Warning: This chapter includes implied sexual assault. No graphic scenes, but it is implied. If you're concerned, please PM me.
Bella
"So, do you think you have everything you need for school next month?" Esme is busy in the kitchen, preparing the meal for their weekly family dinner. I had been shocked when I learned that the Cullen family only hires a cook or extra household workers for holidays or large gatherings; Esme preferring to care for her family herself.
Seated on a barstool at the counter, I'm looking through a magazine. "I think so. I mean, we ordered the uniforms, and I've got all my supplies. I'm not sure what else I need. But school doesn't start for like three more weeks."
The last couple of months have been incredibly busy. Between visiting a handful of schools and interviewing for a few of them, settling in here, as well as just the emotional turmoil I've been dealing with, I'm mentally and physically exhausted. Though, I've gotten extremely close with Esme during this time, which has been great. She's been a shoulder to cry on, and has shown me she's someone who I can depend on. She's been so patient and understanding with me, even when I'm being difficult.
"Well, even if you don't need any supplies, there are things like shoes, maybe a haircut. And three weeks will fly by before you know it. Oh!" She turns to me, her eyes wide and bright, and a smile on her face. "I know, how about a spa day? We could go get manicures and pedicures, oh, and facials too!"
Her excitement makes me smile. "Esme, I've never done anything like that," I say, shaking my head. "The most girlie I've ever been is painting my nails with My Little Pony polish when I was eight years old. I ended up spilling it all over the kitchen table. My dad was so mad. He took it away and said I couldn't have any more make up in the house." My smile begins to fade, thinking about my dad, reliving the memory. "He said I was beautiful enough and didn't need any of that stuff," I recall with a few tears in my eyes.
Esme walks over to me, wrapping me in her arms. "And he was right, a stóir, you are beautiful without any of that stuff. But a spa day is just about pampering yourself. And if anyone needs that, it's you. Besides, in a house full of men, I don't get to do things like that very often. And now, I have a beautiful young lady to spend the day with. You'll indulge me this once, won't you?"
"I suppose I could do that," I say with an exaggerated huff, followed by a giggle. It just makes her chuckle.
"Well, I don't want to twist your arm or anything." She winks before releasing her hold on me and goes back to what she was working on.
"You said you don't get to do the spa thing very often. Doesn't Alice like to do stuff like that?" I ask, knowing I should tread lightly where the subject of Alice is concerned.
"Yes, I'm sure she does," she says in a very diplomatic tone. "She usually takes any opportunity she can to spend money. But I prefer to spend my time in the company of...pleasant individuals." She turns to look me in the eye. "She won't be joining us."
I just nod, knowing that I shouldn't push the issue. The last several weeks has shown me that Alice, as well as Jasper, like to keep their distance from the family. When they are here, they're rude and disrespectful. Jasper especially makes me feel uncomfortable; as if he's always watching me. I can't figure out why he stares at me the way he does, but it's unnerving. Alice isn't any better but in a different way. She's more concerned with keeping up appearances. She likes to flaunt her new baubles, and even I'm embarrassed by the way she speaks to Esme when Carlisle isn't in the room. They still show up for the weekly family dinners, though, but they're not interested in the conversation and act like they'd rather be anywhere but here.
That evening, as everyone arrives, I'm quiet and stay out of the way, trying my best to help Esme finish preparing the meal. My busy work is interrupted by the booming sound of Emmett's entrance. Having decided to take a semester off, he hasn't returned to school yet. Knowing his arrival should also bring with it a new friend, I rush out into the foyer to welcome her.
The recent development of meeting Rosalie, Emmett's girlfriend, has been great. She's only two years older than me, and we actually get along pretty well. She's a little rough around the edges, but she's honest, and Emmett adores her.
Speaking of Emmett, he's been gone more than he's been home. The same goes for Edward. Esme says they've been busy doing some work for their dad, and I know enough about what goes on around here to know not to ask any questions.
"Bella!" Rose's face lights up as I come around the corner, opening her arms for a hug.
"Hi, Rose." It feels good to have this; a friend close to my age that isn't concerned with money or appearances.
"How are you?" She seems genuinely interested, which still surprises me. Outwardly, she looks like someone who wouldn't give a plain Jane like me the time of day; one of the 'popular girls.' However, she's always been warm and kind toward me.
"I'm okay. We finally picked a school," I say, leading her toward the dining room.
"Oh? What did you decide?"
Carlisle is already seated at the table, as well as Edward when we walk into the room. And like the gentlemen they are, they rise from their seats as they greet us.
"Good evening, ladies," Carlisle says with a smile.
"Hello, Carlisle." Rose greets his with a smile of her own. "Edward," she says with a nod in his direction.
"Rose, Bella. You're both looking lovely this evening." Edward's polite welcome brings a smile to my face.
"Thank you."
"Yes, thank you," Rose and I both respond.
"So, Bella, did I hear Rose asking you about school? Have you decided on one?" Edward asks, his kind, green eyes finding mine.
"Oh, um we decided on Commonwealth. It's a small school, and the staff seemed really nice."
The rest of the family joins us, Jasper and Alice trailing Esme and Emmett.
"I had a cousin that went there, and she loved it," Rose says. "They offered quite a few unique classes, considering there are less than two hundred students there. I'm sure you'll love it." Emmett takes his seat next to her, kissing her cheek as he does, then shoots me a wink.
"So, what did I miss?" he asks as he scoots in his chair.
"Bella was just telling us that she made a decision on where to enroll for the next school year," Carlisle answers.
"Oh, yeah?"
I nod. "Yes, I'm going to be attending Commonwealth."
"I've heard some good things about them." Emmett's warm smile causes me to offer one in return.
The family eases into light conversation, of which I'm mostly an observer. Watching them interact seems to be much more entertaining anyway.
"So, Edward, will you be bringing Heidi with you next week?" Esme casually asks her son, a look of mischief in her eyes. I expect him to be defensive or deny his mother's request, but Edward's reaction isn't what I anticipated.
His usual, somewhat rough demeanor softens. "Uh, actually, I might. I've asked her if she wanted to come and meet the family, and she said she'd think about it."
"Oh, Eddie, that's grand! We would love to meet her. Emmett tells us she's a lovely girl."
"Yeah, I heard she was real...lovely," Jasper mumbles under his breath from across the table. His rarely heard input causes everyone to turn in his direction.
"And what the hell is that supposed to mean?" Edward's voice is low, almost a growl.
"Eh, I've just heard a few things," he responds, shrugging his shoulders.
"And I'm sure that your sources are reliable," Edward shoots back, sarcasm dripping from his words. "Because we all know what kind of company you keep," he says, his eyes flashing to Alice.
"Whatever," Jasper says indignantly, grabbing his glass of amber colored liquid and tossing it back. I'm mesmerized by the bob of his Adam's apple as he swallows; the sharp edge of his jaw getting my attention. He's nothing like the boys I went to school with last year. I'm startled from my ogling when he slams his glass down; his piercing blue eyes finding mine before I avert my gaze.
Shaking his head and turning back to his mother, Edward's expression softens once again. "I should know in the next few days. Even if it's not next week, it should be soon."
"Well, we would be happy to have her."
The comment made by Jasper has caused obvious tension, and conversation is strained from then on. After dessert is served, and while we're enjoying the warm apple cake, Carlisle speaks.
"Jasper, your mother and I need to make an unexpected trip out of the country next week, and your brothers have some work that I need them to attend to, so we will need you to stay here with Bella for a few days while we're gone."
Jasper's jaw tenses; I imagine he's gritting his teeth. After taking another swig from his refilled glass, he places it back on the table, shaking his head.
"Are you serious? You need me to play babysitter while my brothers, my younger brothers, have an assignment from you?"
At his remark, I drop my gaze to my lap, embarrassed by being made to feel like a young child who apparently needs a babysitter.
"First, how dare you question me! Remember your place, Jasper! As the oldest, you're being given the greatest responsibility. Bella's safety is the most important thing. I won't trust that to any of my other men. I'd take her with us, but this time, it just isn't possible."
"Unbelievable," he mutters under his breath. "Fine," he snaps. "When do we need to be here?" he asks, glancing over at his inebriated wife. I'm pretty sure she was buzzed when she walked in tonight, but now she's well on her way to being completely wasted.
"Well, if your wife can manage to sober up, she's welcome to join you on Thursday. We leave in the afternoon, so I expect you to be here before then. We should be home early on Sunday."
"Sober, huh?" he asks with a humorless chuckle. "I'll see what I can do." With that, he abruptly stands, throwing the napkin from his lap onto the table. "Mother, thank you for another wonderful family dinner experience. I'd hate to miss being reminded on a weekly basis where my place is in this family and how disappointed you all are with my life choices." Turning to look at his wife, he shakes his head. "Come on, Alice. It's time to leave."
"Already? But Jazz, I haven't finished my drink," she whines, holding her glass in front of her face.
"I'll get you another one at home. Come on, it's time to go." With that, he grabs her by the arm and out of her chair. Their dramatic exit has momentarily silenced the room. That is until Emmett breaks the quiet.
"Well, now that the drama's over, who wants to go fire up the Xbox?" His random, lighthearted comment and playful expression make Esme smile, and Rose and me laugh, breaking the tension in the room. Though I don't miss the look exchanged by Carlisle and Edward.
Thursday afternoon, Jasper arrives, sans Alice, and takes up residence in the den. He doesn't say much to me, and I try to keep my distance. We spend the majority of the time avoiding each other. Other than him once catching sight of me running to my room from the pool, I haven't seen much of him.
Friday morning, I take advantage of the quiet and sort through the remaining boxes that came from my old home. This is one thing I've been avoiding, saving it until last. It holds all sorts of mementos; a few of Dad's journals, photo albums, a few framed pictures of Charlie and me, some old stuffed animals, and at the bottom of the box, a few home movies. Looking at my dad's messy scrawl on the ends of the tapes, there are dates and occasions. Seeing one marked Bella's first b-day - 18 months, I lift it from the box. It's an old VHS cassette, and I wonder if the Cullens own a player.
Getting to my feet, I pad down the stairs to the den, making sure the coast is clear. I'd rather not share this private moment with anyone, least of all Jasper. Poking my head in the door, I see that he's nowhere in sight. Walking in, I explore the intimidating wall of electronics, looking for a VHS player. Finally, I spy the machine at the bottom of the stack and gently push in the tape.
The huge television comes to life, and I'm thankful that I didn't have to hunt for a remote or try to figure out how to turn it on. The blue screen disappears, and I see the shaky images in its place.
"Damnit, Renee, am I doing this right? How do I know it's working?" His face appears in the frame, the camera capturing a pretty good shot right up his nose. I scurry over to the oversized sofa and settle under a throw.
"First of all, Charles, don't curse in front of the baby. Second of all, I see the red light, so I'm pretty sure it's working. Can you see me through the lens?" The sound of my mother's voice brings tears to my eyes.
I don't remember hearing it. She was taken from us when I was three years old, so I don't have any real recollection of her, just vague hints of memories; some smells and sounds cause me...feelings of remembrance. However, nothing prepares me for the emotions that wash over me when I see her face. I've seen pictures, but to see her living, breathing, it takes my breath away.
"Oh, there are my beautiful girls! And you, Miss Bella, my little birthday girl! Are you ready for some cake?" My mother places me in the high chair and wraps a bib around my chubby little neck. Watching her blow a raspberry into my cheek causes me to giggle through my tears.
"Mommy will be right back. It's time for some cake for our big girl!" Mom leaves the frame, and it's just my dad and me in the room. Just hearing him talk in the video makes all sorts of feelings flow through me. Conflicting feelings of sadness and happiness are both there. I miss him so badly.
The lights of the room on the screen dim, and I hear my mother's voice, my father soon joining in.
"Happy birthday to you
happy birthday to you
happy birthday dear Bella
happy birthday to you!"
On the screen, my wide, excited eyes take in the colorful cake, the single candle on top, my one-year-old self clapping. Dad must set the camera down on something, because he soon joins the frame, him on one side of me, Mom on the other. They help me blow out the candle, and then encourage me to eat the cake. I'm so lost in watching the scene in front of me, I miss Jasper walking into the room.
"You doin' okay?"
His question and sudden appearance surprise me. He's never asked how I was doing, or shown any concern for me before.
"I'm fine," I say, drawing the throw tighter around me.
"You don't look fine. This one of your tapes?" he asks, pointing at the screen, as he takes a seat next to me on the sofa.
"Yes. I'm sure your parents don't make a habit of keeping video tapes of other people's families." I'm sure my snark is offending him, but I really don't care.
He chuckles. "You sure are a mouthy one, aren't you?"
"My father always taught me to speak my mind," I retort.
"I'm sure he did." He eyes me up and down, his gaze lingering on my lips, before turning back to the television.
Silence settles between us, the video still playing. When he gets up and offers to get me a drink, I'm a little confused.
"You do realize I'm only sixteen? I'm sure you're used to offering your wife her preferred refreshments, but I don't drink."
"Of course I realize you're only sixteen. We do have other beverages. How about a Coke?"
Taking his offer at face value, I make an effort to play nice even though I don't care for Jasper or the way he treats his family, he's still part of them, so I accept.
"Yes, a Coke would be great, thank you."
"All right then."
Just as he reaches the doorway, I call out, "Oh, and lots of ice, please."
"Well, since you said please," he says with a wink.
When he returns with my glass, he's also carrying one of his own. The familiar dark amber liquid nearly sloshes out when he plops down next to me.
"Thank you," I say as he hands it to me.
"You're quite welcome, Isabella," he says with a sniff of his nose.
I ignore the use of my full name, as well as his dilated pupils, and take a drink from my glass. It's cold, bubbly, and sweet, and gone before I know it. Watching the video, lost in my memories, the sadness again begins to close in on me.
"Jasper, why did someone have to take them from me?"
"I don't know, pretty girl," he says, putting his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close to him.
"Someone took them both and it isn't fair." I turn my face to his chest, feeling the warmth against my cheek.
"I know, Bella. But something I learned a long time ago, is that life isn't fair. I mean, my own father doesn't trust me with things he should. I'm the oldest, and he's got me here babysitting, for Christ's sake, while my little brothers are out there doing his bidding. Hell, my own wife is a drunk that I think is fucking the landscaper. So, I know all about things not being fair."
His words are muddled, fuzzy in my brain. Jasper's mention of his wife makes me think there's something wrong with what he's doing; sitting here like this with me. But the thoughts seem to drift away as fast as they came as his earlier comment comes back to me.
"You think I'm pretty?" I ask, looking up at him.
"Of course, little Bella. You're very pretty."
"My daddy used to tell me I was pretty." I blink, then turn back to the television. The images flashing on the screen don't make much sense to me anymore; the baby toddling on unsteady legs looks distorted, so I close my eyes.
"Well, he was right," he says, suddenly nuzzling into my neck. "You're a very pretty girl." Feeling his lips brush the spot behind my ear makes me all tingly, and I scoot closer to him, enjoying the sensations running through me. Feeling something, anything, besides the pain of my memories is a welcome distraction.
"That feels really nice," I hear myself say, but my own voice sounds as if I'm underwater.
"I can make you feel so good, Bella. Make you forget all the bad things. Can I help you forget?"
"I want to forget," I mumble as his lips move along my jaw to find my own. His kiss is...invasive, sloppy, but he's right; I suddenly don't remember why I was so upset. My mind drifts from aware to oblivious; moments of blackness washing over me. At one point, I feel like I'm floating, then I'm surrounded by softness.
The chill that comes over my skin comes and goes, as rough skin slides against my own as it's exposed. When the rough warmth leaves me, I hear his mumbled words float through my consciousness.
"We don't want to be interrupted, now do we?"
Hearing the click of the lock on my bedroom door is the last thing I remember before I'm swallowed by a sea of black.
A/N: Still with me?
For those of you that read the O/S, you knew there was something like this coming. Even if Bella had gone to his bed fully aware and willing, in the state of Massachusetts, "statutory rape law is violated when a person has consensual sexual intercourse with an individual under age 16. The age of consent is raised to 18 if the victim is ""of a chaste life"" and the offender induces them to have sexual intercourse." (Taken from AgeOfStatesMassachusetts dot net states Massachusetts - you now the drill...remove the spaces, yada yada.) I'd say she was induced.
Thanks to FyreByrd, Gabby1017, Life and Death's Lullabies, and TheMetroDad for pre-reading, and to Fran for beta- ing this for me. Though, I fiddled, so all mistakes are mine.
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