Targets

Chapter Six - The Offer

Milly got up to run as Matt extended his hand to help Bella off the floor. He guided Bella through the house to his office. Once he helped her to sit down, Matt sat in his chair.

“So, where are you staying? Logan sounded concerned before, and for him, that means it is dangerous for someone to be alone in.” Matt said.

“I’m in the woods.” Bella said.

“The woods?” Matt asked.

“Yes sir, a small cabin that my mother's grandfather built.” Bella said.

“It was broken into today?” Matt asked.

“Yes.” Bella said.

“Then why not move somewhere more secure?” Matt asked.

“Because I’m not 18, I can’t yet.” Bella said.

“How about you let me worry about that. If I can get you a place, and cover the rent for you for a year. Would you move in?” Matt asked.

Bella nodded.

“If you promise to not give your sons any keys. I have a feeling they might make inappropriate remarks to egg the other one.” Bella said.

Matt raised his eyebrow.

“Explain.” Matt said.

“I made a deal with Logan. Kieran made him think we had s*x, but we didn’t. I was in the library, no air con, no fan, no windows. Red cheeks from the heat. Kieran was in the bathroom where the fans are automatically on. He pulled his zipper up when leaving the library entrance and gave Logan the worst impression. They started fighting, and so Logan and I talked after I stood between them to stop them. Logan agreed to not fight with Kieran anymore over anything stupid like that, if I promise to not sleep with him. Which I have no interest in them. And I stated that. As long as I am sober, I am making sober decisions. And my sober ass is determined to stay pure until marriage.” Bella said.

Matt looked her over.

“You aren’t like most teenagers. Why is that?” Matt asked.

“Because I had a mother teach me about modesty, respect, and standing up for others. She taught me about sacrifices. Which is why when Logan pointed out that I was willing to let myself lose it for another to not lose it. I hated myself for willing to be the sacrifice. But I knew it would prevent the trauma.” Bella said.

Matt looked her over.

“Temporarily, I want you to move into here as of tonight. Take Logan and Kieran with you in their own cars to pack everything. They can unload it. There with be a servant taking my car as well for extra storage. They will unload it for you. And you can keep your valuable things here. I feel like your presence will help Milly. I will find you a place in the next couple days.” Matt said.

Bella gulped but nodded.

“Do I have a curfew?” Bella asked.

“Are you out late?” Matt asked.

“Sometimes, I get texts from some friends that they have inspiration and I am being summoned to practice.” Bella said.

“Practice?” Matt asked.

“Yeah, I am in a band. We are performing in a club next weekend.” Bella said.

“Interesting.” Matt said.

Bella nodded.

“No curfews, but just make sure you use the back door. Leave your bedroom door open and I’ll let them know it means you aren’t here.” Matt said.

Bella nodded and stood up.

“Do you want rent for food or living expenses money while I am here?” Bella asked.

“No.” Matt said.

He smiled as he stood up and shook Bella’s hand. Bella walked towards the door to see Logan walking towards them with Kieran.

“Took you long enough.” Matt said.

“Sorry, Kieran wouldn’t let me come alone.” Logan said.

“Well, the discussion is done. You two will be taking your own cars and helping Bella pack the cabin. She’s moving in tonight for a few days before she’s taken to a new place. She won’t have a curfew in case she has band practice.” Matt said.

Logan and Kieran smiled.

“Happy to help.” They said.

“Do we tell Stacey?” Logan asked.

“Up to Bella.” Matt said.

“How about at school, so she can’t interrupt me moving out.” Bella said.

“You know Stacey personally?” Kieran asked.

“She’s one of my step sisters.” Bella said.

Bella walked past Kieran, he looked shocked as he looked at Matt.

“Yeah, you chose wrong, again. Anyway, I have a feeling Logan’s hunch was right. When she goes to band practice, Logan has to follow her.” Matt whispered.

They nodded. They went back to everyone, Milly put her CD on and started dancing. Stacey came over and unplugged the radio. But before Matt could yell at her, Bella sat behind the Piano and started pressing the keys. Milly gasped in shock and climbed into the seat next to Bella while still looking shocked.

“You can play the piano?” Milly asked.

“Do you like Shrek?” Bella asked.

Milly nodded.

“Do you know the song Accidentally in love?” Bella asked.

Milly nodded again.

“Do you remember the words?” Bella asked.

Milly gasped and nodded.

Bella smiled and started playing the keys to Accidentally in love. Milly climbed onto the piano and was now laying on the piano as she looked at Bella and was singing the song. Even Stacey was annoyed.

“Wow, you are really talented.” Matt said.

“Bella can play the drums, keyboard and guitar as well.” Logan said.

“Damn, triple threat. Bella, when you perform, can we watch?” Matt asked.

“I still have to send Logan the location, the tickets will be available tomorrow lunch time. And Mitchell wanted to watch as well.” Bella said.

Matt looked at Logan and nodded.

“Seriously, you think that is talent?” Stacey asked.

“We don’t think. We know.” Matt said.

Matt’s work friends gathered around and applauded Bella as she played the piano while Milly sang. Milly's friend joined in as they sang the song. They were having so much fun. Bella even played One Call Away by Charlie Puth on the piano. When she was finished she looked at Stacey and smiled.

“You can never take the music from people’s hearts.” Bella said.

“True words have never been spoken.” Nico said.

Milly laughed.

“See why I love her.” Milly said.

“How good are you on guitar?” Kieran asked.

“Guess you will always have to wonder.” Bella said.

Logan laughed.

“Bella, what is your last name?” Matt asked.

“Inkwell.” Stacey said.

“Isabella Inkwell?” Logan whispered.

Bella pinched him as he laughed.

“Shut up.” Bella said.

He laughed again.

“God, you need a new name.” Logan said.

“That’s why one of you should marry her.” Milly said.

“Relax Milly.” Matt said.

“It’s why I use my mother’s maiden name. And you will never know what that is.” Bella whispered.

Logan looked at her confused. Matt noticed his face.

“Kieran, I think you should escort your guest out now.” Matt said.

Kieran nodded and walked Stacey out. Matt stayed talking with his friends while Bella hummed as she played Piano and Milly and her friend listened with a smile. Logan sat next to Bella and started pressing some keys.

“Logan knows how to play too.” Milly said with a smile.

“Then maybe Logan can play while I hum?” Bella asked.

“Certainly.” Logan said.

Milly smiled as she watched them, even Matt was watching them curiously. Matt used to boast to his friend Nico about Logan, but after Logan met Bella. Logan has done a 180. And Nico knew the original Logan, so he knows there is something about this girl as well.

Nico tried to look engaged in the conversation, but he couldn’t help but watch their interaction. This young girl looked familiar. But he couldn’t remember where he saw her.