Stone Tavern: Isabella's Savior

CHAPTER EIGHT

~CHAPTER EIGHT~

JACKSON

After we left the police station, we went to my parents' house for lunch. I hope my mother is alright with Bella coming to the house. I also hope that this isn't too much for Bella.

I pulled up in my parents' driveway. I could see their house. As well as my mother's red GMC Truck she has. She was unloading something out of the back of it.

"Jack, hurry. Looks like your mom needs help." Bella said. I looked over at her and smiled. I nodded.

"Yes, Bella. It looks that way." I said. My mother saw me park my truck. She stopped what she was doing to greet us.

"Hello Jackson, and you must be Isabella." Amelia said.

"Yes, please call me Bella." Bella said. Bella reached out to shake her hand, but my mother pulled her in for a hug. Bella froze at first but welcomed the hug and had tears in her eyes.

"Oh dear, I didn't mean to make you cry. I'm a hugger." Amelia said.

"It's not that. It's just that my parents there both gone." Bella said.

"Oh, my dear. Well, let's get you inside for a home cooked lunch. Rubens are Jackson's favorite. Hope that's ok." Amelia said. Bella just looked at her, smiled, and giggled. "What's so funny?"

"Their mine too." Bella said.

"Really?" I said.

"Yea. I love food. I was just never allowed to eat. Only when he gave permission to do so." Bella said.

"Jackson, what is she talking about? Is this the girl your father and uncle were talking about from the tavern?" Amelia said.

"Yes, mom she is." I said.

"Who is going to be looking after her? Making sure she gets the proper help?" Amelia said. "No offense, sweetie, but it sounds like you have been through some traumatic. Get some counseling."

"Mom, calm down. I am taking time away from the Tavern. She will stay with me. I'm staying with her, going to help her get back on her feet. Right?" I said.

"That's the plan. Did your dad give you the therapist's name yet? The one from the hospital that we spoke to was going to schedule a visit. She said she would schedule it with him. Since I didn't have a phone number." Bella said.

"I am not sure. But we will find out." I said.

"Tell me about you, Bella?" Amelia said.

ISABELLA (BELLA)

The rest of lunch with Jackson and his mom, Amelia, went rather well. She is very entertaining. She is a sweetheart. She lent some books to read once I told her I was an avid reader. We agreed we could go into town and go shopping or have lunch one day this week.

I wasn't completely sure why Jackson was taking time away from his tavern. He doesn't have to babysit me. I know I am scared that David or one of his men will come after me. But I have to learn to live my life. I can't hide from the world and live in fear forever.

After we went to his parent's house for lunch, he wanted to stop by the Tavern to check in and see how things were going to submit his payroll for his employees. I sat on the couch in his office while he was working on his computer. After he finished went for a walk. There was this outstanding bookstore. Jackson must have seen how my eyes lit up at the sight of it. Because he pulled me inside 'Book Heaven'.