Chapter 9—Unexpected Gifts

I don't want expensive gifts; I don't want to be bought. I have everything I want. I just want someone to be there for me, to make me feel safe and secure.

Princess Diana

Bella's POV

I woke with a start. My heart was pounding so hard, and I was afraid it would burst out of my chest. For some reason, I was frightened. Staring at the ceiling, I thought. My dreams had started out about Edward and had slowly turned into a nightmare about Jacob. I shivered.

I sat up slowly, taking in and looking around the room. The calming effects of the green walls and the brown accents washed over me, relaxing the tension from my body. I wasn't in Jacob's clutches; I was safe.

Slipping from the bed, I walked to my bathroom. I smiled. I didn't have to share with anyone. When Edward told me I would have my own, I couldn't get myself to believe him. It was sweet of him to offer me the use of his bathroom last night while he brought in all the bags. I hadn't bothered asking him for a reason; I knew. If I had walked out from my bathroom in just my robe, and he was in the room—it would have been extremely awkward.

Like Edward's bathroom, mine also had a black-and-white marble counter with silver containers next to the sink. There was a combination tub and shower in a boring shade of white. The black curtain and silver shower liner hid that fact; I didn't care one bit. It was more than I was expecting. I turned the knob, and water started cascading down, reminding me of a gentle rainstorm.

Once the water was warm, I stripped and stepped into the spray. The remnants of my fear flowed out of me and down the drain with my shampoo. It felt good to not have to rush my morning routine or have to take a cold shower because Jacob and his men used all the hot water. Despite thinking of the situation Edward had rescued me from, I looked extremely happy when I scrutinized myself in the mirror after donning my robe. I was practically glowing.

Peeking out around the bathroom door, I looked toward my opened bedroom door and then into what I could see of the bedroom. I didn't see Edward or his housekeeper—what was her name? Mrs. Hope, no, Cope—but I couldn't see around the corner and into the rest of the room.

Emerging slowly, I walked back into the room, keeping my ears open to any sounds that could come from behind me. I wanted to avoid confronting anyone while in my robe. Relief flooded over me—no one was in the room, but someone had been. My bed had been made, and a tumbler of orange juice and a small white cup sat on the table in the small sitting area along with silver and blue wrapped gifts.

Gifts?

I blinked, and the little pile was still there, calling to me. I ignored them long enough to slip into a pair of skinny jeans and a light brown sweater that was both soft and warm. Settling into the cream overstuffed chair, and with my feet under me, I reached for the small cup. It contained two ibuprofen pills, and I downed them quickly. Sipping a little of the orange juice, I eyed the gifts as I set down the glass.

Curiosity got the best of me, and I reached for the first silver gift. Lifting the gift tag, I saw it was a belated birthday wish from Alice. I felt like a child on Christmas morning as I ripped off the paper to reveal a Kindle. There was a one-hundred dollar gift card taped to the box. My eyes swelled with tears. It was very sweet of her. Each member of Edward's family had given me something. I wished they were here when I opened them so I could thank them. There was one last gift to open, and I didn't even look at the gift tag. I dropped the paper onto the floor before my eyes moved to what I held—a long, black and rectangular velvet box.

I gasped after opening the box, dropping it. I stared at the contents—a sapphire and diamond necklace, earrings, and tennis bracelet. It was perfect and something I would have picked for myself.

Who was it from?

I slid to the floor, grabbing the wrapping paper I had dropped on top of the others. Sucking in a breath, I read the tag. The jewelry was from—Edward.

The wrapping paper and velvet box fell from my hand.

"Bella," a voice, I didn't quite recognize, said. "Are you okay? Should I go get Edward?"

I glanced up and saw Ms. Cope.

"No … I'm fine." I gathered the discarded wrapping paper, the velvet box, and stood. "I was surprised by one of the belated birthday gifts I opened. I wasn't expecting it."

Ms. Cope smiled. "Breakfast is ready, dear. I just came in to see if you were up and to make the bed."

"You didn't make it?" I asked, motioning to the bed.

"No, Edward must have while I was making breakfast."

That surprised me. He was a billionaire, had a housekeeper, and made beds. "So, you didn't leave the ibuprofen and juice for me, either," I stated.

Again, she smiled at me. "Now, that I did do. I thought you had just gotten up to go to the bathroom. How is your wrist? Edward told me it was just a sprain."

It was my turn to smile. "Still hurts, but not as much as it did when I first injured it."

"Good. Now, let's get to the kitchen before Emmett eats everything I made."

Emmett … Emmett. Oh, one of Edward's younger brothers.

"Is Edward's whole family here?" I asked, following her out of the room, trying to pick out some landmarks. I'd probably get lost if I tried to find the kitchen alone, even if I had a map. Edward was going to have to give me a tour.

Beautiful piano music was playing. I couldn't tell if it was coming from the intercom system or if someone was tickling the ivories.

"No. Emmett's the only one here. I have a feeling they'll all be here later tonight, though."

"Oh. Why?" I wasn't sure what drove me to ask or if it was okay for me to ask.

"For your birthday dinner." She turned to face me once we were in the entrance hall, winking. "I'm not sure if I was supposed to say anything about it, but …" Ms. Cope trailed off with a shrug.

"Wasn't supposed to say anything about what?" Edward asked, making his presence known.

We both turned toward his voice. He was sitting at a sleek black piano. Though he was looking at us, his hands were moving skillfully across the black and white keys.

I colored when I took in what he was wearing. Brown sweater and jeans—we matched.

"Oh, you know, dinner," Ms. Cope answered with a wave of her hand.

Edward shook his head, laughing slightly. "It's not a secret. Though"—he stopped playing, stood, and came toward us—"I would've liked to tell Bella myself that we're going out tonight."

He came to a stop directly in front of me, cupping my cheek. "How are you feeling?" he asked. Concern laced his question. His greens eyes were soft and slightly drawn together; I could easily get lost in them.

As I continued to stare into his eyes, my vision twisted like it had last night, but I remained upright even though I had to close my eyes momentarily. "At the moment, I'm fine," I answered honestly. I didn't want to admit to him or myself that he was turning my world upside down. Or was it right side up?

God! He confused me to no end. After last night's fainting spell, I felt drawn to him. Had we not been interrupted—

"I'm glad," he remarked, disrupting into my internal ramblings.

Was he really the cause of my fainting, like Grandfather thought?

His thumb stroked over my cheek, sending warmth and chills coursing through me. He dropped his hand before offering me his arm.

"Allow me to escort you to the dining room." There was an old-world charm to him, like he had stepped out of a Jane Austen novel.

I smiled at him as Ms. Cope took the wrapping paper from me. I'd not seen a trash bin in my room, so I'd been holding the ripped paper until that moment. In my other hand, I held the velvet box containing Edward's gift.

"Do you need help putting on the necklace and bracelet?" Edward asked, pointing to the box.

"No," I said nervously. "The set is beautiful, but I can't accept it."

"Why not?"

I blew out a breath. "Because it's too much, and I don't need it." I turned and raised my head to take in his profile but instead found him gazing down at me. Confusion marred his handsome features. "The other gifts, while a little too much, are more of a need or something I've been wanting." The Kindle Alice had gifted me came to mind—I'd wanted one.

His features relaxed with that explanation. "Ah, I see. And you haven't wanted nice jewelry?"

Edward had me there. "Nice, yes, but expensive, no," I said as he released my arm, allowing me to go into the dining room ahead of him.

I stopped in my tracks. A big brute was sitting at the table and stood when I entered. He had wide, broad shoulders, massive hands, and black hair cropped close to his head.

It took me a moment to remember that Ms. Cope had told me Emmett was here, but I had never met him. Was this him?

"Emmett won't bite," Edward whispered in my ear, his warm breath stirring the loose tendrils of my hair.

I looked over my shoulder at him, dubious.

"He's just a big teddy bear," he added louder.

"Yep," Emmett agreed. "Just don't get on my bad side."

My eyes got wide as a swallowed the lump forming in my throat. "Why?" I asked, and it came out as a squeak.

"I turn into a grizzly bear." He winked at me. "I'm Emmett," he said, coming around the table with his hand extended. "You must be Bella."

I took a step back right into Edward. He wrapped an arm around my waist.

Relief coursed through me the moment Edward's arm around wrapped around me, but my eyes stayed on Emmett. There was a quizzical look on his face. Was he giving me that strange look, or was it Edward his was eyeing?

"Emmett, back off a minute," Edward suggested.

Emmett took a few steps backward.

"Thanks, Emmett," I muttered. "Give me some time to warm up to you."

"No problem," Emmett said, regarding me a moment longer. "I'm with the FBI, and I'm here to ask you some questions, but they can wait." He winked again and motioned to the table. "You've got to try the strawberry pancakes."

My knees about gave way, and I would've been on the floor had Edward's arm not been around me still.

What? How? How had Ms. Cope known? My mother made me strawberry pancakes every year for my birthday. I hadn't had them the last two years.

"Huh?" Emmett asked. "How had Ms. Cope known what?"

Had I said part of that aloud? I guess I had if Emmett was asking.

"Maybe you should sit," Edward whispered, guiding me over to the nearest chair that Emmett held out. Edward also took the velvet box from me, setting it on the table.

Once I was seated with Edward and Emmett on either side of me, Edward asked, "Now, how did she know what?"

"The pancakes," I started. "My mother made strawberry pancakes for me every birthday." A tear slipped from one eye, and I wiped it away.

"I didn't know," Edward admitted. "I asked her to make them in lieu of a cake, knowing she picked up some fresh strawberries this morning."

I stared at Edward for a couple of seconds, and then I threw my arms around him. "Thank you."

~ L.C. ~

I was pacing the study, waiting for Grandfather and a lawyer; I had agreed to speak with Emmett about my captivity, but I wanted someone well-versed in the law in the room with me. What surprised me was that both he and Edward thought it was a good idea.

The rows of books called to me, but I ignored them. I was nervous—scared even.

What was Emmett going to ask me?

I was just sitting when Grandfather came in followed by—Christina Weber! No way!

"Isabella," she greeted with a warm smile. "I'm so happy to see you."

"As am I," I said as I stood to give her a huge hug. Christina was my best friend, Angela's, mother. "How's Ang?"

"She doing great and is currently in Italy studying hard at the University of Milan."

I was happy to hear that Angela was following her dream to study in Italy and said so.

"Now, dear, I hear that an FBI agent wants to question you."

I nodded.

"Do you know what about?" Christina asked.

"About what happened the night I was kidnapped and about my captivity." My voice was pitched lower than normal, just above that of a whisper.

"Okay. Is there anything I should know? For instance, were you involved in any crimes?"

"No. Though, you should know that Jacob Black was the one who held me captive."

Christina's hand flew to her chest, and she gazed at Grandfather. I knew Jacob had been questioned countless times and denied having ever seen me.

"I see no reason that you can't answer any questions," Christina said, returning her attention to me. "If you don't want to answer a given question, just say so. I'll be right next to you, and I'll advise you when there is a question you shouldn't answer without knowing why it's being asked."

I nodded, and she called for Emmett.

Emmett sauntered into the study and took a seat behind the desk. He set a digital recorder down and said some things about who he was, his shield number, my name, and that I was a victim. He also included that my grandfather and Christina Weber were present.

"Isabella," he started.

"I'd rather you call me Bella," I interrupted.

He smiled tenderly at me. "Okay, Bella. I have some questions for you. But first, do you mind if I record this conversation?"

Biting my lip, I looked first to Christina and then Grandfather. Both nodded their heads. "That's fine. Can I ask why?"

"Well, it's protocol. Then there's taking notes skills while listening. I might be writing something down and you say something important that I miss."

"I see. Go on."

"Second, do you and your legal counsel understand that you are not under arrest and are voluntarily talking with me?"

"We do," Christina answered.

"Okay. I'm sure Mrs. Weber has told you this, but for the record, we can stop at any time or skip questions you're uncomfortable answering. We can even take a break if things become too difficult or emotional."

"I appreciate that." I brushed a wayward lock of hair behind my ear.

"All right, we'll start off easy. The night of June 12, 2010, can you tell me what you did? Where you were, who was with you, that sort of stuff."

Christina put a hand on my arm, stopping me from answering. "I know you said Bella is not under arrest, but is she a suspect?"

"Oh. I should have stated that more clearly. Bella is a victim and is in no way a suspect. I'm just asking the question to establish a timeline of events. The file"—he handed her a manila folder—"has a timeline, and I just want to verify events as outlined by others."

She flipped it open and skimmed a few pages.

"Okay. Bella, go ahead and answer," Christina said.

"I was out with my best friend, Angela Weber. We had driven to Port Angeles for dinner and to see a movie."

"Who drove?"

"Angela. Whenever we went out, we took turns driving—it was her turn. She picked me up around four."

"After the movie, did you go to dinner?"

"No. We went to some burger place before the movie."

"All right." He made a note. "Did you go anywhere else in Port Angeles?"

"A few shops before heading to the burger place. We drove back to Forks after the movie. Angela dropped me off at ten or a little after."

Emmett stopped the tape recorder.

"Are we done?" Christina asked.

I looked over at her; she had an eyebrow raised, scrutinizing Emmett.

"No. I thought before we get to the harder questions, I'd offer to go get everyone something to drink."

"Shouldn't Mr. Cullen be offering that?" Christina asked.

"Nah, he's my brother and would have my hide if I didn't at least offer."

Christina's head swung to Grandfather. "Can I have a moment with Bella and her grandfather?" she asked, her eyes not moving from Grandfather's.

"Of course. I'll just step out and retrieve some refreshment for us all."

The door closed with a soft click. Christina said nothing for another minute.

"Malcolm, do you think it's wise for Isabella to be staying here?"

"Wait," I said, holding up a hand. "You know I'm being protected by Edward."

"Yes, I do. What kind of lawyer would I be if I didn't ask questions?"

"My grandfather filled you in?"

"Aye, lassie, I did. And, Christina, to answer your question, I see no problem with her staying here."

"Besides, Emmett didn't ask me any questions—well, of this nature—during breakfast."

"Does he live here? If he does, it's a conflict of interest for him to be questioning you." Christina looked like she was ready to give Emmett a piece of her mind about ethics.

"No," I answered. "Emmett lives on the west side of town."

"What type of questions did he ask?" Grandfather asked.

"Mainly my likes and dislikes, like my favorite color. Innocent, 'get to know you' type of questions." My hands rose and made air quotes when I said get to know you.

A knock signaled that someone was outside the door. I got up, needing to stretch my legs. Walking over to the door, I opened it. Emmett entered, carrying a tray with pitchers of tea and water and four glasses.

I declined when Emmett asked which I wanted. He poured me a glass of water. "Just in case," he said, setting it in front of me along with a monogrammed handkerchief—EAMC. The initials were stitched in silver thread. The visible edge was a flourished border of black, green, blue, and red. It was sweet of Edward to send it in with Emmett.

Fingering the edge, I couldn't help the grin that spread across my face as Emmett switched back on the recorder.

"I'm afraid that questions are going to get tougher from here on out," he said, eyeing me until I nodded; he seemed concerned about me, too. "I want you to try to describe the exterior of your house the night you were taken."

"What do you mean?" I asked, scrunching my brow in confusion.

"Was the porch light on?"

My eyes closed as I thought back. Had the porch light been on? Mom and Dad always turned it on when they knew I was going to be out late.

"Bye, Bella. See you Monday at work," Angela yelled out the window as I walked up the front steps.

The crunch of glass had me looking down and then up. The porch light was broken, and I could barely see the still glowing filament of the light bulb.

I opened my eyes in alarm. "No, it wasn't. There was glass on the stoop, and the light bulb was jagged." I shouldn't have gone inside, I thought. Dad instructed me to never enter the house if the porch light wasn't on. Why hadn't I noticed?

I gasped and couldn't breathe.

"Isabella, take a sip," Grandfather instructed close to my ear. The rim of a glass was pressed to my lips.

After taking a couple of sips, I pulled away. "I'm fine," I told everyone. "Could I have a few minutes?"

I got up and without waiting for an answer, walked out of the study and across the hall to my bedroom.

"Edward?"

What is he doing in here?

"You got a few packages from your cousin." He motioned to the dresser, and true to his word, four boxes, varying in size, were sitting there. "There's a garment bag, too."

Glancing at the bed, I was tempted to unzip the bag, but I was sure someone was going to come looking for me.

"Emmett's not done with his questions, is he?"

I shook my head. "I needed a moment after the first hard question."

Edward strode over so he was standing directly in front of me. "Really? One question?"

"Yeah. It wasn't the question but the memory it evoked."

"Isabella," Christina called.

"I'll be right there," I called back. I started to turn, but Edward stopped me with a touch.

"Wait." He removed something from around his neck. "Please wear this."

"What is it?"

"My family's crest," he answered, fastening the chain around my neck. "It will give you the strength to face the memories Emmett's questions bring about."

I looked up at him through my lashes. "It's very thoughtful. Thank you."

I left the room. The next two hours were grueling, and Emmett kept a close eye on me, as I was sure Grandfather and Christina were also. The memories were difficult, but I managed to convey what I remembered about when I was taken, what little I had seen before a blindfold was slipped over my eyes, and what my life was like with Jacob.

Grandfather pulled me aside when all was done and told me that he didn't have any solid answers concerning my fainting spells. He was going to speak with the clan midwife and doctor to see if they could postulate a theory, but it was going to have to wait until he returned to Scotland since it was dangerous discussing certain things on the phone.

A/N: Thanks to Jennej and JCat for their assistance.