I will try to get most Spanish phrases translated by the characters, but if I miss something and want to know what it is, PM me, I always answer : ). Currently reading Clipped Wings and Inked Armor, by hunterhunting, amongst other things… I seriously cannot stop. I've been up till 4 AM reading it… it made me want to get my 4th tattoo.
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EPOV
"I won't fucking do it, Jasper," I hissed. We were standing outside Isabella's room. Alice had remained with her, trying to pry more information out of her.
I had left soon after the girl had answered with that fucked up date. She kept glancing at me as though expecting me to pounce on her, or bite her or some shit. What freaked me out the most was that occasionally something like recognition would flash in her eyes. But why? I didn't know her at all—I'd never seen her before in my life.
As soon as I'd left the room, Jazz had followed and tried to spring this shit on me.
"She needs to be taken care of, Edward," he insisted for the fifth time.
"But not by me, and she's not really your responsibility!"
"But she is. She has no one else, man. Her only friend is leaving town, and she cannot be left on her own. It's only temporary, while Carlisle and I work something out." Jasper's voice dropped lower, a more convincing tone. "You're not working right now, and Bella would probably spend most of the day in bed. She's in no condition to move about."
"What's with this Bella shit? I thought she said her name was Isabella… hold on… What does my not working have to do with taking care of her?" I asked, indignant. "You're not seriously suggesting that she stay at my place, are you?"
"No, of course not. She could stay at our house, and you'd be welcome to stay over too while Alice and I are out." He sensed weakness, that I might cave. I had to set him straight.
"Jasper, come on. Get a grip! Isabella should fake something a little more plausible. 1697? Why not 1987, or something actually believable? Jesus F. Christ!"
"Edward, please." Alice's soft voice startled us out of our argument. She shut the door behind her with a soft snicking noise. There was no more sobbing from inside the room. I took it as a good sign.
"So what else did she say? Did she happen to mention where she parked the DeLorean?" I asked sarcastically.
Alice sighed heavily. "I know it's frustrating, but I don't understand it either. She's convinced she's descended from Spanish royalty, and awaiting her fiancé, who is arriving—by ship—to marry her soon. She's adamant about that. What do you know about her, Jazz?"
"Just what she filled in her paperwork at the clinic before the sessions. There's no one else. Her parents died awhile back, and she has no brothers or sisters." He looked at his wife, and ran his hands through his hair. "Bella will need a place to stay, Ali."
"I know." She reached over and squeezed his hand. "It's fine by me if she stays over at our place."
"How about the psych ward instead?" I was definitely not getting roped into babysitting the crazy chick.
"Edward, I swear to God—"
"Why can't you just keep her here?" I crossed my arms defiantly. Stand firm, Cullen.
"There's no medically relevant reason to keep her hospitalized—"
"Medically relevant? Dude, must I repeat it? 1697! This is beyond fucked up." I stepped back and made to go. Then Alice's voice cut my dramatic exit short.
"I'll pay you. By the hour." Shit. That sneaky little pixie. She knew I was a little short on cash at the moment. I wouldn't have access to my trust fund until next year, and the painting thing was not going so well. Shit shit shit.
"So I'd be like a glorified nanny?" I turned to my sister, defeated.
"It's not her fault, Edward. Anyway, it's only for a couple of weeks. I'll be around as much as I can, to help out. Especially since you don't speak the language…"
"You can use the attic space to paint, if you'd like. Move some of your easels and canvases." Jasper took Alice's hand and smirked. He had me there. Fuck.
I huffed, exasperated. "Fine. When does the crazy chick leave?"
Alice frowned. "Her name is Isabella."
"Uh-huh. What-the-fuck-ever. Jazz?"
"I'll arrange for her release tomorrow afternoon." He cleared his throat. "You can start moving in your stuff tonight."
"Yeah. I'll see you later." I spun on my heel and headed for the elevator bank again. I couldn't believe that I'd been talked into it. But Alice knew exactly how to get to me. When I reached my car, I climbed in, and hesitated before I started the Volvo.
As I made it out of the hospital parking garage, I executed a very wide and very illegal u-turn and drove back downtown. I slid into an empty space in front of the plate-glass storefronts. I marched resolutely inside the store, and went up to the salesgirl. "Excuse me? Where are your reference books?" Once she had pointed me in the right direction, I stood in front of the packed shelves.
Rows upon rows of English/Spanish dictionaries.
