Chapter 38

The next morning, I was up running around to get everything together. Edward and I were pretending we were a couple and traveling together to Hawaii and the rest of them were sitting around us for the flight. We all went through a special screening area because we were all carrying our guns on board including mine. Additional weapons were in our checked luggage that had already been sent ahead with our scuba gear. Edward and I watched the movie; I slept on his shoulder and then we made it to Hawaii where we were spending the night. They took me to Pearl Harbor and we received a special tour. Finally, we checked into the hotel and had some amazing fish for dinner. Edward and I went for a walk on the beach that night. I went out onto my patio around midnight and was still sitting there when Edward found me two hours later. "What is it?"

"I'm just going to miss being outside; so I'm sitting here soaking it all in," and then I started crying.

"What Bella? What is it?"

"It reminds me so much of home."

"Oh baby. Come here," and he pulled me into his lap. I just curled up around him and he held me. Once he quieted my tears, he laid me on the chaise lounge and got us a pillow and a blanket. We laid down together on the chaise lounge. And then I kind of mumbled, "I love making you break the rules."

"Sleep your highness or I'll take you inside."

"Threats, threats."

Together we slept like that for about four hours and then we were up getting ready to get on the sub.

By 10, we were at the sub talking to Captain Joe. "Bella, I'm about to lock down everyone to quarters. You and your escort need to get on board immediately and go straight to your quarters. Edward, you have my map and know how to get there."

"Yes, Captain."

"Then Emmett and Jasper, you two will follow for the other cabin next to mine. The other four of you, I'll show you where we have you bunking at."

"Thank you so much captain. And unless there is a problem with the sub, you'll not see me unless we are having a meeting or until the day I scuba dive from the sub."

"You're welcome, your highness."

Within ten minutes, I was secure in my room with Edward. We put both our bags down in a corner.

Within two hours, we were on our way. I laid down and rested since I slept so poorly the night before. Edward sat at the small desk reading while I rested.

EPOV

There was a quiet knock at our door. I stepped out in the hall.

Emmet and Jasper said, "Where is she?"

"Sleeping. She didn't sleep very well last night. I found her on the patio at 2 am staring at the ocean and moon light."

Carlisle said, "What was going on at 2am?"

"Bella was out on the patio crying."

"Why?"

"She was reminded of home and was going to miss the outdoors being locked on the sub."

"Edward, get me her iPod touch, I have an app that will help her?"

"Okay, quiet." I went in and got her iPod touch and gave it to Jasper. Jasper then left and Carlisle asked, "Is she going to survive this?"

"Yes, you know, I'll make sure that she does. I've so many movies she can watch on the laptops, books for her to read on the laptops, cards, and whatever it takes."

Carlisle said, "What if she wants to have sex? Do you have condoms? Are you prepared to go that far?"

Emmett busted up laughing and said, "I'd gladly donate the condom in my wallet to that cause."

I punched him and then I turned to Carlisle and said, "I'm really hoping it doesn't get that far; but if it would help her survive these days, then yes I probably would."

Emmett said, "Way to step up man! Do I need to give you some pointers since it has been so long man?"

"Shut up, man," and then Jasper came back out.

"Here check out this app. It is a clock based program and it shows the sun going up and setting and the moon. It is from a mountain range; but I bet it'll help her."

"Thanks man. I'll see you guys later."

"No problem, we'll bring you guys lunch in an hour."

BPOV

I woke up an hour later when I heard the door open and close. Edward pulled down the small table for us and we had soup and sandwiches. "Bella, Jasper has something for you to help with being locked in your room on a sub."

"What?" and he showed me my iPod.

"That is cool. I'll thank Jasper later." Then I said, "I planned on my laptop a daily routine to help me pass the time. Can you get me a gallon of water? It does not have to be drinkable. I have water weights I can fill and use. I also brought resistance bands."

"You are my brilliant girlfriend, can I use them too?"

"Of course, that is the advantage of resistance bands."

"I have music, movies and books on both our laptops."

That night after I finished my shower, I was in the bed and Edward came out of the bathroom in his pajamas. I was on the edge of the bed and I smiled as he sat in the chair next to the bed. "Edward, I have one huge favor."

"What's that?"

"Please don't make me sleep against that wall behind me? I am scared to death of feeling trapped."

He kissed my nose and said, "No problem," and he climbed over me and lay down. Edward pulled me in close because we really had no alternative and said, "I can do it because I get to hold onto my beautiful girlfriend."

"Thank you and how is rule breaking?"

"A wonderful thing," he brushed my hair to the side and kissed my neck. Edward encouraged me to roll into his arms and we kissed. Then he said, "Go to sleep, Beautiful. I have to admit I would have loved to do that with you on Hell's River."

"Thank you, Edward, but I would have hurt you there if you had done that."

"Bella, the moon is up; now go to sleep."

"Yes, sir."

We spent our time following my schedule with movies, reading, music, working out, eating and sleeping. Just sleeping. The day before we launched we had use of the dining hall from 2 to 4 to go through everything in the plan. Edward pushed me physically that day; so that, I'd hopefully sleep well that night. It worked because someone had to keep pushing me to eat my dinner because I was falling asleep in it.

"Come on, Bella. Let's get you to bed."

At seven, we were eating breakfast together with Emmett and Jasper. I slipped into a one piece that I brought for this trip and pulled out my gun and put it in its water proof container plus my crown per Carlisle's orders. Soon the seven of them had me buried in their group as we went to the torpedo room to get our gear ready.

Two hours later with all gear on, we were getting ready to leave. I was second to last and Edward was coming out last. Edward helped me get into the shoot and we made sure before the tunnel was flooded that everything worked and I could hear and speak and Edward finally said, "Be careful and I'll see you in the water."

Soon the tunnel flooded and I started swimming out, Jasper and Emmett were waiting fifty feet away. I started the scooter and caught up to them and told them I was okay and clear. Soon Edward was with us, Carlisle said, "Queen Isabella, this is your water. Lead the way to the tunnel."

"Yes, sir," I said. With the scooters, we got there in 30 minutes. When we were probably half a mile from shore, I started recognizing the different coral formations I had dove in for almost five years of my life. I felt a calmness run through me. As we got closer to the cave and the entrance, I realized I was actually happy to be back. I was home and I wanted it back. I opened the tunnel door and we climbed in and left our gear on the resting ledges and then Edward and I climbed up the ladder side by side with our guns drawn and ready. I entered the code and Edward lifted the lid as I slid down a couple rungs on the ladder. He checked and it was clear. I followed as his back up and the rest of my guards came into the second room off the dungeon. I punched in the second combo and we got into the dungeon. Thank god, my step mother hated scuba diving or she probably would have changed the codes. It's myself, Edward, Emmett, Jasper, Jacob, Sam, Seth and Carlisle. We have a waterproof sealing bag to put my father in when we take him away. I have wrestled with this night and day. Part of me just thinks everyone should believe my innocence. But I have been gone for so long, I know I need to prove it without a doubt and what if these tests won't prove it. Now that I was here all my nightmares had been worth it. Once we were all in the dungeon tunnels, Edward led the way; but I was attached to him so that I could really lead the way. Suddenly, I froze and I was looking straight ahead into two cells. Edward couldn't get me to move and said, "Come on, Bella. Keep moving."

"I can't. That's Rose and Alice; my sisters are in the dungeon. Why?" I ran up to their cells and said, "Why does Victoria have you two locked up in here?"

"Bella, you aren't dead. We knew it, but where have you been?" Alice and Rose were both repeating my name and reaching through the bars touching me.

"No, Alice and Rosalie, I am safe and sound. I've been in the US hiding for six years. Unfortunately, these three men" and I pointed to each one "Edward, Emmett and Jasper figured out who I was while I was assisting them in some water rescue training in Alaska. We've been working together with this crew to come in to get my father for a real autopsy because I think someone else had him killed. We were hoping the autopsy would give us the proof we needed. I'll be back in a month to get my crown and country back. Why are you two in here?"

"Victoria doesn't want to deal with us; so we have been in and out of here for the last two years."

Carlisle said, "Bella, we have to keep moving. We have to get your father and get out of here before we get caught. We need you to show us the way."

"Fine, Alice and Rose. I'll be back I promise."

Carlisle said, "Emmett and Jasper stay here and get some information from the girls and explain the point of secrecy."

"Come on, Bella. We have to keep moving," and Edward pulled me away from my sisters and I looked over my shoulder to see Emmett gravitate to Rose and Jasper to Alice. "I love you, both," I yelled as we went off down the hallway to the secret door that would get us to my parents' caskets.

As we got to the door, I said, "Carlisle, please don't make me stay in there and watch this."

"No just get us all in there and show us how to open the casket. Then you and Edward can step out."

We quickly got inside and I pressed in the security code. I heard the popping sound of the seal that I needed to hear. "Father, please forgive me," and something wrapped around me. As I turned towards Edward to get out of the room, I realized there is a third casket in the room and I said, "Oh my god," and I collapsed into Edward's arms. Edward looked up and said, "Oh fuck."

Carlisle then saw it too and said, "Edward, get her outside. We should be out in fifteen minutes. Stay hidden and signal us if there is any trouble. Bella has to be able to dive out of here very soon, try and get her to calm down and get her head ready for the dive. Jasper, can help calm her if need be when we get back to him."

As we stepped outside and I started to stir in his arms, "Bella, are you okay?"

"Yes, sorry Edward, something just wrapped around me, but it was more shocking and surprising than hurting. I almost …"

"Your father hugged you; his love found you again and wrapped around you. He was finally seeing you again and needed to touch you again since you came home to him."

"Yes, Edward," and I wrapped my arms around him. "Thank you, I just couldn't say it. Edward, there's a casket in there for me."

"I know. Are you okay?"

"Yes. We just never thought of them doing something like that; so I wasn't prepared for it."

Soon Jake opened the door and said, "Are you ready, Bella and Edward?"

"Jake, I can't see him. Right?"

"No, you are safe and clear."