Chapter seven

Arrangements-

Bella POV-

The workday passed as quickly as yesterday, as I mostly sorted out new cases, answered the phone, and learned how the system worked. It was much easier than I expected, and got the hang of it almost right away. I scheduled appointments and kept track of when he had them. It was actually to the point where he could leave the office to meet a client, and I would be fine by myself, even though it was only my second day.

I was getting nervous as the day went on. I didn't really want Edward to see the pictures, but I knew that he would have to. By his reaction when I first told him that Jacob had hit me, Alice hadn't told him what was going on. I almost wished now that she had.

After I had scheduled the last appointment of the day, I went over to Edwards desk, waiting for him to finish with a client in the back room. I sat in his chair and closed my eyes, sighing. I'd remembered to bring the pictures, along with the diary of sorts. Before I knew it i'd drifted off to sleep.

I woke up abruptly as a heard a chuckle from behind me.

"Comfortable?" His smooth voice held a hint of laughter.

"Yes. I'm afraid I haven't been sleeping well. I'm sorry that I fell asleep. I hope you don't mind." I said, blushing.

"No, don't worry. Now, let's get started."

"And get finished as soon as possible, I don't really like talking about this." The few times that I had, it made me feel uncomfortable, weak.

"We'll try. Why don't you show me what you have?"

I gave him the diary, and he read through it quickly. He must've been in advanced reading, I thought. He frowned at seemed agitated. He reached up to pinch the bridge of his nose and took a few deep breaths, closing his eyes.

"And the pictures?" His voice was strained, almost.

I handed them over and pulled my knees up to my chin, resting my feet on the edge of his chair. I'd always sat like this when I was younger. It was surprisingly comfortable. He just shook his had and sighed as he flipped through them. I already knew what they looked like. There was a obvious bruise in the shape of a hand on my back, along with a picture of my spine, in bruises, and a big bruise on the right side of my spine, from where I'd hit the wall. I'd also taken a picture of my wrist, where you could clearly see a handprint, and the bruise on the side of my head, from when he'd hit me the day before.

"I'm sorry." I said. I didn't mean to cause him this much frustration. I thought he would be used to it by now, being a lawyer and everything. He'd surely had his share of abuse cases.

"No, don't be sorry. Never be sorry for what he did. I'm just… mad. I'm mad at him for doing this to you. I should have been desensitized by now, but this… I'm sorry that this had to happen to you. You really don't deserve it at all."

"I'm just lucky that I got out of there when I did. Only Alice would be able to move someone across the country overnight." I chuckled, thinking about my friend. I missed her company and energy.

He joined in my laughter, agreeing. "Don't I know it. That girl could evacuate an entire town overnight if she had the chance. Or clear out an entire mall. So, I'll send him a notice in the mail, saying that he'll need to appear in court for a divorce case. I assume you'll fight for custody at the same case?"

"I would like to. Just get everything over at once. Quick, painless, and easy." I said, trying to reassure myself. I knew I could face him again if I had to. I just really, really, didn't want to.

"Not exactly painless… are you sure that you'll be okay with seeing him again?" He asked, clearly concerned.

"Oh, I'll be okay. Just a little uncomfortable, is all. I did after all run away from him, overnight. I'm sure he's furious with me."

"Well, I'm furious with him. So I guess we're even."

I laughed. "Two against one? That's hardly even."

"I suppose so. Will you be pressing charges against him for the abuse?"

I hesitated. "Well, I hadn't really thought about that. I don't really want him to end up in jail, I mean, he has a job and a family. I don't want to take him away from his mother. She loves him very much."

"I understand. So no?"

"No. All I need is a divorce, and sole custody, maybe a restraining order?" That seemed fair. A half way mark, of some sorts.

"That would definitely be possible to get. You have more evidence against him than people who get restraining orders all the time."

"Okay. What else?" I asked.

"Nothing, at least not right now. You do know that he might not even show up, and then you automatically get custody, and the divorce is granted. Right?"

"Yes. I'm hoping that he doesn't show up. But can we have the case somewhere half way? I don't even want him to know that I live in Alaska, much less know the town, too. I don't feel safe, quite yet. Not until this whole thing is over."

"That's understandable. And common, especially in cases of abuse. But you really don't have to worry. Not only does he not know what state you're in, he doesn't know that you live in Anchorage, or in this apartment complex. He doesn't have a key to the front door, either, or one to your apartment. You really are safe."

"I know. It's just stressful, still."

"If it makes you feel better, we're also installing a code lock. You'll put your key into the system, and punch in the code." He brightened at the idea. It was obvious that he was excited.

"That's cool. Sounds like a good idea to me."

"I thought so. How is Connor?" He asked, curious. I thought it was sweet that he seemd to like my baby so much.

"He's good, teething. I was up with him half the night. Emmett claims he's an angel, though. I think he's just really good with him." I smiled at the thought.

"He's always loved kids, even when we were littler. It was always funny to see, someone in the family would have a baby, and of course all the women would be surrounding the mother, along with the little girls, and among them all, there was Emmett. Waiting patiently for his turn to hold the baby."

I laughed. "Someone should've taken a picture, and shown it to Rosalie."

"I'm surprised someone didn't. Probably because all the women who were always taking pictures were surrounding the baby themselves."

My stomach growled loudly. I'd been too busy to eat lunch. I tended to get sucked into all the commotion and completely forget about the need to eat. Oh well.

Edward looked at me, his eyes concerned. "Hungry? I should let you go. Seeming as how you don't take lunch break."

"I was busy." I said in my defense. "But really, thank you for helping me. I'm glad someone I can trust is defending me."

"You're really welcome."

I walked out the door, saying a quick "Bye." I wanted to get home and eat, and see how Connor was doing. When I opened the door I laughed. The movie Shrek was playing on the television, and Emmett was asleep on the couch, with Connor curled up on his chest. I ran into my bedroom and found my camera, taking a picture of them together. I would have to show Edward later, and probably Emmett also. It was just too cute not to.

I twisted my hair up into a messy sort of bun, so my hair would be out of the way while I cooked. I left the boys sleeping on the couch, not wanting to disturb their peaceful moment.

I decided to make salad and soup tonight. Something fairly quick and easy. I started the soup, pouring chicken broth and water into a pot, and adding noodles, to boil. Then I got some chicken out of the refrigerator and put it in a pan to fry. I washed my hands, and then quickly made salads. I flipped the chicken, and put the salad along with dressing on the table. I wasn't sure if Emmett was going to stay and eat, so I made sure there was enough salad for two. If he wasn't I would just put it in the refrigerator for tomorrow.

I waited for the chicken to get well cooked, and cut it into little pieces, putting it in the soup. I turned the heat down, and stirred. Then I chopped up some carrots and celery into very small pieces and added them also, adding salt and pepper to the soup.

By now Connor was starting to fuss, and Emmett woke up at the sound. He looked confused to find me in the kitchen, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"What time is it?" He asked, groggy.

"Quarter to six," I replied, walking over to take Connor.

"Oh. I'm sorry I fell asleep. He wore me out." Emmett yawned and walked into the bathroom.

I laughed. I knew what that was like, alright. I was going to have to start thinking about buying even warmer clothes. It was August now, but it was always cold here. And it was going to start getting even colder faster than I could imagine. I shuddered at the thought. At least I didn't really have to leave the building unless I was going shopping. It was incredibly convenient to work and live in the same building.

Emmett emerged from the bathroom, looking more awake.

"Are you hungry? Dinner should be ready in about a half hour." I said.

"Yeah, that'd be great. Rose is out with her mom tonight, so I'd just go home and cook something myself anyways. It smells good."

"Thanks. Chicken noodle soup usually does, it's pretty hard to mess up. How was Connor today?" I asked, curious if the novelty of a baby had worn off yet.

"He was pretty good. He got fussy this afternoon, but that's probably because of his teething. They're definitely coming in, too. He's drooling everywhere."

"Tell me about it. I know I have a teething ring around here somewhere…" I said, glancing around.

"I put it in the refrigerator earlier. He seems to really like it."

"Wow. You really have this baby thing down. I'm impressed." I walked over to stir the soup.

"Yeah… I've always liked kids. I hope Rosalie and I can have them later down the road."

"Does she want kids, too?" It would be a shame for him not to have kids, he was obviously gifted in taking care of them.

"Yes, but she's busy with her career and social life right now. She's not ready to give that up quite yet."

The rest of the time I was cooking soup passed in about the same way. Talking about kids, jobs, Rosalie, and how they'd met. While we ate it was the same, just getting to know each other a little better. After we were both done eating, he excused himself and said that he would see me again tomorrow. Kissing Connor on the forehead, who smiled at him and giggled, he shut the door behind him.

I couldn't help smile at Emmetts gesture toward Connor. Jacob had ever shown any type of affection to either of us, much less the baby. It made me feel even better about the current situation. He obviously didn't care that he wasn't working in the office. He really truly loved being able to take care of Connor.

I cleaned up after dinner and played with Connor until he got sleepy. Then I softly sang to him, and walked around the house with him until he fell asleep. I tucked him in and then went to sleep, wondering what would happen tomorrow.

Yes, I know that soup takes longer than an hour, but I didn't want this chapter to be too long. I was going to do Edward POV also, but Bella just flowed. Next chapter will start out with his thoughts, I think.

Your reviews really keep me going, so please take the time to let me know what you're thinking!

Also, what is the favor that Alice did for Edward, and his brothers? I have some ideas, that I think are okay, but not WOW. Let me know you're ideas.