A Fresh Start

The Fight

Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

Also, thank you for those of who have commented and offered well-wishes in my difficult time. It means a lot to me. Writing these stories has been my strength (as silly as that sounds) and has grounded me.

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It means so much to me. More than you can imagine. These stories (this one in particular) are my babies and I adore the reviews and comments I receive. Much, much love to ALL of you!

Chapter 36: The Fight

"If there's anything more, we'll contact you," a detective said as he shut the folder. "We have a pretty good lead on where Mike is and his prints were clearly on the note that was attached to brick that shattered your front window."

"Thank you," Edward said through clenched teeth.

"We'll also increase patrols in your neighborhood. If you say anything suspicious, contact us right away."

Edward and I nodded and got up from the conference room at the police station. We had spent the past two hours talking with the police and detectives about the threat that was thrown through our front window. Jasper had met us at the police station, acting as our representation. We didn't need an attorney, but he wanted to make sure that our complaints were heard and understood. Seth was on vacation, unfortunately and he couldn't be at the police station. Jasper, thankfully, stepped in. We drove back to the house, with Jasper following us. Edward and I were quiet. It was a tense silence. Not between us, but in regard to the horrendous situation. "Bella?"

"What?" I whispered.

"I think until things settle down, I want you staying with Carlisle and Esme," Edward said. "I'm calling my insurance company to get an estimate for the repair on the window. I need to get some wood to cover it and I don't want you to be in the house by yourself."

"I don't want to be away from you," I said, tears filling my eyes. "I'm falling apart here."

"I don't trust Mike. I'm afraid he will come back and hurt you."

"He can hurt you, too," I said, lacing my fingers through his.

"Please, Bella," Edward pleaded. "As soon as I get the window boarded up, I'll be at Carlisle and Esme's. I promise."

"Have Jasper help you," I said, sounding like a petulant child. "How long are we staying?"

"I don't know."

"I would like to so I can figure out what to pack," I sighed.

"Shoot for the rest of this week," Edward said, kissing my fingers. "We'll come back over the weekend."

I nodded mutely and looked out the window of Edward's Volvo. We pulled up to our home and got out of the car. Slowly, we headed into the frigid house. The large hole in the front window caused the heat to quickly evacuate the premises. Edward and Jasper went in first, just to make sure that there was no one in the house. I followed close behind and went up to the bedroom, packing a bag for both Edward and I. When I was done, Edward carried the large duffle in his hand and placed it in my car. He told me that Esme was expecting me. I reminded him to hurry. He kissed me sweetly and promised he'd be at Carlisle and Esme's by no later than ten.

I drove to Carlisle and Esme's palatial estate. Esme opened the garage and motioned for me to pull into it. I parked the car and grabbed the duffle bag that was in the back. Esme held open her arms and I collapse into them. I bawled, uncontrollably. She led me into the family room of her home, holding me as I fell apart. Crumbling into pieces. Ripping at the seams. After a good cry, I pulled away, wiping my cheeks. "I'm sorry, Esme."