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Chapter 27: Breaking Point
Edward's POV
I went back to the bedroom once Rosalie and Alice emerged. Emmett had offered to gather the supplies. Bella was lying still, peacefully slumbering. She was wearing one of my old station t-shirts I didn't know mom had, and a pair of my sweatpants that were too large for her petite frame. She looked beautiful. I loved seeing her in my clothes, and I could just picture the back of the shirt with 'Cullen' in big yellow block letters. I smiled at the image. My gaze was drawn to her face when I heard a small sigh escape her lips. Her face was relaxed for once. That silky chocolate hair was splayed on the pillow making it look like a halo. My angel.
I heard Emmett walk into the room and moved to sit next to her legs. Emmett sat on the other side, and we lifted the legs of the sweatpants above her knees. Even though she was wearing jeans, there were some deep scratches meaning she had to have fallen hard. I took one of the antiseptic wipes and gently cleaned the scratches. She whined in protest and shifted a bit. I'm sure the alcohol stung. I rubbed her calf and blew on the scrape to ease the burn. Once her knees were cleaned and had antibiotic ointment, we lightly bandaged them.
Emmett stood and kissed her forehead before leaving the room. My whole family was taken with her. I smiled as I gently pulled the sweatpants over her knees. She shivered a bit, rolled onto her side, and curled into a ball. With her back to me, I could see my name plastered on her back and smiled. I pulled the covers back and lifted her a little to slide them all the way down. I pulled them over her body and tucked them underneath her. The neck of my t-shirt was large on her. I pulled it back to look at her shoulder. There was a large bruise already forming causing my anger to resurface.
I tucked her hair behind her ear and kissed her gently on the lips before going back into the living room. Everyone except mom was in the living room watching television. I heard the sound of clanking pots and walked into the kitchen. She was hustling around pulling food from the cabinets. Her face was blank, her movements methodic. I watched as she set all the cookware out then started chopping vegetables. She must not have noticed my entrance for she never looked up. I waited a moment not wanting to startle her. When a lone tear fell down her face, I cleared my throat.
"Oh," she squeaked as she dropped her knife, and it clattered on the granite countertop. She turned around quickly and busied herself with something. "I didn't see you. I'm sorry. What can I do for you, sweetheart?"
"How are you?" I asked quietly. I knew this would bring back memories, maybe open old wounds.
"I'm fine." Her voice was cheery, but you could tell it was forced.
"Mom, you don't have to put up a front." She turned back around and smiled at me as she returned to her chopping. I walked over and pulled the knife from her hand. She looked up at me with her wall in place. I grabbed her hands and whispered, "It's okay." I watched as her face fell in resignation before tears gathered in her eyes. "Do you want me to get dad?" She nodded. I kissed her on the forehead before walking back to the living room. I placed a hand on his shoulder. "Mom needs you." He looked up at me with a sad smile.
"I was wondering how long she would hold out," he said as he sighed and stood to go comfort her. I looked at Emmett and he stared back with a sad look on his face. He stood and walked to the back patio. Rosalie looked in his direction confusedly.
"Go." She looked at me for a moment then got up to follow him. I sat down on the couch with Jasper and Alice.
"Is everything okay?" Jasper asked.
"It will be. Esme and Bella have similar histories. This whole thing opened some old wounds." I leaned back against the couch.
"Do you think she'd want to talk about it?" He sounded so concerned, and I smiled at the sentiment.
"Carlisle's good at handling this situation, and if that's not enough, she'll just make an appointment with her psychologist." He nodded looking reassured.
"Good. I'm glad she has someone. I don't mean to imply that your dad's not enough. I just-"
"Don't worry about it. I understand the importance of therapists, trust me."
We turned back to watch television. I thought about the day's events and the hurt women in my life. Mom still struggled with her self-worth and self-esteem even after twenty-five years. I always thought Esme was one of the strongest, most caring, and beautiful inside and out women, I had ever known, but everyone has their moments of weakness. Every time I thought of her first marriage, I could feel my blood boil. She didn't deserve any of that. Now that Bella was in my life, I was getting a glimpse at what Esme had endured. On the flip side, having my mom gave me an idea of what Bella would endure for the rest of her life.
"Jazzy, do you want something to drink?" Alice asked. I looked over to see her looking at him intently. He smiled at her.
"Water would be great," he answered. "And thank you."
"No problem. How about you, Edward? Do you want anything to drink?"
"No, thank you." She stood up and kissed his forehead before dancing away. He sat forward on the couch as turned toward me.
"How are you doing?" His voice was calming and questioning, but I didn't feel attacked or pressured.
"I'm fine." The answer wasn't anywhere near true. I just didn't know how I felt.
"You don't have to talk to me. I just wanted to give you the opportunity to talk about your role in everything. Bella, and you mom, are not the only ones affected by this. You're a very crucial element in the situation. It's okay to be out of sorts." He leaned back, but kept his serene eyes on me.
"I'm angry that he got to her. I'm worried that this is going to be bad for mom. I hurt for Bella. I feel bad for Charlie. You can tell he really cares for and loves her, and he seems so lost with what to do." I sat back and pulled my ankle to rest on my knee.
"Those are valid things to worry about, but I want you to tell me about you. How do you feel for you?" I thought about what he said. What do I feel?
"I'm angry."
"What about?"
"I'm angry that Jacob caused Bella to be so withdrawn and reserved. I should be able to take her to a concert, to the zoo, and out dancing. Because of him, though, I have to plan dates that are private or at least not in crowded places." Finally talking about it felt like such a relief that I kept going. "I should be able to hold her tight and her know it's because I can't get her close enough instead of thinking I'm trying to hurt her. She should be able to kiss me with her eyes closed and know it's me. I should be able to lo…care for her and her know she's worth it, but I can't do any of that because of him. He took the chance of normalcy from us, and I'll always hate him for it.
"I'm hurt that she pulls away. Then I feel guilty for even thinking that. She's been through so much and has come so far. Who am I to feel anything negative when she's lived with what she has for so long?" I trailed off at the end feeling that familiar guilt creep in. I looked over at Jasper. He was watching me calmly, but there was no judgment in his eyes.
"It's perfectly normal and healthy to feel affected by what is going on. You are dealing with things you wouldn't normally have to. You are entitled to feel angry and hurt. What matters is what you do with it. If you shove her into an uncomfortable situation or force her to do something she's not ready for, then that's when things aren't okay."
"I would never do that," I told him. He should know that.
"I know," he reassured me. "I'm not saying you do. I know better. I'm just saying, if you start doing that, then things are wrong. Until then you're doing great. Just be sure to voice your feelings. It will help them not eat away at you."
"Maybe." I turned back to the television to watch and think about what he said.
The rest of the day went by slowly. Mom and dad went to the hospital to get a shoulder immobilizer, Emmett and Rosalie spent the day on the back deck, Jasper and Alice alternated between the living room and their bedroom balcony, and I floated between the piano and my parent's room where Bella slept peacefully. Dad and I fashioned the brace onto her while she slept. She woke a few hours after taking the first Vicodin. She asked to take some ibuprofen in hopes it would not knock her unconscious again. She joined me in the living room while we waited for Charlie to return.
He finally returned around 7:00 that afternoon. Bryan, one of his officers, picked up Jacob at his garage. After figuring out Seth would testify against him, Jacob decided to plead guilty. He knew his chances were slim to none if he pled any other way. He was currently being held in the jail.
Charlie had gone to La Push to talk with Billy. He wanted to let him know what was going on. He also wanted to tell Billy what Bella had said about Jacob. Billy wanted to deny it but had heard rumors from around the Rez. He also had suspicions that Jacob was hitting Leah when they were together. Bella looked relieved that her dad and Billy's friendship didn't seem to be negatively affected by everything.
Charlie explained that the trial, or rather sentencing since he was pleading guilty, would happen quickly, within the next month. Bella would need to be present for the proceedings. Mom had already called Makenna, her friend she had visited earlier in the day. Makenna was a prosecutor and agreed to represent Bella in court. She came to the house about ten minutes after Charlie arrived. Makenna said she would be seeking compensatory damages and punitive damages. She had a good feeling that Bella could get a lot of money out of the deal.
I watched Bella as she absorbed everything that was being said. I could tell the moment things became too much for her. Makenna was talking about how Jacob's lawyer would want to settle outside of court. He would take one look at Seth's statement and know there was more than just this one attack. Makenna told Bella she could talk about the past abuse and the truth would get her a larger amount of money. Bella scrunched her eyes and began to shake slightly. Her breathing sped up, and I could see her pulse speed up by the vein in her neck. It was too much too soon.
I scooped her into my arms and walked toward the back porch. Makenna, Charlie, and mom began to protest, but I silenced them with a short, sharp, "No." I counted her breaths in a whisper close to her ear. It took a bit of maneuvering to get the door open, but I did. Then I shut the door behind us before sitting down with her in my lap. I rubbed her back and kissed her temple as she calmed down. I heard to door open and was about to get very angry before I saw Jasper in my periphery. He walked to us and wrapped a blanket around Bella. The rain had returned and chilled the air. I smiled in thanks, which he returned. He kissed the crown of her head before walking back inside. I knew he would fend off everyone.
It took less than a minute for her to calm. We stayed sitting on the porch for probably twenty minutes. Nothing was said. Nothing needed to be. She just needed time to calm down, process, and decompress. She didn't need any words. They would be hollow anyway. I just stayed with her, comforted her. She told me when she was ready to go back in. I questioned her with my eyes and watched the battle in hers. She finally nodded while letting out a heavy breath. She stood up, and I walked with her pulled against me back into the living room.
Makenna had left and said she would return the next day. Everyone had dispersed throughout the house except my parents and Charlie. He looked at me with thanks then shifted his eyes to Bella. She smiled at him weakly and explained that things were too overwhelming. He apologized looking repented. I knew he only wanted to do everything he could to do right by her.
The following three weeks were stressed and wearing. We returned to Seattle the day following the assault. Makenna talked with Bella on the phone while putting the case together. Bella became withdrawn every time she spoke with her. She pulled into herself and didn't want to talk about the phone conversations or the upcoming trial. I could tell her therapy sessions weren't going well either. She still didn't talk to me about them and Jasper certainly didn't share anything about them, but you could see his frustration, and sometimes he just looked lost.
Her physical therapy had begun the week we returned. Alice and I alternated dropping her off and picking her up. She looked resigned when I dropped her off and completely spent when I picked her up. She'd climb into the Volvo, wearily buckle her seatbelt, and lay her head on the window for the remainder of the ride. I would usually take her to dinner or cook for her before she sequestered herself in her room for the rest of the evening and night.
I didn't know what she did during the day. She had taken four weeks medical leave from Mansfield Prep rather begrudgingly. It took a lot of convincing from Charlie and Carlisle, but she finally conceded. Jasper had also spoken with Katelynn. She had returned the edited manuscript to Bella with a note saying it was the last step to graduation. With all her past papers and projects combined, plus the edited novel, she would receive her Masters. Bella hadn't looked at Katelynn's notes once.
Everyone was growing increasingly worried. Rosalie said she stayed in her room whenever she was home. She said someone needed to ask her about the upcoming trial, but most of us thought it was best left alone. She shouldn't have to worry about that before she needed to. Jasper mentioned he was seeking advice from colleagues, Alice couldn't get her to do anything, and I couldn't get her to talk about anything. I'd never seen anyone this withdrawn, detached. I called mom and asked for her advice. She just told me not to push Bella and be ready for the floodgates to open. That worried me. I wanted to help Bella work through this before it came to a head, but it didn't seem like it would happen that way. I tried to prepare, but I couldn't have been for what was to come.
On Sunday, the day before the trial, Makenna called to finalize everything. Bella had been able to remove her shoulder immobilizer the day before. I was with Bella cooking her dinner at her apartment while she sat in the living room. I could tell it was Makenna by the way her voice became clipped and strained. I was plating the eggs and bacon and about to check the biscuits, it was the first time she had requested anything specific to eat since the assault, when she yelled, "No!" I sat everything down and walked towards the living room to check on her.
"I told you no," she hissed into the phone. "I will not agree to that. Stop trying to coerce me into doing that. I won't, and if you keep this up, I'll drop all charges and walk away."
"Bella?" I asked softly, worried about what she had said. She wouldn't drop charges, would she? She looked over at me and narrowed her eyes.
"You wouldn't dare," she spoke into the phone again. "To hell I will. I've been forced to do too many things in my life. I won't let some snarky bitch run my life and make one of the most vital decisions in my life. Screw. You." To say I was shocked would have been an understatement. I stood there for a moment gaping at her in astonishment. That is until she snapped her phone shut then hurled it across the room.
It hit a vase full of flowers Emmett had gotten Rosalie a few days before. The vase fell over and shattered when it hit the floor. Glass, water, and flowers scattered. Her phone lay in pieces in the water. She didn't look remorseful, and as I watched her closer I could see her anger grow. I heard Rosalie's bedroom door open before she appeared at the end of the hallway.
"What the hell is going on?" she asked looking completely confused. Bella screamed before she picked up the television remote and threw it too. It made contact with a painting above the television and the glass cracked before the whole frame fell to the ground as she grabbed her injured shoulder. I walked over and went to pull her into me in hopes it would keep her from destroying anything else.
"No!" she shouted as she stepped away.
"Bella, what's wrong?" I asked as I dropped my arms back to my side.
"I'm pissed. That's what's going on." She cradled her shoulder as she huffed in anger.
"Why are you pissed?"
"I don't want to talk about it."
"Then what do you want?" Rosalie asked calmly. I was surprised she wasn't more angry about what was happening. She was usually a hothead when it came to her stuff. Bella snorted.
"Why do you care all of a sudden?"
"We care about you. We just want you to be happy," I answered confused.
"You don't know what I want."
"Then tell me. I'll do anything I can." She walked up to me and jammed her finger in my chest.
"You don't care what I want. Nobody does. Nobody asked what I wanted. No one gave me a choice."
"I told you this would happen," I heard Rosalie mutter. "I tried to warn you."
"I do care about you and what you want. Tell me Bella. Talk to me. I'll do whatever I can to help you. I promise."
"No." She hit me in the chest, but her hurt shoulder meant there was little power behind it so I let her. I could take this and not break, unlike everything glass around the apartment. "You never asked what I wanted." She hit me again. "You never talked about what's happening." She hit me again, and her voice became clogged with tears. "You were supposed to be there for me. You were supposed to make sure I was heard. I trusted you to take care of me." She continued to weakly hit my chest each blow making my heart constrict in guilt. "No one asked what I wanted." She fell forward into my chest and clutched at me tightly. I tentatively wrapped my arms around her. "He hurt me," she said between sobs.
"I know," I said my voice thick with my own tears. I tightened my arms around her.
"He hurt me again. He wasn't supposed to be able to hurt me anymore."
"I know. I'm so sorry." Her knees gave out. I picked her up and sat on the couch with her in my lap. "I'm sorry, Bella. I'm so sorry." I felt the couch sink next to me and looked over to see Rosalie with a box of Kleenex.
"What did I do to deserve this?" She buried her face in my chest her body still shaking violently.
"You didn't deserve this. You never did anything to deserve any of this. I'm so sorry, Bella."
We sat there for the next thirty minutes while Bella cried. Rosalie sat silent and rubbed her back while I rubbed her arms. I had asked Rosalie to turn the oven off earlier. She also put everything up since Bella wasn't ready to eat. My phone buzzed in my pocket three times. Bella finally calmed down and her sobs turned to hiccups. Rosalie dried her eyes and handed her a glass of water. After all the tears she had shed, I was sure she was dehydrated. Her hands were still shaking as she drank, but the full body shakes had subsided. She took a deep, shuddering breath before turning to us.
"I'm sorry," she said hoarsely, her voice strained from all the crying.
"Sweetie, there's nothing to be sorry for," Rosalie said as she brushed her hair off her forehead.
"She's right," I echoed.
"But I hit you." Her cheeks flamed red in embarrassment. "That's inexcusable."
"It was better than throwing and breaking things. Plus, I hate to break it to you, but you didn't do a bit of damage. There's not much power behind that swing." We all chuckled, and I was glad to see the tension break and a small smile cross her face. She fell silent for a moment.
"I don't know where to start."
"How about the phone call?" I asked. She nodded and looked down at her lap before beginning to talk.
"It was Makenna. She wanted to talk about tomorrow. She was telling me what I needed to wear, what I needed to say. She's been refusing to tell me what she's seeking when he gets convicted. She said I 'didn't need to worry about it.' She finally told me today." She paused.
"Is that what made you mad?" She nodded. "What did she say?"
"She's seeking compensatory damages and punitive damages. It's an insanely large amount of money. She also wants him to be sent to jail and is seeking the maximum amount of time." It sounded reasonable to me. He should pay, figuratively and literally, for what he did.
"Is that not what you want?"
"No. Yes. No. I mean…I want him to pay for the physical therapy and doctor's visits I've had because of the dislocation, but I don't want more than that. I don't want him to go to jail. Billy needs him. Jacob takes care of things around the house and takes care of Billy.
"I don't think he should go scot free though. I think he should be required to take an anger management class. I also want him to see a therapist. He has issues, and I really think if he worked through them he'd be fine. He's not a bad guy if you get passed all the issues." Honestly, I was floored. I never expected this.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure. I have thought about this a lot. Things didn't just happen yesterday. I've had three years to think about it."
"Then let's call Makenna and tell her."
"I told her I didn't want what she wanted. She said I wasn't thinking clearly and that Jacob still had a hold of me in a way. She said I couldn't think without the 'delusional Jacob' being the one I remember. I don't want to speak to her." I could feel my anger rising. Makenna had no right to say that.
"Do you want me to talk to her? I could call mom and she could talk to Makenna."
"I can feel you shaking. Let Esme handle it. Do you think she would mind?"
"Of course not, love. I'll call her. Why don't you go splash some water on your face. It'll make you feel better." She got off my lap and shuffled to her room. I pulled my phone from my pocket to find those three missed calls were from mom. I called her back without listening to the voicemails.
"Edward, what's going on?" she answered the phone without greeting. "Makenna called worried about Bella. She said Bella used some very colorful language with her." I pinched the bridge of my nose and walked to the kitchen.
"Makenna really upset Bella. She threatened to drop all charges if Makenna didn't stop trying to make her do things. She hasn't been asking Bella what she wants, nobody has really." I said the last part in a whisper.
"What do you mean?"
"We haven't been talking to her about Jacob and the trial. We've been avoiding the subject, thinking we shouldn't bother her with it. Apparently, Makenna hasn't been telling her everything either. She called today to talk with Bella about tomorrow. She was telling Bella what to do, not giving her a choice in anything.
"Bella got angry when Makenna told her what she was seeking during sentencing. It wasn't what Bella wanted. I guess they got into an argument. Then Makenna told her she wasn't thinking clearly because Jacob still had a hold on her." Mom gasped.
"She said that?"
I spent the next few minutes telling mom exactly what Bella had told me. Mom said she would call Makenna and see what she could do. I thanked her before going back into the living room. Rosalie was talking to Bella quietly so I went into the kitchen. I cleaned up my mess from earlier and made some eggs for Bella. She may not be hungry, but she needed to eat something. Once they were plated, I carried them to the living room. She took them with a small smile and picked at the food. Rosalie stayed silent but continued to rub Bella's back.
"I talked to Esme," I hedged. She didn't tense so I continued. "She's going to call Makenna. If she doesn't agree to seek what you want, mom is going to call Maggie, another attorney friend of hers, to see if she'll take the case." She stopped eating and looked up at me.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"You're welcome."
She leaned against me and continued to pick at her food. Once she was finished, Rosalie took her plate to the kitchen and she curled up against me. I placed an arm around her shoulders as she sighed and closed her eyes. It wasn't five minutes later that her breathing evened and she fell into a deep sleep. She looked so vulnerable and small in that instant, but so peaceful and beautiful too. I leaned close and whispered my love to her wishing I could say it when she was conscious of it. I watched her sleep as I had done many times in the past weeks.
There were some nights she wouldn't be left alone. She would cling to me, and if I wasn't there, she'd cling to Rose. Her nightmares were back with a vengeance. Our presence seemed to keep them at bay, or we were there to calm her when she woke screaming. At least, I never stayed longer than a few hours. I picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. I laid her down lightly and went back to the living room.
I walked over to where the vase had been destroyed. I picked up her phone first and took it apart laying each piece on the coffee table. Maybe when it dried out it would still work. I picked up the bigger glass shards careful not to cut myself. Rosalie appeared next to me and held out a grocery bag. I thanked her and placed the pieces inside. She helped me pick up what was left of the vase. She left to get a broom and mop to clean the glass shards too small to pick up and then the water. I picked the picture up from behind the television. The glass and frame would need replacing since both had cracked. I placed it on the coffee table next to her phone.
"Everything's going to be okay," Rosalie said as she placed her hand on my shoulder in a rare show of affection.
"How do you know that?" I asked.
"You brother and I can get through anything because we love each other." I looked up and she smiled at me. "Bella feels the same way about you. That's how I know it will be okay, because Em and I would be okay."
"You don't know if she loves me. It's only been a little over three months."
"I've been with Em less than that, and I love him. Time is just a number. It doesn't define a feeling. Do you love her?" I looked at her trying to gage whether or not to tell her. "You don't have to answer. I know you do. She loves you too. She doesn't have to say it for me to see it."
"I hope you're right." She giggled and slapped my back.
"I'll take care of everything in here. We have an early start tomorrow. You should get some sleep. She's going to need you to be there 100%. Go say goodbye."
I walked into her room and knelt next to her bed. She had turned onto her side and curled into herself. I pulled her hand into mine. There was a small crease between her eyebrows so I smoothed it with my thumb. She relaxed and let out a little sigh. She truly was so beautiful. I ran my fingers through her silky locks. Tomorrow's court proceedings were going to be hard on many people. I wondered if mom had talked with Makenna and worked something out or if we would walk in tomorrow to find Maggie. I leaned forward and kissed her softly before standing to leave. I placed her hand on the bed, but she wouldn't let go. Her grip tightened and the crease reformed. I heard her mumbling, but it was incoherent. Then she said something so clearly.
"Edward," she breathed. "Don't leave." I waited for her to say more, but she was silent. I waited a moment then started to pull away again. "Stay." I could deny her nothing. I pulled my shoes off by the heels and crawled over her. I pulled the blanket over us both before reaching around her waist and pulling her against my chest. I wanted her to know I was here to protect her, as I should have been doing all along. "Edward. Love you."
I froze. Did I hear what I think I just heard? I waited to see if she would say anything else. I listened to her breathing but there was no indication she was awake. I felt a smiled tug at my lips. Even if it was an unconscious action, it still warmed me to the bone. I wanted to tell her and hear her say it back so badly. I heard Rosalie walk into the room. I looked over, and she looked at me skeptically.
"She asked me to stay," I said. Rosalie smiled and backed out of the room shutting the door as she went. I gently pulled my wallet and phone from my pocket. I set the alarm for 6:00 hoping that was enough time for her to get ready before we left for the 8:30 court appointment then sat the phone on the side table. "Buona notte, il mio angelo. I love you."
I laid my head down and she snuggled closer to me. I lay awake for at least an hour listening to her mumble and talk in her sleep. She said something about giant donuts again, and Emmett cheating at Scrabble. She truly was entertaining. Eventually I drifted off to sleep. I was brought from my sleep by the alarm clock the following morning. I rolled over to turn it off in hopes that it wouldn't wake her. She rolled over and placed her head on my chest and arm over my stomach after kicking the sheet to the bottom of the bed.
I looked down at her serene face. I watched her sleep for the next ten minutes before her eyes began to flutter open. She lifted her arms above her head and stretched noisily. With her back arched, fingers, and toes curled she looked like a kitten; the image was both adorable and sexy as hell. I wanted to wake up with her in my arms more often. The only thing that could make this picture any more perfect would be her in my shirt and boxers. I shuddered at the thought and pulled my lower body away from her hoping to hide my growing attraction.
She leaned back into me and sighed heavily. I could tell the moment she realized I, or at least someone, was in her bed with her. She tensed and slowly looked up. Her eyes were hesitant then curious. I smiled hoping to put her at ease. She smiled back and flushed red. I laughed a little then kissed her temple.
"Nothing happened," I said. "You asked me to stay."
"I did?" she asked shocked. I nodded. "I don't remember. I must have been pretty out of it." My smile faltered a bit. "Don't be sad. I rather enjoyed waking up next to you, and you made a wonderful pillow." She smiled sheepishly and ducked her head. I lifted her head with a finger under her chin and kissed her chastely on the lips.
"I rather enjoyed having you wrapped in my arms all night." She smiled then snuggled back onto me. "It's 6:15. We need to leave here by 7:45 to get there one time." She bolted up in bed.
"That's today, huh?" I sat up too and scooted against the headboard. I pulled her back to rest against my chest and nodded. "You don't have much time to get ready. I'm sorry for keeping you here and causing it."
"Don't apologized. I'm not sorry. I'd do anything for you." She leaned back and kissed me jaw. "I'm going to head home and get ready. I'll be back to drive you to the courthouse. Okay?" She nodded. I stood up and pulled my shoes on then grabbed my wallet and phone. I leaned down and gave her a lingering kiss. "Everything's going to be okay, today. I'm going to be with you every step of the way." She smiled and cupped my cheek.
"I know. I appreciate it more than you'll know." I couldn't resist and kissed her one more time before slipping quietly out the apartment.
I rushed home and rushed through getting ready. Emmett was up getting ready as well. He teased me about being out all-night and fished for answers. I didn't bother giving him any. I knew Rosalie would tell him next time they were together. I rushed back over to Bella's just in time to leave again. She didn't talk on the car ride over, and I didn't try to force her. I parked and helped her out of the car. I placed my hand on the small of her back and led her to the correct courtroom. Maggie was waiting outside for us with Esme and Carlisle. Mom walked over and pulled Bella into a hug.
"What are you doing here?" Bella asked her.
"I'm here for support," she said as if the answer was obvious.
"You're part of the family, Isabella," dad said as he pulled her into a hug. "We're here for you."
"Thank you," Bella said. I could hear the deep emotion behind the sentiment.
"You're welcome, dear," mom said. "This is a friend of mine. She's agreed to take your case with your conditions. Bella, this is Maggie. Maggie, this is Bella."
AN: I always forget to mention this. I have created a blog for the audios and visuals in Gradual Healing. Link on my profile page.
Did you like the chapter? I hope you don't hate me for what's going on with Jacob. All I have to say is, "Have faith." All will resolve eventually. Next chapter should be lighter. :) I need a little bit of fluff to break up the heaviness.
Review, and let me know what you think. I answer all reviews, and will give you a sneak peek at the next chapter.
Side note: I wrote a one-shot for the Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy contest. It's called How It's Gotta Be. It's about Emmett and Rosalie. I'd appreciate if you'd take a look and leave some feedback. )