Broken (Twilight Fanfiction)

Chapter 4

He was true to his word. Charlie came stumbling into my room in the middle of the night, drunk. He had his black belt in one hand and a beer bottle in the other.

"Stand by the wall," he demanded in a slurred tone, swaying slightly.

I complied and placed my hands on the wall. My back braced itself, knowing that he's strike me again until I'd collapse. I gritted my teeth, ready for the pain.

Due to his drunkenness, Charlie's strikes weren't as painful as normal blows and it took me longer to fall to the floor in agony. I'm sure that my back was bruised and bleeding again and I was glad that I got changed in the girl's bathroom when I did Gym. People would notice the bruises and marks and call the police. I would end up going into care and ending up anywhere in the States. I couldn't let that happen.

Charlie left five minutes later, satisfied with himself and locked the door behind him. I was curled up in defence and hugged my knees into my chest. I was trembling and it worsen when the cold wind sneaked in my room through the window bars.

The sun was rising when I managed to get to my feet. I used the wall to help me stay upright and I reached the window. I looked out and grimaced when I saw the frosty snow that covered the ground. I was the most uncoordinated person ever and ice helped to increase the number of falls I have everyday. I wasn't going to survive the day without slipping at least four times.

"Bella! Get down here now!" Charlie yelled from downstairs.

With dread in the pit of my stomach, I went down the stairs and Charlie was stood in the doorway of the kitchen. He looked murderous. What have I done now?

"I got a phone call from your school."

Oh no.

"Do you mind telling me why you didn't turn up for any of your lessons?"

I swallowed nervously. I couldn't think up of any lies. He would see right through them anyway.

"No words? Answer me, damn it!" He yelled as he slapped my cheek. My cheek stung after the hit and I could feel it going red.

"Stupid girl," Charlie snarled as he gripped my throat and pushed me against the wall. I struggled weakly against his fingers trying to pry them off but my attempts were next to useless.

"Pull a stunt like that again and I won't let you out of this house." He threatened in a cold voice.

I nodded meekly and he let go off my throat. I gasped in air and he threw a scarf at me. I caught it before it touched the ground and I glanced questionally at Charlie.

"It's to keep people from seeing the marks from around your neck. I don't want someone grassing me up and making up lies about me."

I nodded wordlessly and exited the house, relieved when he didn't do or say anything else. I closed the door behind me and exhaled as I saw the ice covering the road and the walkway.

On they way to school, I nearly slipped five times and I actually slipped once. A record of how many times I nearly or actually slipped up in a hour.

By the time I was at school I was frustrated with my bad coordination and I couldn't believe how bad it actually was. I knew that I was clumsy, but not his clumsy. I cursed as I slipped and managed to stay standing. I grinned to myself and I continued walking across the car park.

I was in the centre when I heard a terrible screeching noise. I spun and was immobilised as I saw a van sliding across some ice, spinning out of control and heading in my direction. I saw Tyler wrestling and failing to gain control of the steering wheel. I looked to my left and saw Edward Cullen, horror-struck, as the van continued rushing towards me.