Author's Note: Funny how part two of the Oscar day mess falls on the real oscar day! Thanks for reading and thank you to those who left me comments, they mean a lot! Enjoy this chapter!
Chapter Forty Three
"Wait? Why?" Bella asked one of the large officers. "Why are you taking him away? He didn't do anything wrong!"
"Bella, go back to the hotel," Edward said with his head held down.
"I'm not going anywhere until get answers. That creep egged him on! He grabbed me," Bella shouted as the police men continued to escort Edward to the cruiser.
"That may be the case, however Mr. Ma-Swan did attack the photographer and broke property that belonged to him. The photographer has decided to press charges. We have to take him in."
Bella shook her head as she followed them to the police car. She looked up at the officer opening the door. "Can I have just thirty seconds before you take him away, please?"
The officer looked around before nodding to his partner. "Just make it quick miss."
Looking up at Edward, Bella had tears in her eyes. Edward leaned into her not being able to hug her. "Don't cry," he said trying to sound confident. "Things will get figured out. Just go back to the hotel and relax. I'll see you when this is settled. I have my cell phone I my jacket pocket, can you take it for me and maybe my wallet?"
Nodding, Bella reached in and removed his phone and wallet from his jacket. "I can't sit by and just wait Edward. I have to do something."
"There is nothing you can do. Just go back to the limo and go back to the hotel. I'll get things straightened out and meet you there when I can, all right? Hey," he said leaning down to kiss her head. "I love you."
Bella nodded as she repeated the words to him. The officers then escorted Edward into the police car and left. Bella stood crying for a moment before she looked up and spotted the limo driver. She started to run after towards him. "Hey, hey you, limo driver? I'm sorry I don't know your name."
The young limo driver laughed as he turned around. "You are Mr. Masen's date, right?"
Bella shook her head. "I need to go back to the hotel. Edward said he'd find another way back," Bella explained trying to hold her tears in.
The driver opened the door for her and helped her into the car. She sat in the back seat and felt her world was crashing around her. She took deep breaths and then let out a soft cry. Her head was in her hands. She didn't know how long she was crying for when she raised her head. She then had an epiphany.
"Excuse me, how long did Edward rent the car for?"
"Until one miss," the driver answered back.
Bella sat back in her seat and took another deep breath. "So if I ran up to our room to grab something and come back right down you could take me somewhere else?"
"Of course I could."
"Excellent. I'm going to run upstairs to grab a few things and then I need you to take me to the police station. I don't know how to get there so I'm hoping-"
The driver waved at Bella. "Say no more miss, I know the way."
Bella nodded. "Thank you…I don't even know your name."
"I'm Ben."
"Well Ben, I'm Bella and thank you for all of your help tonight."
"It's no problem Bella. We are at the hotel. Let me just get the door for you," Ben offered.
She shook her head. "You stay there, I'll be back in a few moments."
Bella grabbed Edward's Oscar and slammed the door closed before she ran into the hotel. She ran to the elevator. The doors barely had time to open when she ran out and used the card key in her purse to open the door to the penthouse. She put her purse and the award on the table and went to her bag. She looked through her wallet and found the card Edward had given her. She didn't have her check book and she certainly didn't have Edward's check book on her. She looked around the room and didn't see anything else she needed. She grabbed her items and shoved them into her purse and ran out the door. She soon made her way back into the comfortable limo.
"Bella, you were gone for seven minutes! Are you sure you have everything you need?" Ben asked as he opened the door.
Trying to catch her breath, Bella nodded. "Yes, thank you."
Ben continued to drive to the police station in comfortable silence. Bella reached into her purse and grabbed a bunch of cash.
"Bella, we are here. Would you like me to wait for you?" Ben politely asked.
She shook her head. "No thank you. I'm not sure how long this will take. Thank you so much Ben for going out of your way tonight. Here," Bella said as she handed him the money.
Ben shook his head. "I'm sorry but I can't take this. Edward has all ready paid me."
"And now I'm giving you an added tip. Really, thank you. Take it, I promise I won't tell Edward," Bella smiled as she walked away without looking back.
As she walked into the police station, she realized something. She was still wearing her fancy dress and heels. She shrugged her shoulders deciding she couldn't do anything about it now. She continued to walk until she came to desk with an officer sitting behind it.
"Can I help you?"
"Yes. I'm here to bail Mr. Swan out." Bella told him.
The officer shuffled papers on the desk and before pulling up information about Edward. "I'm afraid we can't release him yet. He's being interviewed by an officer. I don't know when he'll be able to leave. He can call you when he is ready."
"That's not going to work. Can I wait here? Can I see him at some point?" Bella pleaded.
"I don't know miss when he'll be done and I don't think you'll be able to see him until he is released." The officer explained.
"Well, could I be a witness? The sleaze ball came after me and grabbed me. Edward told him to leave me alone, but he wouldn't let go of me. Edward was protecting me. Look," Bella said pointing to her all ready fading marks on her wrists. "Edward would never intentionally hurt someone. He's a great father and is really gentle with our little girl and-"
The police officer held his hands up and cut her off. "Miss-"
"Cullen. I'm Bella Cullen, Edward's girlfriend."
"Miss Cullen, I'm sorry about this situation, really I am. Edward seems like a great guy who did what he had to do to protect you, however, he still broke someone else's property and attacked a man, even if it was for a good reason. There are prices to pay for that."
"And what happens to the guy who attacked me? Does he get to walk free? He was harassing me!" Bella yelled back. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to raise my voice, but I'm frustrated and no one is willing to help out a little bit!"
"I understand, however I can't do anything. If you'd like to have a seat and wait you are more than welcomed to do that. There are vending machines, a water machine and soft drink machine all over there and a coffee machine that makes hot chocolate and tea too. There are some magazines and news papers hanging around here. If I hear anything or if he is allowed to see any visitors I promise to come and get you."
Feeling defeated, Bella looked up at the officer. "Thank you. I'll be over there."
Bella slowly walked over to the seats and tried to get comfortable. She sat and crossed her arms and studied the waiting room. It was cold and dirty. After about twenty minutes of sitting she saw an older man dressed casually storm through the door.
The man looked at the police officer and flashed something. "I'm here to see Edward Swan."
The officer picked up the phone and began to speak. Bella stepped towards the man. "Excuse me, may I ask how you know Edward and what you are doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing." He replied back. He had a cockiness about him that Bella didn't like.
Before Bella could answer, the police officer hung up the phone. "She's the girlfriend who you might want to talk with too. She was there tonight."
"You're Bella?" The man asked almost smiling.
"I have no idea who you are."
The once arrogant man reached his hand out to meet Bella's. "Harrison Clearwater, Harry. I'm Edward's lawyer. I've heard so much about you, it's nice to finally meet you. Don't get me wrong, these are crappy circumstance but it's still a pleasure. You've changed our boy, for the better."
As Bella took her hand back, she looked at him. "I've heard a lot about you. Edward has a lot of respect for you."
An officer came over to lead Harry back to see Edward. "Just one moment please. Bella, can we chat for minute?"
Bella nodded as Harry escorted her towards the seating area. "What would you like to talk about?"
"The officer said you were there tonight. What happened? Edward isn't a violent person. This doesn't sound like him at all."
She began to tell the short story of how she was grabbed and Edward went into an over protective mode. "I swear Harry, he didn't do anything wrong. I felt threatened by the low life. Edward did what he did to make me safe. I don't want him to be in trouble. We just want to go back to Boston tomorrow to be with our little girl." She said as tears fell from her eyes.
Harry reached out and held her. "It's okay. We will figure something out. I'll go back and talk to Edward and then see about getting him released. I don't know what I can do but I'll try. His bail might be set as high as fifty thousand dollars. Can you front that?"
Bella nodded knowing she had the black card with her. "Yes I can."
Harry nodded. "Let me see what we can do about getting our boy out of here." Harry said as he let go of Bella.
"Harry, one more thing. Don't tell Edward I'm here. He wanted me to go back to the hotel but I couldn't knowing he was here. Don't tell him I'm here, please?"
"I promise. I'll be back." Harry said as he disappeared into the area behind the officer's desk.
Bella sat back down in the chair and took a deep breath. She just wanted Edward to be out of there and just wanted to go home. She tried not to break down in tears again. Between their fight yesterday and now his arrest, Bella was definitely in emotional overload. Her thoughts escaped her as her cell phone rang. She was surprised when she answered it.
"Hello?" She answered slightly confused. It was after midnight in Boston.
"Hi Bella. I just watched the news and was wondering what was going on. Are you okay? Where's Edward"?
"What-what are you doing calling? Isn't it after midnight there? Don't you have to get up for work soon?" Bella asked.
"I do, but like I said I watched the news and thought you might need a friend too. What the hell is going on there Bells?"
Bella began to cry. She didn't expect to be where she was after what she and Edward had been through in the past few days. Least of all, she didn't expect him to call and offer a shoulder to cry on. "Edward's in jail."
"I kind of figured that out, but why? You know how the news is about covering stuff like that, it doesn't do it very well."
"Jake, I have no idea what is going on." Bella paused to explain the situation. Then she told him about their argument the previous day.
"Bella," Jacob began. "Let's back up a minute. You need to breathe Isabella. Calm down. I know you are upset and emotionally drained. First, are you okay? Did the photographer hurt you?"
"No, he scared me more than anything. I have a few marks that are going away but I'm good." She explained to her friend as she stood up and looked out the window.
"Okay. I know you don't want to hear this but Bells, there is nothing you can do right now."
"I know. I'm not leaving here until he's with me though. I'm not going anywhere."
Jacob sighed. "Do you want me to fly out and be with you? Do you know how long he'll be in there?"
"I'm hoping not too much longer. He's with his lawyer now."
"That's good right?" Jacob asked trying to make Bella feel more optimistic.
"I guess. I don't know how this stuff works Jake. I hate it. I hate that he's in there and I'm out here. I hate that more than likely we'll have to delay going home and we don't know when we'll see Charlotte." Bella spat into the phone.
Jacob nodded. There was nothing he could say to make Bella feel better. He brought up what he knew was going to be a touchy subject. "So you and Edward almost broke up yesterday?"
"I'm still not completely over the fact that he lied to me, but I have to be over it. He has tried too much to prove that he has changed and he loves me. Really, look where I am now. He's in jail because he was protecting me. If that isn't love or commitment, I don't know what is." Bella explained as she yawned.
"I guess you're tired." Jacob asked.
"It's been a draining few days Jake. I just want to go home, to my bed and sleep." She paused for a moment before asking him a question. "Where have you been? I haven't seen you in while."
"I've been traveling. I have been so busy with work. I've also been visiting with Emily too," Jacob explained as he mumbled the last part of his sentence.
Bella smiled. "Emily? Well Mr. Black, who is this Emily woman you speak of."
Laughing lightly, Jacob answered her. "She is a woman I met at work. She works in a different department. She's so sweet and beautiful. I really hope you meet her some time."
"I'm so happy for you Jake. Eventually you'll have to come home for dinner, and bring Emily with you."
"Of course I'll be over soon. I have to see my little niece." He smiled even though Bella couldn't see him. Once silence filled their conversation, Jacob spoke up again. "Seriously Bells, you want me to be with you? If I leave now I could be there in five hours. I know someone with a jet and I can be there."
Bella shook her head. "Thank you, really, but no. It might be for nothing. I just feel like everything is moving in slow motion."
"Okay," he answered with a yawn. "If there is anything I can do for you call me. I mean it. I'll be there in a heartbeat. You know that."
"I know. I'm going to let you get off the phone. You're tired."
"I guess I should go."
"Yes you should and Jacob, thank you for calling me. It means a lot to me. I'm glad we have this between us."
Puzzled Jacob asked, "What do you mean?"
"Our relationship. I know what it started like in college and how we each felt as adults, but now, I feel like you are more than my friend, like a brother. I'm glad that even though I'm with Edward we can still be friends. I love you because of that."
"I love you too Bells, always. I don't do this mushy stuff so I'm going to hang up before we talk about going to the hairdresser to get our hair done together or when our periods are or whatever you talk about with your girlfriends." Jacob said yawning again.
"You are insane Black. One of the reasons I love you."
"I know. I didn't think you loved me just because I'm pretty. Bella, I have to tell you that I am glad you and Edward didn't break up. I don't think anyone could ever make you as happy as he does, even me. Also, I think he's a decent guy." Jacob honestly spoke.
Bella smiled. "That's kind of great of you to say." Her eyes found Harry leaving the holding area and walking over to her. "I have to go, Edward's lawyer is coming over. Thank you for calling and we'll see you soon." Bella didn't wait for Jacob to respond as she shoved her phone into her pocket. "Harry, what is going on?"
Harry ushered Bella over to the sitting area. He sighs. "I got them to release him on bail. Do you have twenty thousand dollars?"
Swallowing, Bella answered him. "Yes. They take credit cards, right?"
Harry laughed. "Yes. He's just gathering his items. He apparently had a few smaller items he forgot to give to you. You will be able to leave with him and go back to the hotel, however, he's going to have to make an appearance in court tomorrow morning."
"How long is that going to take? We have tickets to go back to Boston in the afternoon. We want to go and see Charlotte. I need to feed her. Oh my god, I wonder if she'll run out of milk." Bella thought out loud franticly.
Harry tried to calm her down as he placed on of his hands on hers and squeezed it. "Bella, shhh. None of that right now. One thing at a time. There is no sense in worrying about something you have no control over. You'll just have to wait until tomorrow to see what will happen. You could always fly home and-"
Bella violently shook her head. "No way. I can't leave him here. He wants to be with his family. I won't do it. I'll figure out something. Maybe I can freeze my milk and ship it over night or something. I'm sure there is a service that does that."
With one more squeeze, Harry looked up at Bella. "Like I said, don't get overly excited until we know what will happen."
Swallowing hard, Bella didn't get a chance to speak again. She was interrupted by Edward. "Bella? What are you doing here?"
She shook her head again. "I couldn't leave you here, alone and be in our nice, comfy hotel room. I couldn't sit there alone knowing you were here. I went back, grabbed some things and came right back."
Edward offered a half smile as he reached for her dress. "I can see that. You didn't even change."
"Neither did you. Let me pay your bail and we'll leave this place." Bella promised.
When all of the paper work was done being processed, Harry gave Edward and Bella a ride back to their hotel. After everything was said and done, it had been almost six hours.
Bella followed Edward into the hotel room. He turned and held onto her and began to ball. "I can't believe I did that. I can't believe I broke a camera and punch some creep. I don't do that."
Wrapping her arms around him, Bella began to cry. "It'll be all right. I know it will. Things will work themselves out. Let's not worry about this until tomorrow."
"What happens if I go to jail?"
"Edward, you aren't going to jail." Bella reassured him as she brushed her hands through his unruly hair.
"Would you visit me? That's selfish because then you'd have to move to California and-"
"Enough Edward! Calm down! I promise you won't go to jail. You might have to pay a large sum of money to that asshole and buy him a new camera, but you won't go to jail. Look at this face," she smiled as she cupped his face. "You're face is too pretty to be in a place like that."
"I've never even had a parking ticket." He added ignoring her attempt at sarcasm.
Bella hugged him. She knew he was nervous and upset. Nothing she was going to say was going to make him feel any better. "I have an idea. It's not a permanent fix to anything, but it might help now. You need to go into the bedroom and undress. When you are done put on the robe." Edward looked confused. "Just trust me, all right? When I get into that bedroom I want you naked, except your robe. I'll be in there in a few minutes." Bella watched as a confused Edward turned and went into the bedroom.
Walking over to the telephone, Bella ordered Edward a whiskey. She knew he shouldn't depend on alcohol to soothe his nerves, but she didn't have any other option. She also ordered herself a non alcoholic drink complete with a little umbrella.
Moments later, she walked into the room and didn't say anything. She continued to walk with the drinks until she got to the bathroom. She began to draw a bath. She placed the drinks on the tub's edge and walked back out to the bedroom. Edward looked confused.
"What are you doing?" He asked.
"I'm getting your bath ready. You need to relax Edward. I know that's easier for me to say because I'm on this side of things, but you need to calm down. I have a little surprise after your bath too, but first you have to get me out of this dress. I can't reach the zipper myself." Bella explained.
Edward unzipped the dress. Usually he would be happy when Bella asked him to undress her. Now he was just tired and wanted to go to sleep, however he knew he was too tired to sleep. She stepped out of her dress and took off her undergarments and reached for the robe. "Go in and test the water, I'll be in there in a minute. I need to do something first."
She watched as Edward walked into the bathroom. She walked over to her bag and looked through it until she found her body butter. It was olive from The Body Shop. It didn't have a smell, which would be good for what she had planned for later. She placed it on the night stand and walked into the bathroom. Edward was in the tub waiting for her.
Bella climbed in and leaned against Edward. "How are you feeling now?" She asked as she reached for his hands.
"I'm still nervous, but this is nice, thank you," he replied as he kissed her head. He placed his hands on her stomach hold her hands.
"I know. Before you say anything else, I think I need to tell you thank you. Thank you for protecting me tonight. I know what you did was for me. I knew I always felt safe with you and you just proved tonight you would do anything for me." Bella offered a half smile that Edward couldn't see. "I guess what you did today cancelled out what we talked about yesterday."
"Two rights don't make a wrong Bella," Edward sadly spoke.
Bella nodded. "Enough with the heavy. We can talk about this stuff tomorrow. Now I want to take care of you." She said turning towards him. She leaned down and grabbed his drink. "Drink this. It will help you."
Edward sipped the whiskey. He showed no expression on his face as he drank. He was certainly scared. Bella tried to smile as she held the wash cloth. "I want to wash you. I want to wash your hair and make sure you are taken care of."
Edward protested at first but when Bella got up and playfully pushed him forward he couldn't help but be grateful for what she was doing for him. When she was finished and their bath had ended, Bella stood up, dried and wrapped herself in a towel. Next she grabbed another towel as Edward had done for her after their last bath. She wrapped the towel around his waist and led him into the bedroom. As Bella put on her robe, Edward went to reach for his.
"No, just leave the towel on. I promise you'll like it. Now lay down on your stomach."
Edward raised his eyebrow. "What?"
"You heard me young man. Just lay down and I'll be with you in a moment." Bella told him as she kissed his nose.
Edward proceeded to do what Bella asked him to. After a few seconds, Edward felt Bella's legs straddle his body. "What you are doing?"
With body butter in her hand, Bella began to smear it all over his back and shoulders before she rubbed them. She began by slowly rubbing his neck. She next squeezed Edward's shoulders hard. It wasn't hard enough for her to hurt him but to release some tension. Next she kneaded from the base of his neck and slowly worked down to his upper back. She took her time touching the middle of his back and then the bottom. Neither Bella nor Edward spoke.
When she finished, Bella climbed off of Edward. She expected him to be asleep. She was surprised when her eyes met his wide open green eyes. Tears silently fell from the orbs. "I've never been in trouble with the law. My father was a cop!"
"Edward," Bella whispered. "You need to get control because if you don't then I will lose control of my emotions and what good will that do? You need to stop worrying. Come here," Bella said as she laid down. She then motioned for him to sit up and join her. Edward leaned his back into her stomach and chest. Bella wrapped her arms around him and rested her chin on his head. "I think we need to put the subject to rest before we go to bed, but is there anything you want to talk about?"
Nodding, Edward held on to Bella's hand before intertwining his fingers with hers. "What happens if no one wants to hire me after this whole thing?"
"Really, I think a lot more of the Hollywood population would stand up and applaud you before you got black balled. " Bella honestly replied.
"I'm serious Bella." Edward sighed.
"So am I Edward. I mean, just look at the craziness of that industry. How many times are they sued? How many times have they caused accidents? Seriously, those people are so despicable that they deserve to be put into their place. I don't know if violence is the right answer, however they over stepped their bounds. That creep got what he had coming to him. What would have happened if you didn't step in?" Bella continued to rationalize.
Edward shook his head. He didn't say anything at first. He knew Bella was right. He didn't want to think of that man touching Bella, especially if he hadn't stepped in. "You're right. There is nothing more to do until tomorrow."
"Finally," Bella said as she began to comb Edward's hair with her fingers. "You need to get rest. You have an early day tomorrow. It's only in a couple of hours."
As Bella reached over to turn the light off, Edward took a deep breath and spoke. "Bella, thank you for everything."
Once the light was off, Bella repositioned herself so she was comfortable. She felt safe knowing that Edward was resting in her arms. She kissed the top of his head as he often did to hers. "There is nothing to thank me for. We're one Edward, we're a team. We go together. This is what we do for each other. I love you." She said leaning her down to kiss his check. She waited for a response before realizing that Edward fell into a deep slumber.
"I don't know Renee. I'm waiting outside the court room. Harry is talking to him now. We were supposed to go in front of the judge at ten but it got pushed back to one."
"You won't make it home tonight then, will you?" Renee asked on the other line. She felt like a helpless mother. She just wanted to be there to help her son.
Bella sighed. "No. We wanted to be home to tuck Charlotte into bed. How is her supply of milk?"
"I think you have enough for another two days. We are very well stocked Bella. I'm impressed."
"I guess it's a good thing. Renee, here comes Harry and Edward. Let me call you back, okay?"
"Okay honey. Tell Edward I love him and I'm proud of him for doing what is right. I love you too Bella. You'll be home in no time sweetie, I promise." Renee told Bella.
"We both love you too Renee. I'll tell him. Bye." Bella said as she placed her phone in her purse. She walked closer to Harry and Edward. She placed her arm around his waist and leaned into his body. He responded by pulling her slowly into his body. "What's going on?"
Harry began to speak. "The judge is going to hear us at noon."
"Noon? That's in ten minutes. What's going on?" Bella inquired. Edward did not speak.
"Bella, it happens like that sometimes. He wanted to get to this case before he went to lunch. It'll all be figured out soon enough. We should really go in and get situated." Harry suggested.
Nodding, Bella let go of Edward and followed as he and Edward walked into the court room first. She sat in the row behind their table.
Once noon hit, the court went into order. The paparazzo's lawyer began to tell his twisted side of the story. He stated the Edward was drunk when he hit the photographer. He also said that Bella was going to fall and that is why he grabbed for her, to make sure she didn't fall. Bella's eyes grew large and she shook her head.
Harry then stood up and defended Edward and explained the truth to the judge. When he was finished the judge sighed.
"I don't need to deliberate on this for a long time. I know what I all ready have decided, however, is Miss Cullen here this afternoon?" The judge asked.
"Yes your honor, she is right behind us." Harry answered as he pointed to Bella. She looked at Edward shocked.
"Miss Cullen, please step forward." Bella was then sworn in to tell nothing but the whole truth before the judge began to question her. He asked questioned like how was Edward's state of mind? How much had he had to drink that evening? What was her explanation of that evening?
When the judge was done, he asked Bella to step down. He then asked both Edward and the paparazzo to stand. "Mr. Swan, you were completely out of line. You broke this man's mean of work and he injured him." He continued as Bella felt tears in her eyes. This wasn't how she thought it was going to go. "I have never seen you in my court room before. You have a clean record and are kind of semi retired at the moment, correct?"
"Yes your honor," Edward quickly but respectfully answered.
"Last night were you or were you not protecting you girlfriend?"
Edward nodded. "I was your honor."
"Did you or did you not ask for Mr. Banner to leave both you and Miss Cullen alone?"
Again, Edward nodded. "I did your honor, multiple times."
The judge shook his head. He looked over his notes before looking at a man who Bella only now knew as Mr. Banner. "This is what I thought it was. I'm surprised I don't see more of them. Mr. Banner, you placed Mr. Swan and Miss Cullen in danger last night. After both Mr. Swan and Miss Cullen asked you repeatedly to leave them alone you continued to harass them over and over again. For that I will charge you with harassment. I'm also going to throw in assault. You will visit my court room again on a date given to you by my clerk to stand trial on these charges. Do you understand?"
Mr. Banner bashfully nodded his head. "Yes sir."
"One last thing. Your employer, Star Magazine has been contacted that of any of the pictures of the altercation between you and Mr. Swan hit any publication you both will be fined and sued. Do you understand this condition?"
Again, he numbly nodded. "Yes sir."
"Good, I'm glad that you understand those conditions." He paused before bringing his attention to Edward. "Now Mr. Swan I am going to wipe these charges off of your record. I have never seen you in this court room before today and honestly I hope I never see you here again, is this understood?"
"Yes sir," Edward answered.
"Please let the record show that Mr. Swan is freed of all charges and he does not need to pay for any damages. This court is adjourned." The judge said as he hammered his gravel one and left.
The first thing Edward did was turn to look at Bella. He stole a kiss from her before she spoke. She wrapped her arms around his neck before speaking. "I told you that you weren't going to jail."
Edward laughed and rolled his eyes. He knew just how ridiculous he had sounded the night before. "Yea, I know. Thank you Harry for everything." Edward said shifting subjects. He shook the man's hand.
Harry let out a laugh. "Edward please, isn't this what you pay me the big bucks for? I'm just glad that things worked out the way I knew they would. You're a good guy Edward. Don't let anyone tell you different."
"Thank you Harry." Edward said as he reached his hand out for Bella's.
"It's the truth Edward. You're dad would be proud of you son." Harry paused as he looked at the couple again. "Are you two going to leave soon?"
"As soon as we book a new trip and pack." Edward told him. "I'm ready to go home. I'm also ready to take more time after, after this little incident and all."
"Don't blame you son one bit. Come on, I'll drop you two off at the hotel so you can gather your things and make new arrangements. Call me when you have a plan and I'll take you to the airport." Harry promised. "I have to see about getting myself on a flight out of here and back home too." Harry said as he lead Edward and Bella out of the court room.
Back at the hotel, Edward made arrangements for a flight that was going to leave in just a few hours. As he and Bella packed their belongings, she looked at him and laughed.
"What? Why are you laughing?" Edward asked her puzzled.
"You told me on Saturday that you would make things up to me. Edward, you got yourself arrested for beating someone up! I think that breakfast in bed would have been sufficient enough."
Edward laughed back. "So my macho plan didn't work? Was it too much?"
"Way over the top. Oh well," she smiled again as she zipped her bag. She walked over to Edward and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I guess I'll have to settle for that."
"You guess do you?" He asked as he kissed her.
Bella nodded. She spoke seriously. "I think it's a pretty decent thing to settle for."
"I'm glad you do." He paused as he kissed her cheek. He let go of her and zipped his own suitcase up. He looked around the room once more. "Do we have everything?"
"I think we do. The hotel is going to ship my dress home. They even offered to have it dry cleaned first."
"Great. Do you have Charlotte's new wardrobe you bought for her?" Edward teased.
Belle shrugged her shoulders. "Hey, I'm learning from the best when it comes to that," she said pointing to Edward. "But yes, everything is packed and all set to go."
"I'm going to call Harry and then we are out of here." Edward smiled as he retrieved his cell phone. Once he hung up, Bella looked at him. "What?"
"I was just curious. Harry brought up your dad a lot."
Edward stopped her there. "Harry and my dad grew up together. They were fishing buddies. Harry is more like family to me. He is even my godfather. He still lives outside of Forks with his family. He's a good guy. When I first went into acting he wanted to be my lawyer to make sure I didn't get screwed out of anything. He wouldn't let us pay him at first." Edward paused and chuckled. "He and my dad got into huge arguments over it. Finally, he accepted the money. He has always been there and I appreciate it."
A smile formed on Bella's face. "He sounds like he means a lot to you."
"He certainly does. He's going to be at Jane's wedding. He visits mom and makes sure she is okay. Mom has been traveling with his wife Sue." Edward paused as his phone vibrated. He looked down. "Speak of the devil, he's here. Are you ready to go home?"
"More than ever."
"Shall we then?" Edward asked as he held his arm out for Bella to take.
Bella took his arm as they rolled their suitcases out the door and into the elevator. They were happy and relieved to be going home.
Chapter End Notes:
So what did you think about her conversation with Jacob? He's been away in this story and I wanted to tie him in some how. I know he has had his up and downs, but I don't want to make him the bad guy of this story. Orginally Bella was going to have a conversation with her father about Edward and he was going to talk a little about Esme's infidlity, however, that wasn't what this chapter was about so I started thinking about characters we hadn't heard from and that's when Jacob popped into my head. Would love to know what you thought of it!
PS-I don't know much about law and I don't live in California. My story is a work of fiction so I kind of made things up as I went along. I told a few people in their comments that I kind of based the whole incident on what happened to Katy Perry a few years ago. A pap tried to take a pictureof her (I believe it was up her skirt) and (she was still married or at least with him) Russel Brand hit the guy. He was arrested and almost deported for protecting Katy. I'm honestly surprised that there aren't more of these stories.
Enought of my rant. Let me know what you thought of this chapter, thanks! :)
