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Chapter 25

Charlie was initially reluctant to allow me the afternoon off, but after reading all his mail he suddenly agreed.

"In hindsight, my boy, I think a free afternoon is a good idea. I've just now been given notice of a few things that need my attention as soon as possible. I'll need the time to myself as much as you need more time to rest. I'm sure Isabella can make you a cup of tea or something to help you rest." I had no doubt Isabella could provide a soporific of some sort. The fact that Charles slept soundly through her nightly escapades led me to the idea she may be helping him sleep and I wondered about the proffered glass of water at my bedside the first night. I wasn't going to drink that again until I had asked her.

I changed into clean clothes, glad that Charles didn't notice or remark on my attire. I had a bracing cold-water wash and got ready for the day. I was very happy it was to be a short one. The next day too, for it would be Saturday and my half-day. Although, looming on the horizon was lunch with Aunt Esme and Uncle Carlisle.

Charles rushed through that day's tasks, all but throwing case reviews at me to go through. He hauled book after book off the shelves behind his desk to point out precedence and judgements to illustrate his point. I broke three nibs before turning to pencils for improved speed. I'm not sure, but I don't think he breathed nor blinked in the hours we spent that morning. All too soon, it was lunch and my ass was numb. My fingers were cramped and stained with ink. But, I did feel a kind of exhilaration I hadn't before. Must have been the thrill of hard work and mental exercise.

Lunch was delicious, of course. Isabella joined us, thankfully. She looked lovely, fresh and rested. I don't know how she did it. I don't think she'd slept, for lunch was intricate; salt cod cakes with relish she called chow chow and poached eggs. Isabella also served a summer pudding with whipped sweetened cream. She must have cooked all morning to make such a spread.

I tried to keep up with the conversation and contribute in some way but I was too tired. I managed to stay awake through lunch but as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was asleep.

I was a bit angry when I awoke for it was after dinner and I knew Isabella would have long gone to bed herself by this hour. I was hungry, too hungry to go back to sleep, but too tired to do something about it. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling for a long time before I made my decision. I was still dressed in that day's clothes and while they were wrinkled, they were good enough to raid the pantry before heading back to bed. Now that I had rested, I intended to join Isabella on her trek out later in the night.

My aim to be silent as I journeyed downstairs was thwarted when I tripped on the last stair and stumbled. The only thing injured was my pride, thankfully, but my foot made a very loud noise as I tried to catch myself. I made it to the kitchen without further incident. The moon was full enough to comfortably see without additional lighting. Everything was tidied and clean; perfectly symmetrical and arranged as if with a yardstick or ruler. I looked in the icebox to find a plate covered with a clean dishtowel. I peeked under the cloth to find two sandwiches, already cut and fanned out on a plate, with some sliced fruit in a small bowl. I decided it was for me and took it to the counter to eat. After some useless searching for a teaspoon, I decided just to eat with my fingers; other than that small hiccup it was a lovely light dinner.

As I ran some water to rinse my dishes, Bella walked through the back door.

"You can leave those," she said of the dirty dishes, "I can get them in the morning."

She smiled at me. A warm, friendly and welcoming smile. One that I had yet to see on her face and it was glorious.

"You seem to be in much better spirits. May I ask why the change? I was certain you hated me with a passion." I dared to ask as I finished washing the bowl.

"I've come to the conclusion that it takes too much energy being angry at you for things you haven't yet done. As well, I figure we are both in the same mess and it would be better to work with you than against you. Would you like some warm milk to help you sleep? I'm having some." She brought a large pitcher out of the icebox and placed it beside the stove before bending to get a small pot out of the cupboard.

I was a little taken aback by the changes in her. I didn't know what to say for fear I'd break the spell and she'd turn into the scowling angry girl she was before.

"Oh...ah... no thank you. To the milk. But, thank you for no longer hating me on sight. It's a pleasant change."

She giggled. A real, sweet girlish giggle that did funnier things to my groin than just her voice alone. And, in hindsight, it was then that I fell for her. I still didn't know her or understand her. I may never fully understand her but that didn't matter. For in that moment, when she allowed herself to be free and careless, she was so lovely, so wonderful, I defy any man not to have fallen for her right then and there. Even with so much still to learn and forgive, I loved her.

AN: You guys are the bees knees and the cat's pyjamas. I'm quite excited for you to read the next few chapters as Bella's story comes out.

Much love to Ceceprincess1217 and Dicatakadd. Many many thanks to Beachcomberlc and IpsitaC77, and my friends JulieToo and Lunabev.

Thank you for reading.