CHAPTER 43
*Sorry this story is going on so long, I didn't realize when I wrote it how many chapters it would be. Soon we will get there, I promise !
Bella's POV :
My punishment time in the bathroom was a blur when it was over…all I knew was that my tongue was going to fall out any minute and I had been licking everything in sight. Floors, sinks…and other things I didn't want to remember. I wanted to cry by the time I was allowed to rest.
"School will begin soon.", he said in a bored voice, "You will go to the showers here and clean yourself up. You will put on a school uniform that I left there for you. You will go to your classes and SWAN…if you aren't as bright as a DAISY the whole day through, ESPECIALLY in MY gym class, you will receive a REAL night of punishment tonight. Is that clear ?"
"Yes, Master.", I answered respectfully as I knelt there, my chain leash connected to a safety rail on the wall.
He silently unbuckled my leash and untied my arms. They dropped at my sides like two dead lengths of sausage. Now they tingled, the blood rushing back in.
"Get out of my sight.", he inhaled with a look of distaste. I think that hurt me most of all after the whole night. I crawled out on all fours, even though he didn't tell me to.
Then WHY am I so aroused right now, sitting here, listening to my Spanish teacher talk about his childhood neighbors ?
Because I'm fucked up. And my lips smiled, glad that I was so fucked up. As much as I hated it, the fact remained: Lesson learned. I would NEVER fuck with him again, lie to him, even forget to tell him anything next time. And I will never sneak around behind his back again. I knew all that punishment would not restore his trust in me. I would have to earn that back, over time. I would do that. I would endure anything he threw at me, just to make him see that I was, indeed, his slave…and would become the best one…someday.
I perked up, blinking my eyes, in case he was watching me through others' thoughts at the moment. That's another thing – he can see me anytime, anywhere…like Santa Claus…or God…more like Satan.
I wished that he could find a cure for my bad blood. If I had the best smelling blood in all the world for him…and he could drink it…I would love to see the pleasure on his face from that. Something only I could give him. I wished for this every single day. The idea of him killing me while drinking my blood wasn't even a dread anymore. I just want to make him happy.
I didn't hold anything he did to me against him. I was being punished. And he was very good at it. I thought of all the great times we usually had together and hoped that we would be back there now that this punishment was over. Wait…is it over ? He didn't say it was. Shit.
I had brushed my teeth four times and mouth washed about seven times after that. And still I can taste bathroom and gym floor in my teeth. I can't wait to eat dinner later. Maybe that will kill it.
I wished I could see him and talk to him now. Is he mad at me ? Will he hold a grudge ? I'd never been punished like that before and I wasn't sure how the next day would go.
In gym class, I made sure to do my drills and exercises to the best of my ability…he was watching me, I noticed. And playing basketball, Alexis was on my team and several times she came to my rescue when I dropped the ball. She gave me a little smile and I wondered if she even knew I tried to rob her necklace. She has my dog. Maybe she's being a bitch about that. But it didn't seem that way. It looked like a real smile.
I knew the sign for thank you so at the end of class when the whistle blew twice and we were done I made a point to make the sign to her. I felt a little strange doing it but she lit up when she saw me do it. I hated it but my mind was hoping Mr. Cullen was seeing it. I didn't look around to check.
She did a bunch of signs to me in response but I didn't know any of them. I blushed pink and shrugged, putting my hands up to let her know I didn't know what she was saying.
"Sorry.", I said the word clearly, remembering she could read lips.
She gave a little chuckle and waved her hand, as if to say, that's okay. She put up a finger and went to her notebook on the bleachers, clicking her pen.
She wrote something there and showed it to me.
"No worries.", it said, "You're Bella, right ?"
I nodded to her and wondered if I should say something about her necklace.
But she was already writing something else.
It said:
I'm Alexis.
I gave a little nod and said, "I know. Hi."
Three whistle blasts sounded then and I jumped, turning and seeing Mr. Cullen there, a few feet away, glaring at us.
Alexis didn't hear the whistle but she knew he was interrupting us.
She winced a little and pulled me, jerking her head to the locker rooms.
Mr. Cullen gave a little grin and nod as we hurried to get changed.
Alexis was writing something else as she walked and I wished I was that coordinated.
She showed it to me and it said :
I don't want to make you late…want to have dinner later ?
Why is she being so nice to me after I tried to steal from her ? What does she want with me for dinner ?
I had to know now.
I nodded and said, "Cool."
She smiled and gave a thumbs up sign and waved, hurrying off to her locker on the other end of the room to change. I got a little peek at Alice. She was fluffing her hair up with her fingers, and she saw me looking at her in the reflection of the mirror on the wall she was using. I just scurried away.
Mr. Cullen was his usual self in gym today. He was neither too nice OR too mean to me. He was his usual pissed off gym teacher self. He didn't have much chance to yell at me today because Alexis had saved me a few times, covering my screw ups. I owed her for that.
I avoided the girls' bathrooms, even though I needed to use it…too soon. I'd use another bathroom outside the gym later.
The rest of the day I wondered why Alexis would be so nice to me. Did Mr. Cullen tell her to be ? No…I don't think so…he said he wasn't interested in her in a slave capacity. But why wouldn't he be ? I would be. She's magnificent. And nice too. So far at least that's how it seemed. Many times a nice girl could have a plan to fuck you royally. I'd have to watch my back.
When dinner came, I didn't see her at first. I got my food, steak and veggies, and my water bottle and sat down, watching the entrance for her. She came a few minutes later, with a little notebook and pen. She waved to me, smiling, got some food, and then approached and sat at my table.
"Hi.", I smiled at her, waving my hand.
"Hi", she mouthed the word without saying it, waving back.
She flipped open her notebook and began to write in it.
I was sure the subject would come up soon about me being in her room. It might be better to get it over with now.
She grinned and turned the notebook to me. I read it.
It said :
Thanks for eating with me.
I smiled and wrote back:
No problem. Thanks for asking me. I usually eat alone but this is nice.
She nodded to me and took a bite of her steak…ohhhh she has a pepsi. I almost drooled watching her drink it. Master thirst for my blood…and I thirst for a pepsi. And neither of us can drink it.
We ate for a few minutes in silence and then I decided to write to her.
I wrote:
I guess you know I tried to steal your necklace. I'm really sorry. I have problems. I'm not sure why you're being so nice to me. You don't have to. I get it if you hate me. I would.
Okay. There it was. It was out now.
She looked at the book and shook her head and wrote back. I tried to pretend to eat a string bean as she wrote.
Turning the book to me, I read:
That's what I wanted to tell you. I'm not mad. I get it. I used to steal EVERYTHING all the time too. And you got caught so you technically DIDN'T steal my necklace. So…no harm, no foul.
I was confused. Is this girl for real ? I was sure now she was after revenge.
I wrote:
That makes no sense. You're not even MAD ?! Are you a saint or something ?
She chuckled and wrote back.
Not at all. I have done things a whole lot worse than stealing. Don't sweat it. Just don't do it again, okay ?
She put a little smiley face after that post.
I nodded and wrote:
Don't worry. I'm never stealing again. I'm cured now.
I almost asked her about Tank but I didn't think I could handle that right now. And I didn't want to get mad at her today.
She wrote back:
Cool. But can I ask why you picked me ?
Uh oh. Lie.
I wrote:
I hate perfect girls.
That was the truth at least. But I really wanted to write I hate perfect girls who my Master smiles at. At least I DID…before my punishment last night…and Master's order to stop the jealousy shit immediately…or else. I'd be gone. I took him very seriously. I knew he meant that.
Alexis frowned a little and wrote:
Girl…I'm NOT perfect…at ALL.
The rest of dinner was just like that. Us writing back and forth…asking questions about each other, answering them…I really felt comfortable with her. And she didn't hate me for stealing from her. I wondered what worse things she'd done before. It seemed rude to ask on the first meeting.
The bell rang and I was glad. I liked being with Alexis but I needed to rest a little. I was dragging my ass all day and pretending I was alert and wide awake. I prayed that Master didn't call yet…or that X wasn't in the room yet. I just wanted some time to sleep…hard.
We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways, saying, "See you tomorrow !"
I entered the Rose Red house and saw a couple girls from the other night that I'd met. They nicely smiled and called me Z, asking what I was doing. I lied and told them I had to call my Dad real quick and I'd be back. They let me go and said "See u later, Z !"
I'm glad they weren't the clingy type. I flopped into my bed, fully dressed, and passed out, ready to sleep for a hundred years. It was so quiet here…I decided I liked it here already.
No one busted in and woke me and for that I was truly grateful. When I woke up, it was dark outside and I was alone in the room. I checked my phone. 9:21pm. Almost four hours of sleep. Not bad.
A little sound pinged again in my phone and I looked at it, checking the texts.
Uh oh. Three texts from unknown. SHIT !
The first one was only a few minutes ago.
Come outside.
Oh shit !
The next one was more serious.
I'm waiting.
FUCK ! That one was three minutes ago.
The last text was:
Did I say you could sleep ?
I quickly typed back.
I'm so sorry. I'm awake ! I'm coming !
I quickly took off before my eyes could focus and I went out the back door. It was dark and cold and I forgot my coat again. I wrapped my arms around myself and ran out into the darkness, away from the school lights…towards the woods.
Please don't be mad, please don't be mad.
It wasn't long before I felt something cover my eyes from behind me. It was a cool touch but gentle.
I stopped and felt myself melt inside.
"Who's there ?", I dared to ask, my voice pleasant.
"Guess.", his perfect voice replied…also sounding softer now.
I wanted to say another man's name but I was too afraid to actually do it…especially after last night.
"Master.", I said instead, my lips smiling as I said the word.
"Where is your coat?", he sounded slightly annoyed now.
"I forgot it.", I admitted, his hands still over my eyes, "I'm sorry Master."
He exhaled and I felt myself being tossed over his shoulder…and I clung on as we seemed to fly past trees and buildings…I felt my ass land on a soft silk surface. I looked and saw I was sitting on the red silky bed in our usual training room. Next to me was my journal and a pen.
It was nice and warm in here, a fire going in the corner. I loved this room. This is where I could be me and feel safe doing it. Always. This is where he was always kind to me.
His face was right across from mine now as he sat on the bed with me.
"Write everything about last night in the journal.", he ordered with a serious tone, "Leave nothing out, I want to know your every thought, your every feeling. Even if you think it'll anger me or hurt me. You understand ?"
"Yes, Master.", I picked up the book and pen, smiling at him, hoping he could see I still loved him and always would. And I knew this journal entry was him making me release all the pain and hurt that I might be feeling since my first real punishment.
"But first.", he glanced behind him, reaching down to the floor.
When his arm came up, he held something small in his hand…a little brown thing. As he put it down in front of me, it moved and hopped around…his buggy little eyes staring up at me, his little thin tail with the white dot on it wagging ferociously.
"TANK !", I screamed, almost scaring my baby as he leapt into my arms. We both cried, kissing each other as if we were parted for ten years.
"Oh my GOD !', I felt tears on my face as he licked them up, "My baby !"
Master was smiling at us and then I grabbed him into my arms too. My kisses covered him with just as much passion.
"How ? -I thought-", I stammered, having so many questions.
"They could never TAKE your pet and give it to another student.", he informed, "I just wanted you to learn a lesson about having something stolen from you."
I should've hated him…but I was too happy right now to.
"I'm sorry.", I cried to both of them, "I swear I'll never steal anything again."
"Sometimes we have to break rules.", Master informed as his finger stroked Tank's little head, "I understand you're 17. You're going to make mistakes, and the pressure of this relationship is no doubt a contributing factor in what you did. But then there is a price to be paid, a lesson learned. But in the future it will be ME who will give you the permission to do so. Got it ?"
"Got it.", I breathed, glad that he seemed pleased with me again.
"Mommy missed you so much.", I talked baby talk to Tank as I held him.
"Oh, Christ.", he stood up and walked away from us, "This is where I get up and leave for awhile. Write, 317…write."
"Yes, Master.", I grinned as he left the room, turning to the right. He was wearing a white button down shirt and blue jeans…good, not in dominant mode right now. The black clothes usually said I was in deep shit. Not always…but usually.
"Sit there and be a nice little boy.", I kissed Tank and placed him in the crook of my leg while I got the pen and turned to the next blank page.
And I wrote:
My First Big Punishment by 317
I wrote it all out, from beginning to end…all my feelings and thoughts displayed clearly as he requested. At times, I even thought to myself…why does that turn me on ? When he was so wicked to me…and why am I filled with rage then instantly I'm hot for him? Maybe he knows.
I even dared to write that I felt like I hated him. He said I could write anything here and I would not be punished for it.
I also wrote, at the end, the thing that hurts most is that you feel you can't trust me. I really hope that's not true. I would die for you. Please trust me again. I trust you…completely.
When I was finally done, I closed the book and took a deep breath. It felt good to get all that out and knowing he would read it made me feel good. I was glad he wanted to know it all. It meant he cares.
"Thank you.", he appeared a moment later and snatched the book from my hand.
"You're welcome.", I smirked at him, drinking in his fabulous face as he put the book away near his things across the room.
"Are you angry with me ?", he asked, and it felt like a test.
"Not at all.", I said, "I was wrong. I'm your slave. I was punished. I don't get to be angry."
He gave a small smile.
"You're a fast learner, 317.", he seemed impressed now.
"Can I just ask…", I began as his arms crossed in a relaxed state.
"Go on.", he urged me, a nod of his head.
"Is it over ?", I hoped as I asked, "The punishment ?"
He smiled, looking away for a moment.
"For stealing and sneaking behind my back, yes, that punishment is over.", he looked down at me, "But as a slave of mine, you can be punished for anything, at any time…if the weather pisses me off…if my sock has a hole in the toe…if I feel like it…for no reason at all…"
I nodded.
"I know…", I agreed, "I was just asking…"
"I know my punishments can be hard.", he softened his black eyes as he gazed at me, "Just like my classes…but the rewards will be just as large…"
"That's why I still want you.", I grabbed up at his arms and gently pulled him to sit next to me here again, moving Tank aside a little.
I leaned in to kiss him but he pulled back a bit.
"You have to earn a reward, Swan.", he looked at me like he wasn't that easy. What a brat he is.
Later Master asked me about my new room, my new roommates.
"They seem to enjoy you in that house.", he smiled at me, his eyes twinkling a deep crimson red at the moment.
"They're so cool.", I agreed, "I really like them."
I wanted to ask him something but I stopped myself.
"What ?", he sensed this.
"Are any of them…", I took a breath, "Yours ?"
He gave a sharp exhale.
"Absolutely not.", he replied, "And a good thing for them, too, after the things they said about me."
I relaxed and smiled, recalling that.
"Did you really call X ten pounds overweight ?", I dared to ask.
He smirked, recalling it.
"Yes.", he said without shame, "It put her right into her place…for two seconds. Then she said something vulgar to me."
I gave a small giggle as he smiled at me.
"You're not MAKING them be nice to me, are you ?", I asked, "Compelling them or something ?"
"No, Swan, I'm not doing that. They truly like you. Have some self-esteem.", he suggested with an honest expression.
"You don't like her, then ?", I asked carefully, "X ?"
He made a face at me then, as if the jealousy thing was coming back up.
"No, I'm not doing the jealous thing…", I put my hands up, "I'm just asking…is it okay if I'm friends with her? Them ?"
He looked relieved and smiled again.
"Yes, 317, it's alright with me.", he said, approvingly, "It's better your friends are not mine. Even if they dislike me."
"They like you…kind of.", I said.
"They like the way I look.", he corrected, "They don't like ME. But that's alright. I don't need to be liked by everyone."
"Hey", I asked him, "Did you tell that Alexis girl to be nice to me or something ?"
"No, I didn't.", he answered without hesitation, "I saw you had dinner together…that's nice. Did you like her ?"
"Yea.", I answered, "I even told her about stealing her necklace and she wasn't even mad."
His face was pleasant.
"Don't judge books by their covers, Miss Swan.", he replied, "Alexis has been through things that her nice smile and attitude hide well. She's been in Hell most of her life. And she overcame it. Alone. I would love it if you two became friends. She could use a real one."
I felt bad right away about hating her so much. I would try to get to know her, if she wanted to be my friend. I could use a real friend too.
Master taught me some signs for beginners that could help me greet Alexis better. There was yes – making like a knocking motion with the fist. No – making my fist point down and move from side to side or bringing my first two fingers to my thumb. Hello and goodbye were easy, like waves. Please – making my palm circle over my heart. Sorry – making my fist circle over my heart. Thank you – I already had that one. He showed me how to say I know a little sign language.
And he coached me a bit about what not to say. Don't say things like 'it sucks that you're deaf I'm so sorry.' They don't want your pity, they're not broken. I already would never say such a thing and told him so. He was glad and said he already knew that about me.
And he told me don't speak and sign at the same time. It's not polite, he said.
"How do you say I love you ?", I finally asked him.
"You're saying this to her ?", he asked, confused.
"No.", I rolled my eyes at him.
He smiled, catching on. He pointed to himself, at his heart, saying, "I"
"Love.", he put his hands in a kind of hug over his heart.
"You.", he pointed at me, his eyes tender and warm now, even though red in color.
I repeated it and pointed at him. He leaned in and kissed my fingertip.
"I love you too, crazy girl.", he said, his voice full of meaning.
"But you need sleep now.", he carefully laid me down in the bed, putting the covers over me, placing Tank next to my side as he yawned, his little tongue rolling out as he dozed off already.
"I'm afraid I wore you out today.", he confessed.
"I deserved it.", I yawned, not fighting him on this one.
"Yes, you did.", he looked down at me triumphantly, "But it's over now. You did well, taking your punishment. I'm very proud of you. Very…impressed."
I beamed.
"Really ?", I asked.
"Really.", he repeated, "Close your eyes…sleep. Now…if you wake and I'm not here, I've gone to feed."
He waited for my reaction. I gave none.
"Okay.", I smiled at him. I pretended he would be going out to get a burger or something. I didn't let myself picture anything.
He looked at me deeper, as if trying to figure me out.
"Goodnight.", I snuggled down in the covers, too tired to elaborate any further.
"Goodnight, 317.", he leaned in and kissed my lips…it was a nice long kiss…and if we kept going I would forget sleep and want something else.
"Goodnight, Master.", I whispered and held my baby, "Thanks for my baby."
"He'll be living with me for awhile.", Master informed, "Until I know your new friends can be trusted."
"Alright.", I agreed, "He'll love that. He can be with Rage and Fury."
"They'll be here, too, to watch over you while I'm gone.", he informed, glancing at them in the corner, near the fire, sleeping, "You'll be safe."
"I know.", I closed my eyes, drifting off already.
Master has been very quiet the last couple days. I kept reaching out to him asking him to talk to me. He just smiles and says he's fine. I can see there's pain inside him. I wish I could take his pain away. Or at least know what it is that's hurting him.
On the other hand, Alexis and I have become good friends…also the girls in my new house…especially X. She's just amazing. Master knows her real name…he won't tell me but agreed it's tragic.
He is still teaching me archery and says I'm doing very well. I still don't want to shoot at animals. I probably never will. He laughs and asks, "Then why are you learning this ?"
I just like being good at something. I like the way he looks at me when I do well. He looks proud of me. And I feel like a goddess when he does that.
Spring was coming and our gym class moved on to play baseball outside in the field. I hated this sport too. I also sucked at it, just like all the others. But hey…I love seeing Mr. Cullen in his t shirt without sleeves and shorts again…and that cute little baseball cap. Damn he could make anything look sexy.
I was also still in the music class…and that was very hard too. It was more about having some confidence to sing in front of the other girls…and in front of Mr. Cullen too. Everyday I had to work on my low self esteem and walk in there to do my best. Some days there were marvelous, Mr. Cullen in a great mood, smiling, laughing, singing…other days were pure Hell. Mr. Cullen got more upset about music class not going well than he was about gym. If you can imagine that.
Dr. Carlisle kept me prisoner in private sessions every day. I kept lying to him, coached by Master. He never seemed to catch on or call me a liar. He was playing the patient game of letting me come around when I was ready. I would never confide in him truly. I wished he would give it up.
One night when I got home, I could hear the girls all laughing upstairs about something…and something more…someone was growling or something.
"What are you guys doing up here ?", I asked as I came into the doorway of my room with X. They were all in there, standing around my bed.
I didn't see X until I got closer. X was straddled over something on my bed…it was a boy ! Oh shit ! And as I came closer, I saw it was Mr. Cullen ! Tied down with ropes, his wrists up over his head, bound to the headboard and his ankles bound to the bottom legs of my bed ! He had a dog bone of Tank's stuffed into his mouth and X was humping him like a wild woman!
"Oh my GOD !", I screamed, "GET OFF HIM !"
I sprang up and opened my eyes…I was in my bed. X was over in her bed, asleep.
"Fuck.", I sighed, "Goddamn dreams."
In reality, nothing affected my relationship with my new friends. Master kept out of that as long as I obeyed his rules. I did. He would tell me stories about the gym classes where my new friends were. The first two gym classes of the day, he said that's the reason he was so raw and pissed by the time my class came around. They weren't his girls so they weren't afraid of him and they weren't shy about screwing up in class and not feeling bad about it either. They taunted him and mocked him constantly.
"Why can't I be in that class ?", I asked, thinking it would be such fun.
He just shot me a look that could curdle milk.
Today began like any other day…everything was normal. Gym class…I sucked of course…I struck out both times I was up at bat…Mr. Cullen looked very unhappy with me. But man…he was wearing those black sunglasses…fuck.
He gave me a sweet smile, as most days after the other girls walked off to the locker rooms. I lived for those smiles. It was a moment that was just ours…and I knew that he loved me, despite how much I sucked in class.
I went happily to group therapy. Dr. Carlisle was waiting outside the door today for some reason. This never happened before.
"Miss Swan.", he regarded me with a serious look, "Come with me, please."
He took me by the arm and a bit forcefully led me to his office. The last time I was here I was having a stroke, Mr. Cullen so angry with me after I got busted red handed. What did I do now ?
"What's going on ?", I asked, trying to act brave even though I was freaking out a little.
"We need to talk Miss Swan.", he said as he closed his office door, offering me the chair in front of his desk.
"Alright.", I frowned, unsure what this was all about.
Dr. Carlisle stood there, instead of sitting in his chair.
"Do you know Jackie Nickles ?", he asked me.
"Yea.", I said right away, "Kinda. She left school. Awhile ago."
"Did you have a fight with her or something ?", he asked further, staring into my eyes.
"Ummm", I hesitated, "I didn't really know her. She was in my gym class for one day."
"See…", Dr. Carlisle began, "Miss Nickles didn't leave school. She's been missing…for months."
I frowned. Something inside me felt sick suddenly.
"No.", I said slowly, my head spinning, "She left. She went somewhere else…"
He was looking at me…shit. He thinks I hurt her or something! Because he knows about my past with Jenna, the girl I stabbed. The girl I…killed. Of course, I'm the first suspect.
"That pet you had…", Dr. Carlisle said, "Several girls have told me that he was Miss Nickles' dog. And then you had him."
"I didn't do ANYTHING to her !" I shouted, my breathing becoming ragged and a little fast.
Where is Master when I need him ? Can't he hear this ?
"I want to show you something.", he put a hand up, to steady me a bit, "Have you ever seen this before ?"
He went into his desk and brought out something with plastic around it. It was in a Ziploc bag. A steak knife…one from the cafeteria…with blood all over it. The air was sucked right out of my lungs at seeing it.
"Fuck what the hell?!", I shouted, flinching back.
"This was found in your school locker.", Dr. Carlisle stated, his eyes sad as he looked at me.
"No, no, no…", I denied it, but my legs were like jello, unable to stand up and get out of there.
"I've never seen that before, you LIE !", I shouted, "That girl is fine, she LEFT SCHOOL !"
"Miss Swan…", Dr. Carlisle gently spoke to me, putting the knife back in his desk, "You will get a chance to respond. No one's accusing you of anything…relax…I'm not here to hurt you…I want to help you…"
He was getting too close…and suddenly my body DID get the strength to stand up and try for the door.
As I opened the door, there were two men there dressed in white medical looking scrubs.
I screamed and they grabbed me, forcing me back into the office, the door closing so other students wouldn't see this.
"NO!", I screamed so loud I'm sure Master could hear me now, "I didn't hurt ANYONE ! I didn't HURT HER ! LET ME GO ! MISS NICKLES LEFT SCHOOL ! SHE'S ALIVE !"
As the men pinned me down on the floor, face down I heard myself scream out, "MASTER, HELP ME !"
And in seconds, something sharp pinched me…and I fought it…but my body was slowly going numb…lifeless. They sedated me. FUCK !
"Master….", I heard my voice distort and weaken as my eyes rolled back. The last thought I had was…he didn't come…he didn't come to save me…does he hate me ? Does he think I did it ? Am I crazy ? Did I really do it and don't know it ? Is there even a Mister Cullen or a Master ?
A tear rolling down my face was the last thing I felt before everything went black.
Edward's POV:
Bella had just moved on to her next class, the inspiring group therapy. I knew she could handle herself there now but I often checked in to listen. But then, as I waited for my next class to change for gym, I could hear Dr. Carlisle bringing Bella into his office.
What the fuck is this now ?
I listened in and heard him talking about Miss Nickles. He was saying she was missing for the last few months…bullshit. Bella was clearly upset, thinking that I had done something to her, but still, defending me…taking the heat for me.
Two seconds later, I was on my way to that fucker's office. He was dead, making up shit like that, making Bella doubt me when I told her the truth.
I turned, about to race across the ball field when two women stood there, staring at me. I recognized them right away. I felt myself dumbfounded by the sight of them. How…
"I see you remember us.", a little voice said. I knew the voice too, only it was different…more musical…more…vampire. And the women both had bright red eyes.
I felt frozen for a moment…my voice caught in my throat.
"He remembers.", the taller, red headed woman said a bit more darkly than her shorter friend.
I could hear Bella in Dr. Carlisle's office…
"This was found in your school locker.", Dr. Carlisle said to Bella.
"No, no, no…", she answered, her voice afraid…her breathing too fast.
"I've never seen that before, you LIE !", she yelled at him, " That girl is FINE, she LEFT SCHOOL !"
"Miss Swan…", Dr. Carlisle said to her with a kind voice, "You will get a chance to respond. No one's accusing you of anything…relax…I'm not here to hurt you…I want to help you…"
"I don't have time for this right now.", I said to the two vampires in front of me, making my voice ice cold, about to take off away from them.
But before I had a chance to move, the shorter one…Jane…smiled at me…and instantly my body felt on fire…I felt like my own blood was boiling through my muscles and coming out of my eyeballs. I was instantly crippled by it…falling to the grass, my back arching as I roared out to the fucking sky. I had never felt anything this goddamn horrible before…not even the change to vampire.
"You got him.", Victoria sounded pleased as Jane kept her eyes on me…somehow she was doing this to me…and the pain fucking intensified !
"NO!", Bella was screaming now, "I didn't hurt ANYONE ! I didn't HURT HER ! LET ME GO ! MISS NICKLES LEFT SCHOOL ! SHE'S ALIVE !"
Oh my God. Bella…I tried to move to help her…but I just…couldn't…I felt like my legs were cut off at the knees…everything was in excruciating agony.
I could hear men on top of Bella as she finally called right to me, "MASTER, HELP ME !"
I roared and felt bloody tears in my eyes as I willed myself to get up and go save her. But nothing inside me responded. I was a paralyzed piece of shit…useless. Suddenly, I was back on the grass with James standing over me, enjoying my suffering, my home burning in the close distance. But he wasn't here now.
I wanted to call Bella's name but I didn't want to reveal her to these two bitches.
"Master….", her voice was weaker now…foggier…Carlisle sedated her the fucker ! When I got my hands on him, he was a dead man. Finally, her voice went silent…I could only faintly hear her breathing…in Carlisle's mind I could see Bella, so small and now helpless, her eyes closed, a single tear moving down her cheek. Two men in white coats were touching her, picking her up from the floor.
"RRRRRRRRRR!", I tried to move, roll over, anything…I could do nothing at all except lay there and keep burning in her gaze. Victoria looked on, enjoying this immensely. I didn't blame them…I knew them a long time ago. I thought they were dead. I had no fucking idea they were vampires now ! And in addition to that, at least Jane had some special powers that were already fucking up my day.
It looks like it's my turn to be punished. Finally.
END OF CHAPTER 42