I still do not own Twilight!


Edward POV

Another crowd of news reporters waited in front of the hospital when we arrived. It was the same hospital where my father was treated. I wondered if he were still there or released. Regardless of his situation, I would have to wait for another moment to find out.

I pushed through the crowd with the help of some officers. They protected me, but failed to stop all photographs that were taken. Once I entered the hospital, a doctor hurried to me and said exactly where Emmett was located. I dashed to the elevator. As I attempted to catch my breath, I thought about what I would discuss with my brother. More than anything, I had questions. The elevator opened and I paced my steps to his room.

Two large officers were guarding the outside of the room. They straightened their posture when they recognized me.

"Mr. Cullen." They said in unison with a nod.

"Officers." I replied and stepped inside of the room. It felt too small; too compact. Suddenly I felt as if I walked through my nightmare. I could smell the overpowering scent of ammonia or some other cleaning compound in the air.

Emmett lay out before me on his medical bed. His eyes were closed and dark shadows loomed under each eye. His cheeks were sunken, the warm glow from his face was now gone. His perfectly slick hair was in a matted, sweaty dirtiness. Although he were always more muscular than me, at this very moment, he appeared soft and weak. I took a deep breath in as I moved closer toward him.

I glanced at his hands; they were restrained to the bed. It was my assumption to keep him there in case he tried to escape…or to protect whoever was near him. I sighed in relief. At least I wouldn't be choked to death.

I neared the bed and sat in a chair that was parallel to the bed. I stared down at my older brother. I felt my eyebrows furrow…

"Emmett?" I whispered. Then I cleared my throat for whatever it was worth and repeated again calling him.

He started to stir. Every movement appeared to have given him agony. His eyes opened and focused on me.

"Ed? Ed, ya came?" he croaked out. His voice was about as raspy as mine was naturally.

"Yes. I'm here. Are you…alright?" I asked. I forced a smile to hide my concern.

"Alright?" he croaked out a painful laugh. "I feel like I'm gonna die. I know I'm gonna die…I had to see ya first."

"Me? Why me? Why not mother?" I asked. "Surely there are some things you'd like to say to her." I crossed my arms protectively.

"No. I already gummed the works with that. She hates me…it's better off that way. She has every right to…and ya know what? I don't care. It's better she hate me and be glad I'm gone, then be sad and mourn my death. She hasn't gotten over Pop's death yet. " He said sadly. He rolled his eyes and stared somewhere off in the distant.

"Emmett…what did you want to tell me?"

"This will probably boil ya water, but I gotta tell ya anyway. I knew all about you and Bella." He said still without looking at me.

"Excuse me?" I gasped. I was more shocked than nervous at what he said.

"I knew all about you and Bella. I ain't blind. I knew for a long time now. Remember that night the two of you went to the attic? The night that gunsel burgled the place?" he said as he returned his stare back to me. I nodded my head.

"When the photograph of father and I got smashed." I whispered. "The only photograph I have of Carlisle and I."

"Yeah, that night. That gunsel came in to talk to me. Wanted to come shake ya up a bit for some long green. I knew you were there in the attic, but I couldn't figure out why you were there…'til I saw Bella. I thought about it. I also thought about that time she was in your room real late. Ya know that time I got the pro-skirt for ya?" I nodded. "I put two and two together. I figured it out. You and Bella were having some sort of affair…"

"But you never said anything to anyone? Why?" I asked.

"On the square of it all, I thought you'd spill the beans on yourself. I'm surprised you've been able to keep it hidden this long. You're not half the crumb I thought you were. I kinda feel bad for how I wanted to destroy your relationship with her…I wanted lure her away from you and ruin her."

As he spoke, I felt anger inside of me build and rise. "Ruin her?" I asked.

"Yeah…I told Rose all about her. How gorgeous she was. How she sang like an angel and how she'd bring in all the lettuce. I told her Joes would want her…" He closed his eyes at that point. "I told her you'd spend any amount to keep her out of someone else's bed…" My hands formed fist and I clenched my jaw. "As long as Bella was there, you'd do anything to have her. Spend any amount; agree to whatever she wanted."

"You would do that to girl I love? You'd do that to me? Your only brother? You're my blood…and you'd do that for money? Cold, lifeless money?" I growled. I stood up from the chair and gripped the bed rail. I had to stop myself from grabbing hold of him.

"That isn't all, Ed." He opened his eyes and looked at me. "I knew about Anthony too."

"What?"

"I knew about Anthony… you see I got all these ties with Italian boys around the city. Some of 'em that stay in the shantytowns in the Park. When I found out who he was to ya…he's the damn spitting image of ya, I sent my goons to attack him. Bruise him up somethin' awful. I couldn't understand why you, the lousy wet sock you were, would be in control of all the clams and not me. You ain't even Carlisle's blood! He gave all the clams to you…a prick that wasn't even his real kid. " I could tell that still upset him but I didn't care. I was seething with anger.

"You wanted to harm everyone that I cared for…what did I ever do to deserve this from you Emmett? What did I ever do to you? How was I even a threat to you or anything in your life?" I shouted.

"You were always Ma's favorite. Even when you were gone she always yapped about ya and worried about ya. It was like I was invisible. I could do anything I wanted and she wouldn't even bat an eyelash." He croaked out angrily. One of the officers cracked the door open and stuck his head in to check on us.

"Everythin' all right in here fellas?" he asked. I only glared at him. He sheepishly closed the door.

"Favorite? You were her golden child! She allowed you to do what you wanted. Everything you did she loved. You're athletic and charming. You never had to work or study as hard as I have! And now because of what happened to Carlisle…his death…you have no idea what amount pressure is on my head. How can you be so selfish? So utterly selfish!" It took all of my strength not to strangle him.

"Selfish? I was never selfish! I let ya live, Ed. So many people I knew wanted to fill ya with daylight! You know how many people wanted ya dead? I could've killed you if I wanted to, but I never did. I kept thinking of Ma. Even ditzy Allie. That stopped me from killin' ya. So no. I'm not selfish, 'cause you're still alive." He croaked angrily. He struggled against his hand restraints.

"You just don't comprehend any of this, do you Emmett? Are you honestly that dull? I was willing to risk my life for you last night because you're my brother and I love you. This whole time, I've been fortune's fool!" I ran my hands through my hair roughly. I walked away from the bed and toward the door.

"You just gonna leave me like this to die? Not gonna help me? Give me some hope? Tell me somethin' sweet?" Emmett called. I turned around.

"Emmett…I have no 'sweet' words for you. You're jealous and heartless. You're cruel and selfish. You've hurt so many people and planned to hurt more. Whatever happens to you is poetic justice." I threw my hands up.

"See here Ed, I'm either gonna die strapped to this damn cot or I'm gonna die in jail. You have to get me outta here. I know I've done some bad things…but don't let me die here…like this…like some fink." He called out sadly.

"You are pathetic, Emmett." I said.

"You think I killed pops don't ya?" he shouted.

"Did you? Now, I wouldn't be surprised if you did." I growled back.

"Well I didn't and I'd swear on a whole stack of Bibles to prove it. All I know is it was a accident how it happened." He said seriously. "It was all by mistake…the person who did it was only supposed to make him sick not kick the bucket."

"What the hell are you talking about Emmett? A 'mistake'? Who poisoned him? You know who did it and you never said it? You never told the police?" I rushed to the bed and glared down at him angrily.

"It's a frail who did it. That's all I can say. She's very sorry about what happened, but she can't go to jail for it. They'll give her the hot squat." He shook his head. I couldn't control my anger at that point. I reached down and grabbed him by the collar of his hospital gown. I could feel the material start to rip as I pulled him up.

"Who is it Emmett? If you have any decency in you, tell me. If you have a ounce of respect for our father and mother, you'll tell the police." I snarled.

"It's her secret. I can't spill those beans. Maybe Dick Biers will figure it out since I'm in here." He winced in pain.

"You are a disgrace to the name Cullen. Goodbye, Emmett." I let him go and pushed myself away from the bed disgusted. Then I finally left the room. The officers looked at me worried.

"Mr. Cullen. I'd just like to tell you all the boys will make sure you're protected." He said.

"Thank you." I huffed. I was about to walk away but then added nicely, "All of you gentleman I respect deeply."

"Thank you Mr. Cullen! We all think your dad would've been very proud of you." The same officer that entered the room said kindly.

"Yeah. I would've knocked your brother's block off if I were you." The other one added. I only smirked at him and walked away.

On the way back home, I knew all of the confessions my brother told me I would have to keep to myself. I would only share them with the Detective Biers the next time I spoke with him. I would not be able to tell my mother.

I knew the only thing my mother would want further explanation about my love life…but before I could talk to her, I had to speak to Bella. I had to know if she were ready to share our love with our parents. More importantly, I had to see Bella's face. Just one look into her warm eyes would give me the relief I desperately needed.

Before I could reach her room however, Margaret was at my heels. "Master Edward, I think you should let the girl rest for now." she said lovingly. She placed her hand gently but firmly on my arm.

"Margaret, I don't want my mother to suffer anymore. If telling her I love Bella will give her some solace…I haven't any other option." I pleaded. "I have to see Bella, don't you understand?"

"Renee is very upset with Bella now. I'm sorry it isn't the time, love." She stressed. I paced back and forth.

"Perhaps I can talk to Renee then? Change her mind as well?" I said desperately. Margaret shook her head no. I leaned against the wall. The past 48 hours had drained so much from me. I let my body slide down to the floor. I rested my arms on my knees.

"Master Edward, I'm truly sorry." She said.

"Margaret, I'm devoted to her. I'm hopeless without her. If I have to live without her…my life has no meaning." I dropped my head and closed my eyes.

"Blessed Mother Mary! Sir, you're tired and need to rest. You're going to make yourself ill this way. You two are just children yourselves and -" she sighed. I lifted my eyes to see her.

"I'm already lovesick. Isn't it apparent?" I said dejectedly.

Other servants gathered around cautiously and watched us. Looks of worry spread on all of their faces. Soft whispers amongst them started to rise.

"You mustn't give up yet." Margaret said softly. I looked at her and at all the faces of the servants. I stood up and adjusted my clothes. Wiped away whatever tears tried to escape.

"I will be here for a few days or however long mother needs me. Emmett…he's in worst condition than I thought. I humbly ask that no one give those news reporters the 'story' they want to hear." I ran my shaking hands through my hair.

I made my way away from them in the direction of my room. As I walked I felt my eyes stung with tears. Quickly I wiped them away before anyone would see. I hadn't had five minutes to myself when my mother entered and closed the door behind her.

She didn't speak right away. She only focused her eyes on me. Finally she said "That bit of silver mon couer? Do you still have it? You looked troubled."

"Yes…but if I share it with you, you cannot share it with anyone else. Only myself, perhaps Alice, definitely Margaret; no one else." I said softly.

"I'll protect your secret with my life." She said and placed her hand on her heart. I sat on the bed and she sat close to me. My mother's eyes searched mine carefully.

"I love her. I've always loved her ever since were children…she loves me too. I've tried to stay away from her, but it was useless. Together…together we're amazing and I've never been happier. When I'm away from her it feels like death…Love is everything you told me it was and more." I looked down at my hands. "I feel stronger than ever because of her love. Everything that was so cold before…it's now hot and alive. I cannot imagine a future worth living without her."

"Are you speaking about Bella?" she asked softly.

"Yes." I admitted. I looked back at her to gauge her response. She smiled softly and suddenly tears glided down her cheeks. She exhaled calmly.

"In my heart I've known. I was so frightened that she did not feel the same for you. But I respected your privacy and hers so I never pressured either of you to tell." she grabbed my hands. "So you really do love her? It's not just an affair?"

"I want to marry her, mother. I want to give her the world because she's the only thing I've longed for." I said.

"Marry! You want to marry her?" she cried.

"Yes."

"Oh mon couer!" she threw her arms around me tightly. "You have to marry her. Marry her and give me a beautiful grandchild. Your sister says she does not want to have children immediately however, you must not make me wait forever as well."

I wanted to tell her that she wouldn't wait long. I wanted to tell her as we spoke, a beautiful life was growing inside of Bella. I wanted to, but I knew I had to let Bella tell her.

"You won't have to wait long, I can promise that." I said in her ear. She released me and stared at me lovingly all over again.

"And you're happy?" she asked.

"Extremely." I smiled. I felt my face blush.

"You can't let a day go by without her knowing you love her. Life is so precious mon coeur. Love is the most precious of all things. I only wish that I knew sooner…" she started. "I would have made sure you both were married before Alice. Ah! The roses! The roses! You'll have to have two beautiful flower crowns! And whatever you wish. Whatever she wishes. I can't express how happy I am for you." Again tears started to fall.

"Thank you for your blessing, mother."

"This whole time…you've repeated my past with Anthony. You fell in deeply in love with your chambermaid…she was your friend first. It's beautiful. Perhaps I've been given a second chance to make things correct." She said out loud and started to whisper to herself in French.

"Margaret knows? How did she find out?" She asked me.

"S-s-she…caught us…once." I said my face turning deep red.

"In a embrace?" She blushed as she smiled.

"No…afterwards. Grandmere…"I looked at my hands as I confessed. "Grandmere discovered us…the same night of Alice's engagement dinner."

"That very night? And she didn't mention a word of it to me. Her heart must be getting softer…" She trailed off as she thought about it.

"Well, I made it known to her that I had the best intentions for Bella. She thought it was simply an illicit affair. She even implied that Ella was some kind of seductress… She even called her a peasant." I shook my head. "But I commanded her to show her respect, and to give our relationship the privacy it deserved."

"You stood up to Maman? You've become much more mature during this year."

"It's been by necessity. To be the man she needs…the son that you need, I've had to mature." I said thoughtfully.

"I'm so proud of you. Carlisle knew exactly what he was doing when he placed control in your hands. He'd be very proud of you." She smiled.

"You are the second person to tell me that same thing today. One of the officers at the hospital said that to me as well."

My mother was quiet before she asked about Emmett. "Your brother…is he…"

"No. Not yet…"

"Is he repentant?"

"No, well that's the impression he gave me."

My mother rose from the bed walked over to the window. She said nothing just stood there quietly. Then she walked over to me her eyes red with new tears. She touched my hair gently.

"I might not be the best mother in the world, but I can tell when my child is tired. You look very tired mon couer. Rest." She said sweetly and left me alone with only my thoughts.


What a confession from Emmett! Do you believe that he wasn't the actually killer? Than who can it be? Finally Edward to Esme the truth! One mom down, maybe one more to go? Tell me what you think in a review or a private message! I love hearing from everyone!

Thank you as always for following this story and suggesting it to your friends. Thank you for the kind reviews and the support! Everyone have a great weekend! I hope to update soon.