Saving Bella
Disclaimer:
I own Maddelyne Cullen. However, nothing else in this story belongs to me!
Rating:
R/M (for abuse and language)
Genre:
Hurt/Comfort/Romance
Pairing:
Carlisle/Bella
The Solution
"Dad, really. I really do believe that it's finally over. I'm not afraid of him. And, if I leave, he'll just think he's won and I'll be damned if I'll give him that satisfaction." I knew my father meant well. But, he was a father. All he knew was that he had to seperate his daughter from the bastard that was hurting her. And, I love him for that. But, he didn't know what I knew about Carlisle and Maddelyne and the whole Cullen clan. I knew that it was over. I knew I was safe. That was all that really mattered right now.
"Well...if you're sure. But, you still have your pepper spray?" I had, in fact kept my bottle of pepper spray that Charlie had given to me last year when Victoria and James were tearing through Forks. I knew it wouldn't do me any good, but, I also knew it would give my dad a small amount of peace of mind.
"Of course, dad. It's in my coat pocket where it always is." Charlie knew I always carried my pepper spray in my jacket pocket. He seemed satisfied with my answer. His posture and body language relaxed as he leaned back in his chair. I was glad to have brought him some small measure of relief. I knew he had to have been worried out of his mind. I am his only daughter, after all.
"Dad, you don't have to stay here. Carlisle said that they would be able to release me in a couple of hours." I tried to reason with my dad to go home and relax a little bit. It could have been so much worse than it was and Charlie was acting like it was the worst possible scenario. All of this stress couldn't possibly be good for him. I didn't want him to worry about me anymore than was absolutely neccessary. I didn't really like the spotlight. I never was much of an attention hog. I preferred attention to be deflected away from me whenever possible.
"Bells...You were beaten til you were unconscious...Surely you don't expect me to just leave ya here alone..." Charlie asked. I know his heart was in the right place. But, I was exhausted. I just wanted to be left alone to rest. I never could sleep with someone just sitting there watching me. At least not when I knew they were there and when I could feel the tension in the air. It was just awkward and uncomfortable. I didn't like Charlie just sitting there watching me. I couldn't sleep and I knew I wouldn't be able to rest until I was alone.
"Dad...I really do appreciate the concern. But, I'm exhausted and I would really like to be left alone to rest until they let me outta here. I don't mean to be rude, but...Well, I can't fall asleep with someone sitting there...watching me...Makes me uncomfortable." I hated being so blunt, but, I was too tired to really care. I knew Charlie would understand and forgive me. That made it easier.
"Okay, Bells. I understand. It's been a long day. You probably should try to get some rest. I'll be back to pick you up when they release you." Charlie stood and leaned over to kiss my head. "I love you, ya know that?" I knew. I knew my dad loved me.
"I know, dad. I love you, too." I replied. I really do love Charlie. He's a great dad. And, I truly did appreciate his being there. It meant a lot. But, I was beginning to succomb to exhaustion. I was trying to fight it until Charlie left. But, I think I always knew that was a losing battle.
"Well, I'm gonna head to the station. You call me when they release you. I don't want you driving just yet." Charlied instructed me. I understood and wasn't about to fight him. I knew it was probably smart for me to stay off the road at least until I head fully healed. I'm not the best at focusing while I was in pain. I nodded my understanding.
"I will, dad. I'll call you as soon as they tell me I'm good to go." I promised. And, I would make good on that promise. Just as soon as I woke up. Charlie nodded and silently left the room. Finally. Some peace and quiet. I laid back into my pillow and just gave in and let my eyes slide closed. To my surprise I did not dream of Edward. It was the first time in a long time. Instead...it was another equally unnaturally beautiful creature that took control over my subconscious mind. I could feel a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth as I drifted off into a blissful sleep.
I found my brother's house with great ease. Walking up to the front door, I knew exactly what I would do. I would lure the bastard out into the open and draw him away where I could get him alone. And, then, I would just let my rage take over and rip him apart, limb from limb. Was it unheard of for a vampire to single-handedly kill another vampire? Yes. Could I do it? Yes. That was my forte. I could also read people and predict their next move before they even knew what that move would be. That would a be a great advantage in this battle. Edward Cullen would pay for what he did to Bella Swan. That much was for damn sure!
A small, beautiful brunette answered the door. Ah, my beautiful niece, Alice. "Hello. Can I help you?" Hm. I was sure she would know who I was. She had obviously seen me coming as she was waiting for me at the door and opened it before I could even knock. Oh well. I suppose she couldn't be expected to see everything.
"Hello, Alice. My name is Maddelyne Cullen. We've never met before, but, I am your aunt for all intents and purposes. Carlisle is my younger brother. I've been sent here to speak with Edward." I greeted myself confidently with a friendly smile. After all, I had no beef with Alice. She was blissfully ignorant as to the evil doings of her brother. I couldn't hold that against her. He was the one manipulating her own weakness to his own benefit. I almost felt sorry for her.
"That's wierd. Carlisle never mentioned he had a sister." Alice's brow furrowed beautifully in confusion. I understood her confusion. I began to explain myself to my niece.
"That's because Carlisle 'died' years before me. And, I never knew he was an immortal until about a century ago. By the time, I saw that my brother had a good thing going with Esme and all of you. I thought that my interference would only upset that happy balance. I decided to just keep an eye on him to see if he ever needed my help. Now, I see he does. I came here to Forks to help my brother out. He's asked me to come by here and speak with Edward." I explained. I hoped I wouldn't have to go into more detail. I didn't want her to feel guilty for buying into her brother's lies. It truthfully was not her fault. She had nothing to feel guilty about.
"Hmm...I'll go get him for you. Come in and make yourself at home." She smiled and bounded up the stairs to fetch her brother as I made my way into the living room. I smiled watching her bubbly, carefree demanor. It was her most endearing quality.
A few moments later, I saw him. Edward was just sauntering down the stairs. I knew of his gifts and carefully kept my mind blank. As he approached me, it was all I could do not to vomit all over the floor when he smiled and introduced himself. "Hello. I haven't had a chance to formally introduce myself. I'm Edward Cullen."
I surprise even myself whenI feign a perfectly convincing pleasant demeanor. "Yes, hello. I'm well aware of who you are. I'm your aunt, Maddelyne Cullen. Your father, Carlisle is my younger brother. He's asked me to come speak with you, today." I even manage a convincing smile. Damn, I'm good! I saw the flash of confusion on his face and know he's slipped through the confines of my mind. I manage to flawlessly rebuild the solid wall blocking him out once again. He seems frustrated. I can't resist a small, barely visible smile at his frustration. It really was unhealthily satisfying.
"Really? And just what did he ask you to speak to me about, exactly." He asked. His tone was carefully carefree. Anyone else in the room who did not already know his actions as of late would be completely none the wiser. It was truly enfuriating seeing his complete absence of remorse for his actions. It was disgusting.
"I think it best that we take this conversation somewhere a bit more...private." I chose my words carefully. I didn't want to alarm anyone else in the house and I didn't want Edward on guard. I wanted him to be as shocked as I knew poor Bella had been the first time he betrayed her. I wanted him to be caught completely off guard. I wanted to make damn sure he didn't know what the hell hit him.
"All right. By all means." He was calm. This was beautiful. It worked out completely in my favor. I knew he didn't suspect a thing. Perfect. "Lead the way." He smiled a sickening smile as he gestured toward the door. "Ladies first." His pathetic attempt to feign chivalry was disgusting. I wanted to dispense with him right then and there. But, that would not do. He had too many siblings around, ready to rush to the rescue. I needed him alone. Defenseless. Just like Bella.
Carlisle walked back into my room. I saw him smiling down at me when he woke me from my slumber. I don't know how long I must have been out, but, I instantly felt better. Of course, I'm sure waking up to Carlisle smiling had to have had something to do with that. "Sleep well, Bella?" He asked. His tone was considerably lighter than before. I like that. I liked knowing that Carlisle felt better.
"Yeah, I did." His radiant smile was contagious. I couldn't help smiling, myself. Somehow, knowing he was happy made me feel more at ease. Though, I had always felt unnaturally comfortable around Carlisle. He just made it so much easier to be me.
"Well, that's good. You certainly needed the rest." He continued smiling as he looked down at his clipboard. "And, I've got some good news for you. The paperwork just came through. You're good to go home." I smiled at that. I didn't really like being in the hospital. The only good thing was seeing Carlisle. I was glad to know I was finally free. "Do you have someone to take you home? I'd be glad to give you a ride."
I thought about that. I know Charlie wanted me to have him pick me up. But, the thought of spending time alone with Carlisle was tempting. And, I don't think Charlie would have a problem with that. I'm sure he would know that I would be perfectly safe with Carlisle. "Well, I just need to call my dad, but, I would really appreciate that ride."
"Of course, Bella." Carlisle nodded understandingly. Then, he surprised me. He actually reached into my jacket pocket for me and to handed me my phone. Always the gentleman. I couldn't help thinking. Carlisle was the epitomy of a perfect gentleman. Men everywhere could really learn something from him.
"Thanks." I managed. Carlisle smiled at me fondly. Everything about him made me relax.
"You're more than welcome, Bella." Smiling fondly, he continued. "Go ahead and take care of your business. I'll be back in a few minutes to get you." With a beautifully nonchalant smile, Carlisle turned and exited the room with beautiful grace unlike any human I'd ever known.
Gathering my wits about me, I dialed the station. Charlie answered, of course. "Bells? Are ya ready to come home?" He asked, eagerly. I appreciated his enthusiasm. But, I knew I'd feel more comfortable with Carlisle driving me home. Carlisle wouldn't grill me about the beating and wouldn't try to convince me to leave. I knew he would be my best bet, right now.
"Hey, dad. Yeah, they said I can go home. But, um, Dr. Cullen offered to give me a ride home. Is that okay?" I asked hesitantly. I didn't expect Charlie to be enthusiastic about the prospect. But, I had hoped he would at least consider my perspective.
"Really? You want Dr. Cullen to drive ya home?" Charlie was suprised. I had expected that. But, I could see he was being reasonable. I appreciated that. I really wasn't up to an argument.
"Yeah. Dad, I mean...It's not that I don't want you to drive me home. But, I just thought this would be easier. I mean, this way, you don't have to make an extra trip and I can just meet you at home." I tried to reason with my dad. But, I didn't really know quite what to say to him. I didn't know how to convince him to let me have my way on this.
"Well...Okay...If you're sure it's what you want." Charlie was disappointed and I had expected that. But, logically, I'm sure he knew I'd be well protected with Carlisle. Sure, my dad knew Carlisle's son was a jerk-hell, I knew that. But, I think he knew that Carlisle wasn't like his son. He knew Carlisle would look after me. Afterall, even a vampire wouldn't want the wrath of the chief of police aimed at him, I'm sure.
"Thanks, dad." I smiled. I appreciated his being reasonable about this. And I was relieved to get a break from the arguments for me leaving Forks. There was no way I was going anywhere. I knew if I could buy myself some time, Charlie would realize that I really was safe. "Well, I'll see you at home, then."
"I love you, Bells!" My dad chimed in. I cherished the sentiment. It wasn't often that Charlie exposed himself like that and it meant a lot to me.
"I love you, too, dad! I'll see you later." I smiled when Carlisle entered the room once more as I hung up the phone. He returned the smile as he greeted me.
"We all set?" He asked cheerfully. I smiled as I nodded.
"Yeah. I just need to change and get my things and I'm good to go." I say smiling.
"If you'd like, I could have a nurse help you change. I'm sure it can't be easy to change clothes around broken ribs." Carlisle's mood instantly darkened upon speaking the last two words. I could tell it still pained him to know that his own son was responsible for doing this to me. And, not just his son. His eldest. Edward had been with Carlisle longer than any of the others. I knew it had to be killing him to learn what a monster Edward was. I only wished I could do something to end his pain the way he had mine. I only wanted to make him feel even just half as good as he made me feel.
"Carlisle, don't...Don't blame yourself. I told you...This isn't your fault. I don't blame you." I reassured him. I knew he believed me. But, I also knew he would need time to get past the guilt and the blame of not seeing the signs sooner. I just hoped I could help him through that process even in a just a small way. I figured it was the least I could do after the way he saved me.
"So...Carlisle's sending his long lost relatives to do his dirty work, is he?" Edward grinned maliciously. "Tisk, tisk, tisk. I would have thought that Carlisle would have more balls than that." He was so non-chalant, I wanted to kill him, then. Nobody insults my brother and gets away with it. "Well...I guess we can't all be right all the time, now can we?" He chuckled evilly and I nearly vomited once again.
"All right cut the bull shit." I spat. "You and I both know why we're here and we both know exactly what Carlisle wanted me to discuss with you." I sneered down my nose into his eyes. Something invisible in his eyes told me he was getting nervous. I love it. "You are a sorry, pathetic excuse for a man. Claiming to love a beautiful and wonderful woman, willing to end her human life to be with you for all eternity and you entertain yourself by beating the living hell out of her. You disgust me."
"It was all that bitch, Bella's, fault." His words were dripping with venom. It took every ounce of self-control I could ever muster to maintain my cool. "She just had to do one thing! Just one! Marry me! That was all she woulda had to do! Had she done that, none of this would have ever happened had she accepted my marriage proposal!" I was giving him just enough rope. And, he was hanging himself beautifully. "She could have had everything she ever wanted. I would have given her the absolute best of everything. But, she turned me down! Do you know how degrading that is?!"
"Oh, grow the fuck up, why don't you?!" My words were every bit as venomous as his and yet it never seemed like enough. "You're not the only man in the history of the planet to ever be rejected! That's no excuse for the hell you put that poor girl through!" Lashing out, I threw him the length of at least two football fields through the forest. I knew he'd be right back within a fraction of a second but, damn, it felt good. Even better, I knew he'd be angered with me which would only make it all the more satisfying to finally take him down.
"You bitch!" He lashed out, as well. But, he only threw me a fraction of the distance I threw him. I knew I could win this battle. I had him beat at every corner. Strength, maturity, wisdom...It was just a matter of time before he went down.
"You asked for this! You asked for it the moment your fist made contact with Bella's chest for the first time! I promise you. You will never hurt Bella-or my brother-ever again! You can be sure of that!" And with that, I vanished. I waited a few moments to let him think he'd won. I waited until I knew his guard was down. And, then, I struck.
Getting into the black Mercedez, I could tell Carlisle's mood hadn't lightened since we left my room. I felt horrible. I knew Carlisle blamed himself for what happened, and, I couldn't think of one thing to do to lift his spirits. As he got into the driver's seat, he turned the key in the ignition and the engine roared to life. Leaving the parking lot, my eyes were fixated on Carlisle's face. His eyes just stared blankly out the windshield. I couldn't read him and it frustrated me to no end. I needed some sign of what to do to lift his spirits.
Then, the sign I had been praying for rang out loud and clear to me. It was plain as day. Carlisle's body had finally relaxed and his right hand slid off the steering wheel and the arm attached to it came to rest on the divider between us. I stared at the hand for a brief moment, pondering my next move carefully. Then, I slowly reached out covered his hand with my own, smaller and more fragile one. It was a small gesture, but, it seemed to help. I saw a small smile tugging at his lips. He didn't do anything else in response, but, I knew my gesture had worked. I could tell Carlisle felt at least marginally better. That was enough for me.
The rest of the drive continued in a more comfortable silence. I removed my hand once. When I saw Carlisle's face fall, that was enough. I quickly replaced my hand over his and, in response, his smile also returned. It warmed me to the core to see Carlisle smile.
Of course, we pulled into my driveway all too soon. I saw Charlie's cruiser parked outside. However, I didn't see him waiting for me outside. But, I knew he was waiting. That much was a given. Carlisle killed the engine and exited the car. Now, my heart sank slightly when his hand left mine. But, my spirits lifted when he returned outside my door, holding it open for me. I smiled as he took my hand and carefully helped me out of the car.
"I appreciate your characteristic graciosuness about this whole mess, Bella. Truly, I do. And, I meant what I said, earlier. Edward will never hurt you again." Carlisle's face was serious as he spoke the words and I believed him. I knew he would never let that bastard lay another hand on me again. And, I felt comforted by that.
"It's nothing, Carlisle...Really." I rested a hand on his broad shoulder. "And, I know you meant that, Carlisle. That's why I feel so safe with you. I know you'll never let him touch me again. And, I can't even begin to express my gratitude for that." And, then, Carlisle really surprised me.
Careful not to hurt me any further, Carlisle gently pulled me close in a surprise hug. I hadn't expected it, but, it felt good. I liked being close to Carlisle. He was a good man. Regardless of whatever he had been told about being damned regardless of his choices. I knew in my heart, someone as pure and gentle as Carlisle could never possibly be damned. It just couldn't be possible. I raised my arms and returned the embrace.
Bella had always been unbelievably gracious about me and my family and our kind in general. But, she truly shocked me in her unconditional faith in me even after the cruelty she had endured at the hands of my son. Her resiliance through it all astounded me. I still couldn't escape my guilt. But, when her beautiful hand covered mine in the car, it was like the sun breaking through the clouds in the middle of a pouring rain storm. I finally saw a ray of hope in that one small action. And, I only felt better when it stayed there for the duration of the drive to her house. Having her small frame pressed so close to me only brightened the ray of hope she brought into my...existance. I never wanted to let her go. But, she had to Charlie to worry about. And, I had my own family. But, when her beautiful and graceful arms encircled me in response, I was on top of the world. I felt truly alive for the first time in centuries. All of my troubles just vanished in that one instant. God, she's hugging me! This feels incredible!
Reluctantly, I released her from my grasp as she released hers. We backed away from each other, just a few steps, and just stared into each other's eyes for a moment. Looking into her eyes, I felt I was being given a rare glimpse into her soul. I could tell she was broken but not entirely defeated. I knew she would heal and be even stronger than she was before. And, I'd be damned I let anything, anything, stand in the way of that healing. Which meant I would have to deal with my son, and, ultimately the rest of my family. I knew they wouldn't be happy with my solution to the problem of my son's abusive hand. But, I hoped they would understand. I hoped they would see reason when I explained to them what he had been up to. But, I can't think about that, now. I have to see to it that Bella gets inside to Charlie safely.
"Thanks for the ride, Carlisle. I really appreciate it." I smiled as I gazed up into his golden eyes. It was incredible how they were identical to his eyes and yet were so much softer when I gazed into them. In that moment, I knew he had been wrong. I believed some vampires still had souls. And, I knew that Carlisle had a beautiful one. He on the other hand had no soul. I wasn't convinced he ever really did. Even in life. "It was really thoughtful and sweet of you to do that."
"Well, after failing you in the past, I figured I owed you at least a safe trip home." Carlisle tried to smile, but, I could see his guilt was still gnawing at him. His eyes betrayed him. They told the true story.
"Carlisle, you have never failed me. You were always there to pick up the pieces and put me back together again. You were always the one I took refuge in afterwards. Just because you didn't know what he was really doing, doesn't mean that you failed me. I told you...He's a convincing liar. He'll make you believe anything he wants if given the chance. And, because you couldn't read my mind, you had no way of knowing. I also meant I said, earlier. I don't blame you, Carlisle. I never have and never will. So, don't blame yourself. You did nothing wrong. In fact, you're the hero of the story." I smiled when I saw a genuine smile forming on Carlisle's elegant face.
"Thank you, Bella. You're a remarkable woman." He stroked a stray lock of hair from my face. "I'm just sorry this had to go on this long." With another smile, he secured an arm around my shoulders as he escorted me to the door. I opened the front door and my eyes wandered back and forth between Carlisle and Charlie who was, of course, waiting for us at the door.
"Thanks for bringin her home, Carlisle. I really appreciate you lookin out for Bella, like this." Charlie was being sincere. I relaxed when he was so sincere with Carlisle.
"It's the least I could do, Charlie. I only wish this could have all been avoided in the first place." Carlisle's elegant golden orbs landed on me when he continued "Bella's a remarkable woman. She didn't deserve the cruelty my son bestowed upon her." And, then his stare returned to Charlie "And, I will deal with my son appropriately. This will never happen again."
"Would you like to discuss this inside?" Charlie wasn't being confrontational. He genuinely just wanted the whole nightmare to end. "I mean, I think it really oughtta be up to Bella how she wants to handle the situation."
"I really can't stay, Charlie. I appreciate the invitation, though." Carlisle flashed Charlie an elegant smile.
"Well, Bella...It's up to you...Do you wanna press charges?" Charlie asked me seriously. I shook my head in the negative.
"Not really, dad. I just wanna forget the whole thing ever happened. Dr. Cullen said he wouldn't let Edward hurt me again and I, personally, believe him." I waved my hand, dismissively. "I'd rather just let Dr. Cullen and his family deal with it, privately." I flashed Carlisle another smile, indicating that I had faith in him and whatever plan he and Maddelyne had concocted.
"Thank you, Bella. You're a very gracious woman." Carlisle inclined his head toward me before addressing Charlie again. "Well, I must be going. I'll see you both, later. Goodbye, Charlie." With another elegant smile, he addressed me one final time. "Goodbye, Bella."
"Bye, Dr. Cullen." I managed, quietly. Waving dazedly at Carlisle's retreating form. I watched him get into the Mercedez. I heard the engine roar to life as Carlisle drove away.
"Enough." I bellowed. I had had enough. It was time to take out the trash.
"I agree." He smiled evilly. Poor sap still thinks he's got a shot. I'd almost feel sorry for the poor bastard if I didn't know what he had done to get him here in the first place.
Then, I vanished again. I maneuvered silently through the bushes and postioned myself behind him. Any other time, I would have despised the idea of attacking someone from behind. It always seemed cowardly to me. But, here, I thought it was rather appropriate. Just like Bella, I wanted to make sure the bastard didn't know what hit him. When I had a clear shot, I lunged. Each hand had an arm firmly within their grasp at the shoulder. My legs wrapped around his like steel, locking him into place. He had nowhere to go. Nowhere to run. However, he must have read my thoughts.
"You really think you're gonna kill me?" He knew of my hatred toward violence. However, I was more than willing to make an exception in this case. This bastard had it coming.
I leaned in close and whispered in his ear. "Watch me." And with that, my hands jerked and his arms were gone. I knew I had to work quickly. Destroying a vampire single-handedly would not be an easy task. I knew I still had to burn the pieces. My legs jerked in a motion invisible to any human eye. Once his legs were gone, mine wrapped around his waist as my hands gripped his head firmly.
"Goodbye, nephew." I hissed in his ear just before I ripped his head from his body. I turned to build a quick bonfire and saw flames roaring to life right before my eyes. I then, saw Carlisle smiling a dark smile. He had already gathered the pieces and was burning them I ripped my nephew apart.
"Thanks, Carlisle." I thanked my brother with a firm handshake and a brief, familial embrace. I knew I might have failed in my mission without his assistance.
"Not at all. I should thank you." Carlisle bowed his head for a brief moment before continuing. "If not for you, my son could have killed Bella. I don't think I could have lived with myself knowing that I had created a monster eleven decades ago."
"Carlisle. This is not your fault." I tried to reassure my brother, but, I knew he would need time to put this whole mess behind him. And, even then, I knew he would never forget it, entirely. I just hoped it would eventually cease to plague him the way it was. "Right now, I think we need to focus on getting back and informing the rest of the family of what has happened."
Carlisle nodded once. "You're right." My brother then turned and proceeded to return to his car. I followed close behind. The enging roared to life and began the drive back to his home where his family had waited for us.
Moment of truth. I thought to myself. I only hoped that we could convince the others to see reason and help them to see my-now late-nephew for the monster that he truly was and hoped that they could find some way to forgive us for doing what had to be done. I didn't care about what they thought of me. I just couldn't stand the thought of my brother's own family abandoning him. I never could stand to see my brother hurt.
