Author's Note:
Thank you for reading :) I hope you are still enjoying the story. We are about to hit a turning point. It might not be evident in this chapter but it's coming.
Happy reading :)
-Lisa
Chapter Fourteen
In the weeks following the Thanksgiving holiday, Bella and Carlisle were better than great. They were back on the same page and didn't talk about their argument or Carlisle's insecurities. After the holiday Jasper had gotten in touch with Bella. He had wanted to visit her as well as Edward and Tanya. Bella didn't know if he knew about their separation, however, Tanya said she would come for dinner to see Jasper. Jasper was also curious about the older man who stole his sister's heart. As she was preparing dinner, she remembered the conversation she had recently with Jasper.
"So you are alive?" Bella asked Jasper sarcastically. "Maria must have you very busy."
"Yea, well, something like that," Jasper replied. "I heard that you are dating again."
"I am. Since the summer. He's a great guy."
Jasper paused. Edward had told him when they briefly talked that Bella was seeing a doctor that he knew. Although Jasper wasn't there for Bella and Edward certainly acted more like her brother, he was still didn't like the idea of his baby sister dating someone who was older. "Edward said he was old."
"I'm pretty sure Edward didn't say those words to you about Carlisle, but yes, he's in his forty's."
"Well I want to meet him and see if he's good enough for you," Jasper explained.
"Just be nice." Bella paused. "So why haven't I seen or talked to you in like nine months Jasper?"
Taking a breath, Jasper answered slowly. "Well, I know that you hate Maria and I loved her. You have this great life that you are making for yourself and well, I didn't want to burst that bubble."
"I would have put up with Maria if that meant I saw you. You're my brother and I haven't see you in I don't know how long. You don't even call any more."
"There is no excuse. I was in Japan for almost a month but still. I promise I will explain everything when I see you little sister."
As Bella pulled the roast from the oven, she heard Tanya setting the table. They hadn't really spoke since Tanya arrived at Bella's apartment. Tanya was quiet and a little distant form Bella. Edward and Jasper were out spending time with each other at a bar catching up. Edward had asked if Bella needed him to help out with anything, but Bella declined the offer.
"Bella?" Carlisle called as he opened the door.
"Kitchen," Bella answered.
"I have ice cream sandwiches to go in the freezer," Peter proudly told Bella. "Hey, you started without me," Peter commented as he saw Bella put the roast back in.
"I have the potatoes to mash if you want to."
"Can I season them?"
"Of course!" Bella said as she went to turn. She suddenly felt two arms wrap around her. She turned to see Carlisle behind her. "You gave me a heart attack Carlisle!"
Carlisle kissed the base of her neck. "Well, calm down. What can I do to help?"
"There are a few bottles of wine that need to be opened."
"I'm on it," Carlisle told her as he let go and walked towards the bottles.
The door opened and the hushed voices of Edward and Jasper entered the house.
Bella turned and saw Edward and Jasper standing in the living room. She walked over slowly.
"Hey Bells," Jasper said as he hugged his sister hard.
"Jasper, it is good to see you," Bella said as she let go. "Make yourself at home. Carlisle is opening the wine and I have beer and soda and lemonade."
"Wine is good, thank you."
Edward smiled and spoke up. "Jasper and Maria aren't together anymore."
"You broke up?"
Nodding his head, Jasper swallowed slowly. "We broke up a few months ago."
"I'd like to say I'm sorry but really I'm not.
"Bella!" Edward playful scolded her with a laugh. "That was rude."
"But truthful," Jasper added. "It's no secret that Bella never liked her."
"Here's your glass of wine." Carlisle said handing Bella her glass of wine. He looked up and saw Jasper standing across from Bella. He extended his hand to him. "You must be Jasper. I'm Carlisle."
Jasper looked over his sister's boyfriend. He didn't look as old as Edward at said he was. "Yes, that's me. It's nice to meet you. Edward says you are a doctor."
"I am. Edward and I work at the same office," he answered holding onto Bella's hand.
Jasper nodded. For some reason, he wasn't thrilled with his sister's choice in partner. "How did you and Bella meet?"
"Through Edward," Bella smiled looking at Carlisle.
"I needed a household manager and Bella needed a job. Edward connected us and now here we are."
"So you're dating your boss?" Jasper asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Well," Bella giggled. "I guess, but I'm looking for a new job. Which reminds me, Edward, Esme and I are having lunch next week to talk about Alice. Your mom insists you know who she is."
"She said that, I have no idea who she is. You'll have to tell me about her after you have your interview."
"What is the job for?" Jasper asked as Tanya brought him a drink.
"Interior designing. Before Sean I was the best at my office. It's time to get back into that."
Jasper shook his head and then focused back on Carlisle. "What does your ex-wife think of you dating such a younger woman?"
"Well, she wasn't my ex-wife. She passed away but I think she and Bella would have been friends. They both have similar personalities." Carlisle paused as he sat down and Bella returned to the kitchen. "Tell me Jasper, what had you so preoccupied that you couldn't come and be there for your sister when she was going through one of the worse things she has encountered in her life? She really needed you and you were nowhere to be found. Thank god she had Edward."
Jasper knew he was referring to the separation of her and Jacob but he couldn't answer. As Jasper got red in the face, he knew didn't have a good answer. "Well, my ex-girlfriend and Bella didn't get a long and I've been traveling to Japan for work. Excuse me please."
Edward looked up surprised by Carlisle's question. He looked beyond Carlisle and saw Bella standing with her mouth wide open, shocked by Carlisle's comment. Carlisle turned to see Bella. "I'm sorry that was rude but it's the truth. He should have been there for you."
"I was just going to say dinner is ready. We'll talk later about this," Bella promised. She was angry with him. She didn't need him acting like a noble knight.
During dinner, Jasper was interested in talking to Peter and Charlotte. He shared a few stories of Bella growing up which made the table laugh. The atmosphere lightened up and the table began to laugh and comfortable. In the kitchen while grabbing more mashed potatoes to refill the serving bowl, Carlisle apologized to Bella. She again told him that they would talk about it later. Dessert was served right after dinner. After Edward and Tanya cleaned up, they left. Tanya had something important she wanted to talk about with Edward. A glimmer of hope filled his eyes. Carlisle took the kids and made Bella and Jasper promise to come over for lunch tomorrow. After a quick kiss, he left.
"He seems nice," Jasper told Bella as they sat in the living room. "I don't like the age difference between the two of you though."
"Well, if you are going to stick around you'll have to get used to it. I love him and as soon as I get another job I'm moving in with him."
Jasper nodded. He was silent at first. "I'm glad that you found someone after Jacob." Silence filled them again. Bella went to grab a piece of candy from the dish on the table when Jasper looked at her. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for everything he put you through."
"Jasper, its water under the bridge, move on. I know that Maria and I never liked each other and I would never make you choose between us."
"It wasn't Maria. Something happened and she got pissed and dumped me. I was afraid to see you because I thought you'd be made at me too."
"Well, I'm sorry that you broke up, but why would I be so mad? We don't see each other often so I can't imagine getting super angry with you."
"Oh," Jasper said standing up and moving closer to Bella. "I'm pretty sure you will be."
"Why don't' you just tell me what it is and let me be the judge of that."
Feeling nervous again, Jasper stood up. "Well, Maria broke up with me."
"You said that."
"Let me finish. She broke up with me because I had feelings for someone else." He told Bella. He watched as his sister absorbed the information he was giving her. She nodded her head. Jasper walked away from Bella and towards the fire place. "Maria caught me in my office with the other woman."
"You cheated on her?" Bella asked. As much as she didn't care for Maria she didn't deserve to be cheated on. Bella grew angry with her brother. "No one deserves that Jasper. How could you? I can't believe you!"
"There is more."
"What else could there be?"
Looking his sister straight in the eye, he answered her question. "I've been sleeping with Tanya."
"Tanya who? The only Tanya I know is-"
Softly, Jasper answered his sister. "Cullen. I've been sleeping with Tanya."
Standing up Bella charged towards Jasper. "TANYA? As in Edward and Tanya?
"Yes and I feel so guilty."
Shaking her head and feeling disgusted, she screamed at Jasper. "You should! I hate you for putting Edward through what he is going through. I hate you!"
"There's more," Jasper raised his voice.
"What's left?" Bella sarcastically questioned.
Taking a breath, Jasper again spoke in a quiet voice. "Tanya is pregnant and it's mine."
Bella stood up on her tip toes and slapped Jasper hard across his face. "Get the hell out of my house."
"Bella-"
Shaking her head, she shouted again at Jasper. "No Jasper, get the hell out. Gather your shit and get the fuck out of my house. Don't you get it? You did the same thing Jacob did for me. The same fucking thing. You need to leave and I need to tell Edward."
"Tanya was supposed to tell Edward now too."
"Get your shit Jasper and get out of my house," Bella demanded. Her voice shock the house.
She watched as Jasper went up the stairs. She quickly called Edward's cell phone but there was no answer. She called the house and got an answer, from Tanya.
"Bella, he left. He left me for good."
"What difference does it make Tanya? You've hurt him in the worse possible way. I have nothing to say to you. Both you and my brother are dead to me. You don't exists to me anymore. Where is Edward?"
"He left the house. I don't know where he is but he wants me completely out of the house."
"I don't blame him," Bella said as she hung up the phone. She called Carlisle next.
"Have you forgiven me? I didn't mean to overstep boundaries Bella, I just know how upset your brother has made you. I'm sorry I pissed you off."
"Is Edward with you?" she blurted out.
"No I haven't' seen him. What's going on?"
"Tanya's pregnant with my brother's baby. She cheated on Edward. I can't find him."
"My god, I don't' know what to say. Do you want me to help you look for him?"
"No, I'm going to call around to a few more people. And Carlisle, I was never angry or pissed with you. I was irritated. I love you."
Relief was felt throughout Carlisle's body. "I'm glad to hear that and I love you too. Please let me know when you hear from Edward. If I hear anything I'll call you."
"Thank you," Bella replied as she hung up the phone. A call to Esme was next. "Have you seen Edward?"
"Bella, why do you sound so stressed and what is going on with Edward?"
"Have you seen or heard from him?"
"No honey, I haven't should I be worried?" Esme asked with concern in her voice.
"No, I just need to find him. All will be reviled in time but it isn't up to me to say anything. Call me please if you hear from him?" Bella pleaded.
"I will honey. Should I be concerned? Bella I'm worried," Esme repeated.
"No, things are stable, I'll talk to you later Esme," Bella said as she hung up the phone before she could ask another question. As she threw her phone on the couch, Jasper came down stairs.
"Are you ever going to speak to me again?"
Not looking up at him, Bella began to speak. "To say I'm disappointed in you Jasper doesn't even begin to cover it."
"I know it's because you've been in his shoes and know how he feels right?" he asked sarcastically.
Shaking her head, Bella raised her voice. "You are a true asshole. Not only did what you do ruin a marriage, you did it to one of your best friends. Edward is like a brother to you. Do you remember how we grew up? His family adopted us when we were left as orphans. The fact that you are showing no remorse for this right now makes me pissed. To answer your original idiotic remark, yes, yes I know how he feels. To be betrayed by two people you love and care about sucks. I don't know if there is rebounding from this one."
Jasper looked at his sister, walked over and kissed her head and left without saying a word. He knew that he screwed up and he hurt people who he and Tanya both cared deeply about.
After hearing Jasper's car speed off, Bella tried calling Edward once more and got no response. She then picked up her keys and began looking for him. It was dark and snow was just beginning to fall from the sky. She drove to different coffee houses, bars and to his office. She tried locating his car at the movies and different stores.
It was upon her return she remembered Edward's favorite spot. It wasn't too far from their high school. About a half a mile and up several hills laid a beautiful meadow. It was where Edward went to be by himself. To Bella's knowledge he hadn't been there in some time. She parked her car at the bottom and made sure she had her gloves and flashlight. She got out of her car and began slowly to the spot on top. Twenty five minutes later, Bella found Edward sitting in the middle of the hard, wet, cold field. He had only a light sweater on and was shivering.
"I never knew you were one for night hiking Masen," Bella tried to joke.
Edward never looked up at her. "I'm not in the mood Swan."
Bella approached him and felt him. "And you're not warm either. The snow is starting to pick up. Let's go."
Scoffing, Edward replied back. "Go? Go where? Where do you expect me to go?"
"With me. Back to my place. I'm not leaving you here Edward."
Edward sat in silence for a few more seconds before he looked up at Bella. "Is there something wrong with me?"
"There is nothing wrong with you Edward. You are the best they come."
"Then why didn't she want me?" Edward asked as he broke down. Bella remembered going through the same motions when her marriage with Jacob had ended. "Why did she do this to me? I love her Bella with everything I am. And what the fuck is wrong with Jasper? He knew what you went through last spring and wanted to kill Jacob but he turned around and did the same thing. Why?"
Bella sat next to Edward and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know Edward. I wish I had a reason or a better answer but I don't."
"All I ever wanted to do since I fell in love with her was to make her happy. I wanted babies so everyone could see how much I loved my wife and what we created out of that love. I thought we'd grow old together and take care of our grand kids. We'd go on vacations and enjoy the life we built together. Now I just feel like a fool. She never cared or loved me the way I loved her. I doted on her and wold do anything for her but for what? This feeling is the worse."
Bella put her arm around Edward's shoulders. She didn't say anything. She noticed she was shivering since all she was wearing was a t shirt.
Growing angry, Edward stood up. "Your cold, you should get going."
"I'm not leaving without you Edward."
"Go home Bella!" He shouted. "I don't want you."
Bella stood up and was in front of Edward as she yelled back at him. "I am not leaving you here."
"GO!" He screamed at her.
"Not without you!" she matched his tone. "I'll stop and get clothes at Carlisle's for you. Tomorrow, well tomorrow or whenever you are ready I'll go back to your house and get whatever you may need. Even if you need me to make six trips with a U-Haul truck I'll do it."
This broke Edward's mood and lightened things. "I don't think you'll need six trips."
"I think I will and that is just for your beauty regiment Dr. Masen." Bella stopped and tugged on Edward's sweater. "Let me do this. You did this for me not too long ago. Let me be there for you, please?" She asked holding out her hand.
Edward took Bella's hand and walked to her car. They drove in silence to Carlisle's house. She had texted him before she and Edward left the meadow to ask about Edward borrowing clothes. Of course Carlisle had agreed. She pulled into the drive way and Edward looked at her. "I don't really want to get out of the car."
"No worries. I'll be quick. I'll be right back." Bella promised as she got out of the car. She opened the screen door and went into the house. "Hello?"
Carlisle came down the stairs with a bag. "Hey honey," he said as he kissed her. "How is he doing?"
"Terrible. It's going to take time. My heart is breaking for him. I've been there and done that and it isn't fun at all. Thank you for the clothes."
"It's the least I can do. I packed some pajamas and two changes of clothes, in case you can't get to his house tomorrow. If you need more just ask."
"You really are the greatest, thank you."
Carlisle nodded and looked at her again. "We are okay, right?"
"We are perfect," she reassured him and kissed him again.
"Good. Is there anything I can do for you or Edward?"
"Actually, could you and the kids come over to my place tomorrow to keep him company? I don't want to leave him alone when I go over and to his place to get some things."
"I can arrange that," Carlisle said as the front door opened.
"I don't need a babysitter," Edward added. "Sorry, I need to use the restroom."
"You know where it is, go for it," Bella told him. Carlisle and Bella watched Edward walk to the first floor rest room. "Tomorrow at ten? Sound good? Oh and bring you're the stuff you bought for lunch over. We'll do lunch at my place."
"Sounds good. Do you want help getting his stuff?"
"Maybe, I'll let you know in the morning."
Bella stopped when Edward walked into the kitchen again. "Like I said, I don't need a babysitter."
Carlisle shook his head. "It isn't babysitting. The kids love their Uncle Eddie and want to spend time with you."
Edward just nodded as he looked at Bella. He was tired and ready to put the day behind him. Bella took the bag from Carlisle's hands. He walked Bella and Edward out to the car. The ride to Bella's was quiet. Edward was in a daze. He got out of the car and headed to Bella's front door. As Bella met him there, he looked at her. "I think I'm just going to go to bed."
As she opened the door, Bella nodded. "That's fine. The guest room sheets are dirty, sleep in my room."
Edward took the bag from Bella's hand and just walked up the stairs. Bella went into the kitchen. She set the timer on the coffee pot for the following morning. She made sure the doors were locked and the lights were shut off as she made her way upstairs. She made her way to her bedroom when she heard whimpering. Bella walked into the dark room. She sat on the bed and knew Edward was still awake. She reached out for him to hold him. To her surprise he didn't argue. He placed his head on her shoulder and cried himself to sleep holding Bella.
The following morning Bella went downstairs to begin making breakfast. As she placed the French toast in the oven, Edward appeared in the kitchen. They didn't say anything at first however she poured him a coffee and fixed it the way he liked it before giving it to him.
"Thanks," he mumbled before taking a sip of it. "I'm sorry for breaking down last night."
"Edward there is nothing to be sorry about. You are hurt and angry and upset. No reason to apologize for any of it. How are you feeling this morning?"
Edward shrugged his shoulders. "I guess better. Thank you-"
Bella laughed as she stopped Edward's statement. "This is feeling like déjà vu. Don't thank me, please. It wasn't so long ago our roles were reversed and you literally picked me up and brought me home. My home is yours as long as you need it Edward."
"I um, made a list of things I wanted from the house. You don't have-"
"Enough Edward. I told you I would get your things and that is what I am going to do. Breakfast is in the oven and I want to make you guys a lunch in case I'm not back in time."
"Lunch? I can make something for everyone."
"No, I'll just make a casserole and one of you guys can pop it into the oven. Probably Peter. He's the best cook among you all."
Edward laughed as he did help Bella make lunch. She quickly changed and went back downstairs to see Carlisle and the kids in the living room talking to Edward.
"Hey," she said to everyone. She told them she wasn't sure how long she was going to be and showed them where lunch was. She said good bye to Edward and the kids as Carlisle walked her to her car. They shared a quick kiss before Bella got into her car and drove the short distance to Edward's house. She hoped Tanya and Jasper weren't there. She pulled into the driveway and did see Tanya's car. She sent Tanya a text to let her know she was in the driveway and on her way inside to gather some of Edward's belongings. Bella walked up the path to the door and went to unlock the door. Tanya answered it. Before she could say anything Bella spoke up to her.
"Listen, I have to get started. I don't want to talk to you if you don't mind."
In tears, Tanya looked at her. "I'm so sorry Bella."
Slowly, Bella looked at Tanya. "I don't have anything to say to you and I don't want to talk to you Tanya."
"But Bella-"
"Tanya, there isn't anything to say to justify how Edward was treated. I poured my heart out to you after everything with my own marriage and you are no better than Jacob or Leah. Edward would have handed you the universe on a silver platter if you asked for it. He wanted to give you the world and you destroyed that. He loves you so much and you don't care about him. It's like you slapped him in the face."
Crying out Tanya looked at Bella. "But I do. I do love him."
"No, no you don't Tanya. If you did you wouldn't be pregnant with another man's child. You would have never looked at another man none the less have a child with him. You and Jasper both make me sick." Bella said as Jasper walked into the room. She looked at both of them. "If you will excuse me I have to get some of Edward's things."
Bella took the box in her hand and went up the stairs. She walked into the master bedroom, which looked untouched. She walked into the bathroom and began to grab Edward's toiletries. When she was done she walked out of the room. Tanya was sitting on the bed. Tears were still in her eyes.
"You know I was always jealous of your relationship with Edward."
"That's stupid."
"No it isn't Bella. I think you know him better than himself sometimes. It's true. You have this piece of Edward that is untouchable. He always went to you for everything. For crying out loud you were his best woman at our wedding. He places you on such a high pedestal. No one can touch the relationship you two share."
"Because we love each other, Tanya. How the hell could you be so stupid? You should know, especially, that Edward has been there for me since day one of my loss. My own brother wasn't even there for me. My own brother could care less about how I was feeling when our mother was killed. Edward was there. You know this. This isn't news Tanya."
Swallowing with wet eyes, Tanya looked at Bella. "Still. There is a piece of him that you only know."
"There is no excuse Tanya. You saw the pain and heart break I went through after Jacob kicked me out. I can't believe you and my own brother did the same exact thing. Edward doesn't deserve it. Now if you will excuse me, I have to grab some stuff for Edward." Bella said as she walked past Tanya and began to pack items for Edward.