I don't own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.
Cheryl and Gabby, thank you for pre-reading, and April, thank you for editing. Any mistakes left are my own.
Ch. 9
"Aren't the trees gorgeous draped in white lights?" Mom exclaimed, staring out the window of the Town Car.
"You said that last year and the year before." Phil chuckled.
"Did I? It looks so magical," Mom said. "Don't you think so Bella?"
"It looks very beautiful," I agreed.
We had to wait in a short line before it was our turn to be let out at the entrance. Phil help both myself and my mother out of the car. I followed a couple of steps behind them into the club.
I didn't feel comfortable on normal days, let alone at a big event like today. Everyone seemed hoity toity and judgmental. Hell, some girls here made Rosalie look like a kitten. I smoothed out non-existent wrinkles and entered the dining room, since we would be served dinner first.
I took my seat and noticed we were sharing the table with a few of Phil's associates, Stephen Vladimir and Demetri Regio, along with Demetri's wife, Sasha.
"Renée darling, your dress looks beautiful," Sasha complimented.
"Thank you, Sasha. Yours looks gorgeous," Mom said, morphing into the superficial fake persona I hated.
"Well, it should. Demi had it flown in from Italy, so there's not another like it." Sasha tossed her head back and her steely blue eyes fell on me.
"Isabella, so glad you could join us. That shade of blue goes lovely with your complexion. Ahhh to be a youth and not wear any makeup." She smiled, but I couldn't help to think she was being condescending.
"Well, yes, I believe less is more," I stated politely.
"Hmm." Her gaze fell on my necklace. "What an interesting piece of jewelry."
My hands touched the necklace Edward gave me long ago. I don't know why I decided to wear it tonight. I took it off the same night we broke up and it had sat in my jewelry box since. My mother suggested the pearls they gave me; however, I felt like an old lady wearing them. I thought it had been long enough that I could wear the bear necklace without memories resurfacing, but now I was second guessing myself.
Mom frowned slightly before turning on a false smile. "Ahh, yes, I believe a secret admirer got it from Tiffany's, right, sweetheart?"
"Actually, I think he went to Jared's." I laughed inwardly at my little joke.
"Jared? I don't think I know a Jared." Sasha frowned.
"I think he's good friends with Kay." I ignored the look Mom was giving me.
"Still not familiar, but young people these days and their fads. It's cute, dear, and suits you." She smirked.
The waiter approached the table. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I take your orders, please?"
I was glad to have the reprieve of Sasha's scrutiny for a few moments. I only received a funny look from her when I ordered the beef like the men. While we waited for dinner, I got grilled on school and wanting to work. Sasha seemed to share the same opinion as Renata that I was wasting my time with an education. When the meal came, the topic switched to Milan and how my mother was hoping to go in the Spring.
I made my escape as soon as the plates were cleared. Mom caught up with me as I headed into the ball room.
"Isabella, I would like to talk to you for a moment." She pulled me off to the side.
"Yes?" I said.
"You were practically rude to Sasha back there," she said in a low voice.
"Me? She was being condescending and I was defending myself," I argued.
"Jared? Really, Bella?"
"I was attempting to be funny." I rolled my eyes.
"Still." She shook her head. "Why would you wear an ex-boyfriend's necklace to an event like this? I gave you a perfectly good pearl necklace."
"I tried on the pearl necklace, and I didn't think it looked right with the dress. I didn't have many other options," I defended myself.
"Are you sure you're not hung up on this boy?" she questioned. "I certainly never kept any of the tacky, cheap jewelry your father gave me."
"Not even the locket with my baby picture for your first Mother's Day?" I asked.
"That cheap thing broke years ago." She waved her hand. "Can you please try to fit in?"
I sighed. "That's the thing, Mom, I don't think I'll ever fit in a place like this. I'd rather be in a cabin in the woods and go fishing or hiking any day. Everyone here is too superficial and worried about appearances."
"Including me. Just because I like the finer things in life doesn't make me a bad person." Mom looked offended.
"I wasn't trying to insult you. But at home you're like my mom I know and love. When you're here, you act like entirely different person. This place has changed you." I shook my head.
"I see." Her lips pressed in a thin line and she glanced away from me. "Please try and look as if we aren't torturing you for mine and Phil's sake for tonight, and I promise you won't be asked to join us as a family, again."
"Mom—"
She walked away before I could finish. I groaned and rubbed my face. I was so preoccupied with over our argument that I barely had time to register who nearly was attacking me with a hug.
"Oh. Em. Gosh… Bella. Hi! It totes good to see you. Like it has been literally foreva," Heidi squealed.
"Heidi, wow. I never thought I'd see you again. What are you doing here?" I asked her.
"My gran and grampa are like members of the club. How about you? I thought your dad was like a fisherman?" she asked.
"He's actually the chief of police of my hometown in Washington State. My step-father is a member," I explained.
She nodded. "I don't like it here. Too many old geezers and not enough people our age. There are hardly any boys here. There's like twenty-five of us girls, but only like four boys our age. Is that weird? Like I think it is weird." She was looking around the room.
"Really?" I scanned the area myself and found she was right. "That is pretty weird."
I wasn't entirely sure she heard me though because her eyes were on my necklace. They grew huge and then she started flapping her hands like a bird and vibrating in her spot.
"Oh yay! You're like wearing his necklace." Heidi clapped her hands excitedly. "Are you guys like back together? I totally ship you two. You two were like the cutest couple, literally. And Edward has been like a grumpy bear since you broke up…or is it grouchy bear? I always like mix up my smurfs and Care Bears."
"Grouchy was a smurf, I believe. And no. Edward and I aren't back together," I told her.
Heidi frowned. "But you like miss him. You were like perfect together."
"No, I don't." I shook my head.
Her brows furrowed. "But I like know he misses you. Rosalie said he was unbearable and is in a bad mood like all the time. She's glad he left for school. Which one is in Boston and is part of the plant group?"
"Harvard?" My eyebrows rose.
More fricken lies from him, I thought angrily.
"Yeah, like, that's the one." She nodded.
"Unbelievable," I muttered under my breath.
"What?" Heidi asked.
"Nothing." I shook my head.
"You do miss him," she insisted with a sly smile.
"Heidi—" I really didn't want to argue with her.
"You two belong together. Like Ken and Barbie," she squealed.
"I heard Barbie ran away with G.I. Joe." Garrett entered the conversation, coming from out of nowhere.
Heidi narrowed her eyes as she scrutinized him. "As if. Barbie goes together with Ken. Just like Mickey goes with Minnie. And Gabriella goes with Troy. And you are?"
"Garrett Costa." He held out his hand to her.
"Hmmm, that's a G not an E like in Teddy." She flipped her hair back, snubbing him. "I'll see you around, Bella."
Heidi walked away, leaving behind a dumbfounded Garrett next to me. I couldn't hold in my laughter too much longer.
"She does know that teddy starts with T, right?" He looked very confused.
"With Heidi, who knows?" I shook my head.
"She seems like an airhead." Garrett snickered.
I shrugged. "She's sweet and more observant than people give her credit for." Looking around the room again, I couldn't shake the feeling that something seemed off.
"If you say so. How about a dance?" He held out his hand to me.
It was at that moment the one of Ed Sheeran song I couldn't listen to any more came on.
"Next song, I promise. I need to run to the ladies room," I lied. "I'll be right back."
I went down the hallway into the largest restroom I'd ever seen. I took a seat on an oversize ottoman in front of a mirror and pretended to check my hair and makeup. My eyes fell on my necklace.
What was I thinking?
I thought I was over Edward. I mean…I am over Edward. I shouldn't have worn this necklace. After tonight, I planned to lock it away. Or maybe, I should mail it back to him if it was expensive.
I frowned. That would mean reaching out to him. Perhaps I can give it to Heidi since she still sees Rosalie. Dad wasn't an option, as he said the Cullens haven't been back to the beach.
Once I figured I'd wasted enough time, I left the restroom. I didn't realize I took a wrong turn in the maze of hallways until I smelled cigar smoke and heard male voices. Before I could turn around, I heard them talking about me.
"That girl of Renée's is going to be more trouble than she's worth, Phil. No man is going to pay a decent price for a girl who's so…tenacious and brazen." I recognized Demetri's voice.
What the hell is he talking about…selling me? I hid behind a column, so I was out of sight.
"She has her beauty going for her. Plus her breasts are the real thing. And you're forgetting her being a virgin alone will be worth a few hundred grand," Phil said.
"What about the kickboxing? Who's going to want a girl who fights back?" scoffed another.
"It can be beaten out of her. Plenty of clients like it a bit rough. I can think of a few men who are tired of girls being too weak and would welcome the challenge," Afton said. "She goes."
My heart started thumping wildly in my chest and my breath caught in my throat. What the fuck? Phil was involved with human trafficking. I nearly jumped out of my skin when a hand covered my mouth. I knocked it away and whirled to face my attacker.
"Wait, I want to help you," Garrett whispered and held up his hands.
I narrowed my eyes. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't start screaming?"
"Because, if you alert any of the men you're out here, it's over for you. Because you'll be outnumbered. Come with me and I'll help you." He glanced at the room nervously.
"Why should I trust you? For all I know you'll be leading me to a van to bound and gag me."
"I'm not carrying," He lifted his jacket and did a tiny spin. "And I'm pretty sure you could take me solo compared to the lot of them."
"Fine. But if this is a trick, your neck is the first one I snap," I threatened.
"I don't doubt that for a second. Now, quickly, before someone hears us." He started backing away quietly.
I followed him down a series of hallways back to the dance floor. He gestured for me to take his hand. We started dancing in a small circle. He leaned his head close to me.
"This will be less obvious since there are cameras everywhere," he spoke in soft tone.
"They were talking about human trafficking, weren't they," I hissed.
He winced and nodded. "Yes, unfortunately, your mother married into a one of the biggest crime families in Florida."
"Like the mob?" I scoffed. "What do you take me for? Mobs ran around during the prohibition period, not today."
"They are very much still alive and everywhere. New York, Boston, Chicago…I could go on and on."
"And I'm not stupid, you're a part of that family. So why am I supposed to trust you?" I demanded.
He shifted so his forehead rested against mine. It looked intimate to the outside observer, but I could see the tortured look in his eyes.
"Because of my Katrina. We were so in love, she was my everything. My uncle sold her to the highest bidder. I begged him to reconsider, but he ignored me. Katie was pregnant with our child, and her buyer found out on what would have been their forced wedding day. He shot her in her wedding dress at the altar—I lost them both." Garrett looked completely broken.
"I'm so sorry." I believed what he was telling me.
"I vowed at her funeral that I would put a stop to the trafficking. That I would break up the ring, but unfortunately it takes time. Time you don't have," he said.
"But what about the rest of these girls? We have to save them too. Like Heidi." I looked around the room for her.
"She's safe. Or at least safer. She's the granddaughter of Afton's righthand man. She would be used to marry into another strong family. One that wouldn't dare to hurt her so the relationship between the families stays good," Garrett explained.
"That is still messed up. She should marry who she wants," I responded.
"Will you listen to me. You're more in danger because you're not a virgin. One of their biggest selling points. I overheard you at the gym. If they find out, you will be killed. As good of a fighter you are, you can't beat a Glock."
"I can shoot," I said.
He looked impressed. "Do you have a gun?"
"No." I frowned.
"Then that's a fruitless point at the moment. We have to get you out of town, the sooner the better," he insisted.
"What about my mom?" I grew worried about her.
"She's untouchable as Phil's wife," Garrett explained as the slow song stopped.
He pulled away when a fast song came on next. "Let's go out to the veranda for some air."
I nodded in agreement and followed him out. We found a secluded area away from the party goers. "You want me to believe that no harm will come to my mom from people who sell women like cattle?"
He sighed. "We do have some codes, wives are hands-off."
"Yeah, I'm not buying it." I shook my head. "I'm going to tell her everything and we are leaving for my dad's. He's a police officer, so he'll be able to protect us."
"He's small town, he won't be able to handle heavily armed mafia men with tricks up their sleeves. You'll only be putting a target on his back. You need to go alone, somewhere where they won't expect. I have a plan, but you have to trust me. Leave tomorrow morning, like normal, and meet me at the gym. We'll make your escape from there. Pack light, don't take anything that Phil had a hand giving you, including your cell phone," he explained.
"Fine, but if anything happens to my mom, I'm holding you personally responsible," I threatened him.
"Dully noted. Speaking of your mother, she's headed this way." He looked over my shoulder. "Mrs. Dwyer, you look lovely this evening."
"Thank you, Garrett." She looked at him appraisingly before turning to me. "Isabella, I was wondering where you ran off to."
"I wasn't feeling well, so I decided to get some fresh air." It wasn't really a lie at the moment. My stomach was filled with knots.
Mom frowned and placed a hand to my forehead. "You do look flushed. You probably caught something traveling over the holidays."
"I'll see you tomorrow at the gym. That is, if you're feeling better," Garrett excused himself.
"Garrett Costa is a nice match," Mom said approvingly.
I shrugged. "He's nice. Mom, I'm sorry about earlier, I've been feeling off all night. Do you mind if I go home to bed and send the car back for you and Phil?"
Mom eyed me carefully before she nodded. "Perhaps it is for the best. Go get some rest."
"I will," I told her.
Days
It was three in the morning, and I couldn't sleep. I already had my backpack from high school packed with a couple of changes of clothes and all the cash I had on me. Everything else was staying here. I was lying on my bed, fully dressed, unable to sleep.
I jumped out of my skin when Mom burst into my room, looking frantic. When she saw I was awake, she tilted her head toward the bathroom. I followed her inside and she turned on the shower full blast and the exhaust fan.
"Bella, we have to talk. I have something I need to tell you, but we have to speak quietly." She glanced around the room in search of something. "I don't think there are cameras in here but I'm not sure."
It was then I knew that she knew. "Mom."
She shook her head. "You have to listen to me. On the car ride home, I closed my eyes to rest them. Philip must have thought I was asleep, but I heard him on the phone. I don't know how to tell you this—"
"Mom, I know. He…Afton is going to sell me to the highest bidder," I told her.
"How?" Her eyes widened.
"I took a wrong turn when I came out of the bathroom and overheard them all talking. Garrett is going to help me leave. I can't tell you where I'm going for your own safety," I informed her.
Her eyes widened even more. "No…no…just no. He's Afton's nephew, you can't trust him. He's probably luring you away under false pretenses for his uncle. I failed you with James, I won't again." She held up a black card with dark gray writing that was hard to read.
"Go to this address—they will help you. It was given to me in Phoenix. They specialize in helping women in these kinds of situations. I was told if I ever needed them to contact them at this address," she instructed.
I carefully read it. "How do you know this isn't another trap?"
Mom bit her lip and hung her head a bit. "Because they took care of James discreetly."
"But I thought…"
"Baby, we don't have time for all this. I will explain it all one day…hopefully. We need you to go, and no one, including Garrett, should know where you are going. We need an excuse for you to be gone a few days that won't raise suspicion." She rubbed her forehead.
I chewed on my lip and got an idea. "What if we say I'm using my break to check a couple of grad schools. I had been looking into Columbia even though it seems far-fetched. But New York would be in the wrong direction."
"That will work." She dug a wad of money out of her robe. "This is all I have—it's a couple of thousand, be careful with it. Don't use a credit card, it can be tracked. I think you should take the bus. I don't think they require an I.D. like a plane ticket would. But just in case." She pulled something else out of her pocket.
I looked at her very old I.D. in her maiden name. We could easily be sisters.
"Good thing your mother is a pack rat, right? Hopefully, they won't look too closely at the date. I'll buy your plane ticket online." She gave me a weak smile.
"Mom, please be careful." I grew upset.
"Bella, I am your mother, and I would do anything to protect you. Don't worry about me. I'll keep up the charade as long as I'm still breathing. You were right earlier, I've turned into someone I can't stand. I've gotten caught up with wanting to fit in. I'm sorry that I put you in danger, once again. I'm a terrible mother." She started to cry.
"You're not a terrible mother." I hugged her, hoping it wasn't for the last time.
She took a step back and placed her hand on my cheek. "Go. Leave as early as you can before Phil wakes up." She kissed my cheek and left.
I shut off the water and fan and went to my desk. I wrote a fake note to my mom, saying I was going on college visits to leave on the kitchen counter. I pretended to accidentally drop my phone and kicked it under my bed. I grabbed my car keys, then I realized I couldn't leave it at the bus station. I decided city transportation would work since I only needed to flash them my student I.D., and there was a stop two streets away—an easy walk.
I tried to act as if everything was normal as I left the house without looking back. I said a little prayer that my mother was going to be okay and I was doing the right thing.
Two hours later, I was on a bus heading to Chicago. I was able to purchase the ticket without any problem. The ticket agent looked half asleep so early in the morning. The ride took over a day with one bus transfer. I tried to go unnoticed and only nibbled on the couple day old muffins I had sneaked from the kitchen and water.
When I got off the bus, I was exhausted, hungry, and cold. I hadn't factored in the winter weather. I hadn't been able to sleep on the bus, due to nerves. I glanced at the card for an Anthony Masen. I hoped he could help me, like my mother said. I took another cab ride about two blocks from the address on the card then walked the rest of the way. I was freezing by the time I got there.
The house was larger than I expected, and I pushed the intercom by the gate.
"Yes?"
"I'm here to see Anthony Masen?"
"Do you have an appointment?"
"No, my mother sent me. She gave me his card." I held it up to the camera.
"Pull off your hood so I can see your face…please."
I did what I was told nervously.
"Well, that's horse of a different color. Come on in, the door is open."
The gate buzzed and I walked on the path to the house. The door was slightly open, so I stepped inside.
"Hello?" I said apprehensively, on guard.
"Gotcha." A hand clamped onto my shoulder.
I went into autopilot and elbowed my attacker in the stomach before flipping him over me. He landed on his back, looking up at me with a bewildered expression. I calmed only slightly when I recognized him.
"Shrek?" I snapped.
"Damn, Tommy, that hurt," he complained, rubbing the back of his head.
Laughter erupted, and I looked up to see Jasper clutching his side as he doubled over. He was laughing so hard that his eyes teared.
"What is going on?" I demanded.
Before they could answer, a louder voice cut through the air. Edward stormed into the room, looking half crazed, waving a gun around. He looked nothing like the boy I used to know.
"How could you lose her? I fucking trusted you and you failed. I'm going to kill you!" He hung up angrily. "Emmett, what the hell was so important—" He stopped abruptly when he spotted me. "Bella?"
His eyes were dark and stormy, and he stretched out his hand that was holding the gun toward me. I stepped back quickly, forgetting Emmett was still on the floor and tripped over him. My head hit something hard and everything went black.
A/N: A big plot twist for you. I will warn you there are some darker moments ahead. There will be no explicit scenes of rape or abuse, I won't go that far. However, some of these situations will be mentioned (nothing to detailed) and there will be mild violence.
Did any of you miss Heidi? I have young children and her bubbliness was inspired by Leni Loud from the Loud House on Nickelodeon. Also, for those who didn't recognize the names Troy and Gabriella, they of from Disney's High School Musical.
Edward's back, and probably not in the way any of you expected the reunion to go either. He will have a pov coming up, Ch. 12.
Thank you for sharing all your thoughts with me.
