Disclaimer: SM owns all rights to twilight.
I know a lot of you want James to be caught. Please hang in there, I can't rush this. I can assure you all James will get what is coming to him.
I am almost done with this story, I can't tell you how many chapters are left but I do know there will be a sequel.
Chapter 42
BPOV
Two weeks, two weeks ago I got fired because of James and his antics. Okay, it is mostly my fault I did lie, when I said it was under control. I did think at the time James would back off my job, but obviously I was wrong. Remember I never said I was the brightest bulb in the box, I assume way too much. Yes, I know what happens when you assume.
Spring has begun, the snow is gone but it is still chilly outside. I know because I have been out on foot looking for a job, but this is Forks and everyone knows about James and his games. So no one wants to hire me.
"I know" Alice says "you should apply for a job here." She chirps[s as we walk around Newton's. why Mike chose to not join the family business is beyond me, but to each one's own I suppose.
"Alice, this is and outdoor department store. Besides, there is no sign saying they are hiring."
"Oh Bella, just go try." She leads me up to customer service.
"Sasha, is Mr. Newton around?"
"Oh hi, Bella, yeah, he's in the back I'll go get him." She turns and heads to the back.
"Bella, how are you dear?" Mr. Newton comes out pecking my cheek.
"I'm good and how are you?"
"I am good, thank you. So how can I help you?"
"Well I am wondering if you have any openings, which allow for a flexible schedule."
"Well, my advertisement manager, quit on me today." He says.
"Well, I am not qualified for that." I look down at the counter.
"Well, I will be willing to put you through the courses required, given you sign a contract saying you will stay with me for a year after you receive the degree. I will pay for the whole thing, including cap and gown if you so choose. I would ask that you do the work as if you had a degree while taking your classes. I hear you can go year round and finish early. So what do you say, do we have a deal" he extends his hand out to me.
"Sir you are aware that James may be a problem?"
"Bella, I am not worried about James." He smiles shaking his head. "Now do we have a deal?"
"Yes, sir." I shake his hand.
"Wonderful. Show up here on Monday for the formalities."
"Thank you, sir."
"No, thank you Bella. I know I can trust you and now I don't have to worry about being quit on with no notice."
Alice and I head out to finish Alice's shopping. I have Alice drop me off at Susan office for my appointment.
"Bella, how are you?" Susan greets me with coffee.
"Hello, Susan." I smile "Everything is…okay."
"Well come in and catch me up. The last time we talked, your house was vandalized and your car was destroyed."
"Oh wow, a lot has happened since then. Edward and Amanda moved in, James shot my mother making me pass out, and I got fired, but then I got a new job."
"Well, let's start with the good and go to the worst. So, Edward and Amanda moved in. How is that going?"
"Oh Susan it is wonderful my house is so full and busy. It's like a dream come true. I seems like we are meant to live together. I know it's soon but I think it is working out so well."
"That is wonderful news, so let's move on then, how did James get you fired from work?"
"Well in all honesty I suppose not. I did, tell Bob that I had it under control and I really thought he wouldn't come back, nor do anything that extreme. I mean it is a business didn't he know he would be seen?"
"What did he do?"
"He and that redhead of his, set fire to the marketing building. They have him a video and everything. I know I should have been more fourth coming but I really didn't think he'd go this far. Either way Bob said he couldn't deal with this so I got fired, but I got hired at Newton's today."
"Well, you didn't let that get you down, and you seems to get a positive out of it." Susan says looking proud.
"So, James shot your mother, and you passed out because of it?"
"Oh boy jump right in there Susan." I laugh nervously.
"Well… you had to have some strong emotions to pass out like that when it comes to him, twice none the less. Let go into that."
"Well, what do you want to know?" I pick at my fingers like a petulant child.
"Let's start with how you felt when you saw your mother get shot."
"How in the hell do you think I felt? I freaked the hell out, she's my mother. The one person that is always there- no matter what. She is kind and caring and…maybe a little like June Clever from leave it to beaver but it makes her happy and her happiness is contagious. She opened her heart and arms to Amanda, and Edward, without being asked or hesitation. I think that's why he went after her now that I think about it. He is trying to take away anything positive ones my life." I muse. "Well, she is fine, so I guess he failed in that department." I chuckle without humor. "Oh, but my father is pissed. He will kill him if he sees him. My parents have been in love since high school, then my mother almost died having me; my dad is in no way about to let this go." I shake my head.
"If you know what he is trying to do why did you pass out then?" Susan asks clearly confused.
"Oh that thought came to me just know. I'm not sure why I passed out. James just has that control, it's like I can deal with him but when I am done, my body gives up for a second and everything goes black. I don't know I think a part of me will always be afraid of him because he did hurt me, physically, mentally , and emotionally, and I know he could probably still do that, but I think I'm more worried about him hurting the ones I love. I think the main fear I have is that he will get his hands on Seth, and I don't know how traumatizing that will be on him and me being his mother it's my job to protect him. What if I fail, Seth will pay the price and he has been a trooper though life with me. What kind of mother repays their kid by letting them get hurt? A shitty mother -that's what kind."
"Well, you have a lot goin on in your head don't you." Susan muses. "Bella let me tell you right now, you are not a shitty mother. You are a good mom.
"In my opinion I think that is why I passed out, my brain when but then said "information over load I am shutting down now, good night" then boom lights out. That's just the way my twisted mind works." I joke.
"So, you seem to always have a plan, what is your plan for this."
"Well, we are all under complete surveillance by Emmett and his guys. The kids always have someone outside the school all day. They are all under strict instruction that my kids and Edward are in no way "bait" to catch him." I inform her. "I go inside to get the kids from school they do not leave the building without one of us, and they never leave our sight."
"How does Seth take all this?" she motions in a circular motion with her hand.
"He seems alarmingly aware of everything. He even knows that he, especially, is in some kind of danger. I just try to reassure him I have it all under control. But I have been teaching him how to take care of himself and hopefully survive, if we ever get separated, until I can help him."
"Okay" Susan takes a deep breath "I have run out of time. I am going on a vacation so I won't be able to see you next month, but I do want to see you when I get back. I don't want to leave you with a thought, like normal. Okay?"
I nod "Okay, lay it on me."
"Seth is a lot like you, don't underestimate him, and don't underestimate yourself. You will know how to handle when the time comes."
I should have known it was going to be cryptic. I take a deep breath and get up and walk out. Alice is waiting by her car. She takes me home and drops me of. I sit and relax while I wait for Esme, to bring my kids home.
EPOV
There is nothing better than a good workout, after a long day of work. Between school and work I have hardly any time to work out. Usually my father is here but I he couldn't make it today.
Forks had come a long way, it used to be an empty town but now we have; shipping and produce buildings, we have a mill, the new gym, and a reserve right outside of town, along with a few new restaurants, a farm that rents out horses, and of course Newton's outdoor department store. All the little gas stations and stuff are still up and goin strong too, so Forks really seems to be thriving now.
I think about all of the bull shit, Bella received from her boss. I can't believe he fired her. If he can't be understanding then fine he doesn't deserve Bella. I know she is blaming herself for all this because he told her she lied. I don't think Bella would all out lie. Besides she has been doing better about letting people in. She has been a lot more fourth coming with information too, and if anything happens she is right there front and center not hiding. Bella is just that type of person. Always right there when you need her no matter what is going on. A part of me worries that might be what ends her but she is tough so sometimes I think a freight train couldn't stop her. When it comes to the kids I can guarantee nothing, not heaven or hell will keep her from protecting them.
I have been moved in with Bella a couple weeks now and watching her juggle everything while still looking for a new job, still amazes me. She is out all day looking, then comes home and cleans, on top of making supper and having that ready when I walk in, then she makes sure the kids are situated in the nightly activities and then tucks them all in and she still gets up with me on my schedules. I really don't know how she does it.
Emmett asked me, one day, if Bella takes speed. I looked at him like he had lost his mind. I told him no and asked where he got an idea like that. He told me he has been watching her this whole time and he had talked to Rosalie; he just doesn't understand how Bella does it. She just keeps truckin through. He refers to her as wonder woman now. I chuckle as I think about that conversation doing a cool down on a treadmill.
"I'm tellin you man she is just too…I don't even know."
"That's just her personality Emm."
"I get that it's just not natural."
"For her it is."
"She's wonder woman" Emmett says holding his finger in the air.
"Wonder woman?" I raise a brow.
"Yeah cuz she makes everyone wonder how she does it…" he laughs at his joke.
I laugh at the memory, making the people around me look at me like I have lost it. I decide that is enough of a cool down and hit the showers, thinking maybe Emmett has a point.
I get out of the shower and head straight to my locker; I just get my pants back on when my locker door slams shut. I am instantly engulfed with a stench. I look up and see a dirty blond haired man wearing torn jeans, a stained shirt and worn leather jacket. I know instantly, by the description Bella gave us, its James.
"Edward, I presume." He sneers
"You must be James." I respond as I open my locker again.
"I believe you have something that belongs to me." He drops a picture of Seth in front of me.
"Then I think you are mistaken that is my son." It takes everything I have to stay calm.
"If you don't hand him over, you will pay a severe price." He drops a picture of Amanda in top of the one of Seth.
"That would be a horrible mistake." I warn, I feel my blood boil.
"I take it you would rather these two take her place" he drops pictures of Billy and Bella in top if the pile.
"You have no claim to any of them."
"Oh but I will take whatever I need to get to what I want. I think all four sound good, don't you?" He drops the final picture of Bella outside the house playing with the kids."
"You do understand that, it will be over my dead body before you get my family." I stare him in the eyes, clenching my fist at my sides.
"As I told the last person that told me that; that can be arranged." He grins evilly.
I go to reach in my locker to get my phone to call Emmett when I get ahold of it he is gone, but I still call Emmett anyway.
"Hello"
"Emm, James is here. Where are Bella and the kids?"
"They are all home, I have Demetri watching your house now. He just checked in with me. I am going around the building right now to see if I can find him."
"Emmett he had pictures of all of them!"
"Edward where are you?"
"The gym.."
"I know, but where?"
"The locker room"
"Okay I will keep looking for him you go home to Bella and the kids." I nod- like he can see me.
"Alright, call again and make sure they know he is in the area."
"I will…" I close my phone throw my shirt on and rush home.
BPOV
I put the spaghetti bake in the oven as my phone rings.
I look at the caller id.
"Hey Emmett what's up?"
"Bella, it Rose, what are you doin tonight?" She sounds anxious.
"Nothin, just makin spaghetti bake."
"Ooo that's Emm's favorite can we come over?" Alright, what's up because every dish is Emmett's favorite.
"Rose you guys are always welcome. You know that."
"Okay we will be there soon." We hang up with each other.
Boy she wasn't kidding it wasn't even five minutes later they were walking in. If I didn't have suspicions before I surly do now. You can see where Rose has her pistol, grant it is covered but I can still see the bulge, and Emmett has his holster on. He hardly wears his gun out in the open like that, and Rose is acting too carefree.
"Hey guys, Edward should be here any minute, and then we can all sit down to eat." I turn and call up to the kids. "Guys wash up, supper will be done soon"
"And dads home" I hear Edward holler from behind me.
I gasp because he startles me, then rush out of the way because I think the house is about to collapse as the kids tear down the stairs. I watch in contentment as they all rush to Edward and greet him chattering about what they have done today. I chuckle and head to the kitchen to pull out supper.
EPOV
I walk in as Bella tells the kids to clean up because supper is about done. Emmett looks at me like 'see'. Is it my fault Rosalie doesn't know how to cook?
I walk up behind my love and add "And dads home"
Bella gasps and moves out of the way as the kids charge downstairs. All the kids start chattering and I can't keep up with all of them. I watch Bella go to the kitchen. "Okay, we will talk about this over supper. Go wash up." Off they go.
I go in the kitchen and am instantly blessed with the gorgeous view of Bella's ass as she pulls supper out. After she places it on the top of the stove she puts the garlic bread in causing her to bend over again.
Rosalie and Emm are here, Rosalie and Emm are here. I keep chanting in my head. It doesn't work.
I walk up behind her as she stands back up. "Hello, love. I missed you today" I kiss her neck, causing the giggle I love so much.
"Welcome home. How was the work out?" Well that took care of the problem I was having in the southern regions.
I stand there and debate if I should tell her. I quickly decide I should tell her because the repercussions of not telling her will be a lot worse. "I ran into someone after my work out." She looks at me with question in her eyes, "James was at my locker when I got out of the showers, he made some idol threats and had these." I hand her the pictures.
"That's why Rose wanted to come over and both she and Emmett are loaded." Bella whispers and shakes her head, "Emmett" Bella calls.
Both he and Rosalie walk in. "Yeah"
"First of all I am disappointed in you Rosalie, I expected more out of you. You could have just said there was a problem and you guys needed to be here. I think I have been pretty accepting of you guys helping us. For you to hide this from me..." she holds up the pictures. "How will I be able to trust you now? I will always think you have a hidden motive when you want to come over." Bella shakes her head but never yells. "I hope you don't keep things like this from me, from now on."
She turns to Emmett. "I thought my children and boyfriend where safe." My heart sored when she said boyfriend. "I trusted you to keep him away, is this how you do that?" she is holding the pictures out to him.
"Bella these could have been done with special lenses. I haven't seen him this close to them. I have guys covering all of you at all times. No one gets to leave until the next person is there to relive them." Emmett defends.
"Emmett I am interesting you with my life. So help me if he gets to my kids, I will never trust you again." Bella warns. "Now let's go eat" no one moves. "What?" she looks at all three of us.
"Who the hell are you, and what have you done with my best friend?" Rosalie asks sarcastically.
"I met with Susan today and her words are starting to make a little sense right now, and I'm trying to be understanding. That doesn't mean I'm not worried or disappointed." She looks at Rosalie and Emmett. "Now, to the table." She gestures to the dining area.
Over supper I listen to he kids just as I told them I would. Bella just sits back and watches with a strange smile on her face.
BPOV
I sit back and watch as everyone interacts with the kids. They start to ramble on about school kids and Rosalie starts to laugh. I feel such a sense of peace right now.
Out of nowhere Seth stops what he is doing and looks out the side windows. I look at him. He nods slightly to the window. I get up like I am going to clear the table. As I walk over to him I ask him if he is done and he nods, I look out of the corner of my eye and I see something move. I look at Seth and he looks at me.
"Amanda, Little Bill, are you guys done?" They both nod and I remove their plates. "Okay, hey Amanda lets show Billy that thing in your room." Amanda looks confused. "You know that new toy you have."
"I…" Seth looks at her "Oh okay. Come on Little Bill, I gatta show you this" and they are gone.
I take the dishes to the kitchen and come right back. As I wipe off the table I start to explain. "You guys subtlety look over my shoulder. There is someone popping in the window." Edward stands right away, "Edward, don't be obvious. This might be the time we catch James. Talk to Emmett now." Emmett being the way he is he goads Edward into talking to him. "Okay guys come on living room, now." They head to the living room as I head through the kitchen dropping off my rag.
"Edward, do you know how to shoot a gun?" I ask.
"Point and pull a trigger right?" he looks confused.
"Okay until my dad can teach you, you stay in here with the kids."
"I'm calling your dad" Edward says.
"Edward, right now he needs to stay by mom. Just wait here. You probably already alerted them, to knowing we know they are out there when you stood up like that."
I go to my room get my gun again. This is getting old.
Rose grabs her pistol and Emmett pulls out his and we head for the door. Emmett followed by Rosalie, and me bringing up the tail. We walk out and as we split to go around the house Rose and I go left as Emmett goes right.
We meet up in the back with Demetri. "D man what are you doing?" Emmett says
"I saw someone snooping around the house, so I came to check it out." He says.
"Did you see where he went?" Rose asks
"No, by the time I got over here whoever it was, was gone."
"Damn it," I spit.
We all lower our guns and go inside as Demetri heads back to the car.
"Well…" Edward asks as we walk back in. his face is colored in concern.
"Whoever it was they are gone. Rosie, go get the bags, will ya please. We are crashing here tonight." She heads out, as Emmett tells her.
The kids come upstairs and I get them bathed and in bed. I set up the guest room, again. I should really just keep sheets on this bed. After we are all sure the kids are all asleep, the rest of us head to bed.
There isn't a lot here but Bella got a new job and it sound like this boss might be a bit nicer. Do the review thing, please and let me know, I love to see what you guys think.