Jailward is back! Sorry for the delay. I was totally consumed by my Age of Edward entry.

Check it out at .net/s/5147782/1/An_Aquarian_Exposition

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. I just put them in prison.

Special thanks to Jensy for her awesome beta skills.

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EPOV

It had been the best day of my life, hands down. I had a huge, goofy smile on my face as Officer Pattinson escorted me back to the library. Making up the class work I had missed the day before did not seem daunting at all—I could do anything, riding the high I was feeling—and I completed my assignments happily. Several times throughout the day I thought back to that hour in the visitation room.

I had kissed Bella. I. kissed. Bella! And even better than that; Bella had kissed me back.

I immediately noticed Bella as I entered the visitation room. I could see that she had been crying and quickly made my way over to her, drawing her up into my arms. I barely heard the door closing behind me as I twirled Bella around, ignoring the pain in my chest and hand from my altercation with James.

I was alone with Bella, and a million dirty thoughts entered my mind. I was a seventeen year old boy, after all. I quickly pushed the perverted images from my mind and decided that I would simply follow Bella's lead regarding the depth of our intimacy in this private room. I would wait forever if I had to.

Bella was alarmed by my injuries and looked me over like a mother hen. I closed my eyes and tried to keep from moaning as she ran her hands along my scalp and then moved to my arms and legs. I was hard the moment she placed her hands on me and I prayed she wouldn't notice.

Imagine my surprise as she began unbuttoning my jumpsuit to look at my torso. I bit my bottom lip as she gently touched my chest. She was concerned about the bruising on my ribcage and stomach but I promised her I was alright. I was filled with relief when she returned my jumpsuit to normal; being only half dressed in the presence of Bella Swan was dangerous. I was afraid I might lose my resolve for letting her lead our physical relationship, and I certainly didn't want to scare her by kissing her before she was ready.

Our moment together took a serious turn when she asked me about what had happened in the showers. I explained that I had saved a young inmate from being defiled, shamefully admitting that I had become violent much like I had in Port Angeles. I didn't confess the real reason I had lost control. I wasn't ready to tell Bella about my past. A small part of me still feared that she would find me disgusting, knowing I had been touched that way by a guy. I hoped one day I would have the strength to tell her everything, from my parents' untimely deaths to my miserable existence in the group and foster homes.

Bella's reaction to my self loathing was completely unexpected. She told me she loved me—that she was in love with me. I was overcome with emotion from her admission. Tears poured from my eyes at the notion that this beautiful girl could love me. My mother had been the only other person to tell me she loved me and I hadn't heard anyone say those three words to me since the day she died. I had considered my heart long since dead, but I was sure that I felt it spring to life in my chest under the gentle, supple touch of Bella's hand.

"I love you too, Bella."

She shocked me even further when she leaned in to kiss me. The feel of her soft, warm lips on mine was exquisite and I immediately captured her bottom lip between mine. We kissed over and over, enjoying the feel of each other for several glorious minutes.

I became brave and began trailing kisses along her face and neck, whispering "I love you" after each soft kiss. I opened my mouth slightly while kissing her neck, and gently let my tongue taste her soft skin. She tasted so clean and fresh, and her unique scent was like a drug to me, pulling me in deeper. I longed to suck and lick her flesh wantonly, but knew it was too soon for such brazen behavior. This woman would be the death of me.

As I swept in for another taste of her collarbone, she let out a moan. The sound was filled with lust, causing me to lose control and capture her lips again, letting my tongue enter her mouth for the first time. She kissed me back willingly and the feel of her tongue against mine was incredible. My only other experience with kissing had been quite a turn-off, but this kiss with Bella was simply exquisite, and I finally understood why everyone made such a big deal over making out. I could kiss Bella forever. I promised myself that if she was still around when I was released (and I prayed for this to be the case), I would do just that.

My hands wandered down her back and we continued our deep kisses. I grazed my palms against her bottom and drew her into me, forgetting until it was too late that my erection was very obvious, now pressed against her stomach.

The sensation of a stunning girl flush against me in that state was like nothing I had experienced before, and I thought I might die from arousal. I prayed with every ounce of strength I had that I wouldn't come in my pants. I couldn't imagine a more embarrassing scenario—Bella would likely be appalled and run away screaming. My inner monologue chanted "Don't come, don't come, don't come," over and over, as I continued kissing Bella lovingly. I knew I should pull away and give my body a moment to cool down, but I didn't know if this chance would ever present itself again, so I continued with the kisses and caresses until I heard Emmett announce that we had two minutes.

I reluctantly pulled back and laughed at Bella's appearance. Her eyes were hooded with desire and her hair was beyond disheveled. Her lips were blood-red and swollen and I could see a faint mark on her neck where I had apparently sucked a little too hard. I hoped her dad wouldn't notice, but I couldn't find it in myself to regret my actions. My inner caveman grunted at the notion that I had marked her as mine. Bella looked like she had just spent an hour necking in the backseat of her father's car and I figured I looked just as bad.

Bella began straightening her hair and composing herself as I tried to tame the beast that was busy trying to escape the confines of my pants. I discreetly attempted to shift things around so my erection wouldn't be obvious and looked up to see Bella staring at my crotch with a look I could only explain as hunger.

I blushed when she met my eyes. "Sorry about that, I really can't control it."

She smiled and replied, "It's okay. It's kind of flattering, actually."

Bella promised to email me and said she would try to visit again on Saturday. I was thrilled that in only three more days I would be seeing her again.

I made sure Bella knew how grateful I was for today and how I would carry this moment with me forever. I was about to lean in and kiss her again when Emmett flung open the door announcing, "Okay lovebirds, time's up."

I gave her a chaste kiss goodbye and then I was being led away by Officer Pattinson.

I was still smiling at dinner that night and it didn't take Jasper long to pry the day's events from me.

"That's awesome, man; it gives me hope. I figure if a sweet girl like Bella could be into your convict ass, then maybe I really do have a shot with Alice. What I wouldn't give to get her alone in a visitation room. First, I would kiss her lips, and then—"

"I get your point, Jazz," I interrupted. "I really don't need a play by play of something that is never going to happen because you are too scared to tell Alice how you feel."

"I've only got two weeks left in this shit hole and if I've learned anything from this incarceration experience, it's that life is too short. I'm gonna tell her. The worst that can happen is that she will say no."

I laughed. "Yeah, that and your sister may kick your ass. Alice is her best friend after all."

"I'm not afraid of Rose, and I figure if you have the balls to stand up to Chief Swan by dating his daughter, then I can handle my sister."

"I'm not standing up to the Chief, Jasper. He has no idea that Bella comes to see me. So be careful of what you say when you head back to Forks, because I don't want him finding out. I'm sure he would ban Bella from coming here."

"If Bella's dad finds out about you two, the only place Bella will visit you is at the Forks Cemetery. Chief will kill you. I mean, rumor is he has a room in his house filled with nothing but weapons and ammunition. With him being a cop and all, he could find a way to make it look like self defense."

Jasper was laughing now, and though I laughed along with him, secretly I did harbor some fear towards Bella's father. I desperately hoped for a real future with Bella and I would definitely need her dad's blessing for that to happen.

I spent the hours alone in my room replaying my hour with Bella over and over in my head. Just thinking of kissing her made my body respond in new and exciting ways,and that night I decided to end my self-imposed no-masturbation rule.

The rest of the week went by quickly. The detention center had been quiet following my fight with James. The other inmates seemed to keep their distance and a few even nodded their respect to me when I passed them in the halls. Apparently very few souls had ever actually stood up to James and I had a feeling that I would be left in peace for quite a while due to my new "rep" as a badass.

Bella came with Rose to visit me on Saturday. The girls brought brownies for Jasper and me, and naturally we inhaled them like two vampires that had gone without blood for weeks.

I could tell that the atmosphere between Bella and me had changed. The air between us was charged with an electric sexual tension, making it impossible to keep our hands off each other. We were discreet with caresses, but I did manage to slide my chair so close to her that the entire side of my body pressed into her. It was hard to be that close and not kiss her, but I knew we wouldn't get far before the officers made us pull apart, and I wanted better for us. We did sneak in a couple kisses as she left; I hoped that would tide me over until her next visit.

Jasper was counting down the days to freedom and we threw him his own release party the day before he was to be sent home. I was thrilled that he would be able to return to the normal life of a teenager, but I was sad to see him go. He was the first friend I had made in a long time and I had enjoyed having an ally on the inside. He promised to visit before solemnly handing over his ipod, calling card, and comic book collection to me, as mementos of our friendship.

Officer Cullen was kind enough to allow me to accompany Jasper to the prison entrance to say goodbye. I could see who I assumed were his parents as well as Rose waiting for him in the parking lot.

"I guess this is goodbye, huh?" I asked.

"Yeah, for a little while. I'll be up to visit and you can call my cell whenever. Take care of yourself, Edward. Watch your back in there."

We gave each other the obligatory man hug, maintaining a safe distance between us the entire time but still managing to convey our mutual affection.

"Jazz, take care of Bella for me, okay?"

"No problem, man. Maybe I can score points with Alice for being such a nice guy!"

I shook my head. Jasper had it so bad for Alice. If he didn't make his move soon, I was going take things into my own hands, maybe enlisting Bella's help on the outside.

I grinned as I watched Jasper embrace his family. Everyone was smiling and I could feel the love his parents had for him all the way from where I was standing. Watching their easy laughter, I realized that I envied Jasper's relationship with his parents much more than I did his freedom.

My smile vanished and my throat tightened as I was suddenly overcome by grief. I missed my mother so much. I rarely allowed myself to think of her and the times we shared, because it hurt immensely.

I sighed and began walking back towards the cell block, with Emmett by my side. He seemed to sense I was feeling down and patted my shoulder reassuringly.

"I know you're sad to see Jasper go, but he'll keep in touch. He's a good kid."

"Yeah, I know. I'm happy for Jazz. He doesn't belong here."

"No he doesn't. And neither do you, you know."

I nodded. It felt good to have Emmett see me for me and not for my violent acts.

Still replaying the image of Jasper being embraced by his mother, I asked, "Are you close with your Mom?"

"Esme? Yeah, you could say we're close. She's always been there for me, even when I was being a total jackass." He flashed his characteristic smirk. "I'm probably closer to Carlisle, though. I was in the middle of puberty when they adopted me and I guess I was just more comfortable going to him when I needed help with things, you know?"

I nodded, though I didn't really know because I never had anyone to go to until now.

"But Esme never treated me like I was adopted. She came to each of my sporting events, including the away games. She always wore a shirt that said Emmett's Mom. I would act like it embarrassed me, but I secretly loved it. And she would always stay home with me when I was sick, even after I graduated from high school. She would spend the whole day going out of her way to make me feel better. She's such a good mom. Why do you ask, Edward?"

"I don't know. I was just thinking about my mom, I guess."

Emmett paused as we approached an empty guard station. He opened the door and motioned me inside.

"Step into my office."

He shut the door behind us and sat down at the desk. I pulled a chair over towards him and sat down.

"Tell me about your mom."

I hadn't spoken of my mother in years. The last time was with a court appointed therapist after my parents' deaths.

"Her name was Elizabeth . . . I can't remember her maiden name. She was Italian. My father met her when he was stationed in Italy for the Army.

"She was beautiful—she had this dark, curly hair . . . and her eyes—they were this amazing green color?" I felt my nose burning with the threat of imminent tears. "She had a thick accent, but her English was very good. She taught me some Italian, though I can't remember much anymore. She was a great mom; she was perfect. She stayed at home with me while my father worked, and we always had fun together."

My vision was blurred by tears as I stared down at my hands. Emmett just let me talk. "She had attended art school in Italy and was an excellent musician. I learned how to play the piano from her."

Tears fell as I allowed myself to revisit long buried memories of my mother.

"She was so happy in the weeks before her death. She was pregnant and had finally found a way for us to be free."

Emmett looked at me with a confused expression.

"Free? Free from what?"

"My father," I answered bitterly.

I spent the next hour relaying the traumatic events of my childhood and the horrors I experienced at the hands of my father. It was painful to rehash all those memories, but it felt good to get everything off my chest. I had only shared bits and pieces with the lawyers and therapists after my parents' deaths and this was the only time I had ever shared the full story. I don't know what it was about Emmett that made me want to bear my soul.

Emmett didn't say a word until I was finished. His eyes were pained and we both sat silently for a few moments after I had stopped speaking.

"Wow. I saw the notes in your record, but I had no idea it was that bad. If there was an award for worst childhood, you would certainly be in the top five."

I smiled slightly. Emmett always found a way to lighten up the conversation.

"Edward, I know I've mentioned this before, but I really think you should talk to Dr. Jen. I know she could help you. I couldn't help but notice that you place some of the blame of what happened to your mother on yourself."

"I don't know, Emmett."

"Look, I'll talk with her and set up an informal session with her. Can you give it a try? If not for me then do it for Bella. She deserves a happy, healthy boyfriend, right?"

Emmett knew my weak point, so I reluctantly agreed to see Dr. Jen next week.

He escorted me back to my cell and I listened to Jasper's ipod to unwind from another draining day at Meyer. I nearly died from laughter when I discovered he had two 'N Sync albums downloaded. He would never hear the end of this. Maybe that's why Alice wasn't interested—who in the hell would want a man with such crappy taste in music?

Another week passed by unceremoniously. I had my first appointment with Dr. Jen set up for the following week, and I thought about asking Emmett to cancel it several times but then I thought about a potential future with Bella and I decided that I had to at least try therapy. She deserved a better man.

Jasper was doing a good job of staying in touch with me and was enjoying life back at Forks. Now that he was considered a "bad boy", he had girls fawning over him. He was enjoying all the extra attention, but was a little miffed that Alice didn't seem as impressed with his new status.

Jasper did, however, let me know that Bella's birthday was in a few days, and for that I was indebted to him forever. Bella and I had never discussed birthdays. Missing her birthday would have been unacceptable and I was grateful for my friends keeping me in the loop.

I worked hard to devise a surprise for her birthday, making Jasper my go-to-guy. I hated that I wouldn't be with her when she got her surprise, but I knew she would be visiting me soon afterwards, and that made it okay.

Two days before her birthday, an officer approached me in the cafeteria and told me to come with him. I wasn't concerned, because I was due to report to the Education director regarding the two kids I was tutoring. I figured that was where the officer was taking me.

I was a little confused when we passed the education building and entered the visitation area. He led me to the private visitation block, and stopped in front of the very room I had met with Bella a few weeks ago.

"Wait here for a moment."

Coming from the room were heated voices which ceased when the officer knocked on the door.

"Officer Cullen? I've got Inmate Masen."

The door opened and Emmett strode out.

He wore a pained expression, and his face was flushed. I was now deeply concerned. Had something happened? Was Bella okay?

"Is something wrong? Is Bella alright?" I asked worriedly.

"Bella's fine."

I breathed a sigh of relief.

"You've got a visitor, Edward." He motioned to the open door. "I'm so sorry."

Still confused by his behavior, I entered the visitation room and my heart fell as I took in angry brown eyes, a full mustache, and the nametag "Chief Swan".

I closed my eyes, hoping this was a dream, but when I opened them again, Bella's father was still there, emanating a ferocious intensity that instantly had me on edge.

I didn't utter one word. I mean, what could I say in a situation like this?

The Chief pointed at the empty chair in front of me and growled, "Masen, I think you and I need to have a little talk."

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Stick with me! We all knew Charlie would figure things out at some point. The angst was needed to balance out all the recent fluff.

Next chapter is in progress and I hope to have it up next week.

Please take the time to leave me a review. I read and appreciate each and every one of them. I've been lousy at responding, but know that I squee like a fangirl when I receive one.

We will find out about Edward's parents' death, I promise. It will all be revealed in due time.