Second update for today...

Chapter 26: A Day in Court

21st of January 2011

The weeks have flown by fast. Mrs. O'Conner has allowed Bella and me out of our classes ten minutes early each day, so that Bella can get around without other people getting in the way. Most people keep out of the way, but there are some, like Tanya and Mike that try and make things hard for Bella. I just hope that I can make it through the rest of the year without punching one of them. At this point, I don't think I will make it to the end of the month.

We just came home, and Bella is making a snack for us before we start on our homework.

"Root beer, or iced tea?" She asks as she gets into the fridge.

"Iced tea, please," I say. She nods and goes about her routine of making us each a sandwich and getting the drinks.

Knock Knock

"I will get that, you keep making the sandwiches," I say. I give her a wink as head for the door.

Knock Knock Knock

"Hold on, I'm coming," I yell irritated. I hate it when people keep pounding a door. I open the door and am surprised at who's standing there.

"Mrs. Cullen!" I run my hand through my hair. "Would you like to come in?" I ask, using the manners that have been bred into me since I was a small child.

Fuck, I'm not sure I'm ready for this.

"Yes, please, Edward," Esme answers looking right at me. I can see that she has been crying, and is looking rather run down.

"Who was at the door Edw—?" Bella cuts off as she sees Esme walking in. She gives me the 'are you okay' look. I nod and show Esme into the living room. "Would you like a tea or coffee, Mrs. Cullen?" Bella asks as Esme sits down.

"Yes, please, Isabella. Hot tea would be great, black, no sugar please."

Bella heads back into the kitchen and comes back almost right away with Esme's tea. Bella already had the kettle on for herself, so she just made it for Esme instead. Bella loves to relax after school with a cup of hot tea.

As she hands Esme the tea, she gives me another look. I can see she is asking me if I want her to stay or go. I motion for her to join me, and she moves to my side and sits with me. Esme is sitting across from us, and she takes on a sour look as Bella sits beside me.

"Isabella, I wish to speak to Edward alone. Please, can't you go upstairs or somewhere else?" Esme asks waving her hand in the air, as if she is brushing away some smoke.

Before Bella can answer, or move, I intercede. "With all due respect, Mrs. Cullen, I just asked Bella to join me. I want her to stay, and I would certainly be more comfortable with her beside me. Furthermore, in case it is lost on your perception, Bella is in a cast and can't just go somewhere," I state waving my hand mocking her. "And most importantly, this is her home; she will not leave to make things easier for you. Now, if you have something to say then say it in front of Bella, there are no secrets whatsoever between her and me." Bella clasps my hand and strokes the back of it as I speak to Esme.

"Okay, that's fine, Edward. I came here to bring you home, and we can talk more when we get there. Now, go and get your clothing, I will wait here." I look at her as if she's gone off her rocker, because right now, I think she has.

"What in the hell are you talking about? I am not going to your house with you—I live here!"

Esme takes a deep breath, and then she lets out a big sigh. "Look, Edward, I know that you and Rose are not ... were not dating, so you can come home now. You certainly can't stay here, shacking up with Isabella. You're both too young for that type of relationship, plus, you're both going college soon. It's not as if you're going to be with each other then," she says almost indignantly.

I laugh, literally out loud and right in her face at her absurdness. When I take note that no one but me finds this funny, I clear my throat and glance at Esme, who's clearly out of her fucking mind. "Look, Mrs. Cullen, with all due respect, not that I owe much to any of the Cullens right now. Our relationship is perfectly fine, and quite frankly, not one bit about it is your business. However, since you think it's your business, I will let you in on a few facts that you're clearly not aware of. First of all, I love her and I would marry her in a heartbeat, and she feels the same way about me. Second, we are going to the same college. Both of us have already been accepted, and we will be living together in a condo that I already have purchased. Third, if I were, as you call it, shacking up with Bella, it would be absolutely none of your or your family's concern. I am a legal adult, and Bella is of legal age to marry me with consent, which we would be granted immediately if, we so desire. Now, if this is why you came you may as well just go back to YOUR home, without me. You see, Mrs. Cullen, I'm already home."

"But you're too young. Please tell me that you are being safe? You don't need any, 'accidental surprises', ruining your life!" She actually uses the air quotes when she says the words accidental surprises.

"Just who are you and what have you done with the Esme Cullen I knew and loved? I mean, I knew you really changed, but I have never heard you be so rude to someone before. Not that it is any of your business whatsoever, but Bella and I are not having a sexual relationship. It's our choice to be in a romantic, not physical relationship. If ... no, when we do become sexually active, it will be by our choice. When that day comes, if Bella should get pregnant, it would not ruin my life, nor would it ruin hers. A child born from the love that Bella and I share could never ruin anything for us. A child would only make our love and life more complete, because our love and respect for each other outshines all the hatred and evil in the world. Now, as I said before, I am not going back with you, so if that's what you want, you might as well leave now. You need to understand that I will not allow you to sit here and belittle, or target this girl. She and her family are the only ones who have been here for me consistently, and unconditionally." I stand and motion to the door with my hand. "You're quite welcome to leave, alone. I will not allow your venom to harm her. She's as much a part of me as my own mind, heart, and soul."

"I filed for divorce; the stupid idiot thought that your dad and I had an affair." I sit back down beside Bella. "Before Edward started dating your Mom." I'm shocked by the few words that she just said. "That's what his problem has been these last few years," she sighs and rubs her face. "When Carlisle went to college, he met your dad in a bar and they became friends. Carlisle idolized your father, mainly because he was a bit older and he always had girls all over him. Anyway, I lived next door to Edward for years. We didn't hang out much, because he was like, ten years older than me. But, Edward always made time for me, more so as I got older. He knew what my home life was like."

I remember hearing the stories about Esme's father. He was a judge, and a raging alcoholic. He was very abusive toward both Esme and her mother.

"Anyway, they had known each other for three years when I started college. That's when I met your mother, Elizabeth. We shared a dorm room, and became friends. It was six months after school started, and I was working late. I was walking home when I felt as if I was being followed. I knew that Elizabeth had gone home for the weekend, so I called Edward to come and get me. I went in a bar close to where I was. The guy that was following me came in and was trying to get me to go with him. Edward came in the bar and punched his lights out, and Carlisle was with him. Carlisle held me while Edward dealt with the man. After a small brawl, Edward introduced Carlisle and me to each other. I found out that he was Elizabeth's brother, and we talked nonstop the rest of the night. He told me that Elizabeth had asked him to meet me, but he didn't want to meet a younger woman and now he wished he had. We started dating steadily from that day on. We had been dating for close to six months when my father came to my job and dragged me home. My mom had left him again and he was asking me where she was. I didn't know and I told him that, but he beat me badly that night. The only people who knew about it were Elizabeth and Edward." Esme stands and paces about a little; I can see she is trying to calm down. "Edward had heard the end of my father's ranting and came running in just as my father passed out drunk. He took me over to his home, and fixed me up. After that, I begged him to take me back to my dorm. I didn't want to be at Edward's; it was too close to my childhood home. Elizabeth helped me get changed into one of Edward's t-shirts; it was really big on me. Once I was cleaned up Edward and Elizabeth took me back to the dorms. I didn't want to be alone, and Elizabeth had to work so Edward agreed to stay with me. I was so scared. I made him lay with me, but he was above the covers. Carlisle came to see me that night, and saw us on the bed like that. He thought that I had sex with Edward. The next morning I knew nothing about him showing up, neither did Edward. Carlisle called me to say that he had to go away for a few weeks, and he would see me when he got back. We kept in touch through phone calls. By the time he came back, my wounds had healed. Edward had begun officially dating Elizabeth, so when Carlisle started acting funny we all thought that was the problem. Since Edward was eleven years older than Elizabeth, we figured that was what bothered Carlisle. I never told him about that night, not even a year later when I told him about my home life. By then Edward had enough power that he pretty much got my dad to stay away, far away from me. In Carlisle's mind we cheated, he told me that during an argument early this week. It looks to me like he has been taking his misplaced anger and jealousy out on you; he just can't see it yet. I'm so sorry that I stood by and let him. I have told him that he needs help, and that I want a divorce. Please come home, Edward? I have missed our talks, our special times, you were always so close to me," she says looking down as she was crying.

"Mrs. Cull…" I stop myself. "Auntie Esme, I love you. I was always a bit of a momma's boy, and that's why it was so hard for me when you turned your back on me." Esme starts to sob at this point, but I have to make it clear that it's going to take time. "It's going to take a lot of talking, and dealing through all of this to get us back on track. I don't think I will ever feel that close to you again, and I'm sorry for that. We can talk and try to mend this relationship best as we can. I really love you and want you in my life, but I'm staying here. Dr. Cullen has lot to work out, and me being there is going to make it harder for him. Maybe you should come to some of my therapy sessions with Peter; he could help us work to rebuild our relationship."

Esme nods at me. "I'm sorry for how I treated you, Edward, You, too Isabella. A part of me is jealous of how close you are, and the other is worried. I stood by Emmett and Alice, and watched as they both have had their hearts broken. I just don't want the same for you, Edward, not after everything you have been through," she says looking at Bella the whole time.

"Mrs. Cullen, please call me Bella. I really don't like being called Isabella. I love Edward with all my heart and I would rather die a horrific death than harm him in any way, shape, or form. As for Emmett's relationship, that was partially his own fault, as well as Rose's. The same goes for Alice and Jasper. I don't keep things from Edward unless there's a very good reason. Even then I know for a fact that he will be told soon. Edward does the same for me. When it's something that could hurt us we will wait until therapy, so we both have support. I love him, and I will work at keeping things good between us. I'm honest with him, and I always intend to be. I'm not going to let the best thing in my life get away from me," she says and I kiss her temple. Esme looks between us before nodding.

"I will call you soon, Edward, I hope you can forgive me." Esme moves to the door and leaves after thanking us for our time.

"It's a start," Bella says as she gets up.

"It is that," I say taking a deep breath. "I will talk to Peter on Monday about Esme coming alone first and then together the following week, if you don't mind?"

"Of course not," she smiles at me. I give her a chaste kiss, before we make our way to the kitchen to eat our sandwiches and do our homework.

1st of February

Rose's court case starts today. Bella and I are ready and have gone to meet everyone. Rose, her mom, Grandpa, and Martin are meeting us at Rose's. Ella, Lilly, and everyone else are meeting us at the courthouse. Cole has freely offered to be a co-counsel with the prosecutor. Cole has helped make the case rock solid. He was the one who got us ready for today. The prosecutor doesn't like him much, but knows that Cole is good at what he does.

We have just gotten to Rose's new apartment; they moved in last week. The apartment was fully furnished, so they only needed to move their clothing and personal items. It only took us three hours to help Rose and her mom move in.

"Thank God you are here," Rose says pulling us in and hugging us. Rose looks pretty scared and strung out.

"Rose, here I got some make up to help hide those dreadful dark circles under your eyes. I also grabbed you a different skirt to wear…" Rose's mom comes in holding a skirt and make up bag.

"Hello, Mrs. Hale, how are you today?" Bella asks in a sweet voice, as she moves toward to her.

"Hello, Mrs. Hale," I say moving over, too, taking the skirt and make up bag from her.

"Bella, Edward, it's so good of you to come. Rose, when are you going to meet a sweet boy like Edward here?" Mrs. Hale asks raising her eyebrows at Rose. It's clear that Rose is about to crack. She's going to lose it on her mother. Bella and I share a look, and I can tell from her facial expression we have the same idea.

"Rose, can you help me fix my hair please?" Bella asks as she moves in the direction of Rose's bedroom.

As soon as Bella got her question out, I was quick. "Mrs. Hale will you join me for a coffee?" I ask holding out my arm, as I move us to the kitchen.

"Oh no, she forgot the makeup bag, I'll just…" I take a hold of her before she can take it to Rose.

"Mrs. Hale, Rose has to keep the scars visible, it will help her case. The judge will need to see it, so will the jury. Cole went through all this with Rose last week. And she's still very beautiful, even showing the scars she carries."

Mrs. Hale smiles at me. "If I were younger, I would definitely be eating you up. Are you sure you're happy with Bella?" I try and not laugh, Rose has been telling us her mom sings my praises.

"I'm very happy with Bella. I love her very much, but if anything happens between us, you would be first on my list. I do have a thing for older women," I say giving her a wink. On cue Mrs. Hale blushes and hits my arm.

"I was talking about Rose," she says shaking her head. I was already aware she was talking about Rose, but chose to side step it like I'm about to do again.

"Mrs. Hale, Rose says that you took a typing course a few years back and you're pretty good?"

She smiles at me. "Oh yes, I did, I loved it."

I hand her the cup of tea I made her. "Well, you see, there's a secretary job opening at my company. It's thirty hours a week, and pays eleven dollars an hour. Of course, you would have benefits, and Mr. Jeeves would be willing to offer you the position on a trial basis of thirty days. Since you're new to working outside the home, try it for a month and see if you like it. If you do, then the job is yours to keep. What do you think?" I ask.

"You got me a job?" She asks, and I nod at her as she starts to cry. "Thank you, so much, Edward. Don't be worried in the least, I will not tell a soul about who you are." She grabs me and hugs me close.

"It was really Bella's idea; she and Mr. Jeeves were talking. He mentioned needing to hire someone, and Bella told him about you. She even showed him a copy of that resume that you did with her, that's why you don't need to do an interview."

She smiles and nods. "Yeah, she's a lovely girl, second only to my Rose. I'm so worried about this case, and I've been a bossy bitch to Rose."

I hand her a hanky, as she starts to cry again. "She knows you mean well," I say. On cue both Rose and Bella come out, and Rose looks calmer than before.

"Thank you, Bella for helping Rose, and for the help getting me a job." She hugs Bella, and Bella stiffens, but hugs her back. Rose places her hand on Bella's back and rubs, knowing this is hard for Bella.

"Okay, Mom, let Bella go. We need to leave." Rose takes her mom's arm, pulling her away from Bella. She mouths the word 'sorry' at Bella before turning to her mom.

"You look beautiful and I love you. I'm sorry I've been a bit of a bitch," Mrs. Hale says to Rose as they hold hands.

The car ride it quiet, everyone is waiting for us. Cole reminds us of our hand signal that he gave us. It's more so for Rose if it all becomes too much for her. Cole reassures her and tells her not to worry; we will all get through this.

"Case docket 72563D82, the State of Washington versus King, Smith, Taylor, and White, is called to court room number four. Court will start in fifteen minutes," the court clerk shouts.

The trial has been going for about ninety minutes; Rose is on the stand. Royce's lawyer is targeting her, trying to show her as a promiscuous lying tramp.

"Isn't it true that you lied to people, saying that you were dating Edward Cullen? And now you're telling us that you were dating Mr. King instead. You expect us just to believe your next story?" He has been going on and on about Rose, it's been like this for ten minutes now.

"Royce asked me not to say that we were dating. Emmett and his family kept calling. I didn't mean to lie about Edward, it just happened," Rose rushes out.

"Is that so Miss Hale? Can you tell the court what you were arrested for on the twenty-third of March 2010?"

"Objection your honor, Miss Hale is not the one on trial here. Her arrest should not be an issue," the District Attorney says, standing up as he speaks.

"Issues behind the arrest are important to help prove my client's case," Royce's attorney states.

"Miss Hale, please answer the question," the judge says.

"According to his piece of paper, I was arrested for sexual offenses," Rose answers hiding her face.

"Is it true that you and Mr. Cullen were arrested for having sexual intercourse in a public park?" He asks looking at me, as if I was the Mr. Cullen in question.

"Emmett and..." Rose is cut off by him.

"It is a yes or no question. Were you and Mr. Cullen arrested for having sexual intercourse in a public park?"

Rose sighs, and looks at her mom and says, "Yes."

"Miss Hale, isn't it true that you like it hard, sex for you is better when your partner of choice really gives it to you?"

"Objection!" Cole shouts, standing up.

"Mr. Pitt, I have told you before, this is not your case to plead. Please stop shouting objection and sit down," the judge looks right at Cole. Cole in turn smacks the side of the District Attorneys chair, waving his hand.

"Objection your honor, Miss Hale's sexual preferences are not important, nor are they on trial."

The judge looks to Royce's lawyer. "Your honor, I am trying to prove that Miss Hale was a willing party at this event of her own free will." The judge tells him to continue.

"Miss Hale, is it true that you went to Mr. King telling him that you had a fantasy about having sex with several guys at once?"

"Yes," Rose cries through her answer.

"Isn't it also true that you told him how you enjoy sex outside?"

"Yes," Rose sniffles.

"Isn't it true that you told him your favorite sex was hardcore, and role play?"

"Yes," Rose states again.

"Wasn't it just a role play situation that was happening in that alley that day?"

"No," Rose states.

"Now, Miss Hale, you have admitted that you like role play sex, hard, rough sex, and outdoor sex. You have also been caught in lies where you claimed to be the girlfriend of Mr. Cullen. Isn't it quite likely that you were a willing participant with Mr. King and his friends until Mr. Cullen came upon you in that alley?"

"I don't know how to answer that, no, but—" he cuts her off.

"Well, let's see here, Miss. Hale. You have always had a thing for Mr. Cullen, most would say obsessed. All of a sudden you have the opportunity to have him as your knight in shining armor. I think that you were playing the part, in hopes that he would comfort you. I contend that it was at this point that you cut yourself to add to the effect. Now, isn't this all true Miss Hale?" Rose shakes her head. "Come on Miss Hale, we already have proven that you like outdoor sex and that you lied about dating Mr. Cullen. Now be honest, isn't this really all about gaining more attention from Mr. Cullen," the fucker smirks at Rose.

"No, no, no. It didn't happen like that. I didn't want him to touch me. He cut my face. I am not lying about this," Rose breaks down as Royce's lawyer sits down smirking.

We break for lunch and all go to a nearby café. Rose is still pretty upset, but she's now done with the questioning. I fucking hate how the victim gets cross examined so harshly in court. Sometimes, it seems like the criminals have more rights than the victims. Cole is livid with our District Attorney for not being better and on his game. I hate all lawyers, well, all but Cole, that is.

When we get back I'm first up, they go through my questioning pretty fast, and Royce's lawyer keeps the whole thing to yes or no questions. Like everything is that simple, luckily the District Attorney re-questioned me and clarified my answers. Bella is now on the stand, and I'm ready to jump the divider and beat Royce's attorney down.

"Remember to answer only yes or no, there are no other answers that are acceptable," he tells Bella. Bella nods at him in understanding.

"Miss Swan, Miss Hale lied about dating Edward right?" He asks, still having that fucking cocky look on his face.

"No," Bella says looking right at him.

He is stunned for a moment. "What do you mean no? Both Miss Hale and Mr. Cullen testified that was the case. Are you saying that they lied on the stand?" I can see Cole smirking, and he covers his face as he let out a small snickering noise.

"No," Bella replies again.

"So then you just lied?" He asks as he turns away from looking at Bella to see Cole smirking and still hiding his chuckles.

"No," Bella says simply, rolling her eyes as if she is bored.

"Are you able to say anything else besides, no?" He asks clearly pissed at her.

"Yes," Bella starts looking at her nails as if she is contemplating her nail color.

"Well then, how can both answers be right then?" He asks, starting raise his voice.

Bella looks at him blankly.

"Well, what is it, does the cat have your tongue?"

"No," Bella says with a smile.

"Can you explain how you say that she did not lie, but yet she does?"

"Yes," again Bella just looks at him after her one word answer.

"Then tell us," Royce's lawyer states. Bella just sits there and smiles at him, at the same time that Cole is now seriously hiding his face behind a piece of paper. Cole is keeping the sounds in, but his face is a tell all of the humor he finds in the whole matter right now.

"Miss Swan, do you understand what he's asking ?" The judge asks her looking concerned.

"Yes," Bella again gives a one word answer.

"Miss Swan, can you tell the court why you are not answering the question?" The judge now turns right around facing only her. I look to Cole as I hear him whisper to the district attorney, "Observe this." I turn my attention back to the judge talking to Bella.

"You are free to answer me right now, please explain to me why you are not answering the questions Mr. King's attorney is presenting you with," the judge asks.

"Well, your honor, you see he said that I could only say yes or no. The questions he asked could not be correctly answered with the word yes or no. I refuse to perjure myself in a court of law, it was best I did not answer at all. I figured if I tried he would get mad and start yelling at me the way he did when he yelled at the others. He scares me," Bella says biting her lip, looking like a little girl.

"Okay, Miss. Swan, I understand why you didn't answer. I assure you that you can answer his questions completely from here on out. Okay?" The judge asks, as Cole smiles right at me. I realize this was Bella's plan all along. She made it so the judge would allow her to fully answer all the questions, without Royce's attorney interrupting or raising his voice at her.

"Objection," Royce's lawyer yells.

"What is it you are objecting to?" The judge asks.

"Miss Swan is no child, and with all due respect your honor, you cannot coddle her."

"Your objection is overruled, and you can sit down. Miss Swan will only be asked the questions that you yourself asked her, in your exact words. The court reporter please read back the original question, allowing Miss Swan to answer," the judge states.

"Miss. Swan, Miss. Hale lied about dating Edward, right?" The court reporter reads off her printout.

"No, she did not lie. She withheld the truth, but she was forced to do so. You see, Dr. Cullen and his son Emmett assumed that she was dating Edward. Therefore, they would constantly badger Rose and said things that were half true, and she had no correct way to answer. At first she was asked to lie and she did lie, but not with her words; it was more a lack of words. She never agreed that she was dating Edward, she agreed to other things. Like the trip to Chicago, they approached her and said I know you were in Chicago all summer, you were with Edward, I bet you had fun. Well, in that sentence two of the things were true and one was not, but much like the defendant's attorney did with me moments ago, they did to Rose, and only accepted a yes or no answer. So yes she was in Chicago and yes she had fun, but no she was not with Edward. I know this for certain, because he was there with me."

"Miss Swan did Rose lie?" the judge asks Bella.

"Yes, your honor, but at the same time I don't think she did. She only agreed with what Dr. Cullen said. Here is how I see it, your honor, if Cole over there said that he," she points at Royce's lawyer, "had an eight inch package in his pants, and I agreed, but in fact he only has a three inch package at best, does that make me a liar? I just agreed and gave the answer everyone wanted to hear. Does that mean that I lied? Of course it does, but only because I agreed with what someone said and was not willing to argue a point that was moot anyway."

"I understand, Miss Swan, thank you for your patience in this matter." The judge turns back to Royce's attorney. "Do you have further questions for this young lady?"

"Yes, your honor."

"I suggest that you keep your questioning in a normal tone, and don't cause me a reason to find you in contempt of court."

The lawyer taps his fingers, and then stands back up. "So, Miss Swan, after all of that about perceptions, how do you know that you did not misinterpret what happened between Miss Hale and Mr. King, since it was just role play that you and Mr. Cullen interrupted?"

Bella looked at Rose, and shook her head. "No one is that good of an actor. If she wanted to do something like that outside, then why not at one of the many warehouses that Mr. King's family owns. That would mean no interruptions apart from the security guards, who are paid by Mr. King and would have walked away. Not to mention the clothes she wore, nothing about what she had on said 'rip them I don't care'. She wouldn't have worn her favorite shirt, or jeans that would take a lot of work to remove. She would have had extra clothing with her to get home in. The cut to her face, even people that are into role play, knife and blood play don't usually cut the face of the person they are doing that with. Those actions are almost always covered by a contracted partnership between two people, and done in a safe and sterile environment. Edward and I arrived just as he was cutting her. At no time did Rose have a knife. There is a difference between role play and real, a difference between rough sex, and attempted gang rape. Also to completely answer your question, at no point when we got there did Mr. King, or any of his friends hold up their hands, or just say that she was willing. If they were willing and she wanted it, why did they run away?"

"You are not asking the questions, Miss. Swan. How do you know that you are not misinterpreting what you say you saw?"

"Nothing in their actions said that Rose agreed to the brutality we came upon in that alley. They all knew that I called the police, and yet none of them stayed to tell, what you say is, the truth. They ran; that sure doesn't seem innocent to me. Rose made it clear that she did not want what they were doing. She was scared and definitely not turned on."

The lawyer kept trying to reword it and get Bella to change her theory, but my girl is strong and kept turning the tables back on the prick. Finally, I heard the best thing he could say come from his mouth. "No more questions, your honor." Bella smiles and steps down. Rose hugs her as she comes over to sit back down with us. We are told to leave shortly after the state rests their case. We have to be back at nine am in the morning, first up to be on the stand is Royce.

11 February 2011

The trial is over and we just got a phone call saying that the jury is back with a verdict. They have taken six days to reach a verdict. Of course, they were excused for the weekend last Friday, but the jury reconvened Monday. We have been on pins and needles awaiting the ruling. We are all in the courtroom. I'm next to Bella with Rose sitting on her other side; she is holding Rose's hand. Mrs. Hale is on her other side holding her other hand. The guys are all sitting behind us. As the judge comes in and takes his seat, I put my arm around Bella placing my hand on Rose's shoulder to show my support.

"Will the foreman please rise," the judge orders. The woman at the far end stands up. "Have you reached a verdict?"

"Yes, your honor," she nods at him as she hands over a piece of paper to the court clerk. The clerk takes the paper to the judge who looks at it and hands it back to the clerk to return to the lady foreman.

"Mr. King, Mr. Smith, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. White, please stand," the judge orders. They all stand along with their attorney and the smirks they give make it seem as if they know they have gotten off. "In the case of the State of Washington versus King, Smith, Taylor, and White, what say you?" The judge asks.

"On the charge of sexual assault, we the jury find the defendants guilty. On the charge of attempted rape, we the jury find the defendants guilty." Rose starts to sob. "On the charge of assault with the intent to cause harm, we the jury find the defendants guilty. On the charge of possession of a weapon during a hate crime, we the jury find the defendants guilty."

By the time they have read out each charge, and given the verdict of guilty, Rose is sobbing. As she holds on to Bella, I hold them both. Rose's mom is also breaking down, Cole leaps over the railing between them and is holding onto her.

"I would like to thank the jury for their service to the court and state. You are now excused, we will reconvene on Monday the fourteenth of February for the sentencing hearing," states the judge. The jurors stand up and leave by the side door, I can see some of them are crying. "Mr. King, Mr. Smith, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. White, there will be a sentencing hearing held on the fourteenth."

"Your honor, my clients wish to have the sentencing issued by the court not the jury," says Royce's attorney.

"The court agrees to this matter, unless the district attorney has any objections," he states.

"No, your honor, the State is agreeable."

"So be it; I'm going to bring forth the sentencing now, unless there is a victim statement from Miss Hale that needs to be heard?" The judge asks. Rose is unable to answer verbally, but shakes her head as Bella hugs her close.

"Miss Hale has nothing to say, your honor," the District Attorney states.

"I see," the judge says. "In the matter of the State of Washington versus Mr. King, Mr. Smith, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. White, you have all been found guilty of the charges brought against you. On the count of sexual assault, you are each sentenced to ten years in state prison, a twenty thousand dollar fine with five years of probation at the end of the sentence. You will also all have to attend and pass a sexual offenders' class and be placed on the sexual offenders' registry for no less than five years after you're released from prison. On the charge of attempted rape, you're each given two years, a five thousand dollar fine with two years of probation and two years on the registry. On the charge of assault with intent to cause bodily injury, you are sentenced to one year in prison, with one year probation. On the charge of possession of a weapon during a hate crime, you are sentenced to ten years in prison, twenty thousand dollar fine and five years of probation. These sentences will be served in a maximum security Washington state prison and will be served consecutively. None of you will be eligible for parole for the term of less than fifteen years. All of the fines and the sexual assault classes must be completed in order to be eligible for parole. There will also be a no contact order in effect as of this day that will follow throughout the lifetime of Miss. Hale. Do not contact her; do not even consider having someone else contact her. I will personally see to it that you are all held responsible for the actions should you bring any to her. Bailiff, please remove the guilty parties from the courtroom and they are to be incarcerated immediately. Court is now adjourned," the judge says as he slams the gavel down.

We head back to Rose's apartment to have a quiet dinner there. Rose is pretty worn out after everything that happened these past two weeks with the court case. I'm just glad that not only was justice on her side, but they got put away for a long time. According to Cole, the judge's sister was a victim of rape and the person got let off due to lack of evidence. The rapist then raped her again and she killed herself. He was only nineteen at the time, but the judge always gives tougher punishments in cases like Rose's.

Rose fell asleep just as Bella and I are doing the dishes. Cole carries her into her room and Bella helps Mrs. Hale change her before we all leave for the night. It's still early, so Bella and I take a walk around the park.

"Mrs. Hale seems to think that now the case is over Rose will be better. She said that Rose has been crying in her sleep," Bella says in a small voice, shaking her head.

"I wish it were that easy, but we just need to help Mrs. Hale realize that Rose needs time. Has Rose said anything more to her about talking to someone about what happened?" I ask knowing that it's not a good chance that she has. Rose is a very private person and doesn't let people get too close to the real her.

Bella shakes her head. "No, I told her that there's a support group for victims of rape, but she refused to go saying that we stopped it before the rape, so she doesn't need to go." Bella sighs, "I may have done something bad." I turn to her, raising my eyebrows questioningly waiting for her to elaborate.

"Watch where you're going, you big fucker."

Bella stops and we both turn to a large group of guys across from us. I start walking, pulling Bella to where my car is hoping the argument with the guys does not get out of hand. I feel Bella pull my arm as she begins speaking again. "There was another group for victims who have gone through a bad experience such as kidnapping." I knew Bella was looking for something like this. "I kind of told her about wanting to go for myself. I kind of hinted to her that I didn't want you there, in case you would get upset." I know that she just made this up for Rose's sake, so I'm not upset at all. "It worked, she offered to come with me," she says smiling.

"Bella, you're such a mastermind, she freaked when she thought it was about her. But you found a way to help both of you at the same time. You're so smart and I love you so much. You really do amaze me baby, you not only found her help, but are willing to go with her to help her. In the process you're also helping yourself, too. I'm glad that you are going, and I'm so lucky to have you in my life. I will always be here for you if you need me. You know that, right?" I ask her, as she nods yes. I pull her in and kiss her fully on her mouth.

"Look asshole, I think you need to go home before you get hurt."

I look over my shoulder and see that a few guys are all going after some guy who appears to have been drinking. "I think we better go," I say. She nods and we go to her side of the car.

"You fucking prick, you're going to get it now," we hear as I open the door for Bella. I look at her because she's just standing there. She's not getting in, but looking at the group of guys.

"Oh shit, Edward, that's Emmett that those guys are yelling at." Bella points over to the group of guys. I turn and look just as one of the guys punches Emmett in the face. No matter what he has said or done in the past few months, he's still my brother in my mind. Emmett is about to get the shit beat out of him for the love of God and all that's holy!

I turn to Bella, as I head over to the group. "Please don't do anything stupid, or it will lead to me killing one of these guys," I beg her, as I run as fast as I can to where Emmett is.

A/N: So even with all Emmett and the other Cullens have done, he is still going to attempt to rescue him? Thoughts? What did you think of Esme's visit? Don't you love how Bella managed to outsmart the idiots in court? Love this Bella so much.