Disclaimer: None of this is mine, nor will it ever be (sigh). I like to play with the characters that Stephenie Meyers created and make them do pervy things or become angels with a bad attitude.
Now, next chapter we're going to find out what happened to Rosalie and do a jump in time, in EPOV. We're in late January, but I may bring us closer to spring break. The climax of the story will happen after school is out … but, like I said, I need to get there. My mojo for this story is just not jiving. You feel me?
Chapter Twenty-Five
EPOV
"Thank you for the information," I said over the phone. "I'm just so worried about my Rosie. She's all I have in the world."
"Mr. Hale, your daughter experienced a psychotic break of unknown origin. She's a very sick young woman," said the doctor. "I don't know how much longer we'll hold her, but we want to be sure she won't be a threat to herself or others. She was brought in, convinced that two angels had attacked her. She's heavily medicated at the moment. We'll call you if there are any changes."
"I appreciate it," I said. I hung up the phone, looking over at Alice. We were on lunch break. Bella was meeting with Mrs. Cope, for her observation. I had a few moments before I had to pick up both of our classes, bringing them to PE. I cleared my throat, adopting my normal speaking voice. "What did you do to her?"
"Nothing!" Alice snorted. I arched a brow. "I may or may not have showed her my wings when I was fighting for the crossbow. I also knocked her out, using said wings."
"Great, she's rambling that two angels attacked her," I sighed. "Alice, that was …"
"Perfect, Edward. The hospital thinks she's certifiable," Alice argued. "The more she prattles on about our fight, the more they'll think she's delusional. When she's medicated, her mind is a jumble and her emotions are nonexistent. Lucifer can't get to her."
"Was she that bad?" I asked.
"It was like she was under his control, but still fully human. Her eyes were not black, but her soul was not there," Alice said. "It was weird. I think he's experimenting with how he's controlling his minions. We need to be on guard."
"Agreed," I nodded. I checked my watch. "Come on. I need you to help me escort the classes to the gym. Bella's having her post observation with Mrs. Cope." We walked to the lunch room. Alice took Bella's class while I led mine. We dropped them off at the gym for their time in PE, followed by an hour of art. They were doing clay and the art teacher decided to combine classes to get the most time with them. When I was done, I worked in my room until Bella came in. She was sad, and worried. "What is it, pretty Bella?"
"I've been RIFFED," she said, sitting down on one of the desks. "I'm not tenured and Mrs. Cope is pleased with my teaching, but I'm out of a job because there's no budget for it. What am I going to do? I love teaching. I can't … I don't want to start new."
"I'm so sorry, Bella," I whispered, getting up and pulling her into my arms. "That sucks."
"Cope said she'd give me a letter of recommendation since I was honorably discharged," she snorted derisively, but where am I going to go? No job. No home."
"You have a home, Bella. With me. I'd never throw you out, baby," I said, kissing her forehead. She slid her arms around my waist and I heard her sniffle. "Is there anything I can do?"
"This," she said, her voice cracking. "Thank you for being so perfect."
"I'm far from perfect, Bella," I chuckled, picking her up and holding her in my arms.
"Be that as it may. You're perfect for me," she murmured, kissing my cheek. "Thank you." I tightened my hold on her. We stayed that way for a few moments before Bella got up from my lap. She sighed, kissing my lips before heading to her classroom. She had assessments to grade. As she did, I scowled in the direction of Mrs. Cope's office, pissed off that they'd let go a wonderful teacher.
Their loss, assholes.
xx OOTD xx
Weeks pass and Bella begins searching for a new position, searching anywhere in Washington State. Mrs. Cope wrote her a glowing letter of recommendation. Her goal is to be able to interview during spring break, which was the last week in March. I reiterated to her that she didn't need to work, but Bella worked hard to become a teacher and she was not going to give up her dream. She wanted to make a difference in children's lives.
"Edward, would you be willing to move?" Bella asked, perusing the website for job postings. "Like to Seattle or Tacoma or something?"
"Anywhere, love," I said, making us dinner. "I have numerous homes all around the world."
"I thought that angels were supposed to live a life of poverty and service," she quipped.
"That would be the monks, Bella. We have access to money and several homes. I happen to have several in my name, or my aliases, because of my extended time down here on earth," I answered. "Now, don't get me wrong. When I work, most of what I get paid goes back to local charities. But, I have enough money to buy this house outright."
"Oh," she said. "Um, how do you become an angel?"
I turned the burner to simmer, moving to sit down next to her. "Why?"
"I'm just curious," she shrugged. "I mean, is it painful?"
"I told you this before," I murmured.
"You told me about your transition in becoming an angel," she argued. "You were injured. Right?" I nodded. "How does it happen?"
"A Dominion or an Arch Angel are the only angels who can initiate the change," I explained. "You know how I'm able to heal you?" She nodded. "It's like that, but much, much stronger. Your body radically changes."
"You don't feel different," Bella said.
"My skin, no. But, I'm so much stronger than when I was human," I explained. "Your bones change, you grow wings. I think that's what hurt the most was the growth of the wings. They tear through your back, emanating from your spine. You fall into a coma-like sleep while your brain is rewired. When you wake up, you can hear the thoughts of your charges, the humans you're destined to protect. At first, I thought I was going mad, but you get used to them. For me, it's like listening in on a phone conversation."
"Do you hear voices now?" Bella asked.
"The only voice I hear now is yours. But that's because I'm in charge of your protection. When you were with Esme, I was patched into humans that were once under Jasper's care," I said. "I saved, I think, two of them. One for certain. The second was suspect." I looked at her. "Why do you want to know?"
"I'm really just curious," she said, biting her lip. I tried to read her mind, but she was blocking me, thinking about her job search.
"Bella," I said. "Why are you asking about becoming an angel?"
She huffed, looking at me and her face was heartbreaking. "Do you want me? Forever?"
"Why would you think I don't want you? Bella, you're it for me," I said, confused by her statement.
"When all of this is done, are you going to go back to being an angel or are you going to live with me until I die?" she asked. "Growing old with me?" She sniffled, staring at her computer. "The reason I ask is because of the whole situation with Alice and Jasper. He was recycled, reborn and will get a fresh start. If he can find forgiveness, he'll be able to be with her again. But, if not, Alice is going to give up her angelic powers to live with him, be with him as a human." She looked up at me, her brown eyes welling with tears. "We talked about it the night that Rose attacked us."
"Bella, I'm yours forever. If that forever is a mortal, human life, I'll take it. I'd gladly give up my wings for you," I said. "I'd want to get married, have children …"
"No uterus, Edward," Bella said, anger coloring her tone.
"Adopt them," I pressed. "Share a life with you. I love you." I gathered her in my arms, holding her to my body. She was stiff. I rolled out my wings, adding another layer of protection, love and she melted.
"What if I want to be an angel?" she asked. "Would you fight for me to be transformed?"
"If I had the power to do it myself, I would, pretty Bella," I said, leaning my cheek against her soft hair. "But, if the situation arises that …" I closed my eyes, thinking about that possibility. Having Bella by my side for eternity, but almost losing her in order to make it happen? "I'll fight for you, Bella. I always will." She relaxed further, her tiny hands sliding underneath my sweater and pressing her cheek above my heart.
"Thank you," she whispered. "Along with the whole job thing, this was weighing heavily on my mind. It's stupid, I know."
"No, love, it's not stupid. With everything that's going on, I should have known to reassure you that you and me? You're stuck with me. I'm like a fungus," I quipped. Bella giggled. "Well, a fungus with wings, tats and a potty mouth."
"So bad ass," Bella teased. "But, potty mouth?"
"I swear like a fucking sailor, but I've learned to censor myself around our little cherubs," I growled, kissing her neck and she squealed with laughter. She wriggled and danced out of my arms, giving me a soft smile. "Better?"
"Much," she said. "You're a good man, Edward Cullen. I'm lucky to have you in my life." She walked over to me, pressing three soft kisses on my lips. She gave me a warm smile before sitting back down at the counter, resuming her job search.
I went back to work on dinner when my cell phone rang. I picked it up, seeing Alice's name. Normally, she'd talk to me telepathically, if she was close enough. "Alice?" I asked.
"Rose was released and she went off the grid," Alice hissed.
"Who was she released to?" I questioned, stepping out of the kitchen.
"To her boyfriend, Emmett, but he's off, too," Alice answered. "He's growing stronger, Edward. I believe he's creating an army of dark minions. There has been an increase of violent crimes in Port Angeles and other nearby towns."
"This is not good," I spat. "We can't have an epic battle raining down on the people of Forks, Port Angeles and the like." I blew out a breath. "It's not like I can send word to Lucifer/Riley/Rose or whoever to ask them to move it to the middle of the country, away from civilization."
"Probably not," Alice deadpanned. "There will be more angels coming and I believe that Gabriel may be coming down to check all of the activity. Carlisle is unsure, but he mentioned it in passing." I heard some shuffling. "I'm going to go. I need to see if I can track Rosalie or Emmett."
"Good luck, Alice. Thanks for the head's up," I whispered. I hung up, looking at my Bella, my strong mate. I was so afraid. For the first time in my immortal life, I had something to lose and with this looming attack, Lucifer's obsession with Bella, she could be easily hurt, or worse, killed. I couldn't let that happen. I wouldn't let that happen. I'd sooner die than have her lose her life.
But, with Alice's phone call, my worst fear was brought to life.
War was coming.
A/N: Again, still stuck in a funk with this one. Grrr …
Any suggestions? I'll gladly take 'em! Thanks folks!
