Chapter Twenty Nine: Trouble

Isabella

"So, you made Emmett go to work, but the two of you... "

"I'm the boss," Edward says with a sexy, arrogant smirk, then resumes fussing with my blankets, "I do what I want. Are you warm enough?"

"Yes, Sir," I answer with a giggle, and maybe slightly flushed cheeks, "It was just my feet that were cold. And you?" I reluctantly turn to ask Jasper, who's adjusting my pillows for the hundredth time this morning.

"I'm friends with the boss, so, so do I."

Yes you are... again... finally. "You win for best answer."

"Well, if it's a competition-" Edward starts.

"I'd lose," Jasper finishes for him. "We all know this. Can you let me have my moment?"

"I suppose letting you have one wouldn't kill me."

"You're both completely adorable." I smile at their exchange - and because the true winner here is me - and reach out to still them both. "And attentive."

"I have a lot of lost time to make up for," Jasper declares with a sweet, helpless smile, that then falls. "And answers that weren't the best. And moments that were even worse."

"So do I," Edward declares the same, but tops his helpless smile off with a sexy wink at me that could melt any living, breathing being on earth. Unless you're the living, breathing being that is my brother...

"She's only twenty two. No, you don't."

There's a knock at the door just then - thank God - and I yell an exuberant "Come in!" to whoever it is, and Riley appears in the doorway - bearing gifts, the unwrapped of which makes Edward's jaw twitch.

I squeeze his hand and reach for the teddy bear fireman with the other. "I'm pretty sure I should be thanking you, Riley, not accepting gifts."

"Well, you've already done the first, and the second is just-"

"Very cute. Thank you. And again for-"

"You're welcome," he says before I can say anything else. "So, how is our damsel today? Being well taken care of?"

"Exceptionally well," I smile, "The huddle is most attentive and focused."

"Good. I'm glad to hear it. And to see you smiling and looking so well."

"I have a lot to smile about."

"That I knew without asking."

It's Edward who squeezes my hand this time, before planting a tender kiss on it and settling himself into the chair beside my bed.

After a moment, I tear my eyes from him and focus my attention back on my visitor. "So, are you visiting more than one indebted damsel today?" I ask, nodding toward the large gift bag still in his hand. "I imagine your dedication to your job leaves you a string of them."

"I love my job, and no one should ever feel indebted to me for doing it. As for damsels, no, just you. And since I was, I was asked to deliver this."

He sets the bag on the bed, and even if I couldn't see a shoe box peeking out from between the tissue, I'd have known exactly who it was from.

"Why didn't she bring it herself?"

"She didn't think you'd accept it from her. Or a visit."

"But she thinks I'll accept it from you?"

"I think it was more of a hope, really."

"Well-"

"She loves you, Bella. And she misses you. And she's mortified by what happened last night. And what could have. And before... and she would tell you all of that, and probably a thousand other things, if you'd give her a chance to."

"But she sent you."

"I only walked a couple of feet on my messenger mission. She came the rest of the way."

"What?"

"She's right outside. In case."

"She is?"

"Yes. Wishing more than anything that she could be in."

"She can't accept what in means. And I can't-"

"She wasn't only mortified by what happened last night, Bella. I gave her a pretty detailed account of the events... she might surprise you, if, like I said, you gave her a chance to. Too."

I chew my lip, and look around the room. At each of their faces...

Faces of the men who are each responsible in some way for my being here. Alive and happy, and with a chance at that beautiful life that I know awaits me.

Because they all forgot about what they thought they knew... or felt... about each other.

And let themselves trust...

And be surprised. By something else. Something different. Something stronger. Something better.

What they all wanted to give me.

Something undeniable.

Because they denied me nothing, while giving each other a chance to give me everything.

I know that. And that Rose didn't deny me anything, either.

Not that she didn't want to...

Or try to...

Keep my dreams from coming true...

But she didn't. Because Edward didn't let her.

She didn't come between us. Because he didn't give her room to.

And even though she tried to push Jasper where she couldn't get, he was already trying to get there on his own.

Was.

Not is.

Not anymore.

And I've forgiven him for that. When he was. I've let it go, because I don't need to hold on to it.

I have everything I wanted in my grasp. Literally.

Edward is right here.

And letting Rose in... letting her give me something - whether it's a surprise or something I'd expect - can't take him from me. "She can come in. But it will be up to her whether or not she stays."

"We'll see about that second part," Edward says, gripping my hand a little tighter.

"And him," I add with a helpless shrug.

"I'll go let her know."

It's only seconds after Riley leaves the room that Rose rushes in - empty handed, except for Riley, because her sorrow is already here. Not just in the bag that sits in front of me... but in the space she leaves between us as she stops a few feet away from me.

"Thank you. I was so worried about you, I-"

"I'm okay. Better than, really."

"I see that. And I'm so glad."

"Are you?"

"Of course I am. I love you. No matter how you feel about me."

"You-"

"I never wanted to hurt you, Bella. It was not wanting someone else to that-"

"I can't really say the same thing." Well, maybe I haven't completely forgiven her.

"I know. But I understand why you wanted to. And why you did. And why you might still... " She looks at Riley and takes a deep breath, and then back at me. "But I swear I didn't-"

"Your life is yours, Rose. And who you want in it... I'd never want to hurt you for that. Well, unless-"

"I want you in it. More than anyone else. Just like they do." I watch her as she looks at Jasper, and then settles her eyes on Edward at my side, a small smile forming on her lips. Just before she crinkles her nose. "And unless would never happen, not if my life depended on it. That hasn't changed...

"But I'm trying to. I know you only always wanted better for me. For me to make better choices. Whether you meant it literally or not, to be more like you... "

"I didn't, Rose. I-"

"Wait. Let me say this, please." She takes a few steps closer, stopping just at the foot of my bed this time. "You are better, Bella. I know you're not perfect... and sometimes you're a downright unbearable little snot, but you're also unbearably lovable. You're a good person. Sweet - most of the time - and loving, and caring, and the most loyal person I've ever known.

"You know that the people you love are one big train wreck of imperfect. But you love them anyway. With your whole heart. The biggest, and most generous and beautiful heart a person could have.

"I want to be one of those people again, Bella. One of those people you think are worthy of you.

"I did what I did because I didn't think someone else was. And, I'll admit, because I was jealous... of how much you loved him anyway... which wasn't completely unlike you always had with me... and that's...

"I'm sorry. Sorry for myself that I didn't listen to you a long time ago, and give myself a chance at a better life. One with you in it. And sorry to you... both of you, because I refused to see or accept the one you saw for yourself. The only one you ever saw. That I-"

"Both of us?"

"Yes. Both of you. I was wrong. He's... Edward is a better man than I ever could have... well... he just is. And I should never have doubted that he or any man could be capable of being better when your heart was the prize. Only an idiot would pass that up. Or throw it away."

"Well, Alice isn't here to argue this, so... There are no idiots in my army, Rose."

"Does that mean I can't re-enlist?"

"No. It means you're forgiven."

"Oh, Bella! I swear I'll never-"

"Let's not make any promises right now, okay?"

"Okay. But I mean it."

"Well, I'm kind of all about actions these days... so let's just-" I stop short as she steps around the bed and stops just in front of Edward, who hasn't moved from his post at my side.

"Truce?" she asks him, her hand extended.

"You don't have to actually touch me, Rose. You know, since there are no ten foot poles around."

She smirks and then clears her throat before she responds. "Well, it's this or a hug. You know... since I heard about what you did. And didn't do."

He looks at me, and I let go of his hand with a smile. "I guess you need this. You know... considering the alternative."

"I wasn't considering it," he declares, and stands, his expression hardening as he turns to Rose. "I'll agree to a truce as long as it's in Isabella's best interest, but if you-"

"I won't."

"You better not." He gives her a warning glare, but shakes her hand, though I don't think he trusts her for a second. And she knows it. And grips his hand harder just as he starts to pull it away.

"I said I won't. And just so you know, Edward... if you ever hurt her... I'll rip your newly discovered heart right out of your chest and feed it to Jasper's stupid snake."

"Rose... " I start to warn, but Edward pulls free of her and is back by my side instantly, silencing me with a sweet kiss to my cheek.

"It's okay, sweetheart. She should feel that way. But I'll quite enjoy knowing that Aro's only sustenance will come from mice. Though I must admit I feel a little sorry for him... because that's a miserable and unfulfilled existence."

"Poor, stupid snake," I muse, unable to keep the smile from my lips.

Jasper's sudden groan is the only indicator that he was still here, having been silent since Rose arrived. "Where's Alice when I actually want her?"

"You want her?" I ask, my smile growing even wider.

"What? No... just her support. She likes my snake."

"She does?"

"Said he was cool as shit."

"Interesting." Very, very interesting...

"Or weird," Rose says, pulling my attention back to her. "Bella, don't you want to open your present?"

"You didn't have to get me a present, Rose. You could have come with nothing."

"I didn't buy it today. Well, I exchanged it today, but that's just because the one I'd bought before was wrong. And bitchy."

"Before? And bitchy?"

"Yeah. Before you were here. It wasn't a 'get well' present... I was mad, and hurt, and wanted to... well, I'd bought you this really awful pair of boots. They were kind of like combat boots, but really hideous ones, not cool like soldiers', or designer or anything. They were waterproof... with steel toes... the color of muck... the ugliest things I'd ever seen. And that was why I bought them.

"I was going to give them to you with a wish for a happy life, fully believing you wouldn't have one. That you couldn't possibly with him... They were supposed to represent what you would have... something ugly, and hard, and what you'd need to survive it - which I also didn't think you would. And they were big. Much too big for you. Men's boots... that a little girl had no business trying to-"

"I get it, Rose."

"I just wanted to be honest with you. Now, I mean. About what I did, or wanted to do before. It was bitchy and stupid and childish... and I'm sorry I ever did it. I took them back... this morning, and got you something else. Something for you. Something perfect. And for the right reasons. Because I want you to have something beautiful. Like your future."

Edward and Jasper are both shaking their heads. Because of the first part...

But I'm me, and am more interested in what came after it. And what she wants me to have. Since I'm being forgiving and all...

So I pull the shoe box out of the bag. "These better be good, bitch." And crumple up the tissue paper and throw it at her.

"I promise they are," she laughs, and then waits with held breath while I pull the lid off of the box.

And squeal.

Because they are perfect. And beautiful. And I love them!

With their high, sexy heels, black flowered lace, and sweet, sassy bows...

"Thank you. I love them."

"Good. I knew they were you the moment I saw them. And all you really needed to get through that life you have waiting... because they'd never let you trudge through any muck, which I know because they never let me drag you through any with me."

The they is Jasper and Edward...

Who Rose has always known were on the same side. And who I know as she glances at them both before looking back at me with a smile, that she knows they are again.

The same one I gave her one more chance to be on.


I tried to model my new shoes from my bed. My excitement making me forget about the pain in my leg. And then reminding me.

And my huddle that it was time for my pain meds.

I didn't want them. I knew they'd knock me out. And they did...

But maybe I don't mind so much, because when I open my eyes, Edward is the only one in my room.

"Where is everyone?" I ask him, not really caring about the answer.

"It's just you and me," he tells me, with a wink and a smile that tell me I do.

And that he remembers mine. The same one. Before everything turned to muck. That we all trudged through - though separately at times, some of us anyway - but that we made it through together.

Stronger than we were when we started. Even though I had to be carried out in the end. In his arms. The only ones I've ever wanted to be in.

"Talk about perfect... "

"It will be. As much as I can make it for you. I promise you, Isabella."

"You already have."

"Back on that pedestal, am I?"

"You have been for a long time, you know that."

"I suppose I do. And there was a time not so long ago that I would have been content just to be there, but now... I want to earn my place."

"You have."

"No, sweetheart. You wouldn't be here if I had."

"That's not true. I'm here because-"

"I didn't keep you safe in yours."

"My place is with you, Edward. And you didn't not keep me in it, or safe in it. You just didn't know I'd run away from it while you were trying to. You're all acting like this was just an accident... because you want to protect me from the consequences I'd face for what else it was, but I know what I did. And so do you. And I'm not going to let you blame yourself for it.

"I'm here because of me. Because, like Rose said, sometimes I'm a - though I don't think unbearable - little snot, who doesn't always - or ever - consider the consequences of my actions when I want my way. Because there have never been any. For me, at least. Because none of you have ever let there be."

"You've faced enough in your life, Isabella. Enough pain. Enough hurt. And more than enough loss. None of us wants you to face any more, and I sure as hell won't let you."

"Then be content to be on that pedestal. And know that you could never be anywhere else with me."

"With you?"

"Of course with me. I've been on one since the day I was born... and you were right there all of my life keeping me on it. I had to pull you up with me. I got lonely up there all by myself. And sad... because it was unbearable having to watch you trudge through the muck down below."

"You're not a little snot."

"No? You don't think so?"

"No... I don't think so."

His smile tells me what he does think...

And his eyes...

That look into mine and show me the consequences of getting my way.

Consequences I'll never let anyone stop me from facing.

Because, little snot or not...

I earned them.

"God help you, Isabella... "

"God help you, Edward Masen."


Edward

Other than our few minutes alone when she woke up, Isabella's room has been like Grand Central Station.

And I'd never deny her the love and attention everyone's been giving her, or the presents, but I couldn't help but feel a little jealous that I hadn't given her any.

Presents.

That damn fireman bear kept taunting me. Not that she was paying it any special attention... she wasn't, but its mere presence was enough.

I'll be indebted to Riley Biers for the rest of my life...

For letting me keep her in it.

But I want to give her something to show her how glad I am that she is. Little snot or not.

It's why I left her with her army.

To go get something for her.

Not flowers, or pretty shoes - that are going to kill me when she wears, along with whatever dress Alice said would go perfectly with them when she saw them - or cute, cuddly or heroic stuffed animals...

I know what Isabella would like more than any of those things. From me.

And it's something I don't have to buy.

But something that makes her face light up when she sees. Me and what's in my hand.

"You really like being up there, don't you?" she asks with a beaming smile.

"I do. Especially now that I know I'm not up there alone."

"You're going to be. Because if you're going to do what I think you're going to do, I'm going to fall off."

"I am. And I'd never let it happen."

"You're going to make it happen."

"Well then maybe I shouldn't-"

"Yes you should! I'll hold on tight, I swear! Please?"

"What a masochist my girl is... "

"I am not. Maybe that's just what you're hoping."

"If it is, he's a dead man."

Jasper's sudden involvement in our conversation is neither wanted or appreciated. By Isabella.

"Mind your own business, brother dear, or you'll be eating python stew for a month."

"I am, BABY sister dear, and no I won't, because you'd never get close enough to him to kill him."

"Likewise."

"No one's going to kill anyone. Or any thing," Alice interjects, giving Jasper a light shove back into the chair he'd just stood up from. "I haven't even gotten to pet it yet."

"That's disgusting, Alice," Isabella says, scrunching her nose. Innocently. Because she hates that snake. Which is all Alice meant...

But then I see the wheels start turning - which I blame on Emmett's mind-in-the-gutter chuckling - and she smiles. Because now she's not thinking about the snake. Or that it's at all what Alice meant.

Until they perhaps turn a little too far, and that smile falls from her face with a horrified shudder.

"Just think about our first date," I lean down and whisper in her ear, bringing her smile back faster than it left. And a hint of pink to her cheeks.

Is it evil that I love being able to do that to her with just a few words? Granted, it was what the words referred to... what I did to her with just a few simple touches... that brought the beautiful flush, but...

Yes... I'm evil. And I know she wouldn't change me. As long as I devote all of my evil to her. "Better?"

"Perfect."

There's that word again. The one she gives me much too easily. "Well, I'm glad it worked. That was absolutely my intention, but I must say I think you're being far too generous. You should make me work for it."

"Harder than you worked last night?"

"That wasn't work, sweetheart."

"And that is why you've earned it. But I'll still let you work for it if it's what you really want...

"Everyone shut up! Edward's going to sing me a song."

"Yes, sing you a song. Later."

"No, now."

"Isabella... no one but you wants to hear me sing. I'll-"

"I do!" Alice yells, followed by a couple of exuberant "Me toos" from Emily and Angela.

"I assure all of you that you don't," I inform them, having no intention of putting on a live show for anyone but her. "Isabella has, like her heart, very generous ears. And trust me, I do you a tremendous favor when I say there will be no singing until after you've wished my one and only fan a goodnight."

"Don't listen to him," Isabella says, thwarting my efforts at escape, "He sounds as good as he looks. Need I say more?"

Even if I weren't an arrogant asshole - about how I look, not sound - I'd know I was doomed by her words.

"You better start strummin, pretty boy," Sam chuckles, "Because you're sure as hell not getting out of it now. Jesus, even my pregnant wife has anticipatory drool on her chin."

"About what I said earlier... " I start, glaring at Isabella, "I lied. You are."

"I can live with that," she declares with a giggle. "Now melt me."

That's exactly what I was hoping to do...

Though I could probably sing a page of the phone book to her and accomplish that...

I just didn't plan to do it in front of an audience.

And I really don't want to. Really, really don't...

But I heard what she told Rose this afternoon about actions. And I did tell her she should make me work for it.

And there's something else I want to tell her...

And I will say it to her privately...

Melt her with it...

But I also want her to know that I'm not afraid to say it in front of the world. Hers.

Or sing it.

May God have mercy on their ears... … ...

And the beautiful woman who I do melt...

The second I start.

And every second after.

And until...

Because she knows what's coming...

Knew it from the first...

When she smiled...

Laughed...

And then her eyes filled with tears...

While she waited to hear the words:

I said I love her

Yes, I love her

I said I love her

I said I lo-o-o-o...

xx

Hi! Long time no see! Yeah, I'm sure you all want to slap me, or worse, so on to other things...

I'm not one of those authors that has some musical inspiration for every chapter they write. In fact, I pretty much almost never do. And I didn't really this time. I waited patiently for that moment to arrive. And now was just the right time for it. That song that is just too perfectly them not to use. Not that I used very much of it... I could have, but it wasn't the way I wanted to do it. Of course he sang it to her from the beginning... but I didn't need to write that all out. The most important part is there. And I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that you all know what this perfect-for-them song is/was. *coughchaptertitlecough* Because it will crush me if you don't. You know... that song that I've dreamed for ages of hearing Rob sing... though that dream is a little crushed now... for obvious reasons. I don't need to say what they are. Or it is. And actually, I don't dream of hearing him sing it anymore. Not now. It's all you, Edward. And her. Mine.

So... thank you to anyone who's trudged through the muck with us. And who's still here trudging through the sap. And thanks to SM, because they were yours first, though not this they. And thanks to Ray. Obviously.

He said he loved her...

Bye!