*Trigger Alert* This chapter contains an act of violence against a woman as well as an attempted sexual assualt. PM me if you need further details before reading.
Disclaimer: Stephenie owns Twilight. All the mistakes are mine.
Chapter 10
After the last customer from the breakfast rush had left the restaurant, Bella began the tedious task of removing all the tablecloths. Fresh, clean ones would be put in their place before the lunch service. When she had questioned why they replaced the ones that weren't even soiled, Angela replied, "It's the Harvey way."
Just as she finished her last table, Mrs. Cope approached her.
"Your uniforms have arrived. I had them delivered to the dorm. Hurry and change before the next train gets here."
A huge grin flashed across Bella's face. With a properly fitted uniform, she would finally be able to serve in the dining room. "Thank you, ma'am."
Bella had just left the restaurant when she remembered she wasn't supposed to go anywhere by herself. She hesitated then decided there was no harm in going alone.
It wasn't as if it was night, she thought. In fact, the sky was blue and blinding.
Anyhow, she'd be back in the time it would take her to find Alice or Rosie.
Bella reached her room without issue. The dormitory was quiet; everyone was busy at the restaurant. She found her new uniforms stacked neatly on her bed. Digging through the pile, she released a sigh of relief. The skirt appeared to be the correct length. After placing it back on her bed, she began to unbutton her blouse.
She paused when she heard the door open. Bella grimaced. Alice or Rosie must have discovered her missing. They were going to be angry.
She began to explain. "I was going to get one of you, but ..." Turning, her voice faded.
It wasn't one of her roommates.
James slowly shut the door. He cocked his head to the side as his eyes began to roam her body. "Don't stop on my account."
Shrinking back, Bella blanched and covered her chest. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to claim what's mine." He said, inching closer to her. He licked his lips as a bead of sweat broke out on his brow.
This was going to be fun.
Fleeing toward the door, she released a cry for help.
As she attempted to dart around him, he caught her by the arm and twisted it behind her back. "Where do you think you're going?"
Bella kicked and scratched at him as she wrestled to break free. But it was no use; he was too strong.
Pulling her close, he kissed her roughly. She bit down hard on his lip until she drew blood. As soon as he stopped, she began to scream.
"Let me go! Help! Somebody, please!"
James chuckled as he wiped his mouth. Her cries reminded him of Victoria. He relished the sound before saying, "No one is here to help you. We're all alone."
She continued to yell as she struggled against him. Pain shot throughout her body as he squeezed and bent her arm.
Growing tired of her pleas, he backhanded her across the cheek. "Shut the hell up!"
Falling to the floor, Bella slammed her head against the side of the dresser.
Then everything went black.
HG
Edward checked his pocket watch; it was twenty minutes until the train arrived. He had just enough time to inspect the restaurant before the lunch crowd appeared.
There was a bounce in his step as he made his way down the corridor. He couldn't believe how much his life had changed in the course of the last twenty-four hours. His entire world seemed brighter, and he felt hope for the first time in years.
All because of Bella.
"Mr. Cullen?"
Caught up in his thoughts, Edward hadn't seen Rosie approach him.
"Yes, Miss Hale?"
"Have you seen Maizey, I mean, Bella? Alice and I can't find her anywhere."
The smile fell from his face. "What do you mean you can't find her?"
"She was supposed to meet us during our break, but she never showed. We've looked in both of the dining rooms and the kitchen."
Edward stormed past her and searched for Mrs. Cope.
Finding her in the lobby, he asked, "Have you seen Isabella Swan?"
Noticing the concern in her employer's face, she became alarmed. "She went to the dorms to change. Her uniform—"
"Did you send someone with her?" He implored as he ran a hand across the back of his neck.
"No, sir. She went alone." Mrs. Cope was confused by his question.
Having heard the conversation, Rosie dashed out of the hotel and headed to the dorms.
Edward followed after her. His heart raced as he silently prayed Bella was okay.
She had to be.
Rosie had just gotten to her bedroom door when Edward appeared behind her. She turned the knob and discovered it was locked.
She pounded her fist against the door's wooden frame. "Maizey! Maizey, are you in there?"
Edward pushed her aside before slamming the door with all his might. When it flung open, he found James standing over Bella. She was lying on the floor, and her head was bleeding.
Rage filled Edward. Smashing into James, he grabbed his shirt and yanked him close. "What did you do to her?"
Not waiting for a reply, he knotted his fist and launched a brutal strike against James' nose.
Rosie ran to get help. As she made her way down the stairs, Alice entered the building.
"Alice! Get the sheriff! Hurry!" Rosie screamed. "Bella's hurt! I'll get the doctor!"
As the girls fled for help, Edward continued his assault on James. The need for vengeance blinded him. His eyes blazed as he rained down a flurry of blows.
"What did you do to her?" He repeated as James groaned in misery.
"Edward! Stop!" Sheriff Banner rushed across the room and pulled Edward off the bloodied man.
Alice flew to Bella's side. "Bella! Bella! Are you okay?"
Hearing the name of his beloved, Edward snapped back into reality. After tearing away from the sheriff's grip, he fell to Bella's side. Lifting her in his arms, he sobbed.
HG
AN:
The standardized procedures for serving and interacting with guests were informally known as the "Harvey way."
-HE