Mystery at Home
The sun was streaming into my eyes when I woke up. I groaned and pulled the blanket over my eyes and I heard Charlie laugh.
"Good morning sleeping beauty. Alice isn't coming to get you today; you need to call her back. Oh and, Jacob's coming over."
I smiled a little; he must've accepted my apology.
"Thanks for letting me know."
He nodded and rose from his chair whistling.
"Feel free to go out today, I know Jacob's wanted to see you."
"Sure dad."
I rested against the pillow while he left for the kitchen. I wasn't entirely sure what I would say to Jacob when he came over, but I had to admit I was glad to know he was going to be here. I picked up the phone and dialed a familiar number. There was a retching sound and Alice's groggy voice answered.
"Hello?"
"Oh Alice, you sound awful."
"Morning sickness, it's a bitch," she said with a bitter laugh. "I'm sorry I couldn't get you today. I promise we'll hang out soon."
"Don't worry about it. Jacob's coming over soon anyway."
There was a long pause, and then she answered.
"Bella I'm not sure that's the best idea."
"He's my friend Alice, I don't see how that's not a good idea."
"I know, but well I know Edward would be uncomfortable with him being there alone with you, and I think he just wants your help with his little rebel buddies."
"We won't be alone, Charlie's here. Even if we were, he knows his limits. Come on Alice."
"Bella... I was in Seattle last night. I saw soldiers take away two men because they were talking to rebels. If they come here and see you with him, they'll take you away too. Bella you're my best friend. This war has escalated into something bigger, something more secretive. You mean too much to me to let them take you away. Please just be careful about this."
"Alice..." I said softly, "we'll stay at my house. We're in a small town; they're not interested in us."
I heard her sigh but she spoke again, trying to make her voice sound more commanding.
"If you two go anywhere, don't let him wear his armbands. I mean it Bella, I want your word."
"You have it."
"Thank you," she breathed. "I have to go. Please stay safe alright?"
"I will Alice, bye."
There was a clicking sound and I hung up the phone, sighing. Honestly, what was she worried about? The soldiers would see Jacob as just some kid. We would be fine.
--Jacob's Point of View--
The disarray of wires in front of Quil was annoying. I'd been doing this by myself for weeks and after teaching them, they should know how to do it properly by now.
"You have to attach these two wires to make it work Quil, honestly weren't you paying attention?"
"How do you even know how to do this?"
I grimaced. It was an accident really that I knew anything. I'd come across our friend Sam doing it one day. He said it would help us get rid of the government we had now and get one that gave us rights, one that wasn't just followers, rebels, and neutrals. He said he would teach me, but only if I helped; so I learned.
"Sam knows a lot of stuff."
He continued to look puzzled and I sighed.
"Look, pay attention because I'm only going to show you one more time."
A clock chimed and I glanced at the time.
"Ugh, Quil, ask Embry how to do this, because I have to get going."
"What the hell? Where?"
I grinned.
"Bella."
--Bella's Point of View--
Time went by slowly, and I spent the time trying to decide what to wear. I didn't want him to think I'd made myself up just to see him; that would only give him ideas; however, it would be rude to just meet him in my pajamas. I'd finally decided on some simple jeans and Edward's jacket but I still felt a little underdressed. I was brushing my teeth in the bathroom when I heard the doorbell ring. I quickly spit and rinsed my toothbrush while I called to the door.
"Come in!"
There was the sound of the door closing and then without warning, Jacob came crashing into me with a bear hug.
"Bella!"
"Can't- breathe!" I gasped.
He only laughed and released me with a grin.
"I'm sorry about what happened. We're okay right?"
"Yeah, we're okay."
"That's great, because I wanted to invite you somewhere."
"Where's that?"
"We can't go yet, but we will later promise."
"Uh… okay."
He just laughed again and pulled me out of the bathroom.
"Is that a new jacket?"
"Sort of... it's Edward's."
"Oh."
I could tell that depressed him a bit so I changed the subject.
"So um, where's this mysterious place we're going?"
"No where special, this abandoned building me, Quil, and Embry found. We hang out there now. We have a TV and some old video games and tons of snacks."
"It sounds great. We can't stay too long though okay?"
"Aw. How come?"
"Charlie."
"He doesn't care how late you're out with me."
"Yes, but the man can't cook for himself and I need my rest too Jacob."
"Fine… but not too early okay?"
"Okay."
"Hey uh... how's Edward? Has he written you yet?"
"Not yet, but I'm sure a letter will arrive soon."
He shrugged and grabbed my hand. I remembered what Edward said, and I pulled away from him.
"Bella, what the hell? You never used to do that."
"Jacob… I'm married, and Edward wouldn't like it."
"I'm just doing it as a friend. I don't expect you to feel the same about me."
"Maybe we shouldn't go…"
"Bella!! Come on," he whined, "Quil and Embry miss you. They don't even know the good news."
"I guess I could come, but only for a few hours okay?"
"Okay, okay, okay. Now come on."
I smiled and he took my hand again, leading me to the door.
"Be back later Charlie!"
The door closed behind us and I stepped into the bright sun.
--Edward's Point of View--
The whistle between my teeth felt cold as the shrill sound filled the run-down cabin. Men, woman, and children were all rising with haste, most of them in line within minutes. Gerald Freeman, my mentor for the next few days was watching as I herded the groups outside into lines, cabin my cabin. There were 15 rows in all of at least 30 people, assigned by how well they worked. Some families were together for good behavior, others were separated as much as possible. I tried not to think of the husbands and wives separated as I made myself heard over the quiet crowd.
"Today groups A through H will be unloading crates from our delivery trucks. Groups I through O will be opening the crates and putting whatever's inside where it goes before lunch. There will be a quick breakfast before any work is done. Anyone who doesn't complete their tasks before the designated time will skip lunch and will report to Cabin A for punishment. Go."
They rushed to a building at the edge of the camp, one that was completely concrete instead of wood. I followed inside and found all my comrades at a table laughing. The gestured for me to come over and I shifted uncomfortably. The brown-clad rebels around me shuffled silently, eyes downcast and voices speaking in hushed tones. There was more laughing and one of them came up to me.
"Hey, come on. We gotta tell you how we eat around here."
I hesitated, and he turned around.
"You're not going to stay here are you?"
I shook my head and went to his side, feeling almost like a lap dog.
"No, I'm coming."
He led to me their table and I noticed there wasn't any food to be seen.
"Aren't we eating?"
They all laughed heartily, like I'd just told a funny joke.
"Let me tell you something," one started. "See, our job is to wake them up, then taunt them. Some pretty rebel chicks come here, and we let them get out of hard work by doing some favors."
He winked and the rest of them chuckled.
"They bring us the food and sleep in our cabins. Of course, we switch out the girl's so it's fair."
There was more laughing and I tried to look pleased about it.
"Aren't any of you married?"
I pointed to the ring on my finger and there was silence around the table. Finally, one of them spoke up.
"We try not to bring that up around here. It's better for them," meaning the wives I'd guess, "if we don't mention them here too much."
I wasn't sure what to say to that. I shrugged and let it go, deciding to write to Bella that night.
--Bella's Point of View--
There were sounds of gunshots and explosions and laughter all around. I couldn't find the button to shoot so I was losing while Quil and Embry ganged up on me. Jacob tried to help but his character ended up dying. Finally I put down the controller and accepted defeat.
"You know it's cheating when I can't defend myself."
Quil and Embry just laughed, high-fiving each other. Quil spoke, giving me a hug in the process.
"Sorry Bells, you snooze you lose."
Jacob glared at Quil for a second and gave me a hug when Quil let go.
"Ignore them. They just want to be mean."
I laughed and gave him a gentle hug back, quickly letting go.
"Hey what time is it? I've been playing games for forever."
There was an eerie silence and I glared at Jacob.
"Please tell me I won't feel the urge to hit you."
He winced.
"Well… it's um… around 9:30 right now."
"Jacob Black!"
"What?"
"I told you I had to be home to make dinner for Charlie!"
"Relax. He probably went over to bug my dad for dinner. You know my dad makes a killer pizza."
"Drive me home."
"Just a few more games, please Bella?"
"Sorry Jake, I have to go home. We'll hang out again soon, I promise."
He pouted but got up to get his keys while I gave hugs to Embry and Quil. I slipped on my shoes and stood by the door, waiting while he whispered something to them.
"Are we going?"
"Hold your horses woman."
"Don't call me woman, you know I hate that."
He laughed and strode over to me, opening the door.
"After you madam," he said with a bow.
I groaned and smacked the top of his head on my way out, chuckling as he rubbed the sore spot.
"You're so mean to me Bella."
"Well you deserve it."
He stared at me open-mouthed and I laughed again, getting into his car. I noticed the band on his arm and remembered what Alice said.
"Hey Jake, will you do me a favor?"
"Sure, what?"
"Can you take off your armbands, just until you get me home?"
His face darkened.
"You embarrassed to be seen with a rebel Bella?"
"No. It's just Alice asked that I didn't. She doesn't want me getting into trouble and I gave her a promise."
He groaned but stripped the band off.
"Fine."
The engine roared to life with a turn of his key and we sped away, going much faster than I was sure we should've been. Most of the journey was in silence. As we got closer to my neighborhood, I spoke.
"Jake… I'm not embarrassed that you're a rebel."
"But you'll do whatever it takes to please your precious husband's," he spat the word, "family."
"They're like my own."
"And where does that leave me?"
"Jake… you're my friend."
"But what I want doesn't matter? What I want is less important than them?"
"No!"
"Then next time I'll wear my damn armbands whether you like it or not."
He pulled up next to my house and I opened the door, not wanting to leave with both of us mad.
"We'll hang out the day after tomorrow okay? You can wear them all you want. Okay?"
"Thanks Bells," he said with a smile.
He got out of the car and came around to hug me.
"Sorry I got mad. It's just… the rebel thing. It's important to me you know?"
"Yeah. I know."
I gave him another hug and said a quick good-bye before going inside. Charlie was on the couch, eating chips and watching some news report.
"Dad turn that off."
I didn't feel like hearing the latest soldier death toll, I was already worried enough about Edward.
"Bella you need to come see this."
Next to him there was a letter.
I ran for it, surprised Edward had gotten a letter to me this soon. He must've sent it ahead of time. I read who it was from and frowned.
"Why is," I stared down to make sure I read it right, "Olympia Center for Women and Children sending me mail?"
"I don't know. I've never heard of this place."
I read the letter with a frown.
Isabella M. Cullen,
We would like to inform you of the completion of our center. We have clean facilities, nurseries for children, good food, and plenty of room. We are a free facility here to act as a shelter during the war. We hope to see you soon, along with many others.
Sincerely,
The Center for Women and Children team.
"Dad? Did you even know there was construction going on?"
"No, but I don't think you'll be going there."
"What makes you say that?"
"Alice called to ask if you had the same letter. Her, Rosalie, and Esme all got one."
"Oh."
Well now I had more to write to Edward about.
I waited until Charlie went to bed to call Alice. When she answered, I could tell she wasn't happy.
"Do you have any idea what time it is?"
"I thought you might want to know no big bad soldiers got me."
"You shouldn't be getting home so late anyway Bella. It's dangerous."
"Sorry Mom."
"Don't make a joke Bella, I'm serious."
"And I'm seriously sorry Alice. Now what's this about these letters?"
"I don't know. I haven't heard of this place at all. The return address says it's right in the center of Olympia though."
"Charlie says to avoid it."
"Sounds like a good idea for now. Maybe the news will do a piece on it."
"I hope so."
"Hey Bells? I'm gonna get some sleep. Good for the baby and all," she said with a small laugh.
"Okay. Talk to you later."
"Bye hon."
"Bye."
The phone clicked and I put it down with a puzzled thought. What kind of place could rise up that quick without anyone noticing?
--Edward's Point of View--
I was listening to the conversations of the others while I wrote to Bella.
Hey beautiful,
I miss you already. Don't worry, I'm safe here. All I do is tell the rebels what to do. The living conditions for them though
My letter was cut short by a voice over my shoulder.
"They check your letters you know. To make sure you're not saying anything bad. If they catch it, they just don't send it."
"You can't be serious."
"I am."
I groaned and crumpled the letter, starting a new one.
Hey beautiful,
I miss you. Don't worry, I'm safe here. I just do a small job for now and some guys here with me are alright. Sorry to keep this letter short but I love you and I can't wait for your reply.
Sending love to you,
Edward.
I fell asleep quickly after sealing the envelope and giving it to mail call. I had no idea how long it would take for her to get the letter but I hoped it would be soon. I wanted to know what was going on at home, how she was. I had a feeling my year here would seem much longer than I wanted.
--
Sorry it took such a long time for me to update! I had some writer's block among other things. I promise to try to stay updated now that I have some juice flowing again and I hope you guys liked the chapter. )