Chapter Thirteen - Building Trust
Mum was fine.
The doctor concluded that it had, in fact, simply been a case of mild malnutrition, and sent us away with a light scolding and the reassurance that everything was on track and her next cycle of chemotherapy would take place in two weeks time.
I was relieved, we all were. But the moment I knew mum was okay, my thoughts reverted right back to Bella.
I was afraid, after how I treated her, and ruined her first day out of the manor after months of being captive inside it, she would go right back to hating me. That the truce we had forged after the trauma of the ball was now shattered, and I was once again back to square one.
And surprisingly, I was correct. On the second day, she didn't look nearly as excited as she had on the first, and while she was polite, there was nothing beyond that. No smiles, no friendly greeting, no easy conversation, nothing.
Honestly, I had expected nothing less. I'd threatened her with handcuffs and talked to her so coldly. I treated her like a prisoner, and I was certain she wouldn't forgive me for it. Even the brothers at the foodbank seemed to sense her hostility and were keeping me at arm's length just as much as she was. All of this, because I was worried about my mother and had no one to talk to. Maybe it was time I got some friends of my own.
It was the fourth day, and after sixteen gruelling hours of her barely acknowledging my existence, I was determined that this day, I would make things right. I just wanted her to be happy again. To not have this tense awkward enmity looming over us every time we were in the same room. Today, I would make her smile. I would make her forgive me. No matter what.
Arriving brisk and early, I entered the mansion with determination. Now that I was guarding her around the city, Bella would typically be dressed and ready before I came to collect her. I had her schedule memorised, and knew by this time, she'd be either eating, or just finishing breakfast, so I headed in that direction, only to be met with a shrill, quite unpleasant nasally voice yelling,
"Hello? Do you even understand English?! Get off your ass and help me! I'm not going to do everything just because I'm new! You need to help me clean! If you don't, I'll go straight to Mr Black. He hired me personally, and he would not be happy with you!"
Turning the final corner into the kitchen, I was met with Bella sitting at the island, long hair down, white t-shirt with a grey cardigan and skinny black jeans, just casually munching on a bowl of her favourite cereal, while a young woman in a maid's uniform stood cross-armed and defensive near the sink, looking down her nose at her. Her face was crumpled in a scowl as her demands went unanswered.
"Seriously? You're just going to sit there? I know I can't be expected to clean this whole kitchen by myself! It's only my second day! Don't think that because I'm new you can make me do all the work while you sit on your ass and watch! Get up and help me now!"
Okay so... this girl clearly had no clue who she was talking to. And obviously hadn't been informed that talking to Bella like that could earn her a one-way ticket to the basement. Briefly, I wondered if her and Eric would get along, but quickly dismissed the malicious idea. Even though she was acting like a brat, she may be simply ignorant. I decided to intervene before things got out of hand.
"What's going on here?" I asked, masking my confusion as I marched into the room. Bella shifted to look at me, before giving a half shrug and turning back to her cereal. This new girl, however, had the complete opposite reaction. She stopped yelling long enough to target her hostility towards me, before a look of stunned shock overcame her features. Her pupils dilated and her teeth bit her glossy bottom lip. Her glassy dazed stare lingered long enough to be creepy. Why was she looking at me like that?
"And who are you?" She asked, tone transforming from whiny to breathless, as though she'd just run for miles. She batted her thick globby eyelashes and twirled a stray strand of dry dyed hair between her manicured fingers. If she was trying to look cute, it was not working at all.
"I'm a guard." The girl's shoulders immediately slumped, as though disappointed by my honesty. Was she expecting I'd be someone important? Hoping, perhaps? Realising I'd get nothing out of her, I turned to my charge for answers. "Bella, what's happening?"
She sounded a little too amused as she replied, "No clue. I told her I don't work as a maid here, but she refuses to believe me. She insisted I help her clean the kitchen; well, more like demanded. So I told her to wait until I finished eating. Then she started yelling. So now I'm not helping at all. Morning Edward, how's your day been so far?"
I coughed back laughter at her blasé response. She acted like she couldn't give a shit about this girl. And the girl clearly wasn't taking it well. She scoffed.
"Yeah right, don't try to fool me! Maria told me the only women employed in this house are maids and cooks, so what are you suppose to be? A guest? In those clothes? I don't think so! Just get up and help me! My brother works for Mr Black, one of his most prestigious men, so I'm practically a manager already. In fact, I should call him down here so he can make you do all the work while I sit and watch. Better yet, I think I might just take my complaint to Mr Black directly. He hired me himself, you know. He thinks very highly of me. I'm sure he'd punish you for slacking off, so if I were you, I'd get up and start cleaning. And don't think you're sticking me with all the hard jobs either! I'll sweep and dust, you can do the rest!"
Okay, I took it back, she wasn't ignorant, this girl was nuts. Who the fuck did she think she was, commanding people on her second day? I was practically shiting myself on my second day. I would have taken orders from anyone, with how afraid I was. But this girl? This girl clearly had a problem accepting authority. She acted like she'd never worked a day in her life and clearly believed this job was beneath her. One had to wonder how someone like this was hired in the first place, but I couldn't really bring myself to care very much. Not wanting to endure any more of her crazy, I turned around and calmly asked, "Bella, are you ready?"
Nodding her head, she hopped off the barstool and took her bowl to the sink to wash up. The woman's demeanour instantly changed from outrage to smug.
"Good. Finally, you're doing something useful. Now Maria gave me a list of chores that need to be done before the chefs come to cook dinner. I'm sure you won't mind doing most of them, since it's only my second day. Here," She said, practically shoving the page-long list of neatly typed script into Bella's idle hand. Bella looked at it, then the girl, then placed the list on the countertop and walked out of the door without another word.
"What the- come back here! What are you doing just standing there, bring her back!" She shrieked, stomping her foot like a bratty child. I was tempted to tell her just how badly she fucked up, but thought it would be more amusing to see how this played out. Shooting the girl a sly grin, I mockingly jeered, "You had better get started on that list, because Bella most certainly won't be helping you. Have a pleasant day."
The look on her face as I strutted away, was priceless.
AAA
"Oh, thank you, young man. I must say, you are cute as a bug's ear. If only I was fifty years younger," the elderly woman in a floral nightdress praised me with a smile before leaving the food line and hobbling her way to a bench with her meal.
My ears turned pink as the boys howled with laughter.
"I think Ms Ewig likes you." Quil teased, wagging his eyebrows while the others outright chuckled. Embry pouted, "that's not fair, it took her forever to warm up to me!"
Bella leaned up and patted his head mockingly. I couldn't help but grin.
"Thanks for helping out Edward. We really appreciate it," Jared praised, as the rush of hungry mouths finally relented and we were all given a grateful moment to breathe.
The shelter had been extremely popular today, so much so the happy, cheerful brothers I had grown accustomed too had quickly deteriorated into panic as they fussed about not having enough food or supplies to make it through the day. It was the end of the month, and they were low on groceries and money. As they meticulously counted how many meals they had vs how many mouths they needed to feed, their disheartenment had become too much to bear. They scolded themselves in front of Bella and I, saying how they should have rationed better and now, because of them, some people were going to go hungry. It took me aback, how much they genuinely cared and I could tell by the look on Bella's face, she was devastated for them. It was when Quil had mentioned not having enough money for any more supplies until the next day, that I had seen my opportunity.
"I'll pay for it." I volunteered, causing all eyes to flash towards me.
"No, Edward, thank you. That's really generous of you but we couldn't ask you to do that. We'll just have to make the portions smaller for today." Jared reasoned, while the others nodded behind him. I shook my head, stepping away from the corner for the first time in days and walking over to them.
"No, guys, really. What you're doing here is amazing, and I'd be more than happy to donate to the cause. Just give me a list of everything you need and I'll drive to the store and be back as soon as possible. I'm sure Bella wouldn't mind joining me, would you Bella?" I asked pointedly, letting her know there was no way I'd leave her behind. She looked reluctant, deep brown eyes cool and calculating, before finally nodding in consent. So after a few more minutes of persuasion, the boys relented and on the road, we went.
We ran around the store like hunting hyenas, grabbing everything we needed. I even took the liberty of throwing in some extra, since the list Quil had written was suspiciously short. I got they didn't want to take advantage of my generosity, but I'd offered, and I wanted to make sure they had everything they needed.
Bella and I filled two carts full of food. Including several boxes of candy, just so all those unfortunate people could have a little treat before going back to the streets. The total came to little over five hundred dollars, and even though I knew that technically, I could have expensed it, I didn't want to. With the kind of money I was earning now, the least I could do was pay forward my good fortune. Even Bella seemed grateful, which while admittedly hadn't been my goal, I had to concede was an added bonus.
As we made our way back to the shelter, she spoke her first sincere words she had to me in days.
"Thank you." She said simply, flashing me a fraction of a smile before turning back towards the window. My lips quirked right up. Even though it wasn't much, it was more than I deserved and I drove the rest of the way with a stupid grin on my face, pleased I'd done something right in her eyes for once.
The boys had been waiting for us, and looked shocked at just how much food we'd managed to stuff in the boot of my car. They were about as thankful as anyone could be as they helped unload it all and carry it through the small warehouse. Feeling inspired by their giving natures, I didn't hesitate to volunteer to assist them further, shedding my suit jacket and stepping behind one of the buffet pallets. Now I wasn't going to lie, I couldn't cook for shit, but I could put ready-made meals on peoples plates. So that's exactly what I did.
And the longer I was there, the more relaxed they seemed to become. I wasn't surprised by their misinterpretations, since all I'd done for the past few days was stand in a corner and brood, but all of them, even Bella, seemed to warm up to me the more I tried to help.
I was honestly in awe. A lot of these people seemed to have such difficult lives, homeless in a city like this was a rough way to live. There were even kids who looked like they'd had a harsh few years, but everyone tried their hardest to smile and be there for each other. Even the ones who were obviously more well-off took the time to socialise and happily handed the brother's donations while asking after the health of their father.
He sounded like a fantastic man. An inspirational man who had spent his whole life trying to improve this run-down neighbourhood and had opened the foodbank to bring people together. It was tough, hearing how he was suffering, but he'd raised three amazing sons who carried on his legacy and clearly shared his vision. Really, the more I paid attention, the more of my respect the three brothers earned. They were genuinely admirable people, and I truly wouldn't mind getting to know them better, even without the obligation of having to be here because of Bella.
When the kitchen closed and everything was clean, Bella and I made our way out. It was six in the evening, and Bella wasn't required to be back until eight. I was thinking of anyplace I could take her before her curfew ended, when a loud grumble came from her side of the car.
I looked over, startled, to find her blushing tomato red, one hand on her stomach, looking mortified.
"Are you hungry?" I asked amused. She nodded shyly.
Thinking quickly, a light bulb suddenly went off inside my head.
"Do you like pizza?"
AAA
"Oh my gosh, this is amazing!" Bella enthused as she took another bite with a contented smile. I grinned smugly.
"Told you, best in the city." I bragged, loving not only that she enjoyed the food, but also the fact she was talking to me again. Normally, I would have been more apprehensive about bringing someone here, as I considered it a sanctuary, but Bella seemed to fit so perfectly. She admired the chilli fairy lights and bright festive colours, as well as the amazing cuisine and staff who mostly knew me by name. She seemed to make the place that much more special, and I was relishing every minute of it.
"I haven't eaten pizza in so long!" She moaned as another bite touched her red rosy lips. My happy expression immediately spoiled, "Are you not allowed pizza?"
She paused, then quickly swallowed. I was about to have a panic attack before she ladened me with pity. "Of course I'm allowed to eat pizza, Edward. But Jacob isn't exactly a fan of fast food. He's a bit of a snob when it comes to food." She murmured, almost as though she hadn't meant to say it aloud. I didn't really know what compelled me to reply, but I just blurted out the first thing I thought of, "Well, you can eat whatever you want when you're with me."
She bit her lip. "Thanks, I guess."
The silence that followed weighed me down, though she looked perfectly content. I wanted her to keep talking, since she seemed so willing. Maybe if I played my cards right, I could even steer her into forgiving me.
I straightened in my seat, ardent with my new purpose. Catching her eye as she dabbed a napkin around her mouth, I dove right in.
"Bella, I wanted to say that I'm sorry about what happened a few days ago. I was troubled, but that was no excuse to take it out on you. I hope you can-"
"It's okay Edward. I'm sorry too." She interrupted me. My mouth hung open mid-sentence. Long, heartfelt speech deteriorating in a heartbeat.
"I... uh..."
"Really, Edward, it's alright. I guess I was being a little insensitive as well. Seth told me what happened, and I shouldn't have tried to press you for more details. I guess... we're both a little at fault on this one," She said, greeting my befuddlement calmly with a small subtle, understanding smile.
Gosh, that smile. I swear I could stare at it for hours. She was just so warm when she smiled. Like nothing and no one could bring her down. It was hard to believe, given her current situation, she could even find it in herself to smile at all. But I supposed, that was one of the things that made her so beautiful.
Stop.
You can't go there. Remember who she is!
And like a bucket of ice water was thrown all over me, I realised where my mind was headed. It was just like Emmett had said, I couldn't afford to start catching feelings.
Why did I get the feeling that was easier said than done?
AAA
Strolling slowly through the halls in a weak attempt to prolong my remaining time with Bella, we heard a commotion ahead of us. Sharing confused glances, we approached the noise only to be confronted with the annoying girl who'd pestered us this morning. She was standing in a shallow hallway, arms crossed like a petulant child while an older woman chided her. Before we had a chance to walk on, she spotted us, and immediately began to shriek.
"There! That's the girl who wouldn't help me this morning! She's the reason I didn't get the kitchen clean in time! She refused to do her job, and then left with this guy! I demand you fire them both! They should have helped me!"
"Quiet!" The older woman scolded, causing the girl to slump and pout like a spoiled little puppy. She then turned her attention to us.
"I'm so sorry for the confusion, Miss Bella. This is Jessica, she only started a few days ago. She didn't know who you were, and I take full responsibility for that. I should have made absolutely certain she knew, but I promise it won't happen again."
Bella was about to say something, probably something forgiving since she appeared to be in that kind of mood, when 'Jessica' butted in.
"What! She gets away with it, just like that?! That's not fair! Wait until my brother hears about this! He's going to take all of your jobs! I can't believe this, I-"
"Who the fuck is yelling so loud!" Emmett's booming voice came out of nowhere before his gigantic frame appeared behind us. We were quite an odd group by that point. The new maid, the woman I assumed was head of house staff, Bella, Emmett and I. Upon seeing Emmett, Bella immediately tensed, and I instantly questioned if she had even been in the same room with him since the night I kidnapped her. She looked so uncomfortable, standing in his shadow. Surprisingly, the young maid had the opposite reaction.
"Oh, Emmett, thank goodness! This girl," She sneered, pointing an accusatory finger at Bella, "Left me alone in the kitchen to do all the work! And then she," gesturing the elder woman who looked absolutely mortified, "Told me off for not getting everything clean on time! How could I do everything all on my own?! There was so much to do and she just left! And now she isn't even getting punished for it?! You have to do something about this! My brother-"
"Shut up!" Emmett practically bellowed. The girl closed her mouth with an audible snap.
"I swear I'm giving Ryan shit for this," He muttered to himself before staring the girl down. "This is Bella. She's not a maid. She lives here, and she's under Mr Black's protection, so unless you want to be punished by him directly, and get your brother fired, I suggest you learn your place." The girl turned bright red, then paled as his words slowly seemed to sink in. The older woman quickly took hold of Jessica's wrist, "I'm terribly sorry about this Mr Hale, Miss Bella, I promise I'll correct her behaviour immediately. Please, enjoy your evenings," she apologised, before hastily dragging the humiliated girl from down the hall. Then it was just the three of us.
But not for long. After the two ladies left, Bella muttered a quick, "See you tomorrow, Edward," then scurried off, like she couldn't stand being there for even another minute. Emmett watched her go with an emotionless expression, before letting loose a heavy sigh.
"Hey, sorry about that. That was Ryan's little sister. He practically begged Mr Black to give her a job, but I think Maria is at the end of her rope with her already. Not that I blame her. Little brat has never worked a day in her life, and pretty much drained her entire trust fund after a year of access to it. Ryan wanted her to get a job before she tried going after his, but they're both gonna be terminated if he can't keep her under control, and the boss doesn't exactly 'terminate' people in the traditional sense of the word. Anyway, how are you? Haven't really had a chance to talk to you since we had dinner. How's work been?"
I shuffled awkwardly for a moment, before stiffly responding, "Good, it's been good. Works been... good. How about you?" I could have cringed at how inept I sounded.
I hadn't spoken to him since that dinner, and had been avoiding him incessantly because of it. It wasn't that I saw him as any less of a mentor, it was just that Rosalie's story had thrown me for a loop, and I wanted to get my head on straight before I even considered approaching him. Whether Rosalie had told him what she told me was a mystery, but even so, I knew how much he hated mixing his personal life with work. He wouldn't appreciate me asking questions, and most likely wouldn't answer any of them anyway. I wasn't at all prepared to be alone with him, but I couldn't just walk away, he would know something was wrong, and I wouldn't put it past him to beat it out of me if he was so inclined.
Whether he sensed my discomfort, he took no notice, and dragged his calloused hand over his acne-scared face before replying, "Slow. Boss has me on finding the rest of the men who tried to rob that ball. He thinks it was possible they were organised by someone, someone a little more powerful than a bunch of petty thieves. Thinks its too much of a coincidence that so many showed up that night, without being explicitly told where to hit and when. So far, we've run into a bunch of dead ends. I'm glad you're doing better though. You've been looking a little pale since that night. Rosalie said hello, by the way, you seemed to have made quite an impression on her."
I almost tripped over fin air, forcing my face into something resembling a smile, "Oh. That's nice. Tell her I said hello back."
Emmett's eyes narrowed, as he finally noticed my unease. Squinting suspiciously he said, "I actually wanted to ask you, what did you and my wife talk about while I was gone?"
"What... what do you mean?" I questioned brazenly, trying to act aloof. He didn't buy it for a minute.
"You and Rosalie, what did you talk about when I was away from the table? You looked kind of green when I came back, but I didn't get the chance to ask. Rosy doesn't keep secrets from me, but she won't just blurt out stuff she thinks is unimportant. So, what happened?"
Gah, too many questions. He's asking too many questions! What do I do? What do I say?!
"She... um. Well, she... she ah... she told me she didn't really trust me. Yeah, that was it. She said it was because of someone you used to trust in the organisation who turned out to be... bad?"
I wasn't exactly lying, but I didn't want to tell him the whole truth until I felt like completely ready. I didn't blink, hoping beyond anything he'd belive my feeble excuse and let the matter rest. Remarkably, he seemed to take my shoddy defence in stride because his face immediately scrunched in discomfort, his eyes doing that thing where he couldn't quite decide whether to speak or not. Finally, he yielded. Looking angry and sad at the same time he said,
"Oh. She told you about Sam."
