Stephenie Meyer owns the characters...I own the plot.
ALL MUSICAL LYRICS ARE THE SOLE PROPERTY OF THE AUTHOR AND THE MUSICIANS THAT OWN THEM.
This was a hard chapter to write. But, I hope you all enjoy. THANK YOU to my BFF Moochini, I *HEART* YOU!!! I am STILL actively trying to lure her to the darkside that is FanFiction =) She helped me alot with this chapter...this story in general, so thank you!!!
ShamelesslyObsessed, thank you for your great ideas!!! You will see that I have definitely incorporated one. Hope you like, you'll know it when you get to it =)
WARNING: This chapter contains violence as well as real life themes.
Okay...here goes nothing.
"And, if I only could
Make a deal with god.
And get him to swap our places.
Be running up that road,
Be running up that hill,
Be running up that building.
If I only could…"
Running Up That Hill: Placebo
Alice's Point Of View
"Jasper? Where is Edward going?"
My voice inflected as I watched out the window as Edward sullenly walked away from where Bella stood, uncomfortably?
Just moments before; Bella had given me the 'okay' that she had wanted to leave with Edward. I knew she was in safe hands. And, though I knew I should not have let her leave, I couldn't say no when she was glowing radiantly after what I can only assume was the best kiss of her life. A kiss that took place in my house. To say I wasn't gushing with delight…just a little, was an understatement.
I knew that once Bella and Edward were alone, Bella's intentions were to pour out her heart and soul-making sure to lay it on nice and thick.
Edward, the man Bella had been doting over for weeks had finally come to his senses as well-there intentions were identical. So, how could I say no? I couldn't. And, besides, Bella is an adult.
"Edward, where you going, man?"
Jasper yelled through the crowd of bustling party guests from the open entryway before closing the door with an audible huff. The music was booming, the deep bass reverberating off the walls and web-encased chandeliers. The whole block I'm sure was drowning in Brandon party mayhem.
Nothing unusual.
I was positive there was no way that Edward had heard him, as he took off towards the direction of his home. Confused, I continued to peer out the small rectangular window encased in wood, as I put my focus back to where Bella still remained, planted in the spot I had last seen her. Her body was rigid, back to me.
Why wasn't she running after Edward? What happened? I mused, as my answer slapped me blatantly in the face when I took in the tanned looking man standing before Bella. His russet colored hands wrapped firmly around her pale upper arms.
I gasped, horror stricken as her body winced in pain, trying to fight against his pull while he forced her towards my concealed driveway. I couldn't make out all his details with the thickening of night around us but I knew who this man was, and I am sure Bella did as well.
"Jasper…" I barely spoke, my words caught in my throat. My head screaming out words at inhuman speed, my lips unable to process any of them to speak properly.
Fear.
Fear, and realization enveloped me all at once. I could feel my body begin to shake, my stomach wrench, at the verity that the person who was pulling Bella away had to be none other than Jacob-no one else.
"Ali, what's wrong, you look like you just saw a ghost?" Jasper placed his hand on my shoulder. His eyes peering into my own, seeking answers I could not give.
"Are you feeling alright, your shaking? Do you want me to tell everyone to leave?"
Jaspers concern was forthcoming, as always, but it wasn't me that needed help. It was Bella. My lips quaked as I stuttered.
"He…he…has…B-B-Bella…"
I pointed incessantly out the small window-my finger visibly shaking-towards the hidden scuffle taking place between my best friend and her predator within the shadows. Jasper retreated, storming off in the opposite direction from where my finger still pointed. His departure left me dumbfounded and wrought with urgency.
I have to go to her.
I could feel the warm trails of wetness roll down my cheeks as I reached for the door handle…but, was met with my body's own resistance.
I couldn't move. I was frozen. Solidified in a state of panic.
Not once in my life had I ever dealt with any situation that would make me feel uncomfortable, or unsafe. I had never suffered the loss of a loved one, or any loss for that matter. I was properly cared for, having everything I would require at my discretion. I was born into a family of wealth. My father; a world class fashion designer, started Brandon Enterprises in his early twenties. His company rose to the top of the markets in its first year. Surpassing such greats as Christian Lacroix, Dior, and Armandi. My fathers fashion's; well known all over the globe for their intricacy and in-your-face couture.
Because of my fathers notoriety as well as his savvy business sense I was a tad bit…spoiled?
My only concerns in life were: What color undergarments to wear for the day, what designer to choose, and had I wore that particular design in the past month or not. Because, I could never be caught dead wearing the same thing twice in one month. I thought, scoffing internally.
I shook my head, shaking off the ridiculous selfishness I possessed. I should be thinking about Bella, how to help her. Not my obvious sheltered life and underwear.
I observed everything around me with a cautious eye. My body began moving on its own accord, as I hit the send button on my phone. I was completely unaware that I had even put my cell to my ear, till the ringing of the number I had dialed awoke me to its presence. Who had I dialed?
Jasper walked by me. Not stopping once to tell me his intentions as he swung the heavy door open, walking out abruptly. He had apparently discarded his cowboy hat because his hair was now falling wildly in his eyes. His long curls bouncing and swaying as he stretched his neck from left to right. Everything seemed to move in slow motion. Jaspers palms balling up into tightly woven fists, Emmett pushing past me, pausing momentarily-chuckling before falling in line behind Jasper, cracking his knuckles as he followed. Both were ready and able to take on an army if need be.
"I'm calling Ben." I said mechanically to Emmett as he had passed. He nodded in affirmation.
Did he know? How did I know?
Everything was so surreal as the ringing in my ear ceased and a gruff voice answered.
"Ben Cheney."
"Ben…this is Alice, Alice Brandon?"
"Alice, yes. How-"
"Where the fuck are your men!?"
And, just like that I snapped back into the fast pace that was my reality.
"Alice, calm down. What are you talking about? My men should be right there, why, what's happening?"
I watched out the now open doorway as Jasper shoved Jacob, knocking him down. Jacob just brushed himself off and rose to his feet ready for more.
"Alice?"
"Your men, they aren't here, and Jacob is…oh shit!" I stammered as I watched Jasper's fist make contact with Jacob's face. They were both standing closer to the street now where some light illuminated the area. A devious grin spread across Jacobs face as he wiped the fresh trail of blood away from his nose. It was then that I saw what Bella had been so afraid of.
Jacobs evil.
It radiated off of him. Like a thick smog, it cloaked him.
Was he smirking at me?
I was absolutely terrified, and I had to turn away for fear his evil would encapsulate me as it had him. It was at that moment that the direness of the situation spiked within me. My adrenaline raced through my system as my own fear for Bella grew exponentially.
"What the hell is going on?" Rosalie came up beside me, trying to push past me.
"No, Rose. You have to stay in here."
Rosalie pursed her lips as she took in the melee taking place in my front yard.
"Like hell I will. Em is out there. And…and I'll be damned if some fucker throws a sucker punch at my Emmett…I will kick there sorry asses."
She nudged to pass me again but I blocked her. Not allowing her to leave. Rosalie was beyond inebriated. She could barely walk straight, let alone fight? There was no way in hell I was letting her out into ground zero.
I felt detached as I watched the chaos unfold before me. Unable to shake the odd feeling that lingered around me, something just wasn't right. And, I wasn't about to allow Rosalie to take any chances and put herself into danger neither. I couldn't be out there to help Bella but at least I could keep an intoxicated Rosalie safe.
"Who's Jasper fighting with anywayssss?" Rosalie asked, projecting her slurred words over the blaring music.
"That's Jacob, Bella's ex. He's…he's come to hurt Bella. Jasper is putting a stop to it."
I said my words with fake confidence, worried that Jasper wouldn't make a dent in Jacobs planned intentions. I also did not want to give up too much information. What Bella had confessed to me was done in the strictest of confidence. Even with Rosalie's large consumption of alcohol drowning most of her cognition, she'd still remember all of this in the morning. She had the memory of an elephant.
Finally, after a few minutes, it appeared that Rosalie understood as the tension in her body began to dissipate.
"Fine." She huffed defiantly before resigning to my request. "Who'ssss on the phone?"
I looked at her perplexed as she pointed to the phone still being held up to my ear. I pulled it away and read the display, "CALL ENDED."
When had I disconnected from Ben? Or, had he disconnected?
I knew that Ben would most certainly be on his way even though I held my finger on the redial button. Ready to call him once more, just to be safe.
As I tried to recall the last words spoken to Ben, and whether I should just apply more pressure to that button, I caught a glimpse of Bella. She was pulling away from Emmett. He had been holding her up for the past few minutes. She appeared frightened, looking around clueless as her hands wrung nervously in front of her. Slowly, she retreated towards the street. I watched in abject horror as she turned around and took off. Running full speed down the same path Edward had taken earlier.
"What the fuck!? Where the hell is she going? Rosalie…Bella is leaving!"
I grabbed Rosalie's arm, jerking her up from the squatting position she had taken against the wall.
"Whoa…slow down there. I'm a little dizzzzy."
"Ugh, just come on."
I pulled her up completely and dragged her out of the house. Jasper and Jacob were still going at it. Punch for punch. I walked directly up to Emmett, ignoring the fighting match before me, smacking him on the back as hard as my little hands would allow. He whipped his body around quickly, defensive. As soon as he saw it was me he laughed.
"Hey, what was that for?"
"What was that for!? Where did Bella run off to, Emmett?"
I smacked his chest. I was so frustrated and angry. More tears fell from my eyes and I felt embarrassed for showing my weakness in front of my friends.
"Calm down, Alice. Bella went to my house. She was ready to pass out…shit, people need to really stop worrying around here. Your party is getting way too emo for me, Alice. Look at you…" He pointed, glaring at me incredulously, "your just as bad as Bella." Rosalie fell into his side and he took her under his arm.
"No, Emmett. I don't think you understand the seriousness of what's going on here. Bella…should not be left alone."
He looked at me perplexed and I knew I had to say something. Something that could help him to comprehend. My actions would be justifiable, Bella would understand, I was sure of it.
"Listen, Emmett." I said as I stood on my tiptoes, bringing my face closer to his ear.
"Hey, Rosalie is right here. Stop trying to make out with me, Alice. Fucking pervert!" He joked before I slapped him in the arm.
"SHUT UP and listen." I pulled his head down to my level so that I could whisper in his ear, "Jacob, Bella's ex. The guy Jasper is punching in the stomach as we speak…he killed Bella's father." I pulled away momentarily. Letting Emmett absorb my first dose of information. His emotions masked as he looked directly at me, all playing aside.
"He's here to finish what he started, Emmett. He's here because he wants Bella with him…and if she refuses…if she doesn't let him have his way…he will kill her."
I stood back, watching Emmett's face shift from calm, to unease, than pure anger.
"No fucking way…not on my watch." He scorned as he pulled Rosalie off his side, placing her hand in mine.
"Did he come alone? Cause Bella's on her way to my house…alone." He stopped, taking in fully the weight of what was happening. He looked down the street towards where Bella ran; before turning his attention to a now slightly injured Jasper.
"Oh, fuck no!" He yelled as he stormed off to where Jasper and Jacob were on the grass; both trying to subdue the other. Emmett pulled Jacob from Jasper's grasp with ease-standing him upright. I ran to where Jasper was on his knees, hunched over, spitting blood from his mouth onto the grass below. I heard a loud grunt above me and hesitantly looked up to see Emmett plowing his fist into Jacobs ribs, than his stomach, before grabbing Jacobs head and pulling it down so his knee met the center of his face. Jacob grunted one last time, blood spewing from his mouth from the brute force before collapsing-his body falling limply to the ground.
"Jasper, baby? Are you okay?"
Turning my attention back to Jasper who was now sitting on his knees. Head thrown back, chest heaving as he tried to regain his breathing. I could hear the wail of sirens in the short distance and I sensed minor relief with the respite it would bring. Jacob would finally get what he deserved. But, something still felt off. I tried to shake it as the sirens grew closer, standing-I helped Jasper off the ground.
"Jasper?" I looked up at him pleadingly. He was distant, his expression cold and empty.
"I just want to know that your alright…" I whispered, hanging my head. I stared at our feet for a few seconds, mine shifting uncomfortably on the ground before he placed his fingers below my chin, lifting my face to meet his before he finally spoke.
"I'm okay, darlin'. Really."
I sighed with relief; wrapping my arm around his waist as he hugged his ribs, recoiling from his own touch. We walked over to where Emmett sat-literally-on top of a defeated Jacob. Jasper bent over Jacobs head, he was snarling like a rabid dog as Emmett continued to apply pressure, containing him to the cold ground.
"Piece of shit…" Jasper mumbled as he spat into Jacobs face. Jacob looked away in disgust; his gaze meeting the same unmarked Police cruiser we were all focused on that was now pulling into my driveway, sirens ceasing.
Ben jumped out immediately, briskly walking to where Jasper and I stood, arm in arm. The second I saw him I felt flush with disappointment. He had let Bella down, he let us all down. I held my chin high and pushed my shoulders back, ready to confront him.
"Where is he?" He asked and I pointed to the limp mass that was Jacobs body hidden beneath Emmett's frame.
"Okay, you know where he is so now tell me this. Where are your undercover cops, you know the ones that were supposed to be monitoring Bella?!" I was furious. My hands, glued to my hips as I tried to display my dominance.
How could something like this take place, when there were actions put into effect to avoid such thing from occurring?
"My guys were here…are here." He looked around confused before resting his gaze on something down the street.
"Eric." He called to whom I assumed was his partner. The short man was taking statements from my party guests. Ben and Eric held a silent conversation, the nodding and pointing of their heads the only motions between them before Eric began walking towards Bella's house-large flashlight in hand. I watched him inquisitively as he searched the row of parked cars that hugged the curb of the street. From my left, Ben was handcuffing Jacob, giving him his Miranda Rights, but my attention was still fully focused on Eric and his private investigation.
"What the fuck!?" Jacob yelled, pulling my attention from Eric. Jacobs hands were cuffed behind his back as Ben pulled on them, yanking him off the ground-abruptly.
"What are you charging me with? I have a right to know!" Jacob screamed. His body shaking as Ben curiously glanced towards Eric than back to Jacob, again.
"Harassment." Ben said flatly, answering Jacobs question. Jacob only snickered at the reply.
"Harassment? That's all you fucking got? You gotta be kidding me."
Ben looked over towards Jasper and I. Jasper, quiet, his anger silently boiling.
"Aggravated assault, too." Ben said as he pulled Jacob towards the cruiser. Jacob defiantly fought, writhing in his restraints. His large frame pulling against an unrelenting Ben.
"Aggravated assault? Your fucking kidding me! The blonde fucking cowboy came at me first."
Jacobs cuffed hands strained from behind his back as he tried to point towards a now chortling Jasper. Unable, Jacob only managed to point with his shoulder before being pushed into the back seat of the cruiser. As Ben closed the door on a curse spewing Jacob, Eric called from the short distance.
"Ben…I think you may want to see this."
Ben ran over to where Eric's flashlight shone brightly into a darkened car. The light seemed to be bouncing off two large objects. I waited with bated breath as Ben looked around, nervous-before reaching his hand into the vehicle. Quickly, he pulled his hand free and began walking back towards where I stood, his phone to his ear. I could just make out the deep crease within his brow as my body became increasingly swamped with unease.
Something is wrong.
I tried to focus my attention to the words he was saying as throngs of guests began leaving at a steady pace in my periphery.
"This is Detective Ben Cheney from the Fifth Precinct. I have two officers down…no pulse…GSW to the head…posterior. I need the crime lab…yes, back up units."
My stomach turned as I realized fully what was just said. Jasper is back at my side, though I didn't recall him leaving at all.
"Alice, your pale again. What's wrong? I told everyone to leave."
Just as I am about to answer him Ben is before us. Looking from me to the now motionless Jacob sitting in the back of the cruiser.
"Alice, I need to speak with Bella. Please have her come out now." His tone holds sorrow and frustration and my breath catches as I look around, unsure of how to word what needs to be said. I look to Jasper, hoping his features can give me the calming effect that I so desperately need. I feel as though I cant breathe and I wonder if what I am experiencing is what Bella would refer to as a panic attack.
"Can you please get her, Alice?"
Ben asks again, this time more forceful, impatience laces his words. His body seems to be getting more anxious as the seconds pass.
"I cant…" I rasp, wanting to run and hide at that very moment.
"Why cant you?"
"Because…she's not here. She left a little while ago." I can barely speak as my words leave me in a muted whisper.
"What do you mean she left? Alice, she was not supposed to leave your house. I thought this was made clear?"
Ben's authoritative tone makes him come off condescending and I can feel the tension build in Jaspers body in response.
"Excuse me, Ben. But, Alice is not Bella's keeper. Bella is an adult and if she wants to leave…well, than that's her choice."
Jasper responded firmly in my defense. I squeezed his arm in appreciation for saying what I couldn't. But, before Ben could even ask I spoke up, "She is with Edward Cullen, they're at his house. He's a good friend of ours. He wouldn't let anything happen to her." My words felt more like a question. As I spoke them they didn't feel right leaving my lips, something still felt off.
"Get Bella on the phone…now." He demanded.
Jasper's body tensed again but this time there was no hesitation on my behalf. I had the phone in my hand and was quickly dialing Edward. He picked up after the third ring. His voice glum and contrite.
"Yeah."
"Edward, put Bella on the phone."
"Well, hello to you too, Alice." He sneered, and it only made me more anxious.
"Are you deaf?" I asked, my patience worn beyond thin.
"What?"
"PUT. BELLA. ON. THE. PHONE."
Edward laughed cynically at my demand and I realized than that this would not produce a pleasant outcome.
"Please, Edward. Please…tell me Bella is with you."
Silence.
Ben began to pace, his face looking frantic. Not awaiting my response; he anticipates Edwards, and I watch in dismay as he lifts his phone back to his ear.
"Alice, Bella's not here. What's going on?" Edwards voice is now full of concern as I can feel the blood leave my upper body, draining me for all I am worth.
"She's gone, Edward…Bella's gone."
I dropped the phone to the ground as my body began to fall. Jaspers arms around me, whispering in my ear, but the only thing I can hear is Bens voice, on his phone.
"…I need an APB…eighteen-year-old, brunette female. Approximately five-foot-two to five-foot-four inches, one-hundred ten to one-hundred fifteen pounds. Last seen approximately thirty to forty-five minutes ago heading south on Campo Drive…on foot…she is dressed as the Queen of Hearts."
How did he know all that information? I think to myself, bewildered. Completely unaware that Jasper's lips are moving though I cant here a word he is saying. Everything within me is attuned to what Ben is saying followed by his actions.
Ben angrily walks towards the cruiser where Jacob is being held. He roughly swings the door open before grabbing Jacob by the collar of his shirt.
"Where. Is. She?" He asks firmly as his hand moves upward towards Jacobs throat.
"I don't know what your talking about, let me go!"
"So help me, Jacob. When I find Bella…if one hair on her pretty little head is out of place…I will kill you myself."
The slam of the car door is so hard that it should have fell off its hinges. I had never seen fury like I had seen in Bens eyes.
"What's going on, Jazz? Why does everyone look like they just lost a puppy or some shit?"
Emmett's loud voice breaks my reverie and I listen for the answer Jasper will have to give. My heart aching, knowing, what he is about to say.
"Bella's gone."
"What do you mean? She's with Edward." Emmett said, finality thick in his voice though he sounded like he was questioning himself.
"No, Emmett….she never made it."
With that I walked up to Emmett. The look of confusion and hurt obscuring his usual playful demeanor. It was a sad thing to witness.
"Em?" I said clearly, confidently. "I think its time to call Edward."
****
The cold, sterile holding room was a wake up call for us all. As Jasper, Edward, and I sat frantic, awaiting some type of word as to where Bella might be. Ben allowed us this small private space while he interrogated Jacob. It was all he could offer and we took it in its entirety as we awaited for some form of a confession.
Jacob, the only link at the moment that could connect us back to Bella.
Edward sat in the corner. A short distance from where Jasper and I held onto each other. I held his body close to mine, my raft, my life preserver. Ready to pull me afloat once reality pulled me into its murky depths.
I had never seen a man cry before. Edward was my first.
He sat on the small metal framed chair. His head covered by is arms, hung between his slightly ajar thighs. His sobs were quiet, though present. He sniffled occasionally, taking deep breaths before the sobs wretched through him once more.
He was torn apart. He was broken.
Emmett and Rosalie stayed behind. Making sure that everyone had gone home. Rosalie, a minor and clearly intoxicated was not in any condition to sit in a Police Station. Edward had arrived at my house, Bella's tiara in hand. Panic, and fear etched deep in his brows.
"I found this on my driveway." He had said softly as he handed it over to Ben.
Edward hadn't known about Bella's past. All she had told him was her father had passed. According to him, Bella never spoke of living in Washington. The subject made her uncomfortable Edward said, so he avoided it at all cause.
I drove with Edward, alone, as Jasper followed us to Precinct. I needed to make him aware of what was happening, along with what he did not know.
"Alice, I don't understand. She came to my house but she didn't make it to the door?" He held the bridge of his nose as he tried to discern what had taken place just a few hundred feet from his home.
"You said she's gone…and, now…now your taking me to the Police Station? I need to know what's going on, please?"
I looked at his face. His stubbly jaw was taut, teeth clenched. He looked at me pleadingly as his green eyes glazed over.
"First, Edward. I need to know something." He shook his head. Eyes glued to my cheek as I continued to look forward, eyes on the road.
"Why'd you leave? I mean, why? What happened?"
"Please, Alice. I was stupid…jealous. Some guy just shows up, says he Bella's boyfriend, she pulls away from me like I make her sick or some shit…what was I supposed to think?"
I nodded in understanding. Though, that wasn't a good enough reason as far as I was concerned. But, I wouldn't question Edward anymore on that subject knowing that what I was about to tell him would be a hard enough pill to swallow.
"Edward…that was not Bella's boyfriend. That is her ex, or whatever he thinks he is… he's been stalking her, threatening her, for a while now…since she left Washington."
He looked at me confused and I knew I had to continue. For his sanity as well as my own.
"He came here to finish what he started back in Washington, where Bella grew up."
We were stopped at a red light. I turned to face Edward, his eyes glued to my own in an uncomfortable anticipation.
"What? What did he come to do?" He asked, though I knew he had some inkling of what was to come next.
"Kill her."
The rest of our ride was spent with me talking and Edward tensing more and more. Till finally when I had finished the horrid tale that was Bella's life, Edward had fell apart. His tears had only ceased momentarily as we were led to the room we now sat in. But, immediately his sobbing continued once we were left alone.
I wanted to comfort him as I watched his fingers pull harshly at the hair above him. He had quieted down significantly though I knew his heart still ached. Jasper tried as well but Edward didn't want the attention he had said.
I was caught by complete surprise when Renee had entered into our little space. Immediately her eyes met mine and she ran to where I threw myself from Jaspers side.
"Oh, god, Alice!? What happened, where is she?"
Renee held me so tight as we clung to each other, reuniting. I had known Renee for some time now. Rosalie and I had spent most of this past summer with her while Phil trained-Phil a friend of my father.
Renee had always spoke about Bella, the daughter she left behind in Washington. Never having anything but positive things to say about Charlie, the man that had raised Bella and stepped up when she couldn't. I had always wished that my own mothers love was as endearing for me as Renee's was for Bella. But, my mother was so self-absorbed and barely noticed me. So, I spent most of my time with Renee. Absorbing any amount of attention she would afford me which turned out to be quite a lot.
Renee and I had agreed that we would not tell Bella about our earlier acquaintance. Renee was afraid that Bella would take it the wrong way, thinking Renee had arranged for her to have friends. I was so excited when Bella had walked into A&P that day. I knew the circumstances of her arrival but would never dare reveal them. I had made sure in advance that the table behind where Rosalie and I sat was empty, ready for her and her alone.
Renee's tears fell on my bare shoulder. It wasn't the first time she had cried over Bella, but it was mine. I couldn't answer her because had I known where Bella was than we wouldn't be here, and Renee would still be in Philly.
"Renee, when did you get in?" I asked, pulling myself from her strong embrace. Her face was pallid, her hair unkempt.
"I had actually decided to leave this morning, after speaking with Bella. I just didn't feel right. So…I rented a car and started to drive home. I was only forty-five minutes away when Ben called…oh, my god…I just got her back, Alice! I cant lose her again."
I thought she would have collapsed the way her body weakened within my grasp. I tried as much as I could, with what power I contained to hold her up but couldn't. Till an unexpected hand assisted me.
"Who are you?" Renee asked quizzically, looking at a teary eyed Edward. He stepped back slightly, allowing her space.
"This is Edward, Renee. You know…Bella's tutor…Thee Tutor?"
Renee gasped, throwing her palm over her mouth as she grabbed Edward into her arms. Her hand immediately went to the back of his head where she stroked affectionately.
"We're going to find her, Edward. We wont give up…she's going to come back home to us…okay? It will be okay…"
I watched mouth agape at their exchange. Renee spoke to him like she had known him all his life.
Had she known of him?
Edward held onto Renee like she was all he had left of Bella. Like if he let go he would lose her forever. He nodded at her words, placating her but still shuddered. His actions told me he didn't believe it. He was grieving.
The door opened again, a gust of wind entered our close knit circle as we all turned to see who had come in. Jasper stood up and wrapped his arm around my own as Ben walked in. Fingers running through his hair, a look of disgust on his face.
"They're releasing him."
"What!?" We all yelled in unison, taken aback, as he began pacing the floor before us.
"There's not enough to keep the son of a bitch."
"What about the assault. Have you seen my face?" Jasper asked angrily, pointing at his swollen cheek and torn lip.
"Yeah, I have…but, have you seen his? He looks like he got hit with a Mack truck. Believe me, this is not my doing. I got a Captain to answer to and he doesn't feel there is sufficient evidence to hold him." Ben's words came out in a long drawn out hiss. His body was so strained I thought it would snap at any given moment.
"What about the harassment charges? Cant you keep him for that?" I chimed in, though should have known what his reply would be.
"I could, if Bella was here. Without her…we're at a stalemate."
"What!? This guy is a fucking murderer…he has my…my girlfriend, or, at least knows where she is-and just like that he's gonna go free? This is absolute fucking bullshit!" Edward screamed as he picked up the chair he had sat in earlier and flung it against the wall. Screaming expletives as he did so.
Wait, girlfriend?
"Edward, believe me. If I could keep him I would." Ben said looking back at Jasper and I. Renee was back calming Edward who now sat in a different chair. Legs bouncing off the ground nervously as his fingers assaulted his scalp..
"It doesn't help neither that all the eye witnesses said you attacked him first, Jasper. That, and they didn't see him do anything to Bella that would have required your assistance."
"Fucking bullshit!" Edward yelled again as Jasper tensed beside me.
"So, wait. I was supposed to just stand by while his hand was wrapped around Bella's neck? Your eyewitnesses don't know what the fuck they're talking about. They just stood there…he could have killed her and they would have never known, they would have let it happen." Jasper was trembling slightly as he continued to murmur incoherent words under his breath. Ben stood before him, his hand rested on Jasper's shoulder.
"I know you did what you felt was needed. And, I applaud you for stepping up when no one else had." Edward looked at Ben, forlorn, releasing a loud moan, "Believe me, I am not saying you are in the wrong…there's just nothing I can do…yet."
"What do you mean, yet?" Renee asked inquisitively, annunciating the word 'yet' as she looked up at a towering Ben.
"We'll release him, alright. But, he will be watched. We'll give him just enough rope to hang himself, and when he does…we'll get him."
"I don't care about him…I just want my Bella back." Edward said, defeated as Renee sat by his side shushing him before speaking.
"Edward, we all want Bella back."
"Playground school bell rings, again.
Rain clouds come to play, again.
Has no one told you she's not breathing?
Hello, I'm your mind giving you someone to talk to.
Hello …?
If I smile and don't believe.
Soon I know I'll wake from this dream.
Don't try to fix me, I'm not broken.
Hello , I'm the lie living for you so you can hide,
Don't cry…
Suddenly I know I'm not sleeping.
Hello, I'm still here.
All that's left of yesterday."
Hello: Evanescence
SUNDAY.
****
MONDAY.
****
TUESDAY.
****
Statistics have shown that after the first forty-eight hours of a missing person case, the higher the chance that person will not be found.
And…if found the chances of that person being found alive are slim to null.
We surpassed the forty-eight hour mark…yesterday.
Three days had gone by. And Bella's case was now considered an abduction. But, we already had known that. The justice system just needed time to catch up.
The past three days were full of constant searches, both aerial and ground. The hours were endless as we continued to post flyers with her photo and description. Rosalie had called all the local News Stations as well as Radio Stations and now are cries for Bella's return were being heard as far as the West Coast. Even more so in Forks, Washington.
Jacob was released the same evening Bella had gone "missing." And, because of insufficient evidence at the time, there was no way to keep tabs on him. Ben had said he would personally do so. But how far could he really go before losing his badge, and losing tabs on Jacob as well?
Bella's room had become our sanctuary. Emmett, Jasper, Edward, Rosalie, and I only left it when necessary. We brought blankets from home and camped out on Bella's bedroom floor, allowing all things that were her to surround us.
Edward slept in her bed.
Edward refused to leave, at all. He had only left the few times to scour the neighborhood and surrounding areas during our many search efforts.
After we would drain ourselves of all energy he would retreat back to Bella's bed where he would whimper into her pillow, clutching it like it was his sustenance...without it he would cease to exist.
None of us had returned to school. And, we wouldn't; not until Bella was back home, safe where she belonged.
It was Tuesday afternoon. Rosalie and I were spread out on Bella's floor, clean white-poster board before us, ready to make more signs for Bella. Edward slowly pulled himself out from Bella's sheets. I watched his languid movements as his hand glided over the lilac comforter, reverently.
"You know I was going to tell her..." I looked up at him, his stone face, pale. His chin heavily overgrown with scruff, cheeks sallow.
"Tell her what, Edward?" I raised myself up, walking the few feet over to where he now stood, his eyes focused on the bed he had spent the past three days living in.
"Just how much she meant to me…that I had fallen in love with her."
"Okay…Edward." I said a little stunned by his confession. Rosalie rose from the floor, sidling up beside where I stood, her hands on her hips, lips pursed. She had been mostly quiet since this whole ordeal had started. She didn't look like she would be for much longer.
"She was my world…and she didn't even know it…I never even had a chance to tell her…and now I never will." He whispered as he shattered before us.
"Shut up, Edward!" Rosalie stammered as she stood before him, smacking him in the chest.
"Just shut the fuck up, right now! You need to stop. Both of you…cause I can see it in your eyes too, Alice. Your both mourning her…acting like she's gone. Well…I will not sit here any longer and listen to this shit, do you hear me?"
She looked back and forth to Edward and I surreptitiously. I could feel the twang of guilt in my stomach as I knew she was right. I was grieving too. Just as much, if not more than Edward. I was just hiding it…better?
"Edward, your giving up…well, I wont give up because she will come home and you will get to tell her you love her."
Edward seemed like his soul was lost, here but not, as he smiled down upon Rosalie placatingly before looking at me. When I looked into his eyes I saw it. His pain. It was devouring his very essence, leaving him a hollow shell. Rosalie leaned into Edward, pulling his shirt so his face was glaring into her scowl.
"You wanna know something, Edward? I love her too, we all do. And I refuse to grieve for her…and, I will be damned if you do." Rosalie scorned one final time before storming back to her empty slate of cardboard.
Just as I went to wrap my arms around his waist and comfort him, because that was all I could do. A loud thumping came from the stairway leading to right outside the door, followed by an out of breath Renee, flinging herself through its opening-exasperated.
Her face was pale and she looked like she had seen a ghost. My stomach dropped and my heart sped as she clenched her chest.
"They found her…they found Bella."
I know I am horrible...I have become a cliffie whore...its terrible!!!!
Okay...so heres some definitions for ya'.
GSW: gun shot wound
Posterior: back
APB: all points bulletin
A&P: anatomy & physiology
umm...I think I got it all. If not leave a review or PM me.