"Carlisle, can I talk to you about something?" Bella asked, knocking on the door to Carlisle's study.
"Of course, Bella. You can tell me anything." She walked in and Carlisle could sense her apprehension and fear. "What's wrong?"
"It-it's nothing..."She said looking at the floor, carefully avoiding eye contact with the 400 year old vampire.
"Bella, what is it that's bothering you?" Carlisle wen to her side and placed a gentle, caring hand on her shoulder. He gently forced her to look him in the eyes.
"It's Edward." She said almost silently. Carlisle led her to a chair and sat down on the other side of his desk.
"What about Edward? Is he in trouble?" She looked away. "Bella, did he hurt you?" She gave him no reply. "Bella, this is important and I must know. Did he hurt you?" His usually calm voice raised in frustration.
"He said...that..I...deserved it." Bella muttered, rolling up the left sleeve of her long sleeved shirt. Carlisle had been wondering why, in this heat, she had only worn long sleeves. He would now know. Imprinted on her upper arm was a large, pain ful, purple bruise.
"Oh my God. When did this happen Bella?" He asked, infuriated and worried at once.
"A few days ago, but don't tell Edward that I told you about this!" She exclaimed hurriedly.
"Why didn't you come to me sooner with this? And why shouldn't I confront Edward about this! Bella, this is very serious! What he did to you is a crime!" Carlisle nearly yelled.
"He might...." She trailed off, not wanting to tell Carlisle the details of what Edward would do.
"He threatened you? There is nothing more cowardly than threatening your loved ones!" he stood quickly and almost up- turned his desk in the process.
"Wait! Where are you going? Please Carlisle, don't do this! Come back!" The desperation in her voice filled the air. Bella was glad that most of the Cullens were out on a lengthy hunting trip and only Carlisle and Esme were home, but Edward was due back any moment. She couldn't face him right now, after telling Carlisle about his abuse. She ran after him, but he was already out of the front door. Carlisle found Edward pulling up in the drive, sporting the new Volvo Carlisle and Esme had given him as a wedding gift only weeks ago.
"Carlisle, Bella...what's going on?" Edward was clearly worried at the look of complete anger on his father's face. Outraged, Carlisle sped over and nearly ripped the car door off before dragging Edward out of the car.
"Carlisle! What the hell has gotten into you? What the fuck are you doing?" He yelled, surprised.
"Like you don't know! Did you really think that no one would find out about you abusing Bella?" Edward glared at Bella. "I expected more from my first son! I trusted that you would be able to control yourself. Apparently, I was wrong!" The amount of hurt in Carlisle's voice was immeasurable. Edward ignored his father's cry and turned his attention to Bella.
"I warned you not to say anything!" He snarled and Bella quivered in fear. This made Carlisle tighten his grip on Edward.
"I see what's going down. Do you feel like a man, when you push her around? Do you fell better now, as she falls to the ground?" Carlisle threw him into the side of the car. "Well, I'll tell you my friend, one day this world's gonna end. As your lies crumble down, a new life she has found!"
"This is none of your business! What I do with my wife is my business!" Edward said while throwing Carlisle into a nearby pine tree. Edward approached Bella and took her roughly by the arm. "I told you not to say a word!" He raised his hand in anticipation of hitting her. Carlisle came to her aid and came up behind Edward. He flipped him neatly over his shoulder.
"You will never hurt her again!" Carlisle said, pinning Edward by the throat. "If you were not my son, and I did not love you, I would kill you this instant. Now get out of here, just go." He growled.
"I will not 'just go.' This is my house." Edward tackled Carlisle to the ground. They fought, throwing punches at trying to strangle each other.
"Edward, I waned you already. Go and live, or stay and die, it is your choice." Carlisle growled savagely, getting the upper hand.
"I'm staying." Edward hissed.
"Then, I am sorry my son." Carlisle rushed towards Edward. "Bella, look away." She turned and ran into the safety of the Cullen house.
"You won't do it, Carlisle. I know you won't." Edward dared Carlisle.
"You don't know me. You don't know me at all."
Back in the house, Bella ran into Esme.
"Bella dear, I heard everything. I'm sorry..I didn't know what to do so I just listened in. As much as I love Edward as a son, I cannot let him do this to you." Esme's voice was full of emotion. If she had the ability to cry, she would have been sobbing at that very moment. "Come dear, let's get you settled down." Esme brought Bella to the room she shared with Carlisle.
"It's finally over. He will never hurt me again." Bella said, sitting on the edge of the bed and staring off into space.
"Carlisle will take care of everything, don't you worry. I just wish there was another way..." Esme nearly sobbed. "We are going to have to call the others and let them know...about their brother, but Carlisle should be here for that." Esme saw that Bella wasn't listening and was zoning out. "Bella, are you okay? Do you need me to call Carlisle?" Bella wasn't zoning out, she was coming to a realization.
"I don't love him anymore."