June 23rd 2016
AN: Enjoy, give me feedback, review. I am not a professional writer I write for fun. I own nothing. The dates I put below the chapter title are simply for my knowledge and memory to the date I post on to keep track.
Also this is my longest chapter please review.
A for Alaska & A for Argus: Chapter 3
Bella shifted as she moved around the bed. She was warm, and there was a sweet scent, and music playing in the background. She stretched her muscles and stuffed her nose against the pillow. It was a familiar scent, it smelled like him. Was it Edward? She thought.
She instantly got up the queen sized bed and looked around the room. It was like she had been there before. The room had more gray colors, it was surrounded by more open windows than Alice's office. There was a huge television screen and there was a picture of her and Edward located above the headboard. It was the same picture Alice had showed her, but enlarged.
What in the world. Am I in Edward's room? She asked herself.
She got off the bed and saw black slippers against a chair. She imagined they were hers as they seemed to be her size and looked very feminine.
She slipped them on and relished in the emotions she was getting.
She felt comfortable and this room evoked a sense of home. She approached a massive bookcase located in the room. It even had a ladder in the far left to reach the books on the far top. She let her fingers glide against the binder of the books.
This room was beautiful and the book collection had some of her favorite books. She glanced at a huge antique mirror that gave the room a timeless appeal. She saw herself for the first time in a while and was saddened by how she looked.
Her brown hair was longer now it reached her waist, but the ends were split as she stopped caring for it when she was caught. Her once bright eyes looked sad and tired. Her lips were chapped and she tried to fix it by moistening them, but they returned to that dry look. She looked thinner, she had lost weight. She wasn't super skinny, but it was a huge difference to her body before. Her skin was still clean, but it didn't look as bright as before either. Her clothes were the same as before, but she knew that underneath it she had scars that would remind her of Argus.
Argus had destroyed her and her memories. She didn't have anyone to blame. She couldn't even recall why she had chosen or was elected to go to that mission by herself. That was suicide and now she was a broken woman.
She started to cry the more she looked at herself. She couldn't help but compare herself to that woman Edward was holding in the picture. If she doubted herself before she couldn't help it now. She could no longer compare herself to the old Bella. The old Bella appeared happy, bright, full of life. Now she looked destroyed and she had the evidence engraved on her skin.
She sat down on the floor and just let herself cry. She was glad music was playing in the background because no one or even Edward would be able to hear her cry her heart out. She was angry everything was lost and for the first time she cried. She didn't want Argus to ever see her cry, but now that she was away she could let everything she felt in her heart out. Crying was healthy too and she needed it.
She sat in the black coach and draped over a throw blanket as she cried. She decided she was going to let it all out that day and she wouldn't cry that way again.
She didn't know how long she had cried. Her head began to pound and her tears stopped flowing. She was tired and Bella closed her eyes before lying down on the soft coach.
She was going to get her life back and Argus was going to pay.
Bella POV
I felt myself flinch when I felt something soft on my forehead. I opened my eyes and there he was. The beautiful man that saved me. His lips were on my temple and I relished in that emotion. This was a nice feeling.
"Edward." I muttered as I rubbed my eyes.
He looked back gently and his green eyes softened as he caressed my face. He held my face with so much care that I let myself smile.
"Bella, are you okay?" He asked. He began to enroll the blanket around my shoulders around my shoulder before carrying me.
"I'm good. Edward what are you doing?" I asked as I hugged myself to his shoulders.
Being with Edward was so comforting. I didn't remember him, but my heart loved being with him.
"We're eating breakfast of course." He said against my hair. He carried me out the room and down a staircase. I peeped out from his arms and was astonished to see this amazing house. It was modern sleek, but the colors on the walls were inviting. It looked like my dream home.
"Edward your house is beautiful." I said as he sat me down on a stool.
He smiled at me, but he looked away with a sad emotion. Oh no I thought to myself. I did it again.
"Edward what is it? Tell me." I urged as I grasped his hand. His hand was big in comparison to mine, but soft and they were so gentle with me. I let my thoughts go back to the situation, now was not the moment to think about that.
"Nothing is wrong Bella. I'm just glad to have you back." He laughed as he sat across from me.
I looked down at the plate and inhaled the scents of the pancakes and coffee. It smelled really good.
"Did you make this?" I began to cut my pancakes before adding the syrup.
"Yes I did." He said.
I began to eat and the taste was just right. None of the food in that place was of my taste, but this was.
"It's amazing." I muttered.
Edward chuckled slightly before giving me a look. I didn't understand it. He kept glancing up at me as if he wanted to say something, but he didn't know when to say it.
He sighed slightly before smiling again. He continued to look at me and the blush I hadn't felt for months crept up.
I looked down at my plate as I swallowed my food. I didn't know how to react to this man. I knew who he was and what I was to him in the past, but I didn't remember him. I felt scared. Scared because I didn't remember him or knew what I was like with him. I was scared that I would no longer be what he needed. The old me was taken away by Argus.
"Bella can you look up at me?" Edward asked as he pushed a small stool next to me. He sat down and I automatically held my breath at the proximity.
"I'm sorry…I just"
"It's alright Bella." He cut me off. He grasped my hand tightly in between his two hands and pushed my hair behind my ear. "I understand that you don't remember me. I'm not going to push it. I know you found out we're engaged and that, that was too much for you so you passed out."
I bit my lower lip I didn't know what to say. I didn't want to hurt him.
"Bella it's alright I'm not going to push you. I care for you very much as does everyone else. We're your family before anything. I just simply want you to feel cared for and to help you. Our relationship… I'm not going to push it on you." He whispered the last part as he hung his head down. He looked defeated and sad. I don't know what impulsed me, but I grasped his face in between my hands and held him toward me in a hug. I wanted to comfort him and I didn't know what else to do. If he loved me I knew those words pained him and I grew much more motivated to go back to who I was for him and myself.
"Thank you Edward." I whispered against his hair. "Thank you for offering me comfort and I'll do my best to remember." I caressed his soft hair and he sighed against me. He pulled his arms around my waist and clung himself to me like a child.
"Bella I really missed you." He said. His hold was strong and I felt him shaking underneath me. I quickly pulled his head up to look at me. His green eyes were filled with tears. He was smiling as he looked at me, but the tears continued flowing down his cheeks.
"Edward?" I questioned alarmed, as I tried to remove the tears from his eyes.
"Don't panic Bella. I'm just so happy you're here I missed you very much." He said as he clung himself to me again.
I laughed sadly as I held him. This man was very pained and when he cried I felt myself want to breakdown too.
"I'm sorry Edward." As I said those words another image came up. It was the backpack and staircase again, but this time I saw a light brown wall. It felt familiar I wanted to see further but it left.
I smiled as I held Edward close. Images were coming at a rate that never happened in Alaska. My memory or pieces of it were making an appearance and I was feeling slightly better. Maybe Edward wouldn't have to wait too long.
The phone began to ring and Edward tried to dry his tears and calm his breathing before answering. He got up and went to retrieve it. I observed him as he walked. The way he picked up his phone and answered it. It was all familiar to me. I continued eating as I heard him talk on the phone.
"No." He said. He rubbed his eyes before smiling back at me. His eyes were a bit red, but he looked like himself again. Crying was a way to relieve emotions. Who said a man shouldn't cry, it honestly made Edward that much more attractive to me then the first time I saw him at the theaters. He could express his feelings and they were toward me. I felt adored and that motivated much more toward retrieving my memories of us.
"Alice she's okay. I just want her under my watch."
I sat up straighter as I tried to listen.
"Alice she needs more time. I don't want to push her."
He muttered something quickly before hanging up.
I popped a blueberry in my mouth as I kept my eyes on him. He turned around and just looked. My heart rate began to beat quickly at a rapid pace, but I tried to slow it down. Just looking at him eased my heart and he seemed to be doing the same thing I was. He just looked and I stared too, but I continued my chewing. I was too comfortable. I had emotions balancing on both sides. Sometimes I just felt like I could do anything I wanted and he wouldn't care. Other times I began to feel nervous.
Edward crossed her arms across his chest and leaned against the wall. He smiled and that emotion of shyness came back. I blushed and stared at the fruits on the table. That watermelon sure looked good.
"Bella."
"Yes." I responded.
"You're still beautiful."
"Thanks." I chuckled nervously. Well that was rather random.
"Alice is coming over with Jasper."
"Jasper?" I tried to remember. Nothing came to me and Edward's arms suddenly engulfed me in a warm back hug.
"Bella don't push it. Just ask and I'll answer."
He pulled away and simply cleaned while I finished eating. I didn't know how to begin, but I did want a change of clothes.
"Edward do I have a change of clothes here?" I asked
He continued cleaning and didn't look back I guess he didn't want to pressure me.
"Of course it's in another room. Actually you have your wardrobe here."
"Great thank you." I said.
He waved me off and I saw a small smile on his lips.
"It's nothing Bella I'm just so glad you're trying to become reacquainted with all your old stuff."
"Right..." The whole Jasper thing was beginning to bug me, "Edward, whose Jasper?"
"Oh he's Alice's husband." He shrugged as he wiped the counters.
"Why is he coming?"
"Well Jasper is basically the brains behind our company. We are a government funded agency to keep us going on secret missions they feel we could handle rather than handing them out to the CIA or FBI because there tend to be moles. We are more of a family oriented company so it plays out better for the government. There are less risks for the government."
"So the family is…?" I was intrigued. Family operated. That was unique.
"We are Bella."
I coughed in surprise.
"Including me?" I managed to gasp out.
Edward quickly came over to pat me back.
"Yes, Bella all of us Cullen's. Alice and Emmett too. Jasper and Rosalie were our friends for a very long time and even if they hadn't married my siblings they'd still be included. We all founded it for fun and it just became a bigger organization."
"Whoa." Was all I could say.
"Indeed, but of course all of play crucial roles. Jasper is just better at explaining different matters."
The sound of the doorbell interrupted Edward. He walked over toward the front door and I quickly got off my seat and washed my plate. I heard voices other than Edward and the other man I assumed was Jasper, it sounded like Alice and Rose too.
I dried my hands on my shirt and walked toward the front. A tall, lean guy, with blonde hair was greeting Edward. He had dark blue eyes that looked rather calm and kind. He looked very formal with the whole white button up shirt and black slacks. He looked approximately six feet one and by the way he smiled in my direction with his calculated steps made me laugh. He took slow steps as if not knowing how to greet me. Great I was a china doll to them now.
Another man emerged from the entrance followed by the beautiful Rose and Alice. He was taller than Jasper and wore the same colors as Jasper. He looked very kind when he smiled. His dimples gave him a sense of warmth. I found myself grinning as he also followed Jasper.
I didn't feel overwhelmed. These people I knew were my family and even if I didn't remember I could tell they meant no harm because they only cared for me. I was rather excited and I wanted to laugh at their formal clothing. All black and white like some secret organization, which they were, but I felt like it drew more attention toward them.
Jasper and Emmett were still taking slow steps as if approaching a dangerous person. I smirked at the sight and nodded at Rose and Alice. Alice rolled her eyes as she stepped forward and hit Jasper on his back. She passed him up and approached me with quick steps. Jasper looked at her astonished mouth agape and Emmett looked surprised.
She hugged me to her and I hugged her back with the same warmth.
"You guys are ridiculous." Rose pointed out with her index finger as she came toward us and hugged both Alice and I.
I chuckled at her comment. Being with these girls felt nice.
"Well" Emmett began, "We're sorry we just didn't know what we could or couldn't do!"
Edward laughed as he patted Emmett and Jasper on the back, "You guys are rather slow for being geniuses."
"Hey!" Jasper exclaimed as he pointed his finger at me. He had a wide grin as he pointed at me showing that he meant no harm. I didn't know what to do so I pulled apart from the girls.
"What genius!" I replied.
"You could have said you weren't scared of us!" Jasper argued.
I giggled at his comment and Emmett chuckled at both of us as did Rose and Alice.
"Well. I am the one that can't remember you two. So... do I have reasons I should be afraid." I said as I crossed my arms.
"Nope no reason." Emmett huffed as he approached me and literally shoved Alice and Rose to the side.
"Hey! You brat!" Alice shouted in disdain.
Emmett hugged me and I hugged him back. I felt protected in his arms.
"Bella I missed you." Emmett whispered. I heard Jasper's footsteps. I looked up and he was patting Emmett on the shoulder.
"Dude stop hogging her I missed her too!" Jasper said.
Emmett gave me a quick smile before letting go. I hugged Jasper and I had the same feeling I felt protected. These men gave me of sense of belonging.
Edward cleared his throat gaining our attention, "So since you guys said your hello's let's begin."
Jasper pulled away and muttered something about jealousy. Jealousy?
I looked at Edward and he was staring at me so intensely I looked away. I started to blush. I looked at him again and he was still staring, but this time he gave me a small smile before looking away and leading us to an office.
The office was at the end of the hall. There were no windows or pictures. I didn't like it, but if we were going to talk business I understood why nothing was there, but the big rectangular sleek table and the chairs.
I sat down on the open chair and Edward took a seat next to me on my right. I glanced at him and he just smiled. Alice sat on my left and Jasper, Rose and Emmett where in front of us.
"So." Jasper started, "Bella what did Edward tell you so far about our Cullen and Whitlock company?"
Jasper's demeanor changed to one of focus and concentration as he waited for me.
I gulped as everyone's eyes looked at me. I gulped. They meant business.
"Well that we basically founded it and it became big. The government likes to use us and fund us because we are family oriented." Jasper nodded as he tapped the table.
"Well Bella that's right the government actually prefers us over their top agencies because we are very efficient in what we do. We are family oriented and that is something we pride ourselves in. Other companies hate that idea and even laugh at us."
"Laugh why?" I was astonished.
"They laugh because they're jealous." Rose added. I looked at her in confusion. She cracked a smile before Emmett spoke.
"The other companies, how should I say this?" Emmett scratched his head before continuing. "Our family is rather talented in this field; no one would betray anyone. We risk nothing in our company, but our hearts if someone gets hurt because we are a family."
"Okay I get this, but why is this so important? You guys keep emphasizing family." I said.
Jasper stood up as he tapped the wall. A screen came down. He touched the screen and tapped a folder by the company name.
"Listen Bella." He said as he turned to me, "We are actually a company that cracks literally anything. We've become something like a force no one can take down. We've become untouchable."
At that moment pictures came up the screen. It looked like a family tree, but I guess in a sense it was more of the hierarchy within the company.
Edward was on top. Jasper was beneath him. Below him was Rose. Emmett and I were beneath and below at the bottom was Alice.
"What's the tree for?"
Jasper snapped his fingers before beginning, "Bella this tree is how we organize ourselves. We all literally almost have equal stocks so this chart isn't a matter of money, but the process in which we organize and handle missions. Edward is at the top because he handles all the matters with the government. He is literally our boss."
I nodded for him to continue this was rather interesting. I was anxious to hear my role.
"When Edward gives me a job," he continued "I handle the process basically who does what. I am more of a behind the scenes man. I do my job well though and I sometimes handle business when Edward is unavailable. Rose is the one in technology or mechanic's. She handles all of the hacking, transmission, cool gadgets you name it." I cracked a smile as I looked at Rose. That was pretty awesome.
"You my dear Bella and Emmett are trainers. Not only are you talented in combat, but your skills in weapons are amazing. You and Emmett handle training everyone in our company." I gasped.
"Really?" I couldn't believe it.
"Yes." Edward firmly said as he grasped my hand under the table.
"Bella." Emmett said as he grabbed my attention toward him. "You and I actually trained these guys here in fighting terms. Your dad Charlie was a cop and he always invested in your combat since a young age. You are very gifted in that sense; your detective skills are the best. I call you Batman. " He whistled as he seemed to remember something.
I blushed at this information, "What about Alice?"
Jasper grinned at Alice and Alice shrugged before she spoke. "Well I am a psychiatrist, but I am also the one with a doctor's license. I handle all areas in the medical field. But I mean I do know how to fight you did teach me." She answered as she winked at me.
I was astounded. All these people were geniuses and apparently I was good too. Rose was a bombshell, but she had brains. Emmett was my partner in combat and training. Alice was a freaken legit doctor, Jasper was the spoke person and he handles the company. Edward is the boss. "You guys are all impressive." I said.
Edward smiled as he looked at me with the corner of his eye.
Rose smiled as she waved for my attention. "We are all awesome. We are the all heads of important aspects of our company."
"You guys said you know how to fight do you guys still go on missions."
Jasper answered my question, "We used to in the past in our very beginnings. You were a good agent. We used to send Edward, Emmett, and yourself. Alice was there to give us her medical knowledge and to heal our injuries and Rose handled the equipment, while I came up with the operation."
"Those were great days, but then when our success grew so did the jobs so now we usually remain indoors handling our business from here. We train our agents and have successfully handled our missions until now. Which in return was better because we faced less danger."
I nodded as everything was beginning to make sense, but then a question emerged. Why was I sent out if we didn't go on missions anymore?
"Jasper why was I sent out to Alaska?" I felt my voice harden. My hands began to fill cold as I started to remember the things that occurred to me for a long time. The brain wash that had happened to me.
Edwards grip in my hand tightened and he let down in his head in anguish. Rose and Alice both also looked down guiltily. Emmett stared at the ceiling as if it were an interesting thing.
"Alaska…to this day we never imagined it would be this big of a problem. We thought it'd be easy. Since many of our agents were on other missions you volunteered."
I was flabbergasted. Visions of torture, being locked away, and shot emerged in my mind. I felt myself shake.
"Bella! Bella!" I heard Edward calling me, my vision was beginning to blur. The ringing in my ears from before was coming back. I was feeling cold. I was back in that dark chamber. I cried out wanting light I didn't want this anymore. It was too much pain. My leg was killing me and my breathing was ragged.
"Alice hurry!" I heard Edward shout.
Was that even real? Did I dream the Cullen's? My eyes only saw darkness, but the voices were still in my head. I heard Jasper repeating "shit, shit, shit" over and over. It also sounded like Emmett trying to calm a crying Rose. I didn't like that. This was too much for my mind. I wanted silence.
"We didn't even finish telling her everything! How will she handle the rest?" I didn't know the voice, but based off my imagination it sounded like Emmett.
The darkness was beginning to consume. I felt like it was eating me away enjoying my misery. Fuck Argus. I was going back. He was coming.
