So, not so new story ... I'm reposting this. This story was pulled years ago by FFn. That decision (without any sort of warning, really) forced me to move from just posting on FFn to Stars (then The Writer's Coffee Shop), AO3, and FictionPad. After doing some thinking, and FicPad turning into a for-profit platform, I've decided to repost this here. I may also repost A Ilha Do Amor, too ... we'll see.
This is ALREADY COMPLETE! PREWRITTEN
I will be doing some editing for content, but this is written in its entirety on Stars, AO3, Wattpad and FicPad (when it's not being a pain in the butt).
This is different from the norm. In all of the stories that I've read or that I've seen, all of the characters are disgustingly perfect unless they are written with very clear flaws. This story is about love (um, duh! Look who's writing it. I'm the queen of romance), and finding it in the least likely place with the least likely person.
Now, this story is based in a hospital. My medical training comes from…WebMD. I'm not a doctor, nor do I claim to be. I'm a music teacher who has a wild imagination and a penchant for all things Twilight (and with this story, added in a mix of ER! I loved Luca Kovac…) Which brings me to my disclaimer: None of this is mine. I'm not, nor ever will be, Stephenie Meyer. If was, I'd be rolling in the dough from her insane imagination that gave us Bella and Edward. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter Nineteen
EPOV
"So, we're really moving in together?" I asked for the hundredth time over dinner. Actually, it was dessert but who is keeping track.
"Yes, Edward," she laughed. "I'm not backing out. I'm not going to change my mind. I don't want to be homeless and I kind of like your home."
"You make it a home," I said wistfully. "Are we going to get a new place together or just stay in the brownstone? I'm fine with anything."
"I don't want you to spend money unnecessarily, Edward. I can't really contribute much since I really dipped into my savings this year," she pouted. "Being kicked out of my house by my dad really hurt me, financially. I've made some financial gains, but not a lot."
"Sweet girl, I already told you what I think. You just keep paying what you've been paying with Ang," I said. "Let me handle the rest. Besides, I'm hoping to have a real rock on your finger before year's end. Then, what's mine is yours, baby." She smashed her lips together, arching a brow. "Oh, don't be like that. I want to share everything that I have with you, Bella."
"Edward, you are so much more than me. I can't…um…I don't know…" she rambled.
"Bella, I'm the same as you. A human. I'm not more or less than you," I said as I stood up, holding out my hand. "Dance with me?" She slipped her hand into mine and we walked to the dance floor. I held her hand over my heart and pulled her flush to my body. "Why do you think that you're less than me? Is it because of my money?" She bit her lip. "Would you love me even if I was dirt poor?"
"Without a doubt, Edward. It's just that you're used to all of the extravagance. I'm not. You saw my apartment prior to moving in with Angela," she said. "I just don't want to feel like I'm mooching off of you."
"It's not mooching when I want to share everything that I have with you," I said as I pulled her closer. She sighed, putting her head on my shoulder.
"I still feel like I'm mooching, Edward," she grumbled.
"You're not. If you want, I can propose. We can get married and then this conversation will be moot," I chuckled.
"Edward," she growled. She pulled back and glowered at me. I smiled at her crookedly, caressing my thumb along her soft cheek. "Fine…I'm doing this under duress, but fine."
"You love me. I love you. There's no duress," I said as I kissed her lips. "Let me spoil you, sweet girl. Let someone provide for you as opposed to you providing for them. All I ask for in return is your happiness. Are you happy?"
"Immensely so, Edward," she said. "It's just weird for me to have someone care for me. You know? I've been the care provider for so long, I don't know how to be the recipient."
"Well, get used to it because I'm going to give, give, give, for the rest of our long and happy lives. Okay?" I smirked.
"Okay," she said, giving me a genuine smile. She nestled closer to my body. We lazily swayed for the next few songs, regardless of the tempo of the music. The band announced that this was the final song as the boat was pulling in to dock. I held Bella tighter, kissing her soft, fragrant hair. She gripped onto me, lightly running her thumb over the lapel of my suit, right above my heart. "Bella, I love you and I will do anything to make you happy. Don't ever doubt my love or my intentions. Don't ever think that I'm better than you because of my money, status as a doctor, or my family. If anything, you're better than me. You are beautiful, loving, kind and generous. You have so much love in your heart and you give it freely to your patients, your friends and your family."
"Edward, I don't have a family," she sniffled.
"Yes, you do," I murmured. I gently cupped her face and looked into her watery eyes. "Me. My mom and dad. Rose. Alice. Angela. We're your family. We love you so much, sweet girl and we'll always be here for you. In every way." Bella threw her arms around my neck, clutching me tightly. I could feel her tears on my shoulder through my suit. "Shhhh, it's okay, sweet girl. I didn't mean to make you cry."
"I'm sorry," she sniffled. "They're not tears of sadness but of happiness. I never thought I'd have a family again. I've always been on my own."
"Now you're not," I whispered into her hair. "Hopefully, we'll create our own family." I moved away and placed my hand on her belly.
"Babies?"
"Babies, if you want them," I smiled. Her face lit up and she nodded, cuddling to my chest. I kissed her head and we sat down as the boat was docked. I left a tip for our server before we got off the luxurious yacht. I paid for several copies of the photograph that they had taken as we boarded. Afterward, we walked idly back to the parking garage. I helped Bella into the passenger seat and slid into the driver's seat. The drive back to my house was quiet, save for the music playing in the car. Bella's hand was on my thigh, tracing idle circles on the fabric of my suit pants. It made me hard as a fucking rock.
When I pulled into my driveway, Bella frowned. "I didn't bring a change of clothes," she said.
"I have a pair of scrubs, plus I think you have some clothes here from your last overnight stay," I said. "Besides, we're both off tomorrow and we can have a lazy, naked day."
"Horny much?" she chuckled.
"You were the one who was pawing at my thigh, giving me the boner to end all boners," I quipped. I put her hand on my throbbing arousal, earning a giggle from my girl. "Laugh it up, chuckles."
"You know I love you, Edward. You also know that I'll make the pain go away." She winked at me, getting out of the car and sashaying to the door. I blinked at her and her boldness. I loved it. I loved her and I wanted to celebrate our news…moving in together, promising each other a future and the prospect of having perfectly gorgeous babies with this sexy, intelligent and loving woman. I flew out of the car and caught up with my girl. I swept her in my arms, jogging up the stairs. She laughed as she clutched my neck. "Don't drop me!"
"Never, Ms. Swan," I chuckled. I gently placed her on her feet once I got up to our room. Well, not yet. I took her face in my hands. Her chocolate brown eyes were glittering brightly as she smiled softly at me. Her face warmed under my hands. "Do you know how much I love you? I'd do anything for you, Bella."
"I know you would," she said reverently. "I'd do the same. I love you, so much, baby." She tenderly kissed my hand before looking back up at me. My thumb moved over the soft skin of her cheek. A lone tear fell out of her eye and was captured by my thumb. "I never expected to find you, Edward. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for everything."
"I'll keep doing it. Forever, sweet girl," I cooed as I leaned down to kiss her lips. The kiss started off as being sweet and loving. Our mouths were moving together languidly. Bella's hands moved up to my hair. Her fingertips were massaging my scalp as I deepened our kiss, sliding my tongue between her pillow soft lips. My hands moved down her body, cupping her ass. She moaned as her fingers tangled tighter in my hair.
"God, I want you, Edward," she mumbled against my lips.
"You have me," I said quietly. She smiled against my mouth and moved her hands to my suit coat, pushing it over my shoulders. It fell to the ground. Her fingers moved to my tie and it joined my jacket on the ground. I ran my hands over Bella's body, searching for a zipper for her dress.
"It doesn't have one," she chuckled. "Just lift it off, Edward."
I smiled and lifted her dress over her head, revealing a sinful bra and panty set. It was the same shade of blue as her dress and hugged all of her sexy curves. Her breasts were pushed up perfectly, just begging for me to jump in to kiss, snuggle, nip and bite. Little did I know that Bella had unbuttoned my shirt and was pushing it off my body, only to get caught with the sleeves on my wrists. I tore the shirt from my arms and bent down to pick up my girl. My hands grasped her thighs and lifted her. She took in a sharp intake of air as her legs were locked around my waist. I carried her to the bed.
Once she was on my bed, I pulled back and looked at her beauty. The changes in her body were subtle. She always had curves, even while she was heavier. She had luscious breasts, a defined waist and swell of her hips. Now, her waist was smaller with some more muscle definition underneath her skin. Her breasts were perkier. Her hips, they stayed the same. I loved that. "You're so beautiful, Bella," I murmured as I stared at her flawless, alabaster skin. Gliding my fingers along her skin, she moaned. "So perfect."
"You're teasing me," she pouted. "Besides, I'm nearly naked here and well, you're still somewhat clothed." I laughed and unbuckled my belt. My pants fell to floor and I quickly removed my shoes and socks before climbing into bed with my girl. "Much better." Her fingers glided up and down my body, toying with my smattering of chest hair. She pushed on my shoulder and straddled my waist. "Now it's my turn to ogle."
"Ogle away, sweet girl," I said as I smiled up at her. She ran her fingers over my face, starting at my forehead and moving down cheekbones. She glided her fingertips along my lips. I nipped at her fingers, earning a sweet giggle from my girl. She bent down and pressed her lips to mine. I moved my hands to her bra, finding the clasp in the back. With a flick of my wrists, the bra loosened and her breasts tumbled out of it. They were crushed against my chest, earning a strangled groan from me. I loved her boobies. My hands quickly cupped her breasts, tweaking her nipples.
"I thought I was supposed to be ogling. Not you copping a feel," she laughed.
"I couldn't resist," I said as I continued massaging her perfect breasts. Her nipples were erect from my playing. I dipped my head and took one of her breasts into my mouth.
"Holy fuck nuggets," she moaned.
"Say again?" I laughed.
"Shut it and keep doing what you're doing, Romeo," she said as she arched her back, pushing her tit back into my mouth. I eagerly latched on, flicking her nipple with my tongue. Her hips were moving over my throbbing, aching arousal. I kissed across her chest to the other breast, repeating my actions with that one. Bella's whimpers were my undoing. I rolled us so I was hovering over her body, kissing down her belly. I reached her core; that was still covered by her panties. The fabric between her legs was drenched and glistening with her arousal. I nuzzled my face between her thighs. Nipping at her body through her panties, I teased her with my tongue and teeth. "Fuck, Edward. That feels so good but I want your cock. I have to taste you."
"Feeling's mutual, sweet girl," I purred as I pulled her panties aside, licking up her slick folds. "Do you trust me?"
"Of course I do," she said, frowning slightly. I tugged on her panties and slid them down her legs. "Edward?"
"Straddle your legs on either side of my head, baby," I said as I lay down on my back. I shimmied my boxer briefs off my body, causing my cock to slap against my belly.
"I'll suffocate you," she squeaked.
"No, you won't. Sit on my face, Bella. I want to lick you delicious pussy and you said that you want to suck my cock. Best of both worlds."
She bit her lip and moved so her drenched pussy was right above my mouth. I spread her legs slightly with my hands before I sucked her swollen folds between my lips. "Holy mother of GOD!" she moaned as she fell forward, bracing herself on either side of my body. I growled against her, bucking my hips. She chuckled as her mouth wrapped around my cock, sucking on me like she was a damned Hoover. The smell of her arousal, the feeling of her wetness of dripping down my face, the sensation of her hot mouth on me…it was such sensory overload. I fucking loved it. I loved her.
It was getting hot and heavy. Bella's legs were quivering and her arousal was dripping out of her body. She was getting close to exploding. I wanted to feel every ounce of her orgasm. My tongue darted along her swollen nub as my fingers easily slid inside of her silken walls. I curled my fingers, pressing them against her g-spot. She was chanting 'oh god' as she pumped my cock. I was getting close to my own release but I wanted to be inside of her when I came. She sat up abruptly. "Edward! I'm…FUCK!" Her body tensed up and her arousal spilled onto my face. I moved out from underneath her, keeping up with my ministrations of my hand. Once she calmed down, she sat back on her ass, breathing heavily. "Wow," she sighed.
"I know," I said as I crawled up to her. "Bella, you are so exquisite when you come."
"Thank you," she blushed. "However, I hate that I, um, squirt everywhere. You're drenched, Edward." Her fingers ran through my slightly wet hair.
"I love that I'm able to get you to do that. Besides, I squirt, too," I quipped as I grabbed her legs. I spread them slightly, displaying her still wet folds. "I need to be inside of you, Bella. Please?"
"On your back, Cullen," she said. Her eyes were twinkling with mischief. "I want to fuck you for a change."
"Hell yeah," I said as I lay down on my back. Bella gracefully straddled my waist, rubbing her arousal along my throbbing cock. "Bella…"
"Good things come to those who wait," she purred as she grasped my cock. Rising up slightly, she positioned me at her entrance. With a smile, she sunk down around my body. I was surrounded by her tight, wet warmth. She grabbed my hands, twining her fingers with mine. Her ring was glittering in the dim light of my bedroom. Her body was undulating over me, taking me deeply inside of her tight pussy. "Dear God in heaven…feels so fucking good."
"You're telling me, beautiful," I whispered as I gripped her hips. My body was moving with hers, sliding easily in and out of her slick pussy. She moved forward, kissing me feverishly. She pulled on my hair as she hungrily attacked my lips. "I love you, Bella. So much. I can't wait until we're together. Forever."
"Oh, Edward," she moaned as she plunged her tongue into my mouth. My arms wrapped around her waist, guiding her up and down, over my cock. I sat up, kissing her neck as I palmed her breasts with my hands. Her arousal was coating our legs. The sound of our skin slapping against each other filled the room. Coupled with the sound of our whimpers and kissing, it was insanely erotic. "I'm so close, Edward. Please, please come with me, baby."
Her pleas caused my balls to tighten. "Baby, my sweet girl," I moaned. "I love you."
"I love you more, Edward," she moaned. "OH GOD!" Her muscles clenched around me as her arms tightened around my neck. She screamed as she came all around my cock. Her release triggered mine and I spilled inside of her body. I kept thrusting in and out of her until my cock softened, slipping out of her body. "Is it always going to be like this?" she asked breathily.
"I certainly hope so," I said as I kissed her softly. "Bella, you're my best friend and I hope you know that I'm never, EVER letting you go. I'd be a fool for doing so."
"You're my best friend, too," she whispered. "Thank you for loving me."
"I'll do it forever, sweet girl," I smiled. "Now, let's take a shower because I'm a sweaty mess."
"Ugh, me too," she giggled. "A little sticky, too." She got up, pulling on my arm and dragging me to the bathroom. We showered together, washing off the evidence of our lovemaking down the drain. Afterward, we went back into my bedroom, stripping my bed and changing the sheets together. I gave Bella one of button down shirts. She went to grab a pair of panties from the drawer in my dresser.
"No panties, Bella," I smirked as I slid between the sheets, naked as the day I was born.
"Why?"
"Because, I'm not done with you," I said, licking my lips. "I want you again but I need some time to recuperate."
"Horny much?" she laughed, crawling up the bed, curling up against my chest.
"For you, always," I said as I kissed her forehead. "I'm so happy, though. We're going to be living together and soon, I won't have to wait for these adult sleepovers to make love to my girl." The mere thought of that caused my dick to twitch under the covers.
"Do we have lift off?" Bella asked, arching a brow.
"Oh, yeah," I purred as I flipped her, sliding inside of her.
xx APFL xx
"Edward, what do you think is going to happen with this meeting?" asked Alice. She was sitting next to me outside of the large conference room on the seventh floor of the hospital. She was wearing a very sedate black suit for our meeting with Dr. Volturi, my dad, Eleazar and Jacob.
It was a few days before my birthday and we were waiting to meet with the board of directors to discuss the allegations against Jacob. Bella was off and was working with Angela on packing up the apartment since Angela was pregnant and was milking it for all it was worth.
"I don't know, but my guess is that Jacob is going to be out of a job," I said. I straightened my tie and pushed up my glasses. "However, we need to know how Jacob got the drug locker key. He was not authorized to have access to those medications. He has an accomplice and we need to know who's helping him. Plus, who was he giving the drugs to? I heard him on the phone with someone. Talking about self-medication."
"Dr. Cullen, Nurse Brandon, we're ready for you," said the assistant from Dr. Volturi's office, Renata.
"Thank you," I said as I stood up, buttoning my suit coat. Alice and I walked into the conference room. Inside, the entire board of directors was inside along with my dad, Eleazar, Felix and Lauren. "Where's Jacob?"
"He's on his way up with an attorney," Dr. Volturi said. "They're conferring on the floor below. Renata called down to the room and reminded them about the meeting."
A few moments later, Jacob and his attorney were ushered into the room, seated across the table from the board of directors. Jacob looked a little haggard and a lot freaked out. His attorney looked like he was fresh out of law school.
"Dr. Black," Dr. Volturi said coldly. "The purpose of this hearing is to discuss allegations brought against you regarding missing drugs from the drug locker. Additionally, we're also discussing the future of your time here at the hospital, pending the findings of this hearing. Dr. Sanchez, can you please read the charges against Dr. Black."
"A week and a half ago, we received a tip that you were taking drugs from the drug lock up; a drug lock up of which you didn't have access to since you were denied a key due to the situation when you were hired. After this tip, we checked the drug locker, discovering that six vials morphine had been swapped with saline solution. Additionally, ten Demerol patches were removed from the locker," Dr. Sanchez explained. "We have two witness statements indicating that you were in the drug locker, using a key that you were not issued since you did not have access to the drug locker. You needed approval from an attending physician to have access to the medications that were taken from the locker. Dr. Cullen, Edward Cullen, also placed you on administrative leave after a situation that happened with another patient. Based off his behavior and his patient interactions, Dr. Black has made several poor choices and his future with the hospital is at risk."
"Now, we are going to hear testimony from your co-workers regarding your behavior before you can state your defense," Dr. Volturi said, narrowing his eyes. "The first witness is Dr. Felix Denali."
Felix sat down and he spoke about Dr. Black's performance as a doctor. Very simply, Felix explained that Jacob was curt and harsh with patients. His bedside manner was sketchy at best. He had several patients request a different doctor based off his behavior. Once Dr. Denali was done with his testimony, Dr. Volturi asked if Jacob's lawyer wanted to ask questions. He said no.
Each witness stated something similar regarding Jacob's behavior and patient interactions. The only witnesses left over were Alice, Lauren and me. "Nurse Brandon, you're next," said Dr. Volturi. "Please state your name for the record."
"Mary Alice Brandon, Registered Nurse in the emergency room," Alice said.
"Can you tell us your interaction with Dr. Black?" Dr. Volturi asked, tenting his hands.
"I can only reiterate what my co-workers said," Alice explained. "He's rude, curt and almost disrespectful to his patients. It almost seems like he doesn't care about their health. His time here is just a means to an end. I personally do not care working for him because of his patient interactions and his treatment of the staff. He doesn't speak to the nurses unless he has to. When he does, there is an arrogant air to him. He perceives himself to be better than the nursing staff. It's condescending and uncalled for." Alice crossed her arms over her chest, glowering at Jacob. He gave her a smug grin.
"Now, can you describe what happened the afternoon of June 3rd?" Dr. Volturi asked. Jacob's grin fell as he gave Alice an icy scowl.
"I was on my shift and helping out Dr. Cullen. He was getting ready to go when he grabbed me, asking me to follow him. He explained that he heard something about Dr. Black. So, I watched as Dr. Black took the vials of morphine, Demerol patches and putting the vials of saline on the shelves. He pocketed the meds and left the drug locker, exiting through the other side of the drug locker. Dr. Cullen asked me to write down what I saw to corroborate what he saw. I did and sent a copy of that email Dr. Sanchez, Dr. Volturi and carbon-copied Dr. Edward Cullen."
"A copy of that email is included the findings about Dr. Black," Dr. Volturi explained to the board. "Did you do an inventory of the drug locker?"
"Yes. Shortly after Dr. Cullen left, Ben Cheney and I both took an inventory of the drug locker. A new nurse, Bree Tanner, verified our findings," Alice said. "It's good that we found the discrepancies prior to administering the medications to patients. Not that the saline would have hurt them but it certainly wouldn't have helped them either. What's more troubling is that the drugs are gone and we don't know where they went."
"That is very troubling, Miss Brandon," Dr. Volturi frowned. "That a doctor allegedly stole medications for his own personal benefit. Thank you for your candor. Dr. Cullen?" I passed Alice, squeezing her hand as I sat down. "For the record, please state your name."
"Dr. Edward Cullen, Associate Head of Emergency Medicine," I replied. I put the file folder I compiled on Jacob in front of me. It was nearly an inch thick from documentation of his poor choices in the ER. The majority of the documentation was about the older woman who died from the penicillin reaction.
"Can you please describe Dr. Black's performance as a physician?"
"He's rude. He's disrespectful. He's cavalier. He doesn't think before acts. Dr. Black is not the type of doctor I want to have in my ER," I said coldly. "I've got several patient complaints due to his curt and unprofessional behavior." I pulled out the five complaints, sliding them to Dr. Volturi. He already had copies of these but the board did not. The board members read the complaints, obviously pissed off at the paperwork in front of them.
"What about the day of June 3rd?"
"I went to the ER to pick up some medication for a friend. I ordered it and Alice got for me from the drug locker. After I had my medication, which I got legally, I was getting ready to go and I heard Jacob on his phone. He was having a very heated conversation. I can't say with certainty but from the tone of the conversation, it sounded like Dr. Black was provided medical care to someone and distributing medication that he shouldn't have access to. I heard him mention something to his friend about 'talking to Sam' about self-medication. He hung up and walked to the drug locker, accessing the narcotics with the key. Alice and I watched as Dr. Black take six vials of morphine, Demerol patches and switching the saline bottles for the morphine."
"Now, prior to this incidence, how would you rate Dr. Black?" asked one of the board members. "Would you want to work with him? Would you hire him?"
"His resume, prior to this past year, has been stellar. However, his actions that caused him to lose his job from his previous employer and his patient care here in the ER is lackluster at best. It almost seems like the work he's been assigned is beneath him," I explained. "Yes, Dr. Black has been demoted, but no matter what, the primary goal for a doctor is to first do no harm. We all took it with the Hippocratic Oath. For Dr. Black, his primary goal is get through the day. His patients mean nothing to him. Absolutely nothing. They're just a nuisance.
"Now, do I want to work with him? No. His cavalier attitude and risky behavior is not appropriate for the ER. His motto is 'treat 'em and street 'em.' I've heard him say it several times. Would I hire him? Definitely not. Not with the stipulations as indicated by his previous employer. In my opinion, Dr. Black should not be allowed to treat patients. His medical license should be revoked. He's made too many mistakes. I do not want him in my department. Period," I said strongly.
"Thank you, Dr. Cullen," Dr. Volturi said. "Any other questions?" The board members shook their heads along with Jacob's attorney. "Last witness before you can defend yourself, Dr. Black. Nurse Mallory?" It appeared that she had just gotten off shift. She was still in her nursing scrubs and her hair was pulled back in a low ponytail. "Please state your name for the record."
"Lauren Mallory, Registered Nurse for the Emergency Room," she said.
"Now, I received an email from you, Nurse Mallory, stating that you know who gave Dr. Black the key for the drug locker," Dr. Volturi said.
"I do know who gave him the key," she said quietly. "It's Dr. Michael Newton. He's dating Jessica Stanley and I'm very close with her. I was out to eat with the two of them with Dr. Crowley and Dr. Newton was boasting how he gave Dr. Black the drug locker key. Dr. Newton said that Dr. Black wanted in 'on the action.' Dr. Crowley was shocked that he would say that. He hissed for Dr. Newton to shut up."
"What do you mean in 'on the action'?" Dr. Volturi asked, his face flushing.
"Dr. Newton and Dr. Crowley have taken drugs from the drug locker before," Lauren muttered. "They sell them on the streets for extra cash. All they do is grumble that they get paid shit and that the real money comes from the side business of illegal drug selling. I realize that this is all supposition, but it's what I heard. I also did see Newton give Dr. Black the key."
"When was this?"
"About three weeks ago," she said. "I was afraid to say anything since Dr. Crowley and Dr. Newton essentially threatened me. I'm still terrified. I'm afraid that by not coming forward sooner, I'll lose my job."
"Now, Nurse Mallory, you withheld information about an illegal drug selling scheme and there will be consequences. I can assure you that you will not lose your job since you did come forward. A suspension? Yes. Unemployment? No," Dr. Volturi said. "Thank you for your information, Nurse Mallory. You're free to go."
"What about my next shift?" she asked.
"Show up to work as scheduled. Once the board has reached an agreement regarding your punishment, you'll be notified," Dr. Volturi said, giving her a reassuring smile. "You're still employed, so don't worry about that."
"Okay. Thank you, Dr. Volturi," she said as she stood up. "What about Dr. Newton and Dr. Crowley?"
"Most likely, they'll have criminal charges pressed against them," Dr. Volturi answered. Lauren blushed and left the room. "Dr. Black, do you have anything to say for yourself?"
"Very simply, I've been set up," Jacob said smugly. "Dr. Cullen has had it out for me since I started working in the ER. You want to talk about condescending? It's him. I'm not worth the shit beneath his shoes."
"Please refrain from using profanities, Dr. Black," Dr. Volturi spat. "Do you have proof about this 'set-up'?"
Jacob passed out a folder to Dr. Volturi and each of the board members. With an arrogant smirk, he tossed one toward me. In this report, it detailed how I made him do grunt work like inventory, bed pan duty, hovered when he was performing a procedure and neglected to write up Bella for when she 'harassed him.'
"Dr. Black, this is quite extensive," Dr. Volturi said as he removed his reading glasses. "However, nowhere in your report does it indicate that Dr. Cullen set you up. In fact, his treatment of you was more than fair. Your restrictions made it quite difficult for you to treat patients with anything stronger than ibuprofen. Now, the harassment charges that you allege against Nurse Swan are troublesome."
"I think that due to Dr. Cullen's personal relationship with Nurse Swan, he was showing favoritism and neglected to write her up because he's fu-having sex with her," Dr. Black said as he smiled at me.
"Dr. Cullen, do you have anything to say regarding this statement?"
"In regard to the write-up, I should have written up Nurse Swan," I said, my face heating up. "However, the comments made to Dr. Black were regarding a situation that occurred prior to his employment at Cook County. He and Nurse Swan were in a relationship ten years prior and the way he ended things with her were not amicable. She was merely making her feelings known about his treatment of her during that time."
"Well, I think that in all fairness, Nurse Swan should get a reprimand in her file for the harassment of Dr. Black, regardless of the situation. The harassment policy was your brainchild and you cannot bend it at will. You will make sure that gets done, Dr. Cullen, regardless of your relationship with Nurse Swan," Dr. Volturi said sternly.
"Yes, sir," I said. Shit. Crap. I hate you, Jacob Black. Fucking making me write up my girl. Asshole. I wish you'd just disappear. Fucktard.
"Back to you, Dr. Black," Dr. Volturi said. "You are hereby terminated from this hospital for the following reasons: number one – you stole medications from the drug locker that you were not allowed access to. Number two – the location of those medications are unknown and we are not sure if you sold them on the black market. Number three – the files from Drs. Sanchez, Cullen and Denali documenting your poor behavior and cavalier way of performing medicine; the most troubling is the woman who died under your care from a penicillin reaction. Number four – the treatment of your patients. Number five – the treatment of your co-workers. In addition to losing your employment, we've contacted the medical board of the state of Illinois, suspending your medical license, pending a criminal investigation regarding the allegations of the stolen drugs. Renata, please show in the detectives from the Chicago Police Department?"
"I'm being arrested?" Jacob bellowed.
"Yes, Dr. Black," Dr. Volturi said. Three police officers and a detective came into the room. The detective put his hand on Jacob's shoulder. "It would be in your best interest to cooperate with the police investigation. You may be able to walk away with a plea agreement. You may take him away." The detective took Jacob by the elbow, standing him up. He slapped the handcuffs onto Jacob's wrists, reading him his Miranda rights. As he was being escorted out of the room, his black eyes met mine and they were cold. I shivered involuntarily as he glared at me, walking out of the conference room.
"Rest assured, this is not the last time we'll see him," Alice said in my ear. "I have a bad feeling that he is going to make a return to the ER and he won't be alone. His buyer will make an appearance, too. I don't know."
"Well, this meeting is adjourned. Thank you everyone for your input on this matter. Dr. Cullen, if I can have a word with you before you go?" Dr. Volturi asked.
"Which one?" my dad asked.
"Oh, Edward," Dr. Volturi chuckled. "I keep forgetting that there are two of you, now." Everyone left and Dr. Volturi sighed. He scrutinized me. "I just want to talk to you about why you didn't write up Nurse Swan. Why? Was it due to your relationship?"
"What she said to him was a long time coming," I said. "Dr. Black hurt Nurse Swan, Bella, in a way that most people should never have to be hurt. He humiliated her in college and broke her heart. When she told him off in the trauma room, she got the closure that she needed to move ahead. Was it unprofessional? Yes. However, as her boyfriend, I was proud of her for standing up to him and telling him to shove it where the sun don't shine."
He pursed his lips, staring at me. "If it had been Nurse Stanley, Nurse Brandon or anyone else, would you have written them up?"
"Probably," I said. Please don't make me write up my girl. Please?!
"I'm sorry, Dr. Cullen. You have to stick with the policy," he said, frowning slightly. "However, instead of going to the ethics training, Nurse Swan can just get a letter of reprimand in her file. If there are no other instances of harassment, the letter will be removed. Does that seem fair?"
No. "Yes, sir," I said. "Should Dr. Sanchez write her up since he's not involved with her?"
"No. It has to be you since you saw the incident," Dr. Volturi said. "I'm sorry for putting you in the position but…"
"I know, sir. I'll get that done and give it to her when she comes in next," I said, cringing slightly.
"I feel for you, son," Dr. Volturi said, giving me a sympathetic look. He pushed away and left the conference room.
I crossed my arms in front of me, banging my head against the table. "Fuck, fuck, fuckity, fuck," I grumbled. "She's going to be so pissed." I stood up, scrubbing my face. "May as well get this over with. Fuck my life." I headed down to my office and logged onto my computer. I opened up a template for a letter of reprimand, cursing myself for doing this. "I'm sorry, Bella."
To: Isabella Swan, RN
From: Dr. E. Cullen
Re: Letter of Reprimand
Dear Ms. Swan,
As per the harassment policy, you are receiving this letter of reprimand because you were harassing a member of the hospital staff at Cook County Hospital. The parties involved were you, Isabella Swan, and Dr. Jacob Black. Dr. Edward Cullen had witnessed the harassment that took place in late March. You spoke to Dr. Black in a manner that was unprofessional and argumentative. As a result of your behavior, you are receiving this letter. Typically, a member of the staff who receives this also needs to attend an ethics training seminar. However, Dr. Marcus Volturi said that the seminar is not required since this was your first offense. Additionally, if you have no further instances of harassment, this letter will be removed from your file a year from today, June 17th, 2014.
If you have any questions regarding the allegations in this letter, you can contact me directly. If you would like to challenge this letter of reprimand, you can speak with your union representative, Carmen Saul, RN.
Yours,
Dr. Edward Cullen
Associate Head of Emergency Medicine
Cook County Hospital
I saved it, filing it in the computer. Then, I sent a copy to Dr. Volturi and Carmen. The last step was printing out two copies, one for Bella and one for her file. I was biting my lip as I was signing my name at the bottom of the letter, trying to hold back tears of frustration.
"Knock, knock," came the sweet voice of my girl.
Mother fucker!
"Come in," I said roughly.
She poked her head inside and gave me a smile. "How did the meeting go?"
"It's done. He's gone," I replied. "He got fired and arrested. Plus he fingered Newton and Crowley for possibly selling controlled substances. We'll probably be looking for three new attending at some point. We'll see."
"Why are you avoiding looking at me, Edward?" she asked.
"Um…"
"Am I in trouble?" she pressed, sitting down across from me at my desk.
Please don't hate me. "Remember that day when you ripped Jacob a new asshole?" I asked. She nodded. "Well, Jacob challenged the allegations against him. He brought that up and how I didn't write you up because we're together."
"Oh."
"Bella, I'm sorry," I said as I picked up one of the letters on my desk. "Dr. Volturi said that I had to; I needed to stay consistent with the policy."
"It's okay, Edward," she said as she took the letter from me. She read it carefully, tears filling in her eyes. "I should have been written up. I also should take the ethics class."
"You don't have to," I frowned. "I hated writing this, Bella. Jacob was fired but you get written up because he…"
"Edward, stop," she said as she stared at me. "I know that filling this out was probably very, very difficult. But, it should have been done when it initially happened. I told you that when I told Jacob to go fuck himself."
"I hate this. You have to know that I didn't want to write you up, Bella," I said.
"It's not fair. Just because we're a couple doesn't mean that you get to show favorites. Dr. Volturi is right. I'm not mad at you. Don't beat yourself up about this, okay?" she said as she folded the letter, putting it into her scrub pocket.
"I'll try," I sighed. "I thought you were off today?"
"Jessica was a no-show. Carmen called me in," Bella said. "I was okay with that since Angela is going bat-shit crazy with the packing. She's so particular on how she wants things done and yeah, I was doing it wrong. Besides, as a trade, I got your birthday off, which works perfectly for the present I got you."
"Are you going to tell me what that is?" I asked.
"Nope. You'll have to wait until June 20th to find out, Dr. Cullen. Consider it payback for this," she smirked as she waved her letter in my face. "Now, I'm off to work. I love you, Edward."
"I love you, too," I said. "Even though you are a tease. I'm also still very sorry for the letter."
"No more apologies. I'm fine," she smiled as she got up. She walked behind my desk, kissing my lips softly. Bella left my office. I called Dr. Volturi, informing him that I gave Bella her letter. He thanked me. He also asked me to cover for Newton, who was missing in action, though his future at the hospital was in serious jeopardy. Lauren's claim about Newton and Crowley having a side business of selling drugs was pretty serious. We needed to investigate.
As I worked through the day, I was worried about what Alice said and Jacob's cold, menacing stare. Something was just over the horizon and it was not anything positive. Whatever it was, it was festering, bubbling and ready to explode. I just prayed that no one got caught in the crossfire in this elusive it. Especially Bella.
A/N: What do you think this elusive it is going to be? I'm curious to hear your theories. Also, heed Alice's warning. This is not the last time we've seen Jacob. He will be back. Next chapter will be in BPOV and we'll be celebrating Edward's birthday. Plus, we'll find out if they're going to stay in the brownstone or move into someplace together. In upcoming chapters, we have the Hawaiian vacation, Rose's trial and the elusive it. We're about a little more than halfway through the story at this point. Just saying…
Anyhow, pictures for the lemon are on my blog (link in my profile). We also discuss this (and other stories) on my Facebook page: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. You can also find me on Twitter: tufano79. I'd love some reviews. They make me exorbitantly happy. Though, a naked Rob Pattinson, saying that he loved me immensely and that I could do what I want to him would make me happier…but that ain't happening anytime soon. Laters!