Breaking Free

Trigger Warning: This story contains scenes of domestic violence, and physical and emotional abuse. The main character was in an abusive relationship with her ex-boyfriend, who hurt her both physically and mentally. The story also depicts the main character's struggle to escape from the abuse and find love and healing with another person. If you are sensitive to these topics, please read with caution. If you are experiencing domestic violence or need help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit their website. You are not alone, and you deserve to be safe and happy.

Chapter 21

EDWARD

The wind whispered through Bella's hair as we watched the water ripple and sparkle under the sun. We were on the ferry to Bainbridge Island, heading to Forks. I felt her shiver slightly in my embrace and tightened my hold on her. She was safe and warm in my arms.

We gazed at the horizon, where the sky and the sea met in a soft embrace. The sun cast a golden glow over the water, creating a dazzling spectacle. Bella leaned her head back on my chest and sighed. She was content and happy in this moment.

"I'm sorry, Edward," she said softly. "I never imagined Chris was such a POS when I started dating him." She exhaled a long breath. "Rosalie told me the district attorney wants me to testify. Convinced me it would be good for me, but I'm scared."

I kissed the top of her head and whispered, "It's okay to be scared. Is that why you wanted to get away?"

"Yes. I need some time away from Seattle. And a weekend in Forks…" she trailed off, shrugging.

"Bella," I started, not sure what I wanted to say. Did I tell her she wouldn't be returning with me? She had been through so much already because of Chris. Did I add to her stress? I couldn't.

The ferry glided smoothly over the water, carrying us to our destination. The air was fresh and crisp, filling our lungs with life. Bella turned her face up to look at me and smiled. Her brown eyes were warm and trusting, reflecting the light of the sun. She had been beaten up by Chris, who had somehow found out who identified him and now wanted her life.

We cuddled on the deck, enjoying the gentle breeze and the soothing sound of the waves. The ferry was quiet and peaceful, with only a few passengers on board. Bella closed her eyes and relaxed. She trusted me to protect her.

I talked to Detective Carter into letting me take her to Forks, to my parents. Bella didn't know she would be staying when I left at the end of the weekend. She would meet the US Marshals in charge of protecting her when we got to the high school. They would explain to her and my parents. I hoped they would be able to keep her safe from Chris and whoever was hired to kill her.

We stayed like that for a while, holding each other and trying to forget the world around us. I tried to ignore the fact I would be leaving her Sunday night. But I loved her too much to see anything happen to her. Luckily Carleen, her boss, was allowing her to work from home. I planned on talking with her about the developments in the case and the security system that will be installed at Creative Spaces over the next few weeks. The system was different than the one I had installed in the apartment building. It wouldn't trap a criminal but used a combination of biometric eye scanners and blood analyzers to admit employees. Nothing like it existed. I got the idea after watching Gattaca. Of course, for those devices to work, a keycard was needed. The system was, as my college professors called it, futuristic, but a much-needed innovation. They encouraged me to find investors and develop it. Creative Spaces would be the first company to get the technology.

~~~ Breaking Free ~~~

We got into my car, and I turned the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life, and I drove off the ferry, onto the highway. I followed the signs to Forks, as if on autopilot. The drive was supposed to take about two and a half hours, but it felt like an eternity to me. Every mile we covered, every minute we spent, brought us closer to the moment of truth. The moment I would have to shatter her world. She didn't know that this was not just a weekend getaway. She didn't know that she was running for our lives.

Bella, on the other hand, seemed relaxed and happy. She chatted about how she wanted to see her old friends from high school, who still lived in Forks. She wondered if they had changed much, if they had married or had kids, if they still remembered her. She said she missed them and wanted to catch up with them.

I listened to her, nodding and smiling, but I felt a pang of guilt in my chest. How could I tell her that she might not be able to see them, that she had to stay hidden and protected? How could I tell her that we were going to meet the US Marshals at the high school, who would explain everything to her and my parents? How could I tell her that I loved her and that I was sorry for putting her in this situation?

But I didn't. I couldn't. I didn't want to ruin the peace she was in. I didn't want to see the fear and pain in her eyes. I wanted to keep her happy and calm.

So I kept quiet, and drove on. We passed through Port Townsend, Sequim, and the Hoh Rain Forest. We saw the beautiful scenery of the Olympic Peninsula, the green forests, the blue lakes, the majestic mountains. We listened to the radio, sang along to some songs, joked and laughed. We acted like a normal couple, going on a normal trip.

But we weren't. We were anything but normal. She was in danger. And I hated it. I hated Chris for hurting her, I hated myself for failing her, I hated the world for being so cruel.

We arrived in Forks around sunset. The sky was painted with orange and purple hues, creating a stunning contrast with the dark trees. I pulled into the high school and parked near a town car with tinted windows.

Two men got out. They had armbands that said "Deputy US Marshal" on their upper arms. They had badges and guns, and serious expressions on their faces. They offered us their hands, and introduced themselves as Mr. Sam Smith and Mr. Frank Jones.

I looked at Bella, and saw the confusion and curiosity in her eyes. She looked at me, and saw the sadness and regret in mine. She opened her mouth to say something, but I stopped her. I took her hand, and squeezed it gently. I leaned in, and kissed her softly on the cheek. I whispered in her ear, "I love you, Bella. I'm sorry."

And then I told her the truth. "You will be staying here in Forks, with my parents, until you are scheduled to testify. Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones will be protecting you until that time."

"Why?" she asked. In that simple question, simple word, I could hear her fear.

Glancing at the two marshals a moment before turning back to Bella. "Chris…" Tears were fast to form in her eyes. "… he got a message to an associate. The police is not sure how or who, but the message was clear." I stopped, my gaze moved back to the marshals. They motioned for me to continue. I drew Bella into my arms. She was shaking. I had a feeling she knew what I was going to say. "Chris ordered a hit on you."

Bella slumped in my arms. Tears wet the front of my shirt as she silently cried.

I tightened my hold on her. "I'll be staying the weekend." I dropped one arm, pulling a cellphone out of my pocket. The phone was one of two tied to Alice's account. "And I'm a phone call away," I whispered, showing her the phone. "However, I fear you won't be able to use your phone. Alice, she's the friend's girlfriend, added a line to her account. There is only one number in the contacts, me."

Bella stepped away from me, turning her back. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?" she asked. Her voice was rough, like it was after she got out of the hospital. "Because I felt you needed a bit of peace." I took hold of her shoulders and gently turned her to face me again. "And because I couldn't bring myself to tell you before we arrived. Was I right to give you some peace?"

Her smile, though small, was answer enough. She leaned in, and kissed me softly on the cheek. Her lips were warm and moist, and I felt a surge of emotion in my chest. I breathed in her scent, a mix of vanilla and lavender, and I felt a wave of calmness wash over me. I heard her whisper in my ear, "Thank you for the peace. And for telling me now."

I wrapped my arms around her, and pulled her close. I felt her heartbeat against mine, and I wished we could stay like this forever. But I knew we couldn't. I knew we had to face the reality, the danger, the pain. I knew we had to say goodbye on Sunday.

BELLA

Dad was waiting outside the Cullen's house, talking with Carlisle and Esme.

The house was white and spacious, with large windows and a porch. It looked cozy and inviting, but I knew it was also a fortress. A mile or so from the road, surrounded by tall and dense trees, it was hidden from the outside world. Even the driveway was concealed by the foliage. Only those who had been to the house before would know where the turn was.

"You called my dad?" I asked nervously, looking over at Edward. He nodded, and took my hand. He squeezed it gently, and smiled at me. He was trying to be brave, to be strong, to be supportive. But I could see the worry in his eyes, the tension in his jaw, the sadness in his lips.

"And my parents," he answered calmly, before adding, "they don't know about the marshals yet."

I groaned loudly, and buried my face in his chest. How was I going to explain? How was I going to tell them that I was in danger, that I had to stay in Forks, that I had to testify against Chris? How was I going to face their questions, their concerns, their fears?

"I'll take care of the explanation, Bella," he whispered in my ear, and kissed the top of my head. "I could have told them when I called, but we were pressed for time. We had to get here before dark, before the marshals arrived, before Chris found out."

I looked up at him, and saw the love and the regret in his eyes.

I loved Edward. And I knew he loved me. He whispered those words to me earlier. And unlike after high school graduation, I believed them. Believed him. With everything going on in my life, I couldn't whisper them back. Not yet, at least.

I nodded reluctantly, and blew out a breath. I knew he was right. He had to tell them.

We got out of the car, and walked towards the house. Dad was standing on the porch, with a worried and confused expression on his face. He ran down the steps, and opened his arms.

I ran into his arms, and hugged him tightly. I felt his warmth, his strength, his love. I heard his heartbeat, his breath, his voice.

"Bella, honey, I'm so glad you're here," Dad said, and kissed my hair. "I've missed you so much."

I missed him too. I missed him more than words could say. So much had happened since I saw him two weeks ago.

I looked at him, and saw the tears in his eyes. He asked me, "What's going on, Bella? Who's in the other car?"

"Let's go inside, and I'll explain," Edward said, as the marshals got out.

~~~ Breaking Free ~~~

"Damn him to hell," Dad said angrily, once Edward was done explaining. He clenched his fists, and glared at the marshals. He looked like he wanted to punch them, or worse.

Carlisle was up and pacing. He ran a hand through his hair, and shook his head. "I don't like this. Chris coming after her for standing up to him. For saying enough is enough. It's not right." He sounded frustrated and helpless. He looked like he wanted to protect me, or take me away.

"Right or not," Mr. Jones said firmly, "the fact is Chris is a threat, even from behind bars." He crossed his arms, and stared at the parents. He looked like he wanted to convince them, or warn them.

"And Bella will be safe here," Esme stated confidently. She smiled at me, and reached for my hand. She looked like she wanted to comfort me, or cheer me up.

This time Mr. Smith answered. "Yes, Mrs. Cullen. We believe she will be." He nodded, and smiled back. He looked like he wanted to agree with her, or please her.

Dad joined Carlisle in pacing. "And what security measure will be needed?" Dad asked in cop mode. He figuratively put on his badge, and his hat. He looked like he wanted to take charge, or take action. "And why wasn't I informed before now?"

"Chief Swan, given your relationship with Bella, we couldn't risk speaking with you sooner," Mr. Jones replied calmly. He held up his hand, and his badge. He looked like he wanted to explain, or apologize. "We are letting you know now, and hope you will let your deputies know. As for security measures, no restrictions are being put on Bella other than she has to stay in Forks." He turned to me. "Bella, if you want to go anywhere in town, one of us needs to be with you."

"And what if whoever Chris hired shows up in Forks?" I asked shakily. My voice was barely audible. Edward gave my left hand a gentle squeeze. He looked at me with love and concern. He looked like he wanted to calm me, or hold me.

Both Dad and Carlisle stopped pacing. They looked at the marshals, and then at me. They looked shocked and scared. They looked like they wanted to know, or not know.

"Good question," Mr. Smith started. He cleared his throat, and looked serious. He looked like he wanted to answer, or avoid. "If that happens, one of two things could be done. The first, you would be restricted to this house and local police will be called to assist in the apprehension. Or, you will be moved to an undisclosed safe house with no contact with anyone."

"It's going to be okay, Bella," Esme said, moving to sit on my right side. She wrapped an arm around me, and pulled me close. She looked like she wanted to soothe me, or support me. "We'll get through this together."

"As for you working," Mr. Jones took a letter out of his pocket, "Carleen asked us to give you this." He handed me the letter, and smiled slightly. He looked like he wanted to give me some good news, or some hope.

However, tears were threatening. Was I fired over this? I took the letter, and thanked him. I excused myself, and walked down the hall. I went into Edward's childhood room. Sitting on his bed, I unfolded the paper and read:

Bella, You're probably thinking that I'm firing you. I'm not. I want you safe and HR agrees. We are granting you a leave of absence.

No matter how long you need protection, or the trial is, you will have a job at Creative Space. I am sorry this is happening to you. You're part of the family and we take care of family. Take care. And don't worry about your clients, I will handle them. Carleen

'A leave of absence,' I could handle that. I would still get paid, but not as much as if I was working, but pay was pay. I felt a surge of relief, and gratitude. Carleen was a good boss, and a good friend. She cared about me, and my well-being. She understood, and supported me.