Gift or house arrest (59)

Bella woke to an empty bed. She looked at the time and it was 10:12 am. Zane would of already left for work. She got up and took a shower then dressed in shorts and a peasant blouse. She made her way down to eat breakfast and sent a text to Zane saying good morning and one to her brother Ben asking him to visit.

Ben was surprised because Bella had not been very close to him in the past few years. He sent a quick reply saying that he could come for lunch around noon to see her.

She need his help and the only person she would think of was him. She did have another brother but still had a little trouble remembering more about him.

After she ate she stayed in the parlor to read.

♡♡♡◇◇◇♡♡♡ THE WATER OF LIFE cont.

But he was very glad, in spite of this, that he had procured the water, and he journeyed homeward, and passed again where the Dwarf stood.

When the Dwarf saw the sword and bread which he had brought away he declared he had done well, for with the sword he could destroy whole armies--but the bread was worth nothing.

Now, the Prince was not willing to return home to his Father without his Brothers, and so he said to the Dwarf, "Dear Dwarf, can you tell me where my Brothers are? They went out before me in search of the water of life, and did not return."

"They are stuck fast between two mountains," replied the Dwarf; "because they were so haughty, I enchanted them there."

Then the Prince begged for their release, till at last the Dwarf brought them out; but he warned the youngest to beware of them, for they had evil in their hearts.

When his Brothers came he was very glad, and he related to them all that had happened to him; how he had found the water of life and brought away a cupful of it; and how he had rescued a beautiful Princess, who for a whole year was going to wait for him, and then he was to return to be married to her, and receive a rich kingdom.

After this tale the three Brothers rode away together, and soon entered a province where there were war and famine raging, and the King thought he should perish, so great was his necessity.

The youngest Prince went to this King and gave him the bread, with which he fed and satisfied his whole people; and then the Prince gave him the sword, wherewith he defeated and slew all his enemies, and regained peace and quiet.

This effected, the Prince took back the bread and sword, and rode on farther with his Brothers, and by and by they came to two other provinces where also war and famine were destroying the people.

To each King the Prince lent his bread and sword, and so saved three kingdoms. After, this they went on board a ship to pass over the sea which separated them from home, and during the voyage the two elder Brothers said to one another, "Our Brother has found the water of life and we have not; therefore our Father will give the kingdom which belongs to us to him, and our fortune will be taken away."

◇◇◇♡♡♡◇◇◇

Ben enter the room and Bella let out a happy squeal and ran over to hung her brother.

"Tinkerbell how are you doing?" Ben smiled.

"Big Ben I am so glad you came."

"What up butter cup why did you ask me here.?" Ben asked.

Bella led him to the couch and sat down, "Ben, I have this feeling that we are not close anymore."

Ben was caught off guard a little. "Well Bella, we kind of drifted apart after mom passed away. You got sick and I did not know how to help. When you started to come back to the family you got closer to Bert and the rest of us were just there."

"Are you mad at me know?" Bella asked.

"No, my little Tinkerbell and I hope that this time we can be closer, like we once were." Ben said.

"Good, I need your help."

"How can I help?" Ben asked.

"I want to get Zane a gift and I don't know what to get him." Bella said.

"What is the gift for." he asked.

"He has done so much for me. That I want to give him something to say I appreciate him." She answered.

"Ok, how about a tie or tie tack?" he suggested.

"No... he gave me a blue rose it has to be special."

Ben thought for a moment then it hit him. "How about a book. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. We could get it at the old book store or online."

"That is a great idea. Can you take me to get it?" Bella asked.

"Sure thing Tinkerbell Lets go." Ben said.

As they were getting ready to leave one of the bodyguards stop them, " Sir, I will need to come with the Miss. Master Heart wants her safe at all times."

"Do you have to tell him were we go and what we do?" Ben asked.

"Yes, I do." the bodyguard said.

"Then let me talk to him first." Ben said.

The bodyguard took out a phone and dialed. It did not take long before he was handing Ben the phone.

"yes?" Zane said.

"Bella wants to go shopping. The big guy here said we needed to get your permission. Is my sister under house arrest?" Ben was stern.

"She is not under house arrest. If she wants to go out shopping or visiting friends or family she can. I am sorry the bodyguard made you feel like her activities were restricted." Zane said.

"Well, he said you needed to know were she goes and what she does. I do not like that. It sends Red flags up." Ben was getting more upset.

"Give the guard the phone please." Ben then handed the Big man back his phone.

"Bella is allowed to go anywhere she pleases. Your job is to keep her safe. I trust her so no need to keep me informed as to where she goes." Zane said.

"Yes, Sir I am sorry." He said then he hung up, "I am Sorry I miss understood my role. I do have to go with you but I will not be telling anyone were she goes."

They then went out to a ready car and driver and went to the Old Time Bookstore.

It took them sometimes to find the book that was in great condition. They had it wrapped then stopped at a coffee shop for a break.