I'm so sorry for the delay! We moved to a new house over the last weekend and even though the order was in a week and a half ago the phone company still doesn't have our phone and internet up and running yet. Grrr. So now I'm at the library doing internet business and thought I'd post my next chapter! It's a long one. Hope you like it!

Thanks to BrattyVamp for prereading this for me and giving me her suggestions!

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight, not me. :) I'm just having some fun with her characters.

Chapter 6: Sacramento

It was hot and dry and Bella's feet ached from the long journey and from trudging through the streets of Sacramento desperately looking for work. With every pass of a wagon or carriage the dust swirled around her in a cloud as she walked along the boardwalk. The day was waning on and she knew she would need to find a place to sleep where she would be safe before the streets were filled with loud drunks and other unsavory characters she knew would be flocking to the saloons and brothels for the night. She knew if she could just find the right place to work at, be it shop or diner, she'd never have to depend on anyone to provide for her. She could do it and she wanted to make Charlie proud, that is if he could have seen her.

He had only been gone for two days but so much had changed since then. The void left by his passing was a cacophony in her soul. It screamed louder than the bustle of traffic in the crowded streets. She had been numb when Dr. Cullen had told her that he was gone. Soon, the men came to take her Dad's body. Jacob's tender words and reassurances fell upon virtually deaf ears as she closed into herself. He had stayed with her well into the night, rubbing her back, whispering promises, and providing a strong chest to lean on. In the early morning hours he put her in her bed, told her he loved her and that he'd be back for her in the morning. It was then that her mind raced into action. Charlie had arranged for her marriage to Jacob and she knew that Jacob would likely want to marry within a couple weeks to take care of her. But she didn't want his care. Charlie had asked her to be happy. More than anything, at the end he wanted her to be happy. And as much as she cared for him, she knew that she wouldn't find that with Jacob.

She knew that her only chance to get out of this marriage was right then. If she stuck around any longer, she was not likely to escape. So she quickly got out of bed, wrote a note to Jacob, packed a few belongings and the little bit of money in the house, and left in the middle of the night on foot. She considered taking her father's horse, but then she'd have to provide food and care for him and she couldn't guarantee she'd have the provisions for that. She walked along the road praying that she would be safe all alone.

She second guessed her decision more times than she could count but still she continued, fueled by pure adrenaline and the instinct to flee. She thought that she might eventually like to become a teacher, as she had once dreamed. It would take a while to find a position like that so she knew she would have to find something for the immediate like a job as a cook or sales clerk. She decided her best chance was to go to Sacramento.

It was a long trip and several times she was offered rides by leathered and toothless miners. She declined each time and kept on walking.

She stopped for the night on Sunday evening in a small inn along the way. Only in the privacy of her room did she allow herself to break down. Her whole world had been turned on its head and she had lost everything she ever knew. She was all alone and she could only rely on herself now. The thought was terrifying yet in a strange way exciting at the same time. She would be starting over and could live her life the way she wanted, not the way everyone always expected of her.

She was so weary and exhausted from all the walking that she fell asleep rather quickly. Granted it was a fitful sleep, plagued by dreams of her father. They all started out happy, such as the one where Charlie was pushing her on the tree swing when she was a little girl. Her mother was even in some of the dreams, smiling at her and hugging her. She reveled in her mother's affections but the dreams all ended with her parents vanishing leaving Bella feeling lost and abandoned. She woke the next morning with tears streaming down her face.

She had arrived in Sacramento late Monday afternoon. She was sure she looked a fright so she had stopped in a small diner and had a cup of coffee. She asked to use the wash room where she cleaned her face and arms the best she could before setting out to look for some kind of work.

She spied a general store she hadn't yet tried. There was no sign indicating they needed help. She steeled herself against the inevitable rejection and went inside to inquire for what seemed to be the thousandth time today. The store was clean and offered an array of goods, everything from materials to fix a wagon to the latest fabrics from New York. There were a few customers browsing the merchandise. Behind the counter a friendly looking blond gentleman that looked to be about her age or perhaps a little older stood helping a woman purchase some grain.

Bella waited politely until he was finished and then stepped up to the counter. "Excuse me sir, would you happen to have any work for me? I am a quick study and I could do anything you need me to do including working the shop or cleaning or cooking for you."

"Well, hello there. And what might be your name?" the man asked with a smile lighting up his face.

She forced herself to return his smile. "My name is Bella Swan, sir."

"Well, Bella, my name is Michael Newton and I am pleased to make your acquaintance," his blue eyes twinkling as he spoke. "I sure could use a pretty girl like you around here. Are you new to town?" He leaned on the counter towards her giving her a wink.

"Yes, sir, I am new to town. Mr. Newton, I'm a very hard worker. Please, I may be small but I could even haul merchandise and stock shelves, anything you need."

"Bella, call me Michael. I've been looking for a cook here for me. I'm dreadful in the kitchen, myself. It won't pay too much but I can offer you a nice place to stay as part of the compensation. I have an inn above this shop and I would be willing to offer you a nice room to stay in for as long as you are in my employ."

Bella was stunned that after all her searching, Michael would so quickly offer her a position without testing her abilities.

"I hope you'll say yes, I sure wouldn't want a beautiful and virtuous young girl such as yourself out on the streets alone at night. There aren't many like you around here. We have plenty of opportunistic scoundrels and ladies of questionable employ. I would hate for you to be vulnerable out there." He leaned even further in while Bella took a small cautious step back.

The offer was tempting and Bella did need a place to stay. Michael was friendly, a little too friendly if she were being completely honest. But what other option did she have? She would spend her free time looking for something where she could feel more comfortable but until then she would make the best of this situation. At least she'd have a roof over her head and hopefully enough money to provide food and other basic needs.

"Thank you for your kindness sir, I think I will accept that offer."

Michael stepped out from behind the counter and casually walked over to Bella "I'm so pleased. You can start in the morning, but for tonight let me provide you with supper. Surely you must be hungry." A small smile crept across his face as he leaned down towards her.

Bella was becoming a little nervous but she was indeed hungry. "Thank you sir, that would be nice." After all, she hadn't eaten all day.

Michael took a step forward and grasped her hand. "Please Bella, call me Michael." He took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. "Well, let's go then. I do look forward to becoming better acquainted with you." With that, he led her back out onto the street, locking the door behind them and over to a small diner a couple spaces down.

As Bella and Michael sat down at the diner she was pleasantly surprised. She would have been happy with a modest meal of soup and biscuits yet Michael insisted she have roast beef or chicken or some other hearty fare. He was a little awkward but conversed happily throughout the meal. Bella found him to be kind if not a little overeager with her.

As they finished up their food, Michael paid the bill, shrugging off Bella's attempt to cover her portion. Although it made her a little uncomfortable to accept, she was also relieved as she had very limited funds.

They left the diner and headed back to his store and inn. He showed her to her room and stayed a little too long chatting amiably with her. "I'm so pleased you've come to work and stay. I will enjoy your company, I'm very certain," he said, smiling down at her. "Well, I should let you get some rest. I'll need you in the kitchen tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. Please do let me know if you need anything. I'm happy to help, darlin'."

When he finally left, Bella sat on the edge of the bed, exhaling slowly, and taking in her surroundings. It was a simple room, but it was adequate. She didn't know how long she'd be staying. If Michael continued to be as friendly as he was, she may be forced to leave sooner than later. But she decided not to worry about that just then.

She stood and poured a basin of water to clean herself up from the long day. She dressed in her nightclothes and got into bed.

Staring at the ceiling, with the sounds of drunkards in the streets she thought about home. She thought about Charlie, tears streaming down her cheeks till she thought she would cave in on herself. She thought about how she would miss his funeral and how she had left those details unfinished for Billy and Jacob to take care of. She felt horribly for that, but she knew that if she were to be happy as her father had made her promise she had to leave when she did.

She thought about Jacob and what he must have been doing at that moment. She assumed he probably had looked for her but didn't know for how long. She hoped not too long. He was undoubtedly upset. She knew he loved her and had loved her all their lives. What a mess she'd made. She wanted him to be happy and to find what was best for him and she knew that she wasn't it. One day, he would realize it and be grateful.

Then she thought of Edward. This bronze haired stranger had waltzed into her life and made her feel things she never had before. If only things could have been different. Her heart longed to feel his arms around her as she had riding home from the dance with him. She thought about the feel of his soft lips on her knuckles as he bid her goodnight outside her father's house. Then she felt terribly ashamed for having such thoughts when she had only just lost her father.

With streaks down her face, she fell into a deep sleep, dreaming of a hidden danger and mournful green eyes.

While she slept she had no idea of the malevolent forces working toward her destruction. She hadn't seen the greedy and calculating eyes that followed her earlier in the day as she'd walked the streets. But he had been intrigued and now the maneuvering and machinations were in motion and the stage was being set.

THB ~ THB ~ THB

The next morning Bella went down to the kitchen to start breakfast for Michael. She had no idea what he would like but searched the pantry for ingredients to see what she might make him. She made a mental note of items she would have to purchase at the market. Finding plenty of flour and some eggs and milk she made flapjacks for him with scrambled eggs. She found some oranges that she cut up and arranged on the plate for him and filled a small glass with milk. Just as she was putting the finishing touches on, Michael came into the kitchen with a smile on his face and a spring in his step. He sat down at the small table and she took him the meal.

"Fix a plate for yourself, Bella, and come join me."

She did as he asked and sat down.

His eyes followed her movements, taking in her beauty. He couldn't deny he was enamored by her.

"So did you sleep well?" he asked.

"Yes, I did. Thank you so much for the very nice room."

"My pleasure, Bella," he said, his eyes never leaving her face.

"I'm sorry for the simple meal. I will go to the market today to purchase ingredients for some heartier meals."

"Bella, this is wonderful. I'm tired of going over to the diner for every meal. It's so nice to spend the morning here with you."

She shifted in her seat, looking down at her plate. She hadn't taken any bites and it didn't escape his notice.

"Aren't you going to eat any? It's very good."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I suppose I should eat something," she said, laughing a little.

Michael chatted easily about the day to come, then telling her about some of the events in Sacramento in recent days. Things had gotten so crazy with the clamor for gold.

Bella mostly pushed the food around her plate, avoiding Michael's intent and energetic gaze. She had difficulty listening to what he was saying. She couldn't stop thinking about everything back home.

After they were finished eating she stood and collected the plates and took them to the sink to be cleaned.

"What kinds of things do you like to eat, Michael?" she asked as she scrubbed the plates.

"Oh, I'm sure I'll like anything you cook." She hadn't known he had come and stood beside her. When he spoke she jumped, dropping the plate she'd been cleaning and breaking it on the floor.

"Oh no! I'm so sorry! Please, go sit down and I'll clean this up. I'll be happy to pay for this, I'm so sorry!" she said, trying to shoo him away, but he wouldn't budge.

"Don't be silly, Bella. I startled you. I'll clean this up, it was my fault anyway." Michael walked over and got a broom from the closet and cleaned up the mess while Bella picked up some of the bigger pieces.

"Thank you," she said a little sheepishly. "So, you really have no preferences as to what you would like to eat?"

"No, I really don't. As long as you're cooking it and keeping me company, I'll be happy," he said with a large smile and a wink of an eye.

"Oh, ok." Bella internally groaned at his obvious flirtation.

Bella made a trip to the market that morning and picked up some basic necessities. She returned to the store and set to work immediately in the kitchen. She had purchased two whole chickens that needed to be cleaned and cooked. She put one in a large pot of water with some vegetables and fresh herbs to make a stock. The other she roasted for lunch. She decided to make a cornbread dressing with fresh apples and walnuts to go along with the chicken for lunch. To round it out she cleaned and cooked some string beans.

Michael frequently poked his head into the kitchen to give her a smile and say hello. He was such a likeable man but Bella already had her wheels turning on ways to move on fairly quickly as his overly flirtatious nature made her uncomfortable.

They ate lunch together. Michael began asking questions about Bella and how she ended up in Sacramento. She was as evasive as she could possibly be without appearing rude. She simply told him that her father had died and she needed to find work to support herself. The look of compassion in his eyes was genuine, which only served to make Bella feel guilty yet again for not appreciating him, his generosity, and kind disposition.

After lunch Bella set to cleaning the kitchen and working on dinner. She strained the stock, cleaned the meat off the boiled chicken, and set to making a chicken soup. She made some dumplings to put in the soup and with the extra chicken she made some chicken salad for sandwiches. She stepped outside to snip some fresh herbs from the small windowsill garden when a striking woman with flaming red hair and dressed very elegantly passed by and gave her a smile. Bella returned her smile and nodded her head in greeting. She returned to the kitchen and finished preparations for dinner.

When Michael joined her for dinner he was his usual chatty self. But after a few minutes he grew quiet and cleared his throat a few times.

"Are you alright?" Bella asked him.

"Oh yes. I was just wondering. Well, there is a benefit at City Hall in a couple days and I wondered if you would join me," he looked up, hope shining in his clear blue eyes "as my date, that is."

Bella just stared at him, not knowing how to respond. There was no way she could go with him as his date. It was already awkward enough with the way that he tended to get too close at times. She couldn't stay here. She knew then that she had to leave sooner rather than later. She resolved that as soon as dinner was finished she would head out and look for other work. Suddenly she realized that she had been staring at him for longer than was appropriate with no answer to his question. He had started to fidget with his napkin.

"Michael, you are very kind to invite me. I am so flattered. But I am just not able to accompany you. I'm so sorry."

"Oh… Well, it's no problem," he said with a forced laugh and smile. "Gee, Bella this dinner is amazing! I'm afraid you're spoiling me with all this great cooking."

She looked down and said "Thank you Michael. I'm glad you like it." With that she stood, collected the dishes and cleaned up from dinner.

She came out of the kitchen to see him cleaning up the store. "I'm just going to head out for a walk. You don't need to wait up for me," she said, giving him a small smile.

"Ok, Bella, be careful. Don't stay out too long," he said, an expression of concern painting his features.

"I'll be careful. Thank you." Bella stepped out of the door and immediately started entering businesses, just like she had the day before, looking for some kind of work. Again, she tried diners, small shops, butchers, bakers, and everything in between. She was beginning to get discouraged and starting to accept the idea that she'd have to stick it out with Michael for a little longer. She found a bench and decided to sit down for a rest before returning to the inn for the night.

She watched the shopkeepers closing up for the evening and the horses pass by in the streets. She thought about her father and about how much she wanted to make him proud. She wondered if she should have just married Jacob as he had wished. But she knew that more than anything he wanted her to be happy. She would just have to press on through the rough beginning till she was able to find her place.

Just then a sultry voice interrupted her musings. "Are you alright, dear?"

Bella looked up quickly to see the beautiful red haired lady that she'd seen earlier in the day holding a handkerchief out to her. It was then that she realized that she had been crying. She'd been doing so much of it lately that she hardly noticed when it happened anymore.

"Oh, yes thank you," she said taking the handkerchief and dabbing her cheeks. "I'm sorry, I just have a lot on my mind."

"I understand, honey. These can be rough times for a woman."

Bella did not respond but considered the elegantly dressed lady before her, thinking that she couldn't possibly understand what it was to be in the position she found herself in at the present moment. This woman looked incredibly wealthy and as though she'd never put in a rough day's work in her life.

"My name is Victoria, by the way," she said as she sat down next to Bella.

"I am Bella, it is nice to meet you."

"It is lovely to meet you as well," she said with a smile. "Do you live around here, dear?"

"Umm, well I guess you could say that. I have a job working in a General Store and I live there," she said looking at the ground.

"Ahh, I see. And you are not happy in your place there?"

Bella laughed a bit. "Is it that evident?"

Victoria smiled kindly and said "Let's just say I've had my share of rough positions and I recognize the look. If I may be so bold, are you looking for a new line of work?"

Bella didn't see any harm in sharing with her. After all, she had been in every business in the area asking for work. It wasn't a secret. "Yes, I am. I need to find something fairly quickly. I cannot stay where I am."

Victoria seemed to ponder this for a moment before looking into Bella's eyes "Well, my establishment is looking for hard working girls to serve customers. The owner is quite accommodating and I'm sure he would love to meet you, that is, if you think you can work hard."

Bella's eyes lit up. This woman offered her the first bit of hope she'd had all day. "Oh, I can assure you that I am a very diligent worker. I am happy to serve customers; I can do just about anything, though. I am a very quick study and I love to learn new things!"

"That is good. We like our employees to be open to new duties. But you must be very certain. Not every employee has the skills necessary and many are not up to the task. As I say, the owner is accommodating, but he can be a hard man. He has high expectations and does not accept second rate work."

Victoria's business must be very prosperous indeed for her to be so beautifully dressed and have such hard working employees.

"Oh, Victoria, I am very certain I am up to the task! By the way, what kind of establishment do you run? Is it an eating establishment?"

"Yes, we do have a restaurant." Victoria answered. "I think you would make a brilliant server."

Something nagged in the back of her mind but she quickly disregarded it in her anticipation of escaping the awkward situation with Michael.

"Victoria, as I said I am a very diligent worker and I am sure I am capable of any assigned task. Would it be possible for me to meet the owner? I would love the opportunity to work for him!" She could easily wait tables for a few months while she saved up money and looked for a teaching position. Her mind raced with excitement over the possibility. Michael had been so wonderful to her but she couldn't handle the constant tension of his flirtation and she knew it would only get worse with time.

"Of course, my dear. I am sure he will love you. Can you come now? He is often busy in the evenings, but I am sure he can fit you in."

Bella's answering smile was all she needed to say and Victoria stood to lead the way.