an: again let me know what you think...what do want to see in the next chapter

Intentionally, I rooted my slipper concealed feet on the car floor, avoiding the prospect of bouncing at every bump and spilling the tray of coffees we had picked up. Being so early I ran out to the car in the new leopard print slippers Edward had picked up for me; ones with extra traction. The morning sunrays rebelliously peeked through the car's visor, making me squint as I turned to Edward.

"Fuck, it's early. It should be illegal to get up at such a God-forsaken hour," I yawed, in between my complaints as if to give them further validity.

Edward kept his eyes fixed on the road and swung a hard right, and the sunlight was more direct and I groaned dramatically, hiding from the light like a burning vampire.

"Nonsense, early bird gets the worm. Emmett is always at the office by six pecking away at worms," he remarked, slipping on his shades.

"So what exactly does he 'peck at' that couldn't wait until a time of day that doesn't need an IV caffeine drip," I inquired, looking down at his oversized to-go coffee.

"He's an architectural engineer- he contracts and oversees restoration of historic residences," Edward explained. "He is supposed to be the behind the scenes man, but almost always he's pitching in on the sites; if we're lucky he will be in the office like he said he would be and we won't have to hunt him down."

"And he has been bringing Rose with him on these hell-rise trips? No wonder she's been trying to kill him," I reasoned. Rose was no chipper morning songbird. After parking, Edward came around to help me from the car.

"Bella, the house slippers were meant to stay in the house, believe it or not," Edward growled seeing my feet. "What did you accomplish when I sent you to get your shoes?"

"Umm, I redid my hair," I offered with a shrug.

"I swear, getting you out the door is about as easy as herding cats! Out!"

He landed a firm swat to my rear as I got out. I jumped and scanned behind me to ensure no one saw. He laughed lightly at my attempt at embarrassment, turning to walk off he mumbled to himself something I couldn't quite hear.

The street we were on was brick and clearly just off the historic district. Though I had never been here, I recognized the iconic street lamps. We entered a gray stone building that must have at one time been a small chapel for it had a steeple and belle, now it bore the sign Cullen Restoration INC. Through the doors and sitting at the reception desk was a miserable looking Rose. The bags under her eyes and slapdash messy bun, told me she had a late night. She simply rolled her eyes at me and turned her swivel chair around to face the wall.

Emmett bounded from his office and swiped a coffee from the tray I was holding. He clapped Edward on the shoulder, and pat me on the head. Edward seemed to look him over, searching for something unseen.

"Nothin, like the third cup of the morning," he boomed after a long sip; it was as if he was trying to distract his observant brother. Edward laughed forcedly then took the beverage tray from me and placed it on the desk, not before plucking out one of the skinny lattes we had ordered.

"Here you are Rose," Edward offered, walking around the desk to hand it off.

"I'd rather not," Rose bit, turning her chair again. Edward seemed to be assessing her too, but after a moment he looked to Emmett.

"The ice queen isn't taking any callers at the moment," Emmett announced with forced falsetto.

I knew better than to mess with Rose while she sulked. Edward smiled to me than excused himself.

"Isabella, Emmett and I need to speak privately. If you wouldn't mind telling Jasper to come on back once he gets here," Edward said pulling back to room to the left, Emmett on his tail.

"Don't fuckin start with me Bell! If you've been sent negotiate a truths, take your damn olive branch and stick it where the sun don't shine!"

Rose was in a rare mood, even for her. Alice was much better at talker her down from cliffs, I tended to be a jumper myself, and so the two of us never smoked the metaphorical peace pipe.

"I'm not taking sides Rose….consider me Switzerland…just tell me what happened? I just don't understand." Casually, I leveed myself up onto the desk, next to the coffee tray and parked in Indian style facing her. Be sweet and non-judgmental, just like Alice, I coached myself.

"I fuckin borrowed his sucky-ass car and hit a little pole. And like a dick-head, he dragged out through the car window and to get his fuggley hands off me I screamed 'rape'. So yeah- I think caveman is done playing his twisted version of house, volume: bitch from hell."

My mouth must have dropped and words escaped me. Did she have a death wish?

"Tell me you were drunk and you didn't pull this stunt sober," I demanded, not really knowing what would comfort me more.

Rose just glared icy daggers, slinking confidently into the leather desk chair. I wanted to slap her across the face or shake her. Did she know what it would do to Alice if she killed herself? To me?

"Rose-"

"I won't listen, so save your sexy breath Bella," she barked in distain.

And so began several moments of brooding silence; she pulled a file from her pocket and worked on her nails- an avoidance tactic we had learned from Carmen. I recognized the unspoken, fuck off, but I was going nowhere. I would wait until she broke down and talked.

In a matter of minutes, Jasper sauntered in the front door and back to Emmett's office, addressing us by our full names and a nod as he passed through.

Swiveling in her chair, Rose took her cold shoulder treatment to a new level. Aggravated, I jumped off the desk and followed Jasper. I didn't bother to knock. The room was longer, than wide and it had two bay window alcoves that were capped by floor to ceiling every color stained glass. Two old couches, a vintage drafting table and large wooden desk made up the décor; clearly a man's design.

"I can't help her understand shit, Edward. She won't listen."

All eyes were on me and I felt it. I looked to Edward who was seated on a plaid loveseat across from Emmett and his huge desk. I half expected to be scolded for intruding, but I think they all felt my pain. With pitiful eyes. Edward nodded to me and patted the open seat next to him on the sofa. My heart fell a little as I realized that, he must have suspected my words would fall on deaf ears. They must have thought Rose was a lost cause.

"Is there anyone who would let Rose live with them for a time? A friend or an ex, someone who cares about her wellbeing?" Edward asked calmly, though I think he knew the answer.

Sadly, I shook my head- Her 'friends' would have her doped up in a minute- good for nothing but a good time. Of course, Jake would do it for me, let her crash with him. But he and Rose hated each other with a passion so fierce, the rest of us got whiplash standing too close.

"Our thoughts are, we don't want her to feel trapped in this choice. If she wants out, we'll find her a job and a place to live. Get her on her feet," Edward promised; I could tell he was trying to sooth my nerves. Emmett cut in.

"Money is just that, money. I wouldn't mind being paid back her portion of the bail, but I think her crazy ass is worth every penny. I can't watch her implode on herself- all because we held her to some agreement. I want her happy." He looked toward the door, to where Rose was and then back to me.

"She can't live by herself. I'm scared she will do something reckless," I whispered, holding back a lump of tears gathering dangerously near the surface. Jasper nodded to me.

"Then our only choice is to appeal to her. See if she has an idea of her own," Jasper rallied, looking to all of us. "I want you to know Bella, I have Alice's blessin. If Rose will take me up on it- she can come with me. If that happens, Alice will either be goin indefinitely with Edward and you- or home with Emmett. But only if this is Rose's choice."

After a time, Emmett went to ask Rose to join us- but he ended up nearly dragging her back with him. She squirmed free from his grasp and turned on me as if I betrayed her.

"You are a pathetic loser, Bella. Are you going say exactly what daddy Edward has told you to?"

Edward shot to his feet, an arm extending back to me protectively. "Hey, now. Let's be civil and talk this out like adults."

Rose spit at him then slumped in an armchair, like a wild animal backed into a corner. Emmett watched her, as if it pained him to see her so distressed. Edward sat beside me once more, this time placing his hand firmly on my knee, as if to tell me to give her space. Because of that, and that only, I resisted the urge to go to her.

Jasper swung his chair around, moving it directly in front of her and straddling it casually.

"I'll take it from here, boys," Jasper directed in a calm voice and a motion of his hand. "Rosalie, we are startin fresh here."

His voice was only meant for her, we could hear- but it was not as if he was intentionally projecting his voice to us.

"We are all worried and at this point the ball is in your court. This is an intervention, but the solution is non-specific- you don't have to choose us. We will support you in any choice you make. Emmett's father can find you a job, a place to live. Your bail 'bond' is water-under the bridge and you owe Emmett nothin."

Rose never looked at him, never said thank you, and never feigned gratefulness- simply stared ahead.

"You are a very independent, savvy woman, and no one doubts that you could walk out of this room and make it on your own. And, Rose you can do that right now- you can leave," Jasper pressed, "or you can stay and hear me out."

She again glared at me as if I had arranged this meeting. She was terrible.

"Sometimes things don't work out as intended, that don't mean we can't give them another shot. You can come with me same terms, same arrangement and I will treat you like the little sister I never had, I swear to you," Jasper vowed reaching out to take her hand. She flinched and drew back. "Could you come to trust me as a brother?"

She fidgeted; I could see she was uneasy with his rational thinking and all because it was just that, rational. She turned up her chin, as if she was resentful of being talked down from a successful suicide jump.

"I had a foster brother. He fuckin molested me, so no, that term of endearment is taken."

Jasper sighed and looked at Edward who encouraged him to go on.

"That was not your fault, Rose." He emphasized the not. "Something horrible happened to you and your shield of armor is natural coping mechanism, but it's not realiastic to stay armored up for the rest of your life. Again, we can get you professional help, the Cullen's church has endless resources. Just say the word and we can go there now."

The baffled look on Rose's face told me that she feared the idea of more strangers more than she did anyone in this room. And then I saw her stone shell break, just slightly. Her eyes were misty and face softened.

"I wanna stay," she mumbled, hanging her head. Jasper seemed relieved and somewhat surprised. He leaned forward trying to regain her eye contact.

"You mean you want to continue on with me?"

She shook her head and looked to Emmett.

Emmett offered no response, just Jasper.

"Rose, Emmett's house is not on the table at the moment; that didn't work."

Emmett turned away as if he was wounded to deny her wish, instead he looked at Jasper again. Rose nodded then agreed.

"Then I'll go with you. But I don't want you to touch my ass. I don't want to be...," she trailed off, her eyes glaring their usual poison daggers.

"You don't want to be spanked?"

She nodded, her pride was wounded even by the word.

"Well that's normal- if you wanted it, that would be a problem," Jasper reasoned. "And we can talk about what makes you the most comfortable. But for your own good, that part is not completely disappearing; in fact it'll be makin a reappearance here real soon."

I was sure she would bulk and go all she-hulk on him any second, but she didn't. Jasper turned to the others. "Do you all have anything you wish to add?"

"I think you covered the bases pretty well. Rose are you sure this is what you want? I'll put you up in a hotel room for the night if you want to consider your other options," Edward offered.

"No-I choose this," she spouted off quickly, as if she didn't trust herself not to retreat. Emmett nodded and Jasper cleared his throat.

"If you all would give us a moment alone, then when you return we can have Rose give us her assurances this is truly what she wants."

Edward and Emmett made for the door, and I of course followed- but Jasper stopped me.

"Bella if you would stay please. I think it would be best," requested Jasper. I couldn't help but notice, he was so calm, and thinking back to his fear of God statement, I was a little surprised.

"Rosalie, given last night's events, I find it an appropriate time to get your first spankin from me underway," Jasper announced. "Bella is here, because clearly you have a past in which trusting men is not always easy. Bella you can remain seated where you are."

I gulped, hating to be in the same situation yet again, this time with Rose.

"But, but we're going to fuckin do it here?" Rose looked to him in protest, grabbing at straws.

"Emmett has the front door locked and a clear schedule till noon. Here is a perfect location," Jasper assured. "Now com'ere Rosalie and don't dawdle."

Rose shuffled forward her arms crossed her chest defensively. Jasper gently pulled her closer.

"I wouldn't be so insistent on this, if last night weren't such a serious matter." He paused for a moment, "…street racers end up in body bags, Rose. You were one lucky gal."

My eyes nearly bugged out of my skull.

I couldn't believe it, I just couldn't; she had done this once, but she had promised never again.

I was beyond mad, I was furious. And now it all made sense.

Jasper sent me a look as if to say, stay out of this one, I got it.

"If Emmett's car didn't have a GPS tracker and if he hadn't been there, you could have burnt to death. And if my brother Peter didn't handle your intake papers, you could be doing hard time. As in prison. Do you understand, Rose? You could be dead or locked away for a very long time."

His voice carried just over the audible decibel of a forced whisper. He was almost soothing in the way he talked to her and I myself was ready to strangle her. I wasn't sure how he had managed it.

Rose attempted to run retreating to the door, but he grabbed her with his outstretched arm- not even bothering to stand up. As he yanked her back in place, I was expecting him to start walloping on her- but he didn't. Wordlessly, he pulled her down on his lap and cradled her head to his chest. Jasper struggled to keep her from drawing away, not loosening his grip until her posture fell lax.

And then something happened that I had never witnessed, not once in our 17 years together- she gasped twice, hyperventilated and then broke down into waves of mournful sobs. Jasper wrapped her up tightly, rocking her back and forth and repeating the same thing over and over.

"It's alright now- You're gonna be ok, now."