~~~ zackys pov ~~~

i was a bit stunned as I stood talking to Johnny and all of a sudden Bella had her arms wrapped tightly around me, crying and mumbling into my chest. I couldn't help the laughter that erupted from me as a result. If I was a betting man, I would have sworn she hated me for some reason. I mean the only two times I've touched her shes thrown up on me and smacked me, so that was my conclusion. Johnny witnessing the whole thing shot me a confused look, all I could do in response was shrug my shoulders. I didn't have a clue what was going on either, besides the fact that she was obviously plastered.

" I'm so sorry zacky" she blubbered on, her face still buried in my shirt. I wrapped my arms around her and began rubbing her back in an attempt to comfort her.

" it's ok, I like it rough" I chuckled, causing her to peak up at me. I gazed down at her and smiled. She shot me a quick uneasy smile and removed her arms from around me and turned to walk away.

" Hey, where are you going?" I asked reaching out and grabbing her hand as she turned. She stopped and slowly began to turn back towards me causing me to flinch out of habit. She didn't say anything and kept her gaze cast down at the floor, I could tell there was something more going on than just her being drunk. I kept my hold on her hand and led her over to a empty corner of the living room.

" Are you okay?" I whispered to her. She continued staring at the floor, but I could see the tears begin to line her eyes once again. I didn't know exactly what to say or do, I knew this whole situation had to be a lot to take in at once. I kept my gaze on her, waiting for her to answer.

" It's just that..... Ummm..... Never mind it's nothing" she choked out as the fresh tears began to stream down her cheeks. I was never much of a very emotional guy, and wasn't the best at helping people with their issues. But I hated seeing women cry and I didn't want to leave her like this. She needed a friend, and I was going to be that friend.

" come with me" I said, wrapping my arm around her shoulders as I lead her to the stairs. Just then Brian came flying down the stairs, shooting a quick wink mine and Bella's way. I faintly heard her grumble something under her breath and caught her out of the corner of my eye, shoot Brian a nasty look.

" Oh Bella baby! What's wrong?!" Val yelped, seeming to have come out of nowhere. She ran over and stroked Bella's hair, trying to get Bella to look at her.

" It's ok Val, I've got this" I said trying to reassure her and not have her flip out. Val was definitely the mother of the group, always worrying about everybody. But I figured I would take the lead on this one. Val nodded her head somberly as I walked Bella up the stairs and Into one of the empty guest rooms. once inside I shut the door as Bella went and crawled up on the bed. She sat up against the headboard, pulling her knees firmly into her chest. I stood for a moment at the door just watching her, she looked scared almost. I made my way over to the bed, sitting gently next to her causing her to look over at me and then back at the wall ahead of her.

" I thought for once everything was going to be ok, but it just never is" she whispered almost as if she was talking to herself. Her eyes staying straight ahead as she blinked through the tears. I wasn't sure what to say, but I knew I had to do something. My mind played back to when she gave Brian that look a few minutes ago, wondering if he had something to do with all this.

" Did somebody upset you?" I asked, shifting my body slightly so that I was now in her line of vision. She once again dropped her gaze in an attempt to block me out.

" Did Brian upset you?" As his name left my mouth I could see her body tense up. She remained silent, but her body said it all. Brian did infact have something to do with this, I just had to find out what. I gently took her chin in my hand, raising her head to look me in the eyes. I could see the anxiety and worry that clouded them. She slightly opened her mouth as if she was about to speak, but promptly shut it before making a sound.

" Look Bella, I know you don't really know me. But your apart of our family. I can only imagine what this whole transition must be like. But if someone has done something to upset you, that's not ok" I said placing my hand on hers. She sighed deeply as if she was fighting to gain courage before she spoke.

" Ya but blood or not I'm still just a stranger to everyone..... Who would you believe. Your best friend or some girl you just met?" She questioned me with sad eyes. I stayed silent for a moment, taking in what she said. It made sense and I fully understood what she meant, but I don't want her to think that no one cared and she just had to deal with whatever shit people gave her. Brian was one of my best friends and he was one of the sweetest guys ever. But he is also a horn dog and doesn't know when to stop sometimes. Which was exactly why he and Michelle were on rocky terms right now. They did their best to hide it, but we all could see through the fake smiles and hidden rage.

" none of us are perfect Bella, and no on wants you to feel uncomfortable. You can tell me, I'm not going to judge you or think your a liar" with that she got up off the bed and began pacing back and forth by the window. I watched her silently as she finally came to a stop infront of me, running her hands through her hair and letting out a deep breath.

" Well you know Brian has been really flirtatious, which I just ignored figuring that's just how he was" she rambled out as she began to pace again. I nodded my head in response knowing exactly what she meant. I had a pretty good feeling where this was heading and I was shocked and not suprised at the same time. Brian is notorious for crossing the line when he wants something, but I would have never thought he would mess with his wife's sister. Especially just meeting her two days ago.

" Did he hurt you" I seethed, feeling my blood begin to boil. Bella seemed like such a sweet girl and I was annoyed that Brian would do this. Not only to Bella but Michelle too, I don't blame Bella for being scared to say anything.

she froze and looked me dead in the eyes.
" He cornered me in the bathroom and restrained my arms and kissed me" as she spoke her eyes drifted to the wall behind me. Almost as if she were watching the moment like a movie in her head.

" Then someone walked in and he hid in the linen closet to make it look like I was alone........ I told him to stop but he didn't listen.... He didn't care" she looked back to me, her eyes pleading and scared. I knew she was worried about what I thought about her whole statement, but I believed her. But before I could speak we both spun our heads towards the door, seeing a pissed off Michelle and a bewildered Val stumbling in behind her. They must have been listening from the other side of the door. I saw Bella's eyes grow wide with horror as she saw Michelle storm towards her.

" You fucking slut!!" Michelle roared, slapping Bella harshly across the face. Bella stumbled back, grabbing her crimson cheek as she stared at Michele in pure astonishment.