JUST WHEN I THOUGHT MY WORLD WOULD END
Memories and dreams are in italics
Jasper's POV
Dad cleared his throat looking between Edward and I then asked, "What happened to Bella? She has bruising the shape of a fist on her face. Who hit her!"
"It was meant for Jasper, not her!" Edward exclaimed as if that made it better.
"If I had known she was behind me I would have just taken the punch. I side stepped out of the way before I realized and that put her in line with his fist." I said in a voice tight with emotion with tears welling in my eyes putting my head in my hands.
"I would never hurt, Bella! I wanted to rip you a new one! She was sitting practically on top of you. You were talking about a horse you bought her. You kissed her. Jasper, you're stealing my wife!" Edward started yelling at me only to be interrupted by Charlie.
"Get out of here! If I ever catch you anywhere near my daughter again this gun hanging on my hip won't be just be for show!" He growled out his warning.
"I'll be in the cafeteria. Let me know if there's a change!" He demanded as he stormed out. Charlie called the station telling them to arrest Edward for assault and battery.
I walked up to Charlie and said miserably, "I'm so sorry! If I had known…"
"Jasper, it wasn't your fault!" the next thing he said shocked me, "You are everything I ever hoped that my daughter would find in a man. I knew you two would eventually realize your feelings. I'm happy you found each other! She deserves a man like you!"
"Thank you, Sir!" I said then I noticed Esme edging toward the door.
Charlie stepped in front of door and growled at her, "You're not tipping him off!" Esme stepped back to Carlisle and sobbed into his chest. When Charlie got the call that they had arrested Edward he stepped out of the way. My parents quickly left the room undoubtedly to go see if they could bail Edward out. I sagged against a chair and then I realized that I wasn't alone.
I tossed my keys to Emmett, "Y'all can stay at the house while you are here. I have a feeling Mom and Dad will be too busy to take Alice for a while. She has a room set up there. Y'all look beat! Why don't you go get some rest?"
"Do you need anything?" Emmett asked.
"When you come back to the hospital can you bring my truck to me?" I asked.
"Sure thing! Hey Jaz? She's gona be alright!" Emmett said as they left.
Charlie called in to work to tell them he wouldn't be there and after promising to keep them updated hung up.
We sat in her room waiting for them to bring her back when Harry came in, "Hello, Charlie, Jasper! I hope you don't mind my being here. Jasper, I was there at your house feeding the horses when you ran out carrying Bella. I had to know if she was alright! I like to think if my daughter would have survived that she would have been just like Bella" Charlie nodded but couldn't speak.
"They aren't telling us much other than to wait and see, Harry! She won't wake up. I can't lose her!" I choked out.
Harry pulled a chair up beside me and laid a comforting hand on my shoulder and started to pray. I quietly bowed my head ashamed that we hadn't thought of prayer sooner. We prayed until they brought Bella back. The three of us moved back out of the way so they could get Bella situated on the bed and then went back to sitting at her bedside. She still seemed to be sleeping. The swelling in her face was worse than before.
"There is a great deal of swelling in her brain. We are going to keep the lights off, we are going to limit her visitors to two at a time, I want things as calm as possible in here. The less stimulation she has the better. We will do another scar tomorrow morning to keep an eye on the swelling. Charlie here's the medical records you asked for and my written statement for your report." said Dr. Call handing Charlie a file.
"Jasper, I'm going to see to this personally. If there is any change, please let me know!" Charlie said leaving me.
"Jasper, I know it's not much but I will feed Bella's Chickens while you all are here. If you need anything all you have to do is ask." Harry said before he left.
That left Dr Call and I standing there.
"What can I do? Is it ok to hold her hand? Or sing her favorite lullaby? What do I do?" I asked in a small voice that sounded even to me like a scared little boy.
"Jasper right now we want her brain to rest. Any sound or touch right now will cause her brain to try and process what it is. So right now just be there. If she gets agitated try holding her hand or singing her lullaby and press the call button. I know this is difficult." He said moving the recliner next to her bed for me. He squeezed my shoulder and then he was gone. I grabbed my sketch pad and pencils and settled into the recliner.
I started sketching Bella from memory at the Bluffs. I sketched her swinging from the rope after she had just turned loose. I remembered in vivid detail the sight that had burned into my brain that day. Her hair clip got stolen (by me) just as she swung out and her hair sprung free blowing in the gentle breeze wrapping around her shoulders. She was wearing a tiny little white bikini with a pair of cut-off jeans. The surprise of me stealing her clip still evident in her face and it was adorable. That day there were huge fluffy clouds in the baby blue sky and for a second it looked as though she was floating on one of them. My name had just been squealed from her lips and her eyes sparkled with mischief and she giggled "Pay backs a bitch Jaz!" I had laughed as she splashed into the clear blue pool below her. I was slightly disappointed that her tiny little white bikini top was too thick to be see through and silently cursed the manufacturer until I realized I wasn't the only one looking disappointed then I was grateful to them. She turn to me still threatening me. I grabbed the rope and swung down doing a cannon ball effectively splashing water all over her again. She dunked me under the water and tried to swim away but I wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her under with me. When we came up we stared at each other and there was a strange emotion that stirred within me. I was such a fool back then. I didn't realize that I loved her. I released her and she swam away. That was the day before she met Edward. I did realize that night that I wanted her and was going to find her when I saw her sitting with Edward. He beat me to asking her to be mine and so I had to deal with that fact that I waited too late.
I was snapped out of my memory by a stern nurse. She gave me the evil eye while she checked all of the monitors and tubes hooked up to Bella. I rose and followed her to the door.
"Ma'am, Is she doing alright?" I asked hopefully.
"About the same. She's Edward's wife right!" She clipped trying to remind me of who Bella 'belonged' to.
'well then, Nurse Ratchet! You must be the head of the Edward's fan club.' I wanted to say but Instead I said, "No ma'am! They are divorced, he's dating Dr. Cullen's intern now." I sniped back.
"Well, I hadn't heard that! So Edward is the ex that did this to her?" she was shocked as she walked away.
I probably should have told her the whole story be I wasn't going to chase her down. Besides I wanted to get back to Bella. I finished my sketch and turned the page.
What to sketch next. Oh I know! I started sketching Bella lying on the porch swing at her dad's with her knees bent and her feet in the air reading a book. I had gone over to sit in the chair beside her with my sketch pad. She had no idea I had sketched her. I sprinkled her face with freckles and added the detail of her braid. I recall she read Treasure Island aloud to me that day. I had closed my eyes and let her voice draw me into the story.
I continued to day dream until I fell asleep. I started dreaming of Bella and my talk. I was over the moon when she said she shared my feelings. Then the dream turned dark and ominous. This time Edward didn't knock he busted in and dragged Bella away. I chase him but it was as though I was running through quicksand and I couldn't catch him. I could here Bella's frightened voice screaming for me to help her but they had diappeared and I couldn't find them. I awoke in a panick and gasping for air. I scared the poor nurse's aid who was standing between Bella and I to death. I followed her to the door.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you. I was having a nightmare." I said.
"I shouldn't have been being nosey. I saw your sketch and wanted to see more. She is beautiful." She said motioning to Bella.
"Yes she is!" I replied. I looked at the clock and realized that the sun must be rising. I remember Bella saying once that sunrise was her favorite time of the day. I snapped a quick picture with my phone held behind the curtain then sat back down and started sketching again this time I pulled out my colored pencils and set to work on today's sunrise. By the time I had finished it Charlie popped in with a muffin and coffee.
"How is she?" He whispered
The same. She hasn't moved all night. I remember from all the camping trips she's a crazy sleeper that worries me." I whispered back.
"Has Dr. Call been in yet? He's out there." He whispered.
"Not yet." I whispered back.
As if on cue Dr. Call entered the room. He checked the monitors and then came to us. In a hushed tone he said, "I know I said we would do another scan this morning but there has been little if any change I am scheduling her for noon. No change isn't terrible news at least she isn't worse." before leaving. Charlie and I sat in silence he reading a book and I busy sketching memories of Bella.
I am currently sketching Bella riding an appaloosa gelding in a stream. The horse was pawing at the water and droplets of water where going everywhere. She had thrown her head back and was laughing. I smiled as the memory came flooding back. We were on a camping trip and it had been one that our dad's had leased a couple of horses. She fell in love with the brown horse with a white blanketed rump. She rode him bareback into the water. He began pawing at the water and splashing her. She giggled hystariccally but then laid down with her in the stream. She was waist deep in water still sitting on the horse. She tried to coax his to get up but he was content to lay there and splash in the water with his nose. She ruined her favorite white keds that day leading that horse out of the muddy stream. I had laughed so hard I cried. She was so mad at me for laughing at her.
At noon they came and got Bella to take here for her scans. They told us in would be at least a couple hours before she was back so Charlie insisted I go with him to eat.
"So, I noticed you sitting there grinning as you are drawing. What are you drawing that makes you so happy?" he asked me.
"I have been stetching a few memories that I have of Bella. . I have sketched her swinging from the rope at the Bluff's, riding that little appaloosa in a stream. You remember him, don't you?" I chuckled.
"Yep! He cost me a new pair of shoes but she still loved him." He grinned.
When we returned to the hospital we still had atleast a half hour before Bella woud be back so I showed Charlie tha sketches. We remanissed about the times we had with Bella. It helped to think of her in a different time and place, a time before Edward and all of the crap he pulled. We lapsed into scilence as they brought Bella back in.
Then Dr. Call came in and told us, "The swelling has reduced dramatically and so now there is just slight swelling in Bella's brain. We still won't know if there is any permanent damage until she wakes up. There are a few other tests I woud like to run tomorrow. She can have a few visitors now." Looking at me with a smile, "You may hold her hand and sing to her as much as you like now." Then to both of us, "I will be back to check on her in the morning." Charlie and I both spent the night this time.
Emmett and Rosalie visited at Alice's nap time. No one wanted Alice to see Bella like this because it would probably scare her. Emmett couldn't bare to look at Bella, tears welled in his eyes as he saw the swelling in her face and all of the monitors she was hooked up to. I knew the feeling. It still upset me to see her this way but She needed me to be strong and so here I am. I sat Emmett down in my chair that was positioned so that it was facing her just aimed away from her face and all the tubes and wires and sat in the widow sill.
It was so heart rending to see his reaction. He leaned forward to take her hand then rested his forehead on their joined hands and cried scilently. This huge former high school football jock was reduced to a weeping little boy. I had held it together for her all this time. If I watched this much longer I would be in the same boat as Emmett. I grabbed my sketch pad and started flipping through it. Then another memory can to the forefront of my mind.
"Jaz?" Bella was calling. I just wanted to be alone and wallow in my misery. When I hugged my mom goodbye she had told me to be good for Dad and that she would always love me although she couldn't be there for me. I knew right then that that was the last time I would see my mother and my sister.
"Jaz, please?" she called again still searching for me.
I reluctantly called, "Up here, Bells"
She climbed up in the ricketty treehouse we were told to stay out of and scooted over next to me. She wrapped her armms around my neck and I scooped her into my lap and wrapped mine around her. We cried together each of us knowing that Mom and Bree would never return. I remember humming her lullaby trying desparatly to comfort us both. We stayed in the treehouse all day until her dd came home. Charlie was watching me that night because dad had to work at the hospital. I rememer hearing her muffled sobs through the wall that night. I had crept into her room she met me half way to her bed and we crumpeled to the floor and we cried together sitting in her floor until we both fell asleep.
"Jaz, are you ok?" Rosalie ask me laying a hand on my shoulder.
"Yeah, just walking down memory lane. Some times it isn't pleasant." I said wiping the tears off me face.
"Can I get you anything?" Sha asked sitting beside my.
"No. Thanks though." I said softly.
"Hey, is that Bella's mural?" She asked taking my sketch pad.
"Sort of. I updated it. I put her and her new horse in it." I said.
"What a horse?" Emmett asked coming over to us.
"I bought her a horse. He will be here July 4th. I have seen pictures of him. Bella's going to love him." I mused.
"Are you not going to th 4th of July party?" Emmmett asked.
"We weren't. Edward was bringing a date so Bella was staying home. I had opted to take her with me to get him. That's what started this whole mess. Esme threw a fit and then Edward got mad. He started yelling at me over the phone so I hung up. I wish I had just listened to him. Maybe then she would be ok." I hung my head.
"Jasper," Charlie said sternly, "This is not your fault. You would never hurt her even if it means hurting yourself. Don't think I didn't notice that! She will kick your ass if you even try to take the blame."
I walked over and sunk into my chair and picked up Bella's hand, "She probably would."
Esme and Carlisle stepped meekly through the door, "How is she?" Esme whispered coming toward me. She gasp when she saw Bella, her hand flew to her mouth, "Oh my God!" tears filled her eyes. She stood frozen dad pulled her into his arms and held her while she fell apart. He guided her out of the room in to the hall.
Emmett and Rosalie left just before Alice woke up and Charlie got a call from the station that they either had to charge Edward or let him go. So he went to the station with my statement to charge my brother with assault. I was left alone with Bella. I sat holding her hand and talking ot her until Harry came in.
"How are you holding up?" He asked his voice laced with concern.
"Honestly, I can't think about it. I think if I did I would fall apart." I said.
"I see you trying to be there to comfort everyone and rallying around Bella and that is great but you need someone to lean on?"he asked.
I said, "Harry I'm fine. I will have me support system back when Bella wakes up. I'll be fine."
"Jasper, I'm here for you if you will let me be. I see that you are extremely careful about who you let your guard down with. Bella's the only person you trust fully. I suspect you have been hurt deeply in your young life by someone you trusted. If you need anything let me know." He said looking at me with eyes full of kindness.
"I appriciate that Harry! I'll keep that in mind." I said. He saw just as much as Bella did. I wanted to trust him and I did concider him a friend but I was afraid. The only two people I had trusted besides Bella was my mother and Lord knows that didn't turn out so great and dad. Dad meant well but I wasn't high on his priority list. He had the hospital, Esme and her priorities a,d then me. I just couldn't trust him to show up and be there when I needed him.
Harry POV (I just feel he has a little insight. )
"I know I'm gona have to earn your trust, Son." I said gently laying a hand on Jasper's shoulder. I sat quietly watching his inner turmoil. Form the first day I ever saw Jasper I could see that pain that he carried and admired the inner stregnth he possessed. I saw myself in him and I wanted to help him let go of his pain. I had heard years ago that the boy's mother had ran off with his little sister. I am sure that left a mark.
It bothered me that his father wasn't here with him. I was appalled that while his father was trying to help that other kid it seemed Jasper was left alone. I had come to care for Jasper and Bella as if they were my own. I never dreamed that I would ever feel that was again after I lost Sue and Leah.
He leaned in to her and softly started to hum the lullabye to Bella while cradling her hand. I had noticed him doing that yesterday too. When the stress was too much for him he would take her hand and began to sing or hum. I watched as he regained his composure and began calming down. It seemed he was drawing comfort and strength from her still.
I watched her and noticed that she seemed more peace with his touch. I saw the love in everything he did for her he was so mindful of her.
"I can't lose her!" he whispered miserably to me.
I laid my hand back on his shoulder and kept silent. I know form experience that when greif is the freshest words should be the fewest. I remember the phrases that made unset me the most. "It's in God's hands now" I knew it was in God's hands it did little to comfort me, then after Sue, my wife, had died they had said, "She's in a better place" I knew that too but it didn't make me feel better either because that place wasn't by my side. So I just offered support. I had already let him know I was here if he needed someone but I wnt going to push him.
I sat with him until visiting hours were over and then I had to leave. I turned to take one last look at the young man sitting vigil st his soul-mates bedside.
Jasper's POV
Charlie didn't make it back that evening. Apparently Edward had call his dad, a hot-shot lawyer. Aparently he made some derogitory remark to Esme and Dad just about can unglued. Charlie had a rough day of playing referee and had to be back at the station early in the morning to do it all again. I sat and watched Bella's chest rise and fall until I dosed off. I had nightmares all night long. Nurse Rachet as I had thought of her was still stern and gave me looks of diapproval any time she entered the room. I was gratful for the morning the nurse's aid brought me some coffee at the end of her shift.
"You look beat!" She said, "If you will recline that chair you will be more comfortable."
"Thanks! It's not that I am uncomfortable…" I started.
"It's the nightmares isn't it." She said symathetically.
"How…" I asked and again she interupted me.
"You twitch and grimace in your sleed. You break into a sweat and gasp for breath. I'm surprised you don't wake up shouting. I have woke you several times during your nightmares." She answered.
"What's with Nurse Ratchet? Is she a member of the Edward Cullen fan club?" I asked.
"She's the president actually. Although she knows what happened she "still just cm't believe a sweet guy like Edward would ever do anything like that". She thinks he was framed." She chuckled, "I'm back on tonight at 7. I'm Charlotte if you need any thing let me know. I know how hard it is to be in your shoes. Three years ago I almost lost my husband Peter. I'll see ya tonight. Hopefully Bella will be awake. I would love to meet her." She was barely out the door when Harry and Dr. Call came in.
"Good Morning Jasper! We are going to take her down and run another a series of tests this morning. She souldn't be gone but about a half hour. Harry and I sat making small talk. He had brought us breakfast, coffee, and orange juice from the diner. As we ate I told Harry about this morning. He chuckled. As we finished breakfast they brought Bella back. Her face was drawn and she was wearing a frown. The vein in her forhead that stood out when she was upset was bulging, she had a new IV site and there was blood on her gown. We stepped into the hall while the nurse changed her into a fresh gown.
My nerves frayed with every passing second. I could feel Harry's hand on my shoulder and heard him murmer, "Just breath, Jasper."
When we went back in Dr. Call said, "She woke up and called out for, 'Jaz' and seemed to be reaching for something. She ripped her IV out she was so agitated we had to sedate her. She should be awake in a few hours. Do you know what she was talking about?"
"She was looking for me?" I croaked miserably. She was upset and looking for me. Did she know I was here?
Harry replaced his hand on my shoulder supportively, "She woke up! That's a good sign!" and I clung to that statement.
Harry sat with us until supper time and then told me would come check on Bella in the morning. I walked him to the door and then came to sit at Bella's bedside holding her hand. I sat back down and held her hand and talked to her. When the nurse came in to reposition her I moved away from the bed. Bella began to breathe heavily and whimper.
"Is she in pain?" I asked anxiously.
"I'm sure her head hurts but we can't give her anything else." The nurse said.
"Jaz!" Bella whimpered.
That was all it took, I was in the bed beside her despite the look of disapproval from Nurse Ratchet.
"I'm here Bells! Shhh, Darlin'! I'm right here!" I said as I gently cradled her to me so tht her head was lying on my chest and then I sang her the lullaby that had calmed her when we were kids. Her breathing started returning to normal and she then she totally relaxed. The nurse looked amazed, "I never would have thought. That's what she did in the image lab when they had to sedate her only it escalated to her ripping her IV out and trying to sit up. You must be the Jaz she was trying to find."
"Yeah, I'm her Jaz!" I said as she slipped out of the room. I sang to Bella until I could tell she was sound asleep and then I gently laid her on her pillow and moved back to my chair. I was about to doze off when mom and dad came in. Mom saw Bella she began to sob as she sunk into a chair. It hurt to look at Bella, her nose had been broken during the fall and her eyes had swollen shut and purple, her bottom lip was busted and bruised badly and then there was the huge purple fist print over her left temple. It was the first time since her arrival at the hospital that I really looked at her injuries. I felt my heart shatter and tears rolled down my cheeks.
"I just don't believe it. Edward loves her he wouldn't hurt her on porpose. You have to know that Jaz! Don't be angry with…" She began.
"Don't you dare finish that sentence." I growled glaring at the woman that I consider my mother.
Dad smiled sadly and said, "She's had a rough night. Edward has called his father. She had to deal with Aro. He's causing problems. Charlie came in and charged Edward with assault and battery and told Edward if she died he would go down for murder. Esme is so worried about her." 'Yeah I thought that's why she spent all that time with Edward.' I wanted to say.
"How is she?" Esme asked.
"Don't worry! Edward will escape the murder wrap." I ground out not bothering to hide the pure disdain in my voice.
"That's not what she was meaning." Dad said.
"It seems to me that your priorities are a little screwed up. You spent all this time with him and he is the one who caused this. While she has been laying here all this time. You even let him sit at her bed side." I hissed keeping my voice down. There was a knock at the door and Aro poked his head in, "How's she doing?" he asked entering.
"Get out!" I hissed flying to the doorway..
"My son asked me to check on her!" Aro insisted trying to get around me but I didn't budge. I watched with a sense of satisfaction as his face paled at the sight of Bella. She looked so lifeless lying there sound asleep and I wasn't about to give anyone any piece of mind. Carlisle had obviously not been the nurses' station because he was just as panicky as everyone else. I backed Aro out of the room and told the nurses sitting at the nurse's station "This man is an attorney for her attacker. He is poking around trying to get information about her condition. He is not to be allowed in Bella's room and is not to be given any information. He is her ex-husband's father!" I said as I closed the door in his face. My parents had a look of shock on their face as I all but tossed the greasy slime ball out of Bella's room.
"It's best to keep things quiet, now! I told Charlie I would stay. You should probably go." I said angrily.
"Son, I…" My mom started.
"Esme! I can't do this right now! I need to hold it together and stay calm for her and I am a hairs breath from losing my cool with you right now. I'm not trying to be mean. I just feel like the only reason you are here is to gather information that will help Edward. I may be wrong but right now it's hard to be rational. I am pissed! I want to rip Edward apart! I am mad at myself for thinking of him as my little brother and not just beating the living shit out of him when he came at me at the farm. Bella wouldn't be lying there covered in bruises! You tell that piece of shit to stay off my land and away from Bella and me. Next time, I WILL put his sorry ass on the ground! I need you all to go, so I don't do anything else that I will regret later." I said as they quietly left. The sight on my mother in tears tugged at my heart a little but I just couldn't deal with her right now. After everyone had gone I sunk into the chair beside Bella's bed and fell asleep. I was awakened be soft streams of sunlight streaking muted through the curtains. Bella was restless so I began singing her lullaby again while holding her hand.
"Jaz?" Bella called out weakly.
"I'm here, Bells!" I said instantly coming to sit on the side of the bed.
"Good!" She said tugging at my shirt. I lay down beside her and she snuggled into my side laying her head on my chest, "Jaz, I can't open my eyes! What happened?" she trilled slightly panicked.
"They are swollen shut, Darlin'" I drawled.
"Oh." She said.
"What do you remember?" I asked hoping that she hadn't forgotten our talk.
"Who else is in here?" She asked.
"Just you and me." I replied.
"I remember you telling me that you loved me." She smiled and kissed my chest just above my heart, "I remember Edward at the door, he was angry, he tried to hit you but didn't and then I don't know." she said, "What happened, Jaz?"
"I didn't realize you were behind me. I stepped out of Edward's range. Bella, if I had known you were behind me I would have taken that punch but I didn't so instead of hitting me, he hit you. You fell back and hit your head so hard on the marble table by the door then your face hit the floor. Bells I'm so sorry!" my voice trembled I was fighting for the strength not to lose it until she took my hand and everything else melted away except my love for her.
"Edward did this," She said in a stronger voice, "Not you! How bad is it?"
"You had swelling in your brain, your face is badly bruised, your nose is broken, your eyes are swollen shut and purple, your bottom lip is busted. I'm so relieved that you are ok!" I said softly caressing her face careful not to touch any part that was bruised. "I need to let someone know you're awake."
"Just give me one more minute alone with you." She said raising up in an attempt to kiss me. I gently brushed my lips across her bruised lips as I pushed the button to call a nurse.
Nurse ratchet came in and asked, "Did you need something?"
"I was just letting you know that Bella is awake." I said.
"I'll get Dr. Call" She said practically ran out of the room.
I moved to the chair beside Bella's bed and called her dad, Harry, and out to the farm to let Emmett know not bothering to call mom and dad. Charlie said he was on his way and Emmett said he and Rosalie would come in the morning when Alice woke up.
Bella tugged on my hand, "Please come back to snuggle with me." She begged.
"Baby, it's not the best idea. No one really knows yet!" I started.
"Oh yes we do! You aren't fooling anyone! Get over there!" Charlie smiled as he walked to the other side of the bed and kissed his daughter's forehead. I sat on the edge of her bed and held her hand. She snuggled close to me as we waited for the doctor to come in. I filled Charlie in on Aro then I told him how I was less then forth coming with information with my parents. Bella was silent through my talk with Charlie until I was finished then she asked softly, "Jasper, this whole this has been blown out of porportion. Edward didn't mean to hurt me. I am not saying I forgive him for what he has done because he came after you but this is a family dispute. I'm not going to press charges."
"It was a family dispute, until you ended up in the hospital! You don't have to press charges because the DA has already done so with all the medical records and the pictures that the ER took. You don't even have to testify. I am also filing a restraining order to keep Aro and Edward away." Charlie said.
"No, Dad! If I am going to be with Jaz then eventually I will have to deal with Edward. He wasn't trying to hurt me. I am mad at him for going after Jaz but I have nothing to fear from him. I really don't think I have anything to fear from Aro either. He's pushy but he's not violent." I said.
"How kind of you to say so, Bella." Aro said walking in to the room handing a court order to Charlie. "This gives me the right to be here. She is after all a character witness."
I saw Charlie's jaw tighten as he seethed, "After the doctor gets here and sees her we will give you your 20 minutes."
"What do you think you're going to gain by having me testify?" Bella asked, "Edward was out of control and threw a punch at his brother."
"Possibly but did he come after you?" Aro asked.
"Edward didn't care who was in the way when he attacked Jasper. He may not have meant to hurt me but he did intend to hurt Jasper." She said shaking with rage.
"That was not the question my dear. You will have to be direct." He said.
Charlie stepped into the hall phone in hand and within five minutes the DA was also in the hospital room. The doctor wasn't pleased when he came in. "All lawyers present step into the hall," he thundered. The DA stepped out willingly but Aro shook his court order at the doctor, "Sue me! My primary responsibility is to ensure the health of my patient."
I watched as Aro dropped his head as stepped out. Bella was visibly rattled.
"Bella, I am Dr. Embry Call. What is the last thing you remember?" He said.
"I remember sitting on the couch with Jasper and then Edward banging on the door. Jasper answered it and side stepped as Edward threw a punch. Jasper filled me in on the rest." She said.
"How does your head feel?" he asked.
"Pretty good! I have a dull headache but I have had worse headaches before. Can I please sit up now? I am sick of looking at the ceiling!" She begged.
Dr Call responded by repositioning the bed so she was sitting, "Is that better?" he asked.
"Much! So when do I get to go home?" She asked.
"I will order another CT scan and then we'll see. Maybe tomorrow if everything looks good." Embry said. "I am postponing all talks with lawyers until after the CT. someone will be in to take you shortly. After the scan I will have them bring you a clear liquid tray. You may have small sips of water until then."
Ha! I thought. Dr. Call's orders trumped Aro's little piece of paper.
Sarah meekly came through the door, "A nurse is going to be taking you down to the imaging lab in a wheel chair if you can sit up. It will take about an hour."
"You are not to come near Bella again! Are we clear?" I growled sending her running from the room.
"Jaz please calm down! I'm ok! I will be back home tomorrow if all goes well." She said reaching for me. I sat on the bed with her and she leaned in close. I felt myself start to calm down just being near her. The fact was that without Bella I wasn't ok. She had this strange calming effect on me that could put me back together when I was falling apart. The nurse finally come in with the wheelchair and took her to have her CT scan done. I decided to go have a friendly chat with my brother. Charlie loaned me his truck but stayed in the room to wait for Bella.
On the drive over I sang Bella's lullabye softly to myself. It seemed to soothe my frayed nerves. By the time I arrived I was confident I could have a discussion with my brother.I checked in and was taken to a room with a table in it where Edward was already seated. I took another deep breath and reminded my self of what I came here to do.
"Are you aware that your father just badgered Bella about testifying for you? She needs to rest right now not have him in her face waving a court order around it isn't good for the swelling in her brain. She needs a calm atmosphere and with your dad skulking around, sneaking into her room every chance he gets she's not going to get the rest she needs to recover. I am telling you this because you can call off your viper if you care enough about Bella." I said.
"I will tell him to back off. How is she?" he asked sadly.
"She's awake. Her face is swollen and bruised and she has swelling in her brain. She woke up with a headache. You should also know that Bella is not pressing charges it's the DA. She won't have to testify unless you drag her in to it." I said.
"Thanks Jasper!" Edward said.
"I didn't do it for you!" I growled.
"I know." He replied.
"Also Edward, stay away from the farm and Bella." I said walking to the door.
"Jasper?" he asked.
I turned to look at him.
"Do you love her?" he asked me.
"More than life itself!" I said seeing his stricken face I left the room. I made it back to the hospital before Bella made it back to the room. Charlie seemed mystified.
"Jasper? What did you do while you were gone?" he asked.
"I had a chat with my brother and told him to call Aro off." I said.
"It worked. Edward called the DA and wanted to make a deal. Aro went running out of like a scared jackrabbit. Thank you!" He said.
"You're welcome! I hated that Bella was being hounded and I knew Edward was the only one who could stop it. I was banking on him still loving her enough to care about what this is doing to her." I said.
"You think he still loves her?" Charlie asked shocked.
"In his own way I think he does. That other girl means less to him then Bella does. Edward has always been spoiled. He does what he wants and then expects everyone else to understand. Mom always made excuses for him. He has never faced a consequence in his life until Bella left him and even then she tried to blame me for pushing Bells to divorce him." I said.
"I know my daughter well enough to know that she isn't pushed into anything she doesn't want." Charlie said, "Esme shouldn't have said that. I know you well enough to know better than that. I watched you stand aside and watch her marry someone else just to see her happy." He gave me a knowing look.
"Who told you?" I said suddenly ashamed.
"Jasper, you grew up at my house do you not think I would get to know you? You know, she would have left with you that day! She has loved you for years. She just didn't know how you felt. I wish you had of told her. He wasn't good for her. He seemed ok until the book deal and then he was jealous because she was bringing in more money than he did. He started picking fights so he could leave and stay out all night. She deserved better than him. She needs someone to be her equal. Not someone who would set impossibly high standards so they could tear her down." He said looking me straight in the eye.
"Charlie, I want to spend the rest of my life by her side showing her what a treasure she in. One day when she's ready I intend to hit one knee and ask her to make me the happiest man on the alive!" I said.
"The inks not even dry on the divorce papers and you're already talking about marrying your brother's wife?" Esme bellowed as she charged into the room.
"One day when all of this mess is behind us, yes I fully intend to marry her." I said.
"Where's your loyalty to your family?" she growled.
"Esme, that's enough! Go wait in the waiting room!" Dad said firmly, "Edward has pled guilty and will be in court for sentencing tomorrow. He wanted me to give this to you and Bella." handing me a letter.
"Ok." I said not really knowing what to say.
"Son, I'm sorry! It occurred to me this morning that I haven't once asked how you were doing. I have been so busy trying to keep Esme from losing it. You have always been so tough. Even as a child that I tend to forget that you need support too." Dad said.
"I always cried on Bella's shoulder to get me through all the crap as a kid. She is my strength. She was always there for me even when I wouldn't let her be there for me she still made it very clear to me that she was there for me." I said, "I know Esme needs you to support her right now so that's what you should do. I have Bella, Charlie, and Harry to be there for me and the worst is over. Bella is ok and that is everything to me! You go take care of mom!" I said.
"Jasper, do you have a minute?" Esme popped her head in.
"Yeah," I sighed as I went out into the hall!
"How's Bella? Did she wake up yet? Do they know what happened yet?" She asked.
"Mom, Bella is awake. You know what happened to her. Edward hit her." I said barely controlling my anger.
"What? Why? Why would he hit her?" She asked wide eyed with shock as if she were hearing this for the first time, "can I see her?"
I pushed the door opened and motioned for dad. When he came out she crumbled, "Carlisle, Edward did this." She sobbed.
"Dad what is going on? Why doesn't she remember?" I asked afraid for my mother.
"I think it's stress. I am going to take her home. Who has Alice?" Dad asked.
"Emmett and Rosalie have her and the house. They will watch her for now." I said.
I watched as dad steered mom on to the elevator and turned to see Bella being wheeled back to her room.
I waited patiently while the nurse got Bella in her room and back in bed. When the nurse finally left, I sat with Bella in her bed while Charlie sat in the chair. Bella giggled softly. I looked over to see Charlie's head droop and hear his breathing change to deep rhythmic breaths. I smiled. He was asleep.
"Wake him up and tell him to go home!" she said.
"Darlin' he wouldn't leave if I threw him out!" I said, "We've been worried about you."
"No need to worry now! I'm awake and done fine." She said, "You should go home too."
"You must have knocked a screw loose if you think for one second that I am leaving your side tonight!" I joked.
"Jasper from what I hear you have had a stressful day." She said, "You chased Aro away several times, your brother is pissed at you, and your mom and dad haven't exactly been there for you today, you have been worried about me. You should go get some rest."
"Bella! I'm staying! Are you tired?" I asked her.
"Not really. You have got to be exhausted." She said.
"I won't sleep well until we are both home. If it were me could you leave? I really just need to be near you." I said.
"Well, come here!" She said and opened her arms. I carefully slipped onto the bed with her and her arms wrapped about me. I wrapped her on my arms and laid back onto the bed and just let her hold me. She leaned her forehead into mine and kissed my nose.
"I already feel a little better just being in your arms!" She whispered.
"Good! I feel better too." I breathed.
She shifted carefully to lay my head on my chest soon she was asleep. I lay quietly watching her sleep. I must have fallen asleep because I started having a strange dream.
Bella and I were walking hand in hand in the south pasture visiting light heartedly as we often did. All of a sudden it turned in to a church. We entered a long hallway. It was nice with soft bright lights; it was pleasant we were happy and peaceful. We could feel the presents of God Almighty himself. I knew we must have died and this was the way to heaven but I was ok with that. I was peaceful and serene, the feeling that can only come from God. We got to a lobby of some sort and we walked to a door but it wouldn't open for me. God told me that this door wasn't for me yet. I looked around but could see no one. Bella however opened the door with ease and cheerfully walked through after telling me goodbye. It was then I realized I had walked her to heaven's door. I sunk my knees and wept, rocking trying to comfort myself. I was devastated. I noticed impressions in the carpet of huge hands and knees crawling toward me. At first I shy away from them and cry out to God to help me. The prints keep moving toward me. I finally realized the prints are Gods coming to comfort me.
I woke up gasping for air and tears streaming down my face. I opened my eyes to see Bella with concern etched in her features and Charlie standing at the side of the bed. "Jasper? What is it?" Bella asked.
I pulled her to me and held her close and buried my face into the hollow of her neck. 'It was a dream! Just a Dream! She's right here in your arms.' I thought.
"Jasper, of course I am right here!" Bella said putting her hand on my cheek, "it was just a nightmare! Jaz, Look at me please!"
I looked up at her and she had tears trickling down her cheeks, "Jaz what did you dream? You were weeping! Dad and I tried to wake you but couldn't. Please tell me! Baby I'm right here!"
I wiped my eyes and saw that it wasn't just Bella and Charlie who witnessed my breakdown. Dad was standing at the door looking stunned. I took a calming breath and asked Bella, "Can we talk about it later?"
"No! But everyone can give us an hour of privacy!" She said shooting a pointed look at her dad and my parents who instantly crept out of the room, "Ok we are alone."
"The swelling went down? You can see?" I said distracted from my nightmare.
"Yes I can see a little! Now tell me about your dream Jaz. It scared me to see you so …so…broken." She said sitting the bed up so we could talk.
"I dreamed you died." I rasped my breath catching with each word. I gasped for breath trying to hold it together, "That is the worst nightmare I have ever had, Bells!"
She pulled herself in to my lap and kissed me softly, "Jaz, I don't know what to say! I love you and I am here for you. I am fine just a little bruised up but I am ok."
I wrapped my arms loosely around her waist. We sat there holding each other while I absently hummed a lullaby. She understood that I just needed to hold her and allowed me that time without a word for most of the hour.
She asked shyly, "Uh, Jaz? I...um need held to the bathroom. Can you help me?"
I gently lifted her off of my lap and got off the bed and helped her stand. I gathered the IV line and brought the IV pole with us. I had Bella wrapped protectively in my arms. We made it to the bathroom and I helped her sit down and waited outside. I gathered her favorite PJs out of the overnight bag and when she was finished in the bathroom I helped her wash up and change. I had to dismantle the IV equipment to get her shirt on but it was well worth it to see her smile. She really wasn't thrilled at the prospect of getting in the bed so I sat her in the recliner and positioned everything around her. I also stripped her bed so it could be changed then sat in a chair beside her.
"Are you going to be in trouble for helping me to the bathroom and into the chair?" she asked me.
"No! The nurse put you in a chair yesterday to take you for your tests. They may not like it but seeing as how my dad works here I won't get much grief.
Dad knocked on the door and peeked in, "Jaz can I talk to you?"
"Yeah come on in!" I said.
"I wanted to see how you two were doing? I have kind of neglected to see you lately! It's easy to get caught up in work and stuff. Here lately I have been looking back and I see that I haven't been the best father." Dad said.
"Dad, you were dealing with a lot. Looking for Bree, mom running off, your work at the hospital you knew I had Bells and Charlie to be there for me. I'm fine!" I said in an attempt to comfort him.
"Seeing you this morning I froze! I felt terrible because I didn't know how to help. Bella and Charlie just knew exactly what to do. It occurred to me then that I left the emotional stuff to Charlie even when I was around. I'm not as close as I want to be with you. I'd like to change that if it's not too late." He said.
"Dad it's never too late. How about we go fishing in my pond after Bella is home and back on her feet. Then we can have a fish fry with mom, Alice, Bella, and Charlie!" I smiled.
"That sounds great! I saw Dr. Call this morning! He was very pleased with your scans Bells!" Dad said, "I have to go get Ally and then Esme and I are going to spend a quiet day at home. Call me if you need me!"
"Bye!" Bella and I said together.
After Dad left Harry showed up he went straight to Bella and knelt beside her and carefully pulled her into a hug. "I am so glad you are ok! When I saw you the other day I was terrified. I prayed for you all night. I would have been here sooner but I want to I feed your chickens and was going to gather the eggs but realized that the little Buff Orrington Hen was sitting on about seven the eggs. So I didn't disturb her since I remembered you talking about getting some more chicks. Are you letting her hatch those?" He smiled.
"She hasn't been sitting lately. I would love to hatch some eggs. Thank you for your prayers and being there for Jaz. I might get to go home today if all goes well." Bella said to him. I helped him to sit in the chair and sat on the edge of the bed. We visited for almost an hour when the nurse came in with Bella's breakfast.
"Jaz go get something to eat!" Bella said.
"Bells I want to wait till Dr. Call comes in." I protested.
"Did you eat at all yesterday evening?" Harry asked.
"I ate breakfast. Besides that Emmett hasn't brought my truck yet." I said feeling confident that I had just won the argument.
"You can borrow my truck and I'll stay with Bella." Harry said.
"That's ok I'll just wait." I said.
"JASPER WHITOCK! You will borrow that truck and get your ass to the diner. I am calling dad to see to it that you eat." Bella scolded.
"Ok, Ok! Fine I'll go!" I said taking the keys Harry was handing me and left the room to go to the diner to meet Charlie. I called in my order so it wouldn't take as long. When I pulled in to the parking lot Charlie was walking up to Harry's truck.
"Let's go have breakfast." I said glumly.
"Jasper you have to take care of yourself." He grinned, "I hear she threw a major fit at ya."
"In true Bella fashion." I grinned.
Bella's POV
It hurt seeing the dejected look on Jasper's face as I all but threw him out of my room. I called dad to go have breakfast with him so he would be sure to eat something.
"That boy was worried about you!" Harry said, "He loves you ya know!"
"Yeah! I know! I love him too!" I said, "Hey Harry? How much is Jaz spending on the horse he is buying for me."
"You will have to ask him that kiddo! I really don't know how much he paid." Harry said.
"Paid! As in he already bought him?" I stammered.
"Yeah, a buddy of mine was selling him. I introduced Jasper and they made a deal." He said, "Don't spoil his fun Kiddo! He couldn't stop smiling when he was telling me about how you were going to love him. He told me about Duce being your favorite and so he was super excited that Diesel acts just like him. It's going to make him happy to give you this horse and I am sure you are going to love him. Don't question him on how much he spent. Just tell him how much you love it and thank him. He was worried about your reaction."
"Harry, I don't need expensive gifts! Jaz is enough for me." I said.
"Bella, please don't give that poor boy a hard time. He knows that he is enough and that you don't expect gifts and that just makes him strive to find the absolute perfect gift for you. He told me that he wanted a horse worthy of a princess."
"Ok Harry, I won't give him a bad time! I will just focus on everything I love about the horse." I relented.
"Thank you!" He said.
The nurse came in and I had her help me back to bed after I ate. Then Harry and I visited another twenty minutes and Emmett and Rosalie came in.
"Where's Jaz?" Emmett asked.
"I kicked him out and made him go eat." I said as Jaz and Dad came in.
"I saw to it that he ate Bells." Dad chuckled as Jasper came over handing Harry his keys and expertly slid into the bed beside me and Harry and Dad slipped back out the door.
"Would you like some privacy?" Emmett chortled with his signature eye wiggle.
"Nah! When I get him home then I'll have all the privacy I need to have my wicked way with him!" I shot back and giggled as Emmett nearly choked. Luckily Dr. Call came in before Emmett recovered with release papers.
"You need rest Bells!" Jaz said giving me an exasperated because he knew the truth in my tone. I wanted him badly.
"Well Bella, I'm here to turn you loose. And Jasper is absolutely right! You should rest for a couple of days then take it easy for a week or so." He grinned as the nurse came in to remove me IV. I was visiting with Rosalie while the nurse pulled the IV out and all of a sudden Emmett was on the floor. The nurse rushed over to see if he was ok and waved an alcohol pad under his nose. Emmett sat up looking a little green. I was dying laughing.
"You're such a girl!" I crowed, "It's just a little blood Em. See look!"
"Keep it covered Bells! I don't want to see it!" Emmett groaned with his eyes squeezed shut tight.
The nurse chuckled and shook her head then turned back to me giving me my discharge instructions. Jasper wheeled me out to his truck and said in a goofy accent, "Your chariot awaits my Lady!" then he lifted me into his arms and sat me in the seat and buckled me in. I let him fuss over me. Emmett and Rosalie said that they would be back to the house around 6 pm and Rosalie was making Chicken Parmesan with angel-hair pasta and invited everyone over for dinner. It was half past ten in the morning now so that gave Jasper and I six and a half hours alone. He looked so stressed out still the first thing I want to do is get him to take a nap. Jasper carried my upstairs ignoring my protests that I was capable of walking then went back for my stuff. When he came back in he began putting things away.
"Jaz go take a nap! All of that can wait. You need to rest." I said.
"Bells right now there is too much to be done." He said avoiding looking at me. Something was wrong and I had a feeling it had to do with his dream this morning.
"Will you come lay down with me? I need to relax!" I said.
"Darlin' I just can't right now." He said staring out the window.
"Jaz, does this have anything to do with this morning?" I asked softly. I saw him stiffen but he still shared out the window. I carefully got off the bed and walked over to him and I slid my arms around his waist, "Jaz, can you tell me more about the dream?"
"No." came his strangled whispered, "Come on lets go lay down in your bed."
I let Jasper scoop me up and carry me to bed and pretended not to notice the tear streaks on his cheeks. He lay down next to me and I kissed his perfect lips with a little more enthusiasm that I should have.
"You need to rest!" he said pulling back tucking my head under his chin. Hum! A challenge! I think I will test his restraint! I thought with a smirk in to his neck.
"I feel your evil smile Isabella! It won't work!" Jasper chuckled.
Well crap! He knows me to well. Oh well just because he knows what's coming doesn't mean he's prepared for it. I turned my head slightly and placed a firm kiss on his throat followed by feather-lite kisses up and down his neck.
"Bella!" He groaned, "You need to stop! You are supposed to be resting. There will be plenty of time for that in a day or so. Trust me Darlin' when I say that I do want you, just not at the expense of your health." He said gently kissing my lips before turning me over so my back was against his chest. I could feel how successful I was as I bumped into his erection. I was still feeling naughty so I wiggled my ass against it. He groaned and stuffed a pillow between us and swatted my ass playfully.
"You are killin' me here darlin'! Here I am on strict orders to behave and let you rest and you decide to become a horny teenager." He murmured, "Why don't we try to take a nap?"
I snuggled in to his arms and tried to fall asleep.
