CAN I ESCAPE?

PART 33

"Mommy, what happened", Bella asked innocently, noticing the change in her mother's expression on viewing the package.

Helena looked down at her, sighing.

"Bella, darling, how about you go inside while mommy looks at this letter", she asked softly, not wanting her to get concerned.

"But mommy-"

"Sweetheart, please. I will be there in a minute, okay", she said as she cupped her cheek gently.

"Okay Momma", she said innocently, her head bowed low as she walked inside.

Helena felt bad. Bella had always been a very obedient kid and never threw a tantrum. She felt bad for asking her to go alone when she didn't want to. Just while she was thinking, her alarm went on. It was time to pack Bella's lunchbox.

'I will have to check on this package later. I have to send her to school first. Maybe I will be able to handle this better without Bella around', she thought and walked inside the house.

"Baby", she called out for Bella.

"Yes Mommy", her tiny voice came out of the bedroom where she slept with her mum.

Helena walked inside and saw her wearing her dress for the school. Her eyes welled up with tears, what good did she do to deserve such a pure soul as her baby? This baby was never a picky eater, did not scream, would not cry, slept easily, and was diligent. She hugged her and lifted her in her arms, swinging her. Bella giggled and hugged her tightly.

"My baby is getting ready on her own", she asked softly.

"Yes", Bella grinned.

"You are such a good girl, my baby", Helena kissed her.

Dressing her up, she moved to her hair, tying two pigtails. She walked downstairs with her, grabbed her bag, and made breakfast.

"Here you go, eat up slowly", she said, handing the plate to the girl.

"Thank you, Momma", the little one said and started to eat.

"You're welcome, Love", she smiled as she put the lunchbox in her bag.

She sent her off to school. Her heart was tense as the only thoughts revolving around her were of that strange package. What had Edwin sent now? Did he find them? Is he going to take Bella away? Her anxiety levels were increasing as her pace increased. She walked into the home and locked all the doors. Her trembling hands made their way to the package that lay on the table. She gently tore the package with a paper cutter and took out a letter. Looking at the handwriting was written by Edwin. She started to read as she took a chair.

"Hi, my Sweet.

Been a long time, right?

I hope you are doing well. I miss you so much each day. Tannie misses you a lot too. It's been three years, four months, and 27 days since we last met. I know you must be scared seeing my name on this letter but I assure you that I will never try to force you on anything. Relax and take a deep breath.

I found you out within a week of your escape. I was very angry at that time. I felt betrayed. I don't know if you would understand that but when I found you this time, I did not want to forcefully bring you back to me. I love you a lot. Your teary eyes make me feel very guilty. And that was when I realized that our relationship cannot work if you keep fearing me. So I let you go. But my heart still waits for you all the time, and I can't stop it. I am sorry.

I send a guard for a week every month to keep a check on you from afar. To make sure that you are all right and living comfortably. You know, most of them tell me that Bella looks just like me. I was very annoying as a kid. I hope she takes after you on that part. I imagine what she looks like, but it feels weird to imagine a female version of me. I hope she does not look that weird, haha. May God bless you both.