Chapter Twenty Five

Rose

Something really bad had happened to Bella and I could only think of one thing that would explain her reaction to Emmett's appearance. I knew what that was like having been there myself and I hoped my experience would help her through it. There was no way we were going to get her on a plane the condition she was in so while Emmett drove I cuddled her in the back and told him to go as far as he could on the gas we had then find a Motel. The more isolated the better, we couldn't let anyone see Bella in this state. Emmett kept throwing me questioning glances but I just shook my head. He was really worried about her but I could hardly explain in her hearing, he'd just have to wait until we were settled somewhere. After hearing what had happened to Bella after we left I felt terrible. We were at least partly responsible for her present condition and I could hardly believe that Carlisle and Esme would have ignored it, they can't possibly have known.

Emmett

I hated seeing Bella in this state and couldn't understand her reaction, hadn't she recognised me? That was the only conclusion I could come to. I drove until we were almost running on fumes and pulled into a Gas Station with a Motel at the back. Some of the security lights were broken and it looked run down so it should be perfect. Leaving the girls in the truck I gassed up and then went to get a room for the night. The guy in Reception was busy watching a basketball game on the small TV in the office but dragged himself away long enough to take the money and hand over a key attached to a huge chunk of solid plastic.

"Stops people going off with the key" he explained when I looked.

"There's a vending machine out back with snacks and drinks in it. You want hot food there's a Diner two miles down the road and its open all night."

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."

I drove the truck to one of the darkest parking places and Rose carried Bella swiftly into the room. I went out back and grabbed some chocolate and sodas for Bella. If she needed hot food I'd go out later but I wanted to see my little sister again. When I walked in I heard voices in the bathroom and the sound of the shower going.

"You'll feel better after a shower Bella."

"No, I'll never feel better. I feel sick Rose"

I heard the sound of Bella vomiting and turned the TV on so they wouldn't think I was listening in,

"Who's out there Rose?"

Bella sounded terrified,

"It's only Emmett Bella, he wont hurt you. Don't you remember Emmett?"

"Don't let him near me Rose."

"I wont but I promise he would never hurt you"

"That man, Nathan, said its all we human women were good for."

"Well Emmett doesn't feel that way. Now come on let's get your hair washed and you can borrow some of my clothes until we can get yours. They'll be a bit big but its better than the dirty things you had on"

"Burn them Rose. I don't want to see them or smell him on them"

"OK Bella. Now you calm down. Emmett went to get you a drink and something to eat. Do you think you can manage to eat something?"

"I'll try but my mouth hurts"

"I can see that honey, just take it slowly. You'll be fine, I promise. I've been where you are now and I know how you feel"

Fuck, that why Bella screamed when she saw me. We all knew Roses history but to hear it had happened to Bella made me feel physically sick.

Rose

I led Bella back into the bedroom holding her hand in mine, she was so thin, as if a puff of wind might blow her away. She stopped on seeing Emmett in the room, he must have heard our conversation because he was sitting cross-legged in a chair watching the TV and didn't move or speak when she stopped. Watching him warily she moved to sit on the bed, as far from him as she could get in the confines of the room. When she was settled he turned his head very slowly to smile at her,

"I got you some chocolate and sodas Bells. They're on the table"

She glanced quickly at the table then back to him. I could see she was thirsty but scared to pass him on her way to the table. Part of me wanted to get the drink for her but I knew the sooner she got over her fear of Emmett the sooner she would heal. She sat looking alternately at the table and Emmett before taking a deep breath and walking quickly to it. She grabbed a bottle and tried to open it unsuccessfully before looking at him.

"Emmett, would you open it for me please?"

He grinned,

"Sure little Sis"

He held out his hand and took it from her, unscrewing the top and passing the bottle back.

"I missed you Emmett, and you Rose. Why didn't you say goodbye?"

As she started to cry Emmett held his arms out and she collapsed into them, hugging him round the neck. The look of joy on my husbands face was wonderful as he held her.

"I'm sorry Bells. We listened to Edward and we shouldn't have. I didn't want to go, but I've got no excuse. I hope you'll forgive me in time."

I thought she already had as she clung to him, tears soaking his shirt.

I'd text Jazz with our location and I knew he'd be here soon with Peter and Charlotte So I thought I ought to warn her.

"Bella, the others will be here soon. I thought you ought to know so you can prepare yourself."

She froze then looked at me over Emmett's shoulder, she had wriggled on to his lap by this point.

"Others?"

I could see something occur to her.

"How did you know where I was? Is Peter coming?"

"Yes honey, Peter and Charlotte will be here soon along with some others".

"Who?" she looked at me suspiciously and I saw her brain working overtime,

"Peter didn't call you did he?"

"No, that was Garrett, an old friend. He knows I hate missing a fight."

She looked at Emmett,

"Yeah, I remember. You used to fight with Edward whenever you could."

She stopped,

"I remembered that and it didn't hurt too much. Perhaps I am going to recover after all. I heard a lot of voices back at the truck. Who organised the rescue if it wasn't Peter? Rose I'm terrified, I don't understand why I was taken. Was it because I was with Charlotte? Did Maria send her men for Charlotte and Peter and I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time?"

"I really don't know any of the details Bella. We were just happy to help. You need to speak to Peter."

"OK. Just one other question. Who's The Major?"