Author's Note:

Happy weekend! This is a longer chapter. I could have continued writing but then it would have been too long and well, no one would want to read all of that, so I'm breaking it down into two chapters. Kind of a cliffy (sorry!). Also, Bella kind of blurts something out and I want to see if anyone picks up on it. This chapter does have some strong adult themes, including the talk of rape and abuse. It isn't a major part of the story but to introduce someone else it had to be said. Would love to know what you guys think of it. I did work very hard on this chapter.

As always, thank you so much for reading, commenting and adding the story (and me!) to your list of favorites.

Enjoy your weekend!

-Lisa

Chapter Twenty One

Peter and Bella were eating lunch in Bella's office one afternoon. It had been five days into Carlisle and Charlotte's twelve day trip back to New York. The two were laughing and having a good time.

"You know," Peter began. "My dad thought Uncle Edward was your new boyfriend."

Bella bit into her sandwich and swallowed. She looked at Peter. "I realize that."

"That's why he made us leave. What happened? Do you love Uncle Edward?"

Taking a deep breath, Bella started to explain things. "I do love your uncle. We grew up together and we are much, much closer than my own brother and I, but I love him the way you love Charlotte. I think of him as my brother. We are close."

"You lived with him after your mom died right?"

"Yes, but even before then we were close. Close like brother and sister. Our moms were best friends so we were always together when we were younger."

Peter thought for a moment before he spoke. "Did-did dad think there was more to what was happening?"

Feeling uncomfortable, Bella struggled to answer him. "Well, he-"

"Overreacted just a bit? He always does, like Charlotte, that's where she gets it from. Did you talk to dad about it?"

Bella was unsure how to answer. She didn't want to get into the miscommunication between his father and her. "To be fair, I was spending a lot of time with Uncle Edward, but he was going through something and I needed to be there for him."

"Because of Tanya?"

Bella was speechless. "How did you know?"

"I might be a kid but I'm not stupid. I heard things."

Nodding, Bella looked at Peter. "Yes it had something to do with her. She made some bad decisions and as a result Uncle Edward got hurt."

Peter was quiet as he played with the remainder of his sandwich. "I know that my dad still loves you. Do you still love him?"

"Peter I don't think we should-"

"He still loves you. He dated a women a few times in New York. One of his students watched Charlotte and I while they dated. She watched us when he went to visit Garrett in June. Anyway, Stephanie, the woman he dated, seemed to really like dad. I saw them one night after the babysitter left. They were kissing and she sat on his lap. Dad stopped her and said he couldn't. He told Stephanie that he still loved you. She never came back again. Bella, dad loves you!"

Bella paused. She didn't want to have this conversation with Peter. She fought to find words to formulate what she was thinking. "Peter, as much as I love you, this is a very grown up conversation. I would rather not talk about it with you. You have to know that I do love you and Charlotte a lot and I will always be there for you."

Peter looked down at his plate before looking at Bella. "Dad really screwed it up, didn't he?"

"Peter-"

"No, I get it, dad screwed up big time. I'm sorry."

Squeezing Peter's hand, Bella offered a smile. "It's fine Peter. It's history." She paused and sat up. "You know what? I think we should blow off the rest of the day. I want ice cream. I want vanilla ice cream with Junior Mints and chocolate jimmies. How does that sound? We can go to the farm stand and grab some zucchini and fresh sausage for dinner. I'll make zucchini parm."

"Will Alice get mad your leaving work early?"

"No, she'll come over for dinner. She can't cook so she'll appreciate it. Do you want to go?"

"Yes!"

They drove the short distance to the farm. They sat and enjoyed their ice cream. Once they were done, they shopped for fresh blueberries and strawberries. Bella was loading up on zucchini when she bumped into someone.

"Oh I'm sorry," the man said.

"That's okay-James?" Bella asked with a smile. He was the nurse from her doctor's office.

"Bella, hi, how are you feeling?" He asked smiling back at her.

"I'm good, feeling great thank you. How about you?"

"I'm good, excellent actually. You are looking great," James honestly told her.

"Thank you, I feel good," she answered as she put the zucchini into her basket.

James watched and smiled. "Do you really like zucchini? That's a lot of it!"

Laughing, Bella looked at her basket and realized there was a lot of the fruit in there. "I'm cooking dinner for some friends. I live with my best friend and his girlfriend practically lives there too and Peter is here too."

"Peter?" James questioned "The ex's son?"

"Yes, great memory. He's staying with me for a little while. His father is packing up his stuff in New York and heading back here."

"Did you two get back together?" James asked. Bella raised her eyebrow as she tried to reply to James. He shook his head and looked at Bella. "I'm sorry, that was personal and I was crossed the line."

"No worries," Bella reassured him. "And no, we aren't getting back together. He just wanted to be closer for the baby. We haven't worked out the details yet, but I guess that'll be a learn as we go experience."

James nodded. Before he could stop himself, he spoke. "This might be a little forward, but do you like Michael Buble?"

Bella laughed as Peter came back. "I don't think asking about my musical preference is forward and yes I do like him. Peter, this is James from my doctor's office. Do you remember him?"

Nodding, Peter spoke up. "Yes, hi."

"Hi Peter," James smiled as he looked up at Bella again. He blushed and suddenly felt bashful. "I have tickets to see Michael Buble I bought for my girlfriend but we broke up. I don't want the tickets to go to waste. It's next Saturday night. If you don't have any plans, would you like to go with me?"

"You're sure about spending time with Peter?" Bella asked Edward Saturday night. She was looking forward to her night out with James.

"Of course," Edward said reassuring her. "We are finally going to the batting cage, then out for some burgers and maybe some mini golf. We are going to have a great night."

"I think Peter is angry with me."

"Because you are going out with James?"

"Yes. He wasn't happy when I told him I was going out with him."

"If it makes you feel any better I've met James several times and he seems nice enough."

Agreeing, Bella continued. "He has always been sweet to me. He has been the only nurse pleasant to me. I actually ask for him when I book my appointments."

"Do you think James thinks this is a date?" Edward asked.

"I don't know. Maybe. Would it be so terrible if it was a date?"

"Well," Edward began. "You are pregnant with another man's baby."

"True, but we aren't together and haven't been together in a while. He didn't trust me."

Edward didn't know how to bring up the next idea he had so he just came out and told Bella. "I asked Carlisle if he wanted a job. He's a good doctor and I'm looking for someone and-"

"That'll be nice and was very considerate of you to ask. He won't have to look long for a job here."

"Honestly Bella, would you be okay with that?"

"Why wouldn't I be? I'm going to be seeing him a lot because of the baby." Bella paused before continuing. "Carlisle is one of the best doctors, you've told me that yourself. He has a good personality and is great with his patients. Has he accepted yet?"

"He hasn't given me an answer yet. I bet he wanted to talk to you about it first. I wanted to make sure you wouldn't be upset."

"No, I'm actually at ease. Whatever he does, as long as he is being safe and is watching himself and continues to be there for his children, then I'm okay with it."

"You still love him," Edward confidently said.

Nodding, Bella looked at Edward in the eye. "I do. I created a child with him for god's sake. I just think I jumped the gun a little bit."

Confused, Edward looked at Bella. "How? He left you."

"Not with Carlisle, from Jacob. I moved on too quickly."

Shaking his head, Edward leaned back in his chair. "What do you mean? You aren't making any sense."

"Let me try and explain what I have been thinking for a while. I love being in love. I had that feeling for years with Jacob. I love the feeling of being loved, being in a relationship. I think I wanted that feeling so bad after Jacob, I jumped into things with Carlisle too quickly."

"So you don't love him?"

"No, I do love Carlisle, well I did, I mean I do, no did."

Raking his hand through his hair, Edward looked at Bella once more. "Even Alice isn't as confusing as you. I have no idea what you mean."

"It's simple Edward. I fell in love with Carlisle too quickly. Are you with me so far?"

"Continue wise ass."

Smiling, Bella looked at Edward again. "We just moved too quickly. We were going to move in with each other after four months of dating. Maybe I didn't love him as much as I loved the idea of having the domestic life style."

"That's bullshit Bella and you know it. You are a smart and independent woman."

"Says the best friend whose house I live in."

"I think you are over analyzing."

"I think," Bella began before being interrupted by the doorbell. "I think I should get that."

"I'll get it," Alice announced as she ran towards the door.

Edward stood up and looked at Bella. "I think everything you tried to put into perspective was a load of crap Bella. I'm going to see if Peter is ready to go. We aren't done talking about this either Bella."

Bella nodded as she stood up and made her way to the hallway, she heard a commotion at the door. "Oh my fucking god!" She heard Alice scream with tears.

Both Bella and Edward stopped and looked at each other. "I'll see what is going on if you want to say good bye to Peter." Bella nodded and went up the stairs.

"How the fuck did you find me you bastard?" Alice yelled at the person at the door.

"It's been a while Alice," James softly told her.

"Not long enough you asshole. What are you doing here?" She shouted not knowing Edward and Bella were behind her. "How did you find me?"

"I'm not here for you. Bella told me she lived here. We are going out."

"Like hell you are!" Alice yelled back.

Edward stepped in. "Alice, what's going on? Hey James. Bella is just grabbing her things and is saying bye to Peter."

"Bella is not going with him," Alice pointed to James.

Shaking his head, James looked at Alice. "Please don't do this. I've really changed."

"I doubt that!"

"It's been a long time since-"

"Not long enough!" Alice stretched as she buried her head into Edward's chest.

"Bella, please don't go out tonight," Peter begged as they approached the front door.

"Peter, I'll be back later tonight. I promise and then you and I are going to get ice, cream remember?" Bella smiled as she looked at Edward holding Alice and then at James who looked embarrassed. "Hi guys. James you know Edward and Peter and maybe Alice too?"

Alice took her head off of Edward and pulled Bella aside. "Bella, you cannot go out with James tonight."

"Alice, its fine. We are just going to a concert. James is my nurse. He's a good person," Bella explained calmly not knowing why she was acting so irrational.

"No, no he isn't. He's a good actor but is a terrible man. Don't go with him. Please, I care about you a lot. I've come to think of you as my best friend, even a sister. Please just listen to me. Don't go with him," Alice said as she pulled on Bella's arm.

"So you know him?" Bella questioned.

Disgusted, Alice answered. "You could say that."

Taking a deep breath, Bella looked at Alice. "James is a really good guy to me. He's very kind."

"Bella-"Alice tried to interrupt.

Taking another breath, Bella looked at Alice. "How about this. We are going to a concert. I'll text you or call you every half hour and-"

Placing both of her hands on Bella's arms, Alice gently shook her. "Please listen to me Bella."

"I'll listen Alice if you tell me why I shouldn't go out with James."

"He isn't a good man Bella."

"How do you know Alice?"

"Because he's my ex-husband."

Feeling completely shocked, Bella looked at her friend. "You're what?"

"My ex-husband. We were married for almost five years before I left him. He beat me so bad that I dropped out of school and I took online classes. I ended up in the hospital many times and of course I lied each time. I knew no one believed me. I mean, how many times can one fall down and hit their head or fall down the stairs. James would get so violent that he would yank chunks of my hair out." Alice paused as tears pooled her eyes. "That's why I have short hair, it won't grow back. My nose was broken twice too."

Bella sat on the chair behind her. "Alice, why didn't you say anything? Go to the police or your family?"

"I was afraid. I also thought I deserved everything that happened to me. I thought that if I burnt dinner or if didn't vacuum at the right time, then yes, I deserved to get beat. I know now that isn't true, but I was twenty at the time."

"You were married when you were twenty?" Bella inquired.

"No, I was eighteen. One month after my high school graduation I was married in a huge Catholic ceremony. We were happy at first, I think. The abuse didn't start right away. I really loved him. He just-changed I guess. Bella listen to me, you have become someone I care deeply for. When James and I divorced, I lost everything, my parents disowned me and-"

"Why? You needed them why did they disown you?"

"I was raised Catholic and divorce just isn't an option. As I said I was embarrassed and didn't tell anyone about the abuse. When I called my mother she told me I better work things out. When I cried and told her I couldn't she said she was sorry but she didn't agree with my choice to end my marriage. So, yea, I was alone."

"But you were being abused."

Shrugging her shoulders, Alice continued as she sat next to Bella. "I tried to explain some of that to my mom but she didn't care. I want the marriage annulled but James still refused."

Sadly, Bella looked at her friend with tears in her eyes. "Who did you turn to?'

Very frankly Alice replied. "No one. I saved money little by little. I bought a bus ticket out of Portland and headed to Seattle. The last time he-we-he," Alice stopped to start crying again. "The last time he raped me, I waited until he was asleep and took my bag I had secretly packed and I left. I ended up in a shit-tastic motel before moving to the crap-tastic apartment. I found a job as a receptionist while I was finishing my classes. I was afraid that James would find me so I moved up her to be more secluded. All communication is done between my lawyer back in Portland and James so he wouldn't find me but he's here and I'm scared."

Bella reached and hugged her friend. "You know, I think I'll stay in for the night. Just let me say good bye to James and I'll be back. You and I can have a girls night while Edward takes Peter out."

Bella left Alice and walked towards the front hall where the guys were still standing.

"Bella, hi," James spoke up.

Offering a slight smile, Bella looked at James. "Hi, can we talk on the steps outside for a minute?"

James nodded and followed Bella outside to the steps. They sat down and James looked at Bella. "Alice talked to you didn't she?" Now you're not coming?"

"I'm sorry James. Alice is extremely upset and I can't just leave her."

"Bella, I know this sounds like a typical thing to say for someone from my perspective but I really have changed. I got help. I still see a therapist weekly and go to a support group. I don't drink any more either."

"James-"

"You want to know the truth about my relationship with Alice? The truth is I was a punk when Alice and I married. I was young and I thought the world owed me. I thought I could do no wrong. I was wrong. It took me until after Alice left for me to realize that I was stupid and wrong. She didn't deserve anything I did to her. All I am looking for now is a chance to redeem myself. Bella, please?"

"James-"

With tears in his eyes, James continued to beg Bella. "Please Bella? All I am asking for is a chance. I'm not that monster any more. I worked hard to get my job and I love it. I worked hard to become the person I am now."

Bella inhaled deeply before she began. "Like I said James, I'm going to have to cancel for tonight Alice is really upset."

"I see," James said looking at the ground.

"But maybe we can grab lunch or dinner sometime. You can talk to me some more about your life."

James looked up with shock on his face. "Really? You'd-you'd do that for me?"

"Yes I would. You have been very kind to me. You are the only nurse who hasn't judged me. I saw how those nurses looked at me when Carlisle came to my appointment. I know that they think I'm using him and he's my sugar daddy or I am a slut or whatever it maybe. At least if you think that you wait until I leave to discuss it."

"To be honest with you Bella, I don't par take in any middle age lady gossip sessions. That isn't my job. I have changed. I don't want to be judged based on the mistakes of my past. I wouldn't pass judgment on anyone else."

Bella nodded. "How about we have dinner at five at the diner on Tuesday?"

Grinning, James looked at Bella. "Wow-I mean wow, you actually are going to give me a chance? I appreciate the gesture."

"I know you do James but please don't make me regret it."

"I swear to you I'm nit not like that anymore. I'm going to prove it to you that I'm not that man."

Bella sighed and looked at James. "I hope your right James."

"He was fantastic Carlisle, as always. He and Edward spent some time together too," Bella explained the Monday that Carlisle returned.

Carlisle nodded as he looked at Bella. "Edward told me right before he offered me a position at his practice. It's the second time he has offered. I just wanted to talk to you about it first."

"Carlisle," she smiled as she squeezed his hand. "You are one of the best doctors in this area. You love what you do and you are good at it. You have a good bedside manner and show lots of empathy towards your patients. You know what you are doing and when you don't know you aren't afraid to admit it and ask for help. Edward would be privileged if you worked alongside of him."

Lost for words, Carlisle felt himself blush. He was overwhelmed. After clearing his throat and continued. "Thank you. It-those words mean a lot, epically from you."

"It's the truth Carlisle. I wouldn't lie to you," Bella told him as she looked into his eyes.

"I'm ready to leave dad," Peter announced coming into the room. Bella quickly retracted her hand before Peter entered the room. "Did Bella tell you about her new boyfriend?"

"What?" Carlisle asked lost for words as his son came into the room. He was shocked.

Bella shook her head and placed her hands on her hips. "Now that isn't entirely true. I am having dinner with a friend who is showing potential as more than a friend. It really doesn't mean anything."

"Dad dated someone in New York," Peter added as Carlisle looked at him.

"Really?" Bella asked pretending she didn't know.

"Yep, she was kissing dad when I got up to get water and they-"

Carlisle quickly jumped in and interrupted his son. "Peter, that's enough about that. Why don't you say goodbye to Alice and Uncle Edward?" Carlisle watched as Peter left the room. He looked at Bella. "I'm sorry about that. I had no idea he was-"

"Please don't apologize Carlisle. We weren't together. You did nothing wrong," Bella tried to reassure him.

Sadly, Carlisle smiled. "If it is any consolation all we did was kiss and touch. It never led to anything." He paused briefly, took a breath and continued. "I couldn't do anything else, she wasn't you." I told her that I wasn't ready to move on. I lov-loved you Bella too much to move on. I still do."

Not knowing what to say, Bella looked down at the floor. Finally, she looked at Carlisle. "Move on. I wasn't the one, we weren't meant to be."

Carlisle walked closer to Bella and stared at her. He longed to touch her, to kiss her cheek. He raised his hand to her face. "Don't go on that date."

"Excuse me?" Bella said as she backed up away from him.

"What date?" Edward asked as he entered the room with Alice and Peter.

"Carlisle, I'm sorry. There is no us, not any more," Bella tried to reassure him.

Angrily, Alice looked at Bella. "You're going out with him, aren't you?"

"Alice, don't be mad," Bella tried to explain.

"Don't be mad? You don't know what he's capable of Bella.
"What are you talking about?" Carlisle asked.

Alice began to shout. "Bella's dating-"

"I'M NOT DATING ANYONE!" Bella yelled back.

"Bella's going out with my abusive ex-husband!"

Carlisle looked at Bella with shock. "What? I don't think so!"

Taking a breathe, Bella ignored Carlisle's statement and looked at Alice. "He needs a friend Alice, he's changed. He's had extensive help and-"

"He could have killed me Bella."

"You're not going," Carlisle said looking at Bella.

"Excuse me?"

"I forbid you from going out with him."

"You can't be serious!"

"Thank you!" Alice said looking at Carlisle.

Carlisle walked closer to Bella. "I'm very serious."

"Carlisle in case you forgot, WE AREN'T TOGETHER! You don't get to dictate my life!"

"You will not put my child in harm's way," Carlisle angrily told Bella.

Looking at Carlisle, Bella yelled. "I can't believe you! If you weren't so insecure we'd be together and wouldn't be having this stupid argument!"

Alice spoke up. "He's right Bella. James will hurt you like he hurt me."

"James the nurse?" Carlisle questioned.

"Yes," Alice responded.

Shaking his head, Carlisle looked at Bella again. "Hell no. You are switching doctors!"

"Are you hearing how ridiculous you sound? I am not switching doctors."

"Bella, it's for your safety and the baby's," Carlisle yelled back.

Starring at Carlisle in the eyes again, Bella spoke up. "So It's all about me and the baby again and not about your jealousy?"

"ENOUGH!" Edward yelled. "All of you have to stop with the blame game. Carlisle, I'll call you tomorrow to talk shop and to set up your start date. Alice and Bella, you two need to give each other time apart and just stop the yelling. Alice, go up to my room and I'll be up there in a minute. Bella-"

"I'm going up to my room. Well, I've been forbidden from spending time with someone and sent up to my room all in the same day. Way to make me feel like a teenager breaking the rules," Bella sarcastically remarked as she stomped up the stairs.

Two hours later, Bella emerged from her room. She made her way downstairs to get something to eat. She looked at Edward sitting at the kitchen table working on his computer. He looked up at her. "Sorry I came out of the prison. The little person in me was hungry."

"Stop being a wise ass. What the hell happened a little while ago?" Edward asked closing his computer.

Shaking her head, Bella looked at her friend as she sat down with a bottle of water. "Everyone is over reacting and it's annoying."

Edward was silent at first and then looked up at Bella. "Alice told me all about James. I didn't know she was married before, let alone in one hell of a relationship."

Shaking her head, Bella looked at Edward. "Maybe I am an idiot and maybe I am putting myself and my baby in danger, but Edward I have a good feeling about James. Do I think he's the love of my life and we will marry and have more children? No, I don't think so, but I feel I could at least gain a new friend. I don't understand where Alice is coming from, but I respect it. I think he deserves another chance."

"He almost killed me, several times," Alice added as she entered the kitchen. She sat on the bar stool and looked at her friend.

Bella sat next to her and looked at her. "I have no idea what you have been through Alice. I do know that you are incredibly strong. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for."

"I don't want to see you hurt Bella."

"I don't know him well. I only know him from the doctor's office. I can tell you that he is the only nurse who is kind to me. He has been nothing but respectful. All of the nurses talk about me. If I didn't like my doctor, I'd switch in two seconds, but I like her. He has been nothing but nice to me."

"But Bella-"

"Alice, I understand why you are alarmed. I totally get it, but it seems like you knew how James was before he got help. I don't want ot sound harsh because I can not imagine the hell you have been through and came out of, but I think he is just looking for a friend. We are just going to the diner for dinner, that's all."

With tears in her eyes, Alice looked at Bella. "You're still going?"

"Yes."

"Just please, please be careful."