Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended
Thanks to all of you who added this story in their alerts/favourites and to all of you who took the time to review. Each one is appreciated! Well done to devliza who guessed the correct film to my question. It was a quote from Hitch in the previous chapter, can you find it now? :)
So bad news. I have exams from now to Decemeber 20th (Long time I know!) so updates will no doubt be slower but I will aim for 2/3 times a week. I'm sorry about this but I need to put my education first!
This is the longest chapter of the story so far. It may seem a little dull, but it all about James' fate with something I hope you do not expect...
Hope you enjoy!
Forever Bound
Chapter Twenty Five – Meet Me On The Equinox
When Bella awoke, she felt happier than she ever had.
Edward loved her, she had informed him that she loved him in return and they had made the most beautiful love ever known to man.
She gazed at her husband. His hair was untidy as ever, but Bella loved it that way. His eyes were shut, symbolising that he was still fast asleep, although a small smile graced his lips. Bella smiled to herself, proud that she had been able to make this man smile.
At that moment, there was a large popping sensation against Bella's stomach. Bella gasped and gripped it, worried that something was going wrong. A few minutes later, the feeling reappeared, twice in succession. Bella then realised what was happening; her baby was kicking!
Bella reached over and shook Edward, trying desperately to wake him. "Edward! Edward! Edward wake up!"
"Wh-what is it?" Edward groaned, peeling one eye open. He noticed Bella's hands gripping her stomach and shot up, panicked. "Has something happened? Are you alright? Is the baby alright?"
Bella grinned at him, "We are both better than fine. Edward, the baby just kicked!" The glee was evident in her voice.
A huge grin lit Edward's face, as he began to bounce up and down on the bed like a child. "Are you sure? What does it feel like? How many times have they kicked?"
Bella laughed at her husband enthusiasm. "I am sure, they have done it three and it feels like a strong bubble is popping inside my womb."
Edward was drinking all the information in, a goofy smile still playing on his face. When the baby kicked once more, Bella grabbed Edward's hand and placed it on the spot that had been chosen.
Patiently, Bella and Edward waited to feel their child kick once more. Five minutes later, it granted its parent's wish and kicked, harder than they ever had before. Edward reeled back in shock, before he placed two hands back on Bella's stomach. He leaned his head forward and began to speak to the child within her, "Hello sweetheart. It is Daddy here. You are growing nice and strong inside Mummy, and we want you to continue to," the baby kicked once more in response. Bella giggled, "But please do not hurt Mummy too much with all this kicking. Daddy hates to see her in pain," the baby kicked softly, as if to show they understood what Edward was telling them. Both husband and wife grinned.
A sudden thought hit Bella, "What do you want Edward? A daughter or a son?"
Edward looked straight in her eyes. "I always wanted a son, growing up it was drilled into me that an heir was all I needed. But now, now that I have fallen so deeply in love with you, I cannot imagine not having a little version of you running around the house, tripping over everything she sees." Edward kissed Bella hard on the mouth.
Breathless Bella disagreed, "I cannot imagine not having a mini Edward running around in the garden, with bronze hair and your stunning green eyes."
Edward chuckled, "So do we agree that we do not mind what our precious child will be?"
Bella nodded and snuggled closer to her husband's chest as he wrapped his arm around her and kissed her head softly.
-o-
Half an hour later, Bella and Edward emerged from their chamber hand in hand and made their way downstairs. It was only when they reached the lobby that Bella remembered the events last night- they had been throwing a ball and half an hour in to the event both the hosts had left! What would the guests think?
"Edward, how could we leave our own party like that?" Bella asked urgently as they made their way into the dining room, "What are we going to tell our guests?"
Before Edward could answer, a booming laugh echoed around the room. Bella looked up, shocked. She had been unaware that anyone had been in the room.
Sitting at the end of the table was a smug looking Jacob Black, who was laughing into his piece of toast. "What is so funny Jake?" Bella asked, utterly bemused. He had been sitting here alone; surely there was nothing to laugh about.
"Maybe you should tell the guests you were too busy in your chamber to remember they were dancing downstairs," Jacob mused, still not looking at Bella.
A sense of dread filled Bella, "What are you talking about Jake?"
He finally turned to face them, a smug grin plastered across his face. "Do not worry about your guests Bella; I have already covered that base for you. However, you should worry about how you should repay me."
"Why would we need to repay you for anything Black?" Edward hissed, clearly annoyed at Jacob's behaviour last night.
"Perhaps because I lied to all your guests last night to save your dignity and so that they would not have to experience the horror I did." Jacob explained cryptically.
"Horror?" Edward and Bella repeated at the same time.
"Yes horror. I did not deserve to experience it in the slightest! I was simply walking to your chamber to ensure Bella's safety, that you had not attacked her in any way during your confrontation. Instead of the yells I expected to grace my ears, imagine my shock when I heard Edward inform you that "it is normal to desire each other" and then you moaning in what I can only describe as pleasure, unfortunately. Well, I did not wish to hear anymore of your copulation and so I ran back to the ballroom, trying to think of a successful way to erase my memory!" Jacob shuddered.
Bella buried her head into Edward's chest; ruby red, "Oh God." She moaned.
"Please do not do that Bella, it brings back too many memories that I wish I could wipe from my mind." Jacob laughed. Bella scowled at him. "As I was saying, when I returned to the ballroom, people began to bombard me with questions, asking where you had disappeared to. Not wanting them to suffer the torture I did, I simply told him that you had heartburn due to the pregnancy and Edward had taken you to the chamber to rest. Everyone believed it, praising Edward as the perfect gentleman for taking care of his wife's needs. If only they knew the needs he was actually taking care of," Jacob muttered.
Edward growled. "Not another word from you mutt. I believe we are even. You saved us from having to lie to our guests, thank you for that, but if I do not punch you for kissing my wife, or inform your wife of your actions, I believe that we are equal; would you not agree?" Bella could not help but find Edward extremely attractive when he was acting possessively towards her. It reminded her of last night.
"No Bella!" the little voice in her voice screamed at her, "Do not approach that subject right now!" a blush rose to her cheeks.
Before anyone could notice the embarrassment Bella felt, the butler knocked on the door and entered the room, a letter held in his outstretched hand.
"For you Mrs Cullen." The butler bowed to her slightly.
Bella was surprised; she had not received a letter in a long time. "Thank you," Bella took the letter from his hand, "But please call me Bella." She requested. The butler nodded slightly before taking his leave.
Bella ripped the letter open, with Edward diverting his gaze. Bella loved him even more; he was respecting her privacy, even when she wanted to share everything with him.
Mrs Cullen,
I apologise for having to request such an action from you, but unfortunately, we have no other choice. James Hunter's trail is taking place on Friday 16th February1872, and we must request that you testify. We would not ask such a thing in most cases, however due to unforeseen events, we have been unable to locate Miss Tanya Denali. Therefore, she cannot testify and confirm that Mr Hunter killed Charles Swan. I understand this will be extremely taxing on you given your current state, but we have no alternative option. You must appear in court to testify or James Hunter will not be charged and will be freed. Due to the nature of the case and his attack on you, the jury has permitted your husband, Mr Edward Cullen, to attend with you.
Once more, we apologise most deeply, but we must see you outside the courthouse at two hours to noon on the 16th February.
Yours sincerely,
Samuel Uley
Bella dropped the letter to the floor. Would this never end? Could they never enjoy a moment of happiness? Why did everything have to end? She turned around and buried herself into Edward's chest, sobbing.
Edward instantly wrapped his arms around her and began to whisper comforting words into her ear, while begging to know what had upset her so. Bella heard a chair scrape along the floor over the volume of her sobs.
"Mrs Cullen. I apologise for having to request such an action from you, but unfortunately, we have no other choice-" Jacob read the letter that Bella had dropped, while Edward paid close attention.
"How can they ask her to do such a thing?" Edward cried outraged. "She has been through enough where that monster is concerned!"
Although Bella agreed, she knew she had to do this; she had to have justice provided for her father's death. Slowly, she raised her head and looked into her husband's eyes. She had never seen them so stormy. "Edward, I have to do this. It is the only way James will pay for the crimes he has committed. It is the only way to deliver justice to my father."
"I understand that Bella, of course I do. But this man attacked you; he tried to kill our child. Are you sure you can cope with the strain it will place on you?" Edward asked, clearly concerned about her health and their child's health.
Bella nodded, "I have to do this Edward. I have to."
Edward simply nodded, pulling her closer to him, "I will support you whatever you do Bella, you must know that."
"I do," she muttered as Edward kissed the top of her head.
-o-
Bella felt sick to the stomach. She was standing outside the courthouse the following day, pacing back and forth.
"I cannot do this Edward. I cannot look at him. Why did you allow me to come here?" Bella knew she was being irrational, blaming Edward but she could not prevent herself in her nervous state.
"I am deeply sorry Bella. But remember what you informed me of yesterday; you are doing this for your father, to make sure James receives justice for his crimes." Edward walked up to Bella and grabbed her wrists; stilling her movements.
Bella nodded at the facts Edward had presented her with; she had to remember the fact that she was doing this for her beloved father.
"You are right, of course you are right. I am sorry for blaming you," Bella whispered, ashamed at her actions.
Edward kissed the tip of her nose to reassure her, "It is perfectly understandable Bella. I would be acting a lot worse if I was in your position." Bella doubted that.
At that moment, they were interrupted by the arrival of Samuel Uley.
"Mr and Mrs Cullen, thank you so much for attending today's hearing. You are who we need to convict this man." Edward and Bella simply nodded, as Edward quickly placed his hand in Bella's. She hung onto it as tightly as she could. "If you could follow me please, we need to discuss a few details before the trail begins."
Five minutes later, Bella was sitting in a chair in front of a desk with a man she had never met before sitting in front of her. Edward had placed his hands on her shoulders and Bella was grateful for the constant support. She covered one of Edward's hands with her own.
"Mrs Cullen," Samuel began before Bella interrupted.
"Just Bella please," she asked quietly. Samuel shot her a small smile.
"Of course. Bella, this is Paul Ateara, he is the prosecution lawyer on this case. Mr Laurent Da Revin will be acting as Mr Hunter's lawyer. Paul will explain how the trail will work." Samuel explained.
"Right, these are the facts," Paul began, without greeting anyone in his office. Bella could instantly tell that he did not stand for any nonsense, which was probably what made him good at his job, "Hunter will be read out his sentence, at which time he will make his plea. Then Da Revin will stand up and say his piece in defence before I have my chance. When I am asked to say my piece, I will call you to the stand and ask you some questions. You must answer them all truthfully, do you understand?" Bella nodded instantly, "The defence will then question you, but do not be intimidated by Da Revin. He will try and manipulate you and make you believe you are wrong, I have seen him work before, but do not alter your story. Is that clear?" Bella nodded once more. "Then, you will be free to leave the stand and the case will continue. Although you will not be asked to speak again, you are required to stay until judgement is passed." Paul completed, looking expectantly at Bella.
"I understand Mr Ateara. At what time does the trail start?" Bella asked, wondering how long she would have to stay here.
"It will start in half an hour. If you and your husband would make your way into the courtroom, you will be shown to your seats," and with that Paul turned back to the papers on his desk, not giving the guests a final glance.
Slowly, Bella rose from the chair and took Edward's hand in her own as Samuel led them from the room.
After walking down a number of corridors, they finally reached a courtroom that was already bursting with noise. "You are to sit on the front row behind the jury Mr and Mrs Cullen. You will be told when to make your way to the stand and I will see you during the intervals. Good luck," Samuel finished, tipping his hat in their direction. Edward thanked him for his help and gently guided Bella to their designated seats.
"Are you okay my love?" Edward asked, rubbing soothing circles along her palm. Bella nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
The wait was soon over, and the judge finally entered. "Be upstanding in court." Everyone rose to their feet and only sat down once more when the judge had settled himself and knocked his gavel.
"The prisoner, James Hunter," this was the moment Bella had been dreading. Slowly, James was matched into the room by two armed guards, his hands cuffed in front of him as he was led to the dock. "Charged for the murder of Charles Swan and attempted attack on Miss Rosalie Hale in 1866 and an attempted attack of his daughter Mrs Isabella Cullen in 1871." There was booing throughout the court but Bella sat silently. "How does the prisoner plead?"
"Not guilty," came James' instant reply. Bella finally looked up at the man. His clothes were dirty and torn and his hair was matted with dirt, although his voice remained proud and strong.
"Defence, present your case," the judge ordered, and the man Bella presumed to be Mr Da Revin walked to the front of the room.
"Gentleman of the jury, my client is being tried under the charge of murder and intentions of sexual abuse. At no time did Mr Hunter commit murder or assault a woman." He began. There was silence in the court as everyone listened to what he had to say.
"Although Mr Swan's death was tragic for his family, Mr Hunter was simply defending himself from an unjust attack. There was a struggle and it was Mr Hunter who walked away. If it had been the other way around, I am sure you would not be questioning Mr Swan with murder." Bella tensed up. She hated the fact James and his lawyer were trying to portray her father as the bad man. "As for the charge of Mr Hunter attacking Mrs Cullen, it was Mrs Cullen who approached Mr Hunter, claiming she was bored." Bella was shocked. Why did they create such lies? Mr Da Revin sat down after finishing his introduction.
It was now Paul's turn. "You provide a convincing argument Mr Da Revin, but I certain that all you have told the jury is a lie." Paul turned to face the jury himself. "Gentleman, Mr Swan was a family man; he had a wife and two children who he loved more than life itself. Does it really sound plausible that a family man would carelessly throw his life away in a meaningless fight? No. Charles Swan was protecting Rosalie Hale who was about to be raped by Mr Hunter. Mr Swan jumped in to defend the girl, giving her a chance to escape. Mr Hunter, two months ago, then tried to attack Mr Swan's daughter, Isabella Cullen, who is a mere sixteen years old, as revenge. Does this sound like an innocent man to you?" A mumble spread through the courtroom.
Bella felt a tap on the shoulder as one of the officials pointed her towards the stands. Bella nodded and turned to Edward, who smiled gently at her and kissed their joint hands. No words were needed. Bella rose from her seat and made her way through the doorway to get to the witness box. All the while her child was kicking her, as if knowing what discomfort their mother was in and trying to reassure her.
"Your Honour, I would like to call Mrs Cullen to the stand." The judge nodded and Bella was led to the stand, her hand placed on the Bible.
"Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?"
"I do." Bella whispered before removing her hand and facing Mr Ateara.
"Mrs Cullen, you recently married Mr Edward Cullen am I correct?" Paul asked.
"Yes sir," Bella replied, confused as to how this related to the case.
"And you are in the early stages of pregnancy I believe?"
"Yes sir."
"Is it true that it was you who approached Mr Hunter on the night of the alleged assault?"
"No sir." Bella quickly shook her head.
"Can you tell me in your own words what happened that night?" Paul requested.
Bella did not want to; she never wanted to revisit that night again. She raised her gaze and sought Edward's face out in the crowd. He smiled a little at her and nodded his head. Bella took a deep breath.
"The Cullen family and I had been invited to dinner with the Denali family, we were informed they had some news to share with us. When we arrived, we discovered that Miss Denali was engaged to Mr Hunter. We began to eat dinner and James and I were placed next to each other and we began to talk. He seemed very friendly and when he offered to take me for a walk after dinner I accepted. He told me we were going towards a lake at the back of the garden, but instead he took me into the trees. He pushed me against one and began to kiss me. I tried to push him off and questioned him about his actions. He simply continued and I reminded him that I was married and that I was pregnant. He told me he did not care and kneed my stomach, trying to kill my child. He began to remove my dress but my husband arrived and pulled him away from me. I passed out after that and when I awoke I was back home." Bella finished, with tears in her eyes.
"I am sorry for the ordeal you went through Mrs Cullen. Your child was kept safe though, correct?"
Bell nodded quickly, hating the thought of anything happening to her innocent child.
"Now, what can you tell me about the death of your father?"
"I was only eleven years old when it happened. Father had kissed me goodnight before he went on duty and that was the last time I ever saw him alive. At just past midnight, there was a loud knock on the door, waking everyone. When my mother opened the door, my brother and I were standing behind her. It was a policeman who had knocked and he gravely told us that they had found my father's body in an alleyway. He had been stabbed. They suspected that he had been trying to prevent an attack on a woman as a dress had been found next to his body. Our life was never the same after that. We were never whole again and they never found my father's killer, which meant we could never have closure. It has taken all these years to come to terms with his death, yet it is still hard to think that I will never see him again." At this point Bella began sobbing quietly.
"And you believe it was Mr Hunter that killed your father?" Paul asked gently.
Bella nodded, "My husband was informed by Miss Denali that James had confessed to the murder and Rosalie has also confirmed that it was my father that saved her from James' attack," Bella replied quietly, trying to keep her tears under control.
"Thank you Mrs Cullen. No further questions Your Honour." Paul returned to his seat as Mr Da Revin came forwards.
"Mrs Cullen, you confirm that you were only eleven years old when your father was killed. How can you be certain that you remember the events of that day correctly? For you were so young."
"I could never forget a detail of that day Mr Da Revin; it was the day my life fell apart." Bella informed the lawyer before her.
"I understand that day must be difficult for you, but how can you be certain that it was Mr Swan who broke up the attack you claim took place, that it was not your father who began the fight?"
"I know my father," Bella replied venomously, "He would never hurt anyone. All he wanted to do in life was protect and help others."
"Of course you want to believe the best in your father Mrs Cullen, but that was simply not the case." Mr Da Revin taunted her. She did not rise to the bait, and chose to stay silent.
"Now, on the night that you claim James tried to "assault" you, had you had anything to drink? Had you consumed any alcohol?"
"No. I do not drink alcohol." Bella stated, confused as to what the meaning of the question was.
"Are you certain that you did not have alcohol in your body? That no one could have poured any in your glass?"
"I am certain." Bella confirmed. Mr Da Revin looked put out for a moment but soon changed his tactic.
"You are sixteen, correct?" Bella nodded. "How old were you when you were married to Mr Cullen?"
"Sixteen."
"And it was an arranged marriage, am I right?"
Bella slowly nodded. In all her joy she had forgotten that she had not chosen to marry Edward.
"Did you want to be married Mrs Cullen?"
"At the time of the marriage, I did not sir no, bu—"
Mr Da Revin cut across her, "So you did not want to be married. It is clear that you approached James for excitement, trying to add a thrill to your young life."
"No, I did—"
Bella was interrupted once more, "And when your husband found you, to get out of trouble yourself, you claimed that James was attacking you!"
"I did not I swear!" Bella cried, the stress she felt increasing every second.
Her child was kicking her womb so much, at such a fast pace, that Bella felt weak. She grabbed her stomach and moaned quietly. Luckily, Paul appeared to notice her distress.
"Your Honour, please cease Mr Da Revin's questioning. He is causing distress to Mrs Cullen and as we have established, she is pregnant and her child is at risk."
The judge nodded and hit his gavel once more. "Mrs Cullen, you may return to your seat."
"Thank you Your Honour," Bella replied quietly, as she quickly made her way out of the witness stand.
As she entered the door to return to her seat, Edward was there to pull her into his arms. "Are you okay Bella?" he asked urgently.
Bella nodded into his chest, "I am now it is over," she whispered. It was at this moment she noticed that her child had ceased their painful kicking. Edward slowly led Bella back to her seat, and refused to let go of her hand. He kissed to top of her head once more before he took his seat next to her.
The trail continued.
"Does the defence have any more witnesses to call to the stand?" The judge asked James' lawyer.
Mr Da Revin nodded. "Yes Your Honour. We would like to call Mrs Renee Swan to the stand."
Bella reeled back in shock; surely she had heard incorrectly. She vaguely noticed Edward stiffen beside her.
Being guided to the stand at that moment was a middle aged woman, with brown wavy hair exactly like Bella's. There was no mistaking her.
"Mother?" Bella whispered.
---
So what is going on?
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Until next time :)
PS. Although this story is no where near over, when I write my next story, should it be AH/Vampires?