So this went a little differently than I first imagined but that's how it goes sometimes. Thank you for all the love. I appreciate all of you. Thank you to Dawn for prereading. And to the Guest Reviewer with all that wonderful, helpful British royalty info... where were you two years ago? I really could've used you and if you are so inclined I could possibly use your help for next chapter. PM me if you can! LOL

The American Princess

Chapter 30

BPOV

Month One

I hear the sound of Charlie's shot gun cocking from my position at the dining room table followed by, "Do we have a problem, Boys?" followed by the sounds of a news van's tires shrieking as it speeds away.

He steps back into the house and startles at the sight of me.

"Full uniform on your day off today, Chief?"

He relaxes at my obvious amusement. He sets the rifle by the door frame and saunters over to sit opposite me.

"How many this time?" I ask.

"Two. But they were in the same van."

"Progress then." I take a sip of my coffee.

It's been three weeks since 'the incident' and I've been hiding out at Charlie's house. Emmett and Charlie assuage me by saying it's not hiding but rather preparing for my next adventure.

No matter how they put it, I am hiding. Emmett returned back to LA at my insistence. I need him to lay the groundwork for my own return. That subject was about to be broached with Charlie.

"I've been here for twenty- two days and…"

"You can stay for twenty- two years if you want." He quickly interrupts me.

"On day thirty, I'm going home."

"You are home."

"I mean, my home."

"Well, technically you own this home so…"

"Dad, I appreciate everything you've done for me."

He waves my statement away. "Your heart was broken."

"No, I mean my whole life, you've supported me unconditionally. I owe everything to you."

He clears his throat as he's uncomfortable now. He always is with 'emotional stuff' as he refers to it. "That's my job, Bells."

"I know it is and I hope one day I will be as excellent a parent as you have been to me."

He looks at me, his face soft. "I did do one hell of a job, didn't I?"

"I'd like to think so."

"So, eight more days then."

I nod.

"Better take a few more days off then."

Those eight days pass quickly and before I know it, I'm saying goodbye to Charlie in a private airplane hangar in Port Angeles.

He slips me some pepper spray for 'just in case' and with a tight hug, a kiss on my forehead and more throat clearing, he lets me go.

I settle in my seat exactly thirty days after my last flight. Still hurt. Still in mourning of a relationship that barely lived. But still standing.

Month Two

"It's nice to see you, Bella. I must say I thought you might stay underground for longer."

I settle for a bemused expression on my face as I sit in a late afternoon meeting with my agent. Victoria Hastings can only be described as a ballbuster which is why I chose her to be my agent. She has a keen nose for a good script and an even keener ability to make sure people want me. While I prefer to audition, I rarely have to. With all her professional qualities, she has the emotional range of a turnip.

In other words, she's my Marcus. I take a slight breath at that thought.

"Yes, well. All good things must come to an end. Your email said you had a script for me?"

She becomes all business and tosses a thick manila envelope across the desk where it slides to me.

"This is an amazing opportunity. You have two days to read it as I have already secured you a meeting with the writer and director."

"Two days? That's…"

"Fast? I know. This starts filming next month."

"Why so soon?"

"You know how this business is. Strike while the iron is hot and all that. They were greenlit and eager. It's between you and another lesser known actress for the lead."

"Anyone else been cast?"

"Yes." Victoria smiles. "Jacob Black was chosen for the male lead. Now, I know there is history…"

"It's all good history I assure you."

"Good. Now go home and call me the second you have finished."

I stand up, purse on my shoulder and envelope in my hand. "I'll be in touch."

It's eleven hours later that I call Victoria.

"Mmmm, 'lo'"

"I want it. I don't care if you have to take a hit out on the other actress. This role is mine!"

"Bella?"

"Yes, Bella. Who did you think it was?"

I hear fumbling then 'It's three in the morning. I was dreaming about Keanu Reeves feeding me grapes."

"Random but okay. Did you hear what I said?"

"Yes, I'll hire the hit after I've woken up at a decent hour." The line goes dead.

I place my phone down as I pick the script up. Called Magnolia Falls, it's about a young bride who marries her dream man only for him to turn into her worst nightmare. It really shines a light on domestic violence without being a dramatic thriller or romanticizing abuse.

This is the first shred of excitement I've felt since I left England. In my hands is my salvation. I just know it.

***TAP***

"Why do you want to do this film?"

The writer, Sarah, is very protective of her baby as she should be as it's a story about her sister, so she is asking most of the questions. When I first arrived, we got the intros out of the way then ordered our lunch. She started off with the tactic of getting to know me before she poses this question.

"Honestly, it's because your story gripped me. As I'm sure you, and everyone else, knows, I've had a hard time recently. I've been kind of numb and unfocused. And when I received the script, I was mostly on autopilot until I read the synopsis. Everything Maggie is feeling is everything I was trying not to feel. I think doing this would be cathartic for me but I promise I will put everything I have into this project. You don't even have to pay me."

The director, Eric, has been happy to remain on the sidelines until I say that. "I'm sorry, what?"

"I'm serious. I mean, I don't need the money. Put it towards craft service or wardrobe or set décor. I just need this."

Sarah and Eric look at each other, having a silent conversation with their eyes as I try not to cringe at the fact that I just practically begged for a role. Finally, they look at me.

"Welcome aboard, Bella." Sarah grins.

Month Three

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

I pause from gathering my belongings to look at him. "I have to go back to work sometime, Em. This is a great project and it's only a six-week shoot."

"In Canada."

"Yes, in Canada. It's an independent film. You know it's cheaper to film there. What's this really about?"

He suddenly looks uncomfortable. "I talked to Rosalie this morning."

I'm sure my eyebrows are far up into my hairline. "Oh, really? Do I want to know what about?"

"Pertaining to him? Probably not."

I take a deep breath in, hold it, then let it out. "Okay. What about pertaining to her?"

"She's worried about him. I told her I didn't want to know about him then changed the subject. She then brought up her father to which I said I wanted to know even less about him. She rambled about some function she had to attend then she had to go."

I knew Emmett talked to Rosalie. After all, I had encouraged him to reach out as they were both victims of the fallout between me and Edward. However, Rosalie had a hard time leaving out the male members of her family and Emmett struggled with it.

I look at the clock then sit down and get comfortable. I had some time to spare and even if I didn't, I would find it for him. "Em, she has to be able to talk about everything to you and you need to listen, even if you don't want to hear it. I know you're loyal to me and there are no words to tell you how appreciative I am but I'm a big girl here."

"I know. I just think we should break it off for good."

"Em! I've never seen you like this over anyone. You two would be so good together."

"Okay, tell me this. If it did work out and good ole King Carl gives me a pass and allows me within fifteen feet of her and we get married, what then?"

"What do you mean, what then? You get married and live happily ever after. Just like in the fairy tales." I laugh but he is having none of it.

"And what about you?" The pain is so obvious in his eyes that mine tear up.

"I'll be right beside you watching your bride come down the aisle as we marvel about how no other woman has looked so stunning in all of history." I scoot over until I'm snuggled into his side. "Nothing could ever keep me away from you and nothing should ever keep you from her. Not her father and certainly not me. You don't get to sacrifice your happiness to prove your loyalty. I won't have it, do you hear me?" I sniff and so does he.

"Do you really mean that?"

"Yes. And because I mean that, I have to do this." I stand up and look down at him. "You're fired."

"What?" He stands up and towers over me. "Bella, tell me you're joking."

"There's an actor I once worked with that I hear is looking for new representation. He's up and coming and hasn't been in too much trouble as of yet. I think you would be a good fit for him."

"I'm good where I am."

"I don't want you to be good, Em, I want you to be great. I don't want you to look back in ten years and wonder 'what if'."

"Say I agreed to this completely horrible idea and it didn't work out?"

"But, Emmett, what if it does?" I breathe.

"But what if it doesn't?" He insists.

"Then you will always have a job with me."

He shakes his head. "No, I can't leave you all alone. I refuse."

I reach up to place my hand on his face. "I won't be alone. I'm gonna hire an assistant which you've been nagging at me to do for years now."

"Oh yeah, who?"

"It's Sarah's little sister, Maggie, who the movie is about. She's joining me in Canada. Well, if I ever get there that is."

Em opens his mouth to refute me, I'm sure but I don't let him. "Go to London. Surprise her. Make her happy. At least one of us should get our happily ever after."

He suddenly pulls me into one of his bear hugs. "Thank you. I…"

"You would've never made this decision on your own. I know."

"What am I gonna do without you, Bells?"

"Don't you know, Em? I'll be there in spirit."

"That'll really piss off Marcus." Em laughs, the sound vibrating in his chest which I'm pressed up against.

"It's what I live for, really." I giggle. Then I extract myself. "Text me every day. Call me every week. Give Rosalie my love."

He nods as he swipes away my tears ignoring his own.

"I love ya, Bells. You know, that right?"

"You are the best friend I've ever had and I love you too, but you gotta go now. Cause I can't walk away first." I whisper.

Em takes a deep breath to compose himself, grabs his jacket and hugs me tightly one more time.

I watch him until his tail lights are gone, then I grab my phone and shoot off a text.

'This is my gift to you. Don't mess it up.'

I turn off my phone Rosalie can answer, finish gathering my things, lock my house up and head towards what I hope is a new start for me.

Month Four

"Hey Swan, want to do lunch?"

I look up from my director notes to see Jake sticking his head in my trailer door. He really is very handsome and truly kind and for a split second after seeing him again at the read through, I wonder what would've happened if we hadn't broken up. But after spending a few minutes with him, I knew we were always better friends then we ever were as a couple. That, and he couldn't take the negative press after the James incident. Can't blame him really; I wanted to jump ship, too.

But that was years ago, and we have settled into a comfortable working relationship for this project and judging by the positive reinforcement from Eric and Sarah, I'd say it is working really well. Besides, I think he is sweet on my assistant, Maggie, but because he is playing her abuser in a story about her and she is still so gun shy, he is taking it very slow.

"Yeah. Just give me a few minutes and I'll meet you outside. But I want Mexican this time!"

His answer was his signature grin and I found myself smiling at a closed door.

My phone dings and I glance at it and stop putting my shoes on to answer Em.

Things were progressing well with Rosalie and his new job. He doesn't mention Carlisle or Edward but loves to keep me updated on Marcus. It makes for a great laugh at his expense and I'm grateful for it. It gets a little easier every day. My chest isn't as tight when I think of Edward. I can see by keeping up with the news that Carlisle is improving and that Edward is excelling in his interim 'job'. He looks a little worse for wear with lines around his eyes and mouth that disappeared while I was there. He looks stern, unapproachable and I pray he finds peace and balance with his newfound responsibilities. I let my fingers trace a picture that appeared in People Magazine last month that I keep in whatever book I'm reading, willing all his unhappiness away. I think about texting him but that probably wouldn't be of any help so I focus on Em instead.

'Text me when you get done tonight. I need to give you a heads up on something I found out about today.'

Oh, that really helps my anxiety, Em. I roll my eyes but send back a simple 'ok'. Nothing I can do about whatever it is until I know about it but the fact that Em wants to wait to tell me until after I am done working tells me it's not good.

I force myself to get through my day. I pick at the Mexican that now sits like a dead weight in my stomach but I still give every scene my all. Maggie deserves it.

Once I'm in the little townhouse I am calling home for the duration of this shoot, I let Em know I am available. It's in the middle of the night there but he calls almost immediately.

"What's wrong?" I greet him.

I hear him take a deep breath.

"Is everyone okay?"

"Yes, everyone is okay. I don't even know how to say this, Bella."

"Just say it."

"Carlisle has decided to find Edward a bride. With Edward's permission."

Okay, that feels a little like a grenade to my chest.

"Well, I am sure Kathryn will be happy to hear that." I am proud I manage to keep my voice even.

"That was the only stipulation; no Kathryn."

Well, that helps a little.

Silence descends across the line.

"I don't know how I am supposed to feel about this, Em."

"I know. I didn't want you blindsided."

"What are they going to do? Take an ad out in the Daily Mail? All titled elite please apply within for a chance to be a Princess?"

"I don't know. I pretty much stormed out of the room at that point. But I think Carlisle already has someone in mind but he didn't say who."

"I don't guess it really much matters, Em. His fate is sealed and he has decided to go along with it. Poor Edward."

"Poor Edward, my ass! He could fight against this instead of being his father's puppet. And I actually thought Carlisle was changing his stance on things like this. He's softer and more understanding. He's been very kind and welcoming to me."

"You were never his problem, Em. I was." I sigh. "I have to go now. Give Rosalie and Alice my love."

"I'm sorry, Bells."

"I am, too."

I cry myself to sleep but wake up with a new attitude.

After all, I can't control anyone's destiny but my own.

Month Five

"That's a wrap!"

Cheers ring out on the set as we finish our very last take. Jake swings me around and I dizzily stagger to Sarah to hug her. Maggie joins us for a group hug.

It's been a good six weeks and I love all these people like family. We all played our parts well and I know this film will always be a part of my soul.

I get ready for the wrap party in my trailer. We have decided to dress up and really celebrate. I'm wearing a multi colored, flowerly romper. I feel like a princ… okay, I think I'll abandon that train of thought for the night.

There are a few fans outside the venue and I am happy to oblige them. I sign autographs and pose for pictures with them and some with Jake when he arrives. We head in and party for hours. I let loose for the first time in years. I eat-way too much- I drink- in moderation- and I'm merry.

I realize I'm some form of happy. I have a great job, way too much money for me to even know what to do with, great friends- I'm content.

Maybe that's all I'll get out of my life and I realize on my way home that that's okay. It's okay to not be okay sometimes as long as you try. As I step onto the porch to let myself into my townhouse for my last night there, I genuinely smile and am at peace for the first time in a long while.

"Do you make a habit at smiling at wooden doors? And if you're quite done, do you mind letting us in out of the rain?"

And just like that, all my newfound peace disappears…

Nothing like a good cliffie...

We hear from Edward next.