A/N: Anything Twilight related belongs to SM. Thanks for the follows and faves. thanks big time for the reviews I read each one. Amazingly, my story 'Sweet Temptations' made it to number 3 in the top Ten stories completed in December ... how cool is that!

I really liked how this chapter turned out, I hope you do too.

Edward was overwhelmed with his feelings of anger and frustration: "I don't know Mom. I walked her to gym class and she was nervous about it but she was fine when I left her. I waited for her in the library after school but she was late."

He started pacing back and forth and gesticulating with his hands: "She had her hair hanging down over face and wouldn't speak to me. I didn't even notice her injuries until after we'd been there about an hour. I can't believe I just sat there doing my fucking homework while she was beaten and bleeding. How could I not even notice?"

Esme squeezed his shoulder gently in sympathy and gave him a sad smile.

Edward started pacing again: "When I finally realised there was something wrong the only thing she'd tell me was that it was Jacob Black."

Esme was furious. How could the school let this happen. Why was that boy back at school so soon after the last incident? And now he had violently attacked Isabella.

She took her phone from her handbag and scrolled for a number: "Chief Dawson please." Esme tapped her foot as she waited: "Hello Demetri, Esme Cullen here. I'm afraid there's more trouble at the school between Jacob Black and my Isabella."

She nodded her head: "She has been hurt - we are at the hospital now."

Her eyes were wet with anger and sadness but she wouldn't let the tears drop: "Thank you Demetri, we'll wait for you of course."

Emmett went to speak but Momma Bear Cullen wasn't done. She held her hand up to stop him speaking as she selected another number and lifted her phone to her ear: "Principal Gray. Esme Cullen. I have no time for pleasantries I'm afraid. Could you please come to the hospital immediately and if you wouldn't mind bringing Coach Clapp along with you."

Her eyes narrowed: "Well I need you both to come here so you can give official statements to Police Chief Dawson on why my Isabella was brought into the hospital after having been attacked by a thug student while on school grounds." She waited and nodded: "See you both soon."

She put her phone back in her bag and turned to find Edward and Emmett looking ready for battle: "Okay boys, I need you to go to the school and take some photos at the gym. Isabella's head has been bashed against something to make it bleed like that. Find what you can. We need to get this Jacob boy locked away. He is obviously violent and we need to make Isabella safe. Just don't touch anything while you are there - photos only."

"We're on it mom," Emmett gave her a hug and headed towards his car.

Edward gave his mother a hug: "I'm so sorry it took me so long to work out what was wrong with her, mom. I feel responsible. I know I'm not but I feel like I should've taken better care of her. We'll get the evidence we need."

He kissed the top of his mother's head; she was as small as Isabella and he was over 6 foot tall.

Emmett and Edward drove back to the school in angry silence, both boys fighting the urge to go find Jacob Black and beat the shit out of him. They knew Esme was right, they needed to get evidence enough to back Isabella's testimony and get this violent thug locked away.

When they arrived at the school they made their way to the gym. They looked through the girls' locker room, nothing. They looked in the gym hall, nothing. They were ready to give up but went to the equipment room to check it out. There they found exactly what they were looking for - blood splotches on the equipment locker.

"He must have held her by her face because this is almost at my head height and she has bruises on her jaw. I really want to kill him Em."

"I know Ed, I do too," Emmett growled as he took photos of where Bee had been assaulted.

He emailed them to his mother. She texted back that Chief Dawson would be sending a deputy over and repeated that they didn't touch anything.

At the hospital, Carlisle had a nurse photograph all her injuries, including some very nasty bruising on her back. His carefully crafted calm countenance was seriously challenged at the sight of this slip of a girl covered in bruises. He had a father's fury rather than a physician's composure. He was trying to remain calm but asked a colleague to look after Isabella's injuries instead of himself. He knew he was emotionally compromised and didn't want to risk missing something important due to his own emotional state.

He kissed her forehead and headed out to sit with Esme who was taking the Principal and the Coach to task. Chief Dawson was standing back, just letting her give them hell.

Carlisle loved his wife so much. He loved to see her in full flight against these men. He himself was never violent nor was he often angry. He was strict with his boys but never violent. They didn't even spank their boys when they were young. But looking back into the room and seeing young Isabella clearly abused by some young thug filled him with an unfamiliar but natural masculine urge to fight, to protect.

Esme and Carlisle had discussed many times the masculine psyche and a man's primitive first response to danger, either to oneself or to one's loved one, being the urge to act with anger or violence. Esme spoke often of the civilising of the caveman that had occurred through the ages in law and society's expectations but that, underneath it all, men and women were still primal creatures when it came to our mates and our offspring.

He had always argued against her theory. He couldn't imagine a circumstance where he would resort to violence to resolve an issue. Again his eyes went back to his new daughter and he felt the anger swell in his chest.

Esme was laying down the law to the men gathered: "Now, gentlemen, we are going to go in that room and request Isabella tell Chief Dawson what happened on YOUR WATCH! Wait here and I will let you know if and when she will allow you to enter the room."

Esme spun around, taking Carlisle's arm she entered Bee's room and closed the door. The curtain had been pulled around the bed as the nurse was photographing her back.

Esme spoke gently, not wanting to upset Bee: "Isabella, may I come around please? Carlisle will wait until you're dressed, okay."

"That's fine, Esme, please come around. I need help with this gown," Bee's voice was a little shaky and hoarse from crying.

Carlisle leaned close to his wife's ear: "Be prepared sweetheart, the bruising on her torso is ... rather unsettling."

Esme nodded and discreetly opened the curtain to go to Bee's bedside. Isabella had her back to her and was naked, trying to cover herself as the nurse left with the camera in hand. Esme took a deep breath to calm herself, looking at how thin Bee really was, and how bruised. The tears she'd fought since they'd arrived at the hospital couldn't be held back any longer and dropped from her eyes in a steady stream.

She wiped them determinedly from her cheeks, took another cleansing breath and went to her adopted daughter's side. "Here, Isabella let me help you," she said softly, placing a small kiss on the girl's head.

"Thanks," Bee said as she looked up into the warm eyes of the second kindest woman she'd ever known. She couldn't hold the sadness back any longer: "It hurts, Esme."

Esme held her close but gently: "I know sweet girl, I know."

After a few moments, Bee gained control of herself again and her breathing started to even out again. Esme rubbed her back very gently in a comforting way and then pulled back: "Alright, now I am going to help you put this gorgeous gown on and then I'm going to bring in Chief Dawson, Principal Gray and that idiot Coach Clapp. I want to tell them exactly what happened and then we are going to see about taking you home. Okay?"

Bee looked nervous but determined: "Okay"

"Good girl," Esme gave her another small hug and then called out to her husband: "Carlisle, can you let them know they can talk with Isabella in five minutes please?"

"Of course, sweetheart," Carlisle turned and slipped out of the room to talk with the three men waiting outside the room.

"Isabella has agreed for all three of you to be in the room for the interview. I don't want her to have to repeat herself and go through this unnecessarily again so I am also going to record it with my phone. Agreed?"

The three men nodded and followed Carlisle into the room.

Isabella told her story to Chief Dawson who sat next to her, asking questions and taking notes. He also recorded audio of the interview on his phone. When she spoke of the violence and the vile things Jacob had said to her, Esme squeezed Carlisle's hand tightly while another treacherous tear rolled down her cheek.

Carlisle marvelled at how calmly Isabella spoke as though she was talking of someone else's experience altogether. Esme made the same observation, however it concerned her that Isabella was so detached and she decided there and then to source a good counsellor for Isabella to talk to about this and her past experiences too.

The boys remained at the school while the deputy took samples of the blood and also dusted for fingerprints. He prattled at the boys about the advantages of working on the Force in a small town: "You get to do lots of things that in the big cities they have specialists do… it's really great experience". He particularly enjoyed doing the forensics work and was sure the experience would be valuable to his career.

The boys ignored his prattling, talking quietly together about how they would deal with Black but the Deputy heard them and promptly put a stop to their conversation: "Now boys, I know you want to get justice for this young lady. I understand that but you have to trust the law. We'll take care of it. If you do something foolish you may actually cause him to get off altogether on some technicality. So, just leave it to the professionals, boys."

Both Emmett and Edward wanted to ignore him, especially given his patronising tone, but the thought of Jacob getting off without punishment because of something they did was too awful. They quietly agreed to let justice take its course, however much it pained them to nothing.

When the Deputy was done, the brothers made their way home. Esme had texted to say she had clearance to take Isabella home given that Carlisle could provide the care she needed.

When they arrived, Esme was preparing dinner. Her mood was sombre but she gave them each a small smile then motioned to the stairs with a tilt of her head: "Your Dad is sitting with Isabella." The boys nodded, not knowing what they should do at this point.

Esme wiped her hands on a kitchen towel as she turned to the boys: "Dinner will be in half an hour, best you both get washed up. I think that shirt is a goner Edward."

Edward looked down, surprised to see Bee's dried blood on his chest. He had completely forgotten about it. He followed his brother upstairs and when Emmett made the turn to head up to the next level to his room he stopped turned and held his fist out to Edward: "We'll look out for her, bro'."

Edward fist bumped his brother and nodded but didn't say anything. He hesitated a moment outside Bee's room but decided not to disturb them and headed to his room. He stripped out of his clothes, throwing his bloodied shirt into the bin and his jeans, boxers and socks into the hamper. He turned on the shower to as high a heat as he could stand, then stood under the flow of water, just letting the heat and steam relax him. He leaned against the wall of the shower and tried to clear his head of the disturbing images of Bee's bruised face and arms.

Edward was pretty old fashioned when it came to women. Not that he thought they belonged in the home or anything crazy but more that the women you cared about should be protected and treated well. Standing under the hot water thinking about how Jacob had hurt his Isabella, he felt guilty all over again that she'd been hurt. Not that he could've stopped it.

He washed his hair and scrubbed his body, almost getting soap in his eyes when they opened wide at his realisation that he'd thought of Bee as his, as his Isabella. He rinsed off the soap, turned off the water and stepped out to stand in front of the bathroom counter. He swiped the steam from the glass and stared at himself in the mirror.

Unlike his peers, Edward has zero interest in casual sex, he couldn't even conceive of such a thing. He believed in what his parents had, true love. The whole romantic deal is what he wanted and he had determined that he would never settle for less.

He made that decision when he was fourteen and read Romeo and Juliet for the first time; he wanted an all-consuming love like theirs. Of course he was no fan of the crazy suicide ending but he had become completely obsessed with the notion of an all-consuming, nothing-else-matters kind of love, like the love that R&J felt for each other within moments of meeting.

Emmett teased him mercilessly over the years about his stance on sex but he would not be moved. He didn't care if he was out of step with his peers. He was more than prepared to take matters into his own hands to deal with his sexual urges until he fell in love.

Staring at himself in the mirror he wondered if that was what he really honestly felt for Bee. There was no possibility of artifice when staring naked before himself in the bathroom mirror. It was just Edward and his reflection, and standing there he realised the wonderful truth - he was in love with Bee.

After a few minutes a small smile appeared as he reflected on all the fights they'd had since he'd met her. He rubbed the back of his neck wondering how he was going to convince her to get past his past behaviour. He frowned, wondering what he'd do if she didn't return his feelings.

He towelled himself dry, pulled on some clean boxers and went digging in his cupboard for some comfortable sweats and a t-shirt. Heading down the hall, he once again lingered by Bee's door. He wanted to check on her and make sure she was okay but just then Esme called them all for dinner and he heard a stirring from Bee's room, so he quickly headed downstairs to the dining room.

Carlisle opened Isabella's bedroom door and stood back gesturing for her to go ahead of him: "Let's go Isabella, it smells like Esme has made something delicious for dinner and I am starving."

Isabella was hesitant. She didn't like to be the centre of attention and she was embarrassed to see the boys again. It was ridiculous to be embarrassed, she knew that, but that was what she felt. But when she walked into the dining room she realised no one was going to make her uncomfortable.

Emmett passed her some napkins and asked her to place them on the table. When she put them in a pile on the end of the table he laughed: "No Bee, you put one next to each person's place setting. I like to fold it and put it under the fork… like this." He took one napkin and folded it three times and then placed it under the fork, to show her how to do it.

"Oh," was all she said but she gave him a small smile and proceeded to copy the process for each person's place.

Edward was placing glasses around the table and Carlisle grabbed some plates to distribute. They moved around each other easily with no forced chatter. When they were done, Edward motioned to a seat holding it out for Bee. She raised her eyebrow but then she noticed Carlisle do the same thing for Esme. She watched Esme sit smoothly, taking the napkin and placing it in her lap so she copied the motion. Edward smiled and sat on the opposite side of the table. He wanted to face her while they ate.

Emmett brought in the dishes and placed them down the centre of the table.

Bee looked across the table laden with steaks, steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes and she couldn't help the small giggle that escaped. The whole family looked at her with surprise; after all this same girl had been attacked that very afternoon and had the bruising to show for it.

"Sorry," she said giving a small smile to Esme. "This looks delicious."

Everyone smiled and went back to passing dishes around the table. They chatted about everything and nothing throughout the meal, observing but not wanting to draw any attention to Bee, who was humming as she ate.

Emmett chuckled and finally broke: "It is so good to see you eating, Bee. You are one hell of a girl, y'know that."

Bee blushed and Edward smiled at her: "Damn straight."

Carlisle started talking about some nonsense from work, wanting to take the attention off Bee, not wanting her to feel uncomfortable. Bee cleared her throat and put her cutlery down. Emmett leaned over and whispered: "If you're finished you put the fork and knife like this and if you're just taking a little break you put them like this." He demonstrated what to do and smiled when he saw her just cross the cutlery to show she was just taking a pause.

"Thank you Emmy," she said.

"Emmy?" Emmett puffed up. "Hey, I like it; Emmy is better than Fancy Pants." He looked over at Edward whose eyes narrowed at him.

Bee went back to her meal, finishing everything on her plate. The food was delicious and she was damned if she was going to waste even one mouthful.

Edward interrupted her food-inspired reverie: "Hey Bee, what would you like to do this weekend? You got any plans?"

"Actually, I have to go to the library tomorrow, although I am not sure how to get there from here?"

Esme leaned forward, curious: "Shouldn't you rest tomorrow Isabella? Why do you need to go the library?"

Bee shook her head slightly: "I read at Saturday morning story time in the library and I have to be there because we are in the middle of 'The Secret Garden' and I don't want to disappoint them."

"Oh I loved that book when I was little," Esme mused.

"I'll drive you," Edward offered, seizing his chance to spend more time with Bee.

She smiled shyly: "That would be great, thanks."

"Okay let's clean up boys, but you Miss Isabella need to get some rest, so off to bed with you," Esme smiled as she led Bee out of the room and together they headed back upstairs: "Do you need some help showering or changing?"

"That would be great, Esme" Bee whispered. A tear rolled down her cheek, she was suddenly so relieved to have someone to care for her. She'd been so alone for such a long time.

Esme could see Isabella's distress and wrapped her arm gently around her daughter's shoulders: "No need for tears. I am so glad you are here with us. I hope one day you'll trust me enough to tell me your story."

Bee twisted her hands together looking down and away from Esme.

"Don't panic sweetheart, I won't push you." She considered raising the idea of a counsellor but thought better of it. She would have to choose her moment.

Esme helped Isabella get undressed for her shower and then helped her dress once she was done. She even tucked her into bed.

"Esme?" Bee asked sleepily.

"Yes, sweetheart."

"Will you teach me to cook?"

"To cook?"

"Yes. I don't know how to cook at all. Years ago my grandmother showed me how to cook pasta but for the last little while I haven't had any power or gas connected so ... well, I haven't been able to, not that I had any pots or pans anyway. You cook so well and after I finish school I'll be on my own again and I was hoping you could teach me ... well, if you wouldn't mind?"

Esme was shocked by what Isabella had revealed to her. Who was this grandmother she mentioned? And what on earth had this young girl had been eating if she had no means to cook for herself.

"Where's your grandmother now?" She could see that Isabella was tired and felt a little guilty pushing her but this was the first time she'd opened up at all about her past.

"She's keeping company with the angels, just like my daddy and Renee," she said sleepily.

Renee? Esme knew she shouldn't but couldn't help but ask: "Honey, who was Renee?"

But it was no use. Isabella was asleep.

Esme leaned down and gave her a whispered blessing before placing a soft kiss on her forehead. She left quietly and headed back to the kitchen.

With the kitchen cleaned, she found her men sitting around the table sharing what they knew about what had happened that day. Carlisle had shown the boys the recording on his phone of Isabella's testimony.

"Ah, Esme, good. Demetri called. They've arrested Jacob, he's being taken to Port Angeles since he's too young to go in the lockup here. There'll be a hearing next week so we'll need to go." Carlisle wrapped his arm around his wife's waist and pulled her to lean against him.

Edward pleaded with them: "Bee won't have to go will she Dad?"

"No son, only your mother and I need go. They have the recordings of Isabella's testimony, the medical photos and records, even the forensics results will be available with the blood samples and fingerprints. With a witness of his assaulting her last week and then this, there shouldn't be a problem but if there is we'll deal with it. He won't get near her again." Carlisle was resolute.

"Fuckin' A," Emmett said. "That asshole better hope he gets locked up because if he gets away with this, I will make him pay."

Edward held up his fist to his twin: "Damn straight."

There was silence for a few minutes. Esme sat down to join them: "Isabella asked me to teach her to cook. She also mentioned that she's been living without power, gas or cooking utensils at that house. God only knows what she's been eating to sustain herself."

Carlisle turned to her: "She actually shared that with you? That's wonderful, honey."

"That's not all she said. She mentioned a grandmother who taught her to boil pasta. When I asked where her grandmother was she said she was 'keeping company with the angels', just like her daddy and someone called Renee. She fell asleep then so I couldn't ask her any more. Do you think Renee was her mother?"

"She said 'keeping company with the angels'?" Edward asked.

Esme nodded: "Yes, that's what she said, does that mean something to you?"

"If I remember correctly, it's an old saying about the Irish," he paused for a moment, grateful again for his excellent memory. "I think it goes, 'Be they kings, or poets, or farmers, they're a people of great worth; they keep company with the angels, and bring a bit of heaven here to earth.'"

He looked up to his parents: "Do you think her family was Irish?"

"I don't know son, but what I do know is she is alone and she has been for some time from what I can gather. Now, it's been a very long and difficult day for everyone; perhaps we should all go to bed."

They all muttered agreement and heading to their respective rooms.

Later that evening after hours struggling to sleep, Edward found himself sneaking into Bee's room. He just wanted to check on her, he couldn't stay away. He moved quietly towards the bed, his eyes slowly adjusting to the dark he could make out Bee's small frame rolled in the comforter like a little baby.

He reached down and stroked her hair softly, pleased that she was sleeping and comforted that she was safe. He turned to leave and was almost at the door when he heard her chuckle. He hung his head as he realised he'd been caught.

"Why are you in my room, Edward?" she playfully whispered his own words from the night before.

"I'm sorry," he said, smirking and walking back towards her taking a seat on her bed.

"Why are you sorry?"

"I'm sorry I woke you."

"Hmm. Okay, so why are you in my room, sitting on my bed, in the middle of night?" she grinned at him.

"I was just watching you sleep," he smiled and then he let out a deep sigh. "And, I wanted to say that I'm sorry I didn't realise you needed help. I'm sorry that Jacob hurt you. I'm sorry I've been such a shit to you in the past."

She sat up which brought her face very close to his. He leaned forward a little more so that he could touch his forehead to hers, and whispered: "I'm also sorry that you probably don't think very highly of me."

Bee thought how ridiculous that was; he was Edward. He was smart, beautiful, kind when he wasn't being an ass, and just ... Edward. She touched her hand gently to his cheek and with the encouragement of her gentle touch he turned his head just enough to then touch his lips to hers.

They kissed. A soft gentle kiss. A soft, gentle, long and loving kiss.

A perfect first kiss.

A/N: Happy Valentine's Day! Love you guys. Let me know what you thought.

References:

Book credit: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

First published in book form in 1911 following the publication in 1910 of a serial version in a US magazine. Set in England, it is one of Burnett's most popular novels and is considered a classic of English children's literature. Several stage and film adaptations have been made.

Old saying about the Irish:

"Be they kings, or poets, or farmers, They're a people of great worth, They keep company with the angels, And bring a bit of heaven here to earth."

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