Chapter 8 – RPOV
My whole family had vowed to help with the situation in any way they could: my father talking me through all the different things that would happen and how to spot signs of abuse which we could use as evidence if Royce had hurt anyone else whilst we had been gone. My Mother and Alice had been fantastic with Bella and she had made more cakes, biscuits and been shopping more times than I could count on both my hands. However, after the week was up I refused to let them come back with us; they had to get on with their day to day lives and Royce would be suspicious if they all came as I knew for certain Jasper wouldn't keep his mouth shut. Reluctantly they agreed but were going to come over when everything had a bit more structure to it.
Emmett had stayed with us after arriving out of the blue. Jasper and Edward had taken well to him after their initial caution and the three of them would get up to no end of trouble (especially when it was Emmett and Jasper on their own). Alice, being the nosey person she is kept hinting to both Emmett and I that we should get together, but more often than not she was sent off to look after Bella and keep those ridiculous notions to herself.
He had obviously never had a family like this whilst growing up so thoroughly appreciated everything like a small child at a candy store. He told my Mother that she was the best cook he'd ever known (at this I feigned annoyance), took to my Father who told him all about his childhood pranks and tricks, charmed Alice who commandeered him as an accomplice but, as I said before, he got on like a house on fire with my brothers. Royce had never done this at all; he's only really met my family once or twice and never complimented or got on with them like Emmett did. Royce was perpetually reserved and would always try and find some excuse to get out of a holiday or dinner; Emmett on the other hand took to them like a duck to water. He fit in and filled a gap we never realised was missing. Without really doing anything he had become one of us.
In the end, Emmett was just as upset as both Bella and I to be leaving; he promised he'd visit as often as possible and my Mother promised to send me some of her recipes that Emmett particularly enjoyed which she said I could cook for him. Jasper, Edward and he were already planning our summer vacation which they promised would rival even the Kardashians, though with less drama, and I wouldn't really be surprised if my parents added him to their will. However, it was once again just the three of us. And the letter sat on the table in front of me...
I could tell without even opening it that it was a court summons. It would basically be the Judge seeing Royce and I before deciding if we needed an official hearing about Bella. It's not that I didn't want to open the letter; it was just that if I did I knew I would be admitting that I had to see him again. My lawyer had rung and said that we were signing the divorce papers next week so of course I would have to see him there, but in the case of my baby I didn't want to look in his eyes and see him lie.
"Rosalie, if you're not going to open that I will," Emmett said as I stared unblinkingly at the letter.
Without looking up I pushed the letter towards him and he sighed.
"Do you really want me to do this?" he asked.
I nodded.
"Alrighty," he said and I heard the sound of the envelope being opened and the letter pulled out, "It's scheduled for tomorrow at one o'clock so it's a good thing I opened it then."
I didn't respond, but just sat there. I didn't expect it to be that soon; I thought they'd wait at least a week but obviously they were slotting us in at the earliest convenience. It was during my lunch hour which was good, and I knew these sessions were only short so it was no problem in that respect. However, it was too soon for my liking.
"Rosalie, earth to Rosalie," I heard Emmett calling, "Seriously Rose, if you don't move in by the count of three I'm calling an ambulance. One, two..."
"I'm fine Emmett, just shocked as you can probably imagine but I'll get over it. Now I'm going to go to bed and I will see you in the morning."
"Sleep well."
It took me a while to fall asleep and when I finally did it was fitful. I woke up every hour on the hour, but finally it was time to get up and get the Bella who was once again grumpy with me up and ready for school.
"Bella-bee it's time to get up," I said, shaking her gently and praying she'd co-operate.
"No," she mumbled angrily kicking me off her bed.
"I'm going to get breakfast but I want you up in five minutes or there will be trouble," I warned and she humphed.
Five minutes later she came out dressed, glared at me then ate her breakfast in a stony silence.
"Bells, do you want to wear your new shoes today?" I asked.
"No," she screamed and burst into tears – stamping her feet and pounding her fists against the sofa.
This was unexpected: yes we'd done the terrible twos but that was over and we were beginning to be more grownup. However, two year old Bella had suddenly made a new appearance.
"Have fun with that," Emmett commented as he walked past.
"You get to spend all day with her," I retorted as I went to pick up my daughter who was still throwing a tantrum.
"Isabella, stop this at once and tell me what's wrong," I said sternly.
"I don't want to wear those shoes," she protested as she fought against me.
"And you couldn't have just said it like a normal, civilised human being?"
At this she stopped fighting and burst into real tears which caught me by surprise. Pulling away from me she collapsed onto the floor and lay there sobbing.
"Bella sweetie, are you okay to go to school today?" I asked, worried.
"Just leave me alone – you'll leave anyway," she hiccupped through her sobs.
"That's not true at all," I said aghast, "Now come and put your shoes on or you'll have to come to work with me."
She stood up and stomped over to her shoes as I got her a tissue to blow her nose and dry her eyes on.
"Let's stop being silly and acting up Bella, because this is getting out of hand," I started but she glared at me, on the verge of another tantrum so I left it, "It's off to school for you then."
As she ran out in front of me I tried to work out what was going on in that little head of hers but couldn't work it out at all. In the end I gave up and focused on the road instead. If my daughter wanted to scowl I wasn't going to be able to stop her, but I would at least try.
Later, as the day rushed past me and the hours went by so quickly I found myself waiting outside the door of the law court, with my lawyer as we stood in line to take our turn. I knew Royce was out there somewhere and I knew I would have to look at him however much I didn't want to, yet in an odd way I wanted to see him and hoped he was doing awfully; looking a mess and beside himself with anything really – I wasn't going to be picky.
Of course this wasn't the case and he looked as smart as ever. Maybe not as handsome as I'd once found him, but he still had this charm in his handmade designer suits that made me weak at the knees. Nevertheless, unlike before when I was a girl this weakness was frightening and it was more from fear that I was going weak: not because I was enchanted with his looks. Who was I, the small town girl with the big dreams and no trust fund compared to the Royce King? If I'd ever thought that I had a chance in this case I realised I was wrong. However, what he probably didn't realise was that I was going to fight for my right to my daughter.
He smiled smugly at me as we were called in and I bit my tongue whilst clenching my fists to avoid lashing out. He was toying with me and I refused to give in once again. Despair set in soon after as I saw that the judge was in fact one of Royce's college friends. I thanked my lucky stars this wasn't the actual hearing and reminded myself to ask for an impartial judge if we needed a proper court case.
"So we have Rosalie Lillian King and Royce Alexander Henry King here today in lieu of custody over their daughter. I have read the notes and the Jury have decided that in order to make an informed decision we will need a proper hearing, but also that because Mrs King has had the child with her alone for the past few weeks that it is only fair that she spends next week with her father in order to make an unbiased decision," the Judge informed us, "After that we will have a proper hearing about custody. You may leave."
I rose as the gavel banged down and let what the Judge had just said sink in. I know the decision has to be made fairly; however, I couldn't bear not having my daughter with me for a week. I thanked my lawyer and returned to my car in a grave and serious mood.
BPOV
I still really didn't want to speak to Mama because I was so close to telling her everything at Nana's, but I didn't. It was the right thing to do, as now she was telling me I'd have to go and stay with Daddy for a week. Even though I don't act like I love her anymore I do and I'd much rather be in a house with her than one with Daddy. She and Mr Emmett look after me but Daddy doesn't. Daddy hurts me and I don't want to be hurt again.
"Why do I have to go?" I whined as Mama packed me into the car.
"Because darling, the Judge who wears the wig said that this had to happen, but don't worry – you get to choose between me and Daddy at the end of it," she explained and I nodded knowing exactly who I was going to choose.
"It'll be alright sweetie, and if he hurts you have my number and you just call me: I'll be there straight away," she promised as I stared out of the window, "And don't forget you'll see Emmett every day at school and even though there will be a social worker there so he can't influence you – you can talk to him if anything happens."
"Mama, can you come?" I asked and she shook her head sadly.
"No baby, I'm not allowed, but soon enough this will all be over and done with."
"I don't want to," I moaned as we pulled into our old drive. It wasn't my home: Mr Emmett's house was home and this was just Daddy's house.
"Honey, sometimes we have to do things we don't want to do, but at the end of it we become a better person for having done it," Mama explained, "So, you coming to stay with Daddy is showing everyone what a big clever girl you are and I am so proud of you and love you so much okay?"
"Yes," I whispered and waited for her to open my door.
As we approached the house a tall, skinny lady with red hair and big blue eyes came over to us.
"Hi, I'm Milena Smith and I am the social worker assigned to your case," she said coming up to Mama.
"It's lovely to meet you; I'm Rosalie and this is my daughter Isabella," Mama said.
"Hello sweetheart," she said bending down to my level, "I'm going to be around you quite a bit over the next few days: if you need anything or need to talk to someone that's not in your family I will be here and I will do whatever I can to help you."
I smiled at her; she was nice and if she stayed then Daddy wouldn't hurt me.
"I think I'm going to leave now," Mama said, "I can't face Royce and I think Bells is in safe hands with you. Just don't let her get hurt."
"Mama don't go," I begged.
"Bella, I love you and I will always love you but you have to do this for your Daddy. He has as much a right to you as I do and that means he's allowed to do this. But I'll see you next Sunday sweetie," Mama said and hugged me tightly before kissing my head and walking away; waving as she drove off.
"Right Bella," Milena began, "We now have to go in and see your Daddy but I'll stay with you if you want."
"Yes please," I replied quietly and put my arms up to her: indicating I wanted to be picked up which she did.
"I want Mama," I whispered as she carried me in.
"I know you do darling, but you be a brave girl and do this for Mama," she said, rubbing my back.
"Well Isabella, you're here to stay with me for a week then are you?" Daddy asked as he came out of the house.
I tightened my grip on Milena and nodded.
"And who are you?" Daddy rudely asked.
"I'm the social worker assigned to your case: Milena Smith – it's lovely to meet you," she said and stuck a hand out to him which he ignored.
"I don't need your kind interfering in my life, so please leave," he demanded.
"Mr King I'm sorry to say but I can't go until this case has been resolved," she apologised.
"Very well; if you must stay just don't get in my way. Now Isabella come inside and bring your bags in," Daddy ordered and I clung to Milena who smiled sadly at Daddy and carried me in.
"When do you leave?" He asked.
"Once Bella here is settled and unpacked I will go, but I will be back tomorrow to see how everything is going and I will also see her at school during the week," Milena explained.
"Don't go," I breathed and she hugged me closer.
"Right, if you take her up to her room to unpack then you can go whilst Isabella and I have some Father/Daughter time alone."
Milena took me upstairs where I guided her to my bedroom and she sat me on the bed as she went to get my suitcase that Mama had packed. Carefully she unpacked it all and put my clothes in my chest of drawers, but the picture of Mama and the rest of our family from half term was put on my bedside table. Then she stood up and smiled at me.
"Now Bella, I have to go so you can spend time with your Daddy but I will be back tomorrow and if you need anything you can reach me on this number," she explained, handing me a piece of paper, "Has someone given you a phone to use?"
"Mama gave me her old one which has the numbers I need on, but you can add yours too," I said giving her the phone.
"Here you go – it's under Milena so you'll find it easily enough," she said before hugging me.
"You'll be alright Bella," she reassured me before going down and driving away; leaving me alone with Daddy...
RPOV
There was a knock at the door and Emmett answered it to find Milena stood there. One thought registered in my mind then – if she was here then my Bella was all alone with Royce. Fear and dread hit me, but I pushed it down as I went to see what she wanted to say.
"Ahh, Rosalie, it's lovely to see you again," Milena announced as I walked towards the door.
"Do come in; I would also say it's lonely to see you again but with you here I know Bells is there alone with him," I replied and she smiled sympathetically.
"Try not to think about it too much," She advised, "You'll end up creating scenarios which your mind will blow out of proportion. Now, I'm here to say that even though you cannot contact Bella I will provide you with the knowledge that she is well and healthy for the duration of this stay. I know this must be hard but we have to abide by the law."
"Tell me about it," I sighed, "Do you want to stay for a drink or dinner?"
"No – I have to go and feed my own brood before they kill each other," she laughed, "Thank-you for the offer and I'll see the both of you tomorrow."
"Thank-you and have a nice night," I told her as I saw her out of the door.
"Rosalie, your daughter will be fine," she said and squeezed my hand before leaving down the stairs.
Emmett and I ate in silence. Well, he ate a bit whilst I toyed with my food. Neither of us was particularly hungry as you can imagine and soon enough we were both in our bedrooms with the lights off.
I tossed and I turned, trying to sleep but it wouldn't come. I was lonely and confused; needing someone to hold me close and tell me it would be alright. I contemplated calling my parents but a voice on the phone was not as comforting as a real human presence by your side. After lying there for a few more minutes I decided to see if Emmett was up and if he would comfort me in this. I crept out of bed and down the hall to his room where I paused, taking in how inappropriate this probably was, then knocked gently on the door.
"Come in," was the immediate answer and I was relieved he wasn't asleep.
"I couldn't sleep," I whispered as I opened the door: seeing his room for the first time.
"Neither could I. Do you want to come and join me?" he asked as I stood there looking in.
I nodded and came over to the bed where he had pulled back the covers. He was laid there in only pyjama bottoms and although I'd seen him topless before this seemed different somehow. Taking no notice of the little voice in my head I climbed onto the bed and laid my head on his toned chest.
He stroked my hair gently and I relaxed into him. There was something so right about this that it felt like coming home. I smiled as sleep came upon me, and taking one of his hands in mine I fell into an untroubled slumber.
BPOV
I made my way down the stairs when I heard my name being shouted and closed my eyes when I made it to the bottom: waiting for the blow to hit me. But it never came. Instead, I peaked up to see my Daddy and a rather short, fat woman looking at me.
"Isabella this is Edna. Edna is a friend of mine who is staying with me. You are therefore not allowed to enter my bedroom as both Edna and I will be in there and you will be polite to her or there will be some serious trouble," Daddy warned as he glared at me.
"I'm Bella, and it's nice to meet you," I said timidly, looking at Edna and taking her in; she was shorter than Mama and fatter, with fake blonde hair and muddy brown eyes which were hidden by her bright red cheeks.
"Don't talk to me you rat; you are not to speak unless spoken to or seen unless called for," she spat; layering me in a thin film of spit.
"Now Edna, we have to behave this week so the court thinks I'm a fit Father, and you Isabella are going to play along or there will be consequences," Daddy said, smiling at Edna and glaring at me.
"I don't know why – she's rather ugly like her Mother and probably acts like her too," Edna remarked and I bit my tongue to stop myself lashing out.
"Edna, remember what I said about that; we can't do anything to make me look like anything but the perfect Father."
"Alright, but after that week I get to do what I want," Edna said, smiling sadistically.
"Of course," Daddy replied and there was a glint of malice in his eyes too, "Now go to bed Isabella; you're dismissed and we'll see you tomorrow when you are called for."
I went up and decided against telling them that I was hungry, instead snacking on the emergency rations Mama had put in my bag and holding the picture of my family close to me until I fell asleep.
Thank-you for reading; I am on holiday for a week but will try and post soon after I get back! XxX
