The Fourth Year - The First Six Months
Thank God school is out was my first reaction when I saw the picture then dread set in because I knew I needed to tell Bella before she arrived in Forks. The call was not as bad as I thought it would be, Charlie had already told her.
"I know why you are calling Edward."
"You do?"
"Yes, Charlie called me about an hour after you left to tell me about it. He said it's a good picture but it makes it obvious we are together."
"He's right it is a very good picture but yeah considering I have my arms wrapped around you and the kids are there it is pretty clear we are together."
"Well, this isn't how I wanted Forks to find out but there is no hiding it now, we will just deal with whatever happens. At least I will be around Forks for the next several weeks to help deal with the aftermath. I love you Edward and we will get through this just like everything else we have faced."
"I know baby, I can't wait to see you tomorrow. Do you plan on staying here or with Charlie?"
"I think for the first week or two it is important that people see me coming and going out of Charlie's house, but I am definitely stopping by your house as soon as I get into town."
"I see your point, I don't like it but I see it. Go finish packing so you can get here, I love you Bella."
"I love you Edward. I'll see you and the kids tomorrow."
For the first week Bella was back people just stared at us when we went anywhere together, almost as if they were trying to believe what they were seeing. Charlie mentioned that he had gotten some questions at the station but people backed off pretty easily. I guess they did the man carried a gun I would back off too. I was surprised I had not heard from Tanya yet but accepted the fact that it was only a matter of time before she said something.
The next two weeks were the hardest so far, people became more vocal in their observations, making comments when we out in what was suppose to be a quiet voice. What did I see in Bella? Was she looking for a sugar daddy? Had anything happened while she was still a student? Did I use my job to troll for girls? She was such a quiet, nice girl so I must have seduced her, that one made me laugh. Was she a home wrecker and that was why my marriage broke up? Maybe she was a 'little Lolita' and had seduced me? Had Bella traded sex for grades and did she continue to do that in college? Was that how she graduated summa? Was I having a mid life crisis? Was it just sex? Was I a pervert? What did the kids think? What did Charlie think? Was he ok with it? Why hadn't he locked me up yet?
We ignored all the questions, since no one actually asked us and lived our lives. Bella was enjoying her student teaching position, the kids were enjoying their various summer activities and I was busy with summer school. Things came to a head the fourth week of summer, Tanya came screaming into my office about Bella.
"So Edward, how long have you been fucking her? Did you use to fuck her when you would take her home from baby sitting our kids?"
I was in the office with Mrs. Cope and Ms. Weber, one of the summer teachers, when she started her rant. As much as I did not want to do this in front of others, I knew if I moved this to my office the busybodies would run with what they just heard and not the truth. "Do not push your issues onto me Tanya. You started with Seth Clearwater when he was 17. Why haven't you tried to see the kids?"
"Don't change the subject Edward, when did you start fucking Bella Swan?"
"What Bella and I have is none of your business Tanya, are you jealous of her?"
"What! Why would I be jealous of her? She has nothing on me and you know it." I had hit a nerve, I could tell.
"She is young, beautiful, confident, and smart and is well on her way to fulfilling her dreams. I love her Tanya and what you and I had was never love and you know it."
"You son of a bitch how dare you speak to me like this."
"I will talk to you any way I want, now why haven't you contacted the kids? Is it because you were in jail in Oregon for drug possession with intent to sell and couldn't make bail or leave the state?" Her mouth dropped open. "Yes I know all about it, one of the benefits of Charlie Swan being a cop. I am taking you back to court and having your rights terminated to the kids. They do not need you in their lives."
"Why because they have Bella now?"
"Yes, she is twice the mother to them you have ever been. Do yourself a favor and just sign the papers giving up the kids, we both know you don't want them."
"Your right I don't and I never did, if I had just been allowed to do what I wanted there wouldn't be any kids or a marriage and I could have live the life I wanted."
"What are you talking about..."
"Your mother was the one who insisted..."
"What about my mother?" It felt like someone had taken their icy hand and gripped my heart.
"Ask her Edward, she pays me to keep silent." Tanya turned and walked out. I looked around the office before going into my private office. The first thought I had was to the money I had discovered she was getting during the divorce. We had assumed she had a small trust fund from her parents but she signed the papers before we could dig deeply into anything. Was it my mother who was paying her monthly? Why? I needed more information, so I called my attorney.
"Doug, its Edward Cullen."
"What can I do for you Edward?"
"Two things actually, I want to file the paperwork to terminated Tanya's rights to the kids and I was wondering if you ever found anything out about where she is getting her money from. Is it a trust fund from her parents?"
"She signed the papers so fast we didn't really look into it too far Edward but I can tell you it is not a trust fund. It appears to be just a regular savings account that is in her name. Money is deposited every month and she transfers that money out."
"Where is this account? Do you know which bank it is with?" Then he said the one thing I didn't want to hear, the name of my parents bank, the only bank they had ever done business with. Coincidence, maybe but I didn't think so. Has my mother been paying Tanya and for what? How long? Why was my biggest question. Obviously Tanya wasn't going to tell me anything else and due to the way my mother was treating Bella I wasn't going to call her and ask, is it possible my father knew something about this? "Thanks Doug, I don't think we need to dig into this any further. I have everything I need."
"Ok Edward and I will file the paperwork with the court and let you know the date to terminate her rights."
"Thanks Doug." After hanging up my mind drifted back to the conversation I overheard in Chicago. I didn't hear the beginning of it and never asked Bella how it started. Had my mother offered to pay her off for some reason? I would ask her after dinner how that conversation started. When I walked out of the office to leave I noticed several more teachers in the office and Mrs. Cope was telling them about the argument she witnessed. Ms. Weber squeaked when she saw me and they all turned to me with red faces. "If nothing else that spectacle should prove to everyone that Bella is not a home wrecker. As we have said, she did not break up my marriage. Good afternoon ladies." I tried to call Bella on the way to my car and it went to voicemail. She wanted to cook out tonight so I decided to stop by the store and pick up the steaks. I noticed her car in the parking lot and smiled to myself. I was looking up the aisles trying to find her when I heard them.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the home wrecker herself." A female said, it sounded like Lauren Mallory
"I don't know Lauren, she looks more like gold digger to me. Nothing to say, Bella?" That voice sounded like Jane Alexander.
"Emily, please take your brothers and wait for me in the car." I heard keys jingle as Bella spoke.
"But Bella, I really think..." Emily started before she was cut off.
"No, you guys go wait in the car for me. It's fine." I could hear the kids moving away.
"So, tell me Bella..." Lauren started.
"Shut your mouth until the kids are out of the store." Bella sounded pissed off. I watched the doors until the kids were outside.
"What the fuck do you think you are doing talking that like in front of those kids? I don't care what you think of me but do you not have any common sense?" Bella said.
"Don't talk to me like that you whore. You need to stay away from Edward Cullen." Jane stated angrily.
"Or what Jane? You and Betty Crocker here have been after him for what - 2 years and he won't have anything to do with you." Bella said.
"Betty Crocker?" Lauren asked.
"Yes, because you are ready to spread. Everyone knows you will screw anything Lauren, you didn't think it was a secret did you? Edward has told me all about how you harass him at school throwing yourselves at him. You ladies need to grow some self respect and realize he will not change his mind so just leave him alone." Bella was getting angry also.
"Worried about the competition?" Jane asked.
"No, you are not competition. He will not leave me not for either of you or anyone else for that matter. So tell me does it bother you more that he won't go out with you or that I am the one he sleeps with? I have heard all of you speculate at one time or another about him and I have heard the things Tanya has said over the years so because I am feeling generous I am going to clue you in on something. That boy is packing, let me tell you he is huge and the things he can do with those magic fingers should be illegal." It sounded as Bella was moving away from them.
"I could take him from you if I wanted too." Lauren said loudly.
I could hear Bella walking back over to where I thought they were in aisle next to me. "No, you couldn't, see he loves me and rumor has it neither of you swallow. Have a nice day ladies." Bella laughed as she went back to her cart. God I loved her. I moved to the end of the aisle so she could see me as she walked past.
"Edward!" Bella was surprised to see me.
"Bella, are you getting the things to cook out?"
"Yeah, the kids are waiting in the car, I have everything but the steaks."
"Go check out and I will bring the steaks with me." I told her as I leaned down to kiss her. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Lauren and Jane approaching so I swatted her on the ass before I spoke. "I'll see you at the house baby."
"Ok." Bella said and moved towards the cashier.
"Ladies," I said to Lauren and Jane as I walked by them to pick out the meat. I couldn't help but chuckle at the stunned looks on their faces. It felt good to show them I only wanted Bella, even if it might come back and bite me later.
As Bella and I sat on the deck after dinner I brought up the confrontation I had with Tanya at school. "Bella because of what Tanya insinuated I have to ask, what started the conversation between you and my mother at Christmas?"
"To be honest Edward, I don't know. I had fixed myself a plate and sat down with her on the sun porch to eat. She mentioned how happy you and kids were and how she thought I handled the incident with Emily well then she asked me what I got out of our relationship. I started to explain the way things were with Charlie and Renee but she interrupted asking me what exactly I wanted from you and was I looking for a father or was it just for the money. She said if it was just money I wanted I could have that without 'dragging you down' I think is the phrase she used, at that point I was aggravated and began telling her what an insult that was not to me but to you too. I think you heard the exchange from that point on. Do you really think she was or is paying Tanya for something?"
"Before her reaction at Christmas and your graduation I would have said a definite no. Now, with how she is treating you and the Tanya comments, I am not so sure. I can not figure out what she gains by paying Tanya though or you for that matter."
"You do realize the only way you may get answers is to ask her directly?"
"Yes but I am going to talk to my father first and see if he knows anything." She quirked her eyebrow at me. "I know I need to talk to her but I am worried that I will say or do something that we will never get past if I talk to her now. I want to be able to do it calmly."
Bella came and knelt beside my chair with her eyes downcast. "Why don't we get the kids in bed and then you can cuff me to the wall in your shower and do naughty things to me, if it would please you Master."
She could read me like a book and my cock twitched. She knew I needed to feel more in control of what was happening and this was her way of centering me if I wanted it. "You my naughty little girl had better get up to the shower and have everything ready when I get there or I going to make your fine ass pink."
"Yes Master" she whispered before heading inside to get our shower ready while I made sure the kids were getting ready for bed. An hour later after a very, very dirty shower I carried Isabella into bed feeling much more in control of the things happening in my life.
Over the next two weeks I talked to my father and he had no idea what Tanya was talking about but promised to talk to my mother and try to get to the bottom of whatever she was doing. Tanya herself was not causing problems even though I knew she had been served with the papers about the kids. Gossip had picked up even more about Bella and I since the run in with Lauren and Jane and it was getting uglier. Bella loved teaching at the community college but that was getting ready to end, she would be going back to Seattle in a few days to teach there. The kids had decided to have a going away dinner for Bella the night before she left but she and I were going to spend the day at the cabin first.
Bella had been quiet on the way to the cabin. I knew she was trying to be stoic about going back to Seattle, neither one of us wanted her to leave but she need to get her feelings out. We had been together so much over the last 7 weeks that we felt like a family, this would be by far the most difficult parting yet.
I had her tied up and suspended from the ceiling, she was doing very well but I could tell her mind wasn't focused. I needed her to make a mistake so she would be punished, she needed to get to this out of her system. I was fucking her hard and she was on the edge and I knew the motion of being suspended was increasing the force of my thrusts.
"Do not fucking cum Isabella. I can tell you are close...don't do it."
"Please Master"
"No" I snarled at her as I slapped her ass. I was close too. I moved one of my hands so I could spread her pussy lips to expose her clit and watch myself move in and out of her. She knew what I was going to do.
"Please Master, please...I'll...I'll...no...don't" she panted out.
"You'll what?" I growled at her as I pinched her clit hard.
"I'll cum." She yelled as she clamped down on me so hard I instantly came. Her back was arching and I had to circle my arms around her to keep her from straining or hurting herself. I moved the whipping bench over so I could rest her on it before untying her. I expected her to be crying because she disobeyed me but she was still keeping everything inside not looking at me. I quickly rubbed her down to make sure she was ok. I stood her up beside the bench.
"You came without permission Isabella, you haven't done that in a long time. You need to be punished for that." I expected some type of reaction but her shoulders just slumped. "Go get the leather flogger then get your ass up on the bench." Her eyes shot to mine before she moved to get it, we hadn't used this one yet, it was strictly for punishment and normally I used my hand or the crop. She moved up on the bench and I tilted it so her ass was more exposed. "What is the punishment for cumming without permission Isabella?"
"Fifteen Master"
"Yes it is." I said as I brought the flogger down on her. I gave her the first five silently and her ass was turning a nice shade of pink. She was hissing but she hadn't broken down yet. "You know better Isabella. What happened to your focus?" I asked as I gave her the next five harder. Part of me hated what I was going to do next but I knew she needed this. "I am so disappointed in you Isabella." With the next stroke she broke and started sobbing. I quickly gave her the last four and then picked her up to move us to the bathroom. I stepped into the tub and moved her so she was straddling me with her face buried in my neck. "Shhh...baby it's alright. Just get it all out Isabella. Let it go." She started crying harder.
"I'm sorry...Master...sooo...sorry...I didn't...mean to." She could not get the words out she was crying so hard.
"Ssshhh kitten, it's fine just let it all out baby. I love you Isabella. I will keep you safe, let go." She finally let go, she was crying and mumbling things I couldn't make out until she cried her self to sleep. I was glad she had hopefully got it all out. I moved us to the bedroom and rubbed her down with oil before I let her sleep and went to the great room to wait for her to wake up.
She had been asleep for hours and it was after lunch when she sleepily walked into the great room in her boy shorts and tank top. "I left some lunch for you in the fridge, eat and then come in here so we can talk."
"Yes Master" she responded quietly. After she ate she gingerly sat down on the couch next to me.
"Normally this is not one of your free areas but it will be for today because I think this will be more comfortable for you than a hard kitchen chair." She nodded. "Why are you holding things in Isabella? You can tell me anything, you know this."
"I know I can Master. Leaving is so much harder this time after seeing you and the kids every day for the past two months. The fact that I am close to getting my period isn't helping either. I will miss you guys so much." I was wiping away the tears that were slowly running down her cheeks.
"I know kitten and we are going to miss you too. What you need to remember is that with things out in the open now we can see each other more often. We can come to Seattle or you can come home every weekend if we want." That put a small smile on her face. "Do not keep your emotions bottled up like that Isabella, you need to talk to me."
"I know Master, I'm sorry."
"Let's talk about the scene we did earlier. I know you know I made you cum on purpose. But do you understand why I did that?"
"So you could punish me Master?"
"Yes, but why did I have to resort to punishing you?"
"I'm not sure what you are asking Sir."
"The release of emotions that you got from the punishment, did it help you?"
"Yes, once I started crying everything came out."
"So why did I force your orgasm in order to punish you?"
"To get me to let out what was bothering me instead of having it fester inside."
"See I really do know what is best for you don't I?" I said as I pulled her onto my lap with a chuckle.
"Yes you do. Thank you Master."
I stood up and wrapped her legs around me. "Come on baby it is almost time to go and I want to make love to my girlfriend before we leave."
As I laid her down on the bed she cradled my face, "I'd like that Edward. I love you."
"I love you Bella." I used the remainder of our time to show her just how much I loved her.
It had been two weeks, the kids were moping around, I was moping around, two weeks ago Bella returned to Seattle and she didn't sound any better when we talked to her on the phone. She enjoyed teaching at North Seattle Community College more than she did in Port Angeles but she still missed us. It had been one week since she told me her old history professor James Damon was also teaching summer school where she was and he kept trying to talk to her. Finally everyone had a smile on their face, we were going to see her today. She called while we were on the road saying she needed to talk to me and not to be surprised to see Charlie when we arrived. It made me nervous and I wanted to know what had happened but I would wait until we arrived, I had some things to tell her about too.
When we arrived at her apartment I wasn't surprised to see Charlie, I was surprised to see a Seattle cop. Charlie introduced him as Billy Black, a good friend of his. Bella took the kids to the park while Billy filled both of us in on what he knew. Around 5 am the alarm went off alerting Bella and automatically notifying the cops of an attempted break in. Bella said she did see someone running away and called Billy who called Charlie. They had taken some prints and could see where he had circled the house. We spoke about where to place more security lights and I told Charlie about James teaching at the same college Bella did for the summer. Neither of them liked hearing that or that he wouldn't leave Bella alone, Charlie was going to talk to judge about a restraining order. After we had done all that we could I had Charlie drop me off at the park so I could meet up with Bella and the kids.
Bella and I took the kids to Waterfront Park for lunch and let them play in the arcade while we talked. I told her what had been decided at the house about her security.
"It was scary Edward. Do you think it is James?"
"I don't know but my instinct is saying yes it is him. We are doing everything we can to keep you safe Bella. I will not let him hurt you."
"I know," she said unconvincingly. "I trust you Edward, you won't let him hurt me."
In an effort to change the subject I decide to tell what is troubling me. "Bella I need to tell you something so you can be prepared. There have been rumors..."
She laughed. "When haven't there been rumors for the last year?"
"This is different Bella, these rumors involve my job." She immediately stopping laughing and grabbed my hand.
"What are people saying?"
"That the School Board is going to hold a meeting based on how the first few weeks of school go and if needed call me before them to answer questions about us."
"Can they do that? I mean we have said nothing happened while I was in school and I was over 18. What do they hope to accomplish by this?"
"It is a Christian Academy, there is a morality clause in my contract."
"You were separated at the time."
"I'm not sure it matters."
"What are they really after here and how can this affect you in the long run?"
"I think ultimately they are just after gossip, but with the contract they have a good way of getting it and in the long run if they fire me or give me a bad reference I could find it very hard to get another job."
"Do we need to start looking into moving? I can finish up my Master's anywhere Edward, I would rather we left on our own terms. Who is the driving force behind this?"
"Slow down little girl. I think we should talk to the kids about possibly moving and I should put out feelers for a new position. It will take some time to find a suitable position. Who is driving this, I think two things are driving this. First is people's need to know every little thing about us and 'get the dirt' I believe is the phrase. Second, most of this is coming from Lauren, Jane and Liz Crowley, I believe it is 'hell has no wrath like a woman scorned syndrome' and those three have been the worst. Of course our little display didn't help any either."
"Maybe not but it was fun to do anyway."
"Yes it was very fun but I want you to be prepared in case the Board calls that meeting."
"Ok, we talk to the kids tonight and see what they have to say about moving if we have too."
"Yeah, also I talked to my father and it was interesting to say the least."
"What happened?" Bella was biting her lip, a sure sign she was nervous. I thought back to the phone call that still gave me a cold chill.
"Edward I talked to your mother and to be honest I am shocked and embarrassed to say that yes she is the one paying Tanya. When Tanya found out she was pregnant and you told us you were trying to talk her out of an abortion Esme approached her with an offer of a monthly allowance so she would have the baby. Then you asked her to marry you and I think things have just grown from there."
"So mother has been paying the woman who made my life hell to what, stay married to me?"
"She won't give me details but yes I think that is the jest of it."
"Why didn't she just talk to me about this? I know I hid how miserable I was but she has no right to interfere in my life that way."
"I know son, I do and I don't know that it helps you now but she is beginning to see exactly how wrong what she did was."
"Is this why she is being so hateful to Bella, because she can't find a way to buy her off?"
"She assures me that she was not trying to buy Bella off but she can not determine Bella's motives and that bothers her."
"Bella loves me that is her motive. Is it really so hard for her to believe that someone could love me with out wanting my money, love me for who I am."
"I don't know Edward, if you want more answers you will have to talk to her directly."
"Well, don't expect that to be happening anytime soon. Thanks for talking to her dad."
"You are welcome and I am sorry Edward. Your mother and I are not on the best of terms at the moment but I will encourage her to talk to you and Bella. Call soon son."
After recounting the conversation to Bella she hugged me tight to her. "I am sorry Edward. Your worth to me will never be determined by your money. To me you are priceless and I only truly started living my life the way I wanted when you came into it."
"You are one of the best things to ever happen in my life Bella. Do I wish that I had met you 20 years ago - yes, but I consider myself lucky to have you in my life at all." I gave her a soft kiss, "Let's get the kids and go back to your apartment and see how they feel about moving." Turns out they didn't love the idea but they didn't hate it either. Evan was the hardest one to explain things too. Emily and Ethan were old enough to understand most of the reasons why people may have objections to us but Evan was just too young.
"I don't get it Dad, Bella is great and we love her why don't people see that?" Evan asked.
"It isn't that they don't see that Ev. They just don't think we should be together."
"But she loves us and everyone is happy." Evan said getting very frustrated. He was trying to understand but I was having a hard time explaining it him without opening up other subjects.
Bella went to sit on the floor in front of his chair. "Evan remember how sometimes your Dad tells you not to do something and when you ask why he can't really come up with a good reason but he still doesn't want you to do it so he says 'because I said so." Evan laughed but nodded his head. "Well, this is one of those times. They don't have a good reason they just know they don't like so they are going to tell your Dad "because I said so."
His eyes got wide as he looked at me and then Bella, "Can they do that?"
"They seem to think they can but I am not so sure. Anyway, your Dad is going to look into working at a different school where people won't say that but it would involve moving. We wanted to tell you guys about it so you won't be surprised if we do have to move."
"But why can't they just mind their own business and leave you and Dad alone?"
Bella looked at him and thought for a few minutes, "Ok your friend Timmy." Evan nodded that he knew who she was talking about. "Remember when I bought you the new Mario game for your DSI." He nodded again. "Timmy kept asking questions. Why did I get it for you, what did you do, how did it work, when would you let him play it? He went on and on with the questions and got upset when you wouldn't answer him."
"Yes, he was being so nosy and it wasn't his business. It made me mad, I was going to let him play with me but we got into a fight and he left."
"Yes he did and some adults are the same way. They have to know everything, every detail or they aren't happy and there are some girls who want to know why your Dad likes me and not them. They won't be happy until they know as much as they can and I'm not sure they will be then either. They see your Dad as a new DSI game and want to know why I have one when they don't."
Evan laughed, "That's easy. They are stupid. I see they way some girls look at him and it is gross, like that want to eat him or something. You never look at Dad that way, well you did that one time on the boat when you were mad at him but that's it."
Bella laughed now. "Do you see what I am trying to say to Evan?"
"Yes but it is still dumb and so are they."
"True, but a large part of growing up in a small town is that everyone knows your business and because they have stood on the sidelines and watched you grow up they think they know every little thing about you and they don't. So when something happens that to them is surprising the have to know every little thing about it, think the worst of it and then talk to everyone they know about it. People are rarely smart when they act out of anger or jealousy and that is what is happening Evan." Bella said.
"Where would we move to?" Ethan asked.
"That will depend on where I get offered a job but I would never move us somewhere without everyone's approval."
That seemed to end the discussion and we went on the have a wonderful weekend with Bella. The last weeks of summer flew by and school was starting. James was leaving Bella alone, she made me give her a copy of my contract with the school because she didn't think they could fire me over what was happening and the kids were all adjusting well to school. Ethan loved being at the middle school and Emily was adjusting to high school, the school where her father was Headmaster. I would ask them outright if they were being given a hard time because of Bella and I and they always said no but Evan once again had a teacher that I am sure assuming he wouldn't understand why she was asking couldn't mind her own business.
It was a month into the school year and the end of September when I received the official notice that I was being called before the School Board the next week. Bella was livid but under control when I told her about the meeting until I said something about it not being a closed meeting, anyone could attend, then she rattled off a string of profanities that shocked me no matter how much I understood the reason for them.
The days leading up to the meeting where full of talk and rumors and whispers whenever I walked into a room. Yet, it was still a surprise when I entered the meeting and saw that the room was full of people, most of whom did not have students at my school. Newton was on the board as well as Mr. Stanley, Mrs. Masen, Mr. Molina and Mr. Cope and with the exception of Mrs. Masen they all looked as if they could smell blood, my blood. Bella had warned me to bring my lawyer and she had desperately wanted to attend also but I had said no to both of those ideas, now I was wishing I hadn't. The meeting had been called to order and Newton was explaining that it was to see if I had violated the morality clause of my contract or not.
"So, Mr. Cullen I need you to explain the nature of your relationship with Miss Isabella Swan. Please start at the beginning."
"I'm not sure exactly what you are asking Mr. Newton. I was separated from my wife when I started seeing Miss Swan and she was over 18. I have not violated my contract. What else do you need to know?"
"We will need more information than that. We only have your word that she was over 18..."
I cut him off. "And Bella's, I know she sent in a statement stating the facts of us dating. I have an impeccable record and do not appreciate my integrity or Bella's being called into question because we are dating. What exactly is it you hope to find out tonight?"
"Like I said start at the beginning and we will tell you when..."
"Do not answer that question Edward." I heard the door open and was shocked to see not only Bella but the kids, her father, my father and one of the Dom's from the party Thomas along with Kyle his submissive. Bella instructed the kids to stand behind me before moving to stand next to me and taking my hand before she spoke again. "Mrs. Masen, gentlemen I would like to introduce you to Thomas Mann, he sits on the Washington State Board of Education and Kyle Clinton, our Civil Rights attorney. They are going to explain to you how what you are trying to do is a witch hunt and illegal." I knew my mouth was hanging open when I looked at her, I knew Thomas was in education but not exactly what he did and I had no idea about Kyle. "Trust me Edward, I am not going to let the narrow mindedness of a small town ruin your career." Bella whispered to me.
Thomas stepped forward to address the board. "First let me explain that I personally know Edward and Bella and to bring him in here to answer to a morality charge is a farce and just a way for you to try to get details they are not willing to give you. I have signed statements from both of them telling you the only facts you need to know. He was separated from his wife and they were both consenting adults when they started dating. That is all you need to know. Mr. Newton knows this better than anyone because he was Edward's ex-wife's attorney and should have excused himself from this meeting due to a conflict of interest. This meeting should have been closed due to the personal nature of it but then you wouldn't be able to air what you perceive as a man's dirty laundry. As is my right I am over riding all of you, this meeting is over and Mr. Cullen will remain the headmaster of this school for the remainder of his contract, which I understand is up at the end of school year. It is up to you and him if that is renewed or not. I will tell you that during the 7 years he has been Headmaster this school's test scores, college acceptance rate and college scholarship approval have almost doubled. Since he has been Headmaster this school has risen in its rank of schools for a town this size to #3 in Washington State from #15. That being said I will be doing an investigation into how this board handles the schools in Forks, with the exception of Mrs. Masen who filed a formal complaint about this meeting with my office. That is all I have gentlemen."
Bella squeezed my hand as Thomas walked past and patted my shoulder. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Kyle move to address the board. "As Bella stated I am their, her and Edward's civil rights attorney. Now I understand you can't keep people from talking and gossiping amongst themselves, however if it happens at school during school hours or functions we will bring charges against the individual and the school for allowing it. We will not allow his reputation to be slandered in front of the students. Also, if Edward should decide to leave this facility if anything other than a glowing reference is given we will file charges for libel. You can not impugn him or his performance because it is not justified. If you think we won't do it try me at that point they have nothing to lose. I strongly suggest that every person in this room keep their opinions of Edward and Bella together to themselves. The fact that they are unwilling to let the details of their relationship become diner gossip doesn't give anyone the right to try and take away either of their livelihood. I am very good at what I do so save yourselves time and money by not testing me on it. Edward, Bella let's go we are done here."
Bella was pulling me up out of my seat and rounding up the kids as we filed out of the building. Bella threw Carlisle some keys as she put me in my car and went around to the driver's side. We were half way to my house before I found my voice. "What they hell just happened in there?" I asked and the kids started laughing.
"I'll explain later when we are alone. I want to tell you that I haven't explained to anyone how we met Thomas or Kyle. I told them you knew Thomas and we sometimes got together when you came to Seattle and everyone is fine with that so far."
"Ok" I said dumbly. I don't think my brain was processing everything that had happened yet. After Charlie left and my father and kids went to bed, Bella and I sat down to talk to Thomas and Kyle. "Someone needs to tell me how this all happened." I looked to Bella, who looked to Kyle who looked to Thomas who nodded.
"When Bella took the phone call from you about tonight we were at the monthly submissive meeting. She came back in upset and I asked her what was happening, that was the point she broke down and told me about this." Kyle reached over and touched Bella's shoulder to get her attention before continuing. "I have to admit, as much as she tried to prepare me for my big debut in a small town I was still shocked at how many people where there. Anyway I asked Bella's permission to talk to Thomas and once I explained to her how I thought he could help she agreed."
He looked to Thomas to take up the story. "I was surprised when Kyle told me what was suppose to happen here tonight. They must have thought they could get away with it because that board completely overstepped the line of what they are allowed to do tonight. They have no right to question you like that Edward especially in an open meeting and those stats that I rattled off are absolutely true. When you decide to leave here any school would be nuts not to take you Edward. I have never seen a school turn around as fast as you have this one. Hell, I'll write you up a letter of reference if you would like. Now while they can't do anything to you this year without a threat of a lawsuit you must realize the odds of your contract being renewed are slim to none."
"Yes, I do but I am glad to have a year to find a position I want instead of being forced to take one."
"That's true" Kyle said. "I should tell you I threatened them with a lot so people will think before the speak but in reality it would be very hard to sue anyone for anything unless they go on the record to a reporter or if the school sabotages your chances of working at a different school."
"I figured as much but hopefully, like you said, the threat will make people stop and think." I offered to let them spend the night but they wanted to return to Seattle and told me to let them know immediately if I had any problems. Bella and I were in bed when I asked her about my father being here.
"You need support Edward. I actually invited them both but Carlisle told me he made Esme stay in Chicago. He was worried she would upset you more than anything."
"Good call. Thank you for doing this for me Bella."
"You aren't upset with me?"
"No baby, I think this maybe the best thing anyone has ever done for me. Thomas is right though I will need to start looking for a new job immediately. Do you have any preference?"
"Nope, you find something you really like and I will follow behind like a good girl." She was laughing when she said it. "Seriously Edward I want to be with you regardless of where that may be, find something that makes you happy that is what makes me happy."
"I love you my sweet, sweet Bella." I said as I rolled her under me and made love to the woman I was going to make my wife very soon.
The next several weeks were interesting to say the least, while people weren't talking as openly I was receiving more nasty looks and cold shoulders than before. I was also talking to schools in Chicago, New York City, Dallas and Boston. They all looked promising and after talking to Thomas I decided that once I had picked a school they would need to know most of the reason why I was leaving Forks. I couldn't take a new position and then have them find out everything. The kids assured me that everything was going fine at school and there were no problems with their teachers. Bella was doing great in her classes, James wasn't bothering her and life seemed to be moving along.
I received a call in early October from Social Services, they were getting ready for the court date and wanted to set up one last visit for Tanya before they reported to the court. I hadn't heard from her since I found out my mother was paying her. I had no idea why they were even bothering until the lady said Tanya's parents would be there also. Her parents were going to petition the court for some type of visitation.
The weekend they scheduled the visit Bella had to study for a big test, she was staying in Seattle but we had scheduled to webcam while the kids were out. I dropped off the kids and rushed home to spend some quality time with Bella on the computer. I set my laptop up on the bed and signed in, when the screen popped up there she was in all her naked glory, legs spread fingering herself in the middle of a desk. Wait a minute, Bella doesn't have a desk like that in her apartment.
"Where are you at Bella? That does not look like your apartment."
"It's not. My I cum Master please, I need to cum."
I took a good look at her as I stroked my cock and she was very close. "Fuck kitten you started with out me."
"I was really horny, please let me cum Master please." She whined.
"Damn Isabella fucking cum then tell me where you are." I watched her pinch her clit as she came and screamed and fuck me I could hear the echo through out the house. Shit she is in the house. I looked back to the computer, no wonder it looked familiar it was my desk downstairs in my office. I was off the bed and running down to my office before she was done and damn I loved to watch her cum. I pulled her to the edge of the desk and slammed into her.
"FUCK! You feel good kitten." I picked her up while still inside her and walked around to my chair and sat. I threw her legs over my shoulders and grabbed her waist to start moving her on my cock.
"So wet...tight...damn Isabella." She was squeezing me and I moved one hand so my thumb could rub her clit.
"Yes, so big Master" she moaned. "Love your cock."
I ran my fingers up her thigh to collect her juices and slowly started circling my lubed fingers around her tight pink hole and she jumped. "Ssshhh baby relax." I looked up at her face and noticed she had laid some toys on the desk for me, anal beads, a vibrator and nipple clamps. I smirked at her, "someone wants to play rough." I laid her back on the desk and stood up pinching and pulling her nipples until they were hard pebbles before putting the nipple clamps on and heard her hiss.
"Yes...sooo good...Master," she moaned. I pulled out of her to turn her around. "Noooo, don't stop." I slapped her ass hard.
"Don't whine like a needy bitch Isabella." I was slowly inserting the beads into her pussy to lube them. "Who gives you pleasure?"
"You do Master," she panted.
"And are you feeling pleasure?" I asked as I slowly pulled the beads out.
"Yessss," she moaned.
"Then. Don't. Fucking. Whine." I said and pushed a bead into her ass with each word. "Grab onto the desk baby this is going to get wild." I told her as I continued to insert the beads in her. She was lying on the desk on her stomach and I wrapped her legs around my waist and thrust into her forcefully.
"Fuck!' she yelled and went up on her elbows to keep the clamps from pinching her nipples harshly. "Yes Master...fuck me hard." I grabbed her hips and pulled her back onto me hard meeting my thrusts.
"Love fucking your pussy kitten." I pulled on the nipple clamps. "My pussy...all for me." I pulled two of the beads out as I thrust in and out of her. I could feel my cock hitting her g spot with every thrust.
"Cum Master please...need to cum." She was chanting. I slapped her ass hard again.
"What did I say about...whining?" She bit her lip and whimpered. I repositioned my hand so I could rub her clit too. "You want to cum Isabella?"
"Yes, yes, yes" she kept moaning lowly.
"Then milk my cock baby. When I cum so can my kitten." I tugged on her nipple clamps and she clamped down on me so tight it was hard to thrust into her. She kept tightening and releasing me, I loved the control she had of her pussy muscles. She tightened on the head of my cock as I was pushing in her and that was all it took. "I'm cumming...damn...ISABELLA!"
"Aaahhhh" she shouted as she came hard all over me. I kept thrusting slowly as we rode out our orgasms and we were coming down when I suddenly released the nipple clamps and slowly pulled on the anal beads. She screamed as she started orgasming again and her pussy started literally milking my cock like a good damn machine and I felt my balls tighten again.
"Jesus Christ, what the fuck are you doing to me? Aaahhhhhh!" I yelled as I came again so hard it was painful, how in the hell had she made that happen. I pulled out of her quickly and laid her on the desk before my legs collapsed and I dropped to the floor. All I could hear in the room was our heavy panting and I felt like my heart was going to beat its way out of my chest. After what seemed like forever she peeked over the desk and looked down at me.
"Umm, surprise?" She said like it was a question.
I chuckled at her, "I think you are giving me a heart attack. Just give me a minute baby." She didn't look to be in any better shape then I did her arm was hanging limply over the side of the desk. "Are you trying to kill me Isabella?"
"No Master" she mumbled, "but that would be the way to go."
"Yes it would." I slowly sat up, "I have no idea how you did that but wow."
She giggled. "I have no idea how I did it either but yeah...wow pretty much covers it."
I moved into my chair, I still didn't think I could stand my legs felt like Jell-O. I pulled her into my lap. "I thought you had a test to study for?"
"I do and I will but I needed to be here with you. I would be so nervous in Seattle waiting to find out how things went I wouldn't be able to study anyway."
"I know baby, let's go relax in the tub until I need to pick them up." We slowly helped each other to the garden tub in our room.
I picked the kids up and they said Tanya and her parents spent most of the time arguing instead of talking to them, not a good visit. They were happily surprised to see Bella when we got back to the house and I couldn't help but laugh Saturday evening when all 4 of them sat down at the dining room to do homework.
Halloween came and went. Bella and I took Evan trick or treating, Emily and Ethan said they were too old and had parties to attend any way. We thought about dressing up as a convict and Bella in her old school uniform but decided Forks wasn't ready for that kind of humor yet. The hearing for custody was in between Halloween and Thanksgiving and was anti-climatic. The Social Worker recommended that her rights be terminated and since Tanya didn't even bother to show up it was easily done. The kids were mine now and mine alone. The Judge had received paperwork from her parents requesting set visitation but at this time it was being left up to me. No one in the court system had been impressed with her or her parents. Things had died down at school, I was still getting looks but much less hostile ones now. The big surprise was that Charlie and Sue had moved in together. They seemed very happy and Bella was happy for them. They had also started spending time with the kids which surprised me. But Charlie told me he knew I was it for Bella and he felt it was time to get to know the little people that would be his grandkids eventually. I think that is the biggest vote of confidence he could ever give Bella and I.
We were doing Thanksgiving at the house again because it was bigger and I think because my flat screen was bigger than Charlie's, for now at least we were going to remedy that at Christmas. We were cleaning up from dinner when the doorbell rang, imagine my surprise when I found my parents on the other side. I moved aside for them to enter and my mother asked to speak to Bella. Bella's eyes went wide but she led her into my office. I looked at my father who shrugged his shoulders.
"I have no idea Edward, she said she needed to fix this and the only way to do that was face to face."
They had been in my office about 10 minutes when we could hear their voices get louder. Charlie looked at me with concern, "How about we take the kids back to my house until this is resolved?"
"Thank you Charlie." I said and gathered up the kids to leave.
They had been gone about 15 minutes when the door to my office flew open and out walked an angry Bella. "Don't walk away from me young lady." Esme shouted.
"I am walking away before I say something that I will regret." Bella answered.
"Just explain to me why Bella? Why does it have to be Edward? Don't you realize the way people look at him, like a child molester or something. How do you expect me to explain to people that my son had a mid life crisis and is now with a girl almost young enough to be his daughter."
"So this is about you? Not him or me but you?" Bella questioned. "Do you have any idea how unbelievably selfish you are?"
"I want him happy Bella."
"He is happy. You want him under your thumb and doing what you feel is acceptable. I have explained my reasons to you."
"But I don't understand..."
"Why is it so hard for you to understand? I love him. What is it you want to hear? Do want to hear how I have always admired him and thought Tanya was a fucking idiot. Or how every high school boy and college guy I dated I compared to Edward and how he treated Tanya and the never measured up. Do you want to hear how I was raised and that comparing what I was missing to how I saw him interact with his family is what first drew me to him. What about when I realized that no one would ever measure up to him because he was the one I wanted not some one like him but him. I fell in love with his grace, his heart, his mind, the person he truly was on the inside not the supposedly happy man he tried to project. Is this what you want to know?"
I couldn't believe what I was hearing and my mother actually looked embarrassed. "Bella this isn't what I..."
"Yes it is, you want all the gory details just like every other busy body in this town. Well, I approached him. I laid all my feelings out for him and told him I knew he wasn't happy in his marriage and that I felt he had a right to happiness and offered it to him. I offered to be his piece on the side even though I knew he wasn't a cheater and I really wanted it all with him. But I would rather have something than nothing. I love him for who he is, for the man I have seen him to be even though his bitch of a wife did nothing but bad mouth him all over town. I didn't want to always wonder and have what ifs so I reached out for what I desperately wanted willing to accept what he ever could offer me. I knew he was the only man that could take care of me without controlling me and would encourage and hopefully love me like I wanted and needed to be loved, the man that would see me as an equal and not expect me to take care of him even though I love taking care of him. Is this what you want to know? I would love him if he was homeless. I would love him if he was 60. I will always love him, he is the only man I want. Why can't you see that?"
Bella had tears running down her face and I moved to wrap her in my arms. "Sshhh baby it's ok." I turned to my parents, "I really think it would be best if you leave now."
"No," Bella said "I want to get this over with now. Mrs. Cullen I have explained my reasons and motives to you, now I think it is time you think about your motives. Why don't you want Edward happy? Why do you feel the need to control his life? Why do you think the only thing he has to offer is money? Why don't you want the kids happy? I know you think I am the one keeping Edward and the kids from you but it's not true. Somewhere deep down you know you are the only thing prolonging this. I am not asking you to like me to be honest I don't like you either at this point in time but I do show you respect in front of other people and I expect the same thing from you. Bottom line, I have Edward and since that is true there is nothing else of yours that I want, not your money, social standing, none of it, keep it all. But I am keeping Edward and the kids, I will not give them up for you or anyone else and that is a fact you had better start believing. Now, I am done with this conversation, I will not explain any of this again and I do not want your apologies should you ever feel the need to offer them. We can agree to dislike each other as long as the children do not pick up on it. That means we act civil to each other and no bad mouthing the other in front of the Edward or the kids. I can put my big girl panties on if you can. I am going to get a shower. Happy Thanksgiving and it was good to see you Carlisle." She hugged my father, kissed me and went upstairs to take a shower.
I turned to my mother, "Get out."
"Now Edward I know Bella is upset but we can talk..."
"OUT! How dare you come into our house and spit your venom at her. This is as much her house as mine." I went to the front door and opened it from her. "I am sorry Dad it was good to see you. Out mother, don't make me physically remove you."
"Edward I really think..." Mom started as soon as she passed through the door, I slammed it in her face and went upstairs to check on Bella. I found her sitting on the floor of the shower, I stripped off and sat down next to her.
"Bella" was all I could say as I pulled her close to me.
"I'm sorry Edward. Sorry I picked a fight with your mom and sorry because she can't see why I love you but I meant what I said I won't give you up, I can't.
"Good because I will never let you. The kids would never forgive me and I would go crazy. We are keeping you too. I know we need to talk about this but not now, when she is ready to talk I will deal with my mother. I love you Bella." I picked her up, carried her to our bed and made love with the most important woman in my life.
My father called the next day to tell me he was sorry and they were returning to Chicago. I could tell this was putting him in a difficult position and that bothered me. Later, Bella made me promise to find some way to work out something with my mother so that we could see each other. "She is your mother Edward and the kids grandmother, find some way to make it work. I can be in the same room with her if she can. If she can't I will stay away when she is around, by my choice not hers. I love you Edward, you are what matters to me."
We enjoyed the rest of the weekend then Bella returned to Seattle to for prepare for her finals. The day after the restraining against James expired Bella came home to find red roses on her porch. We were sure it was James but without proof the Judge was unwilling to renew the order. I called Peter and warned him I was going to beat the fuck out of James if he didn't leave her alone and we increased Bella's self defense course to full blown Tae Kwan Do. If he came after her physically I wanted her able to defend herself with force if necessary.
The kids returned to school and Emily was even getting used to seeing her father in the halls, at least she didn't automatically turn and walk the other way when she saw me. I was actually the one to receive a shock at school this time. It was the beginning of December and Mrs. Masen had set up an appointment with me. As I sat behind my desk I was ready to hear they were not going to offer me a new contract. I knew I couldn't stay here but it still stung to know I was being fired.
"Headmaster I am going to get right to the point. Your contract is up for renewal and we would like to offer you a new contract for the next five years." Mrs. Masen said.
"I understand why you feel you can't...wait...what?"
She laughed, "We want you to stay. Mr. Mann had very valid figures when he was here and we want to continue on that performance path. I realize it will be hard but eventually people will get over it."
"Thank you for the offer Mrs. Masen and let me be as equally honest. I have already started looking into other positions. I never expected an offer to stay and if it was just Bella and I, well I would consider it but with the kids I can't subject them to that and Bella would have my head if I tried. I think it is in the best interest of all parties involved if I leave at the end of the year."
"I thought you would say that but I had to try. You will be missed here Mr. Cullen, eventually they will realize their error." She stood up to shake my hand. "I wish you all the luck, you and your family deserve it." She looked as if she wanted to say something but then thought better of it and instead walked out of the office.
I sat there thinking about what she said and the way my search was going. I would be traveling soon for interviews, probably right after the first of the year. I already had planned out most of Bella's Christmas gift, I just needed to tweak it a bit. I had talked to the kids and Charlie and Sue and everyone was on board. I rushed through the documents I needed for Bella's passport. The week between Christmas and New Year's the kids were staying with Charlie and I was taking Bella to England. She was going to have her Dickens Christmas.
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters.
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