Jailward returns! Sorry for the delay. Sick kids and then hubby went away on business.
I've tried to make up for the wait with some fluff. I hope you all enjoy.
Thanks to everyone who has reviewed, favorited, and pimped my story out on the forums. I really appreciate it!
Disclaimer: S Meyer owns all things Twilight. I just take her characters and lock them away in prison. No money being made here!
Special thanks to Jensy for being the best beta ever.
BPOV
Several minutes had passed since I had hung up with Edward, and I sat silently on my dad's old, faded couch, staring numbly at the phone. The last time I had felt this helpless was that night in Port Angeles. What on earth had happened to my dear, sweet boy?
Edward had been inconsolable on the phone. He had spoken very few words, and honestly, I hadn't been able to understand what he was saying when he did speak. I had just let him cry, offering words of love and encouragement as best I could.
I came close to telling him that I loved him, but held back. Over these last weeks of flirty emails and electrifying handholding in the visitation room, I had finally come to realize that I had indeed fallen in love with Edward Masen. I was eager to share my feelings with him, but decided that it wasn't the right time. I knew that confessing my love to him on the phone may have given him a moment of comfort when he desperately seemed to need it, but I really wanted to tell him in person. You only get one chance to profess your love for the first time, and I wanted it to be perfect.
I was heartbroken from our brief conversation. Something horrible had happened to Edward today; I was sure of it. My mind was consumed by frightening images of typical occurrences in prison, and I was simply terrified for him. I only wished that I could somehow protect him like he had protected me, but I knew that was a foolish dream.
I had asked him several times what had happened and he never answered. Because he had been so upset, I hadn't pushed him for more than he was willing to share. Hating the fact that I had no way of truly comforting him, I could only hope that he would open up to me when he was ready. It made me want to cry to think about him being locked away in that wretched place, all alone. I just had to trust that his precious, sensitive soul could survive three more years at Meyer.
Suddenly having an epiphany, I grabbed the phone, punching in the number for Rose. Maybe Jasper had called her today and mentioned something? As I waited for the call to connect I felt my mouth tighten with anger, wishing I had thought of this idea earlier.
Unfortunately Rose hadn't heard from Jasper today and it was past calling hours, so she couldn't reach him tonight. She seemed worried for me and offered to call Alice, hoping that maybe she could help us. I wondered how on earth little Alice Cullen could possibly help me find out what happened to Edward, but Rose seemed determined. She promised to call me back as soon as she could.
Knowing that Charlie would be home any minute, I dashed into the kitchen to check on dinner. I kept one eye on the clock and nearly jumped out of my skin when the phone rang, startling me.
"Hey Bella, it's Rose. Look, I talked to Alice and she called her brother to find out what happened to Edward."
I was confused; I didn't even know Alice had a brother. And why would he know about Edward? Was her brother a juvenile delinquent too? It seemed crazy and disturbing that we all might have loved ones in prison.
"Alice's brother?"
"Yeah, her brother Emmett. He's several years older than us. He is an officer at Meyer."
The name Emmett rang a bell. I recall Charlie talking about some kid named Emmett that he had mentored a few years ago, sounding quite fond of him. I hadn't realized that he was Alice's brother.
"What did he say?"
"He wouldn't tell Alice much, only that Edward was in a fight today and that he was really upset."
"Oh no!" I gasped. All I could picture was Edward wounded and bleeding with no one there to take care of him.
"Rose, is he okay?" I begged.
"Emmett didn't say. He could get in trouble for telling us about the fight, but Alice told him that you were really worried after Edward called you crying."
Oh crap. I hoped Emmett wouldn't tell my dad about Edward. I would be screwed.
Rose resumed, "I'm sure Emmett would have mentioned something if Edward was injured."
"I don't know. He sounded so broken on the phone. Whatever happened, it was really bad."
"You should go and see him tomorrow, Bella."
"I can't skip school! Charlie would find out and then I would be grounded forever."
"Just tell him you're sick. He has no reason to not believe you. You are a good girl after all. You can even take my car, so your truck will be in the driveway. That would be less suspicious."
I was certainly tempted by Rose's idea. Edward would be totally surprised, and if I could just make him smile once, it would be worth the potential consequences of my father busting me.
"Okay, I'll do it. You're sure you don't mind me driving your car?"
Rose drove some crazy expensive red BMW that probably cost more than Charlie's little house.
"Not at all, Bella. I'll have Alice meet me at your house around seven and then she can drop me off at your place after school. I'll want to hear all about your visit with Edward. I hope he's okay, and hopefully my idiot brother wasn't involved."
"That sounds great, Rose. I just hope Charlie doesn't come home and find me gone tomorrow."
She laughed. "Sorry, I forget that you are a novice when it comes to deceiving the parental units. Just tell him you are having female problems. Throw in words like bloating, cramping, and heavy flow. Your dad will likely run away screaming, and won't come anywhere near your room."
"Rose, that is completely disgusting. You are brilliant."
"I just consider myself resourceful."
I thanked her again and hung up the phone.
Soon after, Charlie walked through the front door. He took one glance at me and frowned. "Bella, what's wrong? You look like hell."
I realized he must be referring to my swollen eyes. I'm sure I looked horrendous, but thinking quickly on my feet, I realized that my blotchy complexion could play in my favor when it came to making him think I wasn't feeling well.
"Yeah, I'm having really bad cramps tonight. It's like the period from hell."
Charlie turned paler than a ghost and mumbled something unintelligible as he quickly exited the room. Despite my worry for Edward, a tiny grin lit up my face. Rose was brilliant.
I woke up the next morning, padding down the stairs to locate Charlie before he left for work. I explained that I was still feeling really lousy from the cramping and nausea, and I felt like it would be best if I just stayed home. He told me to get some rest and then made a hasty exit. Witnessing the look of sheer discomfort on his face, I wondered what would happen if I asked him to buy me some tampons. I figured it was entirely possible that he would pass out, and I couldn't risk that happening today, but I did file away that evil plan for later if necessary.
Shortly after my dad left for work, Rose and Alice showed up. They came inside to wish me luck and I left in Rose's car while they headed to school in Alice's car.
I made it to Meyer more swiftly than usual, zipping along in Rose's smooth sports car which was so much faster than my old truck. Visiting hours had just begun and I readily endured the standard visitor protocol.
An officer escorted into the visiting room, where I was about to sit down when a tall, strapping, very well-built officer approached me. He towered over my small frame, but he wasn't frightening. He smiled as he came closer and I found his dimples to be adorable. This must have been Alice's brother. My suspicions were confirmed when he came close enough for me to read "Cullen" on his nametag.
"Isabella, how are you? I'm Alice's brother, Emmett."
"Hi," I replied before being unsuspectingly swept up in what could only be referred to as a bear hug. I feared suffocation, but he quickly released me.
Emmett noticed I was blushing and he smiled again, apologizing for his forwardness.
"Sorry, Bella, I've heard so much about you from your dad over the years, I feel like I know you."
"Yeah, my dad's mentioned you a few times as well. I had no idea you were Alice's brother."
"Yep, Alice is my little sis. It surprises most people since we look so different. With Alice being so tiny and me being so . . ."
"Huge?"
"We can't all be little, you know. The world needs big guys too."
Emmett was delightful. I was totally smitten by him, in a big brother kind of way.
"So, I take it you are here to see Mr. Masen?"
"I am. Emmett, what happened to him? Is he okay? He called last night and he was so upset—I couldn't get him to tell me anything."
"Edward got into an altercation with another inmate yesterday, Bella. He was injured, but not seriously. I won't go into details; that is Edward's story to tell. I will say that his reasons for fighting were honorable."
"So he's alright?"
"He's as good as you can expect while locked up in this joyous establishment, Bella. Follow me and you can ask him yourself."
I was a little confused, but dutifully followed Emmett towards the back of the visitation room. We were approaching the dreaded limited visitation area that I had been forced to use when Edward was first incarcerated. My heart fell. I really wanted to be able to offer Edward the comfort of my touch, which would not be possible with the plexi-glass partition between us. I sighed loudly as my eyes began to sting, threatening the onslaught of tears.
I was moments from crying, begging Emmett to not do this to us, but surprisingly he strode past the limited visitation area and made his way to a solid metal door on the back wall. He opened the door and motioned me into a hallway. The white walls and shiny floor of the hallway gave off a very sterile, almost hospital-like feeling.
There were several doors along the wall, each with a corresponding number. Emmett led me to the farthest door on the right and opened it. He flipped on the light and I found myself peering into a small room with a wooden table and two chairs. The room was windowless other than the small glass opening on the door. I was puzzled. Why would I be meeting Edward here?
"Bella, this is a room that is generally reserved for meetings between inmates and their attorneys. By law, they are allowed to meet with legal counsel without being observed or recorded. I've spoken with the warden and I have received permission for you and Edward to have one hour in this room."
My jaw dropped, and Emmett continued, "I'll be standing outside if you need anything. If you feel threatened or if you believe that Edward is putting you or himself in danger, there is a red panic button located under the table. Press it and I'll be inside within a few seconds. Otherwise you can knock on the door if you need me."
I nodded and smiled at this wonderful hulk of a man. He was allowing me a private visit with Edward! I was tempted to kiss his cheek, but I didn't want to seem too eager.
"You can't really think Edward would ever do anything to hurt me, right?"
He smiled wearily at me. "Bella, places like this bring out the worst in most people, and besides that, Edward's life has been filled with more pain and heartache than you can ever imagine. Don't forget that it was violence that got him put in here."
He paused, noticing my sudden scowl.
"Look Bella, I really like Edward. I think he's a good guy who has been dealt a bad hand. I am pulling for him one-hundred percent. I know if he works hard he will get out of this hell hole and go far in life. But I wouldn't be doing my job as an officer and as a friend of your father's if I didn't warn you. Okay?"
"I'll be careful, Emmett. But I'm not afraid of Edward. He would never hurt me."
Emmett nodded and shut the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I stood by the table, restlessly fidgeting with my blouse and my watch and my hair. It seemed like I had been waiting for Edward interminably long, and I was becoming tense and impatient. I kept thinking of Edward in pain from the fight. Would his handsome face be marred from battle? I fought the tears again. I couldn't cry. I needed to be strong for him.
The sound of the door opening pulled me from my ruminations. Gloriously Edward walked in to the room, totally halting when he saw me. He looked broken yet beautiful standing there in his blue jumpsuit. He was obviously surprised to see me, his eyes wide and his mouth hung open. I quickly looked him over and found no wounds on his face, but I did notice a bulky black cast on his left arm. I longed to kiss the pain away.
A bright smile replaced his look of shock, and he quickly made his way toward me.
He drew me into his arms, lifting my feet off the ground. He held me tightly to his chest and playfully twirled me around. Then he returned me to the ground and pulled back slightly to gaze intently into my eyes.
"I can't believe you're here Bella. When I walked through that door and saw your face, it was better than any Christmas morning I've ever had."
He bent down and kissed my cheek.
He had raised one hand to tuck the loose strands of hair behind my ear. I was now rubbing his back with my hands, secretly tempted to snake them around front to caress the muscular planes of his chest.
Edward flinched, seeming to realize something. "Wait a minute. Bella, you're supposed to be in school. You're gonna get in trouble!"
I lifted up my hand to trace my fingers along his prominent jaw-line.
"I'm taking a sick day. Charlie won't suspect a thing."
He grinned, his green eyes sparkling.
"And here I thought I was the delinquent. It seems you may be a bad influence on me, Ms. Swan."
I looked deep into his eyes and continued stroking his face.
"Edward, what happened yesterday? I was so worried after you called. Emmett said you were in a fight. Are you alright?"
He didn't answer right away, so I took his hand in mine and led him to the table, guiding him to hop up and sit on the table top, his legs dangling.
"You're hurt."
I picked up his arm and inspected his cast, examining the parts of his hand extending out of the plaster. I could see that his fingers were swollen; his knuckles covered in purple bruises.
I lifted his hand to my mouth and kissed the tip of each finger and then slowly made my way up his hand, now kissing his knuckles tenderly, lingering for a second on each bruise, as if willing them to heal. He seemed to hold his breath while I feathered kisses on his wounded hand.
"Are you hurt anywhere else?"
He shook his head, but his eyes betrayed him. Determinedly I ran my hands through his hair, scrutinizing his head and face, almost like monkeys inspecting their young in the wild. It was erotic to be so close to him, and I craved his touch. However, my overwhelming concern for him made me doggedly pursue my mission of checking his injuries.
I didn't notice anything of concern, but I wasn't convinced, so I moved down to his shoulders, arms, and legs. I breathed a sigh of relief, believing that he seemed the picture of health.
Finally I stepped between his legs and looped my arms around him, embracing him tightly. I felt him wince and I immediately pulled back, looking into his eyes questioningly.
"Your chest!" I reached towards his collar and began unbuttoning his jumpsuit.
"Bella, what are you doing?" he choked out.
"I'm just checking you out. Making sure you're okay."
"I'm fine Bella. It was just your typical fight. I broke his nose; he punched me in the gut. That's it. I promise."
He had his hands clasped around my wrists, but he didn't stop me from unlatching two more buttons. I flayed open the jumpsuit, exposing his upper chest. I gasped when I saw the mottled, purple bruising rising up from his stomach. The injuries looked incredibly painful, tarnishing his seemingly perfect chest.
I bit into my lower lip to keep from sighing as I took in his small brown nipples and the downy brown hair covering his chest. God, he was beautiful. Not wanting to tear my gaze away from the glory that was Edward's bare flesh, I reluctantly began buttoning up his jumpsuit, patting his chest lightly over his clothing when I was done.
"This looks like more than just a typical fight, Edward. What happened? You were so upset last night. Please trust me. Tell me what happened."
He put his head down and closed his eyes, sighing. After a few moments, he glanced back up and met my eyes.
"I saw two guys attacking a younger kid in the showers. They were holding him down and they were going to . . . um . . . they were going to . . ." he paused, like he couldn't say the word. He then whispered so I could barely hear him, "They were going to rape him."
Tears began streaming down his face.
I felt my throat tighten, agonizingly watching my beautiful boy crying, and I wasn't sure what to say.
"Oh my God, Edward. And you stopped them?"
"Yeah, I stopped them. This time. I saw what was happening and I thought of you and what you went through and I just lost it, Bella. It was like I left my body, like I was watching from the outside while it all went down. It was the same feeling I had that night in Port Angeles. It was like I couldn't control my actions anymore."
He leaned forward and rested his head on my shoulder.
"I can't bear to see people assaulted that way, Bella. It just brings out the worst in me—I-I-I become a monster."
"You aren't a monster, Edward. You're my hero."
"A hero wouldn't have killed those men who hurt you. I'm a monster."
"The guys from yesterday, did you hurt them?"
"I broke the one guy's nose, and didn't get a shot at the other. They are both in solitary for a month."
I leaned in and kissed his forehead, lovingly.
"If you are a monster, what does that make me?"
He looked at me, confused. "What do you mean?"
"If you are a monster then I must be something far worse, because despite it all, I'm totally and completely in love with you."
There was a second of complete silence between us.
"Really?" he whispered.
"Without a doubt. I love you Edward Masen,"
He smiled gratefully, like he had just received a beautiful gift, and his eyes welled up with tears.
"I love you too, Bella."
I leaned in towards his face and softly touched my lips to his. I felt a jolt of excitement as our lips collided, completely stimulated by our intimacy. I released him and then instantly kissed him again, this time with a little more force, and he responded by capturing my bottom lip between his own.
We continued kissing for several magnificent minutes, just lovingly ensnaring and imprisoning each other's lips. It was pure. It was divine. It was perfect. It was love.
Edward lifted up and began placing soft kisses on my eyes, my nose, the corners of my mouth; then he trailed kisses from my ear down the line of my jaw to my neck. The sensation of his warm, wet lips was heavenly and I moaned in pleasure.
My soft moan was the sign Edward had been waiting for. He leaned in to kiss me with an increased vigor, caressing my lower lip, teasing me with a playful dip of his tongue, which I eagerly reciprocated.
Edward moaned into my mouth and scooted himself forward on the table, pulling me tighter into his embrace. I could feel his thighs tightly clutching my hips, surrounding my body with his masculinity and his woodsy scent. I was consumed by the heady sensations of his tongue in my mouth, his strong torso pressed up against mine, and his hands on my back—skating their way down to my bottom, pulling me toward the heat between his legs. I could feel his arousal through his thin jumpsuit, and I was shocked by how its hardness contrasted so greatly with the softness of his face and hands.
Kissing Edward, touching him, smelling him, melting into him—it was the closest to heaven I had ever experienced. Being without him was no longer an option.
Too quickly, we heard a knock on the door and Emmett's voice announcing "Two minutes."
I reluctantly pulled away and began straightening Edward's hair. My hands had caused his coif to look more disheveled than usual and I didn't want Emmett to discover that we had been behaving inappropriately during our visitation. I had heard the term "sex hair" before, but had never fully comprehended it until today. Edward was exuding sex, with his wild hair, his swollen lips, and his flushed face. He slid off the table and nervously straightened his prison uniform. He adjusted himself and looked at me, blushing. "Sorry about that. I can't really control it."
I blushed back and laughed. "It's okay. It's kind of flattering, actually."
After a minute our appearances were respectable and we said our goodbyes. Edward assured me that the boys he had fought with wouldn't be a problem, since they were in solitary. I made him swear to stop trying to save the world, and to ask the officers for help in situations where others were in danger. I couldn't bear to think of him injured again.
I promised to flood his inbox with emails before I would make another visit on Saturday.
Wryly I informed him, "It's going to be hard to see you and not be able to kiss you, you know."
I knew that what we had shared today was likely a one-time thing in prison; it could be years before we would be allowed this level of intimacy again.
"I'll carry the memories of this moment forever, Bella. Just knowing you love me, being able to see your face, holding your hand—that will carry me through the next three years. And then I'll be able to court you properly and smother you daily with kisses."
"I can't wait for that day, Edward."
The door opened and Emmett stepped inside.
"Okay lovebirds, time's up."
Another guard came to the door and Emmett motioned toward Edward.
"Masen, Officer Pattinson will escort you back to the library. Isabella, you can come with me."
We walked toward the door together, our hands entwined. Edward pulled my hand to his mouth and kissed it gently. Releasing me, he lifted his hand to caress my cheek while whispering "I love you" in my ear. He reluctantly walked away with the guard and I watched him until they turned the corner, and he was gone from my line of sight.
As Emmett walked me out, I begged him not to inform my dad of my visits. He assured me he had no plans to tell Charlie, and said if my dad found out he had allowed a private visitation, he would be in as much trouble as me. I gave him a hug goodbye and made my way to Rose's BMW.
The trip home was uneventful and before I knew it I was crawling into bed.
That night I dreamt of kissing Edward Masen. It was the best dream of my life.
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Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed the fluff. Please take the time to review and let me know what you think; good or bad.
You can thank all those photos of RobPatz barechested for having me throw a little more lovin b/w Bella and Edward than I was originally planning. I nearly combusted looking at his abs. *swoons*
I'll get the next chapter up as soon as I can. Probably sometime next week!