Loving Bella
Elizabeth Bonet


Prologue

A red light shot through the canvas of the tent two spaces away. The two girls giggled. They lied on their stomachs and held there breath as they shined there own blue flashlight to the far tent, on then off. The boy in the tent responded the same and the pattern continued back and forth. “ Oh Isabella, isn’t this fun!?” The older girl asked while she grinned. Isabella giggled with childish glee. “Beatrice shush! You’ll get us in trouble!” Although scolding she grinned. Their heads poked out the door of their tent when they should’ve been sleeping. It was after midnight and they were still awake; even though there curfew had been hours ago.
Isabella knew they were on the brinks of trouble when she heard rustling inside her mother’s own tent a few paces away. “Beatrice I have to go to the bathroom, and since the adults won’t let us go any where without an adult or without someone else, will you go with me?” Beatrice catching on, very loudly whispered her agreement. They slowly zipped the tent-door closed when they left and tiptoed past their leaders’ tents. “Bella?” Panic struck on the younger girls face at the sound of her mother‘s tired voice. “Yes?”
“Where are you two going?” “Just to the bathroom mama.” Her mother poked her head out of her own door and nodded her approval. “Be safe.” was all the warning she gave and allowed the girls to take their leave. About some twenty minutes later the girls returned. They saw that the boy’s light was no longer on, so they went to bed themselves. However they slept only a few hours. For it was already one in the morning.

~*~*~*~

Isabella woke some 5 hours later having to use the bathroom once again. “Beatrice!” She whispered as she shook her. “Come on, I have to go pee!” Beatrice groaned and rolled over, turning sleepy eyes to assess the younger girl in the dim light.
“Oh grow up, no body says pee anymore.” Isabella pushed Bee rather hard and placed both hands on her rather shapeless hips. “Grow up!? Why, you’re 12 and only 2 years older than I am! Now get up and get dressed.” Beatrice opened her mouth to object but as soon as she did they heard voices in their make shift kitchen for the camp. Recognizing her mother’s and step-dad’s voice Isabella bounded.
“Hurry up Bee, before the rest of the camp wakes up!” They both exited and slipped to the bathroom. They came back to find Mason (the boy they had been messing with the night before) and Stephen sitting with Bella’s parents. “Hey you guys wanna go for a walk?” Mark asked, already standing to go. Natine addressed the whole group. “Since apparently none of you could sleep. We were thinking on a little stroll along the boardwalk.” Mason, Bee and Bella were all up to the idea, until Stephen decided he wanted to go.
Bee linked arms with Bella and began to skip the way to the spring. Mason let out a big throaty laugh and walked a few paces behind, while Stephen reluctantly stayed with Natine and Mark. However Stephen soon caught hold of the group and began annoying them by trying to impress Bella. But the small dark haired girl not having any of it, began talking and giggling with Beatrice while flirting with Mason.
At the edge of the spring was a small gazebo where the group of youngsters sat while waiting for their chaperones to finish their jaunt on the walk. “Hey look at that!” Everyone turned to see Bee jump off the bench and point to a small stone pillar in the field near where they were. “Bella, what is that?” The brunette’s face was now red with excitement. Breathless as she was, she tugged on Isabella’s arm. “It’s nothing to be excited for Bee, it’s only a memorial. It was dedi-”
“No it isn’t!” Stephen interrupted. Thinking as though this was his chance to show off how smart he was to the two girls. “It’s a sundial!” Bella was now facing Stephen with her head slightly bent toward him, hands folded neatly in front of her lap glaring into his eyes. Taunting him to say one more word that would defy her. Beatrice bit her lip. Their chaperones were soon coming into earshot and she didn’t want Bella’s parents to hear her in an argument, especially not with Stephen. “It’s not that important anymore. I was just curious.”
“That’s alright Bee cause he’s right it is a sundial and a memorial.” Mason bit back a chuckle. “Oh this girl. She’s so funny sometimes. And has the most adorable face when she fights back a challenge.” He knew that if she could hear his thoughts right then she would reach over and slap his freckles off if she could, so he remained quiet. Until it struck him. “I have an idea,” he chimed in “How about we walk over there and see for ourselves what it is.”
By now Natine and Mark were back sitting alongside with them, so the four looked to them for permission. Natine nodded yes and they were off. Isabella grabbed Beatrice by the arm and ran up the hill to the stone pillar. “Hah! See its both!” Stephen opened his mouth to argue, but Mason cut him off with a pointed look. “See for yourself if you don’t believe her.” The two girls moved away just in time before Mason pushed Stephen over to the memorial.
Stephen grumbled to himself after a moment of closer inspection. He turned to find Bella, arms crossed in front of her with a smug look on her face. “Who’s right after all?” She turned in a swirl of black waves and left., walking back in the direction of the camp. Stephen’s face was almost puce with embarrassment. Feeling a bit sorry for him, Bee placed a hand on Stephen’s shoulder and turned to catch up with Bella. Leaving the two boys gawking in their absence.

~*~*~*~


Chapter One


2 ½ years Later


The little boy was all that was on her mind as she stood at the edge of a group of children. That, and the heat of the summer day. The small boy was one of her charges for the rest of the week and the oldest of the group. Annoying as he was, she still wanted him to be in perfect health and happy like the rest of the children. Her mind momentarily had drifted off when his loud coughs came shockingly in her line of thought.
“Austen!” The little boy turned big brown eyes to his leader. He didn’t like her much. He thought she was too pushy. But not wanting to get in trouble he faced her. She motioned for him to come stand in front of her and he sighed. Cough, cough. If only he could get this stupid blade of grass out of his throat he would be fine. “Austen!” He could tell from her voice that she was getting impatient so Austen drew near.
Bella leaned over the short boy and rustled his hair. “You ok bud? You need some water?” “So she heard me coughing, great…” Austen began to dawdle by playing in the dirt with his shoe. “Yeah I’m ok.” He mumbled. Bella cocked her head to the side, perching her arms on her voluptuous hips. “Then why were you coughing so much?” He looked up then, a huge smile on his face. “Boy this ought to get her. If it doesn’t then I don’t know what will.”
Playing the part all to well he explained how Mason, the “dude” handing out skittles, dropped one. So he picked it up off the ground and ate it. But along came with it a piece of grass that got caught in the back of his throat. This was why he was coughing. Bella gasped and raised a hand to her mouth. “Austen you didn’t?!” Austen smirked and was about to walk away before he started coughing again.
By this time Jessica had joined her and wanted to know what was going on. After explaining again the shock that had warn off came back to hit Isabella. “Come on Austen. Let’s go get some water.” Bella seemed frozen and the poor boy didn’t seem like he was getting water where she was concerned, so Jessica led him off to get water in the church’s kitchen.
“Hey what happened? Why is your hand over your mouth?” Mason now stood next to her with a bag of skittles in his hand. “You… the skittles… Austen…” She let out a soft groan and practically fell over. Mason caught her by the arm and helped her right herself before she toppled over. “What happened?” He tried again, softer this time, but with a slight hint of amusement that Bella caught. It snapped her out of her trance and she explained.
This time, however, she didn’t go into a state of shock merely because of her laughter over Mason’s own reaction. “Woah…Is he ok?” Seeing Bella laugh made him smile and he walked away. He came back not two minutes later asking her if she wanted some skittles, but only under his terms of not telling Jessica who had now returned and was playing with the other kids.

~*~*~*~

“O.M.G!!! Bridgette where did you get these?!” “Wow Pastor must be going crazy if he’s getting you all these weapons.” They were all in awe over Bridgette’s ninja stars that her dad had recently gotten her, Isabella, and her sisters Victoria and Rosalie. Bridgette was demonstrating throwing the stars at a tree when Mason had walked out of the church to say goodbye for the night. Upon seeing him the mood let them down. Earlier that night he had told them that he was going to Alabama for boot camp.
At the end of the camp he would go to Germany and afterwards Afghanistan to fight. It had made them all sad especially Bella. Who was just realizing she liked him and always had right before he was going to leave. When saying goodnight he gave each of the girls a long hug. But when it came to Bella herself he held her tighter than the rest but the hug was short.
Bella breathed in his scent before he could get away. And stepped back before the tears could form in her eyes. She slowly walked toward the church, but Rosalie’s scream stopped her before she could open the door. Bella spun around to see Rosalie drop one of Bridgette’s stars and gape at Mason’s back as a star flew just inches past his leg. “Oh my Lord, Mason.” was all Bella could think as she ran toward the group.
Mason looked over his shoulder in shock. “What was that for? Are you trying to kill me?!” Rosalie shuddered. “No.” She whispered softly. “I missed the tree. I’m sorry.” He laughed, turned and left. Leaving the girls in an awkward silence.

~*~*~*~

“The Phantom of the Opera is there inside my mind. I am your angel of music! Come to me Angel of music!” “Bella!” The one being spoken to glanced in the bathroom mirror and fixed a stray hair hanging in front of her forehead. Humming she opened the bathroom door and stood at the top of the stairs.
When she looked down however she noticed a huge rip in her brand new shirt. Bella groaned when she noticed just how bad it was. “Yes?” Victoria looked at her strangely. “Are you ok? What was that all about?” Victoria laughed when Bella’s deep brown eyes seemed to swallow her face.
“Oh, well I just discovered a big whole the size of my hand in one of my new shirts. And it upset me that’s all.” Bella stopped when Victoria grinned. Bella stood arms akimbo and gave her sister ‘the look’ demanding she tell what was on her mind. “Stay right there I’ll be back. I have a surprise that I think will brighten up your day.”
“Wow she’s gonna be so happy when I show her this!” Victoria thought. Isabella dropped her arms to her sides and stood confused watching her sister retreat back outside the backdoor. Bella had just finished changing her shirt when Victoria called to her again. Bella walked back to the top of the stairs and nearly fell in disbelief. “Where did you get that?!”
Victoria stood with a childish grin on her face. In her arms she held a rather large keyboard. Bella ran down the stairs and lovingly caressed the black and white keys.
“You’ll never believe it.” Victoria announced, red suddenly filled her cheeks and she giggled nervously. “ Well he told me not to tell you but-” “Wait! Hold it!” Bella held up a finger, her eyebrows knitted together. “Did you just say he?”

~*~*~*~

The sanctuary of the church was full of people young and old to say goodbye to Mason. All listened to each person as they gave him advice and wished him well. After the pastor prayed, there would be a small meal in the fellowship hall. Some people had brought gifts for Mason and others only their presence, as most families did.
It overwhelmed him. He didn’t know what to make out of practically the whole church showing up to say goodbye. “Is their God so great, that he impressed all these people to show up? For them to even care?” Mason saw something move in the corner of his eye and slip into the next room. Soft music began to play off the piano, filling the Sanctuary.
He began to walk to the official entrance, when Pastor stopped him. “Hello Mason.” Pastor’s deep voice rumbled from above and Mason sighed. “Hey Pastor.” A conversation had enveloped. One he thought lasted a little too long for his taste. He threw up a silent ‘thank you’ when Pastor finally hugged him and said: “Goodbye, son”.
Mason stopped right at the door of the sanctuary when there was a sudden silence. Thinking he had lost his opportunity he began walking back down the stairs, when a different, more rapid song began to play. He gently pushed the door open and stepped in. Not wanting to alarm the person playing.
Mason looked to the very front of the huge room where the little piano sat. Playing it, was a girl. “No not a girl. Although she may be young, she’s got the looks and thoughts of a woman. But still she needs to be treated with respect and care. Still vulnerable Mason, and naïve, very vulnerable…” Although clearly not looking her best, she was a vision. He stood still taking her every being apart piece by piece.
Long black curls swooped down her back and stopped at the middle. She sported light olive toned skin that made her chocolate eyes all the more charming. Although not the skinniest girl in the world, you could still tell she had a figure. A very shapely one at that. Mason thought she looked just as well in a t-shirt and jeans.
But he knew that the effect would be complete if only she wore a long dress that marked her curves. Scolding himself for staring he made his way up the aisle to approach her. So in tune was she with her music she didn’t hear him approach. So he simply crossed his arms over top the piano and looked on as she continued to play.
“Hello, Bella.” Her hands suddenly stopped and she shuddered. She looked up slowly to reveal a slight tint of pink on her cheeks. Her gaze quickly dropped to the piano after briefly meeting his eyes. “Hello Mason.” Wishing to make her comfortable again he formed a following conversation in his head. Realizing he had to clear his throat he mentally groaned.
Bella slipped her hands onto her lap and waited patiently for him to say something. “Great… Well if he doesn’t say anything then I’ll just excuse myself and leave. 3...2...-” “So you like the piano?” He mentally kicked himself over and over again for coming up with such a lame topic. But stopped short at seeing her reaction.
Her face took on a lighter, dreamy appeal. A slow smile on her lips, she sighed. “Yes, that I do.” Bella turned her gaze back on the keys and sucked in a breath. “And I know, so thank you.” Mason’s face was confused for a second and slightly hardened. “You know what? What are you thanking me for?” One look at her face and he knew.
“Victoria told you didn’t she?” His hands balled into fists by his sides. “Yeah” she said softly. “She told me that you told her not to tell me that you were the one who gave me the keyboard. And after telling me, told me not to tell you; but obviously I ignored her.” “Well now you know.” He sighed. “It made my day.” Bella laughed at the memory.
“Yeah I know, she told me.” Noticing his dark mood she began to retaliate but stopped short when Mason smiled.
“Well your welcome. Enjoy it.” Mason stood next to where she sat now and helped her up giving her a gentle hug. “Thank you., and I guess goodbye.“ Isabella whispered. Holding on perhaps a little more tightly than necessary. With that he swept out of the room taking all conversation out of her, the air in the room and her heart.
Bella whimpered to herself. Placing her head into her palms, she relapsed. “Oh Lord what am I going to do?”

~*~*~*~


Chapter Two


Isabella soaked in the fresh air as she walked in the vast, green field. Swinging her hands back and forth she sang a little tune to herself on the Saturday afternoon. Bella closed her eyes as a breeze passed over and sighed. “What a perfect day! Almost.” The thought troubled her and she balled her small hands into fists.
“Of course, and that’s the only reason why it’s not perfect.” Ever since he left even the most beautiful of days, like this one, were gloomy. All because of the worry it caused her. “Oh Lord, what am I going to do?” “What was that?” Bella started when she realized she wasn’t alone anymore. She stopped abruptly causing the intruder to stumble.
“What do you want Charles?” His face turned red as he stabbed the toe of his shoe in the dirt. After waiting for about two minutes, Bella scoffed impatiently and turned to leave. Just as she took a step, Charles reached out and grabbed her by the arm. Bella turned glaring eyes to him and struggled out of his grasp. Only to have him grab her other arm. Hands on both upper arms he turned pleadingly, desperate eyes to her.
“Bella, I love you. Please, will you go out with me?” Isabella’s face went pale, mouth hanging open. Neither of them realized what had happened next until they heard a loud slap and Charles placed a hand to his cheek. Bella place two fingers to her lips and glared harder and in shock at him. “Did you just try to kiss me?!” “Darn it I tried to at least!”
Bella’s look cooled. Eyes once warm turned a flashing fiery color. Charles disarmed himself in awe of the transformation. Her eyes had just looked a dark brown and now almost looked red. It was kind of scary yet sexy at the same time. Seeing his thoughts were other wised engaged, she lifted her chin and spun on her heel to join the rest of the group.
He watched in amazement as she turned and left. “Wow this woman is something!” “Bella wait!” She kept walking and didn’t answer. “Isabella please, wait!” With that, she spun around to meet his gaze. “How dare you.” This was not a question but an accusation which she spat at him. “First you have the audacity to take me out of my ‘happy place’ to ask me that…that question. And then you practically curse in my face at a church outing. After trying to kiss me!”
Charles’ face paled to ghost white. He jerked a hand to the back of his neck and began to knead his fingers into it. Silently cursing himself he looked up to meet her eyes. “You were just so gorgeous. And you look hot when you’re mad. I wasn’t thinking, I’m sorry.” Bella eyes became hooded, her tone as sharp as a knife into his heart when she spoke. “Yeah, maybe you should think more often.” With that she turned took two steps and faced him again.
“Apology not excepted.” The dramatic exit she made could’ve worked on any stage but for Charles, it broke his heart.

~*~*~*~

Bella’s eyes lovingly looked over and over the piano as she studied it. She leaned in to catch a whiff of his scent. Which was barely prominent anymore. A slow tear slid down her face as she gently placed the keyboard in it’s rightful place on her desk. Bella plopped back onto her bed and grabbed her bible. She opened the precious book to a random spot and let her eyes guide her. Where her eyes landed surprised her. She silently read to herself Psalm 37:4.
“Delight thyself also in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” “Oh Lord, please. I love him.” She read the verse above it. “Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and feed on his faithfulness.” “Oh Lord I’m trying my hardest to trust in you. Please be with me.” She closed her bible and placed it on her night stand. Bella walked up to her mirror to look at her reflection.
“Ugh! I look like an utter disaster!?” She tried pushing out a few stray curls, but they sprang back out into existence. “Oh forget it. I always look terrible anyway. It’s no wonder nobody likes me.” Bella stuck out her tongue at her reflection and lowered her gaze to her stomach. “and while I’m at it I look practically pregnant.”
Bella sat back on her bed. Staring up at the white ceiling her vision blurred and she heard sobbing. She felt a hand touch her cheek just before she fell into darkness.

~*~*~*~

“Yo Mason! Wake up sleepy head! Come on wake up before the Marshall walks in with a bucket of cold water!” Bradley shook Mason like a limp doll. “Hello? Are you dead? Come on man!” Mason rolled over and placed the pillow over his head. “It’s Sunday aren’t we supposed to be off?” “Nope not today we got early training!”
Mason lifted the pillow to chance a look at Bradley. The fool was grinning to his bloody ears and dressed in his casuals. Mason smirked. “And what does this early training consist of?” Bradley threw Mason’s clothes at him and pulled his covers back. “Something that ‘consists’ of a trip to town and a couple of drinks. We’ll be waiting for you outside.” Bradley slapped Mason’s shoulder and reached the door in a few quick strides.
“We, Bradley?” “Sure enough.” The tall blond laughed and closed the door after enjoying the look of pure horror on the red head’s face.

~*~*~*~

“Hey knuckle-head!” Mason gestured with his flailing arms to the hay-wagon and tractor. “What is all this?” Bradley chortled. “You sorry boy. You truly were sheltered weren’t you?” Mason cocked a brow to show his amusement. “Me, sheltered? Ha, Never.” Bradley placed a hand on his side, the other pointed to Mason and then the wagon. “Then what do you think us lonely good looking pieces of man-meat are going off to town for? Cakes and bread for mama?”
Sudden dawn came across the younger man’s face as he took in the sight of all the men in uniform sitting on the fresh hay. How tempting they all would seem for all those poor sorry gals in town. And how easily they would fall into the arms of all these men.
“You’re a sick man Bradley.” The tall blonde plopped onto the hay and sat cross-legged. A devilish grin on his face. “Aw come on man it’ll be fun. And you’ll be thanking me in the morning.” Bradley lied down and patted the hay next to him, smiling like a foolish schoolboy. Mason sighed and sat next to the older man. Bradley slapped him on the back and laughed. “And believe me, you’ll be wantin’ to make some more trips to town more often.” Mason sighed just as the tractor lurched forward. He cast out one last longing glance at the barracks before it disappeared into the distance.
“So what are we really ‘doing’? Like, what do the commanders think we’re doing?” Bradley shot him a repressive look. “Look man we ain’t doin’ anything wrong here. We’re lonely men satisfying our needs and McBaltby knows that. Every month he lets a group of men go out. Not all the same every time but enough. Boy you seem like you’re putting this Holier-than-thou thing on and it’s getting annoying. Just sit back, relax, enjoy the ride, and break many a young girls’ hearts.”
Mason ducked his head, dropping his hands onto his lap as if his mother had just put him into time-out. “Is that so hard?” Avoiding a look at Bradley he shook his head. A long awkward silence endued, but Mason was grateful for it. He looked out to the nearby country side and smiled.
It was beautiful. Like a big painting of quilted hills rolling by in the distance. Some green, brown or yellow depending on the crops. One hill they passed was small and covered in Sunflowers. A bit late for the summer, but still beautiful. “Just like Isabella. Woah now, where did that come from?”
Mason shook his head to scold himself. “All these months not one single thought about her and now this?! Ugh, what’s happening to me?!” He stared blankly into nothing and didn’t move. Even when the tractor had stopped and half the men were off. “Mason!” Some one shook his shoulder and yelled his name again before he realized it was Bradley.
“Yo man what’s up? You look like you just saw a ghost. You ok?” Still no response. “Aw crap. Mason!” Even that didn’t stir the redhead. One of the men swung open the door to the local pub, music, smoke and smells wrapped around them for a brief moment. Mason reconnected with real life and stood up, hopped off the cart and swung open the door himself.
Stunned Bradley had to run to catch up with him. He’d seen that look before and he didn’t like it too much. “Aw man maybe I shouldn’t have brought him out here. I thought it would’ve been good for him but he just…” Bradley shoved his hand into the door to keep it from closing. He stalked into the pub and inhaled a slow breath. Being a tall handsome blonde he was very well aware of the stares he caused.
He scanned the room and found his target. He quietly walked over to the redhead sitting on the side of the bar. A somber look on his face as he stared at the mug in his hand. Bradley placed a hand on Mason’s shoulder and sat next to him. “Mason, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought you here. It was wrong of me. I thought it would’ve been good for you but apparently I produced the opposite effect.”
He paused allowing it to sink in. “Can you tell me about her?” Mason remained quiet, but Bradley was not so easily put off. He simply ordered a beer for himself and sat quietly. After downing one beer and drinking a half of another, he chanced a look at Mason. He was in no better shape except the fact that his beer was now empty, his head lay on the counter with drool hanging from his mouth.
Bradley groaned. “Alright bud, you’re comin’ with me.” He laid some money on the counter and hoisted him on his shoulder. Once outside he threw him onto the hay cart and walked back inside. He came back out with a bucket of water and crept up to Mason’s side. Bradley threw the contents onto Mason and stood back to watch. The reaction was too funny to bear but Bradley felt no humor. This guy had it bad and he wanted to get to the bottom of it. “Holy Crap! What was that for?!” Mason bounded and ran straight for Bradley but the older man knocked him to the ground with one hard push. “Geeze man one beer and you’re wasted!”
“I am not drunk!” “Which proves that you are. Who is Isabella?” Mason froze. “Who?” He demanded, death in his tone. Bradley knew he was crossing dangerous waters but he continued to row. “Who is Isabella?” Mason sighed, completely defeated. He hung his head between his arms with hands clasped together and arms resting on his thighs.
A few minutes passed before he answered and Bradley was fixing to get another bucket. Dangerously sober now, he spoke. “She lives in Florida.” Bradley paused mid-step and wheeled around. “Where you come from.” This was a statement but Mason still nodded in affirmation.
“Yeah.” Bradley sat next to Mason on the cart and remained quiet, silently prodding him to continue.


Chapter three

“She lives in Florida, in the town that I grew up in to be exact. She’s 13 years old. Beautiful in every way shape and form. She’s up to my chest in height, has long curly black hair, olive toned skin and the deepest color brown eyes I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Mason stopped to catch his breath. “And I love her.”
Bradley’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. He shook his head and laughed. “You’re kidding me right? A girl who’s probably just started puberty and you’re in love with her?! You’re joking…” Mason shook his head. His green eyes ever so thoughtful. “You’re not. Aw come on man you got it bad for her. A good looking man like you should have someone he can enjoy. And is allowed to…”
“Come on let’s go inside, have a few more beers and you’ll find someone to keep you warm tonight. Guarantee, and no worries you’ll be forgettin’ all about that sorry little gal in the morning.” Mason hesitated but eventually gave in, allowing the older man to lead him into what he thought would be innocent comfort.

~*~*~*~

“No!” Bella shot up out of her bed in a cold sweat. The memory of her dream, or nightmare, came back in an instant. She muffled a sob when she heard footsteps on the stairs. “Bella?” “It’s ok mama it was just a dream.” “Are you sure?” “ I’m sure. Go back to bed.” Bella waited for Natine to close her bedroom door before she allowed herself to cry.
It was the most horrid dream that could have been imagined. There he was a woman trailing behind him with a bundle in her arms. He had the most disdained expression on his handsome face. They were walking in the parking lot of the church. Bella watched them enter from the front and his expression hardened upon seeing her.
Which could only mean it was his baby. She woke up then, not able to bear another moment. Bella shivered under her covers. The room was freezing to her despite the warmth of the heater. “It can’t be true. It just - can’t.” Her breath caught as realization dawned on her.
She herself had heard the stories of men who had went off to war and impregnated a woman. Leaving many women behind in pain and sorrow. “No not him. He would never.” “Be that as it may Bella. You know him well enough that he might.” She fought with herself to justify him. Make him seem perfect in any way possible.
But she lost her own battle. Slowly she slipped away into darkness. It would be until morning that she would remember her own thoughts and dreams of the night before.

~*~*~*~

“Mason, wake up Sleeping Beauty. That’s it come on. Wake up. There you go.”
Bradley chuckled, his deep blue eyes shining as he helped Mason right himself on the hay cart. “What time is it?” Bradley looked down at the watch on his wrist and grimaced. “2:00 a.m. Now come on we gotta hurry up and make it back to the base before six.” Mason stood up too fast and placed a hand to his head. “What the?!” He exclaimed as he fell back on the cart. “Bradley, what mess did you get me into now?”
Bradley’s look was that of an innocent child who had just been accused of stealing a cookie out of the forbidden jar. “Nothing mate. You were the one who guzzled down that beer and found a pretty lady to spend the night with.” Mason’s eyes grew round. “Aw shoot. What was her name?” “Renae I think. Oh well why does it matter?” “I don’t know cuz the whole night I wasn’t thinking bout her but another gorgeous woman who had caught my heart and stole it.”
Bradley rolled his eyes and helped Mason off the cart. “Come on let’s get you some coffee.” They came back a few minutes later, Mason being refreshed, and the other men waiting on the cart. They drove back in the same direction they had come. And upon seeing the same little hill Mason’s stomach turned. “What have I done?”

~*~*~*~

Bella walked up the church steps. Eyeing the place where her dream had occurred. “Don’t worry it wasn’t real. It didn’t really happen. I mean why would I care. If he wants to ruin his life then by all means have at it.” She opened the door to the back of the church and stepped inside.
Walking to her pew she sat next to Natine and listened as people shared praise reports and prayer requests. At the end Pastor said that the church had received a letter from Mason which was now hanging on display in the Fellowship Hall.
After the meeting ended Bella curiously stepped up to the letter and read.
“Only 42 more days till Christmas break and I’ll be home. Can’t wait to see you all in my church family.” “42 days. It’s been a long time.” Bella stepped aside and allowed one of the old couples in their church to read the letter.
“Bella let’s go!” “Alright mama.” They left the church and the ride home was a quiet one. “42 days and he’ll be back again. I wonder… If I’ll get to see him. Well here’s hoping.”

~*~*~*~

“You seem awful excited to be going back. If you didn’t want to leave then why did you come here in the first place?” Mason placed a shirt in his bag and sat at the edge of his bed. Bradley was lying leisurely on his side on his own bunk, holding his head up with his hand.
“Aw come on man you know I love ya. I just can’t wait to be home again. See my mom and breath in some fresh air without McBaltby breathing down my neck. Is life at home that bad for you that you don’t even want to leave?” Bradley’s eyes shot icy daggers. “Boy I ain’t got no home why do you think I’m the way I am.” He murmured.
Mason mouthed a silent “oh” and walked over to place a hand on Bradley’s shoulder. “I’m sorry man. Well-” “Why do you say it like that? I have a family it just ain‘t a home.” “I’m sorry man. Truly I am sorry for you. But I got to go. Stay in touch!”
Mason flipped his bag over his shoulder and strode out the door. Temporarily closing this chapter in his life.

~*~*~*~

“Why is His love not showing them there is a way? Jesus is the way.” Bella softly finished singing the chorus of If We are The Body to herself. She was practically glowing as she glided to the door that led to the stairwell in their church. “Oh how great God is! It’s just amazing how much joy I feel right now. I can’t belie-”
Right as Isabella reached for the knob the door flung open in her face. It was only seconds as she realized it was him who opened the door and walked out the other. She gasped and nearly fell. “oh no.” Tears began to fill her eyes as her back slid down the wall behind her to the floor.
She heard someone push open the door and not wanting to embarrass herself she shoved a hand across her face and ran toward the bathroom. “Bella? Bella! Bella wait!” Bella knew she hadn’t imagined the voice but she ignored Mason anyways. She pulled the door to the bathroom open, stepped inside and locked herself inside one of the stalls.
Bella threw her face into her hands and began to sob. “Bella?” The soft sound of the pastor’s wife came ringing to Bella’s ears. She muffled another sob so she could answer Joy. “Yes Mrs. Joy?” Bella blew her nose very loudly and unladylike before she opened the stall door. Seeing Bella’s tear stained face Joy’s heart broke into pieces.
“Bella sweetheart. Are you alright? You look dreadful!” Bella forced a laugh. She dabbed her cheeks with some toilet paper and sighed. “Well, way to make me feel better.” She forced another laugh that turned into a sob.
“Oh Honey! I am so sorry. You don’t have to tell me what the problem is but if you do, I just want you to know that I’m here for you.” Joy lifted Bella’s chin with the tips of her fingers to better see her eyes. Bella coughed and wiped her nose. “How did you know I was in here?”
Joy’s face flamed. She gave out a nervous giggle before turning her face toward the floor. “Well, Mason said he passed by you and went outside. Then when he walked back inside he saw you crying on the floor, tried to call you but you ran the opposite direction.” She paused waiting for her to comprehend what she was saying.
“Oh Isabella you gave that boy a fright! His face was pale and panic stricken when he came looking for me. You need to at least see him. He’s so worried about you.” Isabella looked up through big, red and puffy eyes. “You’re kidding me?” It tore at Joy’s heart to do so but she shook her head no.
Bella groaned and threw her hands onto her lap. She stared blankly into something, not knowing what, for about two minutes. “Alright I’ll go.” “Good girl. How about you go sit in the pastor’s office for the rest of the service and I’ll tell Natine ‘I was just having a conversation with you’. And I felt it was best that you stay in solitude.”
Joy lifted Bella’s chin once again. “Is that alright with you?” Bella nodded with little enthusiasm. Joy opened the door to find Mason pacing nearby. As soon as Bella noticed him she gasped and ducked back into the bathroom. Once the door was firmly shut Joy turned to Mason.
“Mason there is no one else in the bathroom you have my permission to go inside and throw her over your shoulder if needed. The office is open so you can go in and talk with her. But you need to lock the door after yourselves ok?” Mason in shock barely nodded. Joy left him then after tilting her head slightly toward the door and walked away. Mason reluctantly turned in an about-face and opened the door.
Bella heard a soft click on the doorknob and she quieted her breathing. “Mrs. Joy could you please tell Mason that-” The sound of heavy boots against the linoleum floor stopped her mid-sentence. “Mrs. Joy?” Bella looked under the stall door to see to light mustard colored boots topped with camouflage pants.
Mason threw open the stall door to see the small girl practically shrink before his eyes. She shrieked and searched for a way to exit but saw none. Clearly seeing that she had no way of escape she teared up. “Bella -” Mason’s voice caught. He shook his head in reprimand toward himself.
“No! I need to be her comfort. What good will it do her if the man who is supposed to be comforting her starts crying himself?” He bent low and outstretched his arms to lift her up. She swatted his hands at first and fought. But he ignored her for determination.
“Bella please.” Her gaze dropped and she surrendered. She allowed him to lift her up into his arms and against his strong chest. Upon feeling the warmth emanating off of him Bella relaxed. She breathed in his scent and whimpered. Fresh emotions arousing, she wept onto his chest.
Mason sighed. Wanting so very much to lift her face up and kiss her tears away but fighting every impulse, kicked open the door and carried her off to the office.


Chapter four


Mason sat down in Pastor’s huge plush desk chair and situated Bella on his lap so she would be more comfortable. She tightened her grip on his shirt and continued to cry. After a little while she quieted. Mason sure she might be asleep, lowered his gaze to chance a look at her. His heart stopped.
Bella’s once tanned hands were white from gripping his shirt so hard. Her long black hair fell in a curly mass around her head. Bella’s dark eyes were accentuated by recent tears and her lips came into a full and swollen pout. She sat staring up at him a small tear streaming down her cheek.
Mason softly lifted the tear off of her cheek with the tip of his finger. Bella’s mouth dropped as he promptly touched his finger to his lips and tasted the teardrop. Mason smiled at her wide eyed wonder and began to smooth her hair with his hand. Weaving his fingers through the curls every now and then.
“W-why? Are y-you here?” Bella stammered barely able to get the words out. Mason placed a finger to her lips and quietly shushed her. He was surprised at the thrill that raced through him with this simple action but did not let on. “The time for explaining will come soon enough. You just sit here and rest my little darling and I’ll tell you when you wake up.”
Bella’s mouth gaped open. She placed two hands against his chest and pushed herself away. “little darling?!” Mason pushed her head back against his chest but did not answer. She would come to learn how he felt about her soon. But not while she was in this condition.
Mason spoke softly but his tone was commanding. “Go to sleep Bella. You’ll find out what you want to hear soon enough. But for now you must rest my sweet.” Bella shook her head in astonishment sending black curls flying in every direction. Mason cocked an eyebrow to show his seriousness and she relented.
Placing her head back against Mason’s chest she heaved a heavy sigh and caught his heartbeat. It was a relaxing sound. One that eventually lulled her to sleep.

~*~*~*~

Mason sat still. Trying to control every emotion that rose within. He began to relax himself when Bella moaned and shifted on his lap. Her hair covering her face ever so slightly so the only thing you could see were her eyes. One arm lay over the top of her abdomen and the other still gripped his shirt, but more gently now then before.
The tall red head stiffened at the sound and sat up rigidly. Knock. Knock. Knock. “Oh no” He heard the knock again and cleared his throat. “Who is it?” Pastor’s voice sounded behind the door. Mason told him to enter but remembered the door was locked. Knowing he couldn’t get up because it would awaken Bella; Mason told the pastor this. A few seconds later Pastor’s head stuck around the door and peeked inside. His eyes grew huge in seeing the closeness between the two on his chair.
He needed to remind Mason just how young that girl was and planned to do it soon. Reading his face correctly Mason held up a hand to cut Pastor off. “Your wife.” Simply put but explained everything. Pastor nodded and closed the door behind him. “Son, why?”
“She was crying and I sought to comfort her she fell asleep not too long ago.” Mason felt a slight movement coming from Bella and looked down. The young girl was staring at him with eyes so round he thought they looked like moons. Mason slightly cocked his head to the side and raised a brow in questioning.
She shook her head slowly so that Pastor would not take notice. She moaned and dug her face into his chest. Mason wrapped his arms around Bella and shifted her on his lap. Bella sighed out of pure delight which brought a smile on Mason’s lips. Pastor practically missed the entire affair besides the latter portion. He noted the sigh and smile of both the adolescents and mentally shook his head.
Clearly they cared for another. Whether the other party knew it or not was a different matter. Mason looked up from Bella’s ‘sleeping’ face to find the pastor watching them. He shifted uncomfortably in the chair knowing he was about to get the verbal beating of his life. He cleared his throat to speak but found he had nothing to say.
“I love her.” Mason mouthed this to the now shocked pastor and began to play with a curl at the nape of Bella’s neck. “Mason do you know what you’re doing? She is 13 years old! Have you seen Mark? Or her father?! They could make a young man like yourself wet his pants upon sight! Are you willing to risk her happiness?”
Mason’s look became shocked. All he had thought about was how much he ‘loved’ her and how beautiful she was. How much joy it gave him to hold her let alone be near her. But if he really loved her then why would he put her through misery? Leaving her behind to pine and worry after he left for Germany. If he truly loved her he would not have slept with Renae, but kept honorable and not have a secret to hide from her.
For fear she would not understand and hate him. But what was there to understand? There was no justifying the great wrong which he had done her. He didn’t know how but somehow she knew. All of it. From the moment he took his first swig to the moment Bradley woke him up at the bar. “I’m sorry.” This was directed to Bella and her look went from confused to shocked to hard.
“Forgive me?” Said so lightly with so much remorse that Bella couldn’t hold back her tears. She didn’t care if pastor knew she was awake or not. Mason had done the unforgivable and she knew it! Oh how she just wanted to cry. As it seemed all she did lately was cry. He had done something she hoped and prayed he wouldn’t do and now asked for her forgiveness! How could he have the audacity?!

~*~*~*~

Pastor stared in disbelief from the chair which he now sat. This poor girl. What she must be going through. To be in love with a boy, who was living the life of a man. Not to mention the anxiety of worrying because he was not only going to be in another continent, but in a war.
And now apparently he had done something to upset her. This was an obvious examination seeing that Bella was sobbing on Mason’s once crisp uniform. Pastor glanced down at his watch and winced. He looked up to see the younger man’s pained expression and smiled wryly at him. Pinning Mason to the chair Pastor spoke. “We will talk later. Count on it.” With that Pastor exited the room so that he could preach the sermon.

~*~*~*~

Mason fighting all emotions forced himself to look at Bella. The redhead’s heart broke. Bella was shaking and the sobs had abated. “Bella,” His voice broke. “I am so sorry. You have no idea how sorry I am. Really I am sorry. I was drunk and I didn’t think about you otherwise I would not have made such a fool out of myself.”
Bella sat motionless with a dull look in her eyes. Almost as if she were dead. Beginning to feel panicked, Mason began to shake her and the dull expressionless face vanished. In return a disgusted furious one replaced it. Bella flung her fists at Mason so hard he was almost out of breath. Determined, Mason took hold of her two hands and held them in his own.
Bella’s look was that of pure loathsomeness and she lashed out in defense. “I hate you.” She kicked his leg in final reprimand and pushed at Mason to let her go. Mason held her tighter. Wanting to make a point as to how much stronger than her he was. And before she could guess his intentions, Mason leaned in and kissed her fully on her soft lips. Shocked, at first Bella didn’t react.
When she realized what was taking place she fought back at him and pushed at him to separate from her. Only to have him kiss her with more fervor than before. Finally spent, she allowed herself to enjoy the kiss. She hadn’t sensed it before but when Mason kissed her it sent a thrill down her spine.
Suddenly filled with a sense of passion she kissed Mason back with a force that she didn’t know she had, heat flowing throughout her body. Mason moaned softly as he bent his head to kiss Bella’s neck, along her jaw line, chin, then her forehead. Bella was the picture of pure pleasure. Her arms were now loosely wrapped around Mason’s neck.
Her eyes were closed and she sported the smile of a little girl as she lay her head against Mason‘s chest. Mason chuckled and kissed the top of her nose. He glanced out the corner of his eye to the clock on the far wall of the room and realized that the service was just finishing. Mason groaned, kneading the back of his neck.
Bella heard his groan and opened her eyes to look at him. “What is it?” Bella, curious, asked. Mason smiled down at the woman he so loved and reached for one of her small hands. He squeezed it gently and smiled as he explained. “The service is almost over my sweet. We must freshen up to appear as though nothing happened and go amongst the crowd.” Bella’s nose wrinkled at the thought and Mason let out a throaty laugh. He slowly lifted Bella off of his lap and stood up himself.
After opening the door for her they separated to each appropriate bathroom, that way each might look a bit more presentable.

~*~*~*~

“I can’t believe it! You getting kissed by a guy! Who would have thought any one would’ve ever liked you Isabella?” Anthony’s words where met by a hard back handed slap that caused him to fall backward on the bleachers. Bella rolled her eyes in disgust as she reprimanded him. “For one Anthony, I was not talking to you. I was talking to Katherine thank you. And unless you are a very skinny pale girl with black hair and blonde highlights then I suggest you step out of it.”
Anthony raised his hands in the air to show surrender, exclaiming his fullest apologies. Bella’s look was indignant as she spun around in her seat to continue chatting with Katherine as she had before they had been so rudely interrupted. Katherine’s eyes widened at the telling of the story and sighed.
“What is it?” Bella recognizing her mood asked. Katherine shook her head as if to say no. Bella cocked an eyebrow at her longtime friend. Katherine relented and sighed again. “It’s just that Mason sounds so dreamy and romantic. I wish I had a boyfriend like him.” Bella burst out laughing upon hearing this, earning Katherine’s curiosity.
“Well first off: he’s not my boyfriend. Although I wish. Second he’s a pain in my butt. He can be very flirtatious without knowing, gaining the attentions of those other than me. Giving me a bucket ton of jealousy and headaches.” Bella’s comical look caused Katherine to enter into a fit of giggles and Bella soon joined in the laughter.

~*~*~*~


Chapter Five


Katie spotted Bella one morning by a school stairwell and cut into her thoughts. The tall brunette stood alone with arms around her waist as if to shield herself from the cold. “Bella!” Katie ran up to Bella, an angelic smile on her face as she pulled on her arm. “Come on I’m hungry. Let’s go get breakfast.” Katie gave Bella her most childish grin and she had to smile in return. Bella remembered to act happy and answered Katie with just a hint of disdain. “But I just got comfy.”
Katie was determined. “So! You’re coming with me!” Katie grinned to her ears showing off colorful braces and still holding on to Bella’s arm led the way to the café. Bella knowing that she would either be dragged or walk she chose the latter. She gently pried her arm from Katie’s grasp and poked her in the ribs. “Ow! What was that for?!” Katie soothed the spot where Bella had poked her and reached to pinch Bella.
Bella grabbed Katie’s finger’s and slowly pulled them back causing excruciating pain to her hand. A sly smile pulled on her lips and they both entered the cafeteria laughing. Katie was walking way too slow for Bella so she told her this much. Katie‘s face turned to pure astonishment. “ Me slow?! You’re kidding me? I’m walking faster than you are!”
Bella slowly shook her head and pointed in the air around her. “Only because there is a ton of people on the way to the line and I don’t feel like being rude!” They both began laughing again turning red in the face much to their disliking. “Here then,” Bella began. “ Let’s see who can make it to the line the fastest. Ready go!” Bella actually sped up her pace weaving in and out of the crowd while Katie meandered along after her.
Bella noticed that Katie was nowhere to be in sight and turned to see what had happened to her. Katie had only moved two inches from where they had started. Bella chuckled and shook her head. She spun around and nearly bumped into Anthony and his friend. Evidently Anthony had been waiting for the collision for he stood with both arms ready to catch Bella. A little uncomfortable with the closeness between them Bella took a step back. Him being obnoxious, Anthony decided to block her path from the line.
This done He laughed at the look on Bella’s face as she smiled up into his handsome face and blue eyes lined with dirty blonde hair. Anthony noticed her smile died right before she trudged past him onward to her destination. A bit mad at himself Anthony threw his trash in the bin and nearly stomped out the door. Katie saw the entire exchange and laughed as she ran to catch up with Bella who was already in the line.
Face flushed, blonde hair in a mass about her she grabbed Bella by her forearms and asked her what was on her mind.“ So what was that all about?” Bella laughed a kind of nervous giggle. A sudden flow of warmth flooded to her cheeks causing them to turn a shade of pink. “Oh Anthony and I were just being stupid.” She turned away as she allowed some other kids to enter into the line and ignored Katie. Katie seeing Bella didn’t want to be disturbed let the matter drop and ordered her breakfast.

~*~*~*~

The gym buzzed with activity in the late afternoon as Bella and Katherine sat on the hard floor. In every direction there was some sort of game going on. Each basketball hoop and court was occupied while there was a few games of Volleyball going on. In the room there were also other groups of people sitting on the bleachers or gym floor.
Bella and Katherine were watching a volleyball game which contained a few of their friends. They were talking about different classes when Bella had averted her gaze to watching the nearest basketball game. Katherine left her in her solemnity and sat quietly next to her.

~*~*~*~

Anthony spotted Bella across the room sitting with Katherine and thought she looked charming. She wore a black, fitted t-shirt and jeans. She wore her black hair in curls hanging down her back and shoulder as she sat against the wall with arms wrapped around her knees and mouth touching her arm.
At that moment Katherine had noticed him scrutinizing Bella and felt a little animosity toward her. “I can’t believe it! She’s not that pretty. She herself thinks she’s ugly, and yet! How many guys like her and she doesn’t even know it!? Oh great here comes Anthony.” Katherine smiled up into Anthony’s handsome face and nearly flung herself at him with her body language.
Bella still had not noticed his presence and Anthony wanted to be near her without Katherine making herself readily ‘available’. He stood in all his 5’8”, sporting a smile that would make any woman young or old weak at the knees. He held a volleyball in the cleft of his arm and walked to where he would be right in front of the two girls.
“So,” Anthony’s voice caught, causing him to clear his throat. “ what’s up?” Bella started, having just noticed the figure that loomed above her. Her brown eyes grew large when she looked up to see his smiling face and their eyes locked. Katherine who had been watching the entire exchange shifted uncomfortably in her present position. She glanced at Anthony and noticed the ball in his arms.
“Perfect!” She thought. “Just the way to get his attention away from her.” Katherine pinched her cheeks, pursed out her thin lips and widened her eyes to seem more ‘attractive’. Pushing out her full bosom Katherine flew against Anthony and placed a hand on his chest. Anthony turned coldly furious eyes to Katherine when he realized her motives. Ready to shove her aside He dropped the ball and placed both hands on Katherine’s shoulder’s to move her away from him.
Katherine flitted her eyelashes and expressed her ‘hurt’ over pushing her aside. “But Tony, I just wanted to ask you something.” She traced a circle on his chest and noticed the shiver that ran down his body. “Good.” She thought. She chanced a look at Bella and smiled with satisfaction inside. Her look was frozen staring at the two with anger and hurt. Katherine knew that Bella, too, had noticed the shiver that ran down Anthony’s spine before she turned flashing, red eyes to the floor beside her. Through clenched teeth, Anthony turned steely eyes to Katherine and glared down at her.
“What?” He demanded, having heard enough. “Can I hold your ball?” Anthony looked stricken. “You couldn’t have asked me that from the floor?!” Katherine’s own look turned harsh. “Well fine. I see how it is.” She plopped onto the floor again and glared up at Anthony. “Can I hold your ball?” Anthony answered by stooping down and picking the ball up. He threw it at Katherine and began to walk away.
Bella was infuriated. “Katherine give me the ball.” Katherine handed it to her, now suddenly feeling sorry for she knew she had gone too far. “I’m sorry Bella. Here.” She handed her the ball and saw in an instant what Bella was thinking. Bella leveled in on her target and threw the ball at full speed past Anthony’s blonde head. He spun around and saw Bella’s face turn arrogant.
He scoffed at her, laughing harshly as he stalked toward her. He picked up the ball on the way over then when once standing in front of Bella he leaned forward to look her straight in the eyes. He tossed the ball so it would land in her lap and neared his face closer still. Her anger at him was obvious. The heat from her glare practically singed a hole in him.
He noticed her eyes had turned into a fiery red color and thought her to look evil yet seductive in a way. “You missed.” He whispered just close enough for her to feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek. “That was the point. It was a warning. Didn’t you get the memo?” He smiled into her upturned face. “Yup, now you get this one.” Not caring if anyone saw Anthony grabbed Bella’s chin and pulled it forward so her lips met his own. The noise in the gym seemed to hush at this moment but he didn’t care. Anthony felt her stiffen in his hold and he pulled her tighter. Katherine gawked at the scene in disbelief.
She knew Anthony liked her but she didn’t know he liked Bella that much. Bella slid her eyes shut. Relishing the kiss for just a few moments before she knew he would let her go. As if he could read her thoughts Anthony let go of her before standing in an attention position and was gone. Bella looked over to see Katherine staring at her and her face heated. “Say nothing.” She ordered before she stood up and ran to the girls locker-room to sequester herself in a bathroom stall and have a good, long cry.

~*~*~*~

As soon as Bella had reached her home she felt a specific aching in her heart. She stared at the long driveway which led to her house before her and felt the air around her dampen. The once sunny day was now overcast as she reluctantly made her way down the path. The ride home was a quiet one. No one on the bus dared to even look at her, in such a bad mood was she.
Suddenly a flash of Mason’s handsome face flew before her and Bella closed her eyes in pain. “I’m sorry my love.” She spoke out to the trees above her. A loud thunder suddenly rumbled from the sky and Bella knew she had been forgetting her Heavenly Father.
“I’m sorry Lord. I know ever since that day with Mason, I’ve neglected you. Please Father help me through this mess. First with Mason and now that! You can’t be serious?” Bella’s conscience pricked at the back of her mind almost as if He were talking to her. “Well in a way I guess you are talking cause that’s what you gave us the Holy Spirit for right? To guide us and abide in us while you’re up there.” She smiled to the sky above her and hummed a little tune to herself along with the birds above her.
“Bella listen to me.” She looked upward in conformation. “ I love you. More than Anthony could or Mason or any person could. Why don’t you trust me?” The voice faded on these last words and Bella knew she was in trouble. “I’m sorry God. Forgive me for being so insolent. It kind of sucks not being with you When I’m alone who would comfort me if I didn’t have you? How do they do it? I mean living without you. I know my life was empty before.”
“I was filled with restlessness. It was terrible! And then you came along. Right around the time Mason left for the first time. I guess you were preparing me in a way for this.” She lifted a palm in the air as if pointing to the issues. “Alright, thank you Father for everything. I will speak to Mrs. Joy about it and see what she recommends. Lord be with Mason and Anthony. Help them to know you and know you better. And yes Lord please be with me.”
A sudden peace had filled her being and Bella knew God had headed her words. The sun peaked out for the briefest of moments before hiding back behind the gray clouds. Reminding Bella how life was. When your life was all full of sunshine, some time or another would come a storm. And even amidst that storm you could find a glimmer of hope. Knowing that the sun would shine once again.
Bella with this newfound knowledge and joy walked up the stairs and pulled out her keys. The dog upon hearing her open the door was overcome with whines and wagging of his tail that Bella laughed to herself. “Come here Hunter.” She opened the door to their chocolate lab’s cage and hugged him. After letting him out she ran up the stairs to take a quiet, and peaceful nap despite the thunderstorm outside her two-story log home.

~*~*~*~


Chapter six

It was pure hell. “What ever possessed me to want to do this?” Mason thought to himself as he lay against an earthen dugout with gun by his side. He took a quick swig of water from his canteen and watched the havoc that surrounded him. This was only the practice of what he must soon face but he knew that when he did face it, Heaven forbid, it would be a lot worse.
Mini dirt bombs were laid in places where only the “enemy” knew. The trenches stunk of sweat, urine, and the decomposing of meat. The meat of course was beef to emulate the smells of the dead after being shot. Guns shot in the air above Mason and paint flew above hand. Of course this was just practice so they used paint-ball guns. Men ventured out into the open field to risk a shot to get closer to their enemy.
And Lord knew death was more welcome to these young men than to be alive at the moment. Men were told to lie as if dead if they had been shot adding more to the effect. Mason grimly looked about his person at the “dead” men and wounded knowing their country probably wasn’t worth ten times as much as these men’s lives.
Mason glanced to his right to see Bradley trying to take a nap in the warfare. Another part of which they had grown accustomed to get used to. In this process different groups of men were brought out with all the food and water needed. The only toiletry given them was toilet paper. Even this the men were glad for. That and the shovels, of which they made latrines for their own particular use.
They were to live there for maybe three months at a time without any means of comfort. Such as would be over seas. Technically over border lines. They were encamped at Germany for some time and soon afterward sent to either Afghanistan or Iraq. But it would be overseas to those whom he loved back in the United States, in Florida. Where Bella would be pining for him.
The memory of her kiss haunted his mind causing a surge of heat to course through him. Feeling very lonely and miserable Mason cursed under his breath. He started when a piece of shrapnel came flying past his head. Mason was reminded of his present position and returned his attention to the scene enveloping around him. He would have to entertain thoughts of Isabella when he was less engaged.

~*~*~*~

.
Depression. It was not a thing that Bella took well to. “Lately she’s been so sorrowful and pale. Her eyes have such a listless look about them and when somebody speaks to her, her eyes are like cold hard chocolate. But not in a good way. Not like their usual glow. It’s hard to see her like this, and I am going to get to the bottom of this.”
Natine observed as she watched her daughter across the dinner table. Bella was thinning out. Not that she minded in any way, but it worried Natine. She hated to see her daughter like this. She wouldn’t even finish one serving when she used to get two! Bella’s hair, already thick, practically swallowed her whole face.
Making her now sunken eyes look huge. No, it would not do! “Bella?” The small girl looked up from her plate of food at her mother. Hardly blinking in acknowledgment. “Bella honey, are you not hungry?” Bella’s lips puckered as she looked down at her food and up at Natine again. “No.” Her voice barely audible.
Natine’s look was anything but astounded. “Would you like to tell me why?” Bella shook her “No”. Natine about flapped her arms at this news as she fluttered though the door into the kitchen with her plate in hand. Mark walked in the room quietly behind her so as she would not hear a sound. He watched her carefully. Taking in every salt and pepper hair that swept down her back.
A small tear slid down her cheek as she shuddered. Natine’s hands were gripping the countertop with such a force that her knuckles were white. “Natine, darlin’ what’s wrong?” She nearly collapsed at hearing his voice but caught herself just as Mark reached out a hand to stop her. She stretched out a hand to put him off as he walked toward her, arms outstretched and he stopped. “No Mark. I just need a moment to compose myself.”
Mark stretched out a long finger to touch his wife’s arm. She shrunk back at his touch and sank to the floor. Placing both hands on her face she cried. “My daughter is depressed. She’s depressed Mark! And not to mention, she’ll go and confide in the Pastor’s wife but she won’t even tell me what’s wrong! Her own Mother, Mark!”
Mark looked at his pitiful wife on the floor weeping. He felt a strong sense of chagrin and pain for his wife as he mulled over her words. It was true. Every word. For all three of her daughters it was true. They would not trust there own mother when it came to personal matters of the heart. But instead would go to Mrs. Joy who would vow not to tell a soul but pray for them. And she kept true to her word, but it still bothered him how they were so ungrateful to their mother.
Both husband and wife looked up to hear the door creak open and shut before them as just a bit of black hair and the edge of Bella’s jeans exited the room on silent feet. Knowing her daughter had heard every word she uttered, Natine threw her face in her hands and began crying all over again.

~*~*~*~

“She thought I thought that I couldn’t trust her! Where in the world did she get such a notion like that?!” Bella bit her lip at the sudden remembrance of her mother’s words. “She’ll go and confide in the Pastor’s wife but she won’t even tell me what’s wrong! Her own Mother!” Was it true? She always did have trouble connecting with her mother. Not that they weren’t close.
But whenever she needed personal advice she generally didn’t go to her. One, because she knew she’d end up telling people. Which was one major thing she didn’t want. Number two, her mother got easily mad and agitated. Especially when Bella would tell her something she either didn’t agree with, understand, or like.
Mrs. Joy was a very patient and understanding woman. Not to mention, she knew how to keep her mouth shut. Something most people enjoyed about her. She also gave good advice and didn’t just say “Pray about it” like her mother would. Bella slumped back on her bed and threw her pillow over her face in one exaggerated move. She sighed deeply breathing in all her troubles and letting them out slowly.
In doing this her whole mood lifted. Even her room seemed to brighten. Her room was always bright unless it was dark out or storming. Especially with her yellow and white walls, eye-lit curtains, tasteful figurines and artful paintings telling of beautiful sceneries. It was a bit small, but she didn’t mind. It gave her a bit of a solace. Her own space to think.
Bella suddenly remembered what had transpired just a few moments before. She had watched her mother painfully make her way from the table and into the kitchen holding back a flood of tears and how Mark had walked in behind her. Bella feeling bad and hearing her mother yelling walked in after them.
Only to hear her mother say that she didn’t trust her and to see Mark’s face harden in conformation. Flabbergasted, Bella had slipped out and away from the emotional turmoil in the kitchen. Bella sighed again at the memory. Her mother was very anal and dramatic. “Sheesh I wonder where she got it from cause I know that I’m certainly not like that.”
“Pray for her Bella. Natine needs your prayers.” Bella nodded to no one in particular and bowed her head for a few moments of intercession for her mother.

~*~*~*~

Mason sat prostrate on his bunk staring at the open book on his lap. It was a journal that a family had given to him the night of his going away party. He nonchalantly flipped through the pages which he had divulged every feeling, emotion and thought. The first page was dated June 31st, 2009. The day after the party.
Mason slowly read the first two lines to himself. “Only three more days till I leave for Alabama. And only 3 more days until I can fill my head with thoughts of training instead of her.” Mason stiffened upon reading the last word and slapped the book closed, throwing it at the wall in front of him.
“Isabella.” Just the mere thought of her name sent a shock of heat throughout his entire body. It’s effect so powerful he convulsed in pain. He shut his eyes to block the image of those chocolate eyes out. But it was to no avail. It was as if she possessed him, clouding his mind with nothing but thoughts of her.
Mason threw his eyes open with a vengeance. The gold flints in his green eyes sending lethal darts. The brightness of his room seemed anything but, mocking his mood with the brilliant stream of light that flowed in through the open window. Mason growled, stabbing fingers through auburn hair causing disheveled curls to fall against his forehead.
Mason practically jumped off the bed and began to pace the room.
Bradley swung open the door to their billet to find Mason rummaging through some papers in his trunk like a mad man. The tall blond stood in a trance as he watched his friend acting like a maniac. He had only seen him like this a few times but every time it scared him. Bradley knew exactly what had happened to put him in such a state. Never before had he wanted to strangle a woman so much.
To reduce a man to such conditions could only mean one thing and he particularly didn’t want to think about it. Bradley sighed plopping down hard on Mason’s bunk. “So what ya lookin’ for?” Mason froze at the sound of the older man’s voice. He spun around and gawked into shocking blue eyes. The look in his friend’s eyes caught him off guard. “Wow he’s really worried about me… Go figure I’m even worried about me.”
A wry smile pulled at the corner of Mason’s lips. Bradley cocked his head to the side in confusion. Only causing Mason to grin to his ears. “What is it you fool?!” Mason busted out laughing. Bradley placed both hands to his face and dropped one to the side leaving the other to prop his chin. “Ok I think you’ve officially lost it.”
The redhead stood up, papers in hand and sat next to Bradley on the bed. He loosely placed a tanned arm around Bradley’s shoulders, giving him a little boy grin. “You my friend that’s what. You being worried about me made me realize that I, myself, was worried about me!”
Bradley chuckled as he shook his head at his friend. He stopped when he spotted the letters in Mason’s hand. Before Mason could guess his intentions he leaned over and plucked the papers out of Mason’s hand. Mason’s eyes turned round as he watched Bradley scan the pages. Grinning like a fool Bradley shot up and posed dramatically as he read the one paragraph written by that little 13 year old who seemed much older than her age.
Placing a hand to his chest he made a high pitched noisy sigh before reading aloud the contents of the sentences. “ Dear Mason, How are you? I was just sitting here and I thought of my favorite chapter in Psalms and I thought you would enjoy it also. The whole chapter is good but I thought of this one verse for you. ‘Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and feed on his faithfulness.’ ~ Psalm 37:3. We all miss you terribly and wish you well. Love, Bella.”
Mason shook his head and couldn’t help but laugh at his friend. “You big goofball. You’re always good for a laugh and know how to cheer me up.” Bradley grimaced. “Not the first time I’m sad to say. You were depressed for weeks afterward. I thought you might’ve died from that if not from a bullet or piece of shrapnel.”
The younger man’s eyes softened as he looked on the sincerity of Bradley’s face. “I forgive you, and I’m sorry.” He stood up giving Bradley a strong hug before they separated to take a shower and clean up the mess he had made of their room.

~*~*~*~


Chapter seven

“Mrs. Patrick O’Conner?” Marcy’s gaze shifted to the soldier who had spoken, and she nodded slowly. “May we come in, ma’am?” he asked. She nodded again, never budging from the door. The soldiers glanced briefly at each other before the spokesman repeated the request. “Ma’am, may we come inside, please? He asked again, his voice gentle.
Marcy’s hand clutched to her throat as fear fisted in her chest. “No!” she screamed. What do you want?” Her cry brought Charity to the landing. “Mother, what is it?” She sped down the steps, tying her robe tightly about her. She grabbed her mother’s arm, but Marcy shook it off, glaring at the men.
“What do you want?” she said again. The spokesman turned to Charity with a pleading look. “Miss, we have news of her husband. May we come in please?” “Of course,” Charity said, her voice trembling as she pried Marcy’s finger’s from the door. Charity looped her arm around her mother’s waist and led her to the parlor as if she were a child.
The men followed silently while Bridget and the children huddled on the steps. Charity looked up at Bridget . “Grandmother these gentlemen have news about Father,” she said calmly, and they exchanged a look of dread. “Can you take everyone into the kitchen and give them breakfast, please?” She spoke with an air of authority, and Bridget nodded, ushering Beth and Steven into the kitchen.
Marcy lowered to the couch, her eyes glazed as she stared at the floor. Charity took a seat beside her and clutched her arm around her mother’s waist. The soldier wasted no time. “Mrs. O’Conner, I regret to inform you that your husband, Private Patrick O’Conner of the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division, was killed in the line of duty-”
“Noooooooo!” The sound that issued form her lips was bloodcurdling as Marcy lunged at the soldier, her fist striking him in the chest before his arms immobilized her. Charity reached for her mother, eyes brimming with tears. “Mother, please…” “He’s lying…it’s not true! Marcy shrieked.
Bella looked up from her book with tears streaming down her cheek. “Poor Marcy what she must be suffering! I couldn’t imagine…” Sudden thoughts of Mason laying in the middle of war in a trench flooded her mind. The huge bombs surrounding him instantaneously killing the men and women who were brave enough to fight for their country. She thought of Mason with gun in hand dodging bullets and fighting for his life.
When the next thought came she bit back a gag. She pictured him, green eyes staring lifelessly at nothing while he lay in a mixture of blood, sweat and mud, dead. His red hair browned from the dirt he was covered in and fell against his forehead. The image was so real Bella had to run to the bathroom to rid herself of the bile rising in her throat, for the misery it was causing her. She sat on the toilet tears falling in rivulets down her face and onto her hands with which she cupped her face.
Her body trembled with fear and anxiety at her never being able to see him, or hold him again. “Oh God please no! Not him no! You can’t do that to me!” “All things work out for the good of those who fear the Lord.” Bella lifted swollen eyes to look up at the white ceiling. “How ironic. That verse came out of the same book that got me into this stupid mess.” Bella tentatively chewed on her lip.
Her heart constricted. Feeling as though she’d been stabbed with a knife and they twisted it. She gripped a hand to her chest and pulled her hair with the other. Crying out in pain when she tasted blood coming from her puffy lip. Bella felt another wave of nausea course through her body and groped for the trash can.
Her mouth tasted of blood, salt and vomit. And she didn’t feel much better than how she looked she was sure. She stood up and brushed a wet curl away from her face before she stared at the girl in the mirror in front of her. Her brown eyes seemed a dark burgundy color surrounded by pale and puffy skin.
“Well don’t I just look fantastic?!” She sighed. “How do people like me? I am so overly dramatic and sensitive…” Another image of Mason flashed before her. It was more of a memory though. The day after he had given her the keyboard. Leaning against the piano in all his estate. Looking as handsome as ever. Did he love her? He had said as much. And had definitely expressed it that day, in Pastor’s office… But did he really? She let this sink in as she walked solemnly back to her room.
What if he was just letting his passion take over the moment. Take advantage of her? Ruining her for anyone else who might want a chance at loving her. “Just like Collin.” Bella bit down on her lip. Chewing until she cried out in pain when an amount of blood escaped. Again. Her sigh turned into a sob. Wrenching a pillow to her face she writhed in pain on her bed. “Oh Mason I love you!”
She had cried on her bed for about an hour before her sobs had abated. Bella shivered on her bed. Her face was puffy and warm against a cold wet and soggy pillow. Fingering the lacy edge on the end Bella drew little circles on the fabric of her pillow. She flipped over on her bed to stare blankly at the white ceiling above her. Bella jolted up in her bed with a loud gasp.
“I have to find out if he loves me. I just have to!” Throwing on a pair of slippers Bella ran out the door nearly colliding with Natine, who was carrying a tray with mugs of hot apple cider on it. “Mother?” Bella asked confusedly assessing her mother head to toe. “What are you doing?” Natine gave her daughter a shy smile and set the tray down on a coffee table.
“Darlin’ you know how long you’ve been cooped up here crying?” Bella shook her head and shrugged. Natine shook her head and laughed. Steering her daughter to the window in the den. “Well how bout you take a look and try to guess.” Bella stared out the window at the darkness of their backyard which provided a view at the star studded sky overtop a small forest.
Bella gawked when she realized just how long she had been lying on her bed. “Well I did cry for a little bit but I think I fell a sleep on my bed.” Natine gave her daughter a tender look. “Would you care to tell me why?” Bella lifted her chin and faced her mother. With a stony look she shook her head. Natine sighed picking the tray back up and propped it with her hip. She gave Bella a pointed look. “So I guess you won’t be wanting this then?”
Bella cocked her head to the side, black curl falling over her thin shoulder. She smiled a little and reached out to grab a mug. “No, I’ll drink it. Wake me up a bit.” She gulped down the warm liquid and traced the top of the cup with her little finger. Her face masking any emotions she might’ve felt. Natine sighed and spun on her heel to walk away, leaving Bella in the den. Her daughter was a true enigma, why she wouldn’t trust her with anything was beyond her.
“Mama?” Natine turned to face her small, youngest daughter and sighed. “Yes baby?” Bella’s chocolate eyes softened to liquid before turning hard again. “Thank you for the cider.” Natine smiled sadly and shook her head, salt and peppered hair flying about her round face. “You’re welcome honey.” She left then, walking down the stairs carefully to not drop and spill the other cup of cider.
And trying her hardest not to let her daughter know she was crying. Bella stood in the middle of the den with the empty mug in her small hands. What had once been warm was now cold to the touch. Somewhat like how she had become. The girl everyone loved. Generous, outgoing, shy, and a would be wonderful future mother. Hovering over the church’s children as if they were her own.
Bella sighed and placed the cold cup on top of the table in front of her returning to her bedroom which had become her only place of solace. The small brunette began crying all over again when she realized what had taken place in her life. This warm, beautiful and gentle young woman turned cold, hard and brittle.
Go figure why nobody now liked her. Everyone had loved her before. They were attracted to her not only because of her outward beauty but her way about life as well. Now she was barely a shell of what she used to be, living life through the motions. Oh how she wished she could talk to Mrs. Joy! She would be able to tell her what to do, how to make things right again. She would be her shoulder to cry on.
But it was not to be. Mrs. Joy and Pastor had left with Bridgette to go on a trip around the country, and they wouldn’t be back until August. “Oh Lord, help me.” Bella sat stood frozen in the middle of the room and stared at the sky out her window. How had she forgotten?! She was in trouble and she knew it. God, Jesus! Was the only way she could get through this! And she had abandoned him at all costs.
She had pushed him aside with her “love” for Mason, and her thoughts about him. She had left her personal Lord and Savior to the dogs. “Oh what a terrible person I am! Lord forgive me! Bring me to you and help me never to stray again!” Bella fell to her knees against the hard, wood floor.
Her body wracked with her sobbing. Suddenly a warmth and peace flowed through- out her entire being, and she knew God was with her. “Thank You Lord, you are so great!” Out of no where Bella wanted to call Victoria tell her what had happened. She also wanted to see Chloe one of the girls she had “adopted” from her church who was always overflowing with joy and happiness bringing a smile to your face no matter what.
But what was most important Bella wanted to sing again. Something she had left off doing when she had gone into her depression. But now her heart overflowed with songs of praise to the God who loved her so much and saved her from her destitution. So she sang to the top of her lungs a new song of joy and praise.

~*~*~*~

“Chloe!” Bella called to the small, skinny girl with short curly and copper hair walking away from where she stood. Chloe turned to meet Bella with a huge grin on her elfin featured face. Her green and gold flecked eyes shined with joy and surprise making her array of freckles seem almost playful. “Yeah?” Bella ran up to catch up with the younger girl and gave her a tight squeeze.
“Come here I want to talk to you.” Chloe’s look so briefly went from joyful to confused to joyful again that you could barely even notice the difference. “Sure! Hey why… where are you taking me?” She giggled as she watched the older, girl black curls dancing behind her lead her away to some stone steps in front of their church.
She promptly sat down on the top step and pointed to the one below it. “Sit.” She commanded in no uncertain terms, she tried her hardest not to giggle. Chloe did as commanded perching very delicately on the edge of the seat with hands folded. Bella reached out to play with Chloe’s beautiful copper curls, twisting her hair so that it fell across the crown of her head. Small curls lined the back of her slim neck and fell in disarray.
Chloe sighed as the older girl continued to play with her hair. “You know? I missed you.” Bella’s hands shook before they went still. “You missed me?” The brunettes voice trembled with shock, try as she might to hide it. Chloe turned to face the older girl. Studying her intently a sad smile pulled to her lips. Oh how she had wanted to be like this tall, vivacious, and beautifully dark girl.
Not only was she pretty but her character and personality was always pristine and lovable. Chloe could even remember how when she was younger she would call Bella her “mother”. But when Mason left it left this girl everyone had once known and loved in the dust. And replaced the corpse with a desperate, disillusioned, depressed soul. How the months went by for her she knew not, but she was thrilled to see Bella up and alive again.
“Do you know what everyone was thinking when they saw your face after Mason left? Honestly?” Bella shook her head no. Chloe sighed exasperatingly. “They thought that someone had died! The past few months were just awful! With you moping about not even a shell of your former lively self! It was terrible!!!”


Chapter eight


Bella dipped her head causing black waves to block her face form view. Chloe sighed and placed a hand on Bella’s shoulder. “It’s ok sweetie, you’re better now. It’ll all be forgotten soon.” Bella shook her head in exasperation. Turning her face away from Chloe she spoke. “I just can’t believe I made such a fool out of myself! And everybody knew it except me…Its just too much to bare.”
The older girl turned her face to meet Chloe’s pasture green eyes and smiled. She pulled the younger, frailer girl into a tight squeeze before turning her away to play with her hair. Twirling a red curl on her little finger Bella giggled. “What?” Chloe asked curiously. Bella started laughing uncontrollably.
“Oh dear,” Chloe turned around to see Jacob tickling Bella at the back of her neck. Her breath caught in her throat. “Jake.” Little did she know that She had spoken her thoughts aloud. Jacob stood up to his full height of 6’2” and cocked his head to the side. “Chloe?” His deep voice rumbled like thunder causing her to melt into her shoes. Bella too looked at her in confused interest.
She sputtered. “Oh! Nothing I was getting on to you that’s all.” Bella muffled a cough. Heat crawled up the back of Jacob’s neck turning his face red. He bent down to kiss the top of Bella’s head and ruffled Chloe’s hair. He strode to the door outside the fellowship hall and walked in. Bella looked at Chloe when she heard a noisy, high pitched sigh.
The brunette quirked an eyebrow in her direction causing Chloe to blush to the color of her hair. “What?” She asked a little too defensively. “You like him! Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I never noticed it!” Chloe was redder than a tomato. “ Oh please don’t tell him Bella! I couldn’t handle it! Especially seeing how he acts around you.”
Bella laughed in her face. “Chloe please! He’s my best friend he couldn’t possibly…Oh great!” Bella groaned and placed her head in her hands. Chloe laughed. “It’s ok you should enjoy it. Especially since Mason isn’t here. Not like you were dating him anyways. Besides I’d kill to have him like me…” Bella smiled sadly, placing a hand on the redhead’s shoulder. “Just don’t kill me please.”
They were both laughing as they made their way across the grass and into the church for lunch.

~*~*~*~

Mason passed a long fingered, tanned hand through his red cropped hair. He sighed as he looked over the letter his mother sent him. She missed him it was clear but he knew she had tried her best to hide her own emotions as she filled him in on all the latest news in Florida. In her past letters she had written that not long after he left, Bella had gone into a state of depression.
But in her latest bubbling letter she stated that Bella seemed overflowing with joy now and seemed to be accepting the attentions of Jacob very enjoyably. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they got together soon. Oh, what a lovely couple they’d make! Don’t you think?” A curse spewed from Mason’s lips. He dropped the paper as if he had touched a hot iron. “What?!” Bradley asked after seeing and hearing Mason’s reaction. “Apperantly little miss Isabella DeloBuono has found another lover and has forgotten about me.”
Another curse was shot into the air before silence ensued. “Mason?” Bradley strode over to sit next to the redhead on the floor in front of his bunk. The older man placed his hands in between his knees as he waited for Mason to acknowledge him. The younger man bobbed his head for Bradley to continue.
“Then maybe it’s time you move on as well… Maybe that’s what your God has in mind for you. Maybe, she’s not the one and he wants you to be with someone better, only if you allow him to. And just maybe the only way to let him do that is if you give your heart to him instead of Bella.” Mason looked up at Bradley. His green eyes were as big as moons.
“How? When… Where did you learn that? To talk like that?” Bradley shrugged. “I
don’t know. It just came out so freely and unlike me.” Both men stared at each other
before Mason teared up and began to convulse. Bradley ran a finger in between Mason’s
shoulder blades “Its ok buddy. You’ll get through this. Bella went through the same mess
maybe even worse seeing as how she’s a girl.” Mason’s sobs grew louder. Bradley saw no
hope for it.
The older man wrapped his large arms around his friend as tenderly as if he was a
child. “Maybe it’s time to tell him. About all my secrets. God help me.” “It’s ok man,
it’ll pass.” Mason jerked back to stare at his friend. “It’ll pass?! You just don’t
understand! I love her! You’ve probably never loved any one besides yourself in your
entire life! How could you ever know what I am going through?”
Mason knew he had said too much and he half expected to feel a sharp pain along
the side of his jaw in a matter of moments. But instead Bradley’s face turned to stone as
he stood up shoving his hands in his pockets. “Me wife left me for my brother. And she
took my little girl with her. She was only three so she wouldn’t remember a thing about
the whole thing. Including how I was her father instead of Jonathon.”
“It hurt like someone had clawed through my chest with their bare hands and tore
my heart out. Stomping on it until it was nothing but a puddle of blood on the ground.
Compared to me your ‘pain’ is nothing but a splinter in your finger. So don’t you dare
tell me I know nothing about pain!”
Bradley stared at the floor knowing if he moved he would be in danger of severely
hurting someone. Especially Mason at the moment. Mason gawked at the man before him
in disbelief. He was right, he certainly knew nothing about anything. That was the reason
Bradley was here. The reason he didn’t claim his ‘family’ as his own.
Mason was frozen to his bunk staring at the man in front of him. Suddenly his lips
went dry causing him to have to lick his lips for some amount of moisture. He lifted his
head up to look the older man directly in the eye. “You know what? I think its time we
pay ourselves a visit to the chapel.”

~*~*~*~

Jacob had her cornered. His prey, and right where he wanted her. But she didn’t
care. Bella looked up affectionately and sweetly from underneath her sooty lashes.
She reached up to grab the wrists of the man who had her caged against the wall
behind her. Lightly tugging down on them Bella played that she was annoyed with
him.
“Jacob!!! Stop it…” She cooed. Jacob leaned his tall frame towards her and
winked. “More? Your wish is my command your highness.” Bella placed a hand firmly
against his broad chest and cocked a hip to the side. Her face turned serious as she
scolded him. “I’m serious Jake. Hugs are fine. I’m just not… ready for that type of stuff
yet.”
Jacob’s jaw hardened. He dropped his arms as if he they were scalded and began to walk away. Bella was still against the wall in confused shock. She stuttered as she ran behind to touch a hand to his shoulder. “Jake, wait! Please wait.”
Jacob tensed at her touch and clipped his jaw. Turning slowly to face her he
grabbed her arms right above her elbows and pulled her to his chest. “Why Bella?
Because I’m not O’Cullen? Is that it? I have always loved you when that jerk did nothing but hurt you! He left you and lied to you! How could you still love him? Why won’t you except the fact that he doesn’t love you?”
Tears pulled up in Bella’s eyes. Shaking her head softly she mouthed a silent ‘never’. “I won’t share you with another man.” Bella’s brow knitted together in thought. “What’s that supposed to mean?!” “It means that unless I’m the only man in your heart then we are not happening.”
“We? I never knew we were together.” Jacob ground his jaw and began to turn away again when Bella caught his arm. “No wait! You can’t leave me Jake. I love you!” Jacob sighed, brushing her hand off of his arm, he pushed her against the wall. “Enough to let me do this?” He dipped his head to brush her lips with his own. Most carefully as if just to reassure himself of what he was about to do.
Just as their lips met they heard a gasp from behind Jacob’s back. Bella pushed Jacob away from her and walked around him to see Chloe looking on in shock. Jacob groaned and began rubbing his jaw. “I’m sorry.” He walked away leaving the two girls to themselves.
Bella felt all she could do was stare. She felt terrible, she knew she was the worst person in the world. Especially just now with what she had done to Chloe. Bella sighed and took a step backwards so she would meet the wall again. She slid down it until she met the floor. The older girl looked up at Chloe who was now tearing up with hurt in her eyes.
“Chloe…” Her voice cracked. “Can you ever find a way to forgive me?” Chloe shook her head sending copper curls everywhere. She began twisting her hands together before she knelt down in front of Bella on the stone step in front of the church. She smoothed out her black and white spotted dress and looked up at the older girl who was crying.
“It’s not your fault Bella. He did it himself. It was his choice. The sad part is how it affects so many…” Bella wiped her eyes and sniffled. “What do you mean?” She asked her brown eyes filled with tears and confusion. Chloe turned her face so Bella couldn’t see her expression.
“It means that Mason is here and would no doubt by now know what just corresponded.” Bella groaned and threw her head in her hands. “Hon its ok. Everything will be … fi- Oh no.” Bella still not looking up just waved her hand in the air to motion her to continue. After not getting an answer she spoke with agitation. “Chloe?” She heard the younger girl get up and take a step away from her.
“I’m gonna leave you two alone now.” “Two? Chloe what on earth are you talking about?!” Bella looked up to see a long shadow falling in front of her. She sighed and saw no hope for it. Bella began to shiver. She pulled her knees in front of her and hugged her legs as she rocked herself back and forth, crying. Glad for her floor length winter skirt.
Mason looked down at the small girl in front of him and pushed himself off of the door he leaned against. Standing right above her he bent over to where he knew she would hear him. “So you and Jake are going out huh? Well isn’t that just great!” The last word dripped with sarcasm. The venom flowed so easily from his mouth he couldn’t stop it. “Well he can go to the devil. Right along with his missus.”
Bella froze and looked up to glare at him. “How dare you?” She reached out and slapped her hand firmly on his cheek. “I hope it leaves a mark. Here I am all these months pining after you. Depressed even! Finally start going somewhere with my life again and all I could think of was maybe not ever seeing you again.”
“And the pain it caused each time I thought it would send me into nights without sleep screaming as I tossed and turned in my bed while sweat just fell off of me as If it were nothing! But then what do you do? You say go the devil. You know what Mr. O’Cullen? You can go to the devil!” With that she stood up and took a few steps forward. She turned back to look down on Mason who now sat shocked on the stairs.
With hurt and rejection weighing her down she glared at the man she loved. “And just for your information. Jacob and I, never went out.” That said, she flounced off into the church. Probably never to be seen by him again. Leaving Mason in guilt, hurt and confusion.
“Stupid me! Why God? Why God did you let me hurt her like that… and myself in the process?”

~*~*~*~


Chapter nine

The rest of the week went by in a blur for Bella. She dreaded when Saturday had to come rolling by again. When she’d have to see them all again. Including Mason. Obviously she had hurt him. But for all she cared he could get over it. “No sense in talking to any of them until I can get my head on straight. Except for Chloe she didn’t do anything worthy of my abandonment.”
Finally Friday evening came and there Bella sat prostrate in front of her closet. Staring at the skirts and dresses before she groaned inwardly. “Why would I want to look nice for anybody. They all end up hurting me in the end anyway.” “You should dress nicely for me.” There came the still, small voice which held Bella at peace when nothing else could.
Bella sighed to herself. “Ok God. But just for you. And I’ll wear my best dress if you like.” She smiled to herself at the thought of wearing her pink polka-dotted white dress for the King of the universe. Mentally picturing him smiling down at her and picking out her wardrobe was definitely comical to her. Oh the joys of an intimate God.
Bella sighed as she put out her clothes to wear the next morning. “Lord give me strength.”

~*~*~*~

“She looks stiffer than the quills on a porcupine! Not that I’d blame her.” Chloe thought to herself from across the room. She studied the stiff Bella sitting prostrate against the her seat listening intently to their Sabbath school teacher. “Chloe, would you like to tell us how many times the Romans seized Jerusalem?” Chloe looked over Mr. Smith with just a hint of disdain. “I beg your pardon?”
“Romans, Chloe. How many times did they seize Jerusalem?” The older man asked a bit impatiently. Chloe could feel the warmth rising to her cheeks. She could see from the corner of her eyes that the whole class was watching her even Bella. Without hesitancy she faced their surly teacher and answered. “Twice, sir.” Mr. Smith ground his jaw slightly before continuing his lecture.
Chloe turned to see Bella’s dark eyes probing her. Once their eyes met a glimmer of wetness shone in Bella’s eyes but she turned away before a tear slid delicately down her soft cheek. The young girl turned her gaze to Mason who sat rigidly next to Jacob. Both of their stances looked ready to pounce at any opportune moment.
She sighed. “Back to the Romans. Seems a war of politics isn’t as brutal as one of the heart. Safer to take part of that war instead.”

~*~*~*~

“Bella.” The small brunette turned at the sound of her name. Her face was stone as she stared hollowly at the man in front of her. “Not so much enthusiasm please.” Bella scoffed impatiently cocking her hip to the side. “What, Jacob? What do you want?!” Jacob’s penetrating grey eyes turned to steel as he stared down the smaller young woman. She held his gaze for several seconds before turning away in disgust. She screamed when she felt his hand grab her elbow. He pulled her back to stand in front of where he was before stepping back into a hidden corner.
“Turn around Bella.” He commanded, the low hum of his voice was no longer affectionate but stern. Bella remained quiet and still. “Alright then,” She huffed when he turned her to face him in one swift movement. “Your not talking to me?” It was more of a statement than a question but she answered him anyhow. Bella regarded him with cold, hard eyes. “I have no reason to even look at you.”
“What about the fact that you love me?” Jacob continued to press her and she squirmed in his hold. Her perfectly shaped mouth dropped open at his blunt remark. “Let me go!” Bella demanded her eyes were shooting sparks of fire. Jacob tightened his grip. “Not until you answer me.”
Bella pushed against his hard chest with her small hands. Looking him dead in the eyes, she pushed him against the wall. “Answer you what?” “Do you love me?” “Oh, dear God help me!” Before Bella could answer, a voice interrupted them from behind. “Let her go.” The words were spoken through clenched teeth from a none too happy redhead.
The small brunette could feel Jacob’s arms tighten around her waist as he confronted Mason. “Or you’ll do what? Certainly nothing now.” Mason balled his fists at his sides and took a step closer. Just before he spoke Jacob smirked. The taller man began to play with Bella’s dark curls and pressed her hair to his lips to kiss it.
Mason forced himself to keep from knocking the younger man off balance. “You’re right. Nothing now… Not yet.” He grabbed Bella’s waist to pull her out of Jacob’s reach. Jacob didn’t let go but held on to her tighter. Bella screamed from the pressure of both men. Her cry so loud someone would have thought she was being murdered.
Mr. Smith came around the corner of the stairs to see what was going on. His eyes grew at the sight of both young men holding on to Bella while she was crying and struggling to break free from there grasp. “Hey!” They all looked up in surprise to see Mr. Smith furious. “Let her go!” Both men let go of the brunette and took a step back.
“What is going on here? Are you alright Bella?” He asked. Bella looked up tears staining her cheeks and ruining her pitifully beautiful face. “May I be excused?” The words barely made it out through swollen, quivering lips. Mr. Smith nodded his head and turned to glare at the two young men. “Very mature guys.” Bella accused them. She sniffed indignantly and ran out the door to the bathroom.
Jacob’s expression became one of regret, shame, and hurt. But face the fact that he had just hurt his best friend and the woman he loved he must. Mr. Smith had noted the change in him but remained quiet allowing what he knew was to happen next to develop. Mason’s face turned to a mask of stone.
Without a word to any one Mason turned to follow after Bella. Just as he passed Jacob he reached out and grabbed Mason by the arm. “Don’t go after her.” He demanded his eyes a hot liquid steel. Mason glared at the taller man. Pulling his arms out of Jacob’s hold he back handed him so that he would stumble back on his feet. The whole time the two were unaware that Mr. Smith was still watching them.
“Oh, yeah? And what makes you think that you can tell me what to do? Or that you’re the expert here?” Mason interjected. He stood head held high and with a snarl on his lips. Jacob took a step towards Mason and towered above the smaller redhead. Every muscle in his body corded with tension. “A. I’ve known her longer. B. She’s my best friend and I don’t want anybody hurting her.” Mason scoffed and opened his mouth to speak but Jacob continued. “Yes I realize that’s exactly what I just did but you did too. I know that was wrong and I don’t want you or me to take her down even further. And C. I love her so that makes me liable to all the above.”
Mason laughed bitterly up at Jacob and pushed him against the wall. “Yeah well I loved her first. Plus do you really think that to her you would even stand a chance against me?” Jacob snarled and kneed Mason in the stomach. Grabbing the collar of his shirt he pushed him down to the floor. “You listen good. Bella loves me, she even told me herself.”
“So I do stand a chance thank you and don’t you think just because you’re 5 years older, that me being closer to her age she might like me better? Or the fact that you’ll be leaving to Afghanistan soon for 4 years straight and the one she’d be seeing more is me?”
Mason grunted at Jacob and kicked him off of himself. He just about pounced on him when Mr. Smith interrupted yet again.
Clearing his throat he backed himself off the wall he was leaning against and stepped to where he was right next to the two adolescents. “So, I thinks it’s time we go back upstairs and have a nice lengthy chat. What do you boys think?” They glanced up in dismay and reluctantly followed the older man to the Sabbath school room.
Stephen, Mr. Smith’s son, had been in the hallway listening to all that was occurring. Since he too liked Bella. It exasperated him. All these years he had been fond of her and now this. He stumbled back at the sound of his father’s voice telling him to leave. Stephen looked on in anger as the two other men glared in response to his being there.
“Leave, Stephen.” Mason grumbled the words through clenched teeth as the younger boy straightened and lifted his chin in a jerky movement; sending a mess of blonde thatch into his face. At the show of Stephen’s proud defiance; Mason grunted to move toward him when Mr. Smith stretched out his arm to hold him back, yelling for his son to leave. The redhead’s green eyes were filled with envy and Jake’s grey one’s were steel as they glared in disgust at the younger boy.
“Alright boys lets hurry up and get this over with before you drag Stephen into this mess as well.”

~*~*~*~

Bella shivered in the corner of the pastor’s office as she sat on the edge of his huge leather chair hugging her knees. She rocked back and forth as she cried to herself and began pulling at her long black curls. Running her fingers through her hair she bit her lip silently praying that her nerves would calm and she could, if possible, think straight again.
But then with Bella, thinking straight was never possible. Her thoughts swirled into a big mess inside of her. Her emotions wracking at her body. To see her she looked like a possessed person. Some one knocked at the door causing Bella to shrink back into her secluded spot in the room.
Whoever was on the other side of the door grew impatient and knocked again. “That means it can only be one of two people.” She bit her lip harder, drawing blood. She had to decide what she was about to do and quick. She didn’t move to make herself look as if she wasn’t a mess. If it was either Mason or Jake she wanted them to see just how much damage they had caused.
Bella slid off her chair slowly and walked over to the door. As soon as her hand reached the doorknob she threw the door open, causing a wind to blow some curls into her face. She looked up through tear stained eyes to see a vision. Or what she thought was a vision. It was Mrs. Joy, who wasn’t supposed to be there. As soon as Bella made eye contact with the pastor’s wife she choked back a sob and grasped the older woman with a strength that she didn’t know she possessed.
Joy although running low on her air supply let her cry. She stroked the mottled, black hair that fell down the back of the younger girl. And felt a tear fall down the side of her own cheek. Bella held Joy tighter whilst she wept into her now soggy shoulder. Joy’s eyes narrowed when she heard steps behind her. She turned her head to look slightly over her shoulder to see Mason watching the scene, pain in his green eyes. Behind him stood Jake who’s look was one of shame and regret.
Joy glared at the two young men, but caught herself. After all they were just as affected by this whole mess that Bella was. Realizing this her look softened. The look on Mason’s face made her heart ache. It seemed out of no where when the men’s looks changed slightly. Suddenly Bella was deathly still. Just as Joy turned her head back to look at the young woman Bella cried out and fought to get at the two men.
Shocked and breathless Joy tried to immobilize the emotionally hurt and hormone raging teenager. Desperate to get help Joy looked back at Mason. A silent plea in her icy, blue eyes; saying: “Help me. You are the only one who can”. Silent, Mason took a step forward and reached for Bella who was still doing everything in her power to get to the ones who had abused her in the most dangerous ways to a woman’s heart. Mason sighed in dismay and grabbed Bella.
Jake who had been watching the whole scenario in jealous silence didn’t make a move to help. There was nothing he could do. Talk to her when she calmed down yes he must. But as propriety had it the only one who could have the authority to do such a thing was the man who held her heart. Truly, and not just because she loved him as a brotherly friend, but as a lover for as long as they both should live.


chapter ten

As soon as Mason was able to get to Bella, he immobilized her. Hopeless she turned to her last defense. When all was quiet Bella glared up at the redhead, and lashed into his face. “I hate you!” It had worked. Just after the words escaped her lips Bella saw a flicker of pain cross through Mason’s features. Upon seeing his hurt Bella felt remorse to what she had just done. But nevertheless Mason was as gracious as the most kindest of people.
“Well I hope you know that that is not the case with me. I love you Bella.” Mason spoke softly into her rich, dark hair. Bella’s eyes melted; causing puddles of tears to stream down her sodden cheeks. She lied her head against Mason’s chest and sighed. Jake’s face was a glowing red. He clenched his fist and took a step forward as if getting reading to punch the older man.
Joy looked over just in time to see this profound notion and stepped in front of him to intervene. “Come along Jake we must go. You can explain yourself later.” Jake nodded, causing brown hair to fall in disarray across his pale forehead. His jaw set, Jake proceeded Mrs. Joy out of the room. Mrs. Joy sighed as she closed the door behind her. Silently she prayed. “Lord be with them. And Dear Lord give him the words to comfort her and not make things worse!”

~*~*~*~

Mason stood stiller, he was sure, than the Lincoln Memorial itself. There he stood right where he wanted to be. Maybe not in that exact place (Pastor’s office wasn’t exactly his ideal of a romantic place). But he knew that wasn’t what was needed at the moment. No, at the moment romance was not needed at all. That would only make the situation worse. No, right now what Bella needed, what she deserved, was practical comforting love. He had hurt the woman he loved severely.
And the only way to solve that was to comfort her. The woman in his arms that very moment moved slightly. Causing the smell of her hair to waft up to delight his senses. Her smell was intoxicating. So intoxicating he had to suck in a breath to control the emotions which were raging and threatening to be released from his hungry soul. Mason looked down. There after wishing he hadn’t. There Bella stood looking up at him through huge brown eyes that were glistening with wetness.
Bella’s lips were swollen from her crying and were quivering. They were slightly open as they were barely showing her teeth that could only be seen through a small gap in between her plump lips. She was seductive and she wasn’t even trying to be. That was what killed him. His attraction to her went far too deep for his own good. Not only was his attraction for her appearance, which some might find questionable, but for the woman she truly was inside.
There were very few women like her anymore. Mysterious, quietly soft spoken yet when you got her riled up she became a passionate fireball. Plus there was this peace about her. It was God he knew. He just, wasn’t ready for that yet. Mason closed his eyes, just breathing in her scent. He was so lucky, Mason knew, to have a good, Christian girl who truly loved him. True there were moments that she’d get extremely mad at him. But they were always for good cause… Especially if he had just hurt her. Like he did now. Remembering where he was at the present Mason inwardly groaned. How he wished he could just get down on one knee, get married to this girl and run off with her into the sunset.
He shook his head in reprimand to himself. How he wished he could just stay home. With people who loved him. Instead of where he was headed. But all choices must come with a consequence and this was definitely one of them. “Mason?” The redhead’s eyes fluttered open as he looked down gently to the expectant woman in his arms. “Mmm?”
Bella cupped his face with her small hands and looked deeply into his green eyes. Tracing his bottom lip with her thumb a tear trailed down the side of her cheek. “I love you. And you will always be My Army Boy.” She smiled despite the rush of emotions that coursed through her body. “I want you to know that ok?” Mason gave a sad smile as he wiped off another tear that threatened to stain her beautiful face.
“And I love you… Wait for me?” Bella whose head was laying against his broad chest at the time threw her self back to look at him. Surprise written all over her glowing face. Tears were now flowing again and she nodded. She laughed at how overly emotional she was. Albeit the truth was she was so happy you would think she was just handed the moon. No, she was offered something better.
She was offered a life with the man she loved. She threw her arms around his neck and he kissed her then. Sweeter than any kiss a person could imagine. She was floating on air she was sure. Bella felt heady and sighed as he pulled back. Extremely happy and not thinking Bella giggled. “Oh Lord, thank you!” She whispered quietly to herself unaware that Mason was watching her. “What was that?” He asked quietly, pressing the tips of her fingers against his lips. She blushed as felt his soft lips move up to her palms.
“I was, thanking God.” She said shyly. “Mmm,” he said in agreement “I know that he wanted us to be together.” The tall redhead gently pressed her closer against his body and smelled her hair. Groaning he pushed her away. Bella’s eyes were full of hurt and confusion. “Mason?” “Curse his body. And curse the man waiting for her outside.” Mason kneaded the back of his neck and blew out a gust of air.
“I just remembered. Jacob wants to talk to you. God I can’t wait for the day when you’re completely mine and I don’t have to share you with anyone!” Catching his implications, Bella blushed. Her dark eyes flew to the floor in embarrassment. Mason chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’ll be good I promise.” There was a double meaning to that sentence. But the young girl refused to heed the other implication as well. Forcing herself to think of the man waiting outside she gave a disgruntled look to Mason.
His smile made her go weak at the knees. “Don’t worry, if he tries anything just tell me. I’d look for any excuse to put him in his proper place.” They both laughed as they left the room. But in truth Bella was feeling more nervousness at the moment than joy.

~*~*~*~

Mason glanced behind his shoulder at Bella before walking up to confront him. He wasn’t happy that this man got to be alone with Bella. Not at all, and he was not going to allow him more liberties than he was comfortable with. With an air of defiance and quiet anger he walked up to the younger man with a threat in his demeanor. “Make it quick.” The redhead said this before looking back at Bella and turned on his heel to leave. Jake rolled his eyes and walked casually over to Bella. The look on her face told him everything he needed to know, and more. Mason and her were official, and that was enough to have blown the roof off the church building.
With a grunt he grabbed her by the arm and pulled her outside where it had begun lightly drizzling. Backing against the brick wall he pressed her curvaceous body against his own built frame. “Why are you still with that jerk?” Bella’s eyes narrowed and shot sparks of fire. Pushing her hands against his chest she feigned ignorance to his muscular chest. Lifting her chin in anger she glared up at him.
“You know, you’re the one who’s been the jerk lately, He can’t help that he’s leaving! And he’s definitely more noble than you are about it. He doesn’t want to leave! Besides what we have is true love not infatuation and most definitely not lust!” Jake let out a groan and mockingly laughed in her face. Bella’s lower jaw dropped in the face of his audacity.
“Lust?” He laughed bitterly. “You think he loves you for your personality? Tell me does he know your favorite color, your favorite flower, the perfume you wear? Or the story of your parents?” Bella’s look was one of shock. Her brown eyes grew and her lovely mouth formed a small “o”. Seeing her confused look Jake smirked, but just as her face showed a hint of sadness the smirk slipped away.
“Bells,” He said softly, lifting her chin with his index finger for her gaze to meet his. Tracing her lower lip with his thumb he felt her shudder. Jake let out a gusty sigh and pulled her to him tighter. He placed a hand behind her head and held it to his chest. He played with her hair as he waited for her to cry. Then they came. One little tear after another until it was as if they were in the middle of a hurricane.
Lifting her face upward slightly, Jacob cursed at the way her pitiful face looked. “Jesus, Bells! What did he do to earn your affections! I would beat the crap out of him if it weren’t for you two being together. I love you Isabella, when will you see that?” Bella grabbed a fistful of the front of Jake’s shirt in desperation. Looking under wet lashes her eyes questioned and her lip quivered. “What’s my favorite flower?”
Jacob mentally shook his head. She really didn’t get it did she. Well he’d just have to show her then. “Casa Blanca Lilies, and your second favorite are Sunflowers. Your favorite chocolate, Reeses peanut-butter cups. Favorite instrument, the piano but you love the guitar. Favorite color, well it used to be blue but now I’m not…” His voice faded as he contemplated this. Bella let out a cry and threw her arms around her best friend. He looked down at her in surprise but didn’t say a word. He wouldn’t chance ruining this moment.
“Pink,” she stated. Verging the point of hysteria. “my favorite color is pink.” Jake bent slightly to kiss the top of her nose just as she looked up. Almost as if intended their lips met. Jake let out a passionate groan and pushed her away from him. He massaged his temples as he stared longingly at the shocked girl. “I’m sorry Bells. I promise it won’t happen again. Besides I don’t think he’d be too happy with me if he just so happened to see that.” Bella blushed and took Jake’s cue to proceed him back into the fellowship hall of the church.
Right before she reached for the handle of the door Jake grabbed her from behind at the waist and pulled her back against himself. Keeping her in place with one hand, Jake reached with the other and moved Bella’s hair away from her shoulders. In one swift movement he placed his lips against the nape of her neck, causing her to sigh. She giggled and he released.
“Curse that man. I’d love her till her dying day if he hadn’t staked his claim on this beloved woman before me.” Reluctantly letting her go Jacob knew that that would probably be the last time he would ever get to hold her again.

~*~*~*~

Bella opened the door and stepped into the thresh-hold of the fellowship hall. Mason stood with arms crossed against one of the pillars in the middle of the room with a scowl on his face. Bella watched as he pushed himself away from the wall, arms still folded and walked to her side. Mason reached out to protectively wrap an arm around Bella’s shoulders, she could feel his eyes bore into her face to see whether anything unnecessary had corresponded between these two.
Jake rolled his eyes in mock disgust and turned to walk into the sanctuary. “Talk to you later Bells.” He said this waving his hand in the air. He didn’t turn to chance a look at the two but if he had he would’ve laughed. Mason’s jaw was dropped and his arms around Bella, while she blushed as she begrudgingly looked after his retreating back.
Bella in all desperateness grabbed the front of Mason’s shirt and backed him against the pillar. “What’s my favorite color?” Mason knew what she was doing, she was testing him. “Pink. What else would you like to know about yourself?” Bella held onto his shirt tighter. “What perfume do I wear?” Mason smiled. “Well you differentiate a lot but your scent is Coconut Lime Verbena from Bath & Body Works.” Her mouth dropped.
Mason looked down and grabbed her two hands in his own. Kissing the top of her hands he smiled. “And yes I think lilies and sunflowers fit you very nicely. Mmmm, and you’re a cold-weather baby.” Bella smiled and pulled her hand away. Turning to leave into the sanctuary she waited to see what he would do. “Where you going?” Bella looked over her shoulder to glance nonchalantly at the confused soldier. “To church.” She giggled at his look but continued to leave him. Smiling to herself when she heard him following behind.

~*~*~*~


Chapter eleven


She bent over the at the waist to pick up the pears on the ground around the tree in her front yard. Tossing them into the basket she dreamed up all the goods Mark would end up making with them. Bella breathed in the scent of fall. It wasn’t exactly there yet, but for her, she could most definitely feel it. She knew whenever the cold seasons were coming.
Not only did she feel the slight temperature change, but it was as if all the trees and animals were buzzing about to get ready for winter. Not to mention the smell of the autumn in the air. Humming to herself she propped the full basket on her hip and walked rather clumsily back to her house. School would be starting soon. Just the thought brought a tinge of sadness to her demeanor.
“I’m in high school. And I’ll be leaving all my friends at my old school to go to the church school. Well it was my choice really. I wanted to leave. I’m just sad at all the people I’d be leaving behind.” Bella wrapped an arm around her stomach as she walked up the front porch steps. She opened the front door, silently she lopsidedly made her way to the kitchen island and plopped the fruit on the table.
“Bella, are you ok?” Natine asked as she watched her daughter peel a banana and sigh. Bella looked at her mother to acknowledge her and barely nodded. The small brunette ran up the stairs to her room. Sitting on her bed, she stared off into space. Taking a bite out of her banana she accidentally bit her lip and cursed herself silently. “Four more years… I’ll be out of High School and he’ll be back. What if he forgets me, or finds some one else…”
The thought of Mason in another woman’s arms made her heart sick. “Wait a minute.” She pieced different glimpses of memories together from what felt like ages ago. Suddenly it was there and she knew it in a heart beat. She wasn’t the only one who was after Mason. Jessica of all people had mooned over him when she thought he or she wasn’t paying attention. Now that she thought about it, she seemed to have still kept her enamoring for Mason but had also added a ‘secret’ infatuation for Jake.
When she realized what was corresponding Bella stood up with a look ready to kill.
Biting back a curse, Bella ran down the stairs and threw the door open. She looked to the sky with anger and screamed a blood curdling cry. “God I’ve tried so hard! I’ve tried to put everything in you’re hands. Why is all this happening to me? What’s your plan God? Show me, I want to know! No, correction, I need to know!” All the answer she got was a warm breeze that rustled the leaves and brushed her hair across her face, neck and shoulders.
That was all she needed for now. Dropping to the ground she sat with her legs curled up under her, and hands in front. Playing with the grass she sighed. “I’m sorry Father. I had no place to do what I just did. Especially not to you. I let my anger take control of me.” She plucked a dandelion and smiled. Fingering it’s fluffy seeds she inhaled quickly. Letting out a gusty sigh, her breath sent the seeds flying on the breeze.
“Once again Father I place it in your hands. Lead me where ever you want me to go. I’m yours.” “Bella?” The one being talked to looked over her shoulder at the sound of her mother’s voice. She solemnly looked into her approaching mother’s dark brown eyes. “Are you alright?” Bella smiled softly and shook her head. “But I will be.” Natine’s look was that of a concerned mother. She knelt carefully next to her daughter on the soft grass. “What’s up?” Natine tried to sound nonchalant as she plucked a blade of grass beneath her.
“Nothin’, I’m sorry ma but you just… wouldn’t understand…” Bella grimaced as she noticed how her mother had tried to hide her own sad expression. Clearing her throat Natine held back any emotion that threatened to escape her masked face. “Try me.”
Bella stared at her mother in shock. The older woman’s face hardened with anger, hurt, pride, and a sense of challenging in her tone. Her full bosom lifted to make her seem stronger.
“It can’t be anything worse than what I’ve been through.” Natine shot a leveling look toward her daughter. Her dark eyes flashed, the white in her hair reflected the sunlight causing her to look as if she had a halo. “Anything but.” Bella thought to herself. Just as stubborn as her mother and maybe more so, she stood up in defiance. Giving her mother a chilling glance she sucked in a breath. “You know nothing of what I’ve been through.” With that Bella flounced back into the house leaving Natine sitting in the grass, more shocked and hurt than before.

~*~*~*~*~

“It can’t be that bad!” Bella gave a sideways glance to her closest friend since the
sixth grade. Still not saying anything she wringed her hands for the 5th time in the last ten
seconds. “Is it?” Mariah asked cautiously. Bella looked blankly at the books before her.
Were she in a better mood it would have been a delight to grab a book off one of the dusty shelves before her. Only then to cuddle in a corner, whilst she unraveled a grand story for herself.
Bella huffed as she put back yet again another leather bound book. Mariah cocked her hip to the side and held her head chin jutted high. One hand rested on her thrusting hip, the other hanging limp to her side. Her manner was every bit as saucy as she could get with attitude that made Bella smile when she spoke.
“Isabella DeloBuono! You are keeping something from me! You cannot, no correction, will not stand there in front of me and not tell me what’s making that gorgeous face of yours look pitiful! Now sit down, shut up and spill! And yes I am very well aware of the oxymoron imbedded in my latter statement. Sit!”
Without ceremony Mariah placed two petite hands on Bella’s shoulders to push her into a chair with a hard thud. Bella gave a pouting look to no avail. Mariah sternly stared her friend down until she knew Bella would respond. The brunette sighed with a great heave of her ample bosom. Her eyes, once warm, became cold and guarded. But Mariah spied hurt where Bella and her strong willed self would never admit.
“Its Mason….” She whispered. Mariah automatically prepared herself for what she was about to hear. “Did he die? No, can’t be. She’s not crying… What then?” The small ebony-haired young woman bent to look into Bella’s face to read her emotions more clearly. “What about Mason?” Bella let a curse slip that she hadn’t thought to keep down, especially that they were in the library. “He lied to me, Mariah. He doesn’t love me.”
She shook her head in dismay and disbelief. Mariah stood in a stupor. Holding out a hand to the shelf to keep herself she placed a shaky palm on her stomach. “Are you sure?” The younger woman nodded. “Why?” Bella glanced up, looking as if she had battled with death itself. She dug into her purse and pulled out a piece of paper. On it, it contained a conversation of Mason and… Jessica.
“I can’t wait till you come back. I really miss you. So much it hurts.” She had written. “I miss you too Jessica, I can’t wait to see my love.” Mariah dropped the paper as soon as she had read the last word. “It can’t be… He loves you.” Bella gave a sour laugh. Picking up the paper she balled it up and sent it air born to a nearby trashcan. “Yeah?” She scoffed “Remind him of that, then tell me how it went.”
She picked up her clutch purse and flounced off as if to leave. “Wait? Where are you going?” Mariah asked, still in shock. Bella tossed her hair to add a touch of attitude to her manner. “To see someone who remembers I still exist, and loves me for that matter.” She pushed her way through the two French doors of the library to leave Mariah standing alone. “God help her. And God give Mason the strength to face what’s coming.”

~*~*~*~*~

“What is it?!” She squealed with childish delight. Jake had both hands covering her eyes and guided her to their destination. Leaving her standing, he backed away slowly, releasing his hold over her eyes. “Alright, you can take a peek.” He let out with slowly, his low voice sounding above and behind her. She giggled as she clasped her hands together in front of her. Slowly opening one eye at a time it wasn’t long before her mouth gaped and her hands flew to her mouth with a gasp.
They were in the middle of a field it seemed. The surrounding area completed covered in wildflowers and a small lake was found in the far side of the field. “You like it?” Bella couldn’t answer at first. “It’s beautiful…” She walked slowly until she was standing amongst the flowers gazing at the lake. “Where are we?” Jake chuckled, the sound warm as she felt his laugh against the back of her neck.
Wrapping his arms around her waist Jake kissed the top of her head gently. “In a secluded part of the forest a bit of distance away from my house.” “It’s lovely. And the view….” She gasped suddenly. Jake stiffened his hold as alarm pricked at the hairs on his neck. “What is it?” She turned swiftly to face him, both hands planted on his chest a mischievous gleam in her chocolate eyes.
“Bella?” She giggled softly and burrowed her head against his chest . Slowly she wrapped her arms around his waist and sighed in content. “Thank you, I love it.” Still in shock at her reaction Jake took a little bit before he returned with a fierce and longing hug. Lifting her chin with two long, and crooked fingers her caressed her plump lower lip with the pad of his thumb. Her full mouth turned up in a smile that was sweet yet seductive and he knew he couldn’t resist. Lowering his face slowly so that he could meet his lips with her own, he stopped to smile just before they met. Bella’s eyes were closed, allowing long, sooty, lashes to feather the tops of her cheeks. Her breathing labored in anticipation. Finally Jake placed a kiss to her collarbone that made Bella shudder.
Releasing a deep sigh; Bella backed away from Jacob and giggled.
Grabbing his hand she began to lead them to the lake when she tripped on a small root. Falling to the ground she pouted as she glowered at the random offender. This action drew a broad grin from Jake as he watched her on the ground. Picking up a blade of grass she stuck it between her teeth and sucked on the sweet green. Laying onto her back she held her hands together on her stomach; mindlessly playing with the silky fabric of her loose blue v-neck. She watched the clouds float above with wonder.
All the time Jake watched her from above not saying a word when he sat down next to her in the soft grass. Taking out a flute from a bag he had brought with them he played a soft lullaby to no one in particular. The mood was enchanting. Feeling Bella’s scrutiny he lowered the flute from his lips, raising a brow in questioning. “Have you ever wondered at how many more instruments and ways to play music we don’t even know of? God loves music, its beautiful and he loves all things beautiful, correct?” She turned her face back toward the sky.
“The song of a small robin per say. Its so simple yet beautiful and the simple beauty and joy in life to be procured is so complex it’s amazing to try and even fathom it. And the stars! You can’t see them during the day but when the night comes with his blanket of black and blues, they shine so brilliantly you have to wonder. Do they make their own sounds? Are they musical? Your flute is just a few pieces of metal with wholes in it but with this simple tool you could play the most glorious symphony.”
Suddenly Bella stopped, feeling as though she was prattling on mindlessly. She looked over to see Jacob staring at her, a bright smile on his face; his eyes bright in admiration. Feeling awkward, Bella sat up quickly straightening her shirt and jeans before wiping any dirt off of herself. “I’m sorry.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. Jake sat up, one long leg stretched out before him and the other bent to prop his elbow. “What for?”
Bella looked away as if in shame. “I shouldn’t have talked on like that.” Jake grinned as he stood, taking note at how the little blade of grass she had been chewing on now hung from her hair; making a stark contrast between it’s bright green color and the dark brown mass of curls around her head. This blade of grass made her look all the more innocent in her tender vulnerability. Taking a step forward he plucked the grass from her hair and smiled. Tapping her on the tip of her nose ever so gently with it; picking up her hand, he placed the blade of grass in it.
Looking up only with his soft, gray eyes he kissed her palm. “Don’t be. If there’s ever one thing I really love about you it’s the fact that you are so sincere in you relationship and questions about God. I really admire that. So don’t you worry ‘bout a thang honey. He loves you for it and I do to.” Throwing a wink, he picked her up onto his shoulders for their walk back to his truck, not giving her any form of warning. Bella’s surprised, girlish giggles could be heard though out the forest, if not their small town itself.

~*~*~*~*~


Chapter twelve

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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 16.08.2010

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