Disclaimer: Stephenie owns Twilight. All mistakes are mine.
Chapter 4
When Bella got to the five and dime, it had only been open for ten minutes. The light ring of a tiny bell hanging at the top of the door announced her arrival.
A voice called from behind the counter. "I'll be with you in a moment."
As she walked around the store, she spotted a display of toiletries. She picked up a bar of soap and held it to her nose. It smelled like lavender.
"That's Savon De Marseilles."
Bella turned to see who had spoken. A man around her papa's age stood, looking intently at her. He had blue eyes and light blond hair that was turning grey at the temples.
"Hello, I'm James Hunter, the proprietor of this fine establishment," he said as he continued to stare.
"Hello." She didn't offer her name; her papa had always warned her not to speak openly with strangers.
"As I was saying, that's Savon De Marseilles. I ship it in straight from France. Several of the girls over at the hotel asked for it, so I keep it on hand."
Bella thought she recognized the scent; it was the same kind Alice used.
"One bar is twenty cents."
Even though she had the ten dollar bill in her handbag, Bella didn't feel right about spending it on such a frivolous item. The man noted her hesitation and made a suggestion.
"Our Ivory Soap is on special this week—only five cents a cake."
After putting the French soap down, she picked up a bar of Ivory. She inhaled its fresh, clean scent.
"I'll take one of these." She smiled as she placed it in the basket she was carrying.
"Excellent choice. Is there anything else you need?"
"Can you show me where the apparel department is?"
"Sure, follow me."
Once they arrived in the clothing section, Bella saw a stack of the undergarments she needed. Not wanting to look while the man stood with her, she said, "Thanks for your help, but I've got it from here."
"Are you sure? I know where everything is located and can find a particular size if you need it."
"I'm sure."
James frowned. He wanted to stay with the girl. She was a cute, little thing. He had admired her from afar before first approaching her. With her dark hair and cute figure, she was just his type.
"Well, if you insist, but I'll be right at the counter if you change your mind."
After the persistent shop owner left, Bella perused the selection of girdles. There were two different styles. One had a lace design, and the other was plain cotton. They both looked extremely uncomfortable. Since it was one dollar cheaper, she chose the plain one.
Next, she placed two pairs of stockings into her basket. She considered looking at the shoes; hers were a bit worn but decided to wait.
As she walked toward the checkout, she saw Mr. Hunter waiting. She wished there was a lady who could ring her up instead.
James observed the girl as she approached the counter. He felt himself stir as he gazed at her bosom. Once she set her basket down, he removed her items. He licked his lips when he saw the girdle and stockings.
"Looks like you found yourself some pretty things." He commented as he ran his finger along the undergarment. "Do you like pretty things?"
He leered at her, spittle collected at the corners of his mouth as he imagined her wearing the girdle with nothing else but her brassiere.
The man's behavior made Bella uncomfortable; she wanted to do was pay for her things and return to the hotel. She didn't respond in the hopes he would hurry.
When she didn't reply, his temper flared … James didn't tolerate rudeness. It had been a lesson his former wife, Victoria, had learned during their marriage, and he decided then and there, he would be happy to teach this little tease as well.
"I'm hoping the reason you didn't answer is because you didn't hear me, and not because you're simply being impolite." He warned as he stopped ringing up her items.
Ice shivered down her spine at the tone of his voice.
"I … I'm sorry. Yes, I do."
A wide, sinister smile crossed his face. "That's more like it. Your total is five dollars and fifty-six cents."
Opening her purse, she removed the money Edward had given her. As she gave it to him, he grasped her hand and rubbed his thumb against her palm.
Her breath caught in her throat.
At the sound of the door's bell, James suddenly let go. After getting her change, Bella grabbed her sack and scurried out of the store.
As he watched her scamper down the sidewalk, James released a chuckle. He hadn't had this much fun since his wife passed away three years prior.
In fact, the girl reminded him of his wife in many ways. Victoria, too, had been sweet, young, and innocent when they had first met. Over their years together, he had found immense pleasure in breaking her spirit.
He used to spend hours devising creative ways to use her body for his enjoyment. His favorite part of the day was coming home to find her waiting for him with an expression of terror written all over her face.
But nothing excited him more than hearing her cries of pain.
Victoria would still be alive today if he hadn't been so rough with her during their last night together.
Yes, it was a real shame he didn't realize how easy it was to snap someone's neck.
As he observed the girl cross the street, he made a decision. It was high time for him to get remarried.
And he had just found the perfect prospect.
HG
AN:
Savon De Marseilles is a traditional hard soap made from vegetable oils that have been produced around Marseille, France, for about 600 years.
Ivory Soap was first produced by the J.B. Williams Company in 1840 under the name Ivorine. In 1874, Procter & Gamble purchased its formula and began selling it under its current name. The name was created by Harley Procter, the founder's son, who was inspired by Psalms 45:8: "All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces whereby they have made thee glad."
Next post will be a bit delayed - I have to run a few errands. :(
-HE
