Chapter 12.
The rest of the week went in quickly, with the exception of Friday. Friday was Bella's day with her therapist. We had got on brilliantly during the week. She was smiling a little more, and talking a bit more, too. We had also exchanged numbers. I wasn't sure she would so soon, but she surprised me, as always. She hadn't quite gotten around to telling me her story, yet. But I knew she would, when she wanted to. Angela couldn't believe the change in Bella.
"You have been amazing, Hunter. She has spoken more to you than anyone, and she looks happier," Angela stated.
"Yeah, she does look better. She still has a long way to go, I think. But I think it has helped that I'm an outsider. Some people find it easier to talk to someone that doesn't know their past."
"Yeah, I suppose you're right. Whatever it is, thank you. Thank you for helping her where we couldn't."
Angela was so kind. She always thought of others, and cared for all her friends very much. I really liked her.
"Hey," I said. "It's in the job description. Don't worry about it."
We both laughed, and she gave me a quick hug. I was quite surprised, but soon recovered, and hugged her back.
"You're welcome," I whispered in her ear.
I called Bella when I got home, to arrange what time to pick her up tomorrow.
"Hey, Hunter," she answered.
"Hi, Bella. Just a quick call to see what time to pick you up?"
"Whatever suits you. I'm okay with whatever," she replied.
"Okay. How about ten, then. I like a little lay in at the weekend," I said, chuckling silently.
"You do? Um, okay. Ten will be fine, then." Why did she sound surprised that I like to sleep a little later. Jeez, sometimes she was infuriating with her cryptic comments.
"Okay, see you then," I said, my tone a little harsher than it should have been.
"Yeah, bye, Hunter."
What was wrong with me? There was no need to use that tone with her. It was just the way she was. She couldn't help it. She probably didn't even know she was doing it, half the time. And I'm sure she didn't mean to infuriate anyone. I had to start calming myself down, before I said something to her, that I may regret.
The next morning, I was happy to find Bella had worn sensible walking shoes. We were going to be walking for a few hours, and I didn't want her hurting.
"Good morning," she smiled, when she opened the door.
"Hey, you ready to go?"
"Sure. Where are we going?" she said, hopeful I would tell her now.
"Uh-uh. You'll find out soon enough."
She rolled her eyes, and closed the door behind her.
"Lead on," she said.
I started heading toward the forest surrounding her house. She paused, and I stopped to look at her.
"We're going in the woods?" she asked.
"Yes. Is that okay?" I asked anxiously.
She looked from me to the trees, and back to me again. Shit! That's where the jackass left her. Hunter, you shit!
"I'm sorry, Bella. I wasn't thinking. We don't have to go, if you don't want to," I said quickly.
She stared at me, warring with something in her head. Finally, she spoke.
"No, it's fine. I can do this."
"Are you sure? I don't want you doing anything that will bring back bad memories."
"Let's just go, before I change my mind," she said, stepping toward the trees.
We walked for a while in silence, and finally her heart rate slowed to a calmer pace. I couldn't believe how stupid I was, but she seemed to fine now, the initial shock wearing off.
"You really don't mind?" I asked her again, wanting to make sure she was okay.
"No, I'm fine now," she smiled. "Will we be walking long?"
"Not too long, now. I found this place last week. I went exploring."
She smiled warmly at me, and then frowned slightly. She didn't say anything, she just shook her head slightly. We walked for a while longer, the conversation flowing smooth and easy. I knew we weren't far from the meadow now, and I hoped she would like it. I didn't think she would have been here before, as it was so far off the main trail. She didn't look like she was much of a hiker.
"We're almost there, now," I said to her, leading the way slightly. I noticed her heartbeat pick up speed a little, and her steps slowed slightly. Just as I got to the opening of the meadow, I noticed she wasn't beside me. I looked back to find her crouched on her knees, hugging her arms around her, rocking herself. She was crying.
"Bella?" I said, running back to her. "What's wrong?"
She looked up at me with a tear-stained face, and asked, "Why?"
"Why, what, Bella? I don't understand. What have I done?" I was filled with anxiety.
"Why did you bring me here?"
I still couldn't understand. Did she know this place?
"What do you mean, Bella. Please tell me what I've done wrong," I begged her.
She got slowly to her feet, wiping frantically at her eyes, and took a few small, tentative steps toward the clearing. I stood still, watching her. When she entered, I heard her sharp intake of breath, and she started sobbing again. I immediately went to her, now knowing what I had missed before. She did know the place. He must have brought her here, before. This place held a lot of memories for her. I placed my hands on her shoulders, and gently rubbed them.
"I'm so sorry, Bella. I had no idea. We'll leave right away," I said, trying to pull her away from the meadow.
"No, let me be."
"Bella, I swear I didn't know you came here with … him." I still didn't know his name. She never said it aloud. "Please, let me take you home."
Her sobbing had subsided for the moment, and she turned to look at me. "I know you didn't know. I don't blame you, it was just a shock to know where I was going. I'm okay. I need to deal with this, or I will never go anywhere that … he … used to take me. I need to get past this." Her voice actually held a note of conviction, and I believed her. She closed her eyes for a moment, and then walked deeper into the meadow.
She got to the centre of the clearing, and slumped to her knees. I ran instantly to her.
"Bella, this is too much for you. Let me take you home, please," I begged.
"NO!" she roared. "I'm sorry, Hunter. But please. I need this."
I searched her eyes and found she was right. I sat down beside her, and put an arm around her shoulders. She didn't seem to mind. She actually leaned into my shoulder. I didn't speak. I wanted to give her the space to think her thoughts, and she knew I was here if she needed me. We sat in the long grass for what seemed like hours. She never moved her head from my shoulder, and I laid my head on hers. She didn't mind me being so close. In fact, she sighed a little when I did it. Maybe she found my touch comforting. I wouldn't move, or speak, until she was ready to. She was right. She did need this. This would probably help seal the hole in her chest. I hoped so. I wanted to see more of her smiles, and if she felt better, they would come more naturally.
After a little while longer, she sighed and moved her head from my shoulder.
"You okay?" I asked.
"Yeah, I think so. Thank you, Hunter. I think I really did need this."
"As long as it has helped. I'm glad I could."
"Can I ask you something, Hunter?"
"Anything," I said.
She looked into my eyes, and opened her mouth to speak, but got interrupted by another voice.
"Ah, sweet Bella."
I could smell him as he entered the clearing. Both Bella and I looked around to the voice. She started trembling.
"Laurent."
