Huge thanks to Fran and Gail for helping me with this one.
Chapter 21
The rest of the Cullens were quick to make the arrangements to head east once they heard the news. He wasn't sure exactly who was coming, his father's vague, text updates of "we've booked a flight for tomorrow evening" didn't exactly include a checklist of names. Edward was conflicted, to say the least—his family deserved to know the truth about what happened to Peter in his own home, but Edward had no idea about how to tell them, and what their reaction would be.
Staying with Bella and Charlotte for the past week seemed to be their own, perfect little world, away from…them … and he desperately wanted to remain in the bubble they had all created. It was a place where Edward could grow with Bella and where Peter could heal. He desperately hoped his brother wouldn't be making an appearance, even more, so, his wife. He couldn't think of the name Garrett or Kate without his fist clenching and the urge to hit something burning through him. Thinking about everything made him sick to his stomach, and he desperately wanted something to take it out on; maybe another trip to the batting cage wouldn't be a bad idea.
They had transitioned from Bella's house to Edward's, and in the midst of their trek to the large gray house that resided only ten minutes away, Bella made the realization that she'd never actually been to his house, which, when she thought about it, actually seemed crazy. They'd been together so much already it was hard to fathom how they missed something as significant as going to his house. Edward and Peter had gone a few times, but they always came back to Bella's—Peter being comfortable with Charlotte and Bella around, and Edward not wanting his nephew out of his sight. Not that Bella minded, she was content in the way things had gone. She slept next to Edward every night, and Peter slept down the hall, the guest room now turned into a room of his own.
As Edward drove them through another nice neighborhood, he held Bella's good hand closely across the center console as he weaved through the streets. Peter and Charlotte were buckled in the backseat, talking eagerly amongst themselves. Charlotte was excited to see where Edward lived. The Swan's had packed a bag for the next few days, not sure when they were going to escape back to their house, especially with Bella being down a hand and unable to drive. Plus, she wasn't sure when Edward was going to get a minute to escape his family. They were due to arrive on his doorstep later that evening, and the thought of meeting his family in a circumstance such as this one made her shoulders shiver.
She was also curious about what Edward's house was going to be like. Were they going to be entering a bachelor pad? He mentioned it was a fairly large house; he bought it with the intention of staying and was sure it could easily accommodate all of them. She shrugged away the thoughts. She wondered what his style was like…he drove a fairly expensive car and dressed nicely. The crash course he had given her on his family made her think there could be a trust fund somewhere in up his sleeve.
She wasn't shocked when they pulled into the driveway of a two-story gray house with wooden trim. It was contemporary and sleek, with three towering pines hiding the front and shading the big windows. A garage with a wooden face greeted those who drove up the short driveway.
"Oh God, we're totally imposing on your bachelor pad. I don't even want to see your basement. I bet that where the man cave is." Bella laughed as they parked. She took in the beauty of the exterior. It was sharp yet inviting.
'Nah, that's where the dungeon is. If you want to see my batman collection, that's going to be in the bedroom." Edward said, winking. He smiled sheepishly as he helped her out of the car, watching as the kids ran to the front door. Peter punched in the door code, eager to show Charlotte around.
"I'm worried," Bella said, watching the kids disappear.
"Oh please. I have a little bit of taste, but if I didn't, it's a good thing my mom is a…" He trailed off, looking at her expectantly.
"Ooh! I know this one! Interior designer. See, I was paying attention." Bella pointed her finger eagerly as she remembered his mother's occupation. She sighed as he'd succeeded in distracting her.
"See, you don't need to be worried, Bella. They're going to love you." Edward smiled, and after they gathered their things, he gently guided her up the small set of stairs to the front door. He knew the real reason she was worried.
"I hope…" She trailed off, trying to distract herself, staring at the wall.
"I don't even know who's coming, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was all of them. They've been missing Peter. I just don't know if I'll be able to control myself if I see that fucker, Garrett."
"I'm not sure that's the best idea…you don't want to scare Peter. As much as you want to…give him what he deserves…maybe that's something everyone in your family should decide together."
"I'll try, but for the sake of that, I hope Garrett does what he does best and just doesn't show up. That would sure make things a hell of a lot easier on everyone." Edward muttered as they walked.
She needed to distract him.
"Okay…here is a weird question, but since it's just you…why do you have such a big house?" Bella asked blatantly, taking in the foyer. It was spacious, with a simple coffee table with medical magazines and small dish for what looked like spare keys, "do you have a girlfriend and family you've been hiding?" Bella joked.
"Yep. That's it, you got me!" Edward laughed, throwing his keys into the dish. They continued walking. He gave her a light tour of the house, not sure where Peter and Charlotte ended up. Seeing everything only made Bella's question more obvious. It rambled around his head like a pinball, as they made their way upstairs. Why did he need four bedrooms? Why did he need a bigger house? He knew the answer deep down, but would it freak her out if he was honest about it?
Edward Cullen moved to Forks to start over, but he's also moved to settle. In truth, he was nearing thirty and was at the point where he wanted to have something for himself, besides his job. He wanted something to come home to.
Once they entered his room, he tossed his small duffle bag onto the floor in front of the dresser. He turned to watch Bella, her eyes glistening with curiosity as she took in the details of the man she was beginning to fall in love with. The polished, golden color of his comforter, the bright colors of the LED light strip coming from a complicated-looking computer set-up in the corner of the large room, the diplomas and degrees framed over the desk. The framed Batman poster that was hung on the far wall.
"So, you weren't lying! You're not even a closet nerd, it's plastered all over your walls." Bella laughed, moving to stare at the poster.
"Sue me. I like to indulge in DC." Edward shrugged, moving closer to wrap his arms around her waist.
"Same. Ben Affleck is nice to look at, especially in high definition." Bella smirked, looking up into his eyes.
He scooped her up, careful to not bump her arm, "nice to look at, huh? Why don't I just leave you two alone then…" Edward said into her ear as he carried her towards the bed.
"No…" she whined. He smiled at her and laid her down on the soft comforter.
"It's actually Christian Bale I would like to be alone with." Bella deadpanned.
"I'm going to Christian BAIL on this situation if you don't kiss me." Edward laughed, scooting closer. He pressed his lips to hers, slowly. She smiled lightly as she kissed him back, wrapping her good arm around his neck, inching closer.
After a few moments, Bella giggled softly and laid her head on Edward's chest. She pulled away as he peppered kissed down the side of her neck. She tried to shut her eyes lightly to contain her laughter as he pulled her closer, his breath tickling her. She grabbed one of the throw pillows, prepared to smack him gently if he didn't behave. She listened for Peter or Charlotte in the hallway.
"Besides, Bella, everyone knows Pattinson is going to be the greatest Batman of this generation," Edward muttered, seriously.
She laughed again, moving the pillow to rest gently under her head. She breathed in his scent, letting waves of calm wash over her as she thought about the next few hours.
"I bought a big house because it gave me another reason to stay," Edward whispered after a momentary silence, he turned over to face her.
"What?" Bella said, confused.
"Your question, earlier. Why I bought a big house when I came here. I mean, I could have gotten something smaller or even an apartment, I don't know. My family, as you'll find out later, I am sure, think it's strange I left Chicago—you know that. I want to stay here, I like the area, I like the environment, I like…the people."
"Well, the people like you too," Bella said, smiling at him.
"I just had an inclination that coming here was going to be for something more…something more than a job. And I think I was right," Edward confessed, smiling at her. As if on cue, a small crash from down the hallway garnered his attention.
"Peter, if you bust the Switch, you're buying us a new one," Edward called, rolling his eyes. He sighed, "We should probably go kick their asses in Mario Kart to show them discipline." He moved to get up, but Bella didn't move.
Us.
The word haunted her mind like a ghost.
She liked it.
Her 'us' never included more than her and Charlotte.
"I think you're right, too," Bella said, smiling.
Later that evening, the doorbell rang. Edward sighed and got up from the couch, gently brushing his hand over Bella's. This was the moment they had been waiting for all day. Charlotte had gone to spend the evening with her aunt. Bella didn't want to chance seeing something that could have been avoided. She stayed, wrapping Peter under her good arm protectively. He snuggled gently into her side and decided to stay back. He didn't want to think about how overwhelmed he would be if he was standing in the doorway when his uncle opened the door.
And he was glad he wasn't.
Edward peeked through the covered window, halting his movement as he saw who stood outside the door. He stilled as the anger rose in him, a tide coming to shore. The fury throbbed through him like a heartbeat. He fists were stone as he reached to grip the doorknob.
"You are not welcome here." Edward spat, ripping the door open to see his gangly brother standing there. Garrett's shoulder-length hair was tied messily behind his head, and he wore an old hoodie and jeans. Edward only saw red. He wasn't going to move; he knew that much. He could only hope if his parents knew what was going on or had any knowledge of what Peter had gone through, they would join in with his wall of protection. If he knew them at all, they would. Peter was the light of their life, but at the moment, Edward didn't care if he was going to have to the bad guy. Everyone was looming around and starting to come up the stairs from the rental car, so if he was going to hell over this, he was going to do it thoroughly. He expected a bad reaction from his brother, from his sister, but luckily there was no Kate around to make it that much worse on Peter.
Garrett didn't respond, lifting his hands in an attempt to reason with his brother. He raised his eyebrows, a surmise that Edward knew everything that had been going on.
"I'm serious, Garrett. Step through this door, and I will not hesitate to throw you out. And I will do it, right here, in front of everyone. They're all going to find out what you've been doing anyway. " Edward said menacingly.
From around the corner, Bella craned her neck to get a glance at Garrett, but from the sounds of it, she didn't want to be on the other end of their encounter. A chill ran down her spine, remembering back to the night Edward had mistakenly jumped to the wrong conclusion about Peter.
She looked down at the little boy who shuddered when he heard the voice of the man.
Garrett didn't respond to Edward's threats. He simply sighed and turned his head when the sound of two car doors slamming shut caught his attention. The clicks on the pavement could be heard in the distance.
"Edward!" exclaimed a warm, soft honey-like voice.
The boys looked back to see two women heading towards them, one moving with more exuberance than the other.
His mother all but ran up the pathway, a small purse on her arm. She raised her arms to move to give her son a hug. Edward slid past his brother to meet his mother's eager hug; her arms were tight and welcoming. Esme Cullen didn't care about what led them here in the heat of the moment, she wouldn't want to hear what circumstances brought Peter to Forks or to his uncle. Instead, she focused on the positives while she could—he was here, everyone was safe. Edward and his family weren't always on the best terms, but his parents stood firm in the middle, not allowing issues to drive any wedges between them. Esme and Carlisle never commented negatively on Edward's, long-lasting hope for Peter. Unlike other members of his family, they accepted that he wasn't ashamed to hold onto hope.
With a slight reluctance, he let go of his mother to face the other figure standing in the shadows of his mother's bright force.
It was an understatement to coin the term 'spoiled brat' when describing his older sister, Alice, the middle child and only girl. She and Edward had never gotten along. If you asked her, it was because he was the youngest and he thought she was spoiled, and she always felt he thought he was always right about everything because he was a 'doctor.' She says he also complains that she never worked hard for anything, not even as a child. If you asked him, he couldn't really give you an answer as to why they don't get along. His description of her is much simpler; that she's a short—a sprite-like creature with jaggedly 'chic,' but to Edward, it's like she 'stuck her head in a sawmill,' cropped black hair with a chip on her shoulder. She blatantly argued with him for the sake of getting on his nerves and often sided with Garrett simply because he wasn't Edward. It irked him endlessly, but he couldn't even imagine she would side with Garrett after everything became known.
"Alice," Edward greeted. He wasn't cold but aimed for a room temperature type of greeting.
"Edward." She said, smiling lightly at him. It had been months since she'd seen her younger brother last; perhaps she could turn over a new leaf for the time she was there. They were here for a good reason, after all.
"Where's Dad and Jasper?" Edward asked, looking back down the driveway at the car.
"They're just sorting something in the car." Alice said, staring down at the ground, "I think—
"Edward! How are you? What are you guys doing on the steps? Garrett, don't you want to see your son? Where is my grandson? I need to see him!" she was cut off by Esme's warm, eager voice.
"Uh…he's back there…with Bella." Edward sighed, "but just…be gentle with him. He's had a rough couple of months, Mom. I know you want to see him…"
Esme looked at him, wide-eyed at his warning, but pursed her lips. She nodded to him and Garrett. He leaned back as his mother moved through the doorway of his house, Alice following steadily behind her.
"Come on, Garrett!" She exclaimed.
Garrett slithered around Edward to go with them but stopped when Edward's hand gripped his shoulder. Edward wished he could dangle him from the wall like the snake he was.
"You stay in the kitchen; you really must be fucking stupid if you think I'm letting you go anywhere near him," Edward warned again.
"Edward, he's my son," Garrett said softly.
They were interrupted by Esme's calls.
"Peter? Pete?" Esme echoed, turning the corner.
"Grandma?" Peter called, jumping up from Bella's lap. His eyes widened, a brilliant smile took over his face, "Grandma Esme!"
He ran to her, throwing himself into her waiting arms. She wrapped him in a hug that would surely crush his bones if it weren't softened by the warm butter of love emulating from the tall, striking woman.
Bella stood from her spot on the sofa and adjusted her hair with her good hand. From the short distance, she admired Edward's mother. The complexion of her cheeks lightly reddened as she crumpled her face against the blonde locks on Peter's head. Her uniquely shaded curls fell loosely over her shoulder, cascading down her side. Her heart fluttered when she recognized the color and bargained this was where Edward had gotten his looks. If Bella was a gambling woman, she'd bet the same green eyes she was so used to getting lost in would be staring at her soon. She'd seen pictures, of course, but she was quickly getting used to the fact that the pictures did none of the Cullen family justice.
Esme stared at her grandson, raising her head and swatted her hand to wipe the tears that had managed to escape her eyes.
"Hi, Aunt Alice! I missed you." Peter said, moving to the small woman next to Esme. Edward's sister stood, frowning. Her lips upturned the moment Peter acknowledged her. She threw her arms around the small boy.
"I missed you too, kid!" Alice laughed lightly, "what? Did you just decide to take a mini-vacation these past few months? Be like your old, Aunt Alice?"
Alice nervously babbled, realizing exactly she had said. Her face tensed tightly, "uh…I'm kidding. Sorry."
Bella couldn't contain her gasp at Alice's choice of words. Why the hell would she say something like that? Maybe she really had no idea…or maybe she was awkward and nervous. The endless ideas ran through Bella's head as she tried to straighten her face. Peter's expression scrunched in confusion as he backed away from his aunt towards Bella.
Alice turned to glare at Bella with cold green eyes.
"Alice! Why would you—ugh! Oh, I…I'm sorry," Esme apologized, turning to glance at Bella curiously. She sniffled slightly, reaching to run another hand through Peter's hair, "I think everyone's emotions are getting the best of them..."
Bella quickly straightened.
"Please, don't let me impose. I'm so glad you guys are here, Mrs. Cullen and…Alice, right?" Bella said lightly, holding up her arm in apology. She smiled lightly at Esme, not wanting to chance her luck looking at Alice.
"Oh, just Esme, please. Mrs. Cullen was my mother-in-law, and God rest her soul, the woman was a wench." Esme said, attempting to lighten the mood.
Bella threw her hand to cover her dropping jaw. Peter, now with a neutral face, laughed at her expense. He then looked up at her and smiled.
"Grandma, Aunt Alice, this is Bella. She's uncle E's girlfriend. And it was her backyard that I—"
"It was in my backyard that Edward found him…it was…well, something of a miracle actually." Bella said, quickly narrating the alternate tale. They weren't quite ready to tell his family what happened fully yet. Bella tried to shoot Peter a subtle look, but he had turned back to his grandmother.
"She helped me—her and her daughter, Charlotte. They helped me find Uncle E." Peter smiled, finding no shame in the tale that led them to where they were today.
"Of course, you're Bella, I should have known it was you just by the way my son talks about you. And Peter! I didn't know you had such a part in this…we will never be able to repay you for your kindness towards my boy." Esme smiled, another round of tears running down her face. She moved to give Bella a gentle hug, careful to not nudge her arm.
"Can I ask what happened?" Esme asked, pulling back.
"Uh…car accident a few weeks ago," Bella said nervously, looking down.
Esme nodded sadly, patting her good shoulder gently.
"Alice, come meet Bella!" Esme changed the subject quickly, turning to grab her daughter by the arm.
In the hallway off the foyer, Edward still stood by the doorway, awaiting his Dad. It seemed they were having trouble retrieving the luggage from the car. Normally, he would try to go out to help, but he couldn't give up the opportunity to be alone with his brother. Garrett stood parallel to him, staring at the floor.
"Peter's told me everything. And I mean everything, Garrett. So, I want the truth, why are you here?" Edward said glaring.
"You want the truth? He's my son. I already told you. I fucked up. And you're the only one that knows. Things got out of hand…I…am trying to get help…but I'm just not sure…" Garrett said, looking back at the boy on the couch. He tried to shoot Peter a small smile.
"He's your son?" Edward said, furrowing his brow in confusion, mockingly. He had to fight hard not to explode with the strident laughter he so desperately wanted to let out. His head shook and he pursed his lips, as if though he was about to enlighten his brother with a new discovery. He clenched his fists tightly, urging himself not to break his brother's jaw.
But it raged on, the mortified expression on Peter's face when he begged to be able to stay in Forks. It flickered through his mind like an old busted light. From this point, seeing Garrett, he decided he didn't care what happened. He was going to speak his mind. If Garrett wanted to give it to him, he could try. Edward might have been several years younger, but Garrett's head barely hit his brother's shoulders, "if I had a son…well, I'd be keen on not locking him in the closet with a can of fruit while I got off on getting high with my wife and my crackhead buddies."
Another flash of glory rushed through Edward when he saw his brother's fists clench.
"You know, big brother, if you needed more money for crack, heroin, meth, whatever it was, I could have hooked you up, you didn't have to…" Edward taunted, venom laced his voice as Garrett realized he wasn't bluffing. He now realized Edward now knew everything.
With an angry growl, Garrett threw the first punch, narrowly cracking his knuckle on Edward's chin. A sense of adrenaline crashed through him as he moved forward to retaliate. His heat of the moment plan had worked. He wanted to fight, he knew he was bigger, and he would win. He wanted to fight for Peter—give Garrett a taste of his own medicine. He was a doctor after all, so who better than to deliver?
In the next room over, Bella was engaged in an easy conversation with Esme. Before she could realize what was going on, Edward had Garrett by the collar, his knuckles white. His arm swung back in a swift motion and catapulted forward until it snapped against Garrett's cheek. It was the noises that made them bolt.
"And the burns on his body, Garrett … what you allowed your friends to do to him … my nephew … while you were right there. And wanting to sell him to …"
Again.
"And trying to give him drugs … You deserve to rot in hell, you bastard."
And again.
Esme's gasp brought the attention of his father and the other, tall blonde male coming through the door. In a hurried motion, they ran to Edward's side, attempting to block him and get his arms behind his back. The two men were successful in ripping him off, pulling him away with the iron still hot. Blood flowed freely out of Garrett's nose and lip and slight markings patterned the reddening knuckles of Edward's hand. Garrett launched his own hand forward, catching Edward's nose. Blood began to lightly seep from one of Edward's nostrils, but it didn't deter him from trying to struggle to return his hit.
Though his father and brother-in-law held him back, they struggled. Edward tried to move towards Garrett, yelling things at him. He spit the blood that had pooled on his lip on the tiled floor.
"How does it feel to be tossed around like a rag doll, you filthy excuse for a…" Edward taunted, trailing off as he flicked his bloody fist at his brother, "Don't think I don't know. Don't think I- "
"Uncle Edward, stop!" Peter begged, running around the corner, stopping to stand behind Carlisle, "that man's not worth it. Stop!" Peter couldn't bring himself to look at the bloodied face of his father, opting instead to keep his waterlogged eyes trained on his seething uncle.
"Edward! What in God's name? What the hell is wrong with you?" Carlisle barked, pressing his arms harder onto Edward's, now slowing hands. He stopped suddenly, taking in Peter's words.
"All right, I'll stop, but not for you. I'll stop for Peter. But if he weren't here…Don't forget my profession, Garrett. I know where to make it hurt. Try it again and I will kill you." Edward spat, wide-eyed at the now grumbling Garrett. He took that moment to turn to his parents and siblings.
"What the hell is wrong with me? Why don't we ask him … let's ask Garrett to fill in the blanks?"
AN: Sorry for the delay, it was midterm season and it being my first semester of grad school, I had all the anxiety in the world leading up to it, lol.
We are so close to the end! Only a few more chapters and an epi.
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Stay safe and healthy during this time. Guard your toilet paper.
See you soon,
mariescullen (sarah)
