For Your Eyes Only

Chapter Twenty Two - Closed Book

One week later...

The week which passed by after that was a strange one, mostly because I had the choice to stay home off school. I'd already missed a few days due to all the complications and goings on, yet Charlie was insistent that I stayed home with him, mainly because he, in his own words, needed the support. I was happy to stay with him and, besides, the thought of going back there without Edward was a little daunting.

We visited Carlisle and Edward more or less every day, and I was delighted that Charlie had accepted them both so willingly. Deep down, I hoped we could become one big family and, as well as this, Carlisle could always give Charlie support about his alcohol problem, so it was a win-win situation all around.

The days gradually past by and the time soon came to go to the police station in order to identify the suspects. It was no news to Edward that everything involving the police made me feel ill and it was terrifying how fast this had come round. It felt just like yesterday that he was explaining what had happened to him.

The journey there in the truck was tense, with Charlie and Carlisle supporting us both by offering encouraging words from the back seats.

"There's no way they'll be able to hurt you nowadays," Dad said, making me grip the steering wheel tighter. I hadn't really been thinking of violence... "When I was back in there they used to have methods of all kinds to keep people safe."

I saw Carlisle nodding in the reflection of the rear mirror. "Besides, there's always that witness protection programme. I've heard it's of a really high standard these days."

"Who told you that?" I asked, out of interest. His face fell and he seemed to hesitate; in fact, he looked strangely nervous.

"Well, I was talking to DI Adams," he said in a rush, trying to brush it off as nothing important. Edward and myself immediately exchanged a quick glance, grinning at each other. Carlisle seemed to catch this. "Is there something amusing you two?" he asked.

"No, no," I replied, trying to hide a smirk.

We soon arrived outside the frighteningly familiar station and the engine cut off, leaving us all in silence.

"It'll be-"

"Fine, I know," Edward said, finishing Carlisle's sentence. I laughed weakly at how predictable and repetitive it all was. "Thank you for the reassurance, but the word's aren't really helping that much. Sorry."

Carlisle shook his head. "It's fine. I'll just keep quiet now."

Edward met my eyes and I stepped out of the car to help him. As I did so, Charlie murmured, "Good luck, Bells. And you, Edward. I hope those pieces of dirt get what they deserve."

We both looked at him. "Thanks, Dad," I said sincerely, giving him a small smile. "We shouldn't be too long. I hope."

In fact, we were soon inside and DI Adams was there waiting for us by the reception; she clearly wasn't one to waste any time. As soon as she saw us, she smiled warmly in our direction and headed over, exuding a calm motherly feeling.

She reminded me of a female Carlisle, strangely enough.

"Morning," she said. "Follow me down here." She opened a door and we both slowly walked after her. "You both look ill."

We didn't reply to her statement and she chuckled to herself.

"There really is no need to panic at all," she soothed as we made our way to the room. "We've got protective glass that enables the suspects to have no way whatsoever of seeing you. All you have to do is point at who committed the crime and that's it."

Edward nodded stiffly. "And then can I get my necklaces back?"

She smiled. "You sure can." We arrived at a door and, after another nod from us both, she let us in.

It was eerily dark in the room and standing behind some large panels of glass was a line of six horrible-looking people - all of them had scars and looked old and tired, as though they'd been through hell, which they probably deserved. All their clothes seemed to be scruffy and torn, and most of them had stitched up cuts or bruises on their dirty skin. They were textbook criminals, standing there fidgeting while the lights blared in their faces.

I was just squirming to myself when I suddenly heard Edward suck in a breath as he caught eyes of a pair in the middle.

"It's numbers three and four, definitely," he said with a quiet voice. "They did it. I... I recognise their eyes."

I looked at them and felt a wave of repulsion and anger. They'd caused Edward so much unnecessary pain and they deserved everything that was coming to them.

"Are you sure now, Mr Cullen?" Her sharp eyes darted to mine. "Miss Swan?"

"I agree with him, they fit his description," I murmured.

"I'm positive," Edward added.

DI Adams turned to us with another smile. "We have them, then. We'll arrest them straight away and news of the court case will be sent to you soon. You don't have to stand as a witness if you don't wish, we can just use the evidence gathered already and your statements."

"Does that mean you'll have to keep the necklaces as evidence?" Edward asked, sounding a little disappointed.

"We can photograph them instead."

"Thank you," he breathed, and she led us out of the room. I breathed in a long sigh of relief; it was over, a closed book... the people were where they belonged now and everything was right.

It was tempting to do a little dance.

But, just as I thought about this, the red haired girlfriend of Jacob Black popped into my mind and I froze. I'd have to go back to school soon and she'd surely know about what I did... it was blatantly obvious seeing as I'd practically asked for the necklace back.

Edward seemed to sense my worry because, when we walked down the corridor, he turned to me and threaded his hand into mine. "Something wrong?"

"I was just thinking about that one person's girlfriend. Y'know, the one I talked to in school?" I muttered quietly. "She-"

"She won't bother you, I promise."

"But you won't be there in school to protect me," I countered quietly, so only he could hear. "I'll be there on my own from now on."

He looked into my eyes. "The police will ensure she doesn't hurt you, I'm positive of that." DI Adams turned around at this point and nodded in agreement. "That's true, Miss Swan. If she approaches you, you can inform us about it. Perhaps she'll be glad and grateful towards you for finding out about her boyfriend. It would save her some trouble, you never know."

I couldn't help scoffing. "That's about as likely to happen as Edward sprinting outside right now and completing a marathon."

Edward smirked. "Don't underestimate me."

I rolled my eyes. "We're being serious here."

"Bella," he said in a strong voice. "Really, don't worry. It's all taken care of. And besides, that friend of your's Rosalie can help you. She looks like a tough type."

"Don't say that to her face," I warned. Her name suddenly raised a few questions in my mind and I found myself pondering aloud. "I wonder why she hasn't tried contacting me yet, though. I know my mobile's at school, but there's always the home phone."

"Have you checked the answering machine?"

I frowned. "No. Not lately.."

"There you go, then."

"But it's still weird. I thought she'd be more eager to talk to me," I trailed off. "Never mind."

"There's probably a valid reason if she hasn't been so enthusiastic," he replied. "You have been away from school, after all."

I nodded stiffly. "Maybe she thinks I've abandoned her."

"I doubt it. I've seen that your friendship is pretty strong."

"I should have been more supportive. She was going through all kinds of crap with Emmett and I-"

He shocked me by cupping my face with his hands. "And you were going through all kinds of crap with me. It's not your fault, Bella, and I'm sure she knows that. Quit panicking and relax, please. You almost look unattractive when you're so pale and jittery."

My mouth fell open and he laughed.

"Come on, let's get out of here and share the good news."

To our surprise, Charlie and Carlisle decided to throw a little celebration party after that, and my suspicions from before were practically confirmed when Carlisle walked back into the station to ask DI Adams if she wanted to come along too. He told us that she'd declined because of her workload, but he clearly looked disappointed and I knew then that something was going on.

We passed around glasses of Coke at our house, for Dad's sake, and a small table of food had been rustled together by Carlisle.

I knew I should have been happy about it all but I just couldn't get Rose off my mind; I had checked the answering machine as soon as we got back and there was nothing. I could feel Edward's eyes on me as I did so and he gave me a small smile.

"Nothing," I sighed as he placed his arm around my shoulder. "I've definitely done something."

"Bella, don't think like that."

But I had thought like that throughout the party and, when I couldn't face it anymore, I asked Dad for his mobile and hurried upstairs to my room. I shut the door behind me and took in a deep breath to calm myself for what felt like the hundredth time.

I was really worried and my heart hammered as I toyed with the phone in my hands. This could either go really well, or really badly.

Before I could panic any longer, I quickly dialled her home number and waited anxiously as the dialling tone travelled into my ear.

It took ten full rings before she answered and she sounded oddly ill when she did so. My stomach immediately turned light. "Hello?" she croaked.

"Rose, it's Bella," I said quickly. "Is something wrong? I'm worried about you."

"You could say that," she replied, along with a heavy sigh. Her weak voice was scaring me.

"You haven't really been in touch lately and I thought it was a bit unlike you. I-"

"I'm sorry that I haven't been in school all week, I-"

"You've been away?" I asked, surprised. "So have I."

"Why's that?"

"Oh, Charlie's home and I promised to look after him. And other things have been happening, but I haven't been in school to pick up my phone or had the chance to ring you, sorry." I trailed off, realising that I was rambling. "Why have you been away?" She remained silent. "Rose, what's wrong? Please tell me."

I heard some noises from the other side that sounded horribly like crying. "Rose," I said softly. "You can tell me."

"I know," she whispered. "I... Bells, I just don't know what to do!"

"Just tell me everything, it'll be okay I'm sure."

The sound of her blowing her noise rattled in the line. "Ew, Rose. That's disgusting," I joked.

She laughed half-heartedly. "Shut up."

I remained quiet while she gathered her thoughts. "Emmett and I got back together and... I don't know how it happened... well, I do but..." She sighed. "I'm pregnant, Bells. I'm freaking pregnant."

My eyes widened. I couldn't seem to make a sound for a few moments.

"Okay," I said slowly. "Okay. What do you want to do?"

"I don't know," she replied and she sounded in complete despair.

"Right. Well, do you want to keep it?"

"I'm not sure... I don't want to kill the baby, that's for sure."

"You'll have to keep it then, Rose."

"But..." she stammered. "But we don't have any money, we still live with our parents... Bells, this is a big mess."

She trailed off, probably panicking some more. I tried my hardest to calm her. "Have you told your parents?"

She whimpered.

"I take it that's a no, then." I paused. "I'm sure they'd understand. Just talk to them about it and plan what you're gonna do. If you think it all through I'm sure you'll have an option by the end of it. Just be rational. Think what would be in the baby's best interests."

It took her a little while to answer. "Ever considered being an agony aunt?"

I smiled. "It will be okay, Rose. If your parents or Emmett aren't too happy, I'm always here." I paused. "Have you told Emmett?"

"Yeah."

"And?"

"He seemed excited, actually. I begged him not to tell anyone, but-"

"Well that's something positive. He'd probably be a good dad. Apart from his violent side."

She chuckled. "Thanks, Bells. You've made me feel a tiny bit better."

"I classify that as an achievement. Please call me if there's anything wrong and you always know where I am."

"Thanks. You're a great friend, I hope you know that."

"You too. See you soon."

We both hung up and I stared ahead for a few moments. I felt both relieved and worried, but at least I could help her somehow. Making a mental note to visit her sometime, I walked back downstairs to the party. I wasn't going to tell anyone just yet; it wouldn't be fair to spoil the party.

Edward met my eyes as soon as I walked in the room. "Okay?" he asked.

"Yeah," I replied, looking around at everyone sitting down around the TV. "Well, this is one hard core party..."

"Oi," Charlie gasped, feigning offence. "I've never been so insulted in all my life."

"Yeah," Carlisle added. "That sarcasm is dangerous, Bella."

We all laughed and slipped back into the party mood, playing a few more games on a console and generally having a good time. I think we all genuinely enjoyed ourselves for the first time in months, but Rose was on my mind the whole time.

"She's pregnant? Damn."

Edward and myself were lying on the bed in his room again the following day, once more fulfilling his prophecy from the hospital. There was a light breeze tickling our faces from the window and his arm was draped lazily over my shoulder, allowing me to cuddle next to him.

"Yeah. She sounded pretty distressed."

He looked over at me. "What's she gonna do?"

"Keep it, I think. There's always adoption - I'm not sure if they're completely ready for a child yet. But surely they weren't that stupid?"

"Accidents happen," he reasoned.

We sat in a calming silence, something that I'd grown to enjoy in his company. Sure, I really enjoyed talking to him, but we seemed comfortable when the words ran out and it allowed both of us to think, something that I liked.

"Bella?" he suddenly said, slowly easing himself upright. I followed his actions, feeling a bit anxious at the tone of his voice.

"Yeah?"

"I have something for you."

I watched his hand reach into his pocket and he fumbled around for a while, before retrieving one of the necklaces from yesterday. Of course it was his mother's necklace which he cherished so much and had longed for ever since it slipped out of his possession.

I stared at him wordlessly, waiting for him to say something.

"I think it would be right for you to have this," he said, stretching out his hand. "You... you mean a lot to me and I w-want you to wear it."

My mouth couldn't produce any words, I just moved my hands mechanically forward to meet his.

"Bella?"

"Are you s-sure?" I murmured. "But, they're your mother's... I-"

"I think the idea was to pass them through the family, down through people who... who you l-." He paused. "People who m-mean a lot." He stopped again before nodding to himself. His voice sounded stronger this time. "And you know what else I think?"

I met his eyes and shook my head silently, literally hanging on to whatever he might say next.

He was quiet for a long time. "Well, I... I think..." he swallowed, "I think I love you, Bella."

He looked down at this point, appearing to be embarrassed, but my body was frozen in shock. Love? Love?

Love.

I leaned forwards and did the first thing that came to my head; I kissed him. His fingers crawled around and into my hair, gently pushing me closer to his body and my hands instinctively wrapped around his back, never wanting to let go.

He was mine now. I didn't want to sound like some possessive freak, but it was true; for some unbelievable reason, he loved me, and I loved him back.

Our kiss deepened further than before and Edward fell slowly onto his back, and I somehow ended up on top of him. It was a bold gesture that made my heart hammer manically faster, but we just continued, a fiery heat seeming to pass between us.

After a time I couldn't even begin to measure, we both pulled apart and I fell to the space beside him. Through shaky breaths I whispered, "You know what?"

He met my eyes and I saw how his face was flushed with colour and how his eyes were bright; in short, he was just beautiful. "What, Bella?"

"I love you too."

He leaned over and carefully placed the necklace around me, kissing my neck softly in the process. The jewellery was cold against my skin, something that was shocking compared to all the heat I'd felt a few seconds before from Edward's lips.

It was quite indescribable how happy I was at that moment; a powerful optimism was overtaking me and I suddenly thought that everything with Rose could be okay; it certainly wasn't the end of the world for her or the worst thing that could ever happen - maybe she'd see that.

With another smile, I moved myself closer to Edward and slowly closed my eyes, thinking contentedly to myself.

Gah, I hope that wasn't too cheesy!

Epilogue from five years later on will be up in a few days - sorry if you don't like those types of endings but I think they're best to completely close the story, and then it's all done!