Eliza's story
I woke in time to see Bella running to the bathroom. I ran after her and held her hair out of her face, rubbing soothing circles on her back. When she was done, she sat on the floor leaning against the bath, her head between her knees. I sank to the floor next to her, scraping her hair into a loose pony tail.
"You don't have to see this Edward."
"Of course I do. I'm part of the reason you are in here. I'll be here with you through it all."
"I love you."
"I love you too baby. You alright now?"
"Yeah. Can you get me some of that chocolate please?"
"Okay. I'll be back in a minute. By the way, Eliza and her brother are here."
"Why?"
"I'm not sure yet. They were here when we got back last night. I'll talk to Eliza later."
"Make sure they get something to eat this morning."
"Of course. Just wait here."
"Thank you."
I climbed from the floor and walked into the kitchen grabbing a block of chocolate. I looked in to see both Eliza and Olly asleep, curled up on the couch. Once back in our room, I grabbed a towel and went back to Bella.
"Here you go baby."
I handed the chocolate over to her and wrapped the towel around her, trying to warm her up. She leaned her head against my shoulder, nibbling on the chocolate.
"Do you want to go back to bed for a bit?"
"No. I'll be fine. We need to get ready for work."
"Okay baby."
I stood from the floor and held a hand out to my wife, helping her up. We quickly got ready for work and I put together some breakfast, leaving out some things for Eliza and Olly. Neither had woken up by the time we had to leave, so I left a note.
"Do you want to go over to your dad's after work and we can tell him the amazing news?"
"We'll have to go quickly, so we can get back for Eliza and Olly."
"Okay baby. Let's go."
My arm wrapped around her waist, laying my hand on her stomach.
"I still can't believe you're carrying our baby. I'm gonna make sure you are the most relaxed person in the world. Don't stress about any work. I'll do it for you. I love you so much."
"You don't need to do that honey. I'll figure it out."
"Nonsense. I took part in causing this and you'll be busy enough with morning sickness, emotions and whatever else. If there is something I can help with to make everything easier for you then I'll do what I have too. You won't have to worry about anything."
"You are amazing Edward. Thank you."
"Nothing but the best for you baby."
I helped her into the car before setting off to school.
The day passed quickly with no problems at work. Bella met me at my classroom when last period was let out. We said goodbye to Emmett and Jasper, wishing them a good weekend as it was Friday. Both of us jumped into the car and drove to Bella's dad's house. After parking the car, I held the door for Bella and took her into my arms.
"Let's go tell your dad."
"Okay."
I rapped on the door and stood back waiting for Charlie to get the door.
"Hey guys. Come in. Come in. It's been a long time since you came over."
"Sorry dad. It's been a busy week. We can't stay long."
"That's alright Bells. It's good to see you anyway."
"We have some exciting news to tell you Charlie."
"What is it?"
"I'm pregnant dad."
"You're what?"
"Charlie, we are having a baby."
"I'm going to be a grandpa?"
"Yes dad."
He took us both into a gentle hug.
"Congratulations guys. I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks Charlie."
"Take care of her Edward."
"Will do. She won't lift a finger if she doesn't have too."
We soon left Charlie's heading home to our apartment where Eliza awaited us. I swung the front door to our apartment open, calling to Eliza.
"Eliza. We're back."
"Hey Edward. Thanks so much for letting us stay here. We'll be going if you want."
"You aren't going anywhere yet Eliza. You have to let us help you."
"We're fine Edward. I don't need your help."
"Eliza, if you don't need help then why where you on our doorstep late last night? I can see you need help. It's our job as your teachers to make sure you are well cared for, so you can achieve a great life."
"Edward don't. I said we'll be fine."
"Eliza sit down!"
She looked so scared in that moment. I hate shouting at people but I had to find out what was going on with her. She reminded me of a younger Bella and I wasn't going to leave her defenceless in the world.
"I'll stick the kettle on. Go get changed and we can talk to her in a minute."
"Thanks baby. I'm sorry for shouting."
"Don't worry. Just make sure you apologise to Eliza."
"Will do. Love you."
"Love you too Edward."
I pecked her lips and went into our bedroom getting changed. When I walked into the living room Bella was sat with Olly on her lap and Eliza next to her. A cup of coffee for me sat on the table.
"Eliza I'm sorry for shouting. I just want to help."
"I understand Edward. Don't worry about it."
"Can you tell us why you are here?"
"Eliza says that Momma can't look after us anymore and we are going on an adventure."
"That's right Olly. We are going to have an amazing adventure."
"Olly do you have any toys to play with?"
"Daddy says I can't have toys. They are only for good little boys."
"Well Olly, I think you are a very good boy. Do you want to pick a movie and you can curl up in a warm bed and watch it?"
"Can I?"
"Of course Olly. Do you know why?"
"Why?"
"Because I think you are a very brave boy to go on an adventure."
"Really?"
"Really. Now come on. Let's find you something to watch."
Bella took Olly into her arms, kissed me on the cheek and carried Olly to our room. She came back smiling slightly and sat next to me.
"You don't have to do that Bella."
"Eliza, I can see that you both haven't had a very good childhood. You and your brother need someone to help you. Olly is a very sweet boy. This way he can rest and you can tell us what's happened."
"Thanks."
"Can you tell us why you weren't at home last night?"
"I wouldn't call it running away, but I guess we did."
Bella stood up and sat next to Eliza, taking her shaking hands in hers.
"Why would you run away Eliza?"
"My mom's fiancé isn't the nicest man out there."
"What about your mom? Does she know about him?"
"She knows. She just turns a blind eye though. I asked why she lets him do what he does and she said it was because my dad was too soft and we needed someone to toughen us up for the real world."
"What is it he does? Does he physically hurt you or Olly?"
"He doesn't touch Olly. I shut Olly up in his room when he's home."
"Does he touch you Eliza?"
"If you are talking about sexually, then no. He's never done that. He talks about it every time he would beat me but he never did that."
"Why would he beat you Eliza?"
"I don't know. Sometimes he's drunk when he does it other times he's not. When he was drunk he'd often fall asleep on my bed next to me."
"How often would he beat you?"
"Once or twice a day, if I'm lucky, once every two days."
"I'm sorry Eliza."
"Why?"
"Because I should have helped. You don't deserve what has happened to you."
"Eliza, how did you block the noise from Olly?"
"I'd give him my IPod every night and tell him to listen to any music as loud as he could and if he didn't I'd tell our stepdad that he was a bad boy. I know I shouldn't have threatened him but it was the safest way. I couldn't let him find out what happened in the room next to him. He'd be terrified."
"We understand Eliza. You kept your brother safe and that's what matters. Did he ever hear?"
"Only a couple of times."
"What did you tell him?"
"That I was just watching something on TV."
"Would your mom ever hit you?"
"Sometimes. If her fiancé was away she'd beat me instead. Occasionally, she'd join him. She didn't used to be this way. She used to be kind and caring. That's why she adopted Olly. I'd always wanted a younger brother. We went to the adoption centre when I was 13. I knew from the first moment I saw Olly, I knew he'd be the best brother I could ask for. He was four months old. I practically raised Olly myself. My mom was there with the money we'd need but she became distant. Then she introduced us to her new boyfriend."
"I can see you and Olly are close. Why did you decide last night to leave?"
"It's Olly's birthday on Monday and I don't want him in that house anymore."
"Is there any other reason you'd leave last night? Something that was said or done?"
"My mom's fiancé threatened to kill Olly if I didn't have sex with him."
"I know leaving must have been hard Eliza, but you did the right thing. You can stay here as long as you need. No one will get you here. We'll report this to the police."
"You can't. My mom's fiancé is the deputy police officer, you can't take him down. People see him as trustworthy and reliable. They wouldn't believe me over him."
"Eliza, if there was a way to put him behind bars would you do anything it takes?"
"I would but I can't."
"We can Eliza. I can tell my dad and he'll start an investigation into this without letting him know. Once enough evidence has been gathered he can arrest him without any defiance."
"Do you think your dad would believe me?"
"He trusts who I trust. We'll convince him."
"Thank you Bella, Edward. You've helped us so much just by letting us stay here for the night. I promise that as soon as I have enough money, Olly and I will find our own apartment and be out of here. I'll get a job for after schools and weekends and we should be gone soon enough. You need your space and we won't intrude."
"Eliza, don't worry about it. You can stay however long you need. Don't worry about a job; we have plenty of money. If you ever need anything, anything at all, just ask."
"Thank you Edward. You are guys are amazing. I'll make sure there is dinner on the table every night and the apartment is spotless."
"Don't do that Eliza. Bella likes to cook dinner and I like doing it every now and then. You don't need to clean either. We don't mind a bit of mess; it makes this place seem more like a home than an apartment."
"Thank you."
"I'll go get the dinner started. Is there anything you or Olly are allergic to or don't eat?"
"We eat anything I guess, but Olly is allergic to nuts."
"There are no nuts here. Edward's allergic to them too."
"Okay. Do you want any help?"
"No thanks Eliza. You just rest and I'll call you when it's done. How does Bolognese sound."
"Great thanks Bella."
My beautiful wife squeezed Eliza once more before giving me a kiss and waltzing into the kitchen. Eliza pulled out some text books, flicking to a page before starting to make notes. I turned the TV on and flipped a music channel on before going into the kitchen. Bella was swaying her hips in time with the music as she cooked up the meat. I held her hips, swaying with her as I leaned my head on her shoulder.
"We need to help those two as much as possible baby."
"I know. You know that when they close the case Olly will be taken to a foster home because of his age. Eliza is old enough to have her own place or stay with us. They wouldn't allow Olly to stay here. It's not fair to take him away."
"Are you saying what I think you are saying?"
"Yeah. I mean we don't have too if you don't want too but they need to be together. They are family."
"Then I guess we will have to do something to prevent them from being separated."
"Thanks honey. I love you."
"I love you too baby."
I started kissing and sucking her neck causing her to arch her back and lean her head back on my shoulder. We swayed in time with the music as we moved about the kitchen preparing the dinner and setting the table.
"Eliza can you get Olly. Dinner is on the table."
"Be there in a minute."
I heard her footsteps going into our bedroom and coming out again followed by another set.
"Come on Olly. You can sit her in the special chair. Do you know why it's special?"
"No."
"It's because only brave boys get to sit in it and you Olly are the bravest boy I know."
"Really?"
"Really. Come on before dinner gets cold."
"Thank you Bella."
"No problem Olly. We can't let brave boys who are on an adventure become hungry now, can we?"
He shook his head as Bella scooped him up and sat him in the chair. After we were all sat down, we tucked in to the delicious spaghetti my amazing wife had made.
"Olly would you like some more?"
"I'm fine thank you. I'm full."
"Your full are you?"
"Yes. The food was so nice."
"Are you sure you're full? Not even the smallest gap?"
"I'm definitely full."
"Well I guess you can't have any apple crumble then. I made it special, for you and your sister."
"Maybe I have a small space."
"We'd better fill that small space then, hadn't we?"
He nodded excitedly as Bella pulled a steaming apple crumble from the oven and placed it on the table. Bowls were handed round with spoons as I handed the crumble out.
"Olly, when you have hot puddings, do you know what we have with them to cool them down?"
He shook his head sadly.
"In this home we have big spoonfuls of ice cream. Would you like some ice cream?"
"Yes please."
"What happened to you being full?"
"When you lift a spoon you become more hungry."
"Do you now?"
He nodded his head at her again.
"Well we'd better make sure you get enough ice cream."
A bright smile lit up his face as he watched Bella lift the tub of ice cream from the freeze and gave him three giant dollops. When all the crumble was gone, I cleared the table and started washing the plates and bowls. Eliza grabbed a tea towel and started drying the dishes.
"You don't need to do that Eliza."
"How about this Edward? You let me dry the dishes after every meal without complaining and I'll agree to anything you tell me what not to do or do. How does that work for you?"
"I guess that could work."
"Well that's sorted then."
We carried on washing and drying as Bella took Olly to get ready for bed.
"When can we start the case?"
"As soon as you want. We can start tomorrow or next week, but it will be better to start sooner rather than later because more evidence can be collected."
"What about tomorrow?"
"If you are ready then we can go to Bella's dad's tomorrow morning before he goes down to the station. There's no rush."
"The sooner we start the sooner Olly will be safe."
"Tomorrow it is then. I'll ring him later so he knows to expect us."
"Thank you Edward."
Eliza wrapped her arms around me and I hugged her back.
"I know you and Bella are only eleven years older than me but you have been more like a father to me than anyone has ever been, just in the last 24 hours."
"You are an amazing person Eliza. You remind me very much of Bella when we were your age. Bella and I will both help you with whatever you or Olly needs. Whether that is someone to talk to, a place to stay or something to eat. We will help you find safety."
"Thank you."
After finishing washing and drying we went into the living room where Bella had pulled out the bed from the couch and was lying with Olly reading him a story. She smiled up at us before returning to the book. Eliza picked her text book up again and continued making notes. I stood in the doorway watching them. I couldn't help the smile on my face as I imagined what life would be like with both Olly and Eliza staying with us permanently. When Olly finally drifted to sleep Bella kissed him on the head and climbed from the bed.
"Goodnight Eliza. Don't stay up to late."
"I won't. Thank you Bella, Edward. I really do appreciate your help."
"It's no problem."
I wrapped my arm around Bella's waist as we made our way to our bedroom. When we were both lying in bed, Bella's head on my shoulder, I lay my hand over her stomach.
"You are amazing with kids you know. I can see you being the best momma to our baby."
"And you'll be the best daddy ever. I've never really had amazing experiences with dads. Carlisle was the first to ever treat me as a daughter. I know I had Charlie but we were never any good at emotions. Phil came into my mom's life when I was old enough to look after myself. Now hearing about Eliza's stepdad, I don't really know what a dad is good for. Then I think about it. What would I be like if I had Charlie in my life more? What would Eliza be like if she had her dad? I realise that all families are different. I may not have needed a father and neither did Eliza, but lots of people do. Our baby will need a kind, gentle, loving father that will protect him or her from the dangers in life. I found the best man for the job."
"And who would that be?"
"My husband."
"He's one lucky guy then."
"That he is."
My lips lowered to hers as she rolled over so she was facing me. I wrapped my arms around her back, pulling her closer to me.
"We need to go to sleep baby."
"Not yet."
We continued kissing with her hands tangled in my hair. My hands moved to her hips tracing soothing circles.
"Come on baby. Eliza wants to talk to your dad in the morning. You need to go to sleep."
"Okay. One more kiss?"
"Of course baby."
I caught her lips up in one more kiss before lying us both down and pulling the comforter over us. Bella lay her head on my shoulder as I wrapped my arms around her. We both drifted into a peaceful sleep.