Chapter Twelve: Restricted Freedom
Monday rolled around, and I hadn't heard anything from Emmett. Unsure of whether I was actually needed into work, or if Bella was still being 'punished', I woke up early just in case, and sat in my room twiddling my thumbs until the phone finally rang.
Making my way to the boss's estate, I wondered why he wanted to talk to me personally. I hadn't been given a reason, only that I was to come to his office to receive further instructions. Honestly, I was quite a bit more nervous about seeing Emmett then the boss at that moment.
After Rosalie told me their story, I spent the whole of Sunday thinking about it. How a town could be so collectively biased. How a father could be so hateful. How three young boys could be so cruel. It pained me to think of two scared kids going through something like that, having no one to turn to and not knowing who to trust. If Mr Black hadn't gotten involved, would Emmett have gone to prison? Would Rosalie have ever gotten justice? It almost hurt to admit I already knew the answer to both questions. And so, most likely, did Emmett, which undoubtedly explained his unwavering loyalty to the man.
But just how deep did his loyalty really run?
My admiration for Emmett hadn't changed. He was still my mentor. My saviour. My sire. I respected him so much for all he'd done it was near impossible to criticise him, but what other choice did I have? After what happened to Rosalie, how could he, in good conscience, justify helping Mr Black keep Bella captive? How did he live with himself?
Probably about as well as you do.
I internally cringed, knowing it was true. I was just as much to blame for Bella's captivity as any of them. And I hated myself more than any of them for it.
Switching off the blaring music that hadn't drown my worries at all, I drove through all the rigid security, parked my car and headed inside, hurriedly passing men and maids to get to the boss's office. I knocked.
"Enter."
Obeying nervously, I had enough sense of mind to really appreciate the decor this time. Like everything else in this house, it was grand; with black brick walls lined with books, impressive windows and abstract artwork, dark stained wood flooring and noble furniture. It was sleek, modern and reflected the man's wealth brilliantly. He was sitting behind his large mahogany desk, just like last time, only unlike last time, we were all alone.
"Edward, sit, we have some things to discuss." He ordered, beckoning me forward without moving his eyes from his top-of-the-line laptop. I hurriedly followed his directions and fidgeted in the scroll winged leather armchair, waiting patiently for his attention to be on me.
"From tomorrow, your duties are going to change," He announced out of nowhere. My jittery heart all but froze. What?
"What do yo- I mean... p-please elaborate, sir. Will I... will I no longer be guarding Bella?" I asked carefully, an unexplained wave of panic seizing me at the thought. As if sensing my turmoil, he pinned me down with his infamous glare.
"No, that part of your job will remain the same; however, from tomorrow, she will be allowed outside the house, and so your job is about to become infinitely more challenging. Your phone," He commanded, without a moments breath. I was still processing all he'd said before I realised he had his hand out expectantly. Bewildered, and full of questions, but not dumb enough to deny him, I hastily fished my ancient flip-phone from the crowded depths of my jacket pocket and handed it over with an embarrassed grimace. Somehow, the visual of my tiny cheap unbranded mobile just didn't sit right in the palm of this wealthy larger-than-life man. But it didn't sit in his palm for long. After giving my antique a look of distaste did he place the thing centre to his desk, pick up a heavy paperweight and smash down hard, shattering it to pieces.
What the-?!
I just sat there, gaping, completely dumbfounded at the chunks of metal and plastic that was once my phone. Raising shocked eyes from the mess, I watched as he pulled a sleek shiny new mobile out of his desk drawer and handed it out to me, eyes urging me to take it. I did so hesitantly, afraid the paperweight would end up on my fingers if I wasn't fast enough.
"It has a tracker installed, Emmett's work number and my personal number are both on speed dial and it has a personalised app that, if activated, will send back up to your location immediately," I nodded numbly, still reeling from all that had happened in the last thirty seconds.
"The bill will be paid through a work account, so you don't have to worry about that, but you are not to give the number out to anyone. Only your family and a select few here are to have access to it. If something happens, or you suspect someone may be following you, call. If Bella gets hurt, even if it's a simple sprain, call. If she wants to talk to me, or do something I have not already given her permission for, call. If my personal line is unavailable, contact Emmett. One of us will pick up. If anything does happen, even if it's seemingly insignificant, do not waste any time trying to justify a phone call. Bella's safety will be your priority at all times, is that clear?" He demanded as if he were not dropping bombshell after bombshell on me without leaving any time to recuperate. How did she go from being punished one day to being let free of the manor the next? What was this going to mean for me? How drastically would my job really change? I took a deep breath.
"Yes sir, I understand. If I may ask..?" I trailed off, waiting for permission. He gave me a stiff nod.
"What exactly does Bella do outside the house?" It was something I genuinely did want to know, and probably the only question I could ask without consequence. What could she do; with no friends, no family, no job and everything she ever needed in the manor? If her safety was really of such great importance, why would he let her out, to begin with?
Mr Black's left eye twitched, his mouth drawing down in an irritated scowl. I practically trembled before his disdain, really really hoping it wasn't directed towards me.
"According to what dear Eric used to report, she likes to volunteer at food banks and homeless shelters, enjoys the central library even though my own is vastly superior and often explores the local markets though she hardly ever buys anything. And that's another thing: if she sees something she likes, even if she insists you not, simply purchase it and the money will be reimbursed to you later, but under no circumstances are you to hand her any currency of her own. The little minx is nifty, and she'll try anything to get out from under your sight, but I can trust you to keep her under control out there, can't I, Edward?" The question was more like a threat. I knew better not to do anything but nod.
"Very well then. You start tomorrow. I suggest you familiarise yourself with the phone and sync it to your car. Oh, and you'll need some additional supplies with you, just in case," He said, opening another drawer and ferreting around inside it. I strained my neck to see what he was doing.
"Supplies, sir?"
Mr Black grinned, before tossing a small brown sack onto the desk.
"Just in case."
AAA
The next day, I was ready. New phone in a rock hard protective case, synced to my Toyota in case of emergencies. Card, keys and cash poised for action. Bag of 'supplies' tucked away in my dashboard... I was all set.
Pulling up to the manor at exactly nine in the morning, I didn't even need to leave my car. Through the front window, I saw Bella dressed in simple jeans and a light green t-shirt, hair up in a messy bun, practically buzzing with excitement beside a very amused Mr Black. The second she saw me, she bounded forward, only to be restrained by a large hand gripping her delicate arm. Mr Black grinned, spoke, then bent to kiss her soft pink lips. She didn't exactly look like she was enjoying it, but didn't pull away. Yet the second he released her, she bolted, throwing open the passenger door and quickly settling inside. She was bouncing, and I almost laughed at how genuinely happy she looked, happier then I thought I'd ever seen her. Her joy was infectious, and I flashed her a smile before cheerfully asking,
"So, where to first?"
AAA
"Are you sure about this place?" I asked uncertainly, looking around the run-down neighbourhood with shady buildings, empty streets and roads so full of potholes they nearly murdered my tyres. I was tempted to simply corral her back into the car and flee, but she was insistent, very clear in her directions and practically buzzing with excitement.
"Yep, now c'mon let's go!"
My eyes were darting everywhere, frantic, as she led me to a small warehouse amidst our suspicious surroundings. I was tense as hell as she walked right past the open entryway, gesturing me to follow. My heart raced as I rushed in behind her, part of me believing she was leading me to a trap. Why did she want to come here? Of all places, here? It looked abandoned, yet she strolled leisurely through the dingy hallways with such confidence and comfort I felt like a coward for being so cautious. I stayed close, stalking her until she stopped before a large red metal door. There was definitely noise coming from behind it, and I couldn't stop from tensing as she enthusiastically slid the door open.
I immediately understood why the streets were empty.
The room was packed. It was like a school cafeteria, with dozens of people on long food benches; eating, talking and laughing. From kids to couples to old folks in wheelchairs, they were everywhere. And then I heard a shout.
"Isabella!" Several male voices rang clear over the din and the next thing I knew her tiny body was being enveloped by three tall, lanky boys. I fought the urge to pull out my pistol as they immediately cocooned her, holding so tightly she almost disappeared. But Bella didn't look the slightest bit distressed. No, in fact, she beamed.
"Oh gosh, I missed you guys so much!" She squealed, squeezing them all in an eager embrace. They happily obliged.
"Where have you been, loca? We haven't seen you in months! And who's this? Another bodyguard from that over-protective man of yours? What happened to the old one?" One of them screamed like an excited child. He had long black hair, simple brown clothing and tribal tattoos on his arms and shoulders. In fact, they all did. They looked like brothers, with their identical youthful features, coconut coloured skin and warm copper eyes. Bella smiled at the hyperactive one endearingly, before reaching out to softly pat his arm.
"Calm down Embry, I've just been a little... busy, lately. I'm sorry I couldn't stop by or call, but I'm here now. Oh, and this is Edward. Edward, this is Embry, Jared and Quil, they all work here and their father owns the food bank. How is he, by the way? He feeling any better after surgery?"
You ever get the feeling like you're an uninvited guest at a party? And everyone else is having fun and laughing while you just stand awkwardly in the corner waiting for your chance to be noticed? Yeah, that was me.
I simply shuffled uncomfortably off to the side, about as useful as a plant or a plank of wood, as Bella was immediately embraced by the crowd, some just as pleased to see her as the boys had been. Afterwards, she insisted on joining the brothers, helping prepare and serve food for the grateful masses while chatting animatedly, asking questions and carefully dodging theirs. It was clear from their chemistry the boys saw Bella as something of a little sister, which was a good thing I supposed, since I was certain boss wouldn't be too thrilled to hear men were flirting with her. I was also sure, given their happy expressions and carefree attitudes, they had no idea of Bella's real situation. After eavesdropping on their conversations, I got the impression they believed Bella was in relations with a wealthy man, who had simply sent me along as security, in order to keep her safe. They had no idea that was only part of my job.
I was getting strange looks from everyone who walked by me, as I clearly stood out like a sore thumb in my suit and tie. From what I gathered, this place was an open kitchen of sorts, somewhere everyone could come, eat and socialise without charge. A few looked just like those three boys, but there were others as well, many who appeared to have come right off a rough night on the streets, and received their food with the gratitude of one who hadn't eaten in months. It seemed this place was something of a shelter, a sanctuary, all owned by the boys' father who, from what I gathered, had suffered a heart attack recently, and was bed-bound, leaving the brothers to take over and run everything on their own. And from what I saw, they were doing a fantastic job. It seemed like a nice place, with caring people all enjoying each others company, but as great as the atmosphere was, my eyes never strayed from Bella for long.
When Mr Black had mentioned she enjoyed volunteering, he'd said it with such disdain, yet the girl had never looked happier. She cheerfully laughed at the boys inside jokes and made friendly conversation with the hungry men and women who pushed their tray in front of her section. She seemed so genuinely content to be here, to talk to people, it made me wonder why she purposefully shut herself off from everyone in the manor.
Even as the day progressed, her smile never faded. She helped clean plates and sweep up mess with all the folks who had gotten free food. No one was demanding or pushy, or lazing around watching everyone pick up after them; it was like this place was one big community. Somewhere everyone looked after everyone. It was...strange to see in a city like this, but it was heartwarming, nonetheless.
After dinner had been served and tidied away, we had to say our goodbyes. Bella squeezed those boys mercilessly tight, promising to be back very soon. The three brothers seemed genuinely sad to watch her go, but were so goofy and excited to be with her I had to concede I understood her affection for them, and this place. While I hadn't exactly had as much fun as she had, it kind of made up for it, seeing her so cheerful. It was a pleasant change. One I could definitely grow used to.
"So, they seem nice. How long have you known them?" I asked, after finally coxing her into the car.
She met my curiosity with a delighted smile, "For a year now, at least. Eric and I came across the shelter by accident one day. Those boys are really special. They take care of so many people and now their father. They're really the only people in this city I can call friends."
Ouch, that hurt a little, even though I knew it shouldn't have. We weren't friends. But still, what made those boys so worthy of affection when she practically shunned everyone else?
"Do they know? About-"
"About Jacob?" She finished, her grin immediately souring. "No. I'd never tell them."
"Why?" I asked stupidly. She let out a humourless little laugh.
"Because if they knew, they'd try to help. And they wouldn't stand a chance."
Yes, well... that shut me up.
Things were uncomfortably silent after that exchange, and I mentally kicked myself for letting my interest ruin her good mood, but I just couldn't help myself. I had so many questions. Questions that had been festering for months. From how she came to be in Mr Black's possession, all the way up to why he had suddenly decided to allow her freedom. Did Mr Black know about her 'friends'? Was she even allowed, friends? It was an awful question, but one I had to ask in all seriousness. Bella often acted cold to everyone she came across, even some maids and cooks who made a conscious effort to be civil with her. Why did she push those people away if companionship was what she craved? Was she protecting herself? Or perhaps, protecting them?
My inner musings were cut short when my new ringtone blasted through the loudspeakers. With an unpractised hand, I hastily leaned forward and pressed the 'answer call' button flashing on my car's smart screen.
"Edward!"
My heart immediately dropped.
"Seth? What's wrong?" I demanded, panicked by his clear urgency.
"Edward, mum passed out! She was only out for a minute but I'm worried something might be wrong and she won't let me call an ambulance! I know you're at work, but what do I do? She won't listen to me!"
I didn't even think, just shot my eye to the driver side mirror and rapidly U-turned, narrowly avoiding an accident. "Edward!" Seth yelled as he no doubt heard the honk of angry drivers and screamed profanities from my half-open window. Bella was wide-eyed as I floored the gas and sped towards my house.
"Don't worry Seth, I'll be there in ten minutes. Just stay with mum and make sure she's alright, alright?" I told him soothingly, while barely keeping it together. What if something was wrong with her? What the fuck was I going to do?!
"Okay. Please come quickly Ed, she looks really pale!" He begged. My fists strangled the steering wheel.
"I'm coming. See you in ten." I reassured him before promptly disconnecting the call. I couldn't risk him hearing what was going to happen next. In seven minutes and eighteen seconds, I came screeching into my driveway, then without a second thought bashed my fist against the dashboard. The little compartment sprung open with an audible pop, and I rummaged around before quickly pulling out one of Mr Blacks provided 'supplies'.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Bella shrieked, appalled by what she was seeing. She squished herself into the passenger side door, as far away from me as she could get. Gripping the handcuffs tightly, I met her outrage with a strength I didn't know I possessed.
"Am I going to need these?"
Her deep brown eyes flashed with understanding, then uncertainty. It looked like she was calculating all the pros and cons, trying to decide if she could use this inopportune moment to her advantage. My body was buzzing, practically begging me to get inside and see if mum was okay, but I couldn't risk Bella running off. Little patience left, I yelled, "Am I going to need these, yes, or no?"
Her conflict lasted a moment more before ultimately shaking her head. Shoving the handcuffs back into the dash I hurriedly staggered from the car, "Let's go then."
I nearly broke my key in my haste to get through the front door. The second it shut, Seth came bounding down the hallway, looking worried and frazzled as he sweat and cried.
"Oh, Edward, thank god! You have to talk to mum, she won't listen to me!"
"Hey, hey Seth, it's alright. I'll talk to mum," I soothed, placing a comforting hand to my baby brother's shoulder. He bobbed his head up and down before catching sight of the girl stood uncomfortably behind me.
"Who is she?" He asked in a strangled voice, hastily hiding his tears. I didn't have time for lofty explanations.
"This is Bella. She works with me. Can you please take her into the living room and keep her company until I come back?" I tried my hardest to keep my voice neutral as I turned to stare daggers at Bella. I didn't want her saying anything about the true nature of my work, but I also didn't want to risk leaving her alone. My eyes were both pleading and warning as I stared her down.
"Um, sure. It's- it's nice to meet you, Bella. The living rooms this way. Would you like a drink or something first?"
I watched anxiously as she paused before gently shaking her head, politely declining Seth's offer and allowing him to lead her away. I stood stiff and uncommitted for a second longer, before bolting down the hallway towards my mother's room.
I practically burst through her bedroom door, much to her chagrin. She jumped from her place on the bed, immediately muting the television and hoisting herself into a sitting position against the many pillows. My eyes scanned every inch of her, frantically searching for injury or anything out of place. Seth was right, she was incredibly pale and the black circles that often decorated her eyes were deeper, darker and framing clear irritation. Before I could say a word, she beat me to the punch.
"Edward, what are you doing here? Don't tell me you left work because of this."
I gawked incredulously.
"Mum, Seth said you passed out! And now you're refusing to go to the hospital? What if it's something serious?" I practically shrieked. She looked at me disapprovingly.
"Edward, it's nothing, really. I felt too sick to eat this morning, so I was lightheaded. I got up to make a sandwich and lost my balance and fell. Seth overreacted. He shouldn't have called you."
"He's only trying to make sure you're alright, mum. And of course he called me, he was worried and you were refusing to let him call an ambulance! Who else was he supposed to call?"
"Edward," She said my name in a classic 'mum' tone, staring me down. "I'm fine, honestly. I just needed to get some food in me. There's no need to take time away from someone who might actually need it, for something so simple."
"Simple? Mum, you passed out! And you terrified Seth! This isn't the time to be stubborn!" My outrage clearly startled her, as disbelief and doubt flashed across her tired face. I watched her closely, then in horror, as her bottom lip began to tremble. Her stern glare melted as her loving eyes rapidly filled with tears.
"Mum, what's wrong?" I questioned gently, guilt swiftly overwhelming me. I didn't mean to make her cry.
"I'm afraid," She sniffled. Instinctively, I leaned over and tenderly squeezed her hand as she used her other to dab at her tears, "I've been feeling so much weaker lately. More time spent in bed, waking up exhausted. It's exactly how I felt before my first round of chemotherapy, and that last round near crippled me. I'm afraid, that if I go to the hospital, they'll tell me somethings wrong. I don't want to leave you two, not like your father. I can't bear the thought of you boys being all alone." She sobbed.
I felt like crawling into bed and weeping right along beside her, her despair hurt me so. But she needed me to be strong right now. Putting on a brave face, I coughed the lump out of my throat before speaking in a reassuring tone. "I understand mum, but things will only get worse if you continue ignoring your symptoms. Seth and I, we need you to be well. So, if not for your sake, then for ours, please. We can all go together, but you can't bury your head in the sand and hope it all just goes away. That never works." I lectured softly. She smiled sadly. She broke my heart.
"You're so grown up now, Edward. Always taking care of your family. Part of me thinks that if I did pass, you two would be just fine on your own. You don't even need me anymore."
I had to scrunch my face to keep from crying. "Mum, I'll always need you. And so will Seth. But we need you healthy."
"Alright, alright," she relented with a heavy sign, slowly moving to stand. I was just about to assist her into her chair, so relieved she was listening to me, when the slight problem of my guest stopped me.
"Wait," I squealed, causing my mother to freeze in fear. I grimaced apologetically. "Not now. I need to go back to work, but I'll be back in an hour and then we'll all go to the hospital together." I compromised, knowing full well I needed to get Bella back to the boss before I dealt with anything else. Fuck, I had almost forgotten she was here. I hoped she hadn't said anything damning to Seth.
Mum sagged back against her pillows.
"Of course, your work is more important. We'll wait for you."
I leaned down and pressed a small kiss to her pale clammy forehead.
"You and Seth will always be more important than work. I'll be quick, I promise."
Leaving my mother under a heavy fog of fear, I rushed to the living room, only to be met with the surprising sight of Bella and Seth laughing quietly. The laughter died as soon as they saw me.
"Well?"
I took a deep breath, "She's agreed to go to the hospital. I need to take Bella home first, then we'll all go together."
Seth let out a cry of relief before flashing me a grateful grin. Bella, on the other hand, clearly comprehended what I'd said, but I silently implored her not to say anything until we were somewhere private. We left, but not before Seth shocked me by giving Bella an unexpected hug. Only once we were buckled in did she ask, "Are you really taking me back now? I've still got two more hours left."
"I know, Bella, but please, just this once. My family needs me. I need to be with them. Please, just let me take you back without a fuss." I begged.
She looked like she wanted to say something scathing. The words literally right on the tip of her tongue. But she seemed to think better of it and swallowed her contempt, turning abruptly to face the window and leaving her back to me.
I took that as acceptance.
Speeding my way to the estate, we were halfway there when she turned around again, "Your mother, is she alright?"
I nearly crashed the car at the abrupt inquiry. I didn't really know how to answer. I wasn't even certain I had an answer.
"She's... I'm sure she'll be fine." I replied stiffly, resisting the urge to spill my dismay all over her. We weren't friends. I doubted she would even care.
"Your brother seems to be worried. I remember Jacob mentioning her chemotherapy. Is it cancer?"
"That's none of your business!" I sharply sneered. The look on her face said everything.
I was an asshole.
I hadn't meant to snap, I was just afraid. Afraid there might actually be something wrong. I had to be brave in front of my family but... the thought of losing her...
I'd always been closer to my dad, he was my rock, but now that mum was all I had, I realised just how much I did need her, and how much I'd always taken needing her for granted. She was the constant in my life I just couldn't lose. She gave me the strength to keep going, inspiration to keep fighting just like she fought every single day since she got sick. I needed her. If she died...
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. You're right, she does have cancer. She was diagnosed-"
"I don't care." She cut me off in a bland, monotone voice, shifting back towards the window, completely dismissing me.
Fuck.
Nothing more was said as we made it back to the manor. I would shoot her occasional glances only to catch her gazing at the city with the same look of longing she always gave the outside world. Upon seeing Bella sitting stone-faced in the passenger seat, the guards allowed me by without any rigorous security checks. Parking near the entrance, I was about to get out when she practically leapt from the car.
"I can make my own way from here. I'll tell Jacob you had an emergency if he asks. Go and be with your family, Edward."
I had no response as she slammed the door shut and hastily walked away. So I did exactly as she told me and drove home, only thinking of my family.
