DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight, and all the characters.
Warning: Discipline Fiction
Point of View: This chapter starts with Bella, and then Carlisle takes control.
Nightlife IV - Classes, or not
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Edward and I found a nice private place in the basement where we could do our homework using our full abilities. We raced through our assignments, and completed the readings at ultra speed, and we managed to finish everything we needed in the half hour we had before class. Edward could escape Carlisle's scrutiny if he missed an assignment, but he did not have a nightly appointment with Dad. I groaned loudly as I looked at one of my assignments, and noticed Edward peering over my shoulder." Why won't this bloody ink run faster? It is such a pain having to write so slowly. I am nearly going at the speed of a human, and look at this paper. My handwriting is only a little better than when I was human." I glanced at Edward's assignment and noticed his was the same.
Edward chuckled as he studied his own and admitted, "It is unfortunate that we can't turn these in with pencil." With a glance at his watch he mentioned, "Mack's class starts in ten, we should head there shortly." I motioned for him to start packing, as I was nearly completed. I finished my assignment, and we rushed to class at a brisk pace. We did well above the average human speed, but not fast enough to draw notice.
The door had not yet closed, so we made it. We get a free period if the doors close, but that is not something I recommend. I walked in first, and then Edward. A group of students at the back of the room erupted into laughter and people stared at Edward while screaming, "The Flash!" Another student called out, "no way that's the flash, look how late he is!" The group laughed, and motioned to a couple of seats by them. It was then that I recognized Lindsey as she waved to us and called out, "we have it all on video! Flash, you are a YouTube sensation!" She held out her iPod and said, "ten thousand hits so far!"
My phone rang, and alerted me to a text message from Alice. I muttered quietly, "If this is her warning, her timing sucks." I opened the text to read, but Mack stopped me. I apologized quickly, and Edward and I headed to our seats without looking at what Alice wanted to say. I'll have to use discretion and check on that later.
Mack glared at Edward and me, as we dared to interrupt the start of his class with our antics. I sent out my shield and mentally muttered to Edward, 'What's with that guy anyhow? He should have retired ages ago.' Edward grinned to me so I added, 'He looks like a fat Colonel Sanders, think there is a relation?' Oddly, he did look a lot like him, except that his hair was shoulder length and his face cleanly shaven.
Mack stood at the front of class and mentioned, "I hope you have all studied for this midterm. It will separate those of you who are serious, from the ones that aren't." Yeah, I heard this a million times before. Carlisle quizzed me on the subject last week, and I know the material inside out. This was the first test I did not need to study the night before, and that was refreshing. I was actually eager to take it! Mack pulled out a small red book that we needed to buy, but I didn't see it anywhere on the syllabus. Edward glanced at me questioningly. We both turned our attention back to Mack while he spoke on the relevant information inside the book.
"We didn't cover that book," I mentioned as panic began to settle in. Mack explained that it was on the syllabus, and I pulled mine out to stare at it. There is no way Carlisle would have missed it too! I glanced back at Mack, and with a shake of my head mentioned, "Mack, it is not written on my syllabus." I held it out so the professor could see for himself. For some reason other students found this amusing, and some of them even made derogatory remarks. Mack glanced at my syllabus, and motioned with his stubby finger at a smudge mark. He then motioned to another smudge at the bottom of the page. My eyes widened in horror as I stared at it, "but that is not fair! That looked like an ink smudge, how was I supposed to know?"
Mack took in a deep breath as he mentioned, "I spoke of it in class during the review. Were you not paying attention?" I likely would have blushed if I was human, but instead I offered him a bashful smile. I nibbled at my lip and thanked the man. Mack returned to the front of the class as I looked at Edward in panic. He ignored me while he borrowed another's book and flipped through the pages reading it at ultra speed. There is no way he studied it all, but I still envied him. I laid my head on the desk and groaned in agony, as I imagined failing yet another course.
Edward nudged me as he said in a tone below human hearing, "Bella, do not worry about it. Open your shield to me, and ask me any question you need. You are the only one who can hear me, so we'll be fine." Suddenly things no longer looked so bleak. I opened my shield to him and enquired of our being caught. He shook his head. My phone rang again, and I moved to get it when Mack demanded that I turn it off or receive a zero on my test. He made this request of everyone, and I gazed wearily to my phone. What is Alice trying to tell us? If she is warning about the Flash, then she is excessively late.
Mack walked around the class, and handed out the tests. I completed every question that I could, and realized there were only sixteen left that I was unable to answer. I stared at them, and calculated what I could expect for a grade if I ignored those questions. I sucked in my breath as I realized the best mark I could obtain was a seventy, and that was too close to the sixty-five that I needed. I expanded my shield and mentally asked Edward the first question. He quickly supplied me with the answer, and I went to work writing it down in my own words. Now why had we not thought of this before? Edward was right, as this is foolproof!
Carlisle PoV
I walked briskly to class, and made it in plenty of time. I looked forward to this course, as it fulfilled my second language credit. I could have opted out of the requirement by proving my fluency in Spanish, German, French, Italian, latin or any of the others I already know. However, the University offered courses on First Nations Languages and I found this too fascinating to pass up. I sat down at my usual spot, and pulled out my books in preparation. I did not have long to wait, as the doors closed and the professor began the lecture. He introduced us to a new symbol, and asked us to go through our text and find the various uses for it.
Eagerly I opened my book when I noticed the slight vibration from my phone alerting me to a text. I glanced curiously around the room, and noted that the professor was at the back before I quickly pulled out the phone and read the message. It was from Alice.
'Ed Bel in class. No answer. Trouble. Get Edward out. Pictures. Exposure. Hide him.'
I sent Alice another text asking for clarification. She sent me one to check my e-mail. I gathered my things and placed them into the briefcase, while my e-mail slowly loaded. Eventually I received the one from my pixie, and it was a link to a YouTube video. I clicked on it, and eyed it carefully as I watched Edward hoist another youth on a flagpole. He did it with a tremendous amount of speed, but not entirely super human. I could easily see why they labeled him the flash. A low growl escaped as I continued to watch the antics of my son. The picture was grainy, and very dark. A camera phone must have taken the shot. Edward was safe for now, but if Alice is right, this will quickly change.
Unfortunately, my antics drew notice, and I suddenly realized the professor's attention was on me. I replaced the phone into my pocket, and grabbed my briefcase, "Professor Lacroix, I apologize for my rudeness, but an urgent matter has come up requiring my immediate attention." He motioned me to the front table where he placed his class material, and handed me the assignment for the day. I gratefully thanked him, put it into my briefcase, and headed briskly to the campus where Bella and Edward attend their classes.
Thankfully, Tuesdays and Thursdays have ninety-minute sessions, so that gave me the time I needed. I sent another text to Alice asking what classroom they were in, but she had no idea. I arrived at their campus, and ran to the administration building to get the required information. I knew the professor was 'Mack', and was able to give the course name. They punched that into the computer and gave me the building and room number I needed.
I had twenty minutes before class ended, and needed to find Edward before it became too late. I sent another text to Alice asking for details, and she informed me to grab him as he exited the classroom. She then sent me the oddest message, and suggested that I take my time and not arrive too early. I read that curiously, but Alice has never steered me wrong before.
I decided now was a good time to call Esme, although I knew she had school. The phone rang four times before she answered, "Carlisle, I thought you were in class?" I heard the sounds of my children and the other students making amused comments at hearing Esme's words. It was obvious that her class listened in.
"Esme, I need to speak with you about Edward. I need to discipline him, and I want your advice." She listened carefully as I continued to explain, "Edward is in danger of exposure. He and Bella attended some type of frat party, and he made a spectacle of himself. The students now refer to Edward as the Flash. I have e-mailed you a link of his video. It now has over 15,000 hits," I explained quietly to my wife.
Esme checked on the link from her computer, and gasped in horror as our son easily manhandled a larger man. Emmett's response was the loudest as he whooped and cheered for his brother. There was no amusement with the situation, but Emmett's retort certainly came close. Esme's voice filled with concern as she asked, "Carlisle, what are your plans?"
I wearily rubbed my eyebrows with my thumb and index finger. With a deep sigh I admitted, "Esme, I am growing tired. The irresponsibility and disobedience of our children is starting to overwhelm me. My thoughts are to remove him from school. Is this the right decision, or am I acting on my frustration. Esme, I need your advice."
"What would happen to Bella," Esme curiously enquired. I heard movement on her end, and realized she left the classroom.
I closed my eyes and leaned against the wall as I explained, "Bella can stay in school, and Edward will help out at the clinic. I cannot imagine that either of them will want this. I am essentially separating a mated pair, even for part of the day. This alone is harsh punishment." I explained to my wife, but we both already more than realized the pain this caused. I continued softly, "He is a qualified Doctor, and that would give the wolves more protection when I am not there."
"Carlisle, this will cause me problems," Esme quietly stated.
"With Emmett," I enquired curiously.
"Yes, Emmett, Rose, Alice, and Jasper would all become perturbed knowing Edward is free while they have to attend classes." Esme sighed in frustration, and then admitted, "But we have no choice. Edward must withdraw from his program. I can see why you suggested that, and I agree with you. We can discuss the others when you return," Esme kindly suggested.
"I appreciate your support. I love you Esme," I gently whispered into the phone, as I cradled it with both hands.
"I love you too Carlisle and you will always have my support," Esme passionately enthused.
The phone call to my wife helped to cement my plans. I hated to do this to my children, but I had little choice. I decided to enter the building, and I followed my childrens' scents. The classroom now stood thirty feet away from me, and I noticed a bench and candy machine against the wall.
I sat on the bench, and received an instant reminder of Esme's Sunday night administrations. The cushioned furniture proved no problem, but this certainly gave off reminders. I would not consider it painful, but it was noticeable. I leaned forward and placed my elbows on my knees as I thought of yet another class I managed to skip this week. I missed my computer lecture yesterday morning and my weekly computer lab in the afternoon. Now I am missing my languages course, and I have no idea how many others. I must attend my chemistry lab this afternoon, as I owe it to my partner.
While I sat there contemplating my situation, I began to pick up the soft sound of voices. They were too low for a human to detect, and at this distance, I had to strain to hear them. No, it was only one voice. Why was Edward talking to himself? I continued to listen and recalled a test the two had this morning. It was silent, and then he spoke again as he answered yet another question below the human range of hearing.
I took in a deep breath, as I had to ignore what I just learned, at least for now. I mentally scolded my son, 'Edward.' He gasped loudly at my reprimand. Did I just shock Edward? I surmised it was the strain of cheating which kept him unaware of me, as it is not normally possible to surprise him. His soft groan confirmed my suspicions. Mentally I informed him, 'No time to worry about that. You are in danger, and must hide. Alice informs me there are cameras and we cannot allow this. Edward, come to me. I am near the candy machine.'
I removed my trench coat, and pulled out a pair of my dark glasses from the briefcase. They are quite fashionable according to Alice, but my sons have their own taste. Today Edward had no choice. I heard as he rose from his desk, handed in the paper, and rushed out to meet me. I thrust my coat at him, and watched as he put it on. The coat hung to his knees, and I had to smirk as it looked like a little boy playing dress up with his Daddy's clothes. I then passed him my sunglasses, and mentally instructed, 'Pull up the hood, and tie it tightly to your head.'
I instructed him to face the wall while we waited for Bella, and we did not have long. She handed in her paper immediately, and rushed over to us with a worried expression. In a calm voice I explained, "Bella, continue to your next class. Edward is in danger of exposure, and I must get him to safety. Meet us back at the apartment at the usual time."
Bella glanced at the now hidden Edward, and then at me. My eyes were darker in pitch, and I noticed as she worriedly stared into them. She glanced at Edward once more, and then fearfully looked at me and pleaded, "Dad, please do not blame him. He was only trying to help."
Dealing with my children's transgression was no more preferable than the situation before us. I must don my professional mask and restrain myself, although I wished to resolve this conflict with my children. I inhaled deeply and calmly stated, "Bella, do as I have instructed. We will speak of these other matters at a later time." She attempted to interject with another argument when she stared into my eyes and watched as they grew all the darker.
Bella stared tensely at me, and nervously nibbled at her lower lip. She still did not move, and my patience was waning. My arms folded over my chest as I stared into her eyes and released a low guttural growl. She took a step back from me and anxiously stated, "Dad, I'm going!" Without another word, she walked hastily to her next class.
We could not escape, as the classes let out and the students milled around us. Mentally I commanded, 'Edward, the goal is for you to avoid the cameras. Press your forehead against that wall, and do not move. Scan the crowd with your gift to help me decide when it is safe for you to leave.'
Edward groaned at my command, but kept his head against the wall. I had to snigger as I heard him complain in a volume below human detection, "at least this is not a corner." I chuckled at that notion and he responded in an amused tone, "You don't fool me for a minute. I bet you looked for one."
Mentally I enthused, 'A corner would give even more cover for you, which is a great idea Edward.' The moan from my son caused me to grin. It was then that I heard someone approach us, and I immediately recognized the voice as Professor Mackael, "Carlisle Cullen, what brings you to this campus?"
I turned to face the man curiously, and wrinkled my brow as I admitted, "Professor Mackael, I am equally surprised to meet you here." I motioned to my son as I explained, "a family situation has brought me to this campus."
"Mack," he corrected me. At my confused expression he explained, "I have always been partial to nurses calling me Mack. That is what I go by on this campus." He glanced at Edward, and then back to me suspiciously. "Mr. Cullen, what are you trying to pull?" Mackael may not have heard it, but I most certainly detected Edward's subtle laughter.
This human had a unique gift as he can easily spot a fake, or in this case a suspicious situation. Aro would turn him just to attain that ability, but I found it rather inconvenient in my current predicament. I swallowed venom, and briefly glanced at my son. I returned my attention to Mackael and noticed as the throng of students began to thin. Edward folded his arms over his chest, and called out to gain my attention, "Dad, they are now in class and it is safe. May I turn around?"
Mackael raised his brows to me curiously, as I placed my hand on Edward's shoulder and gave him the permission he yearned for. Edward's slip made this somewhat more difficult to explain, as I now focussed my attention on Mackael. I pulled Edward to my side and explained, "I am years older than my other siblings, and have helped mom take care of them. She desperately needed my help after the boating accident. I took on the role of disciplinarian. Edward started calling me Dad after our first session, and the name has stuck. My mother handles such tasks when I am not around, or am unable to do so." I visibly swallowed, and ran a hand through my hair as I once more found it awkward to stand before this man.
Mackael scratched at his chin as he admitted, "That explains a lot." He laughed lightly, and glanced at Edward. He returned his attention to me as he admitted, "your mother knew how to get you in line, but you fought her every step of the way. I was curious about that, but this makes sense. It also explains why you had such a difficult time in the office, and I respect you even more for that, son. Keep up the good work."
Edward's eyes grew large as he stared at Mackael, and then he snapped his gaze at me as a wide grin broke out on his face. His fist moved to his mouth, and I could tell he desperately fought the laughter. I once again wished I could block his gift. Why did I send Bella away? I heard low chuckles, and in an inhumanly low tone Edward laughed, "Mom swatted you five times! Dad, wow ... you really must have pissed her off."
I attempted to ignore Edward, and offered the elder a warm smile as I stated, "I appreciate the kind words." I motioned to my son as I admitted, "I have a chemistry lab at noon that I cannot miss, and need to finish with the situation here." Mackael understood, and moved on to his next destination. I adjusted Edward's glasses to hide his face, and smirked at him while I admitted, "yes, my performance was lacking and Esme needed to correct for it." I set off at a brisk pace toward this campus' administration building.
Edward jogged beside me, and I could not resist the chuckle as I glanced down at my son. He looked humorous in that oversized coat, the hood, and those glasses. He pushed at the sleeve with one hand, while the other reached to his face and readjusted the glasses. Curiously, he enquired, "Dad, why are we going to the administration building?"
"You are dropping out of school," I stated, and had to stop moving as Edward came to an abrupt halt. My voice became stern as I spoke to him, "Edward, this is not a choice. You will do as instructed."
Edward shook his head at me and took a few steps back, "Dad, what about Bella? Do you want me to leave her alone? Dad, she needs me! I am not dropping out of school, there is no way!" He puffed out his chest, and folded his arms over it as he glared at me in challenge.
I closed my eyes, and pinched the bridge of my nose as I slowly counted to five. I now knew they were onyx black, as I snapped my gaze at my son. My voice deepened even lower, but not the tone I use for the coven leader, "You will obey." Edward faltered, but took another step back. I glanced around the hall and looked for different items. I glanced at the men's room, and envisioned hauling him into a handicapped stall, yanking down his pants, and going vamp on his backside. It would take less than ten seconds.
Edward's eyes widened fearfully at what he just saw, and carefully shook his head saying, "no, please, Dad. I will obey." Ever so carefully, he once more approached me and submitted, "I'll sign the forms." He glanced at me, and then at the bathroom door. He looked back at me and gulped before apologizing. "Dad, please do not do that. I am sorry, and I will do exactly what you tell me." He glanced at the bathroom door again and fearfully enquired at a very low volume, "Would you actually do something like that? At school, in public, and where so many can hear. Dad, did you mean it?"
I calmly placed a hand on his shoulder, and gazed sternly into his eyes. I blanked my mind and stared hard at my son. This lasted at least ten seconds. Finally, I broke the silence and calmly enquired, "Have you ever known me to renege on a promise?"
Edward's gulp was audible to the ears of mortals, as he failed to move. He stood frozen, staring into my onyx coloured eyes and then I heard him swallow. His breathing became rapid, which is a rather ironic response considering our bodies have no need of air. That reflex lingers from our human days. I continued to stare into his eyes as I released my hand from his shoulder. With a brisk pace, I continued toward the administration buildings. Edward stayed at my side, and within an hour, he successfully withdrew from his program.
I now had slightly less than half an hour before my chemistry lab, and briskly walked Edward back to the apartment. I pulled out my phone, and went to the site of the video and showed my son. In a calm voice I explained, "It is now up to twenty-five thousand hits. The Flash is famous, and fortunately, for you this video is not even recognizable enough for the likes of Aro. Edward, he will not destroy your gift. If you committed an act worthy of destruction, he would instead force both you and Bella into the Volturi to do his bidding. The student paper attempted to get your picture today, and who do you think will want it tomorrow?"
Edward grunted as I unlocked the door of the apartment, and let us in. He moved to the couch and sat down with his arms folded over his chest. Grumpily he enquired, "Why did I have to quit school? Dad, I did not have to quit, as I could have worn a disguise. Why so final?"
I held my hand out for the jacket, and he rose from the couch to remove the coat. He then returned it and looked up at me with a pleading expression. I offered him a small smile, and stated, "We have a lot to discuss. You and Bella have disappointed and angered me. Edward, I need a time out. This lab will allow me to calm down. Tonight we will return home, and Esme will join us for our discussion." Edward stared at me when I mentioned Esme, but I had no time to discuss that now. I put my jacket on and glanced at my watch. My gaze rose from my wrist to my son as I stared at him. My voice lowered and I firmly instructed, "Edward, do not leave this place."
I waited to receive his confirmation, and made my way to the lab. I walked briskly to the building, and did not slow once inside. I barely arrived before the doors closed, and I noticed how my lab partner's expression turned from relief to accusation. I swallowed guiltily, and set off to work. I greeted her with a nod, and quickly pulled out the necessary equipment we needed for the day. She had already started doing that, a task I normally handled while she retrieved last week's experiment.
She is an ultra focused student, and I greatly enjoy working with her. Any earlier distractions I had vanished as we concentrated on our assigned tasks. She quickly forgave my tardiness, and we completed our lab books while waiting for the results of this week's changes to our experiment. Everything went according to plan. We gained the instructor's attention, so he could give us the completion mark for this section. She returned the experiment to the locker, and I cleaned the equipment. I slightly used my abilities, but not enough to look super human. It allowed me to clean the equipment in the time most people use for a quick and sloppy job.
We completed our lab with an hour and a half to spare, and fondly wished one another well as we took off to our separate tasks. I returned to the apartment. I pulled out my laptop and began working on my computer project as Edward stared at me from across the table. He mostly sat in silence, and then would ask me a question as he attempted to hear my thoughts on the discussion planned for tonight. He was not content to sit and wait. I inhaled deeply, folded my arms on the table before me, and gazed at my son. I calmly informed him, "find something else to do. You already know when this discussion will take place, and I do not appreciate your efforts to pull information from my mind." I returned to my work.
Edward leaned against the table with his elbows, and rested his head in the palms of his hands as he moaned, "Dad, this isn't fair. You made me quit school, and I do not think that was necessary. Why do I have to wait until we get home before you will discuss it with me?"
I slid the laptop away from me in exasperation, and folded my arms over the table. I leaned slightly forward, but my back remained perfectly straight as I leveled my gaze at my son. I focused on my enunciation, as I did not wish to rush my words. In a calm tone I said, "Edward, you will control yourself, or stand in the corner. Make your decision now, or I will do so for you."
He glanced at his watch, and then at me as he adamantly shook his head. We both knew Bella would soon return, and I watched as he rose from the chair and promised me, "That is not necessary Dad. I will find a book to read, and wait for Bella." I gave him a small smile, and returned to my computer project. Edward kept to his word as he stopped pestering me for hints on what to expect tonight. Bella arrived shortly after, and then Alice. Our pixie assured us the passage was clear, and we ran back to our home.