AN: As always and forever, thanks to the wonderful team we somehow got lucky enough to help us with this fic. Our pre-readers Mana and Judy and of course the beta skills of the uber talented kitchmill.
BPOV
Emmett guides me back to the witness room. After testifying and seeing James, dealing with the defense and being close to Edward, my legs are trembling. It doesn't help that I'm in these ridiculously high heels. Thankfully, Emmett is strong enough to support me until we get to the room and I collapse in a chair.
My mind is spinning so fast and my heart is hammering so loudly, I don't even notice Emmett until he's crouched down beside me. "Hey, breathe, Bella. You did great. You were amazing on the stand."
I meet his eyes. "Thanks. I didn't expect it to be quite that difficult. Seeing James was harder than I thought. It helped that Edward was there, but at the same time, it was hard to see him knowing what I said to him."
"Well, I wouldn't worry about any of that. The trial shouldn't take too much longer. The prosecution just has me and a couple more witnesses and then it will be the defense's turn, but there's really not much they can do considering the evidence we have. It should be fast and we all know he's going to be convicted. Then you'll never have to see James Hunter again."
Something he said catches my attention. "Wait, you have to testify?"
"Yeah. I go after the chief."
Hope starts to bloom. "Will Edward be in here with me while you're on the stand?"
"Uh, no. It'll be the chief. Sorry."
I smile at him. "It's okay. So, how much longer are we here for today?"
I'm done talking about anything serious so Emmett allows me to change the subject. "The chief will come and let us know when it's time for us to go. I imagine it won't be too long."
A knock on the door catches our attention. Emmett opens it and Rose breezes in. "Hey, baby." She gives him a sweet kiss then turns toward me. "Bella, I just wanted to come check on you. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm good now. Glad that part's over."
"Okay, well I better go since you'll be leaving soon. I'm definitely coming back tomorrow, though. We need to talk." "She turns and leaves the room so quickly I can't quite make out her expression.
Just minutes after Rose leaves, the door opens and Emmett immediately stands and reaches toward his weapon. The prosecutor enters the room. "Black, what are you doing? We weren't `expecting you." Em eases back down into his seat.
"I wanted to come in and personally thank Miss Higginbotham on a job well done." He turns to me. "You did a great job on the stand. You had the jury eating out of the palm of your hand."
"Thanks. You made the first part easy, so thank you for that."
"Well that's my job. It's why I get paid the big bucks." He winks at me.
"So do you think James will definitely be convicted?" I want all the reassurance I can get.
He leans against the table and crosses his arms. "No doubt. I didn't get to be the youngest prosecuting attorney in this town by letting the guilty walk free. This guy will be going away for a long time. Don't worry, Isabella." He uncrosses his arms and puts one hand on my shoulder.
I know someone being flirty when I see it. He's nice enough to look at, but I'm definitely not interested. I move away slightly so his hand drops from my shoulder. "I prefer Bella actually, and that's really good to know. I hope James goes away for a long time."
Emmett comes to stand beside me. "Black, the chief should be here soon so we need to get ready to head out."
"Sure, sure. I'll see you again soon, Bella."
Finally Swan shows up and leads us back to our car, and we head back to the house.
The next morning is pretty much a repeat of the day before, except I'm not quite as nervous since I've already testified.
Even though I'm suspicious about what Rose wants to talk about, I'm still looking forward to seeing her. I like Em and he's a great guy, but it gets really boring in here just the two of us.
Thankfully she shows up pretty soon after we arrive. Emmett greets her with his usual kiss, then makes his way to the other side of the room. I'm not sure if he's trying to give us privacy or simply has no interest in whatever we may talk about.
Soon enough he whips out his phone and we can hear the sounds of some game blaring from it. Not long after that, the sounds of curses and grunts start to slip from him as he loses against whatever force he's up against. Rose just smirks at him and shakes her head before turning those baby blues to me.
"You did so great on the stand yesterday. I'm amazed at how strong you truly are. I couldn't have stayed as calm and held it together like you did. Especially having that vulture slam you with questions with James sitting right there. I'm sure it didn't help that Edward was there either."
"Thanks. It'll all be worth it if James gets convicted. But, um, why would Edward being there bother me?"
She strokes my hand. "Oh, Bella. I had no idea he took advantage of you. I've known Edward for a while and I never would have expected something like that from him."
I yank my hand away. "What the fuck are you talking about, Rose?"
"I know he slept with you. He took advantage of his position watching over you and probably used his age to his advantage. If you want to talk to chief Swan …"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold up. Edward didn't take advantage of me."
She runs her hand down my hair. "Oh, Bella, sweetie …"
I move my head. "I'm serious. If anything, I took advantage of him. I'm not some poor innocent girl, Rose. When he met me I was a prostitute, not a wallflower. I did everything in my power to seduce him."
"He could have said no, Bella. As a matter of fact, he should have. It was his job to keep you safe, not take advantage of you. I'm sure you didn't have to try very hard to get him into bed."
I hit the table. "Rose! Look, what happened between Edward and me is none of your business. All you need to know is that he never took advantage of me."
She wants to argue, but I'm sure she can tell that it won't go over well with me. Finally she nods. "Fine. But you're not still with him, right?"
"Not right now. I kind of fucked that up by being a bitch to him."
"What do you mean? How did you mess things up?"
I fill her in on the whole thing. By the time I'm finished, she stands up and marches over to Emmett. "Did you tell her to make Edward leave?"
Seeing this big strong guy look scared of his beautiful blonde wife is quite the sight. "Uh … um … yes?"
"You did?"
"Yes, but only because it's best for Edward. Baby, you know how much that man loves his job."
"I know he loves his job, but, Em, what if he finally found something he loves more? And what about poor Bella? Is it fair to make her say those things to him and make decisions for him?"
He starts rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, when you put it like that …" He looks at me. "I'm sorry, Bella. I'm an idiot."
"It's okay, Em. Once this trial's over I'm going to apologize and tell him the truth. Hopefully, he can forgive me. Really, though, I'm not going to give him a choice. I want him and I will get him back."
Rose raises a brow.
"What? When it comes to Edward, confidence isn't something I lack. Plus, some things are worth fighting for."
"If you're sure. He's not your only option. There are plenty of great guys your age. Hell, you don't even need to be thinking about guys right now if you don't want to. You can focus on other things."
I like Rose, but she doesn't know me that well and she definitely doesn't know what's best for me. "Rose, I appreciate that you're trying to look out for me, but Edward is what I want."
"Okay. I won't say anything else about it … for now. I did have something else I wanted to talk to you about, though."
I narrow my eyes at her. "What?"
"Don't look at me like that. I just want to know what your plans are, for after the trial?"
"Oh. Uh, I'm not sure yet. I'll figure something out."
"I've been thinking and was wondering if you want to stay with Emmett and me."
I glance over to Em who's focused back on his game. "And how does he feel about your offer?"
"He'll be fine with it. Trust me."
"I appreciate the offer, but I'll be fine. I don't need charity."
She raises a brow. "I don't do charity. You can pay us rent or something after we find you a job. We'll figure something out. But it's not charity."
"Rose, I just …"
"Listen. I know you don't know me that well and trust doesn't come easily to you. But I swear, there're no strings attached with this offer. Just consider it a temporary solution until you can figure something else out, okay?"
"Can I think about it?"
"Sure, but don't take long. From what I hear this trial should be over pretty soon."
I agree, and we chat a bit longer before there's a knock on the door. Emmett goes to answer it and Swan walks in.
"McCarty, I'm supposed to send you out. You're up next."
Rose gathers up her things. "Will you be okay if I go out there and watch Emmett? I'd like to be there for him."
I roll my eyes. "I'll be fine. Good luck, Em."
With a quick thanks called my way, they're out the door and I'm left with Swan.
He stands there dressed in his uniform holding his cap. He's uncomfortable and nervous. I remember the way he helped me in the courtroom and decide to be nice, or as nice as I can be to this man.
"Have a seat, Chief. I won't bite." I pull out my book while he sits and loosens his tie a little.
I'm just getting into a new paragraph when he starts talking. "What are your plans after the trial? Are you still looking for your father?"
"I'm not sure yet."
I try to start reading again.
"Are you going to stay in town?"
"Probably, but I'm not certain."
"I'm still willing to show you around and tell you what I know about your mother and her family."
I sigh and finally put down my book. "I'm not sure that's a good idea."
He puts his hat on the table and crosses his arms. "No? I thought you wanted to know more. I can definitely help you."
"But I don't want you to. I don't trust you. I don't really know you, but what I do know is that you're an asshole. I don't want anything from you. After this trial, I really hope I never see you again."
He looks really upset at my words. I'm not sure why though. Maybe he's just never had anyone speak to him like that.
Finally, he clears his throat, and this time when he speaks it's much quieter. "I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I'm hoping we can put that behind us after all this is over."
I scrunch up my brow. "Why? I mean what do you care? You haven't flirted with me or come on to me so I don't think you like me that way. So why do you even care if we ever see each other again or if I like you or not?"
"I guess … maybe"—he grabs his hat and starts fidgeting with it—"I guess because I knew your mother and that makes me feel closer to you."
"Oh. Well, I don't know what my mother was like when you knew her, but trust me, we aren't close."
"I'd like to hear about her and about your life growing up with her."
I snort. "Are you in love with my mother? She's married. I really don't want to talk about any of this anymore." I pick up my book to show him I'm done with this conversation.
The rest of the time he's with me is spent in silence, other than the sound of me turning pages or the occasional squeak of leather as he shifts in his seat. After what seems like hours, but apparently is only about forty-five minutes, I'm beyond grateful when Emmett comes back in.
Later that night after we have eaten, I go back to my room. I have a lot of thinking to do.
The trial really is coming to a close soon. I know the prosecution finished up their part today and the defense doesn't have many witnesses to call on their side. According to everyone I've spoken to about it, the whole thing could be over within days. Where does that leave me? I have no home, no job, no skills to get a real job and, for right now, no Edward.
I'm going to get Edward back. I can't let myself doubt that. That's not an option. But this time we'll be together in the real world. No safe bubble to hide in. How will Edward really feel being with someone so much younger who used to be a prostitute and doesn't even have a high school diploma?
I hold the pillow to my face and scream out my frustrations. I'm not an insecure girl and I've never been ashamed of anything I've done or haven't done. This whole situation with being in hiding and the trial has fucked up my head. I need to get my shit together.
I grab my notebook and a pen and flip it to a blank page. Across the top I write:
Things I Need to Do
1. Get Edward back!
I chew on my pen and think for a minute before something comes to me. It's something I've thought about fleetingly many times before, but never really considered. Maybe now is the time. So I stop chewing and write.
2. Get my GED
3. Get a job.
Those sound easy enough. Unfortunately I know it'll be anything but. I'm a determined woman, so I'll figure something out … I hope.
4. Find a place to live.
Again, this one sounds easy enough, but it's not going to be. I lean back against the headboard and think. Even though the idea of living with Emmett and Rose makes me uncomfortable, it seems to be my only option right now since living on the streets isn't at all appealing. I do like Rose, and Emmett has become a decent friend, but I don't need charity from anyone and something about Rose just makes my stomach feel funny. I think it's because she seems to genuinely care and want to help. No woman has ever really been like that with me and it isn't something I'm used to or able to accept easily.
5. Figure out the rest of my life.
I'm not going to figure everything out tonight or even this week. There're still so many things I have to decide. I'm not sure college is for me, but I can't imagine working at McDonald's will be okay with me for the rest of my life.
I also need to decide if I do want to try to find out who my father is. Is that still important to me? I'm not really sure at this point. It used to seem like the most important thing in the world, but I just don't see how it can change anything in my life now. At the same time, I can't help but still want to know who he is. To know if I look like him. Will he be happy to meet me?
I put my notebook and pen down and flip off my lights. I get as comfortable as I'm able to and try to shut off my mind. When that doesn't work, I settle for recalling some of my best memories of Edward and drift off to sleep with a smile on my face.
~~~~~WS~~~~~
The closing arguments have been given and it's in the jury's hands now. Emmett and I are once again waiting in the room we've been hidden in since the day I testified. I know I'm driving him insane pacing around. I can't help but be nervous about the verdict. We're both happy to see Rose when she comes to visit.
Emmett greets her first. "Hey, babe. I'm so glad to see you. Maybe you can get her"—he points at me—"to settle down."
I huff and roll my eyes. "I haven't been that bad."
"Dude, there's a path worn into the carpet from all the walking you've done."
I flip him off while Rose just laughs. She takes my hand. "Come on. Let's sit down and talk for a while."
"Fine." I let her drag me over to some chairs.
Once we're seated, she grabs the book I have sitting out. I've been bringing it every day, but have been way too anxious today to read.
"Hmm, The Lover by Marguerite Duras. Have you read it yet?"
I snort. "I've read it more times than I can count. I love it."
"I don't think I've ever heard of it. What's it about?"
"It's set in French Colonial Vietnam. There's this French girl right on the brink of becoming a woman. Her family has fallen into hard times financially. One day on her way back to her boarding school she meets a man. He's an older wealthy businessman. They become lovers. He truly loves her, but gives in to his father and eventually ends the affair. Only later on does she realize that she truly loved him too. It's beautiful and sad."
Rose stares at me for several minutes and I'm not sure what she's thinking, but it's like she can see straight into my soul. Finally, she drops her eyes for a second before speaking. "You like to read?"
"I love to read. But I need to get some new books since I've read all the ones I have."
She places the book down and looks at me with a grin that screams she's up to something. "Well … I love to read too."
"Yeah?"
"Yep. And I'm always getting new books."
"Okay," I say hesitantly. I know she's going somewhere with this.
"When I do get new books, I never get rid of my old ones. It drives Emmett insane. We have bookshelves filled with books I've read and even boxes full of books tucked into a closet."
"What's your point, Rose? Are you trying to rub in how much more you have?" I cross my arms.
"What? No! Of course not. You've got to stop assuming the worst about people."
"Sorry, but that's a life lesson I'm not sure I'll be letting go of anytime soon."
"I can understand that, to an extent, but I think I've been a good friend. Or at least I'm trying to be as much as you'll let me. I haven't given you any reason to think badly about me, right?"
Clearly I've hurt her feelings. "No. You haven't done anything. You've been good to me. I'm sorry. I'm a bitch."
She giggles. "Hey, I understand all about being a bitch. I'm just saying make sure you have an actual reason."
We both laugh and it feels good to let go of some of the anxiety I've been gripped by all day. "So, um, what were you trying to say about all your books?"
"I'm not sure if I should tell you now."
"Rose." I drag out her name and give her my best bitchbrow.
"Fine. No need to give me that look. What I was trying to say earlier is that I have all these books at my house just sitting there, wanting to be read. If you were to live with us, you'd have access to all of them."
"Oh really?"
"Mmm hmm. You'd also have your own room and your own bathroom. The mattress is new and it's a comfort top … really soft. Plus, our kitchen is always fully stocked. With Em in the house it has to be."
"Okay, you've convinced me."
Her eyes go wide. "Are you serious? I thought I'd have to work much harder."
"I've been thinking, and I do want to get my life together. Living with you and Emmett will be a step in the right direction … as long as you're both sure."
"We're sure. So when are you moving in?"
"I guess after the trial, if that's okay. If you need more time, I can figure something else out."
"Nope. That's perfect. We can go back to the safe house to get your things and then go home and get you settled in as soon as this whole mess is finally over."
I look at her sincerely. "Thank you, Rose."
She covers my hand with hers. "It really is our pleasure, Bella."
We chat and discuss favorite books for a bit longer until there's a knock at the door. Emmett opens it and speaks with whoever is there before closing it again. He turns back to us. "The jury is ready. We need to go into the courtroom to hear the verdict." He walks up to me. "You ready?"
"As I'll ever be."
Rose grabs my hand. "Let's go watch them find this sonofabitch guilty."
The three of us make our way into the courtroom. My eyes immediately find Edward. Emmett leads us to the bench he's sitting on. Rose tries to slide in first, but I pull on her hand. She looks back at me, and I let her see that no one is sitting next to Edward other than me. I slide in front of her and scoot in. Rose follows behind me, then Emmett.
I turn to Edward, but before I can speak the judge calls the courtroom to order and brings the jury back in. Not even looking at him, I allow my hand to seek his out and twine our fingers together, pulling them down on the bench between us. I know Swan's probably somewhere watching and this definitely isn't the time to cause any issues, but right now I need to touch him in some way.
Judge Cheney asks the jury for the verdict. "We, the jury, find the defendant, James Hunter, guilty of murder in the first degree."
For the first time in a while, complete relief rushes through me. James is out of my life for good. The judge thanks the jury and schedules a date for sentencing before dismissing them. The guards come to take James. Until now, he's just sat there silent and still, but as soon as they touch him, he goes crazy.
He stands up and looks around until he finds me. "You bitch! You'll pay for this!" The guards are struggling to cuff him. His eyes look completely insane. "I mean it, I'll get you, bitch!" The guards get him cuffed and drag him away, but that doesn't stop his yelling. "You're dead, bitch! Dead!"
Rose tries to comfort me, but I shake her off. "I'm okay. He can't do anything. It's fine."
A slight squeeze of my hand reminds me I'm still holding onto Edward. I meet his eyes. They're filled with such longing. "We need to speak soon, Bella."
"I know." I squeeze him back before pulling away. "Soon." His hand drops to the bench.
Then Rose interrupts. "You ready? Chief Swan is motioning for us."
"Yeah, I'm ready." I give Edward one more smile before sliding out and following Rose.
When I reach her she grabs my hand. "Let's go home, Bella." I follow Rose over to Swan.
The verdict is in. Hopefully Bella can put this part of her life behind her and move on. The question is … will things go like she wants? How will she handle a normal life? Something tells me Bella will never lead a normal life. Lol. And what about finding out she might already know her father? Stay tuned!
See you all soon… XOXO
