

"You want in scientific terms or do you want me to dumb it down?" Carlisle asked.

"Usually, I would love to hear it in those terms, but I just woke up, do if you don't mind dumb it down." I said, tilting my head to the side.

"You broke some ribs, your foot is broken, and your eye is swollen shut." he said, and I just shrugged my shoulders.

"Figures." I said, as they all gaped at me.

"What?" I asked.

"You're mighty calm about this considering the circumstances." Jasper said.

"Hey, it could have been worst. I thought I was blind for a second." I answered.

"Thank heavens you're not. Esme smiled.

"So tell me, how long was I out?" I asked.

"Well today it'll make two weeks." Edward said."Two weeks, I was out for that long?" I gasped.

"Well most of it was because you were sedated, the rest was just waiting for you to wake up." Alice beamed, jumping in place.

"Hmm, it only feels like I've slept a couple of hours." I answered.

"Really?" Edward asked.

"Yep, now will someone tell we what happened since you know?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Uh, I think Bella and I need to be alone for a bit." Edward suddenly said.

"But she just woke up." Emmett whined.

"You'll get her back." Rose said. "Let the two of them talk." she said pushing him, as the other's trailed out."We'll go tell the doctors you're awake, okay sweetie." Esme said kissing my forehead before leaving. Emmett was the last to leave.

"Hey Emmett?" I called.

"What's up Bella?" he said.

"Thank you." I smiled."For what?" he said, a look of confused plastered over his face."For calling me all those pet names. They meant a lot to me." and a smile broke over his face."You actually heard me?" he gaped.

"Why do you think I was smiling." I laughed. He suddenly ran over and planted a sloppy wet kiss on my cheek. I squealed in surprise. After one final smile, he ran into the hallway. I could hear his voice as he screamed."Hey Al. In your face, she woke up because of me!" I laughed at his antics. Once I recovered from my laughing fit, it was suddenly silent in the room as I looked over at Edward and really took in his appearance. He had dark circles under his eyes, and his face was scruffy. He looked like he hadn't slept in days.

"So." we both said simultaneously, as we both cracked a smile.

"You go first." We both said again.

"How about I go first?" Edward said. I nodded my head.

"I'm sorry. You don't know how sorry I am. Shit…sorry isn't enough. If I would have just listened to you, neither one of us would be in this predicament." he trailed off.

"You wouldn't be in this hospital right now. I was an asshole, a selfish bastard. All this shit from day one from because of my idiotic ways, and I ended up bringing you down with me. I let Tanya, corrupt me to the point that I was so blind that I ended up ruining everything." I tried to stop him and let him know that it wasn't completely his fault, but he raised a hand to stop me.

"I let the best thing that's ever happened to me go, and ended up saying things I never meant. I'm not asking you to forgive me yet, because we have some shit to work through, but I can't be away from you. I just love you okay?" he said, a few stray tears falling from his eyes. Using the arm that wasn't attached to the IV, I reached out, and wiped away a few of his tears.

"Now as I was going to say, was that it was both of our faults. We both made decisions that we both aren't proud of. Inevitably the shit was going to hit the fan sooner or later. I wished I would have told someone sooner, but I was worried for your safety." I trailed off, telling him what happened, as Edward wiped away a few of my own tears.

"So freaking selfless." he muttered."I wished you would have come to me, but I don't blame your reasoning." he whispered.

"What happened to Tanya and the others?" I asked, him as he looked down at his feet.

"Um…well Tanya's dead, and Jacob and Leah are in custody. There going to need a statement from us." He said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"She's…she's dead?" I stuttered out.

"Yeah." he responded.

"Well at least that's over" I huffed, and he chuckled.

"Don't you ever wonder why every thing that can go wrong, always does? And why does everything seem to always happen to us. I swear we must be the unluckiest two people on the planet." Edward said smiling.

"Well at least it's the two of us." I smiled, as he kissed my forehead.

"So what happens now?" I asked him, as the others came back in the room.

"I don't know, I guess we'll just have to see. I believe its time for a change, don't you think?" he smiled, and before I could answer Alice charged over to us.

"Come on lover boy it's my turn! It's Bella Barbie time, cause sweetie your hair's a mess." Alice squealed bouncing in place.

Oh boy. I guess some things don't change at all.

Chapter 37

Chapter 37

EPOV

"Damn it.!" I growled, as my car sputtered to a stop. Of all the opportune moments for my precious Volvo to die, it chooses now as the perfect opportunity. I was just having the best of luck. Slamming my head down on the steering wheel, I looked up only to glance over and see my oil light blinking happily at me. It had actually been blinking for a while now, but with recent events lately, I guess I had forgotten. Well that was just perfect. I was about six blocks away from campus, when my car decided to stop near a no parking zone and to top it off it was nearly pitch black outside, the only light coming from a few stray light poles. No one was on the streets. Any pedestrians were probably all warm in their bed where Bella and I should have been. I tried countless times calling Bella's phone, but all I kept getting was her voicemail. I also kept thinking off all the possibilities that something horrible happened to Bella, which did nothing to ease my panic-stricken state.

On the ride over, I somewhat came to a realization that everything that has occurred between Bella and I may somewhat be related to Tanya. I did not have sufficient evidence to really clarify anything, but since my phone call with Renee, I came up with some good rational explanations.

Wasn't it slightly odd that since Bella and I first began hanging out with each other, that Tanya suddenly became overly jealous? I mean, I flirted with countless girls, but it never seemed to faze her too much. She seemed to dislike Bella, with an extreme passion ever since she appeared. That should have been the first red flag. In addition, considering that she always coincidently popped up everywhere we went, without any prior knowledge. It could have happened to anyone, but what are the odds of it happening more than once, in one day? Another thing I considered was that when Tanya and I first began talking again, from a distance I would notice that she would always be on her cell phone talking or texting someone. When I would approach her, she would hurriedly put it away. Who was she always texting or talking to? No one is on their phone that much and if they are they must have a serious problem.

Maybe she was just overly friendly? No that couldn't be it. When Tanya was a bitch, no one wanted to be around her less her friend, which brought about another thought. Could she have been the one sending me those texts? I mean I really hadn't gotten that many, but every time their seemed to be a confrontation of sorts I managed to get one and she was somewhat involved.

Wait. When Bella broke up with me when we were in the city, she had her cell phone tightly in her clutches holding on for dear life. I didn't know what happened but it didn't escape my notice that she would still glances at it, like she was expecting someone to come say 7days on the other end.

Could she possibly be in the same hole as me, but it wouldn't make sense. Tanya didn't have her number, did she? She had never asked me, and I sure as hell know she wouldn't ask Bella for her number. If she did, she would have had to get the number from my phone, or my family. The real question was, when and where did she have the chance to retrieve it? She could have gotten at any given point of time, but I wouldn't have willingly left it alone with her.

Unless, damn it. I did on one occasion, when I had to use the bathroom; I left my phone with her. It was the perfect opportunity.

Jesus, why was I realizing all of this now. I had been warned and I foolishly ignored it all, because I couldn't get the stick out of my ass. I could have possibly prevented all of this.

Did Tanya have it in her to ever take it to the point, that she wanted me so badly that, she would do anything to get me, even including hurting my family and Bella?

There was still so much to consider. Tanya's wasn't that smart to follow through on anything especially to this extremity. Could she possibly have had an accomplice? Renee? I mean she practically ratted Tanya out. Was it to cover her own tracks? Was her story just a ploy, or was she being serious? Nope. Renee cared too much about herself to even go through the trouble of bothering Bella or me. Then again, where did she get my number?

I was giving myself a headache. There seemed to be too many loopholes to figure out. I didn't know what to believe anymore. All I knew was that Tanya was involved and Bella was M.I.A.

Taking a few deep breaths, I had calmed myself down slightly before stepping out of the car. I had a few decisions to make. If I ran, it would take me ten-fifteen minutes tops, if I ran fast enough. I hated leaving my car abandoned. Especially only to return and find a ticket or even worst towed, but Bella came first, and I could always retrieve my car later. Locking my car behind me, I grabbed my keys and cell and settled them into my back pocket. Tying my trainers tightly onto my feet, I prayed that my five years of track did me justice and that I didn't trip. Taking one final deep breath, I ran into the night hoping I didn't nearly kill myself in the process and that Bella was safe.

BPOV

My head hurts. Even blinking hurts, as I try to open my eyes. I feel like I have the hangover from hell. I tried moving, but found an odd restraint against my body. I finally was able to fully open my eyes. I looked around over everything feeling disoriented, the images a little blurry and dark. As my eyes began focusing, I looked down at my body to see it tied by multiple ropes. Panicking, I began struggling to release myself from the confines of the ropes, but was failing miserably. All I was accomplishing was making my headache even worst and possibly giving myself rope burn. I suddenly heard snickering, as I gazed up into a pair of amused blue and brown eyes.

"Well I see our little sleeping beauty has finally awoken." Tanya smiled.

"I see. Now I believe our plan may actually work." Leah grinned, pressing one of her fingers down my cheek, as I flinched away from her.

"Don't you fucking touch me." I grimaced, wishing I had disinfectant to clean my face, from her infested hands. God knows where they been.

"I do whatever I want, love." she grinned kissing my cheek, as she strutted back over to Tanya pressing a kiss against her lips. I felt my stomach quiver with nausea.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked, wincing. Even speaking seemed to hurt.

"Whatever do you mean my sweet?" Leah grinned.

"I mean this. All of this. I never did anything to you, why me?" I breathed.

"Oh you did. You interfered with our plans. Not only that, but you tried to steal our man away from us." she pouted.

"What in hell do you mean, "Stole your man"?" I asked.

"Oh you know damn well, you little bitch! Edward." Tanya glared at me."Edward?" I said confusedly.

"Yeah. Ever since you popped into the picture, you've been nothing but a distraction. He was ours until you decided to take him away from us." she hollered, slapping me across the face hard. I could taste the rust salt taste of blood against my lips, as I tried not to gag.

"He was never yours to begin with. You were the distraction. He would left eventually even with me in the way." I gasped, spitting the blood from my mouth. Leah just rolled her eyes, as Tanya got in my face.

"Feisty, I see. Jacob will just love her." Leah laughed.

"Jacob. What does he have to do with me?" I asked, panicking.

"Nothing really, or he will, once he gets his hands on you. He's always loved brunettes." she giggled.

"What is wrong with you people? You are sick!" I hollered, nearly propelling myself forward out of my seat.

"Nothing's wrong with us." Tanya smiled, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

"Why Edward?" I asked.

"Edward, well what can I say? He's gorgeous. A Greek god. His messy coppery hair and those piercing green eyes, not to mention how well he is in the sack. He's all we ever wanted. You would be stupid not to acknowledge it." Tanya smiled.

"No not that, why would you try and capture him? Why go through the trouble?" I breathed. The blood was beginning to dry against my lips, almost gluing my lips together as the cut on my lips tried to clot.

"When we first laid our eyes upon him, I knew that we would both just love him. I mean we already had Jacob, but what's wrong with adding one more to the bunch. It was all going to plan until your ass interfered." Leah said.

"What do you mean you already had Jacob? Wait, what did I have to do with your change of plans?" I gasped."Jesus, you ask too many questions." she rolled her eyes, as she sat across from me. Tanya perched on her lap.

"Jacob's ours. He's married to the both of us." she grinned, the two of them flashing their wedding bands on their left hands. How I hadn't noticed was beyond me.

"Wait, you're both married to him? Isn't that against the law, or some form of polygamy?" I asked.

"Will you stop asking questions? God ,you ask too many. Oh, what the hell, probably once Jacob's finished with you, he'll dispose of you. "She glared, but continued. "I guess you can call it polygamy. However, when I say he's ours, I meant it. We're the dominant ones in the relationship. We asked him to marry us. We already had three husbands once before including Jake. Edward is going to make a nice husband." she smiled.

"Wait, wait!" I gasped ,as I tried to follow what she had just told me. I mean I had heard of polygamy once before with male dominated roles, but females? The only recollection I had ever heard of it, was when I was reading National Geographic and there was a brief article of woman-dominated origins known as polyandry, but that was in foreign countries. I had never heard of it in the states.

"You're telling me, that you both have multiple husbands, and you want Edward to become your next one? God you two are seriously fucked up." I said, shaking my head.

"Shut the hell up. Men would love to be in his shoes." Tanya huffed.

"Yeah if they are seriously stupid." I said, instantly regretting it as Tanya's high-heeled foot came crashing down onto mine. I even heard a sickening snap, as I screamed out in pain.

"You better watch your mouth. Just because you think you know it all, does not give you the right to act like a smart ass. Do you understand? I seriously wouldn't open that trap of yours. Just because Leah doesn't have that big of a problem with you and probably won't hurt you, doesn't mean I won't . On the other hand, even worst, I'll tell Jacob. He just hate's it when people makes his wives angry." she smiled, before perching herself back onto Leah's lap.

"You ruined everything. We had to change our plans too many times to count. We even went to the extreme of trying to get Jacob to date you, but his foolishness of setting up our dates at the same time earned him quite the punishment instead." Leah glared at me.

"We tried everything to get rid of you even ,sending you those stupid texts." Tanya said.

"That…that was you?" I gasped.

"No, it was Santa Claus, of course it was. All I had to do was wait until Edward left to retrieve your number." Tanya giggled.

"So you were the reason we broke up." I said quietly.

"Nope that was all you. But I think when Leah kissed him, that was just the icing on the cake." she smiled.

"That was you. I should have figured when Jacob cornered me in the café. All the random pop ups, everywhere we went." I said."Such a clever girl, yet so foolish." Leah purred, twirling a strand of Tanya's blonde hair around her fingers.

"Wait, what about Renee?" I asked curiously. Was she seriously plotting against me as well? Did she hate me that much?

"Oh that was just pure coincidence. This of course worked in our favor. To say that woman doesn't like would be an understatement. She's such a plastic flake." Tanya said rolling her eyes. I looked down at my feet. I just couldn't believe it. The two of them were the ones who were ruining my life. They were conspiring against Edward and I all this time. First to get rid of me, and then to make Edward their sick pet of their own torture.

I only had one question to figure, out. What were they going to do with me?

I must have spoken aloud, because it was Leah, who answered.

"That we do not know yet. Maybe you could be Jacob's little pet. He does get bored sometimes. We had to change our plans last minute, and with you just eavesdropping, the rest just fell into place." she smiled.

"You know this is never going to work. Edward is too smart to fall for your shit. He'll know something's up." I huffed.

'And how do you know, that's not what we wanted, aye love? We've been watching carefully, and I know like the sick puppy he is, he'll come." she said.

"You know you'll never get away with this." I glared.

"Oh but we will. You actually think this is the first we've done this? We get what we want when we want it, and when we get bored, we move on." she said.

"But you look so young." I said. The two of them didn't look a day over 21.

"Amazing what you can do with plastic surgery and a good botox needle." she laughed.

"Besides, no one will ever know."

"The librarian will. Just wait till she sees the commotion left in the library." I said in fact.

"Please, the old bat is blind as a bat. No to mention my own mother. All I had to do was make sure she took her pills and steal the keys. Piece of cake. I hope she croaks." She laughed, as I spat in her face. Aiming directly at her face. That woman was too sweet to deserve any backlash..

"You stupid bitch." She screamed, punching me in the stomach repeatedly, until everything fell to black once more.

EPOV

"Almost…there." I panted, as I approached the campus building. I was exhausted. My hair and body was drenched with sweat despite the cool mist of moisture in the air. I had a cramp in my left calf, my back was killing me and I just felt like dropping at any given moment. The first place, I headed for was to see if Bella's car was parked here. Just like I figured, there her Ashton was parked. I walked over, well staggered to her car, and was met with the flashing light of her cell phone, signaling that not only she had 10 missed calls from me, but 5 more as well from Rose and Alice. That was definitely unlike her. Something was wrong. That meant she was either still on campus or she had left with someone.

I started looking around, and headed towards the main building. Everything appeared to be locked. I kept wandering around until I heard a gruff voice call out.

"Hey! What do you think you doing?" he said. I turned around to see a man dressed in blue security uniform flashing a light in my face. He was really short and looked like he was in his mid 60's. He had a big bushy gray colored mustache, with his hat perched on top of what looked like wispy strands of hair. He held the flashlight in one hand and what appeared to be a sandwich in the other. Typical.

"Hey I said what are you doing? If you're trying to steal something, you won't do it on my watch." he grumbled, taking a bite out of his sandwich.

"I'm not trying to steal anything. I'm looking for my friend." I answered.

"Are you kidding me? What kind of person wanders out this late at night, unless it's someone who wants to vandalize." he grumbling.

"Seriously. My friend's car is in the parking lot, and she left her cell phone. I'm just looking for her. You can even check me. I had nothing to hide. I'm just looking for her." I said, as he cautiously approached me.

"Seriously. I'm not going to do anything." I sighed, as he slowly patted me down. He must have taken my cooperation as a sign that I was telling the truth.

"How can you be so sure? Maybe she left with someone and left her car. I've seen numerous students do it." he said.

"It's unlike her. She would have told me something." I said.

"Well she's not in the main building, or the lab. I just did my rounds. No one was there, but a few janitors, and I already saw them off." he answered.

"What about the library?" I asked, remembering that Renee had mentioned it.

"I don't know. I bet it's closed though. Not too many people are fond of the library. The only places I haven't sought out yet are the library. I need to hit the art building first. Aye boy what's your name?" he asked.

"Edward. Edward Cullen. You?" I asked.

"James. James Bond." he grumbled, and I burst out laughing.

"Seriously?" I asked.

"Yeah well, everyone just calls me Jim. Now what's your friend's name?" He asked me, clearly trying to get me to change the subject.

"Isabella Swan. Well Bella. We all call her Bella." I said shuffling my feet.

"Well my buddy supposed to be guarding back there, but how about you accompany me first to the art building, and then will make our way over to the library. Just because you know my name doesn't mean I completely trust you yet." he grumbled.

"Be my guest." I said rolling my eyes, as I followed him off.

"See I told you. No one's here." Jim said, as I tried to look though the darkened windows. As he said the front doors of the library were locked, and no one was inside.

"She has to be here. I just know it." I responded.

"Are you sure she didn't leave with anyone?" he asked me.

"Yes I'm positive. Hey, where's that deputy that suppose to be patrolling back here anyway?" I asked him.

"You know, that's a good question. We should have run into him by now." he grumbled as we continued around the building.

"Deputy T. Mark, 2-1 to J. Bond, 2-1 to J. Bond. "he said into his walkie talkie. He waited for a response, and when no one responded he repeated himself once more. Deputy Mark as he told me patrolled the back buildings and the library. He continued trying to get a response as we continued walking, when we heard the distinctive sound of static and a muffled groan. Trying to figure out where the sound was coming from, we continued to move closer and closer until we realized it was coming from one of the nearby bushes.

Cautiously approaching the bushes step by step, we came upon what I hoped was Deputy Mark tied and gagged. Luckily he was alert, but had a nasty gash across his forehead.

His blue eyes were frightened and frantic when he saw me, but calmed when he saw that I was with Deputy Bond.

"Oh god Tad, what happened?" He breathed removing the gag from his mouth.

"I…I don't know. One moment I was patrolling, and then a sharp pain in the back of my head. It was all so blurry." He gasped, as Jim pulled a pocket knife from his sock. I looked at him curiously.

"Hey you never know." He simply said.

"Do you know who did this to you?" he asked.

"I don't know. I couldn't really see their faces. All I know was that it was two females and a male. I think…I think one of them was even a blonde." He said, and I immediately thought Tanya.

"Did you hear any names? Anything to help figured out who did this?" he asked, as he pulled out his cell phone.

"Nope. I did hear someone mention a basement and Bella. But I have no clue what that means." he gasped.

"Bella, Bella that her. That's my friend. She's down there." I breathed, staggering to my feet.

"The police are on their way." Jim said as I began looking for any opening they could help me get inside.

"Aye Edward, where are you going?" Jim asked.

"I'm going to go find her." I said.

"Hey, I can't let you do that. What if they're dangerous." he said, still consoling a frantic Mark.

"The girl I love is down there. I have to go. I would never forgive myself if something happened to her." I said, looking at him. He studied me for a couple more seconds before taking a deep breath.

"Fine, but take this." he said throwing his knife at me. I looked at it and back to him curiously.

"What do I need this for?" I asked.

"Like I said, you never know." He shrugged.

"Is there any way I could possibly get in?" I asked.

"I don't know. Any doors are probably locked." he responded. Well damn. I guess I was going to find a window. I gave the two of them one final parting glance before running to go find a window, hoping that I was one step closer to getting to my angel.

BPOV

"Ugh." I moaned. If I thought my face and head ached, it was nothing compared to how the rest of my body felt. My ribs were killing me and even breathing seemed to hurt. I opened my eyes once more to see the three of them huddled in the corner, speaking in hushed tones.

"We have to leave soon, someone will come looking for her eventually." Jacob said.

"No we have to wait for Him." Tanya gasped.

"You can get him some other time." he said. "We're already in deep shit for the guard. We have to go." The three of them looked at each other momentarily , each looking like they were contemplating their next move. The silence was suddenly broken by the distinct sound of shattering glass.

"Jacob go up and check." Leah pushed as he ran up the stairs. I tried moving once more, and couldn't help the gasp of pain that escaped me alerting the two of them that I was again awake.

"About time you woke up. And my you do have a nice pretty shiner coming. I guess I don't know my own strength sometimes. The two of them giggled. Tanya pressing her fingers down my face. I tried cringing away, but the pain was unbearable and a few stray tears fell from my eyes.

"Aww, don't cry my sweet." she giggled, rubbing her fingers under my eyes.

"Jacob's still not back. I'm going to go check up on him. I'll be right back. If I don't you know what to do. leah said, heading towards the stairs.

"Well, I see it's just you and me now." she laughed as I glared at her.

" I hope you rot in hell." I gasped.

"Well if I do, at least I can say that I enjoyed the ride." She laughed, but was soon interrupted by a loud commotion upstairs.

"Shit." Tanya gasped, as she ran away from me, searching frantically through her bag and pulled out what looked like a pistol. I felt my heart drop into the pit of my stomach. She easily kill me at any given moment if she wanted to. More tears fell my eyes, as I heard footsteps bound down this way. Fearing that it was either Jacob or Leah, I closed my eyes and prayed that this was just all a dream. A horrible, horrible dream.

"Bella?" a husky voice called out, as I released a breath I didn't even know I was holding. I must have been dreaming. He couldn't be here. It wasn't real.

"Bella?" he called out again."Oh Edward!" I breathed, finally believing that this would all soon be over.

EPOV

"Oh, what the hell." I grumbled as I grabbed a rock and threw it at the window. The only open window I had even managed to find, was too high up for me to climb, as I tired looking for anymore openings, but couldn't find any. So here I am resorting, to doing what I told Jim I wouldn't: vandalizing.

The glass shattered instantly. Luckily the window was low enough, for me to jump through. Safely making it through, without cutting myself, I began looking down the hallway when I heard footsteps running this way. Perching myself against the wall, I glanced over my shoulder to see a tall male figure approaching my direction holding what looked like a blunt stick. He must have heard my steady breathing, because he sped up his pace towards my direction. I had to think quick. Sticking out my foot before me I waited until he was about to cross my path when I tripped him. He staggered forward but didn't lose momentum. He finally saw me as he charged towards me sending the two of us crashing to the floor; the glass from the ground embedding in our skin. I recognized him as that Jacob fellow, Bella once had a date with. I felt my head slam against the ground, as we wrestled. He threw a few punches and vice versa when I kneed him in the stomach. He fell forward, as he coughed out a few breaths. I wasn't any better. My left arm was killing me and I tasted blood against my lips. He tried grabbing the pole he once held, but I kicked it out the way. We wrestled again once more, our bodies slamming against the walls with a sickening thud. The fight seemed like it was never going to stop. Trying to think of the move Emmett taught me, I raised my arm back and slammed into his face, effectively knocking him unconscious.

I let out a relieved breath; well an aching breath. The son of a bitch got a few good hits in.

I looked over to his body, to see him snoring his ass off. I did pretty good considering he appeared to have at least twenty pounds on me and was maybe taller than me by 3 inches.

Fearing that he might awake and be ready for round two, I achingly dragged his body to a janitor closet and laid him on the floor. I was about to close the door, on him when I heard more footsteps approaching. Geese, were there more of them?

I hid behind the open doors, waiting for whoever it was to pass, but heard the frantic scream of a female. At first I thought it was Bella, but when I heard the woman's voice I instantly knew it wasn't her.

"Jacob, Jacob. Where are you?" she said, as she headed towards my direction. She probably saw the scattered glass, along with the splatters of blood from the both of us. She was nearing closer and closer when I heard her scream again. She was right on the other side of the door.

"Oh Jacob baby, what happened?" she cried, cradling his head as he groaned in protest.

I took this as my chance, as I slammed the door on the two of them. Her face peering at me hatefully as she slammed her fist against the door. I instantly recognized her . She was the face that ruined everything. The reason Bella broke up with me in the first place.

"Open this door, you motherfucker." she screamed, bashing against the door. For a small thing she was pretty strong, nearly knocking me off my feet. Grabbing, the pole that Jacob once held, I slid it through the handle of the door and siding, effectively jamming the door in place.

I gave the two of them one finally glance, before deciding to head the direction the two of them came from. I didn't hear any more footsteps approaching, as I carefully took each step. My body was aching with each step, but I pushed my body further and further. I just hoped the police were on their way.

At the end of the hallway there, was a door. The only door that was open. I carefully creaked it open seeing that it dark inside, but a faint glow was coming from it I carefully crept down the stairs, but when I saw a flash of mahogany locks, I all but ran down the stairs, ignoring the protests my body was giving me.

I called out her name, but didn't receive an answer. When I called the second time she open those beautiful brown eyes as my green ones locked with hers.

"Oh Edward." she gasped, tears falling from her face. She looked heart-wrenching. He face was matted with sweat and tears, dried blood against her lips. I could even see a black eye beginning to form.

"Oh my sweet angel, what did they do to you?" I breathed, a few tears welling in my eyes at the sight of her. I grabbed the pocket knife from my pant leg and began cutting the ropes off her arms. I could even see the bruises beginning to swell upon her arms. I was just about to cut the ones against her legs, when I heard Bella scream.

"Edward, watch out!" she said as I felt a blunt object slam against the back of my head as I fell forward, crashing hard against the ground. I could feel the blood trickling down my face as I rolled onto my back, looking up into the eyes of Tanya as she held a pistol towards me.

"Tanya…why…why are you doing this?" I gasped, my vision beginning to haze.

"You were supposed to be mine." she said, tears falling from her eyes.

"I was never yours, not even when we were together." I responded.

"We could have had it all. Till she came into the picture." she screamed.

"Bella has nothing to do with this, just let her go. You can have me, just let her go." I answered. She stared at me uneven breaths, between the three of us, as we heard sirens approaching.

"It's over Tanya, just give up." He said, as I shot rang out the air. I screamed out in agony as I felt pain moving across my right leg.

"Agh!" I screamed, as I heard Bella's sobbing become even louder.

"Stop, stop. Kill me, not him." Bella screamed, as I tried to protest. The pain was becoming unbearable.

"If I can't have you, no one will." She said sobbing as she pointed the gun towards me once more. The last thing I remember was hearing a shot, and feeling an odd sense of peace, and the distinct scent of strawberries. Everything was becoming darker and darker. I wonder if dying felt like this. Well if this was heaven or hell I was willing to take it.

BPOV

I looked on startled, as Tanya shot Edward in the leg. The blood was pouring from his womb as I feared it had hit an artery. I begged him, not to torture him any further. I couldn't bear it. I would rather suffer then see him in pain. I could hear him groaning against the floor. Tanya was staring at him with an unreadable expression. Looking on while she was momentarily distracted, I quickly cut through the remaining ropes against my legs. As she held the gun once more towards Edward, I couldn't take it anymore. Ignoring the horrible pain that shot through my feet and body, I lunged towards her, as she pulled the trigger. The shot ringing through the air, as we both tumbled to the ground.

We rolled over each other, each fighting for dominance as we fought for the gun. There was no way, I was going to let her get another shot at Edward. I shoved her forward, as she kicked me into the stomach causing me to roll over to an unconscious Edward. Tanya staggered forward and grabbed the gun. She jumped to her feet as she spat out blood, obviously trying not to limp.

"For a moment. I didn't fear for my life. If I were meant to die, at least it was with someone I loved. Edward moaned beside me, as she pointed the gun at the two of us. I closed my eyes, as I heard a shot ring out through the air. I didn't feel anything. I looked down to my body to check for any new injuries, but found none. I looked over at Edward, but didn't find any new injuries. I looked up into the startled eyes of Tanya, as she staggered forward. An angry red blot forming on the front of her shirt. She let out an ear piercing scream as she fell forward, the gun sliding from her hand. I looked up to see who had shot her, as a portly man dressed in a security uniform came down the stairs gun in hand.

"Are you Bella?" he asked.

"Yes…Yes.. Help me. He's been shot." I gasped looking down at his pale form. Blood was still pouring from his wound. I hadn't realized that I was covered in his blood until, I felt the bile rising in my stomach as I vomited beside him. The last thought I has as the sirens got closer and closer, as I felt myself being lifted, was that the nightmare was over, or was it just beginning?




*More on Female Polyandry:

"Polyandry in human relationships occurs or has occurred in Tibet, the Canadian Arctic, Zanskar, Nepal, Bhutan, Ladakh, the Nymba, and Sri Lanka[citation needed], and is known to have been present in some pre-contact Polynesian societies [2], though probably only among higher caste women [3]. It is also encountered in some regions of Mongolia, among the Mosuo people in China, and in some Sub-Saharan African such as the Maasai people in Kenya and northern Tanzania [4] and American indigenous communities. Polyandry has been practiced in several cultures in India — in the Jaunsar region in Uttarakhand, among the, Nairs, Theeyas and Toda of South India, and the Nishi of Arunachal Pradesh[citation needed]. The Guanches, the first known inhabitants of the Canary Islands, practiced polyandry until their disappearance.[citation needed] In other societies, there are people who live in de facto polyandrous arrangements that are not recognized by the law. There are no known indigenous communities that currently practice polyandry involving unrelated males."

Chapter 36

Chapter 36

EPOV

"Renee?" I gasped. I even think I had momentarily stopped breathing for a moment.

"Is this Edward?" she asked.

"Why does it matter, and what do you want Renee?" I growled.

"It's about that girl of yours." She said sweetly, as I nearly shot up out of my seat on the couch.

"What is it" I growled."Hey watch the attitude buddy." she growled back."Just get on with it." I answered pinching the bridge of my nose, to ease my nerves.

"She may or may not be in danger." she responded, as my heart skipped a few beats."Tell me Renee, and don't fuck with me or I will hang up on your ass." I said in a voice full of so much venom that I nearly scared myself.

"I do as I please, thank you very much, and you should be nice to those who try and give information. If you care about that stupid girl, you'd listen." she snarled.

"You got a minute." I growled.

"Long story short, I heard that girl's name pop up with some pretty heavy shit. I couldn't make out too much except torture, sex, and bait and I'm not too sure what that means, and frankly I can care less. But what really threw me off was all the kinky crap I found in my storage closet: whips, chains; the works. Even I'm not that kinky." she huffed.

"Give me one reason why I should believe you and not hang up this phone." I asked her."You don't have to believe me. What you do is your decision you make." she said.

"Why…why are you telling me all this. You don't even like Bella or me. Why go through all of this trouble for someone you don't like?" I asked her honestly.

"Like I said, I can really care less, but orange is definitely not my color, and I am not about to be an accessory to anything. I'm too pretty to be someone's bitch." she answered and I just shrugged my shoulders in defeat. At least she was being honest.

"Is there anything I need to know?" I asked.

"The last thing I heard was something about a library. Do with that what you must. I have a dirty martini with my name on it." she said before hanging up. Taking a deep breath, I tried to ease the building panic that was erupting inside of me. Something was wrong, and Bella might be in danger. I rested my arms in my hands as everything came crashing down on me. Oh my god. The texts, the whiplash like behavior from Bella. I should have listened. Damn it, I growled as I crashed my hand down on the coffee table, knocking off all of its contents. I hurried and grabbed my keys, nearly tripping in the process, as I ran out the door, hoping for the first time in my life that I was not right.

BPOV

"Stupid Asshole!" I screamed, flipping the middle finger at the old man who cut me off. I'd been extremely agitated lately, since Edward and I had gotten into it, and anyone in my way should be ready when I rip them a new one if they crossed me the wrong way. Edward and I still hadn't spoken not one word to one another. We avoided each other like the plague. I was still fuming at Edward for siding towards Tanya than me. I knew him first, he was my best friend, or at least I thought I was. The things Edward said to me that day were some of the worst he's ever said to me. Considering all of the arguments we had since we were kids. And trust it was many. We couldn't even be in the same room with each other, the tension was so thick, and you didn't have to be Einstein either, to understand why we shouldn't talk to each other. There were a couple of times it looked like Edward wanted to say something to me but stopped, constantly looking like a gaping fish. After storming out, I tried my hardest to concentrate, but failed miserably. I wanted to vent, and unfortunately no one was around to listen, so I pulled out the big guns. I can still remember Alice and Rose's rant when I called them and told them what had happened.

I was sitting outside under a tree supposedly studying, still fuming. I had went off on nearly anyone who spoke to me and nearly got myself kicked out of class when my professor had asked me a question. I was on a verge of a migraine and Rose and Alice's ineligible curses were not helping. I had them both on speakerphone and it seemed like they were trying to out speak each other instead of helping me.

"That asshole," Rose growled loudly, making me pull my phone away from my face. "I'm going to kill him for picking that twat over Bella. Stupid blonde." She huffed, when I heard Alice's voice.

"Rose, you do realize you're a blonde right?" Alice laughed.

"Yeah, but I'm not stupid, and that's beside my point and you know it." She huffed, as the two of them began bickering. My head was killing me and at this point I wouldn't be surprised if I had an aneurysm.

"Hey guys. You two are not helping. Instead of calming me down you're just making me even more agitated." I growled loudly, causing the red head next to me to glare.

"What are you looking at" I growled, causing the girl to huff and turn her head.

"We're sorry Bella." they both said simultaneously.

"I know you are. I juts don't know what to do. To say that I'm not pissed would be the biggest understatement of the century, but after everything that's happened; I cannot say that I still don't have feelings for him, when I do." I breathed, a few stray tears falling from my eyes.

"Well of course you still have feelings for him silly," Alice chirped. "And I know he still loves you. He's just blinded by Tanya's fake tits at the moment." she said, causing me to burst out in laughter from her bluntness, causing me to startle a few stray students.

"Well there's a laugh." Rose added.

"So it is. I guess I still don't understand, how after everything we've been through, it all ends because of a stupid argument." I said in disbelief.

"I know and I am sorry for our brother's idiocy. I almost ripped him a new one when I caught sight of him and Tanya." Alice said calmly.

"Wait!" I screeched. "You saw Edward and Tanya together?" I said as a question although Alice had just clarified that she had.

"See this is why I didn't tell you in the first place, because I knew you would react this way." Alice breathed, Rose mumbling along with her.

"Well duh, if the man you love is spending his spare time with the spawn of Satan, you would react the same way." I responded. Alice and Rose tried to say something, but I cut them off.

"And don't act like you wouldn't. What about Jasper's ex Maria, huh Alice? And Rose, what about Emmett's ex Heidi? You two would react the same way if you were in my position." I asked smugly, as they both grumbled in response.

"Okay, so we agree on that. As for Tanya, I don't trust her as far as I can throw her, and I may be strong, but her boobs alone look like they weigh about 50 pounds." Alice huffed, bringing a smile to my face.

"Yeah, and with Alice's luck, all she needs to do is push her forward and hope her boobs bring her down." Rose added, causing me to burst out in fits of laughter once more.

"God, I love you bitches, I really needed that. Well obviously, we all know that I can't stand her and vice versa. I can't fight the feeling that she might be up to something, but I just can't put my finger on it. I feel like she's out to get me." I said quietly. I waited for a response and heard nothing. I checked my phone to see if it had hung up, but I was still connected.

"Uh Hello? Anyone there" I asked.

"Sorry Bella. Alice zoned out on me and it's kind of freaking me out. Hold on one moment." Rose said when I heard a loud thwack echo over the phone.

"Ouch! What the hell Rose" Alice screeched loudly, making me pull the phone away from my ear.

"You scared me for a moment. I just wanted to make sure you were okay." Rose said in an innocent voice.

"I understand that, but you don't have to slap the shit out of me in the process." Alice growled, as the two of them began arguing once more. I listened to the two of them banter for a couple more minutes, before hanging up on them laughing, knowing that this conversation was indeed over. I really wished the two of them were here, but they weren't due to return home until next week. Besides the two of them, I had maybe a small handful of friends I could talk to, but I still didn't feel too comfortable yet dishing all of my drama onto them. Then again, they possibly would understand but that wasn't a risk I was willing to take.

I should have really headed home, but being at the house was the worst. You would think with a large building that you could avoid one another, but that was not the case. I bumped into him almost every day. In the kitchen, the living room, even the bathroom although we had two others. I mean I knew it was bound to happen, but it seemed like when he moved I moved, and vice versa. You would have thought we were two magnets attracted to each other; when one polar end shifted so did the other to maintain perfect alignment. Although we still didn't speak to one another it was a common thing for us to make sure the other return home safely. I would wait up for him and he would wait for me, all without speaking words to one another. If one of us were to stay out past the time we usually would, we would leave a note, or send an occasional text. That also didn't stop me from seeing a flash of bronze hair peering at me from the doorway. I guess if anything he must have cared t see that I returned home safely. I also notice he must have taken what I said to heart, because I didn't see him with Tanya, not that I was spying anyway. Sometimes I wished that all of this was just one huge nightmare, where I would wake up and everything would be back to normal. Edward would be my knight in shining armor, and I his princess. But this was not the case. If we were going to make up he was going to apologize first. I knew he was stubborn and I was two which really didn't help the situation, but I honestly didn't care. When he is ready to talk his first words better be "I'm Sorry."

I had an exam to study for in my English Lit. Class, so I decided to head over to my safe haven; the library. I had to make a quick run to my car to grab the necessary books and my bag when I saw a flash of raven black hair, getting out of the car beside mine, that looked a little too familiar. I tried taking a closer look but with lack of light, the person was already gone. Shaking my head, I headed towards the library. The campus library was located in the back of the school, and was built halfway underground. It was isolated from the rest of the building, and was usually open beyond campus hours when the occasional student needed to study. It had three levels, before leading to the basement. Long story short, it was a pretty big library with various hallways that would make it very easy to become lost. The front doors were open but the librarian Mrs. Clearwater was no where to be found, which was unusual for her seeing that she usually stayed here to about one in the morning. The library was usually deserted at nighttime with the occasional student, but I found it slightly odd that I appeared to be the only one there. I grabbed a few extra books to help me along with my studying, as I headed to my usual table but I stopped in my tracks when I noticed a blonde and brunette sitting there looking deep in conversation. They were clothed in all black and their backs were to me so I couldn't get a clear view of their faces. A pair of gloves and two mass lay beside them making them look suspicious. I was never one for eavesdropping, but the sight of the two of them was not too easy for me to pass by. Knowing that this was risky and incredibly stupid, I crouched down near the closest bookshelf and created a small opening through the books, so that I could sneak a glance at the two of them, without hopefully being seen. Once I was carefully settled, and successfully peering through the books, I listened.

"You sure this going to work?" one of them asked. Although I could see them, their backs were still turned to me so it was difficult to now who was speaking although one of the voices sounded eerily familiar.

"It will. It's basically foolproof. We just have to lure him in." another voice said. Apparently they were trying to lure someone in. I waited for them to continue.

"And how do you suppose we do that?" I heard one of them ask. I was still trying to see who was speaking and my legs were beginning to act from being crouched down. My feet made little noise as I tried to adjust me feet.

"Well you already gained some of his trust. Make him come with you to a place or something. Anything to make him follow you. I can't wait to get my hands on him." one of them said. I felt like I should have left and told someone but my feet felt like they were rooted to the ground. I wanted to hear a name; anything that could help me piece together who they were talking about. I had just decided to leave when what they said next stopped me in my tracks.

"But he's always with that Swan girl." one of them said, as I froze. I had to cover my mouth in hope, that I didn't release the shocked gasp of air I had just inhaled. Swan wasn't that common of a last name, and to my knowledge, I was the only one with that last name on campus.

"I don't believe she's a problem. From what J told me, they aren't on speaking terms with one another." the other voice said. They were talking about Edward; I just knew they were, although I had no confirmation that it was indeed him they were talking about.

"Well this may work to our advantage then." what appeared to be the brunette said, as the two of them giggled.

"Oh it will. Edward Cullen will be ours." they cackled, as I rested my head in my arms. That was all the confirmation I needed. The two of them were out to get Edward and they feared that I may be of interference to their plans. I had to get to get home and tell him immediately. I must hadn't noticed how quiet it suddenly got, as I carefully got onto the balls of my feet, hearing footsteps behind me, as I turned my head only to gaze into two icy stares, that would be forever engraved in my mind as they looked at me with disgust and revulsion.

"I knew it." I whispered, as I looked at the two of them. The two of them both took a step towards me. I heard one of them mutter "Grab her." and that was all it took, as I bolted off running. I ran towards the front doors but they were now locked.

"Shit." I muttered as I ran towards a door that led to one of the hallways. This was the only thing I hated about this library; the dreaded hallways. Each was elevated to lead to the next floor and seeing that I was on the second level really wasn't helping anything. The hallway was pitch black, and I momentarily found my self having a Shining moment waiting for a pair of twins to come say redrum. I heard footsteps behind me which made me panic even further as I ran towards the elevator furiously pressing buttons, but to no use. The two elevators on this floor were not working. I ran down the other connected hallway that led to the set of open windows. It was pitch black outside, and from what I could see were maybe 1 or 2 cars including my own in the parking lot. Even if I tried to escape through the window, the drop down was more than enough a chance that I could possibly kill myself, especially with my clumsiness. I suddenly realized that I had my phone in my bag. Curling myself in a corner, I searched frantically through my bag for my phone, but soon became disappointed when I realized that I had left it in my car on its charger.

"Damn it!" I muttered as I heard some more footprints heading towards my direction. I ran back up the other hallway only to crash into a hard chest.

"Let me go!" I screamed, as the figure grabbed both of my arms.

"Relax Bella." a gruff voice said in my ear.

"Oh thank god, Jacob. We have to get out of here. There are two women after me, come on, we need to call the cops." I gasped out in breaths, pulling his arm but he wasn't moving.

"Jacob, come on," I breathed, as I continued to pull him until his large hand painfully grasped my wrist.

"Ouch! Stop, you're hurting me." I winced, but his hand just grasped my wrist harder, knowing that it would probably later leave a bruise.

"I don't think I can do that." he whispered menacingly at me, as I turned in his grasp to look at him. Even through the darkness, his once friendly brown eyes were now dark and hateful. I now knew why he wasn't releasing me, from his grasp. He was in on it. Recognition must have flickered across my eyes because he grinned down evilly at me, as he grasped down harder on my wrist. Using all the strength I could muster, I slammed my knee into his groin, causing him to release me as his fell down on his knees in pain. I ran frantically away from him, heading towards the doors that looked like they were for the stairs. Luckily they were. As I bolted down the stairs, I tried to go out from the first level but the door was locked. I felt like giving up, when I heard Jacob's voice echo from above me.

"You can run, but you can't hide." he laughed manically. I ran down the hallway, trying to open any doors, but to no use. I came across a window, but it was also locked. I could even see a security guard walking about outside. Trying to gain his attention, I pounded harshly, but I knew we were too far back, and the sounds of the night prevented him from hearing me. The footsteps were coming closer, and I knew my only way of escape were to head back towards the stairs. They were coming closer, as I ran down the stairs leading me to the basement.

It was dark, and the air reeked of mold and stale water. It was as dark as it was as the night sky, the only light appearing from the window; wait a window! It was going to take some effort, considering that the building was hallway underground. I would rather suffer from being covered in dirt and bugs, then worrying about falling to my death. I had the window just about perched open when I heard hard footprints come pounding down the stairs. I was halfway through when I felt someone grab my leg.

"No let me go." I screamed, as I tried to kick whoever held my leg, but whoever it was much stronger, as with a hard pull, I fell back against the hard concrete floor. My head made a sickening crack, as the rust salt smell of my blood began to fill the was becoming managing to mumble a few words confusedly.

"Leah….Tanya…" I gasped, as everything went black.