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Chapter 2

I heard Esme's car pull out of the driveway and a moment later the front door open and shut. Esme must want to get out of the house while Carlisle speaks with me. I expected him to climb the stairs and attend to my punishment immediately but here I sat forty five minutes after Esme went on an "errand" and Carlisle still had yet to confront me.

Did he forget about me? Part of me was hopeful he had but I also was driving myself crazy with imagining my punishment. Ok this is ridiculous, maybe I should say something.

I slowly opened my door so I could peer out into the hallway. I now realized the fearful thoughts and anticipation of my punishment had allowed me to misplace Carlisle's whereabouts in the house. I hadn't recalled hearing him climb the stairs or enter his study. He must still be downstairs.

I leaned my head further out of my doorway but could still not see the family room downstairs. In order to peer over the banister I would have to position myself a few feet down the hall.

I decided knowing where Carlisle was in the house would ease my nerves. Slowly and steadily I took a few steps outward, making sure to avoid any cracking floor boards. As I rested my hands on the smooth railing I scanned the lower level of the house but my grandfather was nowhere to be seen. As I turned back toward my room I instantly froze.

Carlisle stood just an arm lengths away with his arms crossed wearing an intense but calm facial expression. I had half expected him to be furious and aggressive but he was not. Instinctively I tucked my chin to my chest to avoid his gaze any longer.

"Edward" He spoke my name with his usual smooth caring voice but I sensed the disappointment in his tone. Rarely did he call me Edward as it was confusing for the entire family. When he did this I knew he was all business.

"Yes" I mumbled.

"I believe your grandmother asked you to stay in your room, did she not"?

"Um…yes she did but I…" I couldn't find the words that would explain why I couldn't wait in my room any longer.

"Very well, I expect you will obey her wishes and wait for me in your bedroom, I will be in shortly". His tone was calm and difficult for me to decipher. I immediately walked back into my room to wait for Carlisle's return.

Fifteen minutes later there was a knock on my door. His knock was out of courtesy as we both knew he would enter if I granted him access or not.

"Come in" I half mumbled while sitting up to the edge of my bed.

Carlisle opened my door but did not enter.

"Please come into my study son".

As I walked into Carlisle's study he was leaning on his desk, arms cross and looking directly at me. He motioned for me to sit across from him on the black leather couch. I sat still unable to meet his eyes. Suddenly I felt my body relax and the apprehension ease itself from my mind.

Carlisle's glanced toward the door with his brows crossed.

"JASPER, privacy please".

Realization hit me instantly. Of course, Jasper was home. My fear must have been a bit much for him.

"Your grandmother told me about your behavior this afternoon. Would you like to explain yourself"?

"I'm sorry". I mumble waiting for him to respond.

"Although you may regret your behavior, your apology is not an explanation EJ. I would like for you to tell me exactly what you said to your grandmother this afternoon".

Is he serious? No way can I repeat my language from this afternoon…..

"Umm…. I was angry at Alice for calling Esme and ratting me out and I kind of… swore at her. Carlisle I'm sick of everyone knowing exactly what I'm doing or thinking".

I drew out the last word so he understood my annoyance. Carlisle just stood there looking at me waiting for me to elaborate further. I took a deep breath and decided to get this over with. I averted my eyes while I told him what I knew he was waiting for.

"I called Alice a fucking pixie and told grandma to….. mind her own god damn business along with everyone else".

"And"?

"I also lied to all of you about staying at Quil's house tonight. I ugh …. was planning on going to a party on La Push beach".

"What were you planning on doing at this party EJ"?

"Well…..umm mostly just hang out". I wasn't sure how much Alice saw in her vision so if I didn't to dig myself in a larger hole I was planning on it.

Carlisle raised his eye brows at me as he was expecting more, letting me know Alice had seen everything.

"We also got Quil Jr's cousin to buy us a case of beer and a fifth of vodka…ugh it was suppose to make cliff jumping more thrilling".

Although he already knew what I had said he seemed a bit agitated by hearing it from my mouth. I too was starting to feel angry as I recalled my conversation with Esme earlier.

Again Carlisle's brows grew closer as he walked toward the door.

"JASPER…take Alice hunting, NOW"!

"To be clear EJ" Carlisle began. "You lied to us about staying at Mr. Uley's, you were planning on jumping off cliffs into the ocean in the middle of the night all while being severely intoxicated".

"Uh huh".

"I am very disappointed in your decisions EJ. Your lack of concern for yourself and others is shocking. I understand that you are frustrated with your father's and aunt's abilities which allow them to keep stricter tabs on your behavior, however at this moment I am thankful that Alice was able to intervene when she did. Not only is cliff diving in the dark dangerous but to do it while being intoxicated is absurd".

Carlisle was becoming angry and I could tell he was imagining what could have happened if Alice hadn't called Esme.

"It's not fair Carlisle! Teenagers make poor decisions all the time and they grow up to be healthy adults. The only difference is that I'm not allowed to make one stupid mistake".

"You are right son. Teenagers do make stupid mistakes all the time and I get to see them in my operating room on a daily basis. Some of them don't get to make it to the operating table and go directly to the morgue".

I sighed knowing that Carlisle was right and that I was acting reckless. The problem was, was that I didn't care. I wanted to be able to be my own person and make my own mistakes.

"EJ you are grounded for two weeks and will not leave the grounds of our estate unless escorted by a family member. No phone privileges or internet use. You will also see an increase in your chores during this time, in which I expect you to complete without hesitation".

"Are we clear"?

"Yes Sir". I can't believe I'm not over Carlisle's desk right now.

"Your parents will be home in two days. Although you will abide by my rules your parents will determine the extent of your punishment. I assume you expected to be over my knee or desk after your behavior this afternoon, am I correct"?

"Yea…..I did". I lowered my head thinking of the humiliation and pain it would cause.

"Although I fully intended to spank you after our conversation, I am now choosing not to. I know your father will be very angry with your behavior and complete that portion of your punishment. Let me be clear, that if in the future we are presented with a similar situation you will be receiving more than one punishment in that area. Do you understand me"?

"Yes, I understand…. Carlisle, I am so sorry for the way I spoke to Esme earlier".

"You also owe Esme and Alice an apology for your behavior this afternoon and you will call your parents this evening to explain yourself".

Ugh that was one conversation I was not looking forward too.

"Yes sir I plan on speaking to Esme when she gets home. I know my lack of respect and behavior was unacceptable and will apologize and will hope that she forgives me. But why do I have to apologize to Alice"?

Carlisle looked at me with a frustrated look.

"EJ you lied to our entire family. Your safety is extremely important to everyone and we are lucky that we have a family member with such an extraordinary gift. Alice looks for your future along with everyone else's to keep us safe. You owe her an apology for the way you spoke about her to Esme this afternoon and for creating such worry for her and Jasper. Although I understand your Aunts and Uncles at times seem like your siblings, you need to remember to show them with the same amount of respect you do for the other authority figures in your life, such as your grandmother and I".

I hadn't thought about how my behavior would worry Alice and Jasper, I guess I do owe them an apology. But is he serious about them being my authority figures…. I don't have to listen to them do I?

"I understand now, I shouldn't have worried Alice and Jasper and the way I spoke about her earlier was uncalled for. I know Jasper's emotions must have been very difficult for him to manage. But grandpa, what do you mean authority figures, don't you think I have enough of those already"?

He was growing agitated by my questions and I could tell with his quick response.

"Your aunts and uncles may look closer to your age but you will respect them and follow their rules and punishments when your parents or your grandmother and I are not around, understand".

Damn it!

Yes I understand.