I adopted this plot bunny a year or so ago. It really intrigued me. I posted a poll in my group asking which story I should work on next, and this was the winner. It's definitely a WIP. I've only got a rough outline figured out and I'm going back to my roots with this … writing with a vague plan. I hope that I can do this justice.
None of this is mine … I wish it was. Sigh …
Jacob William Black … douchenozzle, asshole and money-hungry bitch … trying to use his kid to get Bella back under his thumb. I hate him in this story. He is the epitome of everything evil. However, while Jacob is evil, I'm not saying that all members of the Quileute tribe are evil. Jacob is an asshole, who only sees women as a commodity. It has nothing to do with his heritage (though he is using his heritage to try and get his son back, but that's because he's an asshole … using a loophole to bend the rules) and everything to do with how he was raised.
Nature vs. nurture.
Good vs. evil.
So, yeah … even if Jacob was not Quileute, he'd still be a douchenozzle, asshole and money-hungry bitch.
Chapter Seventeen
Bella
I woke up feeling way too hot and pinned to the bed. I panicked slightly, but I shifted, looking down and saw my sleeping son curled up next to me, practically on top of me and trying to get back inside me. Sliding my arms around him, I scratched his scalp. He sighed contentedly, snuggling closer. I closed my eyes, allowing a few tears to trail down my cheeks. I'd had an amazing day yesterday, but it all fell apart, starting with the panic attack because I'd tried to be intimate with Edward and ending with that letter from my son's sperm donor.
I could feel every part of my body aching from the tension in my muscles. My head was throbbing from the stress and my heart was shattered. Why was Jacob doing this?
Well, I knew why he was probably doing this. It was for the money. He realized that I'd made something of myself, and I was finally comfortable, no longer scraping the bottom of the barrel. He wanted a piece of that pie.
He'd get that money over my rotting, decomposing corpse. Or when hell froze over.
He had no right to that money, nor does he have a right to my son. His parental rights were revoked. That bullshit about a son belonging to his father was exactly that … bullshit.
I kissed my son's forehead and wriggled out of his vice-like grip. I had to pee, and I needed to get something to drink, possibly something to eat. I had some major cotton mouth going on and my stomach was snarling angrily. I hadn't eaten anything since this morning. When I sat up, I noticed I was in my old room at Rose and Emmett's home. I pulled up a blanket, covering up Seth's lanky body. With another kiss to his cheek, I ducked out of the room and dragged my sore body up the stairs to the kitchen.
The lights were on, and I saw Rose sitting at the island, spinning a mug. I walked into the kitchen. Rose gave me a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "You gave us a fright, Bella."
"I'm sorry," I mumbled.
"Do not apologize," she said, arching a perfect brow. "We were just worried about you. Jasper said you had a panic attack this morning and then you passed out after hearing about Jacob and his crap."
"Did Jasper say why I had a panic attack?" I asked. Not that he'd known. I just said I freaked out, but not why. Jasper didn't need to know that I had a mental break down because Edward saw me topless and touched my breasts.
"No, but he could tell it really bothered you," Rose murmured. "Do you want some tea?"
"If you don't mind," I said.
"How about food? Jasper said you picked at breakfast, and you haven't eaten since you've landed," Rose said.
"Something light," I shrugged. "If you have a bagel or something …"
"You're getting too skinny again," Rose chided. "We have leftover Chinese food, or I could make us omelets. Ooooh, how about French toast?"
"French toast sounds good," I replied.
Rose nodded and we worked to make our midnight breakfast. She made the French toast while I focused on the bacon and leftover eggs. She plated the French toast, and we carried our plates to the casual dining table. "Sometimes, comfort food is needed. You can't get more comfortable than French toast. This was the first meal I'd learned how to make. My grandmother taught me," she explained. "Enjoy, Bells."
I cut into my food, and I moaned at how delicious it was. "So good, Rose. Thank you for this."
"Anything for you, Bells," Rose smiled, reaching over to take my hand. "I know that you didn't talk to Jasper about what happened, but can you talk to me?"
I squeezed her fingers. As we ate our meal, I told her about what we'd done and how it felt. Then, I described my nightmare and how what we'd done triggered it. "Rose, what I feel for Edward terrifies me. I feel safe with him. My stomach has flutters … and …"
"Bella, I want you to answer this question honestly," Rose breathed. "Other than Jacob, have you been with any other man?"
"No," I shook my head. "I was more focused on making sure that we had food to eat and a roof over our head. What Jacob did to me … I didn't trust any male attention. I didn't want to be hurt."
"I don't blame you there. Bella, Jacob Black hurt you in a way that no man should hurt a woman. He raped you and took away your choice. He turned something that should be shared by two people who love each other into a weapon," Rose whispered. "It's your choice who you share your body with."
"What if I can't be with Edward in that way? He barely touched me, and I was thrown into a nightmarish flashback," I hissed, pushing my plate away. "I want to feel …"
"Bella, I'm certain that Edward said you were in charge, right?" Rose asked.
"Yes," I nodded. "And, he's been nothing but gentle and patient."
"And, when he touched you, did you like it? Did you get turned on?" Rose pressed. I blushed, but nodded. "Bells, not all men are like Jacob. If I had to take a guess, Edward would wait forever for you. He truly cares for you. Perhaps, he even loves you."
"Seriously, Rose?" I deadpanned.
"I am serious," she countered. "Bella, before I met Emmett, I was sexually assaulted. I'm not going to get into the nitty gritty of it, but I felt like you. I didn't want to be touched and I never felt good enough. It wasn't until I met Emmett that I realized that I was worthy of love and happiness. I wanted him to share intimacy with him. I wanted to make love to him."
"How were able to move past that fear?" I asked.
"Therapy, lots of therapy," Rose snorted humorlessly. "Plus, Emmett's endless patience with my fears. He also came to therapy sessions, and we worked up to the point where we could make love. He showed me how much he loved me and held me as a cried, lost in what was stolen from me. Bells, humans need touch to survive. I'd pulled away from everyone, even my family. I was starved for affection." She reached over and took my hand. "I have a feeling that you're starved for affection, as well."
I sighed, squeezing her fingers. "Do you have a name of a therapist?"
"Would you hate me if I said that you already have an appointment?" she quipped.
"No," I smirked. "When am I seeing this therapist?"
"Day after tomorrow," she answered. "Tomorrow, you're meeting with Caius and with a real estate agent."
"Why a real estate agent?"
"Because you need more protection than that apartment can give you," Rose argued. "There are a few places in this neighborhood, which is gated, that would be a good fit for you and Seth. It's either you get a place that is more protected, or you move back in with us."
"No, I'll get a place. You've done so much for me. I don't want to be a drain on your resources," I frowned.
"You're not, Bella. Your family and that's what family does for each other," Rose smiled, hugging me tenderly. "Now, you still look like you're dragging your feet. Get some sleep and we'll deal with tomorrow's problems tomorrow."
"What time am I meeting with that lawyer?" I asked as Rose walked me to the stairs.
"Late morning," Rose answered. She hugged me again. "You'll get through this, sweetie."
"I hope so," I whispered, squeezing her tightly. I turned, walking down the stairs and ducking into my room. Seth was curled around my pillow, snoring loudly. I snickered, walking to my bags, which had been set onto a small loveseat. I pulled out my pajamas, grinning when I saw the stuffed Mickey toy Edward had bought for me, along with one of his button-down shirts. I went into the bathroom and changed into my pajamas. I padded back into the bedroom and got into bed. "I love you, Seth."
"Love you, Momma," he mumbled.
I wrapped my arms around my son, my anchor to this world and eventually drifted back asleep.
The next morning, Seth scrambled to get to school. He wanted to go to the attorney's office with me, but the preliminary meeting wouldn't benefit Seth. He'd been told about his sperm donor's ploy to regain custody and he was obviously pissed off. I had been carried to my room and I hadn't experienced my son's tantrum.
Jasper, Emmett and much to my surprise, Edward, had calmed him down. I wanted to call him, but I had to take care of Seth before he got on the bus for school. I wanted to promise him that his father would never touch him, but I couldn't do that until I met with Caius.
Once my son was on the bus, I called the school and informed them that my son's sperm donor was trying for custody and that my son would be surlier than usual. I spoke with his counselor, and she said she'd call him down.
"Bella, we need to get you to your apartment. Pick up what you need. You're not staying there alone," Emmett said, arching a brow at me.
"You don't think that my … whatever he is … he's not coming to get me. Do you?" I asked, sipping my coffee.
"We don't want to tempt him," Jasper grumbled from his spot near the fridge, scowling at the stack of papers on the kitchen island. "I don't think he knows where you live."
"This is true," Rose nodded, packing up Maggie and Liam's lunch. "The packet was delivered to the café."
"One of the pictures of me is in front of the café," I said, wrinkling my nose. "I do have a P.O. Box … That's listed on my website. Why weren't the papers delivered there?"
"I needed to sign for it," Emmett supplied. "Again, I thought it was tax forms from the county. I'm so sorry, Bells."
"It's not your fault," I murmured.
"It may not be, but you're staying with us until you're settled in a new, protected home," Emmett said. "Are you ready to go?"
"Let me unpack my suitcase so I can fill it up with new clothes," I sighed.
"I grab one of ours for Seth's shit," Emmett nodded, darting upstairs.
After emptying out my suitcase into a laundry basket, I carried it up to the main level. Jasper and Emmett were standing there, looking fierce and pissed. In a minute way, I was afraid of them. Jasper must have seen my fear and he elbowed his brother-in-law. Their faces relaxed, but their eyes were swirling with concern. "Let's get going," I said. "Where's our meeting with Caius?"
"At his office near the courthouse," Jasper said. He dressed in a suit without a tie, looking quite intimidating. Emmett was also dressed nicely, wearing a pair of dress pants and a polo shirt.
"Are you both coming with me?" I asked.
"We're all going," Rose responded. "After I get these two on the bus, I'm showering, and I'll meet you at your apartment. Lauren is handling the café. You need the support of your family, Bells."
I nodded, giving her a hug. "Thanks, Rose," I whispered. She kissed my cheek, giving me a smile. I went to grab my bag, but Jasper had it in his hand. I followed him and Emmett to the garage. We drove to the café. Emmett checked in with Lauren while Jasper and I went to my apartment.
My trashed apartment.
The door was obviously forced open, hanging awkwardly off its hinges. Food was tossed from the refrigerator. Not that there was a lot, but still.
"What the hell happened?" I asked, glowering at the destruction in my home. I should be crying, but this wasn't the first time where all of my belongings were destroyed. I was safe. Seth was safe. That's all that mattered.
It didn't stop me from being pissed.
Jasper stood behind me, his eyes wide. "The apartments are secured. No one can get in unless they have a key or are buzzed in by a resident," he growled. "My guess is that Jacob's attorney found a private detective to do some sleuthing. That included …" He picked up a torn pillow. "Destroying your home? Bells, this is further proof that you need more protection."
"I know," I shrugged. "Should we call the police?"
"Yeah." Jasper took out his cell phone, dialing 911. "Don't touch anything. All of this can be replaced, sweet girl."
"But, that costs money," I frowned, clenching my hands into fists.
"Which you now have," Jasper snapped. "I know you are frugal, but … this … don't touch anything. Let's go down to the café. Maybe the security cameras caught something."
Emmett met us on the stairs, and we quickly told him about the destruction to my apartment. His eyes widened and he ran up the stairs. Jasper spoke with the 911 operator, and they said a police officer would be on their way. Within ten minutes, a police officer came and immediately called for a detective once she heard about my custody dispute with my son's sperm donor. While we gave our statements, my apartment was inspected from stem to stern for any clues.
Rose arrived a half hour after that. She was spitting nails and ready to murder Jacob. But, there wasn't proof that he'd had a hand in this. I was probably the most shocked when a handsome and dapper bald man walked in. He was wearing an exquisitely tailored suit and he exuded confidence. He arched a brow at Jasper, who shot to his feet. "Mr. Del Vecchio … we were …"
"Mr. Jenks contacted me and said that there was a situation. He heard something over the police scanner. Don't ask me why that man has a police scanner. And, please, call me Caius," he said, holding out his hand. "Mr. Hale?"
"Jasper, please," my friend said. "This is Rosalie and Emmett McCarty and my friend …"
"Isabella Swan," Caius smiled, taking my hand into both of his. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I wish it was under better circumstances."
"I feel the same," I blushed. Caius's smile softened and he squeezed my hand.
"We'll get to the bottom of this, Ms. Swan," he breathed reassuringly. He turned, facing the detective. "I'm Caius Del Vecchio and I'm Ms. Swan's attorney."
"Ms. Swan isn't under arrest, Mr. Del Vecchio," the detective, Detective Stevens, said. "We're just beginning our investigation. We needed to get their statements. Also, the fact that Ms. Swan has her parental custody in dispute, we needed to get some information about her child's father."
"Of course," Caius nodded. "I have a request. When you're done, please pass along any information regarding the invasion of my client's privacy. Her safety was shattered, and she's lost everything. If this is the actions of her child's biological father, it will be used to prove he has no right to see his child."
"We will, Mr. Del Vecchio. Now, before we let you go, one more question, Ms. Swan. Does this café grant access to the apartments upstairs?" Detective Stevens asked.
"Only if you have a key," Emmett answered. "The only people who have that key are Bella and me."
"Where's the access point where you can get to the apartments?" Detective Stevens pressed. "Maybe that entrance was jimmied open. Whomever trashed Ms. Swan's apartment stayed in the café until it closed, and they used this as the way to gain access."
Emmett got up, with his face as grim as stone. He showed Detective Stevens the café entrance to the apartment and his loud curse indicated that there was damage to the lock. They walked back to the table and Emmett flipped the sign, indicating the café was closed. "I'll get everyone who was working the past few days in here for interviews."
"My guess is that the perpetrator waited until the café closed. We just need the closers and access to your security system," Detective Stevens nodded.
"I'll stay here. Rose, you and Jasper go with Bella to Mr. Del Vecchio's office," Emmett said. His voice was deadly calm, but I could see him seething underneath his composed exterior.
"Come on, Bells," Jasper said, helping me to my feet.
I was shaking and the panic was threatening to wash over me like a tidal wave. The gravity of what was happening finally hit me. Someone had broken into my home, invading my privacy and my security. My heart thumped against my ribs. I could see the darkness encroach in my vision.
"Deep breaths, Bella," Rose said softly, sliding her arm around my waist. I knew I was as pale as a ghost. My breakfast was eager to make a reappearance.
"Isabella," Caius said, urging me to sit down. "Listen to my voice. Your family is with you. You're safe, loved and alive." He pressed my hand to his chest, just behind his suit coat. "Feel my heart. Take a deep breath, allow it to fill every centimeter of your lungs." He took a breath and I mimicked him. "Good girl. Hold it and slowly release it through your mouth. Tell me five things you can see."
"Your pocket square, a chipped tile, the police car, a fire hydrant and a dog peeing at the fire hydrant," I responded shakily.
He chuckled quietly at my last statement. I tried to pull my hand away. He put his palm over my hand. "Keep that hand there, Bella. Feel my heartbeat," he commanded. "Breathe again. Now, what are four things you can touch?"
"Your shirt, the table, my jeans, and your heartbeat," I whispered, feeling the panic ebb away. It was there, but not as apparent.
"More breathing, Bella," Caius smiled. "Now, three things you can hear."
"The phone ringing, the sirens and voices," I replied.
"Another deep breath … excellent … two things you can smell," he asked, giving me a gentle grin.
"Coffee and cigarettes?" I muttered.
"That's me. A nasty habit. Don't start," Caius smirked. "One more breath and tell me something you can taste."
I closed my eyes, taking another deep breath and exhaled it slowly. "My Chapstick."
"How are you feeling, sweetheart?" Caius asked.
"Not as jittery," I whispered. "But … still …" I blew out a harsh breath. "Better."
"How did you …?" Jasper murmured.
"My daughter had a severe anxiety disorder," Caius replied, a look of sadness passing over his face. He squeezed my hands. "Are you better, Bella?"
"I don't feel like passing out," I answered honestly. "Still a little edgy."
"Okay," Caius said, standing up and pulling me with him. "I'm glad. I'll meet you at my office. Stevens, send that information, when you get it." Detective Stevens waved his hand, nodding. Caius squeezed my hand, ducking out of the café.
"I'll have to remember that," Jasper said. "The calming technique."
"Did you notice that he said he had a daughter with an anxiety disorder?" I asked, following Rose and Jasper to the back alley. I handed Jasper my car keys. "Can you drive my car? I need it, but I don't trust myself behind the wheel."
"You got it," Jasper replied, kissing my cheek.
I got into Rosalie's SUV and pulled up my legs. She turned over her vehicle and headed toward downtown. "I noticed that statement, too. I wonder what happened to Caius?" she shrugged. "I like him. A lot."
"Why? Because he calmed me down?" I snorted humorlessly.
"That's part of it, but he seems like he'll take no bullshit from Jacob or from anyone. He also seems to … I don't know … when he helped you, he was very gentle and …" she shrugged. "Maybe I'm reading too much into it."
"Rose, I'm with Edward. Caius is old enough to be my father," I said. "If you think …"
"Oh, no! Not that! However, he looked at you and the affection in his eyes was like father and daughter," Rose supplied. "Again, I may be reading too much into it. Soooooo, I'll just let it be."
And, she did. The drive to the sleek office building near the courthouse was quiet. Rose parked the car and we walked to the lobby. I felt so sloppy, wearing a pair of jeans and Edward's button-down. Rose was in a pair of slacks and a pretty sweater.
Apparently, Caius had already called down to reception and we were led to a private bank of elevators. We rode up to the top floor, greeted by a young woman with short blond hair and friendly grin. "You must be Rosalie and Isabella. I'm Jane Wyatt. I work with Mr. Del Vecchio. I'm his paralegal and I'll be sitting in on your meetings with him. If he's unavailable, just ask for me. Can I get either of you anything?"
"Some water would be great," I said.
"You got it. Rosalie?"
"I'm fine," Rose responded.
"Of course," Jane nodded. "This way. We're going to the back conference room. Do you have the paperwork from your ex's attorney?" I nodded, reaching into my computer bag and handing her the thick packet. "Excellent."
"I also included paperwork from the initial custody dispute where I had my son's father's parental rights revoked. It was an abusive relationship," I explained as we followed Jane to the conference room.
"Your ex is trying for custody? You had his rights revoked," Jane scowled.
"He's pulling some misogynistic bullshit, saying that according to Quileute tradition, a woman has no rights to her son," Rose explained.
"It's a long story," I explained, sitting down at the conference table. "A long, painful story."
Jane nodded, putting the paperwork I gave her at the head of the table. She left the room and came back a few moments later with a couple of bottles of water. She sat down across from me, opening up a laptop at her seat. Caius walked into the conference room, with a tablet and a fancy fountain pen. "Did you find the office okay?"
"We did," Rose answered. "My brother, Jasper, is joining us. He had to drive Bella's car."
The phone next to Jane rang. She picked it up, responding curtly. She hung up. "That was the front desk. Mr. Hale is on his way up. I'll meet him at the elevators."
"Excellent. While you do that, we can get to know each other," Caius grinned. "I know that we've got a battle ahead of us, but I want you to feel safe and comfortable with me. So, a little about me. As you know, I'm Caius Del Vecchio. I've been practicing law for twenty-five years. I started as a prosecutor, but it wasn't for me. I wanted to fight for families. A personal situation opened my eyes to another aspect of law and began this firm." He looked at me, his eyes friendly and his smile gentle. "I wanted to give people hope. I mainly deal with custody disputes, but I also handle adoptions, fostering and divorces. The latter comes when it's a domestic violence situation."
"I think you're the best person to help us with my son's custody," I whispered. "He cannot be with his biological father. He's a cruel, sadistic man."
"My guess is that your ex is a lot like my wife's ex. Except, we didn't get a happily ever after. He ended up killing my wife and my daughter," Caius explained. "Can I tell you a story?"
"Of course," I nodded. "I'm so sorry for what happened to you."
"Thank you, Isabella," Caius replied. "It was the reason I changed my focus. After my wife and daughter were killed, I couldn't look at the perpetrators and not spew how much they deserved everything they got. I worked with special victims, rapists, child abusers, and wife beaters … I couldn't be around that because my wife's ex abused her. He abused her so badly that she nearly died. She wanted to die, but couldn't because she was pregnant with his baby. She was granted a divorce and his parental rights were revoked. He was also thrown into jail. He only served ten years. He got out for good behavior."
"He probably greased some palms," Rose spat.
"He did. His daddy was a state senator and yeah," Caius growled. "Long story short, he was obsessed with my wife. His obsession had only gotten worse while he was in jail. When my wife was picking up our daughter from school, he attacked and kidnapped them both. An amber alert was issued, and he ran. He was killed, along with wife and daughter, in a fiery crash on the freeway. I lost myself for a year, broken and shattered. It wasn't until the senator came to visit me, apologizing for what his son had done, that I started to come back.
"It was his son who battered and broke my wife. It was his son who caused my daughter's anxiety. She knew that I wasn't her biological father, but I was her daddy and I'd do anything for her. However, her fear stemmed from knowing that her sperm donor had hurt her mother. It was his son that took away my whole world," Caius whispered. He chuckled, with a deep, dark smile spreading over his lips. "It was me who brought down the senator. It turned out that the apple didn't fall far from the tree when it came to breaking down a woman. The senator's wife was a shadow of herself and had to be institutionalized. I wish I had been the one to prosecute that case, but handing over the evidence was so sweet and seeing him in cuffs? Poetic justice."
"The man who killed your wife sounds a lot like my son's sperm donor," I grumbled. "He wasn't obsessed, but he was violent. Extremely violent and he never took no for an answer."
Jasper came inside with Jane, sitting down next to his sister. Introductions were made. Jane pushed the paperwork she'd received from me to Caius. He read the paperwork, furrowing his brows and shaking his head. "Tell me everything, Isabella. Start at the beginning until now."
I'd only shared my complete story to Rose and Edward. Jasper knew the bare-bones version. I blew out a breath, taking a sip of water and began talking. I shared everything, from Jacob's cruelty, Seth's disastrous birth and every painstaking mile I'd traveled away from Forks, every frightening moment, every attack, every fear. I walked them through the steps I took to remove Jacob's parental rights, explaining that he'd never paid child support and we were never married. I also told him about the windfall I'd received with my story being optioned into a movie.
"Okay, Isabella, legally, Jacob doesn't have a leg to stand on," Caius said. "He has no right to see Seth. This bullshit is not legal. He signed the paperwork and as far as Seth is concerned, he doesn't have a father. Biologically, Jacob Black provided half of his genetic material, but he has no right to him, now or ever in the future. If he wants to see him, once he hits eighteen, he can. Similar to an adoption and the child wants to look up a birth parent."
"I doubt that Seth will want anything to do with his sperm donor," Rose sneered.
"I agree with that," I nodded.
"What can we do?" Jasper asked, his face red with anger.
"I'm going to respond to this bullshit. I'm also going to get you a restraining order against him and his father, Billy. Based on what you shared with me, Jacob sounds like he'll do whatever it takes in order to get what he wants," Caius explained, arching a brow at me. "Be on your guard. I'll do whatever I can to protect you."
"You're staying with us, Bells," Rose frowned.
I sighed. "I don't want to impose."
"You're not imposing, Bella. You're family," Rose pushed. "I know you want to be on your own, but your safety is paramount."
I opened my mouth and shook my head, wiping tears away.
"It's not that she wants to be on her own, Rosalie. Isabella is used to doing everything by herself because she so used doing it on her own," Caius explained. "Am I right?" I nodded, pulling my legs up. "Let your family help you, Isabella."
"Okay, but I still want to meet with that real estate broker. Obviously, I can't stay at the apartment, nor can Seth," I frowned.
"If you get a house, you're getting a state-of-the-art security system with cameras and a fucking guard dog," Jasper growled. "Jacob will not get to you or to Seth. He should be in jail for what he did to you."
"I agree with you there," Caius hissed. "But, due to where those attacks occurred, the local police department had no jurisdiction and this Billy Black character wouldn't have allowed his son to be prosecuted for multiple counts of rape, unlawful imprisonment, assault and a slew of other felonies. Hell, Billy should be in prison, too. He withheld medical care from you with the birth of your son."
"And, who knows what happened to that midwife, Sue," I whispered. "She was willing to help me and then, she was gone."
"I'll get a private investigator on that," Caius said. "Perhaps, we can use her testimony to get some charges against Jacob and Billy." He reached to me and took my hand. "You're not alone, sweet one."
"Thank you, Caius," I breathed.
"If everyone doesn't mind, I'd like a few moments with Isabella," Caius said. "I need to share some privileged information."
"Come with me," Jane said. "I need to get your contact information. I can add that to the file."
They left and Caius waited until they were gone. "Okay, it's not privileged information, but I want you to feel comfortable with me. I'm so sorry that you had such a shit hand of cards dealt to you, Isabella."
"Bella, please," I said.
"Bella," he replied softly. "In regard to your case, Jacob truly doesn't have a leg to stand on. However, I'm afraid that Jacob will not take what I have to say to him very well." He handed me his card. "My partners give me grief that I get too emotionally involved with my clients, but in order to give them the best representation, I have to … However, something about your past really pulls at my heartstrings. I can also see a lot of my little girl in your eyes." He squeezed my hand. "This has my personal cell phone on here, along with my email address and direct line here at the office."
"Thank you, Caius," I murmured, tucking the card into my purse.
"You're not alone in this situation," Caius nodded. "Rely on your friends, your family."
"I'll try," I said.
"Now, go get a pretty new house," he snickered, standing up.
I did the same and he led me to reception. He shook my hand with a warm, friendly smile before ducking back to his office. Jane said she'd make copies of everything she'd received and would courier it to Rose and Emmett's home once she was finished. Rose had to go pick up her son from kindergarten. Jasper said he'd drive me to the appointment to look at houses. My heart wasn't in it, but I couldn't rely on Emmett and Rose's kindness forever.
We saw seven homes. The first three were too big and too expensive. No one should have that much house. No one! If I purchased one of those places, my house would be bigger than Edward's place in Malibu. The fourth home was nice and came fully furnished. It was still expensive, but the seller was willing to do a quick close. That meant I could move in relatively quickly. The last two homes needed too much work, too many renovations, so I passed on those. After talking to Jasper and having a phone call with Rose and Emmett, I put in an offer for the fourth place.
Now, I just had to wait to see if the offer was accepted or countered.
I knew I had a ton of other things to worry about, but I had to tell Seth about our move, and I had to call Edward. He'd sent several texts to me throughout the day. He was still incredibly worried about me, but if I talked to him, I knew I'd lose my shit. I had to stay strong for my son, for me. So, I texted Edward, explaining I'd call him after I had a chance to talk to son.
Seth was already home when I got back from looking at the houses. My son was pacing angrily in the family room. Emmett was trying to talk to him, but I put a hand on my friend's arm. "Let me talk to him, okay?"
"Yell if you need me, Bells," Emmett murmured, hugging me. "Love you."
"Love you, too," I breathed, relishing in his support and strength. I stepped into the family room, glowering at my son. "Seth Charles Swan, put your ass on the couch and listen to your mother."
"Mom," he hissed.
"Now," I said, arching a brow. He huffed, sitting down on the sofa and leaning forward. I sat down across from him, on the chest that acted like a cocktail table. "You have every right to be pissed off. I'm beyond pissed. I'm scared and pissed."
"Can Jacob take me away?" Seth asked.
"No, he can't. But, he's doing stuff … like breaking into our apartment and trying to take you away to rattle me. Rattle us. I met with an attorney, and he doesn't have any legal right for your custody. You're mine, baby. Legally, you don't have a father and Jacob was …"
"He's my sperm donor," Seth sneered.
"Exactly. He lost his parental rights, baby," I nodded, cupping his cheek. "This isn't the first time we've had to start over. Only now, we have money to do it right. I put an offer on a house. It's a couple blocks over and we have the protection of the community. There are gates to get in and twenty-four-hour security."
"When can we move in?" Seth asked, his lip pouting out adorably, but his black eyes were so angry. I didn't blame him. "And, what about our stuff at the apartment?"
"I didn't get very far in our apartment, but right now, it's a crime scene," I explained. "Anything we lost, can be replaced. We'll get whatever you need and have fun doing it." I took his hands. "Seth, I know that this is not ideal … It hit me hard. Our past has really messed me up and I need help."
"What do you mean?"
"I need to talk to someone and possibly get some medicine to help me with my anxiety issues," I explained. "Passing out or crying uncontrollably is not an appropriate response when forced into a stressful situation. Aunt Rose has a name of a therapist. I need to go to see that person. I also think that you should go, as well."
"To the same person?" he asked.
"I'll ask my therapist for a name of someone who specializes dealing with kids. I have different issues than you, baby," I sighed, brushing his hair back. "I should have done this a long time ago. As soon as I had the means to do it, I should have gotten you into therapy. Me, too."
He worried his lip and twisted his hands. He blinked up at me, tears in his eyes. He slid his arms around my neck, and he knelt between my legs. "I'm sorry, Mommy. I love you! You've given up so much for us, for me. I want us to be happy," he cried into my neck. I moved so I was on the couch, and he curled against me, sobbing brokenly. I held him, wanting to cradle him like when he was a little boy. It was too difficult since he was as tall as me. I closed my eyes, crying along with him.
I made a vow to myself and to my son that after today, Jacob would no longer have any say in our future, our happiness. He was no longer in my life and with the love and support of my family, we'll make it. We'll be stronger.
However, there were a few lingering worries in the back of my mind.
One, would Jacob give up so easily? Legally, he has no right to my son, but will he walk away?
Two, can I truly let my walls down? With Edward, specifically. I thought back to my conversation with Rose. She was able to overcome her fears. Can I? Can I let him in, fully, without fear that he'll shatter me like Jacob did?
And, three, who would be my son's father figure in the future? He was a fatherless son … I could only do so much, but I wasn't a man. Will Seth be able to accept that fact?
Big worries … it was too bad I didn't have a clue how to figure out and assuage my fears.
A/N: This chapter started off one way and veered in an entirely different direction. Caius … I wanted him to be a trustworthy character. Almost a father figure for Bella … Though, Charlie is irreplaceable, but Caius will be there for Bella.
Jacob Black, however, this is not the last you'll hear about him. He's truly the most despicable human I'd ever written, and I'd written some gnarly characters.
I do apologize for the lack of DirectorWard. But, we needed to get some of the 'drama' built. He'll be back in the next chapter. Hell, he'll even have his own section, written in his POV.
Pictures from this chapter (there aren't many) are on my blog. You can access that from a link on my profile. I'm also on FB: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. I'm on twitter, too: tufano79.
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