As always, none of this is mine. This belongs to Stephenie Meyer. I just like to dabble in the playground she created.
Bella is recovered and is recovering. I will not be following every moment of her recuperation. We will meet Dr. Moretti's brother and get Bella in a better headspace emotionally. Alice will have a big hand in that, along with Esme and Sue.
Now, what will happen with Jacob? How will this impact Edward and Bella's marriage? Maas? What will happen with the Consortium? There will be a family meeting and decisions need to be made.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Edward
I was working in my home office, addressing some concerns from my daily email from Rhonda. While Bella was recovering, I'd be telecommuting and researching other options for my company. If I needed to meet with a client, I'd do it using Skype or another online teleconferencing tools. In regard to the other aspect of my job, I was still mulling over my choices. Emmett was making a few decisions for our legitimate business, but since we'd returned from central Illinois, our illegal dealings had come to a virtual standstill.
I was oddly okay with that.
It was even quiet in New York. Anthony and Nina, after they returned to their condo on the upper east side, focused their attention on their restaurants and clubs. Nina even began working for a small law firm on a part time basis, handling simple cases.
Felipe and Esteban, on behalf of Los Muertos, sent flowers to my wife while she recuperated. She was uncertain as to how to respond. I sent a thank you for their help in finding Bella and for the flowers. Felipe responded, saying that he was happy that we were reunited. He also said that our alliance would remain intact, but he saw something change in me.
I wasn't about to disagree.
Something did change.
How can I take that change and translate it into reality?
My mother and Bella were in the living room while I worked. Bella had grown to rely on my mom, especially after her ordeal with her own incubator. She needed assistance with her recuperation. There were things that a husband should not do for their wives, like wipe their asses after taking a shit or trying and failing at blow drying their hair. Yeah, that was a cluster of epic proportions. I tangled Bella's hair so badly that my mother and Alice were afraid they'd have to cut out the snarls.
Regardless, the relationship between my mother and my wife had grown by leaps and bounds. I was happy for them. Bella got the mother she deserved and my wife got a mother who adored her, unconditionally.
"Edward," Dad said as he ducked into the office.
"Hey, Dad," I smiled, saving my work.
"I was none-too-subtly asked to get the hell out of the living room. Esme and Bella needed to have some girly time," he said, sitting down on the leather sofa in my office. "I think Bella needed to talk to your mother about her recovery. Have you met with Dr. Moretti's brother?"
"After talking with Moretti and his brother, we got a name of a female therapist who can help. She's not in the organization, but she's aware of the situation. I think Bella needs more than what Moretti's brother can do and that is to come to grips with what her mother did to her, not the implications of her involvement in the organization. Does that make sense?" I asked.
"It does," Dad nodded. "I want to talk to you about how you're coping. Ever since you've pulled Bella from her mother's clutches, you've looked torn. Talk to me, Edward."
"Is it worth it?" I asked, point blank and staring out the window. "Is what we do worth it? I was fucked over three years ago. Bella was fucked over three weeks ago. When do you pack it in and say fuck it?"
"I think it was time for us to pack it in and say fuck it when my brother tried to overtake our organization," Dad sighed. "What do you want to do?"
"I want to walk away," I admitted quietly and frowning deeply. The mere thought of walking away would have pissed me off something fierce years ago. I couldn't believe I was admitting this.
"Why, Edward?" Dad asked. "I think I know why and understand why, but I want to hear it from you."
"The safety of my wife and child are paramount. The fact that Bella was taken and terrorized … it's too much. I can take it. I was trained for it, but Bella? She's not. She was an innocent in all of this. She was innocent when I asked her to marry me, only to fulfill an antiquated notion that the leader of this family needed to be married. I pulled her into this world, into the darkness," I growled, hating what had happened to my wife. She was a light in my dark world. Her light was dimming because of what had happened.
"Bella is one of those people where they see the good in everything," Dad mused. "She is a bright light, loving and loyal. She is a perfect woman for you, Edward."
"Her light is fading, Dad. You don't hold her while she's screaming in pain, fear, terror, agony. You don't hear her anguish when she's says that she's dirty. She's afraid of passing that 'filth' to Charlie. She'll kiss him, but she refuses to hold him, cuddle him. She also said that she's afraid she's going to turn into Renee, cold and indifferent toward our son."
"She really can't hold Charlie, Edward," Dad said quietly, a slight admonition in his tone. "Her right arm will need significant physical therapy to rebuild her strength. But, I did notice how distant she was toward Charlie. He'll walk to her, holding a toy and he'd hug her. She'd brush his hair away and stare at him wistfully before ignoring him. She still adores him, but …"
"But, what?" I asked, my temper flaring.
"Her indifference may cause a rift between the two of them," Dad muttered. "And it will take time for her to get over her ordeal. With your love and support, she'll come through this on the other side stronger than before. But, you need to help her with Charlie."
"Dad, Charlie's not even one. He won't remember this," I grumbled. He gave me a look, filled with love and concern. "I'll talk to her when you leave. What about the Consortium?"
"The organization can be dismantled. It will take time, but when I took over, I took the steps to begin the process. You have your leaders in each aspect of the Consortium. You need to discuss it with them," Dad said. "Your portfolio is diversified enough that you could walk away and still live a comfortable life. However, you may need to relocate, to start fresh."
"I'd considered that and I'm looking into other locations to start our new lives. The West Coast is capturing my attention, but it's a family discussion. Definitely, food for thought," I said, looking at my wedding photo. Bella and I were smiling. My wife looked exquisite, snuggled to my side. Her chocolate eyes were sparkling while she grinned up at me. My expression was one filled with love as I cupped her cheek. "For her, I'd do anything. For my family, I need to do what's right." I stood up, brushing my hands down my jeans. "Now, enough work and discussion. I want to see my wife and my son."
We left my office. In the family room, I found Bella on the couch, cradling Charlie to her chest with her left hand. My son was sniffling, curled against Bella's body. "What happened?" I asked, walking to my wife and child.
"He tripped over his own feet, landing hard on his hands," Mom said. "I tried to calm him down, but all he wanted was Bella. She sat down and I picked him up. He curled against her, calming down almost instantly."
"Mama," Charlie mumbled sleepily, idly playing with one of her curls. "Owie?" He touched her cast.
"Mommy's got a broken arm, baby," she said softly, shifting him so he was laying on her chest. "I'm getting better, little one."
I sat down near Bella's feet. I smiled at her. She returned the smile, looking at peace and content as she cuddled our son on her chest. Charlie was nearly down for the count. His hands were red from his fall.
"Come on, Carlisle. Let's make dinner for Bella and Edward," Mom said, kissing Bella's forehead. "What do you want?"
"There is some chicken in the fridge," Bella said. "Edward was going to make some stir fry. It's the only thing he's good at, to be honest."
"Hey," I snorted. "I'm not that bad. I'm getting better."
"You are, Edward," Bella smiled, the deadness in her eyes lifting. "Every meal he's made has been delicious. I just miss cooking."
"From what you told me, you're starting physical therapy and soon you'll have the use of your arm," Mom said. With a grin, my parents left the family room and began puttering in the kitchen.
"Is he too heavy?" I asked.
"No, he's fine," Bella said, draping her left arm beneath Charlie's behind. "He's wet, but I don't want to let him go. I've missed holding him."
"He missed you, too. He wasn't sure what to make of you with your sling and arm in a cast," I said.
"I know I still can't pick him up," she grumbled. "I tried, but my left arm is weak."
"I'm just happy that you're holding him," I breathed, staring at my family. "Why don't you get some sleep? Charlie's got the right idea."
"He does," Bella yawned. "Love you, baby." She kissed Charlie's chocolate curls before looking at me. I got up, brushing my lips over hers. "Love you, too, Edward."
xx MOTM:FFF xx
Bella
I was sitting in the front seat of the Volvo. Charlie was sleeping in his car seat as we drove to the city. Dr. Moretti was removing my cast from my right arm and checking on my recovery from my bicep surgery. After that, we were heading to the police department to meet with Claire to discuss what was happening with Detective Maas.
He'd apparently showed up to the store after I was abducted, with some bogus arrest warrant for me. I was told that he was stripped of his rank of detective and thrown into a holding cell. He was arraigned with several charges, namely extortion, bribery, assault and attempted murder.
Of whom, I'm not exactly sure. It didn't matter. I was going in to talk to Internal Affairs because of his vendetta toward our family and his hatred of my husband.
"You okay over there?" Edward asked, reaching over and twining our fingers together.
"I'll be better when I'm free of the cast," I chuckled. "This thing itches. So do my stitches."
"Well, both are going to be addressed. Your cast is getting removed and hopefully you can start doing your physical therapy," Edward smiled. "Then, we get to see Maas eat crow."
"You're enjoying that, aren't you?" I smirked.
"You have no idea," Edward growled, giving me a wry grin. "However, he was in cahoots with your mother. He gave us a lot of information about Renee. It was a starting place in our search for you, cara." He exited off the highway and drove toward the Consortium building. He blew out a harsh breath.
"What's wrong, Edward?" I asked.
"Just … a lot of thinking, Bella," he replied.
"Am I privy to those thoughts?" I pressed.
"Soon, cara," he answered. "It's something we need to discuss as a family." He expertly maneuvered the car through traffic and into the parking garage. He pulled into his spot, shutting the car off. "You ready to be free of the cast?"
"And be able to feed myself? Yes," I said.
"I like feeding you. Pampering you like the princess you are," Edward snickered and he kissed my lips before easing out of the car. He helped me out of the car before grabbing Charlie out of the backseat and into his stroller. A new stroller since I'd had a panic attack when I saw his old one in the garage the day we returned from Dr. Moretti's medical facility. Faint memories of my mother's cold stare and her slimy grin bombarded my memory as she slid around my son's old stroller.
It wasn't until Edward removed the stroller and he whispered quiet pleas of love and safety did I calm down. By the next time we had to go out with Charlie, we had a new stroller and it looked nothing like its predecessor.
We rode up to the medical suite. Ellen, Dr. Moretti's amazing nurse, greeted us warmly and ushered us to an examination room. Edward helped me onto the table. Ellen took my temperature and helped me remove my sling. I held my arm against my chest until she slid a pillow onto my lap. "Thanks," I said.
"Not a problem, Bella," Ellen replied. "Dr. Moretti will be in a few moments. Do you want anything? Something to drink?"
"Water would be great," I answered. "The last time I had stitches removed …"
"You turned gray and passed out," Ellen smirked. "I'll be right back. It's nice to see you, Mr. Cullen." She walked over to Charlie and caressed his cheek. "So handsome. He looks so much like both of you."
"I think he looks more like Bella," Edward argued. "They have the same face shape and hair color."
"Charlie looks more like you, Edward," I shrugged. "He's got the same eye color as you and will have the same jaw. In the sunlight, Charlie's hair has red highlights."
"Regardless, he's a beautiful baby," she said. "We'll be with you in a bit. I'll go grab that water."
Ellen ducked out of the room. She came back with a bottle of water, saying that Dr. Moretti would be in momentarily. I sipped the water, wriggling my fingers on my right hand. With each movement, I felt pulling in my bicep and it was pushing on painful. "You okay, dolce?"
"I'll be fine," I answered. "My arm is uncomfortable and I want this cast off. It itches."
As I was saying that, Dr. Moretti walked in with Ellen on his heels. He was wearing a pair of black pants with a black shirt and his white lab coat. "Good thing we're taking off the cast, Bella," he said, winking at me.
"No flirting with my wife, Moretti," Edward grumbled, standing up and sliding an arm around my waist.
"Relax, Edward. I only want you," I said, kissing my husband's jaw.
"I flirt with everyone, but you're more my type, Edward," Dr. Moretti said, giving my husband a smarmy grin. Edward blushed and chuckled nervously. Dr. Moretti laughed at my husband's discomfort. "Regardless, I'm married." He flashed a plain gold band. "My husband stays at home with our children."
"How old are your kids?" I asked. "Names? And what's your hubby's name?"
"My husband's name is Joseph. We met while I worked for Marcus. He was one of the Volturi enforcers," Dr. Moretti said, sitting down and checking my right arm. "He kept his sexual orientation close to the cuff because of the organization he worked for. Marcus is very close-minded when it came to things such as that, but we just knew. We had a quiet ceremony about a decade ago, renewing our vows when same sex marriage was legalized." He took out a small electrical saw. "Let me take this off and then I'll tell you about our kiddos."
Edward threaded his fingers with mine and Dr. Moretti carefully began cutting off the cast, with Ellen holding a vacuum nose to collect the stray pieces of plaster. I pressed my face against Edward's shoulder, not wanting to see the stitches on my wrist. The sound of the saw woke up Charlie and he began whimpering in his stroller. My cast was off and Ellen breezed over to the stroller. "I'll take him while Dr. Moretti takes care of your stitches," Ellen said.
"Thanks, Ellen," Dr. Moretti grinned. She rolled Charlie out of the examination room. Dr. Moretti gingerly felt around my wrist and examined my stitches. He moved my hand, trying to check my mobility. "How does it feel?"
"Like I want to wash my hands for a month," I answered.
"I was thinking about pain," Dr. Moretti chided. "Any pain?"
I moved my hand, rolling it and wrinkling my nose when I felt a few clicks. "A little. It's really stiff. What's that click?"
Dr. Moretti manipulated my hand and frowned. "Let's get another x-ray." He helped me up and we walked to the x-ray suite in the office. He draped the lead apron over my body and we took a series of images. We walked back to the room. "We need to let them process. For now, I'll remove the stitches and tell you all about my little adopted cherubs."
"How many children do you have?" I asked, snuggling closer to Edward.
"Three," he answered, putting on some gloves. He picked up a set of tweezers and a tiny pair of scissors. He began working on my wrist, speaking quietly and calmly. "Two girls and one boy, Alessandra, Carina and Joseph Jr."
"Beautiful names," Edward said. "How old are they?"
"Alessandra and Carina are twins and are seven years old," Dr. Moretti said. "Their birth mother … they were trick babies. The woman who gave birth to them worked at one of the brothels that the Volturi owned. She gave them up for adoption. With some persuasion, Joseph and I were given the girls. I delivered them. I wanted them from the moment the woman said she never wanted to see her babies again. They officially became Morettis on their first birthday when the adoption was finalized."
"And the birth mom?" I asked.
"She checked out a day after she gave birth and we never heard from her again," he answered. "She did sign an affidavit, relinquishing her parental rights."
"And your little boy? Joseph?" Edward asked.
"He's a little older than your Charlie. We had him through surrogacy. Joseph donated his sperm and a close friend of ours carried him to term. Because of some backwards laws or whatever, I had to adopt my own son. Since we'd already had the girls, it was a simple procedure," Dr. Moretti chuckled. Removing his gloves, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a photo. Joseph was just as handsome as Dr. Moretti, with mocha-colored skin and a beaming smile. The girls had dark hair and ice-blue eyes, where Joseph Jr. had lighter skin with light brown curly hair and gray eyes.
"Gorgeous family," I smiled. "Joseph Jr., he's …"
"J.J.," Dr. Moretti corrected. "Makes life easier when you have two Joseph's in one house."
"Well, J.J. is absolutely adorable. Those cheeks and those curls," I cooed. "He's going to break hearts, that's for sure."
There was a quiet knock on the door. Dr. Moretti called out. A young, pretty nurse came in with a USB drive. "The x-rays for Mrs. Cullen," she said quietly.
"Thanks, Natalie," Dr. Moretti smiled, gesturing to the counter with his chin. She put the x-rays onto the counter and left the room. "Let's finish removing the stitches. Then, we can check out your x-ray." He pulled on a fresh pair of gloves, making quick work of the final few stitches. He placed the pillow under my arm and turned to the computer. He typed in his password and loaded up the images from my x-ray.
"What's the diagnosis?" Edward asked.
"There's an errant bone chip in your wrist," Dr. Moretti frowned. "The damage from the initial break was more extensive. We may have to go in again. However, I think you will need an orthopedic surgeon. I'm a general surgeon and did some extensive work in orthopedics. Unfortunately, I'm not an expert. This is clearly above my expertise."
"Um, when?" I frowned. "I really was looking forward to my freedom with my right arm."
"I'm going to send your initial x-rays and this second one to a friend of mine at Chicago Med," Dr. Moretti said. "For now, I'm going to put on a brace. It'll give you support and the freedom to wash your hands as much as you like. But, be careful around the scars."
"What about physical therapy? For my bicep injury?" I pressed.
"Let's check those stitches," Dr. Moretti said. "Lay back. These are bit more gnarly."
"Lovely," I frowned.
"I just remembered your first experience with stitches," Dr. Moretti answered.
Edward helped me lay back and he held my hand, caressing my knuckles with his thumb. Dr. Moretti removed the dressing and he checked on my recovery. His fingers prodded my muscles. I whimpered a bit because it was uncomfortable, bordering on painful. Edward brushed his lips across my forehead, leaning forward. "It's okay, dolce," he whispered. "I love you. He's almost done."
"Why does it hurt still?" I sniffled.
"Your muscles had to be reattached. However, you're healing and I'm happy with the progress," Dr. Moretti said. "I think you're ready to start physical therapy. The sooner, the better. We need to rebuild your strength and mobility. You will still need to use the brace, just because I do not want you to straighten your arm fully. Those muscles are still healing and are not quite ready to be stretched."
"Should we wait until after you hear from your colleague from Med?" Edward asked.
"No. You should get started. I don't want you to lose use of that arm," Dr. Moretti said. "When I write out the orders, I'll make them aware of your wrist injury. They can modify their exercises."
After a few more questions, Dr. Moretti wrapped my arm in a brace that had a hinge at my elbow. It was set in place, keeping my arm bent at a ninety-degree angle. We walked out of the room, getting Charlie from Ellen. I was a bit woozy, unsteady on my feet, but I hadn't passed out. Dr. Moretti said he'd call if he received any word from his friend from Chicago Med and we picked up my prescription for physical therapy, leaving the office.
xx MOTM:FFF xx
Edward
Before heading to the police station, we stopped at the condo. Jasper and Alice were at home, spending time with Sophie. After seeing how much the appointment had worn out my wife, I asked Jasper and Alice could watch Charlie when we went to the police station. They were more than willing. We ate lunch with them. As Bella spent some time cuddling baby Sophie, I put Charlie down for his nap and texted Claire.
"Is Jenks meeting you at the police station?" Jasper asked.
"Yeah," I replied, rubbing Charlie's belly as he tried fighting off sleep. "Just in case. You know?"
"Felix did reiterate that he'd take the fall for what Bella did," Jasper murmured.
"I can't. Felix is stepping in as our personal guard because … I can't with Jacob," I sighed. "Bella also doesn't feel safe with him because of what happened."
"Understandable," Jasper shrugged. "But, you do need to talk to him. Billy is still the head of security. He may try to keep Jacob in the organization."
"There may not be an organization for very much longer," I muttered.
"I wouldn't blame you, Edward," Jasper said.
"Once everything has settled down, we need to meet as a family, an organization, to make that decision. Yes, I'm the 'Boss', but we're still a team," I explained. My phone vibrated and I reached into my pocket. It was a couple of texts from Claire and Jenks. "We're going to go. I'll call you when we're on our way back."
"Text, please. Alice is very strict with her schedule. If the phone rings, it wakes up Sophie and pisses Alice off something fierce," Jasper chuckled. "Good luck, Edward."
"Thanks, Jasper," I said.
We left the nursery, walking back into the living room. Alice had Sophie in her arms, holding her daughter to her breast while she was talking to Bella about what Dr. Moretti had said about her recovery. "Cara, are you ready?"
"I am, Edward. Thanks, Alice, for your thoughts on what the doctor said," Bella said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"Of course, Bells. Call me, any time, if you need to talk," Alice said, removing her milk-drunk baby from her breast. "Good luck, both of you."
"I'll be happy when it's done," Bella said, standing up and walking to me. "The sooner I can take some pain meds. My arm is killing me." She gave Jasper a hug, thanking him for watching Charlie for us.
We left their condo, which they'd been staying in since Jasper needed to do some work at the Consortium since I was on extended leave. He was stepping for Emmett since my brother was acting on my behalf. Jasper handled the new position well, but he was still working on his sales pitch for the real estate aspect, but he did have a keen eye for business.
Arriving at the police district, I parked the car. Bella wrinkled her nose. "You okay, dolce?" I asked.
"I'm just in a lot of pain and I want this nightmare to be behind us," Bella answered. "But, will it ever be behind us?"
I hope so … I'm working on it, Bella. I swear.
Without saying anything, we walked into the district. Jenks was waiting for us in the lobby. He shook my hand and kissed my wife's cheek. We spoke briefly to the desk sergeant and Claire came down to greet us. She gave both Bella and me a hug before leading us to an interview room. Inside, there was an older gentleman with beady eyes and gray hair. He was dressed in a pair of jeans and a Chicago Police Department polo shirt. "Mr. and Mrs. Cullen," he said, holding out his hand. I shook it and Bella grimaced as she tried to but couldn't. "My apologies, Mrs. Cullen. I was told you were recovering from your ordeal."
"We just came from the doctor," Bella said. "I got my stitches out and I'm in a bit of pain."
"We'll try to keep this brief," he said. "I'm Sergeant Kevin Atkins. I'm the lead investigator for the case against Detective Maas." He took out a thick file and eyed it. "He's been a very busy man."
"What do you need from my clients, Sergeant Atkins?" Jenks asked.
"We need a statement from both of you. From Mrs. Cullen, I need to know what happened the day you were taken and I have a few questions about a previous encounter with Detective Maas, in early February," Atkins said. "And Mr. Cullen, Detective Maas made allegations that you're heavily involved in organized crime."
Shit.
"However, after researching his allegations, we don't have any proof. He was adamant, however, that you killed his sister, Charlotte," Atkins muttered.
"The only interaction I had with Charlotte Maas was on the night of my bachelor party. She told me that the bathrooms were closed and I needed to go to the main level at the club we were attending. After that, I don't know what happened. I was drugged and taken, against my will," I answered.
"We have evidence of that," Atkins nodded. "And after conducting our own investigation, it would appear that Royce King, Stephan Romani and several other men were responsible for Charlotte's death. I could get into further detail …"
"I'd prefer you don't," Bella said. "I apologize, but I really need to get home and take some medications for my pain. Do you need my statement?"
"Of course, Mrs. Cullen," Atkins said, giving my wife a concerned look. "Do you need some water? Coffee?"
She shook her head. "Just the statements. The date in February … I was out shopping with my mother-in-law and several other women, in preparation for the benefit. Maas pulled over our car and said I was accused of shoplifting. My mother-in-law said a few things and he backed off, not following up. I assumed he was trying to get me into the station to get information about my husband."
"Which would be inadmissible," Jenks said. "Spousal privilege."
"Right," Bella nodded. "I think that's why Maas backed off. Then, he said that he had proof that I'd done something, which I hadn't. He was coming to arrest me when I was taken by my mother and the man she'd been …"
"Whoring herself out to," I sneered.
"I would have said fucking," Bella grumbled, "but that works." She took an unsteady breath and reached for my hand. "I don't remember much after that. It was a haze of pain, heat, foul smells and torture. I was touched in ways that I never wanted to be touched. I had hands on me other than my husband's. My mother stabbed me. My mother … the woman who gave birth to me … she looked at me and stabbed me. She was willing to have me be raped by the man she'd shared her bed with, because she was upset that I wouldn't give her money." My wife looked at me, her eyes shining with tears and exhaustion. "Are we done?" I slid my arms around my wife and tried to give her as much of my strength as possible.
"Almost," Atkins sighed. "We just need a couple of signatures."
"Can I sign for both?" I asked. "Bella can't really use her hand yet."
"Fine motor skills are on the list of things I'm going to be working on once I get into physical therapy," Bella said, leaning her cheek against my shoulder.
"In light of what's happened, I think that's fine," Atkins acquiesced.
I took the proffered pen, reading the information on the papers first. It was just a brief timeline of what had happened during the investigation. I passed the paper to Bella and Jenks, who both agreed with what was written. I signed the paperwork, sliding it back to Atkins. "What will happen to Maas?" I asked.
"I was wondering that, too," Bella yawned.
"If I may, Sergeant?" Claire piped in.
"Of course, Detective," Atkins nodded.
"Maas knew that he was done. He's admitted guilt and he's waived his right for a jury trial. He will describe his crimes in open court, but we needed corroboration," Claire said.
"How long will he be in jail?" Bella asked, her brows furrowed.
"He's admitted to extortion, bribery, assault, sexual assault, statutory rape, domestic abuse, attempted murder and murder in the second degree," Atkins said. "He did work for Royce King, cleaning up his messes."
I shot a look at Claire. She looked cool as a cucumber, but her eyes did flash in fear. Claire had cleaned up a number of our messes. I would hate for her have the same fate as Detective Maas. We'd have to protect her.
"Suffice it to say, he will die in prison," Claire explained.
"Good. He deserves it," Bella sneered. "Now, if there's not anything else, I'd like to go." Her voice broke and I could hear the pain.
"Thank you for coming in, Mr. and Mrs. Cullen," Atkins said, shaking my hand and giving Bella a sweet smile. "We'll be in touch after Maas is sentenced. We appreciate your cooperation."
I slid my arm around Bella's waist and we stood up to leave. My wife leaned heavily on me, clearly beyond exhausted. We walked to the car and I helped Bella into the passenger seat. I turned on the car, looking at Jenks. "Thanks for being here, Jenks."
"It's what you pay me for," Jenks smirked. "Get your beautiful wife home. She's already conked out."
I looked at Bella. She was curled up on the front seat, cradling her arm and dead to the world. "I'll be in touch. Thanks again."
"I'll find out when Maas will be sentenced," Jenks nodded.
He turned on his heel and walked to his Tesla. It was a sleek, charcoal grey Model 3. I moaned when he turned it on. It purred and he drove away, waving at me. I shook my head, sliding into the driver's seat and caressing Bella's cheek. Her rest was clearly not restful. Her brow was furrowed and her lips were puckered into a sexy pout. I backed out of the spot and drove us back to the condo.
xx MOTM:FFF xx
Bella
In the gym in our basement, I finished my physical therapy exercises. My therapist, Gianna, who worked with Dr. Moretti and the Volturi, was trying to rebuild the strength in my right arm and was currently massaging my bicep. She was patient, but a firm task master. I was able to bend my arm again with her help and could spend some time without my brace. I still needed to have another wrist surgery, but we decided to wait until my bicep rehab was completed.
"I think you're done for the day, Bella," Gianna said. "I'll see you next week."
"Why not on Friday?" I asked.
"Your husband has something planned for you," Gianna smirked.
"For what?"
"Your birthday," Alice chirped as she walked down the steps. She had Sophie on her arm in the car seat. "It's nice to see you, Gianna."
"You, too, Alice," Gianna grinned. She scurried over to the car seat and smiled goofily at the baby. "She's getting cuter every day."
"I know," Alice said. Gianna laughed and waved as she walked up the stairs. Alice made her way into the gym. "Surely, you didn't forget your own birthday, Isabella Marie."
"I didn't forget," I said, getting up from the table I was laying on. "I just choose not to remember. There's really not a lot I want to celebrate. I'm still in a funk from all of this." I waved my hand to my arm. "I want to ignore my birthday and move on with life."
"I doubt that Edward will let that slide," Alice argued. "Come on, Bells. We need to have a chat." She slid her arm over my shoulder, guiding me back up the stairs. She handed Sophie off to Jasper and waved at Edward, frog marching me up to the bathroom so I could shower.
I dressed in a pair of jeans and a short-sleeved shirt. I slid on my brace, sighing in relief. Alice poked her head in the bathroom. "Feel better?" she asked.
"Yeah. My arm is always so sore after therapy and the hot water relaxes my muscles," I said, trying to brush my hair with my left hand.
"Stop, Bells. Sit," she snickered, pushing me onto soft bench. She began brushing my hair and used a blow dryer. I closed my eyes, enjoying the soft hum of the blow dryer and the repetitive strokes of the brush. Twenty minutes later, my hair was dried and look smooth and sleek. "Perfect. Do you want it down or up in a ponytail?"
"I like it down," I answered, running my fingers through my hair. "Thank you, Alice."
"You're welcome," she smiled. She slid onto the bathroom counter and stared at me. "How are you doing? Be honest."
I shrugged. There are moments where I didn't know how I felt. I was just going through the motions. Edward had been fantastic; sweet, kind and patient. His words of encouragement only bolstered my need to get better, but I was still barely keeping my head above water. I still felt disgusting. I hated my body. I had scars on both of my arms. I felt Ricardo's fingers grabbing at my body, touching me in places that my husband had touched me.
Alice wiped a tear from my face. "Bella, I know that you're struggling. You put on this brave façade," she said. "I understand more than most …"
"You do," I sniffled. "Alice, I just … I'm drowning. I want to be better. Talking to my therapist is helping, but I'm fucking terrified that something else is going to happen. I feel …" I scrubbed at my jeans.
She hopped off the counter and crouched in front of me. "You had your choice taken away. Of course, you feel that way," she murmured. "I still do and it's been how many years? Bella, you are strong and smart and beautiful and loving. Nothing can change that."
"If I'm so strong and so loving, why didn't my mom love me?" I sobbed. "Why did she lead me to Ricardo like a lamb to slaughter? He was going to rape me. She was thrilled that he was going to ruin me." Alice hugged me and I clung to her. "Why?" She continued to hold me until my tears slowed to some sniffles.
Alice wiped my cheeks and sat down on the tub opposite of me, holding my hands. "I don't know why your mother did what she did. She was clearly not in her right mind and she did not know the real you. She only saw dollar signs and that was her motivation. Regardless, Renee got what she deserved, shot in the back and dead. She's burning in hell and won't ever hurt you again. No one will hurt you again."
"How do you know that, Alice?" I asked, looking at her. "How do you know that no one will hurt any of us?"
"I just have a hunch," Alice said. "Bells, you helped me when I hated myself. I hated what happened to me. I hated that a part of me died when I was sexually assaulted. That animal took something from that was only meant for my husband. You weren't penetrated, but you were still sexually assaulted. You were hurt in ways that no one should ever have to endure. Regardless, Edward adores you. He always will. He want nothing than to see you smile, truly smile. He noticed glimpses of your happiness when you're with Charlie, but even those are fleeting. When was the last time that you and Edward had a conversation? Been out on a date? Not about your abduction, recovery or the case with Maas?"
"I don't know, before I was taken?" I answered.
Alice gave me a Mona Lisa smile. She got up and kissed my forehead. "Then, what Edward has planned for your birthday is perfect and exactly what the doctor ordered," she said. Holding out her hand, I took it and she hugged me again. "It was your mother's loss, Bella. You are my best friend and you made me a better person because I know you. I love you so much. I hate seeing you in so much pain. No more tears over her. She made her bed … you survived and her greed was her undoing."
"Thank you, Alice," I said. "I love you, too."
She pulled back with a cherubic smile on her face. "Before we head downstairs, let's pick out an outfit for you to wear on your birthday."
"Alice … I just want to wear sweats, something comfortable," I whined.
"Psssh, you're dressing up. It'll make you feel better. Trust me," she smirked. "I'm thinking blue …"
A/N: What do you all think? Edward's trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life. What is safest for his family? We'll hear more about that in the next chapter. I had every intention of having that family meeting during this chapter, but it would have been too long.
Up next will be the continuation of this chapter, with Bella's birthday, Maas's sentencing and maybe the conversation with Jacob. We're getting close to the end, folks. I'm thinking there will be three more chapters and then the epilogue.
Pictures from this chapter will be on my blog. You can access that through a link in my profile. I'm also on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79. Leave your thoughts and thank you for reading!