Jr's eyes locked onto Bella's, filled with concern. "Don't you want to get out of this forest and stay in a good place?" he asked, his voice gentle.
Bella's expression changed, and she looked away, her voice barely above a whisper. "We would want to, but it's not safe for us outside. No one will protect us."
Jr's face set in determination. "I will protect you and give you a home."
Bella's eyes snapped back to his, filled with skepticism. "We're not sure about that. What if those looking for us are more powerful than you?"
As she folded the arms of the clothes, Jr's eyes caught sight of scars on her arm. He gasped, his voice filled with outrage. "Who did this to you?"
Bella quickly covered her arms, her eyes clouding over. "A lot that you don't know about us."
She paused, her voice firm. "Go home, Jr. It's getting late, and you'll catch a cold. It's not safe for you to be here."
Jr hesitated, his eyes scanning the forest. "But you're not safe here either. You'll catch a cold too."
Bella's expression softened, and she smiled wistfully. "We're used to it. We call this place home."
Jr's heart went out to her, and he knew he had to help. He couldn't just leave them in the forest, vulnerable and scared.
But for now, he nodded, knowing he had to respect Bella's wishes. "I'll go, but I'll be back tomorrow. And I'll keep coming back until you're safe."
Bella's eyes searched his, and for a moment, Jr thought he saw a glimmer of hope. But it was quickly extinguished, replaced by a mask of determination.
"Be careful, Jr," she said, her voice low. "There are people who won't hesitate to hurt you if they find out you're helping us."
Jr nodded, his jaw set. "I can take care of myself. But I promise you, Bella, I'll do everything in my power to keep you and the girls safe."
As Jr turned to leave, Bella's voice stopped him. "Jr?"
He turned back, his eyes locking onto hers. "Yes?"
Bella's expression was serious. "Don't tell anyone about us. Not even your family."
Jr's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions. But he nodded, knowing he had to respect Bella's trust.
"I won't tell anyone," he promised. "But you have to promise me something in return."
Bella's eyes searched his, wary. "What?"
Jr's voice was firm. "You have to promise me you'll let me help you. You can't do this alone anymore."
Bella's expression softened, and for a moment, Jr thought he saw a glimmer of hope. But it was quickly extinguished, replaced by a mask of determination.
"I'll think about it," she said, her voice low.
Jr nodded, knowing it was a start. As he turned to leave, he felt a sense of determination wash over him. He was going to help Bella and the girls, no matter what it took.