Monday 16th September
Much to Bella's surprise, Edward laughed.
"Bella, darling, you can't divorce me. We've been married fifteen years."
Bella couldn't believe the audacity Edward had.
"That's true, Edward. These past fifteen years, you have been nothing but a loyal, caring husband. But things changed. You've changed. I cannot go on married to you, when you refuse to see reason, refuse to respect your wife and treat her as your equal."
"Bella, we are mates. We are destined to be together for eternity. We cannot live without each other."
"You know," Bella said, thoughtfully. "There was a time I would have agreed wholeheartedly with that. Now… now I'm not so sure. We may be mates, but Edward, we're just like any other normal, married human couple. We stumble across hurdles and together, we jump over them. But sometimes, those hurdles are too high. I'm not sure about much anymore, but what I do know, is that from here, we take different paths. Maybe they will cross again, someday. I do not know. But for now, we can't continue like this.
"We may be mates, we may be vampires, but at the end of the day, we're just like any other couple who are in love. Edward, we need this space. We need to face out faults and change. We've lost ourselves and need to find them again. But we can't do that with each other. We're both too damn stubborn. And then one day, hopefully, we'll be able to find the root of our problems together.
"I would suggest a separation. Not a divorce, just time alone, away from each other. But because you hold our marriage over my head, using it as an excuse for how you treat me, and to manipulate me, I have no other option."
Bella turned to Renesmee, holding out her hand, ignoring the shock clearly displayed on Edward's face.
"Renesmee," she called, softly. "We're going to hunt."
Renesmee nodded and joined her mother, getting into the car with her. Bella turned the engine on and stepped on the gas. Edward watched stunned as his wife and daughter disappeared into the distance.
Bella and Renesmee returned from their hunt a few hours later. The whole family had arrived home and congregated in the living room. Bella slowly pushed open the door and went to sit between Rosalie and Alice.
"Edward, I'm going to move out. There's nothing anyone can say to stop me. I need time alone away from you," Bella hesitantly announced.
"Bella, I've told you that you will follow my orders as long as we're married," Edward said, eyes black as coal and blazing with fury.
"I am my own person," Bella said, fighting to stay calm. "I don't follow orders from anyone. If I want to move out, I will. Soon, you won't have our marriage as a means to manipulate me. I'll be filing for a divorce tomorrow."
"Do that if you wish, but I will not sign the papers."
"That doesn't matter. There are such things as default divorces. I'm sure you know all about them."
Without another word, Bella got up and went to her study, sitting down at the desk, putting her head in her hands. A knock came a few minutes later.
"Bella? It's Alice."
"Come in," Bella said, wearily.
Alice opened the door slowly and came in, followed by Rosalie and Renesmee.
"You- you don't think I'm overreacting, do you? I'm not being overly dramatic, am I?" Bella asked, nervously.
"Bella! How could you even think you're overreacting?" Rosalie burst out.
Bella sighed. "It's just… it all happened so quickly. Yesterday evening, we were so happy. So in love. And now we can barely have a civil conversation anymore."
"Edward is trying to impose power over you, Bella. He's trying to control you. Don't feel guilty for standing up against that," Rosalie said.
"But… divorce?"
"Bella, that's what you have to do. You can't be truly happy while still married to him. Not now, anyway," Alice said, gently. "He's using marriage to manipulate you, and the only way to end that is to get a divorce."
"Mum," Renesmee said. "I can move with you, if you want. You don't have to be alone."
Touched, Bella replied, "Oh darling, you don't have to. I know you and Jacob hate being apart."
"Well," Renesmee said, anxiously. "Jake and I have been talking about moving out and finding a place for us alone. We could both move with you."
"Jasper and I have been thinking of moving, too," Alice said.
"Emmett and I also," Rosalie added. "We can't stay here with Carlisle and Edward."
"What about Esme?" Bella asked. "Carlisle is apparently sexist too. We can't leave Esme alone with him and Edward!"
Alice sighed. "I know. I hate the thought of her being stuck here with them. But… she has to come to a decision herself. We can encourage her and help her, but ultimately, it is her choice whether or not to leave Carlisle."
Wednesday 18th September
"This is a rather nice place," Bella said, looking around a house in a small village called Littleworth. It was close enough to the school she worked at, and far enough from where her family lived in Wytham. Renesmee and Jacob, who had accompanied her on her search for a new place to stay, nodded in agreement. The house wasn't as extensive or fancy as her family's, but it was much cosier and very homely.
"How would you feel about living here, then? It's not too far away from the repair shop, is it Jake?"
"No, not at all," Jacob said. "It's perfect, really."
Bella grinned. It was Wednesday, two days after she'd announced she was moving out. Rosalie and Emmett were considering a place in Kennington, while Alice and Jasper were making preparations to move to Headington. Esme had been devastated to hear her family would be moving to different villages and towns, but she'd understood completely. Her daughters had spoken to her and she'd told them about how she wanted to separate from Carlisle, but felt indebted to him. She explained that he'd rescued her from a violent relationship, but Rosalie argued that she'd as good as entered another abusive relationship. Only this one was more mentally and emotionally abusive, as opposed to physically. Bella and Alice reassured her that whatever she decided, they would stand by her and support her.
"Mmm, it is perfect. And it's my own. I can use my teacher's salary. Edward can't touch that money," Bella said, happily.
"I thought it was put into a bank account with his," Jacob said.
"Nope," Bella replied. "I created my own ages ago, just in case. I never thought I would really need it, but I guess things change…"
"Yes," Jacob said, quickly. "And you won't have to support us on just your earnings. I've got mine from the repair shop." When Bella opened her mouth to protest, he added, "It's only fair, Bells. Nessie and I will be living here too."
"Okay then," Bella conceded. Her face lit up again as she looked around. "Oh, it feels so good to be independent and free! The thought of running my own household, relying on myself, being the one to make it work… it's amazing," she exclaimed, elated.
Jacob laughed at her excitedness. "Well, you aren't completely free yet."
Bella's face fell. "Yes, I suppose you're right. But soon! Soon I can truly understand the feeling of freedom!"
Thursday 19th September
Bella sat at her desk in her study, Edward standing by the door. Slowly, she placed the divorce papers in front of her.
"I've signed them. I just need you to."
Edward ignored her and the papers.
"Please, Edward. We can do this the easy way or the hard way," Bella pleaded, desperate for her Edward to still be there, somewhere- the Edward who would respect her, and compromise with her.
Silence.
"You and I both know we messed up. Somewhere in these past fifteen years, we lost sight of who we are. We need to find ourselves again, before we can work on fixing our marriage."
"I will not sign those papers, Isabella!" Edward thundered. He reached forward to grab the papers, but Bella was quicker than him.
Bella sighed, defeated. Still holding the papers, she left the room and went to find Jasper. She knocked on his and Alice's room and went in.
"I'm going to need a divorce attorney," she said. "Edward refuses to sign these." She held up the papers.
"I'll call Jenks immediately and inform him of what you require," Jasper said.
"Thanks Jasper."
The next day, after school, Bella and Jasper went to visit Jenks.
"I've got the best divorce attorney I could find willing to help you," he told them. "Mr Chase is quite experienced in these matters."
"Good evening Mr Jasper and Mrs Bella," Chase said. "I understand you're trying to get a divorce, Mrs Bella."
"That's right," Bella said. "I've signed the papers but my husband refuses to."
"You have been married for how long?"
Bella glanced at Jasper, who nodded. "Fifteen years." She noticed a flicker of surprise in Chase's eyes, but the attorney did not question it.
"I see. And may I ask why you want a divorce?"
"We had an argument a week or so ago. He belittled and disparaged me, saying he was the man in our relationship and therefore, I would obey him. Of course, I wouldn't stand for that."
"Hmm, naturally."
"Then he said that so long as we were married, I would obey his commands."
"So you want this divorce for freedom?"
Bella nodded.
"Well, typically, I would advise couples not to rush into a divorce so soon, but your case is not typical. You may request a default divorce. However, your spouse has thirty days to respond to the divorce petition. How long has it been since you received the papers?"
"Two days."
"Then I'm afraid your husband still has twenty-eight days to respond to the petition, and therefore, you still have twenty-eight days until you can get a default divorce, if your husband refuses to comply. After those twenty-eight days, if your husband has not signed the papers, contact me and I will ensure the court set a hearing date."
"Alright. Thank you, Mr Chase," Bella said, disappointed.
As they were leaving, Jasper wrapped his arm around Bella.
"Don't worry, Bella. If Edward doesn't sign the papers, you will get a hearing and the judge will allow you a divorce," he said, reassuringly.
"I know," Bella sighed. "It's just… that's twenty-eight days still being married to him. I can't move into my new place yet, either, because Edward would just follow me. Renesmee and Jacob can, since Renesmee is over eighteen and legally free to go. But I'll be stuck."
"Not necessarily," Jasper said, furrowing his brow. "You could put a restraining order on him."
"I can do that?" Bella asked.
"I think so. I don't think it matters that you're still legally married, especially since you're filing for a divorce."
"Well, I've still got a few things to do before the house is mine. I need to survey the property's condition and get my solicitor to check any legal issues." At Jasper's surprised look, Bella added, "Jasper, you of all people should know that money can do a lot. My assets may not be half as much as yours, but I saved up a great amount from my teaching career, especially since we were all relying on Carlisle. So hopefully, the legal issues check won't take too long."
"You, my dear sister," Jasper said, trying not to smile, "Are a very clever little witch."
"Why, thank you, Jasper. Now, about the restraining order. How exactly does it work?"
"Well, the court can issue a restraining order even if the defendant was not convicted. But you need evidence that the restraining order is necessary to protect you from harassment."
"So, that would mean I can't have a restraining order issued against him until I move out and he undoubtedly follows me."
"That's right," Jasper confirmed.
"Well," Bella said, taking a deep breath. "I think I can live with that."
Once they got home, Edward was, thankfully, at a music lesson, and Carlisle was on shift. Bella was becoming grateful to the afternoons she had a few times a week when Edward would be out giving a child piano lessons.
"Bella!" Rosalie called. "How did it go?"
"I'm going to have to wait another twenty-eight days before I can request a default divorce," Bella replied. "If the papers aren't signed by then, a hearing will be arranged. I'm going to move out as soon as possible, and I'm sure Edward will follow me. If he does, I can get proof of him harassing me, and issue a restraining order against him."
"How long left until we can move out?" Renesmee asked.
"The house just needs to be surveyed and the solicitor has to check for legal issues, but after that, I hand over the money and in return, get the keys and deeds. Then it's ours and we can move in."
Renesmee's eyes lit up and she hugged Bella tightly. Jacob walked over and wrapped his arms around them both.
"Thanks Bella," he said, appreciatively. "For sorting this all out so quickly for us."
Needless to say, when Edward returned home to see Bella packing some things she wanted to take with her, he was not pleased.
"Bella, what are you doing?"
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm preparing to move out."
"Bella, you are my wife and belong to me. On top of that, we can't live without each other."
Sighing, Bella stood up and turned to her husband. They'd shared so many happy memories over the years. They were so in love back then. But now, all that they held for each other was abject animosity and bitterness.
"Edward, you're being unconscionable. I refuse to speak to you while you remain that way. I cannot make you see reason. My efforts so far have been futile. Talk to me once you've accepted you did me wrong. Now kindly remove yourself from my study. I recall telling you I never wanted to see you in here again."
When Edward did not move, Bella shouted, "Emmett! Jasper! Some assistance if you will!"
Jasper and Emmett appeared at Bella's study door.
"Is he causing you problems, Bella?" Emmett asked, leaning casually against the door frame.
Bella nodded. "He won't leave, and I really want to gather my things together. Could you possibly…"
"Of course, Bella," Jasper said, smiling grimly at her.
Then he grabbed one of Edward's arms while Emmett grabbed the other. They proceeded to forcefully drag Edward out of the room and probably out of the house too.
"Thanks guys!"
A few minutes later, Renesmee appeared at the door. Stepping over the threshold, she asked, "What do we bring?"
"Pack most of your clothes. Leave a few here just in case," Bella instructed. "Take some books, and, well, whatever you want as long as it'll all fit in the car. Tomorrow, we can go check the house again. The solicitor will be surveying the condition, and then checking the legal issues so we may as well be there."
After she left, Bella picked up the photo of her and Edward she kept on the desk. It was taken on their second anniversary. The joy on each of their faces was so pure, so beautiful and true. Bella couldn't understand how things had turned so bad so quickly. But she carefully turned the photo so it was faced down on the table, and she moved onto the draws, grabbing all the files she would need. She would worry about moving out now, and analyse her relationship later.
"Okay then, Renesmee. This can be your room," Bella said, as her daughter walked around a spacious room looking over the back garden. There was a bed against one wall, a desk on the other side, and a chest of draws by the window.
"It's perfect. But… it's quite far from Jacob's."
"Hmm, yes. It is, isn't it," Bella said, emphatically.
Bella went downstairs to find Jacob and the solicitor talking in the garden.
"Well, Mrs Cullen," Bella winced at the formal addressing, "The house is in tip-top condition, and there are no legal issues to be sorted. Hand over the money and the deeds are yours."
"I'll have the money transferred later today. Meet you here tomorrow morning?"
"That will be fine, Mrs Cullen," the solicitor said, going inside.
"It's a beautiful place, Bella," Jacob said.
"Yes. It really is. You're okay with your room?"
Jacob nodded. He'd taken the room across the landing from Renesmee's, and opposite Bella's. There was a small study that Bella had taken. Downstairs was the living room, kitchen and dining room. They were all fairly small but very warm and inviting.
Later that day, Bella sat back looking at her laptop. Everything she wanted to take was packed, the money had just been transferred, and all she had to do now was sign the deeds and move in.
"Finished?" Jasper asking, leaning again the doorframe.
"Yep! I've just got to sign the deeds!"
Jasper chuckled. "Alice and I are ready to move out too. We'll probably move sometime next week. Unlike you, we aren't so desperate to escape. Emmett told me he and Rose have found a place in Kennington they like. They're waiting for it to be accepted."
"That's good. But what about Esme?"
"If I'm honest, I think she really wants to leave, but she hasn't got the courage to stand up to Carlisle about it. I'm not sure what we can do to help her."
"Just show her our love and support. She'll find the courage to do it. I know she will," Bella said, confidently.
"I hope you're right."
Sunday 22nd September
The next morning, everything was loaded into the car. Jacob and Renesmee were sat in the back together, talking. Edward had tried one last time to stop Bella leaving, but he'd been restrained by Jasper and Emmett.
"Goodbye Jasper, Emmett," Bella said, hugging them. "Thanks for helping me with this. You too, Alice, Rose. I really appreciate your support." Bella turned to Esme and whispered in her ear so no one else could hear. "Goodbye Esme. I hope you find the courage to stand up to Carlisle. Just know that I'll always love and support you, no matter what." Bella walked right past Carlisle, having nothing to say to him. She was about to walk to her car when she stopped, twisting round to look at Edward.
"Goodbye Edward. I hope we can each find what we've lost."
Then she spun on her heel and briskly got in her car, eager to get out of there. The drive was slow, partly because Bella refused to drive recklessly like her family did, but mostly because Bella was still somewhat reluctant to move out, even if she wouldn't admit it. Once they finally reached their new home, her solicitor was standing outside the house.
"Here are the deeds," he said, as Bella walked up to him.
Bella took the pen and the deeds, and slowly signed her name at the bottom.
"Well, that's it. The house is officially yours!" the solicitor announced, cheerfully.
Nodding weakly, Bella handed the pen back. "Thank you."
Renesmee ran past her into the house, carrying her bags. Jacob followed her after placing a reassuring hand on Bella's arm for a few seconds. Staring at the house that was now hers, Bella began to feel scared. She did not regret what she'd done- how could she? But she was scared things were going to get worse instead of better. Everything happened so quickly, Bella could hardly keep up with it. She sat down on the front step, ignoring the sympathetic look from the solicitor.
Oh Edward, she thought, how did we come to this?
