When freedom strikes

III

"I miss you."
The phone hangs up and I'm left feeling even more confused than before I called her. My mind drifts to earlier when I saw her at the Vineyard, she had on my shirt... She looked so sexy in the black silk material. Her long curls fluffed up around her face only adding to how beautiful she was.. is. I can't believe she's alive and okay. Anger runs through me as I think about all the times Damion lied to me about knowing where she was. Before I know it I'm dialing his number and awaiting his answer.

"What's up man?" His background very loud. "Why the hell did you lie to me D?" The background noise fading a little and I assume he moved to hear me better. "What are you talking about Kairo?" He genuinely sounds confused and it's only pissing me off more. "ABOUT BELLA! WHY DID YOU LIE TO ME ABOUT BELLA?!" I'm shouting into the phone now but I don't care. I'm hurt, he knew how much she meant and still means to me. It's silent on his end for a while but I can hear him breathing. "Look man, chief asked me not too. He said you two would be better off." Damions voice raised two octaves as he explained himself meaning he was in fact telling me the truth.

"You saw her?" His voice weak. "I did. She was still as beautiful as before." He chuckles. "I'm glad. You know I sent you on that mission there to protect her. Now that you know the truth use it wisely. We may have a problem on our hands." His words make me frown. What could possibly be wrong? "Jason has a daughter, she's eighteen. She knows nothing about her father though." My brain feels like it's going to combust with this new information. When did he have a kid? How old was he? Damions voice knocks me from my thoughts. "She's in our academy and she's bestfriends with my son." His voice strains. "Jason's escaped prison and he's back running his 'business'." I can practically see the quotation marks around the word business.

"And your concern is what?" I try to follow his lead but I can't. "I'm worried he might try and go after Bella. So I sent our best agent out into the field." He attempts to compliment me but it only makes me frown. "I know what you're thinking and no, I'm going to change a few rules around here. I'll be expecting a status rep-or from you by Monday morning. Enjoy your night." The call ends and I'm left to process all the brand new information I've been presented with.

Bella said she met Jason her senior year of high school, I always figured they were around the same age. Apparently not. My brain has a mouth of its own sometimes I swear but I know it's right. This is definitely bigger than before, there's way more factors now. How am I gonna tell Bella about this? You won't, she'll run then you won't be able to protect her. My subconscious responds to me with a stern attitude. Groaning I drop my head in my hands and try to make sense of what's happening here. How the hell did all of this happen?

The next morning I wake up on my couch covered in Cheerios. "I have got to stop staying up late." I run my hands over my face before getting up to take a shower. The hot water helps ease my tense muscles. The moment I'm done my mind goes directly back to Bella, I have to see her again. I make the decision to go see her as I brush my teeth, the giant hotel mirror revealing the dark circles beneath my eyes.

I make my way into the closet and find my favorite forest green button up shirt. I bought it after I got out of the hospital remembering the conversation I had with Bella before I left for the Amazon.
"You know ive grown to love this suit."She lifts the sleeve of the green material before letting it fall back into the suitcase. I look down at it and smile, In appreciation of her I declare it my favorite. "Then it shall be my favorite."
I've honored what I've said by purchasing a shirt that matches. I throw on some jeans and my green loafers before spraying myself with some cologne.

On my way out the door I remember that I don't know what she has planned for the day at all. I make a quick phone call and find out that today is her first day back at her job. She's a lawyer now, she's definitely come a long way in a year. The elevator ride down to the garage seems to take ages, i sprint to my car the moment those double doors open. Jumping into my car I waste no time in beginning the drive to the giant law office downtown. Traffic is light so I get there in no time. I check the time before I go in, she has lunch in an hour.

I walk up to the receptionist and smile politely. "What can I do for you doll?" She looks me over before smiling at me. "I'm looking for Ms. Martin please." The woman types something into her computer with these horrendous long nails before returning her gaze to me. "31st floor." I thank her and then take another long elevator ride up to the 31st floor. Another receptionist greets me as I exit the elevator, her eyes momentarily traveling down my body. "What can I do for you?" Her voice hoarse as she stares at me. "I'm here to see Ms. Martin." The last name sounding foreign on my tongue, they really went the entire play to protect her and I'm glad.

"She said she'll be right here." I thank her and take a seat in one of the waiting chairs. People pass me by as I wait for her, a little impatiently might I add. "Who's looking for me?" I hear her voice so I look up from my phone to see the receptionist pointing at me. Bella's gaze follows her finger and her eyes widen when they land on me. "Mr. Green it's a pleasure to see you. Join me in my office?" She turns not waiting for me to give her a answer. I follow behind her as she turns down the long hallway before she stops at two mahogany doors. "Wise choice." I compliment her choice in fine woods before once again following her.

"Take a seat please." She sits in one of the many chairs she had in her office and I follow suit. "Why are you doing this?" She wastes no time with small talk so I give it to her straight. "Look, I really was sent here on a mission. I didn't even know you were still alive honestly." She frowns but says nothing. "Last night when you said you missed me.." I make eye contact with her. "Did you mean it?" Her tongue darts out and wets her sweet lips. "I did." She sighs and that hard exterior melts away. "I didn't know it at the time but I was slowly falling in love with you. Every day was something new and exciting." Her words remind me of when we first met.

"Seeing you the way I did for the last time broke me. I spent months inside my new house not wanting to do anything with Chacha or Jorge." Her words make me sad but I listen intently. "I missed you so much, I didn't know what happened to you after Charlie and Damion escorted me out. I thought you had died." The tears in her eyes make me reach for her, she allows me to pull her in close. "I'm so sorry Bella. There was so much to deal with after I was released." Her grip on me tightens. I pull her into my lap and kiss her forehead. "I waited for you."

Make sure you vote!
-Kayla