Chapter 2

Hi Lazygirl89: This is my take on an Edward/Bella Story. I have played with the characters a little. I I read your review and I laughed a little. I'm sorry. :/ But maybe you will like my Edward since he a little different from the norm. :) Thank you for taking the time to review.

I felt the warmth of the sun shine through the window and on my face. I spent the night next to Charlie hardly getting any sleep. "Charlie," I whispered. He was still asleep. I lifted my hand to his brow. He was still so warm.

Mary stood in the doorway looking at me. "Is he going to be ok Isa?"

"I do not know. I must to go to town and fetch a doctor. Mary, you have stay here with father. Don't come in the room unless you must. Just stay as far away as possible. Don't let Jane or Grace in the room till we figure out what's wrong." I grabbed my hat and shawl and left quickly for town.

I was half way out of breath when I made it to the doctors' residence. I knocked on the door. It was opened and I was greeted by a young attractive and well-arranged woman. She took in my appearance and gave me a weary look. "Can I help you Miss?"

I cleared my throat. "I need a doctor immediately. It is very urgent."

She nodded. "Come inside Miss. The doctor is with a patient now, but he should be done soon. I'll let him know about the urgency of your situation."

"Thank you." She quickly disappeared. I felt myself feeling more and more anxious as time went on. Thankfully it was not long before I was greeted by a kind face.

"Hello, I am Doctor Hale. And you are Miss?"

"Swan, um Isabella Swan."

"What can I do for you Miss Swan? Are you ill?"

"No Sir, but my father is. I do not know what ails him, but it seems to be serious. We live not that far from here."

"Then we should go immediately." He grabbed his jacket and his travel bag.

"Sir," I stepped in front of the door, "we do not have much in the way of payment. But I can pay with goods for today. We have vegetables and steak to offer. You may have it. Also, if you allow me some time, I can promise I will repay you in full."

"With all due respect Miss Swan, I won't know what the payment will be until I have a look at the man. We will worry about payment later. Let's take my carriage. Please, lead the way." He gave me another warm smile.

When we got to the house, I could see Grace and Jane peeking out through the windows, but they quickly hid when they saw me look their way. Dr. Hale laughed a little, "children of yours?"

"No Sir, my sisters." He nodded once. I took him to the entryway of Charlie's room, hoping he ignored the pitiful state of the house. It was obvious we had nothing but a few possessions. He looked at me once, went in and closed the door behind himself. I found myself pacing the floor outside the door, and occasionally pressing my ear to the dirty wooden door to hear anything that was going on. But only silence. Finally, I heard the knob turn and the door open. Dr. Hale motioned for me to come in. Seeing that Grace, Jane, and Mary were nearby, he also told me to close the door behind myself. "Is it bad?"

"Miss Swan, what does your father do for work?" I gave him a strange look as to why he would ask such a question.

"He works at a textile mill or factory in town. I'm sorry I don't understand why you are asking such a thing. Is my father ok? Will he get better?"

"Miss Swan, your father has a serious leg injury that has become infected and is festering. At this point the leg may even be beyond saving. He must have injured it with one of the machines I assume. It is a significantly deep cut. Because it is infected, he is suffering from a bacterial infection."

I looked at the saw he had pulled out. As it sat on the chest of drawers, I could feel a sort of sickness come over me. "Is there nothing that can be done doctor? There is no medication or anything we can do? My father right now is our only source of income. Not that I'm being selfish, but if this were to happen, I'm afraid he would lose his place at work and have a hard time finding another."

He heaved a heavy sigh. "I could treat the wound, clean it, and put a few stitches in. And then see if it gets better, but I must tell you it would be a risk. As long as that leg is infected the way it is, we run the risk of the bacteria spreading."

"I think we should at least try to save it first. See if it gets better. Maybe it will?"

He looked doubtful as he looked at the leg again. "I suppose it is possible, but you should not hope for too much Miss Swan. If the leg does not show improvement in a few days, you will have no choice but to approve the surgery if you want him to continue to live."

"I understand. And how much money would be needed for the surgery and your visits?"

"The costs will be considerable. As I will have to keep continued watch over him by making trips to check the leg, and, if needed, perform the surgery." I swallowed hard and did not want to ask how much the actual amount was. Something in his eyes told me his feelings were mutual.

"How much?" I asked looking down at my sick father.

"The visits will be 10 shillings each. The surgery will be 100 schillings."

I could feel everything in my body drop. I unsteadily took a seat on a chair. I could feel the wetness in my eyes, but I refused to cry. I refused to appear manipulative through tears.

"Miss Swan, I am aware of your situation. It is a difficult one. I will not require you to pay me all upfront. You can have a payment plan that will start as soon as you find a source of income. I can see you need every bit of money you have right now to feed the young ones and pay rent. I do not wish to take that from you. You do intend to find work soon?" I nodded, still in a daze.

"I will start looking immediately doctor. Thank you for your kindness and understanding."

"Think nothing of it Miss Swan. It's the least I can do for you. Now if you will please, leave me to my work. I'll fix up this leg as best as I can. I'll come out when I'm done."

I took my leave. Mary met me at the door. "What did he say? Will father be ok?"

"Yes. He will be fine. You are not to worry." I smiled. "The doctor said everything will be fine. Father will live."

She threw her arms around me. "Oh, Isa that's wonderful news. I was so afraid father would leave us." Grace and Jane too came over and hugged close to me.

"No no, none of you are to worry. It's going to be ok. Grace and Jane set the table for some breakfast, would you?" They left quickly with smiles on their face. Mary turned to help them, but I grabbed her arm. "Mary, I'll need you to do something for me."

"What's wrong?"

"Until father gets better to work again, I'll have to find work for the family. A source of income."

"You mean you will have to leave us?! Oh no Isa don't go!"

"No sweet Mary, I'm not leaving for good. I could never leave my sweet sisters. But during the day I will have to work, so I need you to take care of Grace and Jane. And look after father. He is not contagious, you can sit with him. Feed him, give him water. At the end of the day I will be home for dinner and to help."

"Ok, Isa I can do that. I will." I hugged Mary close to me.

"Father will be better soon. Until then I will take care of everything. Don't you worry. You will keep up your education during the day and help Grace and Jane with theirs as best as you can."

I heard the door open as the doctor walked out of Charlie's room. "All finished Miss Swan. I'll return in a day or two to check the leg. And of course, if it worsens between that time you may come to my office right away."

I nodded, truly grateful. Mary backed away from me and approached Dr. Hale. "Good morning Doctor, my name is Mary Swan, very nice to meet you." She smiled a flirty smile and batted her lashes. I was already embarrassed. He looked at me and then back at Mary.

He then cleared his throat, "that is a lovely name Miss Mary." He held out his hand to her. "My name is Doctor Hale, nice to meet you too."

"You do not wear a wedding ring I see. You are single."

"Mary," I tried to grab her, but she scooted away.

The doctor could not hold back his chuckle. "Keen eyes you have. I am not married Miss Mary."

"And you must make a considerable amount of money. Being a doctor and all." I looked away in pure embarrassment.

He laughed again, "Well, it pays for what needs paying for."

"Mary, go start the breakfast biscuits now." I gave her a warning look. Mary walked out smiling at the doctor. "I am so sorry, sometimes she is just too forward with her thoughts."

"It was quite adorable. I don't think I have been courted so forwardly before. Miss Swan, we will go over the details of payment on my next visit. Perhaps you will have some work interviews lined up."

"Yes. I will be looking starting today. Thank you for coming out. What do I owe you for today?"

He smiled a warm smile, "nothing for today Miss Swan. I will start your tab on my next visit."

"Very kind of you Sir, but I can't let you leave without giving you something. I'm not one for charity." He put his head down a little and then looked back up at me with a smile.

"A glass of water would be nice." I could tell he was trying to be generous, so I let it be settled, even though I knew a glass of water could not possibly cover the cost of his travel. After drinking his water, he thanked me, put on his hat and left. I watched as his carriage pulled away.

"He's rich," I heard Mary say as she too watched the carriage ride away.

"You Mary are too forward. You don't just walk up to strangers and ask them if they are single and rich."

"Well, how else should one know these details?"

"You should worry more about who you are marrying over powdering your pretty nose!"

"Well I think I made a good impression. I wouldn't be surprised if he showed up again sooner. I think he likes me. And in ten years my age won't matter. We will be married, and he will have a beautiful bride and me, a rich husband."

"Mary, get your head out of the clouds and back to reality." She stuck her tongue out at me and we finished up breakfast. I spent the rest of the day by Charlie's bedside, contemplating my skills and what sort of work I would look for the next morning. Occasionally he would stir and mumble nonsense. I gripped his hand and told him he was not alone. I let my hand rest on his brow. His fever seemed to have lessened. I called to Mary and asked her to bring in some bread and water for father, which she did so quickly. "Father," I whispered. "Father, are you hungry?" He stirred a little and I saw one of his eyes open slightly.

"Isabella?" He croaked out.

I gasped, "Yes, father it's me. Here, you must drink something. I have some bread as well." He shook his head. "Please, father, drink. At least drink." I held a spoonful of water up to his lips. He willingly sipped some of it slowly. After a couple more spoons of water he turned his head and fell back asleep. I thought again about my skills and what jobs I would investigate getting. I could not nanny, most of those positions where full time and live-in only. I could not leave my sisters, and I had no experience with the cleaning and caring for of fine and well-furnished homes. And who would take me into their fine home without a reference anyhow? And then it came to me. My father was a factory worker at a mill. Perhaps I could take his place. "I will take your place at the mill," I whispered while looking at my sleeping father. -

*********************************Next day***********************************

Morning came. I fixed myself well. I put on my cotton dress and bonnet. Then I went to my father's tin work box, and opened it slowly. When I found his work card it read, "Charlie Swan: employee of Blackmond Mills." Blackmond Mills it was then. There was no time for second thoughts. I bid my sisters a farewell and told them to work together, and to take good care of father.

When I made it to town, I clutched my father's work card close to my chest. I had not the slightest idea where the mill was as I stumbled around. I walked around in a scattered fashion hoping my eyes might suddenly land on the mill but when they did not, I stopped and entered a nearby shop. The door had a bell tied to the top of it, so my presence did not go unnoticed. Once inside, a man with glasses poked his head out from the back. It was a tailor shop. "Yes? Can I help you Miss?"

"Yes Sir, I would be most appreciative if you would."

"Well you are welcome to have a look around then. I have all sorts of clothing from cotton and linen to silk. Or if you like I can do a fitting and make you a dress. Special occasion?"

"I'm sorry Sir, I don't mean to disappoint, but I'm not looking to buy anything."

"Oh?"

"Actually, I'm a little lost. I was wondering if you might know where Blackmond Mills is?"

"Do I? Of course. It's where my finest cloth comes from." He directed me outside his shop. "What you want to do is go straight from here till you get to the end of the road. Then make a sharp left, you will see a bakery shop on your right. Follow that road down all the way and you should arrive. Big building can't miss it. Are you sure you won't have a look around first? Handkerchiefs are half price."

"No thank you Sir. But thank you for your help. It's much appreciated." I followed the instructions I was given to a T. Sure enough, I arrived at the large building where I could hear machines going inside. I took a deep breath. I had to remember the faces of my sweet sisters, my sick father, and the money that was needed. With their faces clear in my mind, I entered the factory. The sound of the machines was so loud that I quickly covered my ears slightly. The air was humid and hot. I coughed a little, holding my arm up to my face to shield it from the cotton dust that flew around in the air. There was a man that was moving between the workers inspecting their work with a stiff eye. Then he spotted me standing like a board in the middle of all the chaos. "You!" He yelled. "Just what do ya think ya doin?" I froze in my tracts as I looked at his hard stare. He stomped his way to me and I backed away a little. "Did ya not hear me? I asked, what do ya think you are doing standing around here? You know the rules! You don't work you don't get paid."

I took another breath. "I would like to speak to the owner."

He smiled a toothy grin. "Boss has got no time for the likes of you lass. Either work or get out." He grabbed my arm roughly.

"I want to speak with him Sir. And you would do well to keep your filthy hands to yourself!" I yanked my arm from his grip catching the weary eyes of a few workers nearby, but they quickly put their heads back down and continued to work.

He half grinned again. "I'll not take the beating for ya when the boss comes down on you. Alright. Follow me." I followed him up a flight of stairs and stopped at a large hallway. At the end of the hallway stood two huge black doors. "Wait here, I will see if he has a moment." I waited calmly as he knocked a few times on the massive door. "Vincent, permission Sir?" The man Vincent must have gotten the answer he wanted, as he entered quickly and disappeared. I strained my neck to see the inside of the office, but he had closed the door too quickly. It had not been more than a few moments when he reappeared. He stalked over to me with a stride. "Mr. Cullen will see no one at this time. I'll escort ya out."

I shook my head. "No. No, I'm not leaving. I can't. You must tell him it's urgent. Please, just let me see him. I won't take more than a few moments of his time."

"Mr. Cullen has spoken. He will not see anyone at this time."

"No, wait, please Sir, it's a matter of life and death. Surely, he has respect for life. You must ask him once more. Please."

"Mr. Cullen is a busy man. And he does not like to be disturbed without cause."

"Life and death are the best causes!"

He heaved a sigh, turned around and slowly approached the door again and knocked. "Vincent, permission again Sir?" He waited for a moment and then entered closing the door behind him. This time he did not reappear for some time. I smoothed down my dress and straightened my bonnet as I waited. I heard the slow creak of the office door open as the man Vincent reappeared. He had a look of concern and warning for me. "Be brief," was all he said as he motioned for me to go in.

"Thank you, Sir."

"I wouldn't be thanking me just yet Miss. I don't think ya find what ya seeking but good luck." I entered the office and stood frozen as I heard the hard slam of the double doors close behind me. The office was massive. Across the large room sat a man behind a large black desk which was scattered with stacks of papers. Everything seemed to stand still as I took in the enormity of the room. I swallowed hard and pictured my sisters' faces.

The man at the desk didn't say anything but I saw him lift his arms from below the desk and fold them across his chest. "Come in." He said in a low voice. I swallowed hard as I took a few steps forward. Each step I took sent an echoing noise through the hollow office. I stopped about half way in and cleared my throat as I took a deep breath.

"First, I wanted to say thank you, Sir, for seeing me on such short notice. I know this is unexp-"

"Come closer," he half growled. My heart started to beat rapidly as I walked further into the room. I kept my eyes and head down looking at my muffed boots until I stood directly in front of his large desk. I lifted my eyes slowly to meet his. Icy grey eyes met mine. I froze in my place as I looked closer at him. My brow furrowed. 'The man from the market,' I thought. I could never forget such a face. His eyes traveled quickly over my appearance before he leaned back in his chair and looked intently at me. Did he remember me? Perhaps not. He probably thought himself too good to remember me of all people. A person of a lesser class! After a few moments of silence, he raised one brow. "Name?" he asked.

Not this pompous man! The gods must hate me. "M-Miss Swan. Isabella Swan Sir."

"State your business Miss Swan. I don't have long." he said in a clipped tone.

"Sir, I have come today because my father is very sick." He raised a brow in a bored fashion.

"I fail to see why that brings you to my office."

"My father works for you. Here, I have his badge." I placed it on his desk. "But due to an injury, he has not been able to come to work. The doctor has informed me that for some time he will not be able to walk at all."

He heaved a slow uncaring sigh. "Miss Swan, listen to me carefully. I will say this once more. I am very busy. Without all the details, please get to the point. Why have you come?"

I felt anger rising inside me. All I wanted to do was give him a piece of my mind and pray over his wretched soul. I took a deep breath to regain control, something that seemed not to go unnoticed by him. "Sir, my family is in need of funds. Our father-"

"I don't do charity. I have nothing for you. Miss Swan there are many people with unfortunate circumstances, and I can't be bothered with them. I have my own affairs to attend to."

He scooted closer to his desk and started to go through some paperwork. I was appalled by this man's callousness. He had the entire world at his fingertips, could afford anything he wanted, and yet he was not even willing to listen for a few moments.

He glanced up at me, as I gaped at him in surprise and disgust. "If you are lost, Vincent will show you out. And please, Miss Swan, do not come to me with such trivial matters again. Good day." Rage overcame me. I stomped forward and slammed my hand on his desk.

"Now you look! I did not come here for your charity! Or your pitiful money. Nothing could be further from what I want. I came on behalf of my father who is sick and may be dying." I choked back the tears. "He works hard for you every day! He has been here for years! Are you so cold that you cannot even listen? If it weren't for people like my father, you would not even have a business or people to kiss your rear every day!" I don't know why I was being so forward with him, but it felt good. Even if it was most unbecoming of a lady.

He smugly smirked. "And what are you looking to accomplish here today?"

"I want to take his place. Here at the factory. I'm a hard worker and I learn fast. I would be a dedicated worker and earn my wages. Just until my father is well enough to come back."

"Is that it then?"

I stood up straight and nodded slightly. "Y-yes. What I'm saying is that I would gladly take my father's place."

"No." My eyes widened in disbelief.

"What?"

"My answer is no. A woman cannot replace a man's day of work, I would be losing money. I will simply hire another man. When it comes to my factory, there are no shortage of men who would gladly and quickly take his place. Miss Swan, I run a business. Not a charity. And my business is built on sound decisions, not sentiment."

"Please Sir, please don't do that. I'm not asking for sentiment. Please don't hire another. I will work hard. I will do the same amount of work as any man. And if not, you are free to dismiss me."

"The same amount of work," he muttered mockingly under his breath. "Don't insult my intelligence. A woman cannot do the same amount of heavy work as a man. The positions I have available for women are full at this time. You are not a man. And I shudder to even call you a lady. I'm surprised you can have a decent conversation without making some snide comment."

He was talking about our meeting in town. So, he did remember me. And my comments must have still bothered him. I balled my hands and dug my nails into the center of my palms. This was no place for my pride. I had to swallow it. How could I be expected to kiss his rear! "I can be very agreeable. And I realize my comments at market to you were out of place, and not what they should have been to a man like yourself." I wanted to smack myself silly for bowing to him. "But I am offering a fair trade. You will not notice a difference in your profit on my father's behalf if you allow me to work."

"I acknowledge your apology and am pleased you can be tamed into seeing your place in society. But my answer is no." I put my head down averting my eyes to the ground.

"I'm not accustomed to begging Sir. But please," I looked back up at him, "I am begging you." His steely grey eyes locked on mine and for a moment he lingered in them. He broke it quickly after a moment and looked back down at his papers.

"No. Miss Swan that is my final answer. Do not ask again."

The man held so much power and simply abused it. It made my very soul burn. What difference did it make that I would work for him? He would still get his filthy money! He had so much, would a few shillings really break him?

"Surely, there must be a home in need of a maid. Someone to scrub their floors and empty their chamber pots. Even you could accomplish such small tasks." he replied as he jotted something down. I jerked my head back up in disbelief.

"I beg your pardon Sir, you will not disrespect me that way! That is not your place! You don't even know-"

"And you will not tell me how to speak in my own office Miss Swan. I may not know you well, but I know you have an unruly tongue unfit for any lady of commendable status." He looked at my attire, letting his eyes roam freely. "Even in your most presentable clothing, you are still just a beggar hoping your sob story will have me entertain hiring a woman with no knowledge of factory work."

He rained down insult after insult, knowing I could not retaliate. I suppose it was his way of revenge. I heaved a sigh of frustration as I bit my tongue again. It was not for my sake that I begged this man, but for my father and sisters. Damn my pride. "All I ask is for you to let me work for you. If there was another way I would not be here."

He looked up at me with a glare. "I told you not to ask me again. My answer is no. Perhaps your father will do you a favor and pass quickly."

I gasped at his careless blunt statement. "How dare you. How could you-" I hiccupped.

He stood up quickly, balling his hand into a fist and slamming down on his desk. "Cry, and I will make sure you never work in this town again! Your tears mean nothing. I see it only as your way to manipulate me. And I will not tolerate it! Understand, I have no pity for you. I'm busy and I have work to do. Now get out."

I stumbled back from his desk turning my face away from his. I could feel my vision blurring from the stream of emotions going through my body. His harsh words echoed in my mind as I made my way out of his office. The man Vincent was waiting outside, but I brushed past him. I heard his voice but could not make out what he said as my mind was in shambles as I quickly made my way to exit the factory. I wanted out as fast as my feet could carry me and I never wanted to step foot back into that factory. I never wanted to see that wretched man again.

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