Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Louisiana Love

By Midnight Dreamer

Chapter 11: To Market…To Market.

Marketplace 1895, September.

(Arabella’s POV)

I arrived at the market place just before the sun reached high noon. I couldn’t get the happenings from the farm off my mind. The Major… I mean Jasper seemed different then before. He seemed generally concerned for my well being, and boy did Peter piss him off when he grabbed a hold of me. I’m beginning to wonder if Peter doesn’t have a death wish and just didn’t succeed the first time around. As I hitched the wagon up outside the general grocer David came out to greet me.

“Well good morning to you Miss Arabella. I see your crops have done awfully well this year. Good harvest I see.”

“Why yes David it was and a good morning to you too.”

“I’m sorry if I was impolite Miss Arabella it’s just that most farms can barely make it by and yet your farm seems to be thriven.”

“I guess I just have a green thumb and handy workers is all.”

“I reckon your correct. Now what do we have here?”

“Well David I have a full load of vegetables fresh from harvest if you would like them.”

“I right sure would like to have them. My stocks have run so low I was about to order from the farms two towns over.”

“Now why would you go and do sumthin so silly when you know I was comin into town today?”

“I didn’t know what your haul would be Miss Arabella. I didn’t wanna lose customers cause I didn’t have what they were lookin for.”

“Well I reckon you have a point there. Now how about we unload these here vegetables and talk prices David.”

“You drive a hard bargain Bella but sure let’s see what I can do for you.”

“Sure thing.”

“Micheal. Get your scrawny but out here boy and unload Miss Arabella’s wagon.”

A young man around my age came scrambling out of the store.

“Sure thing paw.”

He was tall not very muscular but still wiry. Maybe a year or so younger then myself.

I turned to David and followed him into the store. I knew I needed a few things for the farm and hopefully I can talk David into a trade.

“Now how much we lookin at Miss Arabella?”

“Well with time, labor, and delivery your lookin at about 400 dollars.”

“I don’t know if I can pay that much Bella.”

“How about I make you a deal?”

“I’m listening.”

“I need a few things for the farm and I think we could trade, my goods for a few items I need that you carry.”

“Like?”

“Well I could use some sugar, flour, fabric, soap and a fire iron.”

“I think I could help you out with that.”

“Well then make it 100 dollars and the goods and I’ll be on my way.”

“You got yourself a deal little lady.”

We walked out into the store from his office in the back. Micheal had already emptied my wagon.

“Micheal my boy please take these items out and place them into the wagon for Miss Bella please.”

“Yes sir.”

“Thank you kindly David. I hope to see you soon. It was a pleasure doin business with you.”

“Likewise.”

I place the money into my bag and started down the street. I need a few more things that I couldn’t get at the local grocer so I headed over to the tailor. I walked in to find Miss Alene sewing up a new dress.

“Why isn’t that lovely.” I called to her.

“Miss Arabella to what do I owe the pleasure.”

“I was in town dropping off the harvest and I need a few things that only you could provide.”

“I see. In need of new dresses then?”

“A few. What do you have for me?”

I knew she always keep some in the back just for me. She knew I would come when I could and she loved designing them for me. She got up and walked to the back. She came back out holding several wrapped packages.

“How much do I owe you for this?”

“50 dollars”

“Is that all? For the masterpieces you put together! That is a steal.”

“Only for you Arabella.”

“Thank you Alene. I look forward to see you at the upcoming harvest festival.”

“You too. I hope you won’t come alone this year..”

“Yes I fear I have far to many male admirers in town to come unescorted.”

“Your brothers would be beating them off with sticks.”

“Oh you have no idea. Peter since his return has been driving me mad. I swear he is afraid I will be snatched up and gobbled down by the big bad wolf or something.”

“Yes I see where that could get annoying. So I will see you soon then?”

“Of course. Now I must be heading back or said brother may just send a search party for me.”

We giggled some more as I headed for the door. I have already been here longer then I planned. I wanted to be home before dark. I may just barely make it. As I climbed up my wagon I noticed a bouquet of wild flowers sitting on the bench. They look lovely so I take a sniff. I look around to see who may have left the flowers only to meet eye to eye with Micheal. He smiled and blushed and rushed into the store. Great a boy with a crush just what I needed. I set the flowers on the bench next to me and pulled the reins to move the horses away from the front of the store. I turned the wagon around and headed for home. The sun was setting rather quickly. I know I won’t make it before dark, Peter is gonna be pissed at me again. I was about two leagues from home when I saw the two men along side the road. I knew this wasn’t gonna bode well for me. I gripped the pistol Emmett bought me at Christmas time that I keep under my skirt, tighter in my hand. It wouldn’t work against vamps but these were mere men so my odds were better. Just as I got closer they started calling to me.

“Hey pretty girl, you shouldn’t be out here alone unescorted.”

What is it with these guys and needing us girls escorted all the damn time.

“Awe now don’t be that way sugar we just wanna help you home.” the other one said.

I could feel my heart rate increase along with my fear. Maybe I should have listened to Peter and waited till one of them could go with me.

“Whoa slow down there Missy we just wanna say hello.”

“You wanna do no such thing. I know you are nothing but common thieves.”

I knew one day my temper and mouth would get me into trouble, but hell if I was gonna go down with out a fight.

“You should watch your tongue young lady. It’s impolite to talk to people that way.”

They had successfully managed to grab the bridal of both my horses bring me to a stand still. I could feel the fear course through me. I wonder if I yell if Peter would hear me?

“I will do no such thing. You yourself should watch how you talk to a lady.” I spit back.

“You’re a feisty one aren’t ya. We’re gonna have fun with you.”

“You will not lay your filthy hands on me or I will make sure you rot in hell”

“Such a dirty mouth, I should clean it out for you.”

“You are a disgusting creature and you will stay away from me or I promise you it will be the last thing you do.”

“Oh and how is that?”

I watched him take a step closer. I pulled the gun from my side and pointed it directly at him.

“with this.”

“Do you even know how to use it?”

“Oh I could show you but you won’t live to tell about it.”

I saw out of the corner of my eye the other man moving closer to me. I pulled the gun over and took a shot. I hit his foot.

“Ouch! Fuck, you bitch! You shot me.”

“Now I will say this one more time back off or pay.”

“Neither. I will have you Miss with or with out your permission.”

Suddenly the horses reared and I was thrown backwards into the wagon. My gun fell from my hand into the back and slid under the seat. They spooked the horses! Suddenly I found myself trapped under the non bleeding man. I could feel my fear sky rocket at this point. I began to fight him with everything I had. The more I struggled the more determined he got.

“There is no one here to save you, scream all you want. I like it when you scream.”

So I did, except when I screamed it was the last thing I expected. I screamed for Jasper.

“JJJJAAAASSSSSPPPPEEERRRR”

“Awe is that your little boyfriend…well sorry huney but he ain’t anywhere around to save you.”

Then just as I was about to give up I felt the man being ripped away from me. I heard growling and snarls coming from the side of the road next to the wagon. I crawled to the side and watched amazed at the creature in front of me.

Back at the farm

(Major’s POV)

Arabella had been gone most of the day. I knew she would be but Peter and his nervousness was make me antsy. I just wish the fucker would relax. She’ll be back soon enough and then everything can go back to normal. Well as normal as it gets here. Peter and myself sleepin in the barn isn’t exactly normal but hey at least it’s a roof. As the sun started to set Peter’s pacing picked up. She should have been back by now I wonder what is takin so long. Peter looked at me.

“I’m gonna go up to the main house to talk with Char.”

“Good idea. Maybe she can help calm your ass down.”

“dick”

“Ass”

I watched as he took off into the evening air. I decided I would go for a run around the property. It was turnin out to be a peaceful evening. I was about half way around when I got this sharp shooting pain in my chest. I ran to the house quickly. I was almost there when Peter appeared on the porch.

“Sumthin’s goin on Major and I don’t like it.”

“Arabella?”

“I don’t know.”

Wow that was a first. I started toward the other end of the property, closer to town. I felt the sharp shooting pain in my chest again. What the hell is that. Then in the crystal clear night air I heard it as clear as day.

“JJJJAAAASSSSPPPPEEERRR”

Someone screamed my name. I know it wasn’t Peter or Char. So that only left one person. The only other person I allowed to call me by my given name. Arabella! I took off like a shot in the direction of her voice. When I got there what I saw made my vision blur. There was her wagon off to the side of the road. One man was holdin the horses and the other looked like he was on top of Arabella in the back. She was puttin up one hell of fight I will give her that. But when I heard him tell her no one was around to save her. Boy was he wrong. Within a flash I had both of them up by there throats on the side of road. Their feet dangling feet about the ground. I could feel the fear radiating off of them. My beast was feeding off it. It made me stronger. I heard Arabella get up and look over the side of the wagon at what I was doing. I couldn’t help the snarls or growls that came from me. Knowing what these scum where trying to do to her. I felt amazement at the sight of me. Then the last thing I expected was the lust. I quickly took care of the two men. Draining them dry and running into the forest to bury the bodies. No one would know. When I returned from my little impromptu feast, Arabella was sitting, sobbing in the back of the wagon.

“Oh Jasper I should have listened to Peter. None of this would have happened if I would have just put my pride aside and listened to him. But I thought I would get back in time.”

I felt my dead heart break for this woman. She felt as if it was her fault. I climbed in next to her and pulled her to me.

“Arabella. Now you listen to me. It is not your fault normally you would not have had a problem. I noticed you used your pistol on one of the men so you tried to fight them off. But two men against one woman, no matter how strong she is, is no match.”

She sobbed some more curling herself into me.

“I didn’t think anyone would hear me yell.” she sobbed

“I was running your property when I felt this shooting pain. I ran to the house and Peter said something was gonna happen. I asked if it was you he said he didn’t know. So I started running again toward town. Then I felt the pain again and heard you scream for me.”

“I’m sorry Jasper I didn’t mean to upset you. I don’t know why I screamed for you. I just did.” she was sniffling now.

“Sssshhh… it’s okay. I’m glad you did. Everything is alright now. Are you ready to go home?”

“Yes please.”

“Sure thing.”

I pulled her up with me to the front of the wagon. I started the horses and we were off home. We were almost there when she spoke again. It was barely a whisper but I heard it clear as a bell.

“Jasper. Thank you.”

“Your welcome Arabella.”

When we pulled the wagon next to the house Peter and Char came running out and pulled her to them. I watched in awe as the small family comforted each other. Char started to walk Bella to the house when she turned her tear stained face to me.

“Jasper.”

“Yes Arabella”

“Would you mind sitting with me while I sleep. Just for tonight. I would feel much better if you did.”

“I wouldn’t mind at all.”

We all headed into the house. Char headed upstairs with Arabella. As soon as they reached the top Peter turned to me.

“I don’t know what happen and I don’t think I wanna know but I am thankful to you Major that you were there for her when I couldn’t be. Thank you for bringing her home safely.”

“I wouldn’t want it any other way Peter.”

I started for the stairs passing Char on my way. She smirked at me like she new something I didn’t and to tell you the truth she probably did. I quirked an eyebrow at her and she giggled. Of course I wasn’t gonna get any help from her. So I silently slipped into Arabella’s room and sat in the chair next to her bed. Her hand reached for mine and I took her tiny hand in mine. I marveled at the feel of her warm skin on mine.

“Thank you again Jasper.”

“Your Welcome Arabella now get some rest. You had a long day.”

“Good night.”

“Sweet dreams Arabella.”