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Chapter 12
BPOV
My life had changed drastically. The last day I was awake I was a free woman. I had my restaurant to worry about. I had my dog Tanya and my blood sugar and my foundation to worry about.
Now, I had my life to worry about.
My life had not always been outside of my range of major concerns, though. But I didn't want my thoughts heading down that particular road.
I tried to focus on my current situation.
I was currently being sought out by the Hunter Gang. Three of my favourite celebrities were my guardians, making me drink pumpkin soup and were probably also criminals.
And then there was Edward Cullen.
The first time I'd seen him was four years ago. We were in the same magazine. It was a large article about young millionaires and our road to our first million. I was a few pages down from him.
Not too long after, Edward Cullen was everywhere. Investing in this, donating in that, Edward Cullen was on the news frequently. Which I did not mind at all.
Especially when he was caught on the beach.
Bree and I often joked that if we were to ever meet him we'd never leave. Fate was playing a cruel joke on me.
Emmet spent about five minutes apologizing to me. It was unnecessary; he couldn't help being Emmet McCarty. Once everyone was sure that I was stable, finished drinking my soup and over my celebrity shock, they tried to steer the topic away from the elephant in the room, which was me. They tried to ignore the whole, 'tell us about yourself'.
It wasn't working out.
EPOV
I'd already told everyone not to pressure her. She did not need to take on any more stress today.
"Well I guess I get to go shopping tomorrow, or would you like some of my clothes Bella?" Alice asked kindly.
"I'd basically be getting back my wardrobe back at... home."
"And we'd have to do some shopping for food too Alice." I interjected. "Are you vegetarian Bella? Peanut allergies?"
"No," she shook her head, "That would be inconvenient since I am, was, a chef."
Emmet cut in, "I went to the most amazing restaurant the other night."
"Was it called Red Wine?" she asked. I let out a relaxed sigh, thankful the conversation was headed in the right direction.
"I own it."
Everyone stopped to stare at Bella. She blushed faintly, making her cheeks look warmer and softer.
"Why don't we watch some television?" I suggested. Bella obviously didn't like being the centre of attention.
Emmet, nearest the remote, turned it on.
'ISABELLA 'BELLA' SWAN MISSING."
Emmet changed the channel.
"Offering a large sum to anyone who has information..."
"Has been missing for two days."
"Two days?" Bella whispered. For the first time I regretted only having news channels.
"...And I couldn't find her."
"Stop!"
Bella stared intently at the television, her eyes gathering water.
"She left a note which is now with... with the police but I don't think is like her to just... vanish!"
The young woman on the TV wiped at her eye.
"Bree." Bella whispered. "That was Bree. She worked with me."
It hurt to watch the pain in Bella's features. I could almost read her thoughts- could she call? Could she send an email? A letter?
She knew what the answer would be.
Bella wiped her eyes quickly, her face set in newfound determination.
BPOV
"What was in the letter?"
No one answered me.
I could see plainly what they were doing. They were trying to protect me- to shelter me. They had no idea all that I had been through. They did not know what I was capable of.
Years had passed since that last time I held a knife in my hands to pierce anything living. Years had gone by since I held a gun at all.
But if these people thought they were going to stand before me and fight while I stayed in the sidelines, then they were sorely mistaken.
So I asked again.
"The letter, Edward. Tell me what it said."
A/N: As promised, next chapter will be up in one day. Please Review!