Spare Another Twenty-Five Minutes
-Chapter One: Meet My Unbearable Life-
— [Bella] —
"Hi Ma!" I said in glee as I walk over to Esme. She opened her arms to hug me tight, she squeezed me like a little plushy.
"I missed you so much!" she said in her happiest tone.
I just got home from my boarding school in California. I can only travel back here in Washington at the end of the month due to lack of money and my work. College became hard for me to handle since I got a job at the same time. I study in the morning and work by night. I can only visit Esme when I have a day-off in the weekends but I have to go back immediately to California, for sure I have work the next day.
"How's school?" she asked breaking me out of my thoughts.
"Great!" Esme doesn't know I'm working by night. I told her that the school provides everything for me, that I'm a scholar in Sacramento University. I don't want her to work for my schooling because she's getting weaker and weaker. It's really bad that she's suffering from this aneurism. It's unbearable and weakening to leave her all alone here, I was thinking of hiring a personal nurse but it will cause additional expenses. Her medication had really caused me a lot of money not-to-mention the nervousness I get when I'm in California.
I want to stay here with her but I really need to go to California, Jacob gave me a discount in my tuition fee, so it will be cheaper, and there's no university around in Forks. I'm not alone in California. I have my trusty best friend named Jacob Black. I love that little puppy. He always helps when he can.
"Did you take your medicines? That's twice a day."
"Yes Mommy Bella" she joked as she giggled playfully. "So what do you want for dinner?"
"Beef Steak" I smiled. Esme's a bad cook, the only dish she perfected is Beef Steak, and so it became my favorite meal.
She went to the kitchen to prepare the dish, I followed her there. She washed then placed the ingredients on the pan and turned on the heat. I stare at her as Esme place the seasoning one by one. Soon, it smells good enough to eat.
"You're getting better at cooking!" I uttered. Esme gave me a smile.
I prepared the table knife and fork. I pulled the chair for her. I want to make her feel a little like a queen for today. I'm going back to California tomorrow morning. I want to cherish my hours with my Ma.
I also prepared a pitcher of apple juice for her. It's her favorite, especially done with Washington apples. [A/N: I hate the taste of Washington apples. LOL.]
I sat and prayed then I took a piece. The food tastes perfect. "I've been longing for this all month." I said with a smile on my lips.
"You missed the food, not me."
"I missed you more than anything!" I uttered strongly.
"Like that's even true"
"It is" I smiled again.
"Why would you love someone like me?"
"Because, even if I'm not you're real daughter, you gave me the basic things that I need. And you never treated me like I'm some kind of stranger in this house." She stayed silent upon hearing my words yet her smile cannot be hidden.
I'm just adopted by Esme and Carlisle Cullen. Esme is unable to bear a child, her son died upon her labor. Almost put her life into danger. Carlisle was a doctor in the only hospital in Forks. He died a few years ago when I was 12. Esme never told me how Carlisle died. Whenever I try to ask, she just ends up changing the topic. I was stubborn in asking her but I gave up in the end.
Esme's alone in the house. This situation really bothers me, what if her aneurism strikes without me here. Who would rush her to the hospital?
We ate silently. I poured some apple juice on Esme's glass. I got my eyes staring at the glass. Suddenly Esme began wailing, holding the back her neck. She screamed. I broke my grip on the glass pitcher and the sound of breaking glass filled the small dining room. This is the thing I'm talking about. Her aneurism may get worse.
I helped her stand up from her chair and started heading for the door. I grabbed the keys to my scarlet truck then helped her on the passenger seat. I started the engine nearly killing myself of tension. I drove as fast as I can to bring her to the hospital. She is placed on a stretcher. I followed the nurses as they rush her to the E.R.
"Miss, you can't go in" the girl in white said respectfully. I wept the tears coming from my eyes. I waited patiently by the bench still crying.
My phone rang. I took my phone and saw Jacob was calling.
"Hey Jake."
"Why didn't you tell me you're going to Washington today?" he said like a little kid. "I should have gone there with you."
"You're on duty today right?"
"I can arrange that."
"Yeah, because you can't get fired, the manager has a crush on you."
"Yup, that's the advantage of being handsome" He scoffed from the other line. "Wait, why are you in such a dull tone? What happened?"
"Esme had an attack."
"How is she now?"
"I don't know yet… Uhh.. Can I call you later?"
"Yeah"
"Bye." I pressed the red button on my phone.
I saw the nurses transfer Esme to the Intensive Care Unit. I went inside her room having no idea how to pay the hospital bill. I sat on the chair just beside her hospital bed. I held her hand and kissed it gently with my soft lips as the tears of pain escape my eyes.
After a few hours I found myself sleeping with my head on my crossed arms lying on Esme's bed. Suddenly, I heard someone knock on the door. I lifted myself off the chair and headed for the door. It opened and hit me on my head.
"Ow…" I whimpered.
"Oh, sorry Bella, I didn't know you're standing there." Jacob said with a smile.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
"I just want to check on you and Esme… How is she?" he handed me a basket full of Washington apples.
"She needs to stay for three to five days I guess." I placed the basket on the nearest table.
"Don't worry about the bill, I got it."
"Jake, you don't ha—"he placed a finger on my lips.
"Shush… I will not take no for an answer. I know you got a hard time paying your tuition fee and her medication. I just want to help you out… And Bella, will I kill you to say thank you, just thank you, no more arguments" he whispered to my ear while holding a finger at me.
"Thank you."
"Yeah, that's better." I hugged his muscular chest.
"I promise I'll repay you off in some way." He placed his arms around my waist tightly. "Right now, just list that down."
"Bella?" I broke off my embrace to Jake upon hearing Esme.
"Esme, Jake visited. He brought apples." I said.
"Thank you, Jacob." Esme said with a grateful weak smile.
"You're welcome, Mrs. Cullen" he turned to me. "I guess I better head out." He leaned closer to my ear and whispered lightly "I'm going to your house, ok?"
I nodded swiftly so Esme couldn't see. "I'll be staying for the night."
"What about your school tomorrow?" Esme asked.
"I can travel around six in the morning." Jacob looked worried.
"I can go with you, travelling alone is a bit dangerous." He suggested.
"Jake, please, I said I can." I looked at him quite annoyingly. "Sorry" I apologized for my tone. Jacob went outside. "Ma, excuse me." Esme nodded.
I followed Jacob.
"Jake? What's wrong?" he turned to face me.
"It's you, Bella. You never let me help you… you never ask if you needed any help wherein fact you do. The situation is getting more difficult in your case… I'll go now." He walked away.
"I'll catch up in a jiff" I whispered, then went inside again. Esme looked at me smiling. I wondered instantly.
"Honey, did Jacob propose to you yet?" I blushed.
"No, Jake is just a friend, and it'll stay like that." I didn't hear myself. "Ma, can I grab a few things at home, I'll return as soon as possible."
"Yes, hurry dear." I went straight to my truck then drove off to Esme's house.
I saw Jacob sitting on the first step by the porch. "You forgot to give me the keys." He said in an utterly cold tone.
"Sorry"
He scanned my truck. "So you still have that." The truck originally belongs to Carlisle, Jacob just fixed the old thing when we reached junior year.
"Yup." I sat beside him and rest my head on his shoulder. He placed one hand on my shoulder.
"Esme asked earlier she said 'did Jacob propose to you yet?' I just turned red… you know I also wondered, what are we really?"
"We're two peas in a pod, partners in crime, we're best pals… Why did you wonder?" he breathed heavily "Why? Want me to kiss you?" his lips curved into a sinister smile.
"EWW... NO" I said sharply. I got disgusted with myself instantly I pulled away from his shoulder.
"Sweet naïve little Bella, never kissed, never touched." I ignored those words with a clever tone.
"I need to get something for Esme… BRB…"
I pulled out the keys from my right back pocket. I placed one key inside the keyhole then turned it lightly, the door clicked open. I saw the room still has the light turned on. There goes another dollar; the electricity, water and other bills. I think I can't handle anymore of the pressure. My debt to Jacob will be higher than what I need to pay now, maybe doubled. I leaned my head on the door's frame. My knees suddenly weakened as I think about my debt.
I tried to regained strength and marched my way to Esme's room. I grabbed whatever it is necessary to bring in the hospital. I placed everything on a gym bag. I think this is good for three or five days. I grabbed a few things for my own to get me through the night.
I really need to stay here. But I really can't because I don't want to risk losing my job at Verdiana Café. Right now I'm in a really desperate need of money. It's shameful to ask any more money from Jake. I really need to pay him immediately.
Something popped out of my mind. Where does Jake get that money? Maybe he's a mafia, a member of a syndicate… or worse, a call boy. My eyes widened. I wish he's not. I went immediately downstairs and looked for him. I saw Jake leaning against his black car.
"A ride to the hospital?"
"Jake, where do you get money?" he looked shocked upon hearing my words.
"Why do you ask?"
"I just need to know." My palms became wet with cold water coming out of my pores; I placed my hands inside the pocket of my blue Hoddie jacket.
"That's not important, Bella" he grinned.
"C'mon tell me, I need to know" I narrowed my vision to see him clearly in the dark.
"Billy gives me 50 a week and I get extra from Verdiana… I have my savings too… And I don't have to pay for my tuition, remember…?" he blinked three consecutive times. "Happy?" he made me suspicious, it's one reason from him that didn't convince me. I stared at him, like I wanted him to tell the truth or something. "Bella, you're scaring me. Please stop glaring!" he exclaimed as I took him off my vision.
"Be sure that you didn't get that money from something illegal."
"Yeah, I swear" he half raised his hand as if pledging. I really don't know Jacob much even if we spent most our lives together. I think I only know him about 70 to 80% of his personality. After all, everyone usually have a secret or two.
I smiled. "Let's go!" He took the gym bag from my hands and placed it inside the car. He sat on the driver's seat from the other side. I took the passenger side then he started to drive away from my house to the hospital.
Esme was in a deep sleep, then I left her sleeping soundly; I just wanted to accompany her before leaving again. I told the nurses to keep her busy with some small talks, since she's frequently in the hospital this year.
I found Jake sleeping on the couch; I approached him and shook him lightly until his eyelids looked up at me.
"Let's go!" I exclaimed, making him stand up holding his keys.
"Yeah…"
~ζ~
"Jake! Nice suit… what's it for?"
"Pi-Piano recital?" he stuttered. It sounded nothing like the truth.
"Why did you answer in question form?" I wondered. "And you didn't even invite me to watch you? How rude!" I blurted out.
"It's for VIPs only…" his voice quivered.
"No, I don't buy it. It's impossible for an amateur."
"I've been practicing for almost half of my life, how can I still be an amateur?"
"But you're certainly not a pro yet."
"Wait…" he paused. "It's your day-off today, why are you here?"
"It's boring at my apartment, and since you're here, working at Verdiana is not boring, I switched schedules with Tyler, so tomorrow will be my off."
"So we'll go?"
"Yup!" I said cheerfully with a smile.
Jacob's cell phone rang. "Excusez-moi, belle mademoiselle, (Excuse me, beautiful lady) I need to take this call." I headed to the employee's room to change to my waitress outfit. When I got out of the Employee CR, I bumped into Nessie.
"Good morning… Bella?" Nessie greeted. "It's your day-off today, why are you here?"
"It's boring at home." I whispered. "So, Ms. Manager, what do I do?"
"Stay here… three hours… ok?" she held up two fingers.
"Why?"
"Don't ask just stay here." She headed for the door.
I thought I won't be bored if I go to work today but it's just weird for Nessie to let me idle in the staff room. And moreover, it's Sunday, this is the day where most of the avid customers come. Working in Verdiana Café as a waitress is my job, although I learned a bit of cooking French dishes here thanks to Lauren, the amazing chef.
At first, I didn't think that I can get this job since I'm only 18 and this is one of the most expensive fine dining restaurants in Sacramento. Jake helped me get this job. This place is also considered as a five star restaurant so it kind of seemed impossible. And it amazes me because the manager, Ms. Renesmee McLaughlin is only 25 years old, and she does her job really well too, plus she's not a grouch like that other manager, Mr. Thomas Sawyer, talk about lazy McGrumpy pants.
Other than Jake and me there's also Jessica, Tyler and Angela who acts as the waiters here, the younger ones actually. I don't come close to the other waiters at 30 and above, I just think it's weird to talk to them. It's really fun working with Nessie and the others especially my best friend.
"Hot Chocó?" Lauren placed the hot cup on the table where I'm seated.
She sat beside me with a smile on her lips "Yeah, thanks! Hey aren't you supposed to be cooking?" she breathed heavily.
"I'm a bit tired, as you know we opened at 7 in the morning and—" Renesmee caught our attention when she burst from the door suddenly.
"Bella, you're needed at table nine."
"Me?" I pointed at myself. "Better head to your post, Lauren." I smiled as I stood up heading outside the employee's room. I sighed as I made my way to table nine.
"Bonjour, Je m'appelle Bella (My name is Bella), I will be serving you today." I greeted with a cheerful smile as I notice Jacob, still in the tux, standing by the entrance of the café talking to a man who's about the same height as his.
"Ms. Waitress?" a man called out. "You're spacing out... I said I want to have the lobster and two orders of lasagna." The girl in front of her was giggling at my reaction, it really made me annoyed but I can't show it. "Oui? (Yes?)"
"Oui… Oui… monsieur… Just a few minutes and your order will be here." I trailed off to the kitchen.
"Lauren, one lobster and two lasagnas on table nine."
I sighed as I thought how I hated my tongue to be so twisted every day. Since this is a French restaurant, it's a requirement for the waiters and waitresses to speak the language, just the basics anyway.
I eyed Jacob from the kitchen window, I see he's still talking to the guy with the black cowboy hat with long hair. Their conversation ended when the man patted Jacob's back and left him with a smile. "Who is he?" I asked to myself.
"Bella, table nine."
"Oui…" I grabbed the tray and held one in my hand. I walked over to table nine and placed the orders. It seems like the girl he was with earlier disappeared.
"Merci…" he whispered. "You're name suits you well, Bella" he blurted out suddenly making me shocked. "Wearing a waitress outfit is such a waste of beauty… How's about I take those off of you?" my jaw dropped as I heard his unpleasing words. I didn't care what punishment I'll get after this but I need to slap him hard, which I did when his date arrived. I felt somehow relived hurting him badly.
"Quel l'enfer! (What the hell!)" I shouted out. "S'il vous plaît partir (Please leave)" my voice was sure and powerful. I was certain that everyone in the restaurant was giving me their horrifying glares. I pointed to the door with fuming eyes pinned him on his seat.
"Bella, Bella" Jacob came in close, he held my shoulder and tried to calm my senses but it was no use, I held my hand into a fist and was ready to punch him but Jacob restraint me before I could do so. "Calm down… Bella please" he whispered in my ear, his tone sounded more of a plead.
"Jacob, can you tell her who am I?" the man's tone denoted arrogance and then he scoffed right after, mocking me even more.
"Mike, I'll talk to her… Please enjoy the meal?" he said awkwardly. "I apologize sincerely." I stood up beside Jacob, I still cannot believe that he's apologizing when that Mike is the one at fault.
I can't take the sight I'm seeing so without thinking I released some words out. "JAKE, WHAT ARE YOU APOLOGIZING FO—?" he cupped his hand over to my mouth.
"Enough, Bella" he whispered once again, I shoved his hand away from me, I grabbed the wine on the table and poured it all over him then marched my way to the kitchen. His expression was completely pissed off. I banged the door and everyone's eyes stared at me.
"What was that all about?" Nessie asked worriedly.
"The guy at table nine just harassed me."
"WHAT? But that's Michelangelo Greiner?" she exclaimed. "What did you do?"
"Slapped his ugly face and poured wine all over him." Nessie looked pale all of a sudden.
"BELLA, I'm sorry." Jacob came in from the door. "It's just his typical attitude."
"How do you know him?" I asked sitting on the floor. "Who is he anyway?"
He silenced for awhile before answering as if searching for the words. "My dad is friends with his family… And the Greiners own 22% of Verdiana Café branches in America." He sat beside me.
"So? That's not enough reason to harass me like that…. He's just inhuman."
"I understand." I leaned to his shoulder as my tears began to fall. "Hey, don't cry"
"Do you know what he said?" I sniffed. " 'Wearing a waitress outfit is such a waste of beauty… How about I take those off of you'… and he was grinning! I hate him so much. I should have poured muriatic acid in his ugly face."
"I'm really sorry I can't defend you, he's just a little bit more powerful than us, here… if I could then I would punch his head right off of his shoulders… I'm really sorry I can't, Bella"
"It's not your fault." He kissed my forehead.
"Don't worry, he's gone now" I sat up. "I need to go change to my waiter costume…" he joked making me feel a little relieved.