A/N: Please read the bottom Author's Note. Enjoy!

I'll Always Find Peace In The Meadow

Chapter Forty-two: 'push the boundaries' (Edward POV)

Sunday 9 July 2017

I pace outside the closed double doors for a long time, trying to build up the courage to knock, trying to piece together how I'm going to word my request.

On the other side of these doors is my father. He's probably sat at his desk, going over a patient's files or reading one of his many medical books. He spends most of the time that he isn't at work in his home office. It's been that way for as long as I can remember. Having the job he does, he works a lot. He'd be called away half way through dinner on many occasions during my childhood, he'd miss basketball games and he was late to pick me up from piano lessons more times than he was ever actually on time. He made an effort; that showed in the fact that he even came to pick me up at all. He could have hired someone else to do it, could have even asked Bev. But most of the time, it seemed like even when he was at home, he was working. I don't know if it was by choice or because he had to.

For as long as I can remember, I've never been allowed in his home office. I stepped foot in the one at the house in Chicago a total of three times in our time there. Two of those were when I was barely of an age to have begun school and I snuck in to sit at his desk. I "played doctor", as Bev called it. The second of those two times, he caught me in there and that's when he started locking it religiously. The third and final time was when he called me in to see him; he was telling me off for stealing one of Alice's dolls for the umpteenth time (I only ever stole her dolls twice, the other times she simply lost them - honestly!).

The number of times I've stepped foot in this study is zero. Not once. Now, here I stand - actually, here I pace - outside his study, worried that this will be a big mistake but knowing that out of my two options, this is the best one.

My other option would be to go to my mother, but knowing what this is about, I can predict how that would end. Any result from going to my father instead would be ten times better than speaking to her. I have no doubt about that.

Finally, I have worried myself to the max and have no hesitation as I turn abruptly and knock with two sharp raps of my knuckles against the door on the right-hand side. There's no answer for several long seconds - they probably seem longer than they actually were - and then I hear that familiar voice call for me to enter.

I do, briefly looking around. This office is definitely better than his last. It has wooden shelves and wooden furniture. Compared to the glossy white and glass topped furnishings of the Chicago one, this is much warmer. Much more inviting.

I look to the man behind the desk, who's gazing at me with acute surprise over the glasses he has perched on the end of his nose. "What can I do for you, Edward?" he asks me before glancing down at the open file on his desk.

I rub my slightly clammy hands against my jeans as I walk further into the room, stopping in between the two chairs that face his desk.

"I was, um, wondering if I could ask you something?"

He looks back up to me, taking his glasses off as he gives me his attention. "Well, what is it?"

I sit down. Another rub of my hands against my thighs.

"It's about Bella," I say quietly, gouging his reaction. He drops the paper he was holding, and places the glasses he still had in his hand - obviously he wasn't expecting this to take long - on top of the paper.

"What about her?" His question lacks the emotion he spoke with only moments ago. That only serves to make me more nervous.

"Well, um, you see, Bella's mom, Renee... she's going away with a friend next week. Bella will be all alone... and I, well, I was wondering if maybe she could possibly stay here? With us?" There's no taking it back now, though by the miniscule widening of my father's green eyes and the crinkling of his forehead, I start to wonder why I tried asking for this at all.

The idea came to me as Bella and I were walking back from the meadow toward my house yesterday afternoon. I never mentioned it to Bella, knowing that there was a mighty strong possibility that my parents wouldn't allow it. Still, I wanted to try. The idea that she'll be in that house all alone for almost six days is terrifying. This is a relatively safe town, not much happens in terms of crime, but still, it's not good for her to be alone for so long. If she were here with us, I'd know for sure that she'll be safe. It would make my week much easier, and hers too I have no doubt.

It wasn't really a tough decision for me to make when it came to choosing which parent I came to about this. I could have easily asked them both at the same time, but when it comes to my parents, you can never get an entirely truthful response from them when they're together. They hide behind one another, balancing their feelings on one another until you have no clue who's idea or who's answer it truly was. Some would say it's sweet that they can work so well together. I say it's annoying, especially when you want a clear, true answer.

I had no trouble choosing my father over my mother. He, especially recently, has shown a little more leniency when it's come to all things Bella. Not much, but a little. I notice how he's not as harsh about her as my mother is, and he tends to refer to her by her nickname rather than her full name whenever he mentions her - which is rare. Sometimes, he seems genuinely curious about her. I won't go as far as saying he likes her, nor is he fond of her, but he doesn't hate the mere thought of her like my mother does. Going to her about this would have been a grave mistake. I wouldn't still be sat here waiting for an answer, that's for sure. It would have been a clear cut 'No' from her at the very mention of Bella's name.

My father considers my request for a long time. It feels almost as long as the length of time I was pacing outside.

Eventually, he moves from his thoughtful frozen state and pinches the bridge of his nose. Uh oh. That's not a good sign. It's what he does whenever he's frustrated with himself.

"I'm sorry, Edward, but that wouldn't be fair to your mother," he finally says. My shoulders fall. I'm not at all placated by the authentic apologetic tone in his voice.

"But..." I don't know what to say. Is there even any point in arguing? "Are you not even going to try to talk to her about it?" I ask, already knowing it's a ridiculous question.

My father tilts his head and raises a brow. "Do you think that's a good idea, Edward? It's no secret that your mother doesn't like Bella much. It wouldn't be fair to either of them." I must look confused because he is quick to elaborate. "It wouldn't be fair to your mother or your friend. It would bring a horrible atmosphere into the house. You can go over to hers as much as you like during the week, as long as you stick to your curfew. There is no issue there. But having her stay here... I'm sorry, son, it's out of the question."

I sigh but nod, knowing he's right. It would make all of us, including Bella, miserable. My next thought is to ask if I can stay at Bella's for the week, the thought very appealing to me, but I know that request would be met with instant refusal from my dad. He's already stated I have to stick to curfew.

"Do you think she could come for dinner one night at least?" I ask hopefully.

He stares at me, in deep thought before he nods slowly. "I don't see why not."

"Will Mom be okay with that?"

"Will I be okay with what?" I twist in the seat to look behind me, startled by the unexpected appearance of my mother. She sashays into the room, stopping once she's beside Dad. "Honey?" she asks after neither of us answer her, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Edward was just telling me that B-... that Isabella will be home alone all of next week and was wondering if she could come for dinner?" Wise, I think to myself, best not mention my first question to her.

My mother scoffs. "I most definitely am not okay with that," she states firmly. Oh crap. I look to my dad helplessly, begging him with my eyes to persuade her.

"Edward, could you leave us, please. Your mother and I need to talk." I'm hesitant to leave, scared that she'll win and Bella won't be able to come at all, but I do as I'm told and after sending my father another pleading look, I step out of the room.

I decide to hang about close by as I wait for a final answer to whether Bella will be staying for dinner sometime next week or not. I sit in the family room for a while, flicking mindlessly through the channels. The TV is turned back off soon after. I migrate to the kitchen and busy myself with making a midafternoon snack. I would call Bella and speak to her to pass the time, but she told me she'd be busy today. Doing what, I have no clue, she wouldn't answer me when I asked. Her lame response of "just this and that" honestly didn't surprise me. After the few hours we spent together at her meadow yesterday, after that conversation, I've decided to accept that Bella reveals things in small doses. I can be patient. I can handle that.

After an hour and still my parents haven't emerged from the office, I give up waiting and go down to my room.

~I*A*F*P*I*T*M~

Monday 10 July 2017

I was banned from mentioning my request at dinner last night by my mother. She said we'd talk about it tomorrow (today now). The inconspicuous nod of the head my father sent my way after she said that is the only thing that stopped me from pleading to know the verdict right then and there. What that barely visible nod indicated to me, is that Bella will be allowed to come for dinner.

Now I'm sat with them both at the dining table. We've just had lunch. Alice is out with her friends today, so it's just been me and my parents. Bella's busy - again.

I wait for either of them to speak up. It's a long wait.

"Edward," my mother begins. This is actually a surprise; I thought, and was hoping, that my father would take the lead. "Before we agree to what you've asked for, I would like to ask you some questions." I glance at my father, but his face is neutral, revealing nothing. Looking back to my mother, I nod and wait, wondering what the hell she could possibly need to ask me.

She gracefully sets her shoulders back, placing her hands in front of her on top of the table, fingers from one hand folded over the fingers from the other. She is the epitome of grace and decorum, and I am the personification of confusion.

"Edward," she says tenderly, "how much longer do you think this... friendship will last?"

I sit back in my chair, physically taken aback by her question. Dad places his hand on her arm, and I don't know if that's because he's shocked by her question too, or if he's just showing her support.

"What do you mean?" I ask, my words barely leaving my mouth as a whisper in my shock.

"What I just said. How long do you predict you'll be friends with Isabella Swan?"

"I... I hadn't really put a time frame on it," I answer, followed by a breathless, shocked stagger of laughs. I glance to my father again, but his attention is on his wife, who hasn't removed her unnerving stare from me since she began speaking.

"So you don't know?" she asks, seeking clarification. In my shock, which isn't abating even the slightest, all I can do is shake my head. "Aren't you getting bored with her?" My mouth is gaping wide open.

"Es," now my father speaks, and it's in a hushed warning.

"What?" she asks him, though she barely glances his way. "I'm just curious as to how long our son thinks he needs to keep this act up."

"It's not an act," I say, finally finding my voice.

"Please, Edward. I know you've always tried to push the boundaries. You've always been a little rebellious, but this has gone on long enough. I've allowed you to spend time with her. My goodness, I even allowed her into my home. But now you're expecting me to have her at my dinner table and eat a meal with her, as if she were one of our own? That is stepping beyond the boundaries. How can you not see the wrong in you even being seen with that-"

"Es!" The warning isn't so hushed this time and the hand he placed on her arm isn't simply resting against it now. He's wrapped his hand around her wrist and has a stern look on his face. I glance between the two of them, sensing the tension.

My mother's words reverberate in my mind, like the ball in a pinball machine. I've not been rebellious, have I?

"Carlisle, he needs to see reason. I didn't want us to move to a small town such as Forks just to have our son embarrass us like this." She turns to me. "Edward, I understand you didn't approve of us moving away from Chicago, but don't you think you've punished me long enough?" When I stay silent, frowning are her, she sighs impatiently and looks back to my dad. "Alice had the good sense to go for the best possible choices in this town, but your son went for the worst possible choice."

Before my father can reply, I stand abruptly, my chair rocking back onto it's hind legs and threatening to fall due to the force with which I stand.

"She's not the worst choice at all. She's the closest person to me. The only friend I've ever had that actually knows the real me. Do you think I could be as close to anyone that you deem 'worthy' as I am with her? No, I couldn't, because they're all too much like the people I am constantly surrounded by! Too much like Alice. Too much like-"

"That's enough, Edward," my father says, though not in one of his harsh, baritone warnings he so frequently dishes out to me when I show even an ounce of the vehemence I've just spoken with. He does send me a warning look however. I slowly sit back down as he turns to my ashen faced mother. "Es, dear, I don't think having her here for one meal would be too much trouble, do you?"

She turns her undivided attention to him, her shock detectable in the way her hand drifts to her chest and her eyes widen. He grabs the hand attached to the wrist he's been holding and encases it gently on top of the table with both of his own.

"You agreed yesterday, didn't you? Let's not cause any turmoil between ourselves by arguing over this. Edward obviously enjoys Isabella's company. And for however long that lasts for, we must try to accommodate it, don't you think? It's only one meal. It's not like he asked for her to spend the entire week with us." With his closing sentence, he glances at me with the briefest of looks, but it's enough to have me battling a smirk.

"I guess so," she says dejectedly, looking down at their joined hands. She sighs and turns to me, her ire at the situation she's been forced into clear in her gaze. "Fine. She can come. Wednesday would be best. It's when Beverly will be in charge of the meal. At least then I won't have to waste time cooking for the girl." And with that she pulls her hand from my father's, stands and leaves without looking at either one of us, her head held high.

As soon as she's out of the room, I turn to my father. "Thank you," I say quietly. All he does is nod wordlessly, stand and leave, heading in the opposite direction to my mother.

I sigh and sag back into the chair. If only they, especially my mother, didn't dislike her so much. This would be a much tastier success.

~I*A*F*P*I*T*M~

"May I be excused?" I ask politely after wiping my mouth with a napkin. My parents both nod at me and I stand from the table, tucking in my chair. After taking my plate and glass to the kitchen, I head back to the dining room, poking my head around the corner. "I have a headache, so do you mind if I just call it a night? You didn't have any plans for the three of us did you?" I ask them. Alice is still out with her friends. She called to say she'll be back late. My parents, of course, had no problems with this. She can do anything she wants. Her friends come over for dinner almost every week.

They look at each other, before turning back to me and shaking their heads. "No, nothing planned. You go rest," my father says, looking concerned, the doctor in him coming out of it's barely concealed shell as he assesses me visibly, looking for signs of an ailment.

He won't find any. And if he had a machine that could read headaches, he wouldn't find anything still, because I don't have one.

I nod, put on my best pained face as I rub my head and leave them. I casually walk down the stairs, though they can't see me now. As soon as my foot leaves the bottom step, I speedwalk to my bedroom, locking the door behind me.

I grab my coat from my wardrobe, and my smallest backpack which I quickly pack with my phone charger, composition book and just in case, some condoms.

After putting on my shoes and pocketing my phone, I sneak out the back door of my room. I've never been so thankful that my bedroom has a door that leads straight into our backyard. I didn't bother bringing my car keys with me, knowing I wouldn't be able to use it. The only key I have on me is my backdoor key, which I slide into the front pocket of my bag before jogging to the trees about 100 yards from the side of the house.

It's only 6:45PM, so technically I'm not breaking curfew, but after the day we've had, especially the conversation earlier, I didn't want to push the boundaries and blatantly leave the house. They'd know exactly where I was going. See? I'm not rebellious.

I stick close to the driveway but on the other side of the trees, staying out of sight until I'm clear of the house. Then I begin my leisurely stroll to Bella's house.

She doesn't know I'm coming. It's a total surprise, as my news will be, too. I didn't let her know I was asking if she could stay with us for a week - and I'm glad I didn't because that got rejected. But I also didn't let her know that I've asked if she can come for dinner. I'm sure she'll be very grateful. It's going to suck for her to be eating alone, though I'm hoping my parents won't mind me spending a few dinners at Bella's house this week. I don't intend to leave her alone the entire time. That would be cruel.

I get more and more excited as I get closer to Bella's house, but my steps falter when I reach her street. Before we parted ways Saturday, Bella told me that her mom was leaving work early today, so there is no reason her car should be parked in their drive way. Like it is right now.

I stop across the street and see several lights on. The bottom rooms, the kitchen and front room, are both lit up, though the curtains are closed for each. And Bella's light is on, too, in the top left corner room. Her curtains are closed part way. She hasn't drawn them completely, so they're not meeting in the middle. I smirk, suddenly getting a fantastic idea. I cross the road and stop at the base of the tree that stands directly in front of her window.

I assess it for a few moments. It doesn't look too hard to climb. It's got many limbs that start from quite low on the trunk, thankfully. Perfect for climbing.

I make sure my bag is secure on my back before pulling myself up with a low hanging branch and placing my foot on a knot in the trunk.

It doesn't take me long to climb the tree. There's a limb that extends to not much more than half a meter in front of Bella's window. I scoot across it slowly, focusing on my movements. Once I'm sure it's not going to snap and I'm in no danger of breaking a bone by falling, I look into Bella's bedroom.

What I see shocks me more than anything my mother said today.

Bella's sat on the edge of her bed, body facing the window with her head hung forward, yet her shoulders are pushed back so she is sat perfectly straight. She'd be naked on her top half if it weren't for the black bra she is wearing. But her state of undress is not what has my mouth dropping open. It's the large brown and yellow bruise on the left side of her ribs, which she covers up with what looks like an ice pack five seconds later.

What the fuck?!

A/N: I apologise for what I'm about to say...

There's going to be a little break between this chapter and the next one because of Christmas time and New Year. I'll be back on Friday the 3rd of January 2020 with Chapter 43. I am so sorry that it's ending here. I hate that I've left it on a cliffy but it's just the way the chapters fell on the dates. I always planned to take a break for the festivities on this date, but I am so sorry about how it's ended and what you have to wait for.

Despite the fact that I've ended it on a cliffy until the 3rd of Jan 2020, did you enjoy this chapter? Things are developing now. What do you think will happen? Let me know in a review! When I come back, it will be with a Bella POV, so you'll find out the events leading up to the moment that this one ended.

Thank you all for reading!

I wish you all have a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! Enjoy your celebrations and I'll see you all again in 2020!