Chapter Seven – Blessing In Disguise
EPOV
My lunches with Bella have become the highlight of my day.
She seems hesitant after that first day, but slowly starts to warm up to me. I chalk it up to residual nerves from her first day and don't think much of it. Despite her worries, Bella really picks up on how things work around the office after a few days. I know it isn't her ultimate life goal, but she acts as though she was born for it. By her second week, she's developed a short-hand for note taking in meetings that allows her to get more written down than I could ever dream of on my own. She definitely shows promise.
Her work ethic aside, I just enjoy her company.
I don't think I've ever met anyone as fascinating as Isabella Swan. Except for the rare occasions when she catches on and makes me do the talking, I can usually get her lost in some story about her life back in her home town or college or something of the like. She tells me about her family, her friends, how she grew up with Emmett and eventually came to be friends with Rose. She's lead what most would consider a simple life, but there's something endearing about that. The more she talks, the more I realize that I was wrong when I first met her. Bella is far more than her beautiful looks, she has the most beautiful personality I've ever had the pleasure of knowing as well.
Maybe it's the way her eyes light up whenever she talks about her parents, who she assures me are the best example of a happy, loving marriage she's ever known to exist. Or it could be the smile that comes to her face whenever she talks about growing up with Emmett or attending Berkeley with her friend Alice, both of whom she considers her best friends in the entire world. It might even be the bright laugh that escapes her lips whenever she tells me one of her more embarrassing stories, taking everything that's happened to her in stride with a smile.
Some days Kate and Garrett or even Rose joins us. At first I'm upset to share my time with her, but once I see the way she lights up and steals a room, without even realizing she's doing it, I can't bring myself to complain much. Still, my favorite days are the ones we spend time just the two of us, two friends getting to know one another.
"There's no way that actually happened," I say through fits of laughter as we walk back from lunch.
"I swear, Edward. Believe me; it was too humiliating to have made up. My boyfriend at the time, Mike, showed up to take me to prom and my father literally met him at the door with his gun in hand. It was so mortifying. I'm seriously surprised I'm not dying just thinking about it. Ask Emmett if you don't believe me!"
"Did you make it to a second date?"
"Surprisingly, yes," she laughs.
"Poor guy must have been terrified."
"He asked me if my father would actually have considered shooting him when we got to the car. It took me literally all night to convince him that Charlie was all show."
"Did your dad do that with all of your suitors?" I joke, nudging her shoulder with my own.
"Well, actually, Mike was kind of the only one," she admits sounding embarrassed.
"Really?"
How does this woman not have people lining up for her?
"Well, I mean there were a few guys here and there in college, but he was the only one who really lasted any measurable amount of time. What a mistake that was," she mutters.
"Hey, all over now, right?" I offer with a smile.
"Exactly, onward and upward… Edward," she chuckles at her pathetic rhyme.
"Alright, let's get you back to the office before you unleash your poor rhyming skills on the greater Chicago area," I mutter, playfully pulling her toward the office.
We're met by a slew of reporters as we make our way to the doors of the building. I instruct Bella to walk in front of me, but stay close, and reach my arm out to try and block them from asking us their millions of questions. News of the rape case leaked earlier this week and it's been a madhouse outside the office as well as in. To make matters worse, the victim, and my client, Angela arrives later today for her first meeting with me. Garrett, Rose and I have been compiling a list of questions for her, but they'll both be in court when she arrives, so I'm flying solo.
I have to admit, my nerves are building. The press is having a field day with the case already and our first court appearance isn't even scheduled until after the New Year. Carlisle has been looking into hiring some sort of security detail for when things officially get underway. The whole thing is entirely overwhelming, if I'm being honest. The only thing keeping my confidence up is the great team I have behind me. Rosalie and Garrett will have my back entirely and then of course there's Bella, the newest and brightest addition to my support system. I never thought I'd be thankful for Carlisle's constant nagging that I find a decent assistant, but ever since finding the perfect one, I can't help but be grateful.
When we get inside safely, Bella lets out a sigh of relief.
"I don't know if I'll ever get used to that," she says.
"It'll only get worse the closer we get to the trail," I reply. I watch as her eyes get huge at the very thought of more paparazzi and questions. "Don't worry, I won't let them get to you," I reassure her.
"My hero," she sing-songs playfully.
I find myself feeling a little too proud of her comment when I hear someone call her name from across the lobby. A tall Native American looking man walks over to us, well to Bella really, he doesn't seem to give much notice to the fact that I'm standing with her. For no apparent reason, I find that I immediately dislike him. He walks like God himself gave him control over the entire office building. I pride myself on not judging a book by its cover, but this book looks like a total douche. I don't like the way he looks at Bella either, like he's a wolf and she's his prey. Disgusting.
"Hi, Jacob," she responds.
Oh, great. First name basis.
"This is Edward Cullen, my boss." She continues.
"Nice to meet you, Edward. My name's Jacob Black, I work over at Arcadia."
"Architecture, very nice. It's nice to meet you as well," I reply not wanting to be an ass. I still don't like him, especially when he turns back to Bella as if I don't exist and puts some ridiculous attempt at a flirtatious smile on his mug.
"You know, I'm still waiting on that phone call. I've kept my lunch schedule free and everything," he smirks.
Before Bella can answer, I jump in with a reply of my own. In hindsight, it's probably very rude, but at the moment pleasantries aren't really on my mind.
"Well, Bella's lunches have been just the opposite I'm afraid. We've been eating out almost every day, working on the big case."
Bella and Jacob both turn to look at me like I've lost my mind. Maybe I have. What should I care who Bella talks to or has lunch with? I chalk it up to being an overprotective friend and the stress from the case and promptly shut up.
"Well, you guys seem pretty busy. I'll see you around, Bella and I'll keep the phone lines open. Just in case," he winks. I mean, he legitimately winks. What kind of douche actually winks?
"See you later, Jacob," Bella agrees.
We make our way to the elevator and I can't help but notice the odd expression on Bella's face. She seems frustrated and I'm sure it has to do with me. If I didn't feel like an ass before, I definitely do now.
"Sorry about that, Bella. I—I think the case is just getting to me and the reporters out there and—"
"It's alright, Edward," she says composing her face into a smile. As the elevator bell chimes, telling us we've reached our destination, she adds, "Back to work, right?"
"Right," I agree.
My mission for the next two hours is to get my head out of my ass and into the game. I need to be completely on top of things by the time Miss Weber arrives. Bella settles down at her desk to type some reports up for me and I head into my office to go over the set of questions for the twentieth or so time. I already know the answers to several of them from the police report, but it's important to get the victim's take on the situation as well. Miss Weber's version of events is the most important to us, after all. I also need to discover if there are any details missing from what we already know that might be important to the case. It's nearing four o'clock when Carlisle calls to let me know that Miss Weber is on her way to the offices and will arrive shortly.
Bella is out getting take-out to set aside for the late night we'll be pulling at the office, so it's Jessica who knocks on my door fifteen minutes later.
"Mr. Cullen? I have a Miss Angela Weber here to see you."
"Send her right in, Jessica." I say as I stand and straighten my tie.
The moment Angela Weber walks into my office, my heart breaks for her. She's a small girl, classic beauty, dark brown hair. It doesn't take long to pinpoint exactly who she reminds me of. What really saddens me is the look in her eyes. She's been broken by what's happened to her, as anyone in her situation would be. If I wasn't determined to get that bastard Royce King before, there's no denying that I am now. Angela walks into the door a little ways, flanked by a broad shouldered man.
"Hello, Miss Weber. I'm Edward Cullen, one of the attorneys who will be handling your case."
"Nice to meet you. Please, call me Angela," she says just barely loud enough for me to hear.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Cullen. I'm Angela's fiancé, Ben Chaney."
"Wonderful to meet you. By all means, call me Edward."
"I can't thank you enough for doing this, Edward," Ben says looking down at Angela. She doesn't even seem to see him. Her eyes are trained straight ahead on the wall in front of her.
"I'm glad to do anything I can. I promise we'll get this taken care of as soon as possible. Why don't you come sit down?"
Ben guides Angela to one of the two chairs in front of my desk. I spend a few minutes talking with them, trying to make them feel comfortable around me. Ben does most of the talking, I realize and wonder if I might have trouble getting Angela to open up to me. It's entirely natural for a victim such as Angela to be timid around men, especially ones she doesn't know. I find myself wishing now more than ever that Rosalie was available to help me. I take things slowly, spending the next half hour so learning from Ben how he and Angela met and eventually got engaged. He talks about Angela like the entire universe is centered around wherever she happens to be, but she doesn't even seem to notice. I can only hope that once her attacker is behind bars, she'll gain some piece of mind and be able to being healing.
Eventually I can no longer ignore the inevitable and must being talking to Angela about the night she was attacked.
I start slow, asking her where she was and who she was with. Simple questions that still seem to strike an unwelcome chord with the poor girl. The deeper we get, the more unresponsive Angela becomes, until I decide it would be best if we take a break. Angela excuses herself to the ladies' room and Ben begins to apologize.
"I thought if I was here with her she might feel more comfortable talking to you."
"Please, don't apologize. She's been through a lot, I understand."
"Her parents have her working with a therapist at home to try and get her ready for the trail."
"That's actually a great idea. Unfortunately, she's not out of the woods yet. I don't want to sugar coat things because I want you to be prepared, but she'll have to deal with much worse men than myself questioning her at the trial."
"I know, that's what everyone's been saying. It might be hard to believe, but what you're seeing is progress. She could barely talk to me at first," Ben sighs.
"Don't worry, Ben. We're going to get this guy, I'm sure of it."
"I'm not much for violence, Edward, but I've never wanted to kill someone like I do this son of a bitch."
Before I can reply, Angela returns and takes her seat. I give her a moment to collect herself before I try to start back up with more questions. Twenty minutes later I'm still asking, but not getting much of a response. I'm starting to get discouraged and think that maybe I'd better wait for Rose. From what I've gather from Ben and what little I've learned from Angela, talking to a man is just too difficult for her at this point. I pray that whatever therapist she's been working with can prepare her a least a little bit.
"Why don't we take a break?" I suggest pressing the button on my intercom. "Bella? Do you think you could bring in a pitcher of water for Miss Weber and Mr. Chaney?"
"Of course, I'll be right in," her voice responds.
Moments later, Bella enters the room with a large pitcher of ice water and three glasses. She pours some out, handing one to both Ben and Angela before offering one to me, the angel that she is. She asks if she can get us anything else. I assure her that we're fine and she nods, turning to leave.
"Excuse me?" Angela says quietly.
I watch as Bella turns around to face her, looking as confused as I feel at the moment. Angela hasn't said one word unless she was spoken to since she's arrived. Even Ben seems a little lost.
"This may seem odd but—are you—are you Chief Swan's daughter?" she continues.
"Yes I am, I'm sorry Miss Weber, I don't recognize you," Bella replies.
"Oh no, you have no reason to. I grew up in Hoquiam, my dad's an officer there, but our fathers would go fishing together from time to time. I think we may have met once when we were young, but that would have been it. I only know what you look like from the picture your dad keeps in his wallet."
"Well it's a pleasure to officially meet you then, Angela."
It's all I can do to keep my mouth from dropping. In the two hours she's been here, Angela hasn't uttered so much as complete sentence. Yet here she is, offering up information to Bella. My brain fires into lawyer mode and I conclude that perhaps she feels more comfortable around Bella simply because she's a figure from Angela's life before the attack. Bella is someone technically unknown, but still a familiar presence. That's when the idea hits me. It's slightly uncouth, but still worth a shot.
"Bella, can I talk to you for a second?" I ask getting up and signaling for Bella to follow me outside.
"What is it?"
"How would you feel about continuing Miss Weber's interview?"
"Edward, I couldn't possibly! I'm not trained or qualified – I'm not a lawyer, Edward," she balks.
"Bella, any literate human being can read questions off a piece of paper. All the lawyerly work is taken care of. What she's just said to you is the most her fiancé and I have heard out of her since they arrived here. She obviously feels comfortable talking to you and I'm just not getting anywhere. Please, Bella?"
"I don't know…"
"I promise you, you'll be great. I wouldn't ask for your help if I didn't think you could handle it."
Something in my words convinces her because she agrees. I thank her again before we head back into my office.
"Angela, can I ask you something?" I begin, waiting for her approval. She nods so I continue, "Would you feel more comfortable if you were to talk to Bella rather than myself?"
"I think I might," Angela says after a moment.
"Okay, Bella's going to take it from here then. Is it alright with you if I sit off to the side out of the way to take notes?"
"Yes, that's fine. Thank you, Edward."
"It's not a problem," I assure her. I take a seat across the room and nod to Bella in encouragement.
A little over an hour later, we've made more progress than I would have found imaginable. It's clear to see how comfortable Angela feels about Bella. Once they get started the details just start pouring out of her. As hard as it was to read the police report, hearing the details of the attack from Angela is ten times harder. At points it's hard for her to get through, but Bella masterfully stands from the desk and walks over to her with a box of tissues to help Ben console her.
Again, I'm just amazed by the woman in front of me. Even a seasoned pro like Rosalie would have been taken over emotionally by this story, but Bella is too concerned with Angela in the present to focus on the details. She has to be the most compassionate woman, no, person period, I've ever met. When we're finished with the interview, Bella hugs Angela and tells her what a strong person she is. Angela manages a small smile, which seems to surprise Ben. I would imagine her smiles have been few and far between in recent months.
I tell both of them that we will be in touch after the holidays and after they've left turn to my personal angel.
"You really saved my ass in there today, Bella."
"Well I can't always leave it up to Rose," she laughs.
"I see she's been talking about me again," I mutter.
"Maybe just a little bit."
"Well, I mean it, Bella. I would have had to reschedule the entire interview if you hadn't saved the day."
"I'm just glad I could help. I got so caught up in her story that after a while talking to her just came naturally."
"Well you're amazing at it. You're definitely a people person," I assure her.
Bella blushes and for a moment the less rational side of me regards it as one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen. I will never understand how this woman fails to see herself the way everyone else around her does. She's beyond words and I'm happy just to be her friend.
"Well, I guess I'd better get going," she says reaching for her coat.
"Yeah, it's getting pretty late," I agree.
"See you tomorrow, Edward."
"Goodnight, Bella."
Once again I find myself thanking God that Rosalie sent Bella my way. I watch my personal blessing walk away before I grab my own coat and the take-out container and make my way out the door.
Hope you all enjoyed the latest chapter! Also, since I won't see you until next Sunday, Merry Christmas everyone! Don't forget to review and let me know what you think!
Until next time!