It's Time

Chapter 31

Disclaimer: All things Twilight belong solely to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

A second disclaimer:

I'm not a professional writer. I write Twilight fanfic simply because I love this fandom.

I apologize in advance for any errors.

Thanks to Fran, K, Gail and Kay for their help with this chapter.

EPOV

The day after sending Bella the letter and gift, a knock sounded at my front door. Thinking it could be her, a rush of hope filled me as I jogged to answer it. But instead of finding the face of my beautiful mate on the other side, I was met with the scowling expression of my father.

"Pops."

Not responding to my greeting, he pushed past me, entering my small foyer.

"I would say nice place, but that would be a lie," he stated as he took in my humble home.

"What are you doing here?"

"No, Edward. I think the correct question is what in the hell are you doing in Forks!" he shouted in response. Not waiting for my answer, he walked into the living room and sat at the end of the sofa.

I followed and sat in a chair across from him. "I told you I have everything covered. Why can't you trust me?"

"Trust you? Trust you?" He sputtered with a snort. "Why in the hell should I? You've been nothing but a disappointment these past years … a failure." Shaking his head in disgust, he added, "And to think I had such high hopes for you."

His bitter words burned like arsenic in my veins. Deep down, I already knew how my father felt about me, but hearing him say it aloud, hurt on an entirely different level. After taking a deep breath, I met his gaze. "I'm sorry you feel that way."

"And I'm sorry I have such a pansy for a son."

"We all know who is to blame for Edward's downfall."

My head whirled in the foyer's direction where my ma stood with her hands perched on her hips. I hadn't even heard her enter the house.

"Esme!" Pops bellowed, pointing toward the door. "I told you to wait in the car. Get your ass back there now!"

Ignoring him, she continued into the living room. "I'm tired of holding my tongue, Carlisle. This is all that whore's fault. None of this would have happened if it hadn't been for that two-bit slut."

Fists clenched in fury, I stood and shouted, "Don't you dare speak about Bella in such a manner!"

Carlisle flew from the sofa and wrapped his hands around my throat. Shoving me against the wall, he warned, "Give me one reason not to snap your neck."

Ma pushed Pops away from me. "Edward, when are you finally going to see the light when it comes to that piece of trash? She's no good for you. Perhaps, if I had raised her things might have turned out differently, but it's too late for that …."

Huffing, I rubbed my throat. "She's not trash, Ma. She's my mate."

Ma ran her hand gently across my cheek. "Oh, sweetheart. I don't think she is. Look how easily she spread open her legs for the first guy to come along. A true soulmate would have never done that."

I laughed bitterly. "But, I did the same thing! The difference is I knew my actions were wrong, Bella didn't."

Ma scoffed. "You are completely blind. It's time for you to get over her once and for all. Come on, Edward, she has a child now. You don't want to be saddled with someone else's by-blow."

Gritting my teeth, I hissed. "Gia's off-limits."

Ma shook her head in disgust. "He's a lost cause, Carlisle, as long as that hussy and her brat are still around. I'm going to the car." Giving me a cold stare, she added, "I can see this has been a waste of my time."

With mounting rage, I turned toward Pops. "I think it would be a good idea for you to leave as well."

"I hope you realize this was your last chance. As soon as I go, we're through. You've made your bed, prepare to lie in it."

Reaching for the door, I flung it open. As my pops began to leave, I said, "You know, Ma was wrong."

He paused and met my gaze. "You're the main reason for my downfall. Most of my mistakes are the result of me foolishly following your advice." I ran a hand across my jaw. "And you're wrong as well. I'm not a failure. For the first time in my life, I'm proud of who I am … of my choices. If you're too stubborn to recognize that, then … good riddance."

His voice became ice-cold and sharp as a scalpel. "Your Ma was right. Such a waste … such a fucking waste."

ESPOV

Carlisle returned to the car, and I didn't need to ask how things had ended with our son. When you've been married as long as we have, all it takes is one look to know what the other is thinking. From the scowl on his face, it didn't take a genius to figure out that Edward was in a heap of trouble.

After we got back to the lodge, Carlisle announced he was going out for the rest of the evening and that I shouldn't wait up. When I saw a taxi pull up outside our cabin, I realized my husband intended to spend the evening drinking at some local dive. Since I wasn't invited, I made other plans. After grabbing my jacket and keys, I decided to pay a visit to the local bookstore and have a chat with Bella Swan.

Once I arrived and parked, I remained outside and watched as customers entered and left the business. I thought my plans were derailed when I noticed my bitch of a sister-in-law working at the front counter, but ten minutes before closing time, she exited the shop as well.

As I entered the store, a soft voice called from the back of the room, "Welcome! I'll be with you in just a moment."

I strolled around while I waited. Nothing caught my notice, but then again, I wasn't much of a reader unless it was my favorite gossip magazine. By the time the little whore finally made an appearance, I was seated on one of the store's faux leather sofas inspecting my nails.

"Sorry for your wait. How can I help you?"

I lifted my head and met her gaze. She clearly recognized me. Her face became pale, and she took an involuntary step backward.

"Hello, Isabella, I assume you know who I am?"

"I do, and you're not welcome here." Gesturing toward the door, she said, "Allow me to show you the way out."

"My, my, my. Such poor customer service. But then again, what else should I have expected? Trash such as yourself shouldn't be running a business."

"I'm not asking again," she said. "You need to go before I call the police."

I chuckled. "Dear God, girl, don't you know by now that the police can't touch my family?" Patting the space next to where I sat, I said, "Come. We have a few things to discuss."

She jutted her chin in defiance. "Nothing you have to say is of any interest to me."

"Let me put it this way then, if you don't fucking have a seat, the next person who will end up in the hospital will be that little brat of yours."

Her mouth dropped open. "Are you telling me you're the one who ran me off the road?"

"Was I driving the other car? No. Did I cause the accident?" I simply shrugged.

"You're insane! You could have killed me!"

"Trust me, Isabella, if I wanted you dead, you'd be dead. That's why you need to shut the fuck up and have a seat."

Once she finally acquiesced, I continued, "I'm sick and tired of all the shit you've put my son, and now, my husband through all these years. Perhaps it's the way you were raised, Lord knows Eleazar and Carmen are both pushovers. If I had been the one to rear you, none of this would have ever happened. You would have known your place and been the good little wife you were supposed to be. But instead, you've turned into some two-bit whore who keeps stringing my son along … playing games with my entire family."

Leaning over, I grasped her by the chin to be sure she understood exactly what I said. "It ends today, Isabella. I'm giving you one last chance to pack your bags and disappear. Oh, and you better convince my son it's over for good as well."

"That's not going to happen, Ma."

Startled, I dropped my hand, turning to find my son standing several feet away from where we sat.

"Edward …."

AN:

Esme is just lovely, isn't she?

Thanks for reading and for your reviews. I apologize for being behind in my replies. I have been trying to use any free time to write, so I can update weekly. I do appreciate your kind words. They are keeping me motivated as I finish up this story.

Oh, before you go … Make sure to check out Kay's new story Daddy's Girl. It is fabulous and updates on Sundays.

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