I play with the people in my head I own nothing
It was Monday lunch time when Bella heard the second or was it the third rumor. She smiled as it floated around her she could care less. Edward smiled as he stood waiting for her to sit when she reached the table. Rose snickered but patted Bella's knee. "God I wonder how much she had to pay them to sit there?" A beach bottle blond sniped as she went by. "I heard her father was mob boss." The stringy haired brunette spoke cattily as they moved by the table. Bella heard Rose and Alice's intake of breath and laid a hand on Rose's arm. "My father would not disrespect Uncle Stephen like that. Aunt Irene would not allow it." Bella said haughtily as she rolled her eyes at the girls. "He was a supplier for God's sake get your stories straight." The blond and brunette stopped opened mouth and starred. "Take a photo it will last longer." Bella said turning from the girls. Both huffed as they stomped off. Alice broke the silence first as she could not control the giggle. "Bella that was awesome." Emmett said raising his hand for a high five. Bella blushed but hit his hand. "Oh man now that rumor will be going around." Jasper snorted. Bella shrugged. "My father was not a supplier for the mob Uncle Stephen had his own supplier we just checked the shipments." She said with a giggle at Rose's look. Rose nudged her smiling and laughed with the rest. "I have heard it all. This is nothing new." Bella said catching her breath. "When your fathers job is some time secretive and you have others looking out for you it is amazing what others will concoct in there minds." Edward watched her he was aware she did not lie well and this seemed straight forward even the part she said was a rumor.
Tuesday Edward was leaning close as they sat in biology together he knew she was leaving soon and would not be back till Thursday. He frowned as she shifted again. "What's wrong?" He asked under his breath. She frowned and blushed. "Nothing." He looked at her as her blush deepened. "Nothing you are awful fidgety for nothing." He watched her. She sighed but shook her head and stilled. He slid slightly closer and reaching down took her hand. Her cheeks pinked up again but she did not pull her hand away. "It will be alright I am right here." He said as the door opened. "But I will be in Florida." She whimpered as she pulled her hand away and stood as the teacher called her name. "Be safe." Edward said catching her eye at the door she gave a half smile but nodded. The rest of the day and the next he moped. "Edward she will be home tomorrow night." Rose said softly as she stood to leave the living room. He nodded moving to his piano in the other room when he finally left it, it was close to three. He was shocked to see he had a text message. 'Flight landed safely sweet dreams Bella.' Edward smiled and holding his phone curled up sleeping soundly until Alice bounded on the bed,
The flight was long and Tyson was just as fidgety as Bella was it was hard to tell who was happier when they landed. She smiled taking off her hoddie as the heat and sun washed over her. "Hotel first." He said leading her to the line of limo's her bag in hand. She flopped onto the bed in the suite sighing at the way she sunk into it. "Stephen will be here in an hour." Markus said as he shut her door and waited in the front room. Bella groaned. When she knew she could not wait any longer she moved to the bathroom taking the blue dress Alice had picked out from the garment bag. She would not wear black for her father he deserved more than that. The next twenty four hours would try her and they all knew it. She had not had time to greave for her father and his contacts and friends would be coming here to express there sorrow and share in her grief. She had not lied when she said her father did not supply for the mob but Stephen and him were close and would often share information with each other. Stephen would have the honor of taking her to the wake and making sure of her protection there. She was not scared per say but still this was one meeting she did not want to attend. Some one knocked on her door causing her to jump. "Bug time." Tyson called as the door bell of the suite rang. She checked her make up on last time snagged her hand bag and as Tyson opened the door she opened hers. "Uncle Stephen Aunt Irene." She cried tears suddenly forming as she leapt into her so called aunts arms. "It is alright little one." Irene crooned as she rocked her slightly. "It is not fair." Bella sniffed as she pulled away. Irene smiled sadly and wiped her cheeks. "I know love but we will take care of the matter." Stephen said laying a hand on her shoulder. With Stephen leading they moved to the limo that waited for them. "So I have heard you have met a boy?" Irene said watching Bella's cheeks turn scarlet. "He is handsome, they say." Bella smiled shyly but nodded a gleam in her eye. "Is he good?" Stephen asked roughly. "I think so he wants to be a physician." Bella said wistfully. Stephen nodded. "Good you need a good person." He said abruptly turning from the m to look out the window.
The car stopped in front of a beautiful white building and Stephen turned to Bella again. "You will have to make the decision." He said quietly. She nodded. "I will not take over for my father I am not mature enough nor am I as smart as he was. I would not be able to full fill his shoes." Bella said as a new tear fell. "Others will pressure they know you, you are familure to them." Irene said laying a hand on her knee. "I am not what they need." Bella said again firmly as the door opened. Stephen nodded. 'I will be sad to see it end, but I understand your reasons." He moved from the car holding a hand out for her several stopped and bowed there heads slightly as he led her past yes this was going to be a long night.
Bella moved from one person to the next she felt the remorse and love in the room but still could not let it persuade her. She was firm as she spoke to each boss with there guards looking on knowing Stephen was close by her side. He controlled all of these groups in one way or another she knew his power and feared for him after the display one had made of her father. She moved slowly through listening to stories of her father and herself when she was small. When Maria an older war worn woman stepped forward Bella crumbled, the tears could not stop as she sobbed into the grandmotherly embrace. "It will be alright Lizzy, I know it you will be fine." She murmured into her hair. When she had collected her self she looked up and noticed the area had cleared. "I am sorry. Maria." She whispered wiping her cheeks. "Nonsense child you have every right to morn." Maria said handing her a glass Bella sipped it carefully sighing as the wine she loved exploded with flavor. "What am I going to do with out him?" She asked looking lost at the men that milled around somberly. Maria smiled. "Continue to fight my dear." Bella sighed as she leaned her head on her shoulder again. "Fight who though?" She asked pensive. "The person that took him from you." Maria said as she hugged her again letting Stephen move forward to lead her to another associate.
The hour was very late as she was moved to the front of the room. A small microphone handed to her. "Thank you for coming." Her voice though soft was determined. "I know I have spoken with each of you but I want to say it one more time so there is no miscommunication. I am not going to fill my father's shoes. I do not have his intelligent determination and abilities. I could not serve you in the way you have become accustomed. I will not place you in a situation that could potentially be harmful or legally binding. I appreciate the love you had for my father and respect you have shown him I can not thank you enough for everything you have done for him and me." She handed the microphone to Stephen as the room clapped. "Little Miss you will still be on my list for all." Maria said with feeling. "I would appreciate that. You have become my family I do not wish to loose you." Bella said with feeling as others murmured there agreement to keep her on there guest list. Irene led her to a couch as Bella leaned heavily on her. "How much more? I can not handle this much longer." Bella whispered as they sat. "Soon honey soon." She squeezed her softly letting her sit. "I will get you a plate." Bella sighed she really was not hungry and was afraid eating at one in the morning would only make her sleepier. She rubbed her eyes and blinked them back into focus catching a blond head move behind another door. James, James was here. None of her father's guards were to be here. Why was he here? She looked again but could not find him she must be more tired than she thought. The sun was rising as she was carried into her room. Stephen laid her down carefully covering her before he moved to the living room.
"She has a meeting with Victoria at one." Markus said standing again. Stephen frowned. "She does not like her. I will contact Eric York he will handle her inheritance. I…." He stopped and looked back at Bella's room. "I do not trust Victoria. Meet with her and see what she has to say and then go to York's office I will be there." Markus nodded. Stephen moved to the door. "I have kept Tyson you and Carlos on staff for Bella I would like to add a Jacob Black he is close to her age and will be able to hide in plain sight at her school. I will find out who did this and why." Stephen shut the door with a snap and Markus smiled. Good he was glad to hear it Phil was a just fair man and deserved to have justice found for him. He hated to wake Bella at eleven thirty but wanted her to have time to get ready. Bella whimpered as she rolled over away from him. "Come now bug none of that it is almost over." He said firmly as she finally opened her eyes. Grumbling she moved to the bathroom. When she emerged dressed in a green pants suit he nodded with a small smile and hand her a cup of tea. She sipped it as they headed to Victoria's office.
Tyson was waiting in the lobby and caught Bella effortlessly as she leapt into his arms. He was aware of Bella's dislike for the lawyer and agreed with it. Victoria's office was cold both in temperature and in appearance. Bella was right Victoria did not like her nor did she enjoy having to work as her lawyer instead of her fathers, something was not right Victoria was fidgety. She was a grown women meeting a fifteen year old for goodness sakes. Markus frowned as he requested copies of the will and waited for the secretary to copy them, he noticed her hands shaking as she completed the task nervous because of him or something else. She added a sticky note to the document and handed it to him. Her smile was watery as she turned away. Moving he sat as the will was read his copy was not the same but he waited. Turning to the last page he stopped the sticky was there. 'this is the original she has made changes. It is not safe for her protect her.' The note read, now Markus understood. He smiled and nodded to the secretary who seemed to relax. "Thank you." Tyson said as he led Bella out. She was not sure of all of it but knew it was all hers now. She sighed as the car pulled away. "I would give it all up to have him back." She said looking out the window and frowning as they pulled up to another building.
"Uncle Stephen. What is wrong?" She asked as she was led into a well decorated room that had a normal temperature. "You were correct sir this is the will that should have been read and this is the one she read." Markus stated handing over several copies. Stephen nodded as he introduce Mr. York. "He will handle your legal affairs now." He said as Bella smiled at him. "Good I do not like Victoria she scares me." They discussed her future and went over the trust fund in better detail for her. Her head hurt as they left but she felt better knowing some one else was taking care of things. As they moved to the car again she sighed. "Ty call Sam I think I want something." He watched her but moved to complete what she wanted. "Cherry bug. How are you let me see your toes?" Sam said hugging her. She showed him and he smiled. "Looks good now what can I do for you?" He asked as she sat. She explained what she wanted and he looked at the area. "I think it will work do you have the gems?" Tyson nodded handing him a box. She closed her eyes and let the numbness seep into her face as the shot worked. "Isabella." Sam was calling her name. She blinked and yawned. "May be we should off tried putting you to sleep ages ago." Sam said handing her a mirror she smiled. Three diamonds had been implanted in her temple area framing her left eye. "Thank you." She said quietly as she moved out. "Looks very nice Cherry bug." Tyson said as he followed her out. "Ty I want to go home." Her tone was that like her father used and said there would be no arguing.
"Your plane…" "Can be changed." She interrupted him he nodded and as he headed out he made a call. "Stephen we are heading to the house." He said clipped. "I knew she would want to go there when she was ready the men are watching have her be careful there is not much left." Stephen's voice sounded pained. Tyson moved up the long drive slowly letting her get a full view of what had happened. She was having trouble comprehending it was gone. All gone. She opened the door herself as the car stopped. Smoke and ash still hung heavy in the air. Her eyes filled but from the acrid smell or pain she could not have said. "Lizzy." Tyson said quietly from her side. She shook her head and stepped into the rubble. She moved through the rooms stepping carefully. "I do not think you should be in there." Ty said worriedly. She moved to her father's rooms and looked at the crumbled walls and articles of furniture. She walked into the closet she used to play in when she was little and that no longer held clothes and stumbled. "Bella." Tyson shouted panicked as she fell. "I am fine." She said standing and brushing her pants off they were ruined. "I tripped on a box." He helped her pull it out and open it. She gasped at the jewels she found there. "These were your mothers." Tyson said as she opened the velvet boxes. She handed them to him and took the cash as well. He took the papers to give to Stephen. She moved once again through the rubble and found nothing but despair. Night was falling as she headed back to the car. "I have to shower." She said leaning heavily on Tyson.
Edward was early to school Thursday but as the bell rang to begin classes she still had not arrived. He moved heavily to class. "You could take notes and then she would have to get notes from you." Jasper said nudging him. Edward actually smiled at him. Paying attention in all his classes then he took notes for her. Alice was waiting by his car as they moved out after class. "May be her plane was delayed and she did not get in until today should we stop by her house just in case." Edward wasted no time once they were all in speeding from the lot. All were disappointed when no one was home. Leaving a note pinned to the door they headed home. "She has not answered a text since Tuesday. Do you think she is alright." Rose asked worried. "She has her body guards I am sure she is fine." Emmett said trying to reassure her. They were not a hopeful bunch as they headed home. Friday Edward was crushed she did not return as there classes started and as much as he tried to pay attention his mind wandered and the rest watched as he played listlessly with his food at lunch.
The flight took off late Friday morning with the boxes packed in her luggage she fretted they would not make it to Seattle with them. Tyson visibly relaxed when he took it off the caracole as well he had a feeling she had no clue how much the jewels cost. They had learned much over the last three weeks but were not to the bottom of the situation so she was to head back to Charlie's for safe keeping Stephen was doing what he could and soon she would be able to live with him but right now hiding her was there best plan it was looking more and more like both were the target and with the papers from the safe some how Victoria was involved. Tyson sighed she had to stay safe he had researched the Cullen's and believed they would be a good family to help her and keep her safely with some one if she would continue to let them. She had been through so much he prayed she was honestly holding up as well as she seemed to be. He watched her as they entered the town of Forks she looked so tired he knew she slept little as she paced her room last night. Sighing he carried her bags to her room. Charlie was working but would be home for supper.
Bella watched Tyson closely as he set her bags down and turned to her. She knew he had heard her pacing last night and was watching her just as close waiting for her to crack but she was her father's daughter and he had taught her well. She moved forward hugging him tightly he was amazed she did not cry then, may be she was doing well. He looked at her lifting her chin, she was hurting. "We are working on it Lizzy bug and will take care of it don't you worry about it alright?" His voice was firm as she nodded not trusting her voice. "I have to get back and catch a flight I will call you later this next week. She nodded and let the one tear fall. "I am fine." She said brushing it away frustrated. He kissed the top of her head. "Your computer and tea." He pointed to two open boxes in the corner at that she really did smile. As he left she moved to make Charlie's supper it was only canned chili but it gave her something to do she was cracking and knew it. He did not question her as they ate for which she was grateful. "I will take care of the dishes tonight." He said his eyes softening. She nodded and headed to bed showering she changed into her blue night gown and pulled out the boxes. The smoke smell filled her room as she put one necklace on and opened the rest her tears fell and would not stop when Charlie went to bed and still heard her crying he finally relented and called Carlisle.
Carlisle frowned not many called at eleven. "Cullen's." He said clipped waiting for the news. "Carlisle this is Charlie Swan I am sorry to call so late." He knew he sounded defeated. "Not a problem what can we do for you?" Carlisle asked knowing he would not call unless he needed something. "Bella is home returned late this afternoon and I can hear her crying. She has been since her shower after supper. Should I leave her or…" He trailed off so unsure of himself. Carlisle sighed he had almost been waiting for this she was so protected. "No how about I send Esme and the girls over to see if they can help?" Charlie sighed. "I did not want to put you out none I am just not sure how to handle this." "Not a problem one or several of them will be over in just a bit." He ran a hand through his hair as he hung up. "What honey?" Esme asked entering the room. "Bella finally broke and Charlie is not sure how to deal would you or may be the girls want to go over and be with her." Alice had passed as he asked. "Why not all of us dad Edward has been missing her I know." She said smiling. "We can make it like a sleep over and if she really just wants us there I will have the boys drive home." Alice said as if it was all working out greatly. Esme smiled. "We could sleep in." She hinted. Carlisle smiled. "Go ask the rest." Alice squealed and headed down in minutes it seemed the house quieted. "God what have I just done to Charlie?" Carlisle groaned.
Charlie was shocked to see all of them but led them quietly up the stairs. "May be I am over reacting she seems to have quieted now I was just worried…." He trailed off as Alice patted his arm smiling reassuringly. "Better safe then sorry.' Rose opened the door and stepped back at the smoke smell. "She brought stuff from home Tyson said he tried, no way to get that smell out but time and she would not replace the boxes." Charlie sighed. Bella was sleeping curled up tightly on the edge of the bed. "Bella." Rose spoke softly. They rounded the bed. "Oh God." Edward gasped her face was pale and swollen and her eyes even closed were rimmed red her tears had obviously not been easy. "Bella Love please." He murmured pulling her to him. Her tears started even before she opened her eyes. "Can't….I can't…. I need you…." She tried to curl up but he would not let her. "Bella honey wake up we are here." Alice said running a hand down her arm. Bella jerked up and all had to blink there tears back as her pain showed briefly on her face. She stiffened for a minute and turned into Edward her tears beginning again. Rose and Alice moved to either side. "Honey we are here for you. Breathe. We are here." Rose said as Bella clutched her hand. Emmett and Jasper were looking at the jewels Bella had been laying on as there eyes widened they showed them to the rest. "Holy shit." Emmett muttered. "Bella I think we need to talk if you wear these to bed." He said as she had calmed and was watching them. She smiled. "They were my mothers we found them at the house this weekend." Her voice was thick the tears close. Alice snagged a water cup from the bathroom. "What happened?" She asked as Bella held the cup. "With?" Bella asked avoiding. "Bella what happened to your father?" Jasper spoke softly with concern in his voice. Bella took a breath. "My father died when the house caught fire. Tyson got me out, the windows blew in cutting my back and leg. Daddy…" She was twisting her hands and swallowing hard she turned her head back into Edward effectively stopping the questions the rest had.
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