Chapters One - Five
Over 150 Years ago, descendants of the Black and Brady family lived in New York City. New York was a very different place back then. Isabella, who was 16, lived with her mother, Marlena Black, and Father, Jonathan Black. They were the part of the elite in New York, known city wide for throwing the biggest and most extravagant parties and entertaining the boast of New York's finest. Their house on Manhattan Island, didn't leave much to the imagination. With over 50 acres, a staff of 20, the family were admired and respected in the best circles of people in New York, yet loathed by the people back in the city centre. There were three main classes. The rich, a la, the Black, the people who could eat happily, but never dream of living like a Black, and the poor. "The scum of the city", as Marlena once put it, but were just normal people wanting a decent life.
Shawn Brady, lived with parents, Bo and Hope Brady in a modest home. Bo was in the local police force. But his job was no where near as recognized as some. He saw himself as a glorified rat catcher. Hope stayed at home, and tended with Shawn, and her baby on the way.
Isabella and Shawn had no idea that one summer afternoon their lives would change forever.....
Part 1
Isabella was bored out of her mind. She had been up all night unable to sleep. She knew her Mom and Dad would be fast asleep, and the staff would all be in their quarters.
She noticed the time was 5am, so decided to go into the garden. The garden was amazing this time of day. It was Summer so the sun was just breaking over the horizon. The trees and flowers were all in full bloom, so she went and sat on the swinging chair in the middle of an apple orchard. As she glanced over at the gates, she noticed someone forgot to close the one gate.
"I bet that was Gerald." She said quietly. "Forgetful as anything, and nutty as a fruitcake." She giggled to herself, and went to close the gate. As she gazed over to the city, she couldn't help but wonder what was over there. The factory chimneys bellowed smoke, the sound of dogs barked, so only god could know what it was like during a busy day. A cheeky smile spread across the dreamers face as she ran to the staffs quarters. She banged on Geralds door over and over until he awoke. A groggy old man came to the door.
"Miss Black, why do you wake me so early. I don't start to work for another hour."
"Gerald. My parents said that if I left early today I could go to the city. They said you could take me."
"Oh Miss Black.."
"I've told you Gerald a hundred times, call me Belle."
"OK Belle. But I'm sure your parents wouldn't have said that."
"Well, if you want to go and wake my parents up this early be my guest, but don't say I didn't warn you."
"OK, OK. I'll get dressed. Meet me in the garden in ten minutes."
An excited Belle, ran to her room, quickly got dressed and ran as fast as she could into the garden. Gerald was already there sat up on the horse and carriage. He opened the carriagedoor and Belle stepped inside.
"But what do we do when we get to the docks?"
"It's OK. My Mother said you can leave then. All you have to do is take me to the boats. I can buy my ticket and be home by evening."
"And you are sure they said you could go alone?"
"Yes. Now come on ride."
Two hours later the horse and carriagearrived at the docks. Belle gave Gerald her money to buy her ticket, and she stepped aboard the boat set for the city. The journey took almost another two hours and it was easily nine o'clock when she arrived. As she stepped off the boat the immediate hustle and bustle of this metropolitan city hit her. People were rushing everywhere, there were more horses than Belle had ever seen before. She felt a man prod her in the back. She turned to see a youngish looking man at aboard another horse and carraige.
"Do you want a ride into the city?"
"I thought I was in the city."
The man chuckled at Belles naivety. "I take it your not from around here."
"No. But if you could take me that would be great."
"Fine. Hop in."
As the carriage turned a few corners, down a few streets and over a few roads it pulled even deeper into the city. She payed the man and hopped off.
"What shall I do first." She thought to herself. She spotted a policeman doing nothing, and decided to ask him.
"Um, hello officer."
The tall man turned to face the girl. "Hello young lady. What can I do for you?"
"I'm visiting and I'm unsure what to do first."
"Well, the park is an amazing place in the summer."
"Oh. I'll go there then. Um, how do I get there?"
"Wait there, my son can take you." The man shouted over the street to a boy who stood at a market stall. "SHAWN." The boy turned. "Come here."
The boy ran over to the street and stopped dead in his tracks as soon as he saw Belle.
"This is my son Shawn. My name is Bo." He turned to Shawn. "Shawn, this young lady is visiting and I told her you would take her to see the gardens and fountains."
"Sure dad. Whats your name?"
"Isabella, but you can call me Belle."
"OK Belle. Lets go."
The two walked off, leaving Bo back to doing nothing.
Part 2
Part Two
Shawn led Belle into a huge field and garden. Belle stood in awe of the beauty, although her house had grounds you could race horses in, it was nothing like this. Shawn also stood in awe of beauty, but it wasn't the garden.
"So Belle. I've never seen you before. Are your family visiting New York?"
"No, well, sort of. I'm visiting the city, but we live around here. Just now in the centre."
"So where do you live?"
"On the island. Manhatten."
"The island. So, do you um, well what I mean is are you from a familty..."
"If you mean a family from money yes. I'm a Black. It can be a pain in the neck sometimes, but its cool. I dont get to mix with many kids though. The ones at my school might as well wear leeshes the way their parents treat them."
"So, do your parents know your here?"
"Whats with the 20 questions?"
"Just curious."
Back at home, Gerald couldn't help but wonder why he believed Belle in the first place, she often had her rebelious days, and she always seemed to pull him into helping her defy her parents. Marlena just stood staring at Gerald.
"I can't believe you let her take advantage of you again Gerald. You really can be a gullable fool. You'd better hope my husband can find Isabella."
She stormed out of the room, but not before stopping to talk again. "And Gerald, make me some tea."
"But Mrs Black, I'm not the cook."
"Your whatever I say you are until Isabella is home safe. And Gerald."
"Yes Mrs Black." He answered curiously.
"Make yourself a cup." She shot Gerald a smile before leaving the room.
"Mrs Black you really are a puzzle." Gerald said quietly.
Belle and Shawn had been talking in the park for over two hours. Neither had realised it had started to get dark, until an owl startled Belle.
"Gosh Shawn, it must getting late. I haven't even thought how I'm to get home."
"Come on." He held his hand out for Belle and puled her up off the bench. "My Dad will know how to get you home."
Belles heart almopst skipped a beat as her fathers voice bellowed towards her.
"Isabella Black, you get over here."
Belle didn't even realise she was still holding Shawn's hand.
John ran over to the pair, grabbed Shawn and through him on the floor.
"Dad, no."
"Be quiet Isabella, what did oyu do to my daughter? TELL ME."
"I, I. I was just talking."
Before John could respond he felt someone grab him. He spun around to become face toi face with Bo.
"What can I do for you officer?" John asked.
"For a start you can get your hands off my son."
John was shocked. "Oh. I um, see. Well my daughter Isabella went missing, I found her here. Your son was holding her hand."
"I don't care, you may have power and money on that island, but if you assault ANYONE here I will put you in prison."
Isabelle knew she had gone too far. "Dad I'm sorry. Can we just go?"
"Sure." He grabbed Belle by the arm and pulled her away. She looked back to see a solumn looking Shawn. She gave him a wink and a cheeky smile.
Shawn felt his stomach tie into a knot as he knew he would see Belle again soon.
Part Three
John as good as dragged Belle into the house. Marlena jumped up from the chair as he daughter stood before her.
"So Isabella. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"Mother, I just wanted to see the city. You cant be angry when I was just living a little."
"Oh you were doing more than living when I found you with that boy?"
"What boy John. Isabella, what boy?"
"The local policemans son in the city. When I found them he had his hands all over our daughter."
Marlena let out a gasp as if she had found out her daughter was pregnant. "Isabella. Well what I have to tell you now may come as a shock, but running away, you've thrown this day all off schedule."
"What do you hgave to tell me?" She looked over at her father. "Daddy. What is she talking about?"
"The Hudsons came over today. They brought their son, Daniel. He's seventeen. They'll be coming over tonight for dinner, and your mother and I would like you to meet Daniel."
"Why. Am I getting married?" Belle looked shocked.
"No." Marlena giggled. "Not yet anyway. Daniel is a wonderful boy. We think you two may get to know each other."
"No. You can't do this." Bella left the room in a hurry.
"Isabella. Isabella." Johns calls went unanswered.
Belle ran to her room in tears. She flung herself on the bed as a small knock on her door got her attention. "Go away."
"Miss Black. Its Gerald."
Belle jumped up, wiped her eyes and opened the door. "Gerald, I'm sorry. My parents just gave me awful news."
"The Hudsons. I know. I heard them talking thisw afternoon."
"I can't meet this boy. They can't just make me love someone." She turned to Gerald. "Oh Gerald, I met this wonderful boy today. He showed me the park ands was a real gentlemen. His father is a policeman." She finished impressed.
"A policeman is a wonderful job. However, not to your parents."
"Its so unfair. I want to go back. And I will Gerald. The city is my place, not here with some snobby boy called Daniel." She mimicked the boy she had never met.
"Well his parents came by this aftrernoon, and I would have made a bet the mother had two plums in each side of her mouth."
Belle giggled.
Gerald put two fingers in each side of his mouth and mocked Mrs Hudson. "Ooh Miss Black your daughter simply muuust meet my son. Hes only seventeen and has his own business."
Belle held her sides from laughing. "Gerald when I move to the city, you can come and work for me."
"I'm not in prison Isabella. I like working here. Me and your mother actually have some fun when no one is around. We have a real laugh."
"With my mother, never."
"Anyway, I must be off. But remember, each time I help you I suffer your parents wrath."
Belle smiled at her friend. "I'm sorry Gerald."
"Anytime sweetheart. Anytime." The man left Belle alone. Alone with her many thoughts of Shawn.
Shawn didn't have time to think about Belle though. When Belle left him, he went home with his father, and they found Hope. Unconcious on the floor. The doctor had pulled Bo alone into a room after inspecting Hope.
"I'm sorry Mr Brady."
"What. What's wrong with my wife?"
Shawn listened closly behind a wall.
"With the baby and the stress, Mrs Brady is very ill. I very much doubt she will survive the birth of this child."
Shawn felt his heart sink...
Part Four
Belle awoke the next day to the sound of her mother hammering on the bedroom door. She had gotten out of the previous nights dinner by faking a stomach upset.
"Isabella wake up."
Grogilly Belle slumped to the door and opened it. "Yes mother."
"You need to get dressed. You seem so adament to go into the city, well heres your chance. Your father and I are going over on some business, and you cam come along."
"Cool. I'll get dressed."
After throwing on some clothes Belle ran downstairs only to stop dead in her tracks as she bumped into a boy stood in the hallway.
"I'm sorry." She whispered.
Her mother came out of the room to greet her daughter.
"I see you've met Daniel."
"Daniel." Belle scoffed. "He's coming to the city?"
"Yes. While meand your father are tied up, Daniel can keep you company. And after last night I assumed you'd be dieing to meet this young man."
Daniel grabbed Belles hand and kissed the top of it. "Its wonderful to meet you."
"Yeah, likewise." Belle muttered with some faux enthusiasm. She spotted Gerald stood just in the kitchen. He made a face at her, which caused her to giggle.
"Isabella, whats so funny?"
"Nothing mother. just thinking of something."
Marlena, John and Daniel all went out to the carriage, while Belle quickly ran to see Gerald.
"Oh Gerald. What am I going to do?"
"Well you could push young Daniel off the boat. Say he, um, slipped."
Belle laughed again. "No really."
"Well just try to enjoy yourself. You never know you may see your young man."
"I hope so. I really do." And with that Belle rushed out to the waiting carriage.
It didn;t seem to take as long this time to get to the city. As soon as her parents went into the offices, Belle knew she had to get out of this "date" with Daniel.
"So Daniel. What do you think of this matchmaking stuff our parents are doing?"
"I think its wonderful. Your a very beautiful girl Isabella."
"Oh, you can call me.." She paused. "Miss Black."
Daniel raised an eyebrow. "OK Miss Black."
A voice came from the crowds that grabbed Belles attention. "ISABELLA, ISABELLA."
She turned to see it was Shawn. Daniel had noticed him also.
"Oh, cousin Shawn." She turned to Daniel. "I must see my cousin. Bye." She ran over to Shawn.
"How come you are back here? And whos that?"
"My parents are here on business, and he's some boy my parents think I'll like. But I don't." She noticed the dark circles under Shawns eyes.
"Why do you look so tired Shawn."
"Come here." He grabbed Belles hand and pulled her behind a building. "My mother is ill."
"Oh I am sorry to hear that. What is it?"
"She is having another baby. But there have been some problems. The doctor doesnt think she will make it through the birth."
"Oh Shawn." Belle hugged her new friend, and Shawn felt a lot better with this girls arms around him.
"My Dad is trying to get some money together so we can get her some treatment. So has some painkillers, but without treatment, she's just dieing."
"Listen Shawn, my parents will be looking for me soon. How difficult is it for you to get onto the island?"
"Are you kidding. My dad knows everyone down the docks. I visit nearly everyday, well until I get shoed away by some gardener or caretaker."
"Well, heres my address." She handed him one of her fathers cards. "If you can come over tonight, I will sneek out to see you. My bedroom window is the big bay window facing due south."
Shawn smiled at Belle and kissed her on the cheek. "Goodbye Belle. I'll see you tonight."
"Bye Shawn." It took a few minutes for Belle and Shawn to manage to pry their hands apart. When they did she ran back to the offices and warned Daniel not to say a word about her friend or she would never see him again.
Part Five
Belle waited by her window for over two hours. Finally a knock made her jump. A few seconds later another knock. She looked out the window to see Shawn throwing small stones. She opened the window and gazed down at Shawn.
"Hi." He called up.
"Hi Shawn." She answered him with a smile. "Climb that tree, You can come in then."
"OK." He lept up onto a branch and climbed the tree. He hung down and jumoed into Belles window. Upon landing on the floor he gave Belle a hug. "I've missed you."
"Me to. We have to keep it down. My parents are down stairs."
"OK."
"So, hows your mother?"
Shawns face turned sour. "Not good. We cant get her into a hospital, and my mother knows she has to hav this baby. My Dad feels like its his fault."
"Is there anything I can do?"
"Just being here is good for me." He hugged her again. Belle pulled away and gazed into Shawns eyes. She neared his face and kissed him. Before they could carry on the bedroom door flew open. Marlena stood in the doorway with Daniel and John.
"See Mrs Black." Daniel said. "I saw him climb the tree and get in the window. You can understand I thought it could be a killer." She gave Shawn a sly grin.
"Isabella get out of the room. Daniel, please go and get Mr Black."
Daniel ran off down the stairs, leaing Marlena with Shawn.
"When my husband gets here your going to regret messing with our daughter."
Fear ran down Shawns back.
Over 150 Years ago, descendants of the Black and Brady family lived in New York City. New York was a very different place back then. Isabella, who was 16, lived with her mother, Marlena Black, and Father, Jonathan Black. They were the part of the elite in New York, known city wide for throwing the biggest and most extravagant parties and entertaining the boast of New York's finest. Their house on Manhattan Island, didn't leave much to the imagination. With over 50 acres, a staff of 20, the family were admired and respected in the best circles of people in New York, yet loathed by the people back in the city centre. There were three main classes. The rich, a la, the Black, the people who could eat happily, but never dream of living like a Black, and the poor. "The scum of the city", as Marlena once put it, but were just normal people wanting a decent life.
Shawn Brady, lived with parents, Bo and Hope Brady in a modest home. Bo was in the local police force. But his job was no where near as recognized as some. He saw himself as a glorified rat catcher. Hope stayed at home, and tended with Shawn, and her baby on the way.
Isabella and Shawn had no idea that one summer afternoon their lives would change forever.....
Part 1
Isabella was bored out of her mind. She had been up all night unable to sleep. She knew her Mom and Dad would be fast asleep, and the staff would all be in their quarters.
She noticed the time was 5am, so decided to go into the garden. The garden was amazing this time of day. It was Summer so the sun was just breaking over the horizon. The trees and flowers were all in full bloom, so she went and sat on the swinging chair in the middle of an apple orchard. As she glanced over at the gates, she noticed someone forgot to close the one gate.
"I bet that was Gerald." She said quietly. "Forgetful as anything, and nutty as a fruitcake." She giggled to herself, and went to close the gate. As she gazed over to the city, she couldn't help but wonder what was over there. The factory chimneys bellowed smoke, the sound of dogs barked, so only god could know what it was like during a busy day. A cheeky smile spread across the dreamers face as she ran to the staffs quarters. She banged on Geralds door over and over until he awoke. A groggy old man came to the door.
"Miss Black, why do you wake me so early. I don't start to work for another hour."
"Gerald. My parents said that if I left early today I could go to the city. They said you could take me."
"Oh Miss Black.."
"I've told you Gerald a hundred times, call me Belle."
"OK Belle. But I'm sure your parents wouldn't have said that."
"Well, if you want to go and wake my parents up this early be my guest, but don't say I didn't warn you."
"OK, OK. I'll get dressed. Meet me in the garden in ten minutes."
An excited Belle, ran to her room, quickly got dressed and ran as fast as she could into the garden. Gerald was already there sat up on the horse and carriage. He opened the carriagedoor and Belle stepped inside.
"But what do we do when we get to the docks?"
"It's OK. My Mother said you can leave then. All you have to do is take me to the boats. I can buy my ticket and be home by evening."
"And you are sure they said you could go alone?"
"Yes. Now come on ride."
Two hours later the horse and carriagearrived at the docks. Belle gave Gerald her money to buy her ticket, and she stepped aboard the boat set for the city. The journey took almost another two hours and it was easily nine o'clock when she arrived. As she stepped off the boat the immediate hustle and bustle of this metropolitan city hit her. People were rushing everywhere, there were more horses than Belle had ever seen before. She felt a man prod her in the back. She turned to see a youngish looking man at aboard another horse and carraige.
"Do you want a ride into the city?"
"I thought I was in the city."
The man chuckled at Belles naivety. "I take it your not from around here."
"No. But if you could take me that would be great."
"Fine. Hop in."
As the carriage turned a few corners, down a few streets and over a few roads it pulled even deeper into the city. She payed the man and hopped off.
"What shall I do first." She thought to herself. She spotted a policeman doing nothing, and decided to ask him.
"Um, hello officer."
The tall man turned to face the girl. "Hello young lady. What can I do for you?"
"I'm visiting and I'm unsure what to do first."
"Well, the park is an amazing place in the summer."
"Oh. I'll go there then. Um, how do I get there?"
"Wait there, my son can take you." The man shouted over the street to a boy who stood at a market stall. "SHAWN." The boy turned. "Come here."
The boy ran over to the street and stopped dead in his tracks as soon as he saw Belle.
"This is my son Shawn. My name is Bo." He turned to Shawn. "Shawn, this young lady is visiting and I told her you would take her to see the gardens and fountains."
"Sure dad. Whats your name?"
"Isabella, but you can call me Belle."
"OK Belle. Lets go."
The two walked off, leaving Bo back to doing nothing.
Part 2
Part Two
Shawn led Belle into a huge field and garden. Belle stood in awe of the beauty, although her house had grounds you could race horses in, it was nothing like this. Shawn also stood in awe of beauty, but it wasn't the garden.
"So Belle. I've never seen you before. Are your family visiting New York?"
"No, well, sort of. I'm visiting the city, but we live around here. Just now in the centre."
"So where do you live?"
"On the island. Manhatten."
"The island. So, do you um, well what I mean is are you from a familty..."
"If you mean a family from money yes. I'm a Black. It can be a pain in the neck sometimes, but its cool. I dont get to mix with many kids though. The ones at my school might as well wear leeshes the way their parents treat them."
"So, do your parents know your here?"
"Whats with the 20 questions?"
"Just curious."
Back at home, Gerald couldn't help but wonder why he believed Belle in the first place, she often had her rebelious days, and she always seemed to pull him into helping her defy her parents. Marlena just stood staring at Gerald.
"I can't believe you let her take advantage of you again Gerald. You really can be a gullable fool. You'd better hope my husband can find Isabella."
She stormed out of the room, but not before stopping to talk again. "And Gerald, make me some tea."
"But Mrs Black, I'm not the cook."
"Your whatever I say you are until Isabella is home safe. And Gerald."
"Yes Mrs Black." He answered curiously.
"Make yourself a cup." She shot Gerald a smile before leaving the room.
"Mrs Black you really are a puzzle." Gerald said quietly.
Belle and Shawn had been talking in the park for over two hours. Neither had realised it had started to get dark, until an owl startled Belle.
"Gosh Shawn, it must getting late. I haven't even thought how I'm to get home."
"Come on." He held his hand out for Belle and puled her up off the bench. "My Dad will know how to get you home."
Belles heart almopst skipped a beat as her fathers voice bellowed towards her.
"Isabella Black, you get over here."
Belle didn't even realise she was still holding Shawn's hand.
John ran over to the pair, grabbed Shawn and through him on the floor.
"Dad, no."
"Be quiet Isabella, what did oyu do to my daughter? TELL ME."
"I, I. I was just talking."
Before John could respond he felt someone grab him. He spun around to become face toi face with Bo.
"What can I do for you officer?" John asked.
"For a start you can get your hands off my son."
John was shocked. "Oh. I um, see. Well my daughter Isabella went missing, I found her here. Your son was holding her hand."
"I don't care, you may have power and money on that island, but if you assault ANYONE here I will put you in prison."
Isabelle knew she had gone too far. "Dad I'm sorry. Can we just go?"
"Sure." He grabbed Belle by the arm and pulled her away. She looked back to see a solumn looking Shawn. She gave him a wink and a cheeky smile.
Shawn felt his stomach tie into a knot as he knew he would see Belle again soon.
Part Three
John as good as dragged Belle into the house. Marlena jumped up from the chair as he daughter stood before her.
"So Isabella. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"Mother, I just wanted to see the city. You cant be angry when I was just living a little."
"Oh you were doing more than living when I found you with that boy?"
"What boy John. Isabella, what boy?"
"The local policemans son in the city. When I found them he had his hands all over our daughter."
Marlena let out a gasp as if she had found out her daughter was pregnant. "Isabella. Well what I have to tell you now may come as a shock, but running away, you've thrown this day all off schedule."
"What do you hgave to tell me?" She looked over at her father. "Daddy. What is she talking about?"
"The Hudsons came over today. They brought their son, Daniel. He's seventeen. They'll be coming over tonight for dinner, and your mother and I would like you to meet Daniel."
"Why. Am I getting married?" Belle looked shocked.
"No." Marlena giggled. "Not yet anyway. Daniel is a wonderful boy. We think you two may get to know each other."
"No. You can't do this." Bella left the room in a hurry.
"Isabella. Isabella." Johns calls went unanswered.
Belle ran to her room in tears. She flung herself on the bed as a small knock on her door got her attention. "Go away."
"Miss Black. Its Gerald."
Belle jumped up, wiped her eyes and opened the door. "Gerald, I'm sorry. My parents just gave me awful news."
"The Hudsons. I know. I heard them talking thisw afternoon."
"I can't meet this boy. They can't just make me love someone." She turned to Gerald. "Oh Gerald, I met this wonderful boy today. He showed me the park ands was a real gentlemen. His father is a policeman." She finished impressed.
"A policeman is a wonderful job. However, not to your parents."
"Its so unfair. I want to go back. And I will Gerald. The city is my place, not here with some snobby boy called Daniel." She mimicked the boy she had never met.
"Well his parents came by this aftrernoon, and I would have made a bet the mother had two plums in each side of her mouth."
Belle giggled.
Gerald put two fingers in each side of his mouth and mocked Mrs Hudson. "Ooh Miss Black your daughter simply muuust meet my son. Hes only seventeen and has his own business."
Belle held her sides from laughing. "Gerald when I move to the city, you can come and work for me."
"I'm not in prison Isabella. I like working here. Me and your mother actually have some fun when no one is around. We have a real laugh."
"With my mother, never."
"Anyway, I must be off. But remember, each time I help you I suffer your parents wrath."
Belle smiled at her friend. "I'm sorry Gerald."
"Anytime sweetheart. Anytime." The man left Belle alone. Alone with her many thoughts of Shawn.
Shawn didn't have time to think about Belle though. When Belle left him, he went home with his father, and they found Hope. Unconcious on the floor. The doctor had pulled Bo alone into a room after inspecting Hope.
"I'm sorry Mr Brady."
"What. What's wrong with my wife?"
Shawn listened closly behind a wall.
"With the baby and the stress, Mrs Brady is very ill. I very much doubt she will survive the birth of this child."
Shawn felt his heart sink...
Part Four
Belle awoke the next day to the sound of her mother hammering on the bedroom door. She had gotten out of the previous nights dinner by faking a stomach upset.
"Isabella wake up."
Grogilly Belle slumped to the door and opened it. "Yes mother."
"You need to get dressed. You seem so adament to go into the city, well heres your chance. Your father and I are going over on some business, and you cam come along."
"Cool. I'll get dressed."
After throwing on some clothes Belle ran downstairs only to stop dead in her tracks as she bumped into a boy stood in the hallway.
"I'm sorry." She whispered.
Her mother came out of the room to greet her daughter.
"I see you've met Daniel."
"Daniel." Belle scoffed. "He's coming to the city?"
"Yes. While meand your father are tied up, Daniel can keep you company. And after last night I assumed you'd be dieing to meet this young man."
Daniel grabbed Belles hand and kissed the top of it. "Its wonderful to meet you."
"Yeah, likewise." Belle muttered with some faux enthusiasm. She spotted Gerald stood just in the kitchen. He made a face at her, which caused her to giggle.
"Isabella, whats so funny?"
"Nothing mother. just thinking of something."
Marlena, John and Daniel all went out to the carriage, while Belle quickly ran to see Gerald.
"Oh Gerald. What am I going to do?"
"Well you could push young Daniel off the boat. Say he, um, slipped."
Belle laughed again. "No really."
"Well just try to enjoy yourself. You never know you may see your young man."
"I hope so. I really do." And with that Belle rushed out to the waiting carriage.
It didn;t seem to take as long this time to get to the city. As soon as her parents went into the offices, Belle knew she had to get out of this "date" with Daniel.
"So Daniel. What do you think of this matchmaking stuff our parents are doing?"
"I think its wonderful. Your a very beautiful girl Isabella."
"Oh, you can call me.." She paused. "Miss Black."
Daniel raised an eyebrow. "OK Miss Black."
A voice came from the crowds that grabbed Belles attention. "ISABELLA, ISABELLA."
She turned to see it was Shawn. Daniel had noticed him also.
"Oh, cousin Shawn." She turned to Daniel. "I must see my cousin. Bye." She ran over to Shawn.
"How come you are back here? And whos that?"
"My parents are here on business, and he's some boy my parents think I'll like. But I don't." She noticed the dark circles under Shawns eyes.
"Why do you look so tired Shawn."
"Come here." He grabbed Belles hand and pulled her behind a building. "My mother is ill."
"Oh I am sorry to hear that. What is it?"
"She is having another baby. But there have been some problems. The doctor doesnt think she will make it through the birth."
"Oh Shawn." Belle hugged her new friend, and Shawn felt a lot better with this girls arms around him.
"My Dad is trying to get some money together so we can get her some treatment. So has some painkillers, but without treatment, she's just dieing."
"Listen Shawn, my parents will be looking for me soon. How difficult is it for you to get onto the island?"
"Are you kidding. My dad knows everyone down the docks. I visit nearly everyday, well until I get shoed away by some gardener or caretaker."
"Well, heres my address." She handed him one of her fathers cards. "If you can come over tonight, I will sneek out to see you. My bedroom window is the big bay window facing due south."
Shawn smiled at Belle and kissed her on the cheek. "Goodbye Belle. I'll see you tonight."
"Bye Shawn." It took a few minutes for Belle and Shawn to manage to pry their hands apart. When they did she ran back to the offices and warned Daniel not to say a word about her friend or she would never see him again.
Part Five
Belle waited by her window for over two hours. Finally a knock made her jump. A few seconds later another knock. She looked out the window to see Shawn throwing small stones. She opened the window and gazed down at Shawn.
"Hi." He called up.
"Hi Shawn." She answered him with a smile. "Climb that tree, You can come in then."
"OK." He lept up onto a branch and climbed the tree. He hung down and jumoed into Belles window. Upon landing on the floor he gave Belle a hug. "I've missed you."
"Me to. We have to keep it down. My parents are down stairs."
"OK."
"So, hows your mother?"
Shawns face turned sour. "Not good. We cant get her into a hospital, and my mother knows she has to hav this baby. My Dad feels like its his fault."
"Is there anything I can do?"
"Just being here is good for me." He hugged her again. Belle pulled away and gazed into Shawns eyes. She neared his face and kissed him. Before they could carry on the bedroom door flew open. Marlena stood in the doorway with Daniel and John.
"See Mrs Black." Daniel said. "I saw him climb the tree and get in the window. You can understand I thought it could be a killer." She gave Shawn a sly grin.
"Isabella get out of the room. Daniel, please go and get Mr Black."
Daniel ran off down the stairs, leaing Marlena with Shawn.
"When my husband gets here your going to regret messing with our daughter."
Fear ran down Shawns back.