FAGE Six Pack
Title: Lighthouse in the Storm
Written for: mama4dukes
Written By: Bell 1 (Aunt Bell)
Chapter Word Count (minus A/N): 6,945
A/N - An extra special thanks to hlsmithfor their beta work, to MarieCarro her amazing banner work and patience, and finally to hlsmith and MarieCarro for their help with pre-reading. Thank you also readingmama (vampmama) for managing this gift exchange through writing.
Unfortunately, I did not create these characters, but thanks to Stephenie Meyer I am allowed to play with them for my enjoyment and mold them to my imagination.
* * * EXTREMELY IMPORTANT A/N* * *
First, I am taking creative license on certain parts of this chapter, details in ending AN.
I am placing a violence warning on this chapter because it could be a trigger for some who have been through any type of abuse (emotional, mental, physical, or sexual). I will place a series of pound signs/hashtags where it begins and ends. I hope FFn allows them to come through since they have a tendency to take some things out automatically.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~ LitS ~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter Three – Weathering the Storm
EmPOV
Before the accident, my plans were to finish college and begin working with the Kansas City Chiefs. Unfortunately, the accident took the dream away from me. As a very wise young lady pointed out, it could be worse. I could have become like some college athletes and not concentrate on my studies, or have a plan for after my professional football career.
My grades were above average, being in the top one percent of my graduating class, both the one I should have graduated with and the current class. By December I finished my schooling, graduated, and began substitute teaching since it was the middle of a school year.
The following school year, I received full-time employment and the assistant football coach position at Rainier Beach High School in Seattle. The first few months were hectic and stressful in the classroom.
Regretfully, I allowed them to get to me after the first week, but found inspiration during the following Sunday's sermon and determination set in. I remembered hearing about a teacher in New York City working in a school much like this one, disrespectful and unruly students knowing nothing about accountability. Like Rainier, the national test scores were low.
That afternoon, I spent time at Seattle Central Public Library researching the teaching techniques used and checked out two books written by Ron Clark as well as the movie "The Ron Clark Story". Monday morning, I had recovered my enthusiasm for teaching and ready to instill what I learned the previous afternoon.
By Halloween I began to see improvement. The students were eager to learn again and if they didn't follow the class rules, they knew there were consequences. When the end of the year came around, the national English test scores of the students in my classes improved. I felt successful. Students were eager to be in my class. I was looking forward to next year, especially since the head football coach took a position at another school. I was offered his job in addition to the Athletic Director position.
Which brings us back to today; I don't expect everything to magically work out as it did the prior two years, so it is no surprise when I walk into a room full of chaos. Though things are difficult, the previous experiences taught me to be patient, strong, and vigilant. Little did I know, or expect what would happen this year.
A month later there is progress, the students are at the same point the first classes were by Halloween. Unfortunately this year brings with it two difficult girls, Rosalie and Victoria. No matter what I do, or the various ways I try to reprimand them, their only interest is in trying to seduce me. The other students find it funny in the beginning, but now they have grown impatient and irritated by the girls' antics.
Two weeks before Christmas break, excuse me winter break, I am walking to my first afternoon class and pause outside the door when I see Randall standing in front of Rosalie and Victoria's desks.
"Look, the two of you need to get over your obsession with Mr. McCarty. He isn't interested in either of you and even if he were, you are too young for him."
"We looked him up. He is only eight years older. And we will be eighteen in six months. There will be nothing stopping him then. Besides, you're one to talk, Randall. Your father was thirty when he knocked up your fifteen-year old mother. Isn't he still on the sex offender's list for statutory rape?"
Garrett interjects, "That's enough, Rosalie. The fact is both of you are students, and he is your teacher. This alone is enough to stop him. Mr. McCarthy is an honorable man; we've all seen it this year. Plus, he doesn't back down from his convictions."
"Convictions? Really, Garrett? Who do you think you are? You live in the slums. You won't even get into college with your grades, so why don't you pipe down and back off." Victoria says snidely.
This is when I choose to walk into the room, seconds before the bell rings. "Good afternoon, Class."
"Good afternoon, Mr. McCarty." They reply.
"Before we get started, Miss Hale, Miss Jennings, please come to the front of the class." When they are standing in front of me, they have looks of accomplishment. "I would like you to leave my classroom. I expect to see you in the principal's office after class. Should you not be there when I arrive, you will not appreciate the consequences."
Both their mouths are gaping at me. "What did we do?" Victoria screeches.
"Classroom rule states you are not to make any fellow classmates feel inferior through putdowns, or snide comments and is exactly what I heard as I walked up to the room." When they say nothing further, I send them on their way, "Principal Greene's office, NOW".
When they are out of the room, I begin today's lesson.
After class is over I head to Jonathan's office. I am not surprised when I discover the girls are not there. "Hello, Jonathan. Did Miss Hale or Miss Jennings come see you this afternoon?"
"No, did they cause problems in your classroom again?"
"Yes. They once again broke the rules. I sent them here until class ended. I told them if they weren't here they wouldn't like what happens next."
"What do you propose?"
"They have been sent here at least once a week since the beginning of the year and are still unruly in my classroom. With this in mind, I believe they should have an out of school suspension for two weeks.
"They will be required to complete all the class assignments as their peers, but will be given additional work from me. All assignments will be due prior the beginning of the first class of the day upon their return.
"Any tests they miss during the two weeks will be taken before and after the school day within the first two days of their return, or they will receive automatic fails. If they have a free period and choose to take the tests that day, they will do so under your supervision. Should they not complete these requirements, they need to be expelled."
"You know how difficult it is for students to show up, or even graduate at Rainer. Miss Hale and Miss Jennings are seniors and only months from graduation. Why so drastic if they don't follow through, Emmett?"
"They have had plenty of chances this year already. This semester is nearly finished. These girls resist any attempts I make and apparently have no interest in an education given their one point five grade point average. I think a strong hand is necessary to let them know the school as a whole will no longer tolerate this type of behavior."
Following my first two years of full time teaching success, the teachers and administrators attended a five-day summer camp in Atlanta, GA prior to the beginning of this year. They learned how to instill the same strategy, which has worked for me, with follow-up training once classes began.
Jonathan sighs. "I suppose you are right. All right, I am behind this decision and will contact their parents today before I leave. They will be informed if they do not show up with their children in my office before school begins tomorrow, I will implement their expulsion immediately."
"Thank you for backing me on this." We chat some more before he needs to begin the process of contacting the girls' parents. I do not enjoy being so serious. Even in my classroom I laugh and joke with my students. I prefer the lighter side of life, but with the students in this school I had to quickly learn the need to be serious and firm also.
Once the day is finished I drive home, grade some papers, make supper, and finish with my daily jog. When I arrive home again, Rosalie and Victoria are waiting on my front porch with fire in their eyes. The instant they see me their whole demeanor changes. Suddenly they are lions on the prowl with me as their prey. I know I need to be on my guard.
"Emmett", they purr in sync.
"Girls, what are you doing here?"
"Well, our parents told us Jonathan called. We were hoping we could find out what he wants to talk about before tomorrow morning."
"If Mr. Greene", I stress his former name to them, "wants to see you in his office tomorrow morning, I'm sure he will tell you then. Now, have a good evening." They hesitate. "Do I need to get the authorities involved?" I reach into my empty pocket, hoping they will believe the bluff.
Knowing I will not relent, Rosalie speaks. "That won't be necessary. See you tomorrow, Emmett." She emphasizes my name while they both run their forefingers and too long acrylic red nails down the center of my chest. I watch them get into the mid-eighties, orange Ford Mustang, not one of the best periods for this model. The car literally roars to life, the broken muffler signaling their departure.
Although I allow my students to contact me if they need something, I do not allow them into my home. I will meet them at the school, or somewhere they feel comfortable, as long as it is a public location. I have met a few at their homes, but only while their parents are there.
Once the girls are out of sight and hearing I go inside, locking the door behind me, and head to the kitchen for a glass of wine.
I go upstairs and shower quickly before heading to bed for the evening.
The next morning I wake up feeling like a cement truck ran over me, even though I slept like the dead last night. I don't think I even moved in my sleep, which rarely happens.
Four days later Jonathan is pulling me into his office. "Hello, Jonathan. What can I do for you?"
His face is solemn. "Is there something you need to tell me, Mr. McCarthy?" Taken back by his comment, I notice movement to my right.
"What do you mean? What is going on? Why are there police officers here?"
A sigh is released from him. "I regretfully inform you there have been charges of indecent behavior and statutory rape involving two minors brought against you."
"WHAT?! Please tell me you are kidding! I haven't been with anyone in years, let alone recently and never have I been with a minor. Not even as a senior in high school. Who are my accusers?"
"Miss Rosalie Hale and Miss Victoria Jennings, Mr. McCarthy." The shorter officer stiffly replies.
"When did this alleged incident occur?"
"Last Thursday, Sir." The other officer replies. I begin to say something, but he holds up his hand and interjects. "At this time, I would like to inform you anything you say could be used against you. I respect you, Mr. McCarthy. My son, Matthew, was in your class last year. It was because of you his interest in school changed. If not for your help and your letter of recommendation, he probably wouldn't have gone to college, let alone received a scholarship.
"Without your needing to confirm, or deny I would like to say, off the record, I do not believe the accusations brought forth, but we have to follow all leads. I strongly suggest you get a lawyer. However, at this time, we must take you down to the station according to our procedures to be booked and officially charged. In a show of faith and appreciation, if you would like, you can call someone before we leave this office."
I nod. "Thank you." I pull the phone from my pocket and dial the only family I have left, my sister.
"Hi, Emmy! What are you doing calling at this time? Shouldn't you be changing some lives with your magic teaching skills?"
"Alice, I'm afraid I have some bad news, but I don't have time to explain right now. I need your help. Could you call your friend, Ben Cheney and ask him to meet me at", the officer hands me a business card and I give her the address. Since when have officers carried around business cards?
"The police station! What on Earth happened?"
"Ali, I cannot explain now, but I promise to let you know as soon as I can."
"Okay, Emmett. I'll call him and will see you there." With that we hang up.
They cuff me and walk me to their squad car ten minutes after the bell rings, notifying students they should be in their next class. Unfortunately, there are some students still standing in the halls, but Mr. Greene is all over it, telling them to get to class.
After repeated news coverage, my reputation and career are over. I never laid a hand on either of those girls, but the evidence is against me. Somehow my sperm had been miraculously retrieved from within each of the girls.
I've been told the girls only served one week of the suspension before they returned to school as though nothing happened. They were given a free pass from any assignments, or tests they missed due to the abuse they apparently suffered. After fourteen weeks for trial, I am charged with two counts of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor in the second degree, a six-month jail sentence, and a $5,000 fine.
Many of my possessions are sold off by Alice to pay my fine. By the time my fine and other expenses were paid, I had a total of two thousand dollars and some change to my name. I am placed on the sex offender list, unable to ever teach again. My two dreams have been taken from me, one from my own carelessness and the other stolen from me.
My time in the Monroe Correctional Complex isn't without trouble either. Even though I try to keep to myself there are daily threats, fights, and sexual harassment.
Eleven days following my first day of incarceration it is discovered I am in here for sexual abuse of two minors. A group of ten inmates corners me in the kitchen. It takes eight of them to contain me and prevent me from fighting back, while they take turns beating me senseless until I pass out.
I wake up in what appears to be the prison inmate hospital, only able to see fully out of my left eye and a thin line of sight through the right. "Hello?" I am sore all over and can barely move.
"Good morning, Mr. McCarthy. How are you feeling?" Nurse Esme Platt says as she runs a temporal thermometer across my forehead. "Hmmm. Your temperature is above normal." She then begins applying light pressure to my abdomen, causing me to I lurch forward in pain at first, but I end up vomiting. I finish and wearily ask, "What happened?"
"When you didn't report to your cell at lights out, there was a lockdown. They discovered you shoved under the kitchen sinks, passed out with pale, cold, clammy skin, a weak pulse, and low blood pressure. Based on your history and the bruising on your torso, particularly to your back, we are watching you closely.
"We ran some blood tests last night. They came through clean, but we will need to do a few more to ensure your current kidney is working properly. You have severe bruising over sixty percent of your body and a few surface cuts. As you can tell, most of the damage came to your left side, particularly your eye. Swelling should go down in a few days."
As she finishes, I sense movement on my right and turn my head to see the warden, Caius Argyros, approaching. "Well, Prisoner, it seems you found some trouble. Mind telling me who was responsible?"
Remembering what my abusers told me, "No, Sir. I don't remember what happened." I really didn't want a repeat of last night's beating, especially considering the whole reason my football career ended before it even began; my single kidney.
"Very well, Son. Nurse Platt, I'd like a minute alone with the prisoner."
She gets up and leaves without complaint.
When she is out of the room with the door closed, he leans in. "Should your memory return, Pervert, I strongly suggest you keep that trap of yours shut. Your type disgusts me, forcing yourself on innocent young women. Tell me, did you prefer the ladies, or did you experiment with the young men also?"
When I don't answer, he makes his own assumptions. "I bet you did." He laughs, "Listen closely, Chester, I don't want to hear any complaints out of you. You lost any rights as a man the second you forced yourself onto those young women, particularly my niece, Rosalie."
My eyes widen.
"That's right. You took advantage of this angel, so don't expect me to care what happens to you. Now, I'm sure you are aware I have to report any incidents happening within the walls of my prison, but I can guarantee", emphasizing each syllable on the last word, "my reports will not be in your favor. It's a good thing you forgot your tormentors, otherwise, you may not have appreciated the consequences." He laughs. Walking toward the door he says, "In case you were wondering, I know everything happening in my prison."
Moments later Esme returns and proceeds with the testing, drawing blood and urine. Though urinating is difficult and doesn't produce much. I spend the next week undergoing the same tests daily. My kidney has suffered trauma, but thankfully heals on its own. Nine days following the attack, I am released back to the general population.
For the next five weeks I am basically left alone, except a few shoves and the verbal bullying. I try keeping a low profile, but it is nearly impossible with my status as a sexual predator.
#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#
On the third week since leaving the infirmary and eight weeks of incarceration, I am working the laundry room when I am once again ambushed. This time, they save the beating and go straight for degradation, assaulting me in every way possible. I don't make it easy for them, nor are they easy on me. They save the punching for my abdomen and pin me down; once again taking eight men to hold me while two violate me.
Before I know it I am gagging and struggling for breath through my attempts to scream, but it only encourages them more, enjoying the vibrations. They remove my prison wear as they mock and tease me regarding my body's natural reaction to fondles, gropes, petting, and strokes all over my body.
Once I am bare, they continue their ministrations across my body. The sudden pain overcoming me with the first intrusion is enough for me to see stars, but they don't relent as one takes me into his mouth and synchronizes his movements with the one at my head.
Eventually, I stop fighting, or protesting and shut down, waiting for the torture to end. I feel the movements of my body as they reposition me, but I am way past caring and don't pay much attention. I've heard of women doing the same thing while they are being molested. However, I find the process difficult to fully accomplish because they seem to know what I am doing. Just as I withdraw to my serenity, I am pulled out again by twinges of pain.
At one point I see a few wires taped to sensitive areas and realize somehow high voltages surge into my body anytime they wish to bring me out of my attempted trances. The entire process lasts what feels like hours, with each taking their turn, but considering shift changes and guard checks, I'm sure it isn't more than an hour.
#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#
I wake up once more in the prison hospital, hooked up to an I.V. with a rough and sore throat. The only comfortable position I can find is lying on either side with the top leg propped forward slightly. My favorite appendage is chafed from the earlier continuous dry motion.
Ten hours later I am released to general population. Walking is painful and sitting worse, so I head straight to my cell to read a book I borrowed from the prison library. Reading is difficult as my mind repeatedly wanders from the pages in front of me, realizing how much I miss Bella's support. Her upbeat attitude and comfort is exactly what I need after my latest attack, but most of all I desire her embrace. With my diminished outlook on life, feeling weak and worthless, simply crawling into her arms as everything and everyone else in the world fades away is exactly what I crave now.
Holding each other hasn't been frequent since we are only friends, but ever since we became better acquainted three years ago, she just seems to know when I need comfort[B1] . It could be instinct, or maybe she reads something from me no one else notices.
Suddenly awareness overcomes me; two months have passed without receiving one visitor. I find this strange since both Alice and Bella promised to visit me as often as allowed, Friday through Monday, 1PM to 8PM. Even Ben was going to visit at least once a month.
I am allowed to receive letters, but quickly learn, based upon the few letters I do receive from my lawyer, my letters are not being sent out. I know Alice and Bella wouldn't have gone this long without visiting, or writing. Anytime I make my allotted daily phone call, they last no more than two minutes before someone distracts me, or interrupts and hangs up the connection. I have even been denied computer access since day one, so e-mailing is out.
I cannot understand why these things are happening. I have been on good behavior status since I arrived, with the exception of being the chosen victim. Ben's letters covertly let me know they have each been denied access for any of the visits they have made.
According to their coded messages, arranged during trial preparation to prevent my case information from being passed on, my cousin Jonathan (Ben) has been working to get an interview arranged (entry into) in the socio cultural field (prison). He is confident in the progress, though it may entail some unusual methods and the assistance of Clearwater Virtuoso Stealth office. Roughly translated, Ben is working to get Bella and my sister visitations to the institution using Seth Clearwater's skills specializing in undercover disguise.
They also inform me Seth, a private detective, is also going to use his surveillance equipment to figure out what is creating all the roadblocks and help grant them entry. Ben, as my lawyer, hasn't even been granted access to his client. The letters are not clear as to why they haven't been passed through. As far as I know, at program Level Four, I am allowed visitors for three hours each week.
A voice at my cell door startles me.
"Inmate WCC19781022, you have a visitor." Knowing it is Wednesday and visitation isn't until this weekend, I give him a look of confusion. "Don't ask me. I was just sent to retrieve ya."
With difficulty from the pain, I stand up and follow him to an unfamiliar area. I become tense, afraid this is another ambush. "Where are we going?"
"The Warden Caius' office."
Remembering the confrontation from my first visit to the infirmary, I instantly tense. When we arrive in front of a double door, the guard knocks vigorously.
The warden's rough voice tells us to enter. As we walk in it is evident he is not happy about something. My instant reaction is to back away. With my first backward step I hear someone clear their throat. I immediately turn to the sound; feelings of déjà vu overcome me without even seeing the source. Before I can dart out of the door, soft hands enclose over my lower left arm and hand. The gentle grasp is so startling I freeze in place.
"Emmett, look at me." I don't move. "It's okay. You're okay."
Staring at the open door, I repeatedly mutter under my breath. "This isn't real."
A stern voice calls me. I turn to the familiar voice and see Ben. As soon as I look at him, a soft smile forms. "Hey there, Buddy. Please have a seat on the couch with Bella."
At the mention of her name, I look toward the hands still grasping me and follow them up to the owner's face to see her worried expression. With a gentle tug, I am following her as though on autopilot and sit beside her, just staring in disbelief until a smaller set of hands grasps my right hand. I turn to see my sister with a smile gracing her lips.
"Inmate WCC19781022," hearing my DOC number, I turn toward the source, Warden Caius. "Under court order your lawyer has arranged a special visit and asked to have a special meeting with you. This includes, of course, Ms. Deschamps and Ms. Swan.
"There will be a guard stationed outside the windows on both sides of the building and one no less than 50 yards from the door. Though legally we cannot be closer, we will be within eyesight of the door and the windows. If the door opens before we receive word from Judge Carlisle Cullen, they will be tasered with no questions asked."
"It won't be a problem. We will contact the judge before we even open the door and will wait for his okay." Ben replies.
With that, Warden Caius gives me the stink eye and follows the guard out, leaving the door wide open.
"What –", I croak out.
Ben interrupts me with a hand over my mouth and a finger to his lips, while handing me a bottle of water. Once I nod, he walks over to close the door and then to each of the four windows, closing and locking them. Then he places a cloth over the cameras scattered throughout the room and pulls out a device, sweeping it throughout the room before finally disconnecting the phone cord. When he finishes he retrieves another device and flips a switch.
"Emmett, before you begin, I would like to explain a few things."
I look over to Bella and then Alice. They smile encouragingly, so I nod. "Go ahead, but please start with what you were just doing", my voice raspy and sore.
"Well, I was checking for bugs in order to give us the privacy we required. Warden Caius wouldn't have left the room so easily if he didn't have a way of knowing what is going on in here. He knows what is going on in every area of this facility… even your attacks, which he could have put a stop to, or even prevented all together."
My mouth drops open at this news, yet I am not completely surprised based on our first encounter.
"First of all, Bella has been working non-stop from the first visitor weekend when we were all turned away. We were informed you were in solitary confinement and could not receive visitors."
"I have never been in solitary." Alice and Bella simultaneously lift my hand holding the water, silently instructing me to drink, I do.
"We know this." Bella tells me. "Please let Ben finish."
Turning to Bella, I simply say, "Okay".
"Alice suggested hiring Seth Clearwater to investigate. He found out you had been attacked and were sent to the prison hospital the second week you were incarcerated. The girls were in a frenzy to get to you the second Seth reported this. Unfortunately, every avenue we tried led nowhere, until last weekend.
"Bella was catering a fundraiser event hosted by Senator Aro Volturi. In attendance were Esme Platt, Aro's girlfriend, and Carlisle Cullen, formally Aro's legal representation. Bella overheard Esme talking with Carlisle about an inmate she treated about a month ago. Bella was sure she was talking about you when she mentioned he was serving time as a sexual predator and no one came to see him after the incident, not even a lawyer.
"Bella approached Esme and discovered she was correct. After hearing Bella's concern over this inmate, Carlisle asked her more information. Bella told him there are at least three people who have been to the correctional facility every day during visitor weekend since your first week, but were turned away each time.
"With Esme's help, Bella learned you indeed had not been in solitary and were only detained after your attack due to the severity of your injuries. Carlisle was deeply disturbed by the information from Bella and Esme, promising to look into it further.
"It took Carlisle a mere two days to get all the information he needed in conjunction with Seth's hacking skills into the security camera backups and computer systems. Normally, he would have just made sure we would be able to see you this weekend, except Esme contacted him last night, informing him you were once again attacked and in the prison hospital. The court ordered mandate was issued instantly so we would be granted access to you with very strict guidelines."
I don't know what to say after all of this information and remain in silent shock.
"Emmett," Alice says, getting my attention. "What happened last night? You don't even sound like yourself." When I don't answer, she continues. "It's just… you don't look as Esme described your injuries a month ago and your throat is so scratchy. Did the guards find you before you were seriously hurt last night?"
I still don't respond. "Emmett." Hearing her beautiful voice breaks me from my statuesque state and my carefully contained emotions. I turn my attention toward her and stare into her cinnamon eyes. It hasn't even been twenty-four hours since the shame of being so weak in allowing men to defile me. The very person I needed not long ago is sitting here with me.
Without warning, I dive into Bella, wrapping my arms tightly around her waist and resting my head below her chin at the crook of her neck, my left cheek resting on her collarbone. She returns my embrace. "Alice, Ben, could you give us a minute? I think he is overwhelmed after all he has heard."
"Sure, Bella. I think you're right." Alice says running her hand up and down my back as I hear Ben speaking inaudibly in the background.
A couple minutes later, Alice kisses the top of my head and whispers her love for me just before I hear the door click. No longer able to contain the battle of emotions within, I break down into quiet sobs as her hand rubs circles up and down my back. Fingers begin running softly through my hair; this new sensation is extremely comforting and calms me.
After a few minutes of silence and my even breathing, I hear her call my name again.
"Emmett?" I tighten my arms once more, fearing she is going to pull away. She squeezes me back before continuing.
"I know you are dealing with a lot right now and have had to deal with it all on your own, but I want you to know we have been utilizing every free minute trying to see you. It breaks my heart you may have thought for even a second we didn't care enough to visit, or contact you. There is a lot you don't know, but we can catch up on it later. Right now, I am worried about you.
"If you don't want to tell me what happened last night, I understand. When you are ready, I will be here to listen to and support you. I have been so worried about you… we all have. Ever since the second week you were here, I have been furiously trying to see you, knowing you needed someone."
I don't say anything, simply relieved to have her here now.
"I called Ben and Alice several times a day following the first weekend. Every bit of evidence we received didn't make any sense. You have never been the type of person to fight for the sake of fighting, or as some reports Ben received, to establish power.
"Now that we know what is going on here and have Judge Cullen on our side, there shouldn't be any problems in being able to visit. In fact, due to the corrupt methods used here during your time, you are allowed seven-hour visits each week. They have to be broken up among the three days, but at least you get to see us. Also, you won't have to serve the entire six months as previously stated because of the time already served before the trial. It may only be two weeks early, but at least it is something.
"Just think. You only have three and a half months instead of four. Doesn't it sound better?"
With a simple nod, I feel her left hand move from my hair to cup my cheek. "Emmett?" I hum my acknowledgment. "Please look at me. I need to see you. I know you aren't alright and a lot has happened to you, but I just need to look at you."
I give her a quick squeeze before sitting back and looking at her again. The look in her eyes is filled with despair and grief, but she still manages a gentle smile for me. She knows something serious has happened. Even if I don't voice it, she can read me well. "Do you want to talk about anything?"
In a rough voice, I simply say, "Thank you." Her eyes widen and then a real smile lights up her face, but the pain in her eyes is still there. I know it is for me… for what I have endured.
She reaches down for the bottle of water I dropped earlier and hands it to me. I take several gulps before continuing. "For everything you have done and just for being here. I was sitting in my cell praying to see you and here you are… my angel. I do want to tell you what happened, but I need your word it will stay amongst us."
"I can do as you ask, but Emmett, Alice is going to want to know also. Will you tell her?"
"No." She frowns at this. "I want her to believe they found me in time and prevented me from suffering any damage. I will tell her the overnight stay was only a precaution due to my kidney. What I am about to tell you is not to leave this room. You are the only person I have wanted to talk to about this."
"Okay. I respect your choice and will not repeat any of it."
It takes me some time to work up the courage to say the words out loud. "I was molested… raped." Her tiny hands go toward her mouth with a horrified gasp.
"Oh, Emmett." Tears begin to fall down her face as she wraps me within her arms.
I gently remove her arms, push her back slightly, and place her hands within my own. "Thank you, but if you do that, I won't get through this." I take another swig of the water and position myself on the couch so I am lying with my head in her lap, facing the window across the room and place her soft left hand into my hair. Her fingers begin flowing through my locks; I sigh.
With her right hand gliding up and down my right side, I tell her everything; every dirty detail and feeling I endured. When I finish the room is filled with silence. Her hands stilled long ago. Turning onto my back, I see her looking right at me with a torrent of tears cascading down her face.
I sit up immediately and wince, the motion too quick for my still sensitive injuries. Brushing my discomfort aside, I pull her into my arms with her head resting in the center of my chest. It's my turn to comfort her. She gave me everything I needed and more. Now I need to make sure she will be okay.
"Bella?"
"I'm okay, Emmett." She whispers. I chuckle quietly and feel her right cheek lift on my chest. "Well, I will be." She pulls back and looks into my eyes.
Her eyes are still watery and tearstains are beginning to dry upon her face, but she is still as beautiful as ever. I reach up and wipe her face dry; never taking my eyes from her own until there is a knock upon the door, and Alice's worried voice comes through.
"Emmett?"
I look toward Bella. She simply nods and walks toward the mirror along the wall to our right. "Come on in, Alice."
Alice's eyes immediately find me as she walks in with Ben on her heels. Alarm crosses her face as she searches for Bella, who has already turned from the mirror with a smile upon her face. "Is everything okay?" Bella nods, and then Alice looks to me for an answer.
"Everything is fine, Alice."
We all spend an hour together before Ben decides we are pushing our luck, and they should be leaving. They are none the wiser as to last night's events and appear to be satisfied with my explanation. While Ben gathers all the equipment, clothes, and calls Judge Cullen, Alice is assuring me Bella and she will be here every weekend to visit and informs me she expects phone calls and letters. Evidently all their letters were returned, but per the court order, this will no longer be a problem.
"Alright ladies, it's time to go." His voice lowers to a whisper so quiet I have to strain to hear him. "Emmett, should you have any problems I need you to call this number," he shakes my hand while slipping me a piece of paper, "call that number. When someone answers, simply say 'Otto the Orange' and hang up. This is the warning system we have established."
I look toward Bella. "Your idea?" She simply blushes and smiles widely.
A visibly irate warden walks into the room. "Randall, take the prisoner back to his cell."
"Just a minute, Warden, I would like to remind you, should we hear of any accidents befalling my client, we will not hesitate to bring down a finite investigation on you and this facility."
"Understood." He says. "Randall." With this, I am lead out of the room and toward my cell. I turn toward the women in my life and give them an encouraging smile. Seeing Alice relax at this relaxes me, knowing she will be okay. Bella may be smiling back, but her eyes are filled with concern.
~*~*~ LitS ~*~*~
The remainder of my time in Monroe is spent without any further incidents. The day after my impromptu meeting in the warden's office, I see the prison chaplain. I don't reveal anything to him, but I have a strong feeling he already knew. Upon my arrival, we read the story of Joseph of Egypt and his being sold to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard.
As promised, Alice and Bella have been here every weekend, Alice two hours on Fridays, Bella two on Saturdays, and both of them for two on Sundays with the occasional tag-a-long, such as Ben. Edward, Jasper, and Peter even found time to visit me twice, each. The remaining half an hour on Sunday was spent with Pastor Miller from my church.
Peter and Makenna are expecting their first child in October, having married two years prior. Jasper and Bree married last summer, expecting their first child in May. Edward met the only woman to make him want to settle down and change his playboy ways. Heidi Schmidt is the first woman to not fall at his feet at the sight of him. He has had to actually work at trying to get her attention, which is unfamiliar territory for him.
We have exchanged dozens of letters, him asking for advice and me giving him suggestions. Every reply to his letters of desperation, I tell him to be himself and to stop trying so hard, just relax. By the time I am released, they have been officially dating a week and he is totally blissed out, even though she is holding out on him. He may be sexually frustrated, but the euphoria of being with her overrules his lustful desires.
It is August twentieth. I am set to be released in three days. Even though I am nearly out of here, I cannot relax. There may not have been more attacks directed at me, but this does not mean it has been easy. Replacing the physical abuse is the verbal and emotional abuse. The only thing keeping me from slipping into a state of self-doubt and spiraling into a lack of self-esteem is seeing my sister and friends.
Following my release, my sister allows me to stay with her while I look for work. Ben has been kind enough to make his services pro-bono because he knew I couldn't have done as they claimed. In fact, he put in extra hours just to prove my innocence, promising to get to the bottom of it all.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~ LitS ~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N – My creative license was specifically for the prison life portion. I assigned a random number for his DOC, and based Emmett's time there from various researching of prison life. Obviously I wanted a drastic experience.
I really hope mama4dukes enjoys this fic written for her.
Please review.
Posted: 10-17-13