Challenging Humanity
Chapter 25: Careers Ending With Slaps
A/N: I would like to thank my beta's for this chapter. Icul8er and Pastiche(.)Lethe. Check my blog for this chapter's song, quote and pic (smiles)
Bella POV
I looked at him in disbelief. I couldn't believe that he had just said that with a straight face.
"Dad," I signed, "Do you know how many people die on a daily basis because of alcohol? Do you? How could you keep beer in the house? I expected more from you." I crossed my arms in front of me and stared at him.
Charlie looked at me for a few minutes. To my incredulity, he started to laugh, loudly. He threw back his head and just laughed.
I started to tap my foot impatiently. This is ridiculous.
Charlie was in tears and was trying to stop his howling. I shook my head, stomped to my room and slammed my door shut. Downstairs, I thought I heard Charlie fall down from his chair and he started to laugh loudly again. I laid down on the bed and didn't realize when I went to sleep.
Emmett POV
I took some cheese out and placed the tray carefully inside the oven.
"Turn the oven to 350 degrees bake. We will keep checking on it every few minutes," Mom said as she finished cleaning the kitchen counter.
I nodded, turning the oven to bake. I couldn't wait for the pasta to bake. I could feel my mouth water as I looked at the oven getting warm.
"Edward!" Mom yelled in the direction of the living room. "Come on, it's time for lessons," she ordered.
I laughed as Edward groaned but went to his piano. I decided to go to my gym to work out.
"Emmett." I moaned as Dad called me. Oh no, the lecture!
"Dad, I am not letting you poke me with a needle again. I know donating blood is a good thing, but damn it, everyone on the team is saying I am taking steroids because of the needle marks. My muscles are getting insulted!"
Edward and Alice broke into laughs. Evil Twins.
"Emmett, shut up and come inside my office," Dad ordered.
I pouted, walking to his office.
"Close the door behind you, please," Dad said, once Edward started to hit the keys on the piano.
I sulked into his chair. Everything about this room felt like the principal's office. "What's up?" I sat up straighter and decided to get it over with.
I winced as Dad pinched the bridge of his nose. Not a good sign.
"Emmett, you already know you are grounded for a month. Two weeks for what Rosalie and you did to Bella..."
"But Bella got her revenge!" I protested. "She played that Girlfriend song during lunch today and credited it to Rosy and Tanya."
Dad smirked. "Good for her, but that doesn't count toward you. What you did caused me and your Mom a lot of embarrassment. We expect more from you, especially since you are older than Alice and Edward. And you know how I feel about attitudes toward others. You treating Bella that way was very hurtful to us."
I played with the paper holder on his desk to avoid eye contact. I didn't want to tell him I was hurt too. I did feel bad. I couldn't even make myself to apologize to her. I had yelled at Rosalie repeatedly on Fair Day. I hit the punching bag for hours too. I wish I could take it all back, but I couldn't. It made me feel better she wasn't holding a grudge against me when she didn't add my name after the song. If she hated me as much as she hated Tanya, which would hurt like hell. The song did cause a lot of annoying idiots to laugh at me during practice today, but I laughed it off. I deserved it anyway.
"Because of that issue," Dad continued, "You are grounded for two weeks. You can add one more week when you didn't listen to me and came to the hospital after the Fair. I had told everyone not to come."
I rolled my eyes. "The fair ended, Dad. Bella is here and fine. How is Leah by the way?" I smiled.
Dad huffed in frustration. "Leah is doing better. The point is, you didn't listen, Emmett. You're grounded one week for the Fair." I knew from his tone that his decision was final.
I shrugged in acceptance.
"You're grounded one more week for leaving the house yesterday. Basically you're grounded for a month instead of five weeks as you should be. You can thank Liz for that."
"A month? This is bull!" I threw the paper holder on the floor.
"Watch it!" He stood up, pushing back his chair.
I sighed closing my eyes. Rosy Rosy Rosy. I thought about her soft hair and her lips. I opened back my eyes once I knew I was cool. "Sorry, Dad."
He sat back down again. He moved some papers and took out one. "For this month, I want you to really focus on your school work. You're a senior, Emmett."
I sighed. Again the career lecture.
"Emmett, I am serious. Since last year, colleges have been sending information for you. Your athletic abilities are huge part of it, but I would like you to focus toward your SATs and grades. I know you can do it. I received your grade sheet today."
I groaned, in understanding.
"Your grades are good, Emmett. They are mostly mid eighties; just bring them up to high eighties. I just want you to get an education to back you up in the future. I don't want you to rely on just your physical abilities. God forbid something happens and injures you? Your scholarships and colleges for sports won't be there to help you. I want you to have a second option."
"Dad..." I moaned, "I know that. I will try, okay?" Please just end this.
"What career are you choosing?"
"Dad..."
"I am curious, Emmett. I honestly want to know. Are you serious about NFL Football? That is what your plan was during sophomore year."
I sighed. "I changed my mind."
He nodded. "Okay, so tell me what you want to do now?"
"I'm confused."
"On?"
"I found other careers that sound interesting."
Dad smiled. "Yes, you have many careers to choose from. Son, I will be proud of you on whatever you chose. I just want you to be serious about it and stick with it."
I smirked. "I was thinking of going into something that has to do with Football. Like playing in NFL, coaching football teams, fitness professional trainer, or sports medicine."
Dad's smile grew. "Each and every one of those careers sounds good, Emmett. You can choose any of those. I will be biased if I said to think about sports medicine; however I like the idea of coaching too. I have coached your little league sports. I wasn't very good at them since I was more worried about kids getting hurt."
I laughed with him, remembering the times he coached and every child had stopped playing because he made them sit on the bleachers every time they fell.
"Regardless, I have watched you with Edward and Jasper, teaching both of them how to play sports. I will be happy with anything you choose and you will be good at it. I know you will be the best in them. I will give you an idea, how about you make a list of pros and cons of each career you like. You can then concentrate on the one with the most pros. However, make sure the pro is strong too. It can't be something like 'its cool'"
I laughed, nodding. "Thanks, Dad."
"Can you send Alice in?" I laughed at his grimace.
"Sure. All the best, Dad."
I laughed again as I heard him say he'll need it under his breath.
"Munchkin!" I shouted. "Dad's calling you in his office. He's sending you to boot camp for being obnoxious!"
"Daddy!" Alice shouted horrified.
"Emmett!" Dad and Mom shouted together.
I sat next to Edward on the piano bench and laughed with him.
"Rosalie's waiting for you in your room." Edward started to play music again.
"Rosalie? Isn't she grounded?" I pressed a white key.
"Here, put your hand like this." He straightened his fingers and moved my hand to put it right on the piano keys. "Yeah, she's grounded. She had a huge fight with Liz again, and came here. Mom is on the phone with Liz right now."
I rolled my eyes, standing up. "I still don't understand this piano habit you have." I started to climb the stairs.
"I still don't understand this attraction you have with the bitchy doll. I mean Barbie doll." He laughed as I flipped him off.
However, right now I seriously agreed with him. These days Rosalie was being more bitchy than usual. I went to my room and sure enough, there was Rosalie, ripping apart my pillow with her nails.
"Rosy?" She looked up at me. I walked over and jumped on her. She squealed, laughing. I sat up straighter, looking sadly at my pillow. "Rosy, I think you need serious help." I pointed to my ripped pillow.
"Emmy!" she pushed me back. "That pillow didn't smell like me."
I looked at her. I couldn't decide if she was serious or not.
"Emmett!" I smiled as Alice came running into my room. She smacked me behind the head. "That's for telling me Dad's sending me to boot camp."
"Ew...you're going to bootcamp." Rosalie's face scrunched up.
"Nope, she's going to hell. Alice did you take one of my CD's?" Edward glared walking into my room too.
"Maybe." She shrugged, hiding behind me.
"Alice." He started to walk toward her.
I stood up. "Edward, you see that shelf over there?" I pointed to my shelf of CDs. "Go take any CD you want, okay?" Alice laughed jumping on my bed.
"Emmett! She keeps taking my CDs and doesn't give them back."
I sighed, pushing him to my bed too. "Forget it, man. What career did you choose, Ali?" I tickled Alice, making her laugh and squirm.
"Fashion designing. I got some letter from a company. Dad's not letting me see it, but he said it's a good career for me. I signed up for SAT prep online to get into a good fashion designing school."
"Good for you, Alice." I kissed her forehead. "What about you?" I looked at Edward.
"Mine is clear. I just have to pick one. Musician then apply to Julliard or Doctor then apply to New York University."
"New York," both Alice and I said at the same time.
He groaned. "The sooner I go to Julliard, the better chance I have to being a musician. The experience is really needed."
Alice jumped in before me. "Edward, your music is your hobby, but your passion is medical. You can help so many people. Music can be studied anytime. Hobby is always there. Passion can be easily lost."
"Wow, Pixie, when did you turn so smart?" I grinned.
"Mom…Emmett thinks I'm not smart!" she yelled loudly, while we all laughed.
"So how long are you grounded for?" Edward sighed, pushing Alice a little to make room for himself on the bed.
"A month." I shrugged. I've had worse.
"I got three weeks. And I have to interview a musician to see what I think about it."
"I can't decide on one career. I just have to find the advantages and disadvantages for each career I like. I don't know if I am ready to even choose one." I kissed Rosy, who looked she was deep in thoughts.
"Wait." She stood up. "Why the hell did you get one month and Edward got three weeks? He should get a month too."
I rolled my eyes. "Why are you even here? Aren't you grounded?" Why is she getting bitchy again?
She sat back down. "I wish my mom was dead."
"Rosalie!" All three of us stood up and looked at her in shock.
"Can you be any more of a bitch?" Alice shook her head.
"I'm a bitch? Your Dad just gave Edward three weeks of being grounding because Edward's his biological son, and you're calling me a bitch?"
My jaw dropped as I witnessed Alice slapping her.
No one said anything. Everyone was silently staring at Rosalie, wondering what her reaction would be. I couldn't believe what was happening in front of me.
"Get out," Alice whispered harshly. "Get out of my house, right now."
Rosalie just sat on the bed, holding her cheek.
"I SAID GO!" Alice screamed.
All of us jumped at once.
Rosalie ran from the room. Alice fell on her knees, tears were running down her cheeks but no sound was coming from her. This was not Alice. This Alice scared me.
"Ali…" Edward touched her softly.
"Don't touch me!" she screamed.
Edward jumped back.
Alice stood up and ran out the door too.
"Alice!" Edward and I started to run after her. "Alice." I stopped on the middle of the stairs when I saw Alice crying and hugging Dad.
"Sweety? Shh..." Dad rubbed her back. "What did you guys do now?" he demanded.
"Dad...we-" I was cut off when Alice shouted at me to shut up.
"Shh..." Dad slowly walked her to his office.
Mom had just got off the phone. She was standing in front of us with questioning gaze. "Is anyone going to tell me what happened?"
Edward went back upstairs, slamming his bedroom door loudly.
I shook my head and decided to go to my gym.
A/N: Hey everyone, I loved all your reviews for the last chap. I promise there is a build up on Bella and Edward's friendship. I hope everyone liked the twificpimps? Let me know. You guys should also check out the Twificnews (dot) com site. It is soo freaking organized! I sent out like 3 teasers from that website. Next update will be on Friday and 20th reviewer will get a teaser for the next chap.
I am working on writing a one shot for My Bloody Valentine contest, so I am very busy with writing and in between I make banners and read fics. I am active in tweets too, when I am not too busy.
Review winners (they will be posted on Twificpimps Wednesday Hump Your Readers, too)
RunEdwardRun
I would like to tell you how much I love this story, I think the fact that Bella is mute, has made her a strong person. I like how Edward and Bella are friends for awhile and they can get to know each other, I always hate stories that make them get together in two second. SO well done! I can't wait to read the next chapter! I hope Bella and Edward start having thought about their feelings soon! Well, BYE! (I'm talking way to much hahah)
Runner
kaylie kay
You're story is awesome! I stayed up until 2am on a school night reading it! I love your story so much:) its very captivating and insightful:) update soon before I go freaking mad!
JOJOsponge
Great story! I love the way you have set the pace, and how everything just flows together perfectly. You won't believe this, I have got IMPORTANT exams coming up this week, and now all I could do is stick my eyes at the computer screen while I was supposed to revise. I was up until 5:30am on a school day trying to finish your story, so technically I am going to earn myself a big fat ungraded, with a lot of big circles and puffy eyes on my face _" Any way, that is just plain old boring life for you, I guess,keep up the good work!
Jojosponge
BTW I'm going to look forward to Bella and Kevin interaction, and see how will Edward respond when Kevin comes to Bella- He will right? I mean, I'm usually a strong Bella- Edward supporter, but this Kevin is somehow getting to me ~_~
Layfra02
OMG! I finally could log in to review. I love, love, love this story! I have it on alert cause I logged in in another computer but because I couldn't log in in my cell phone wish is where I read ff I couldn't review. Thanks for writing it for us! Love from Puerto Rico!
Silent Shootting Star
Omg I've been waitting like months just standing at my computer screen wait for the email to pop up saying that there was a new chapie! *well sorta• I do have a life... Sorta... Don't judge me alright like don't be my roselie ok capich.. Haha* ok I really love this it was sweet with the whole Eddie being adorable and sleeping on his Mommys shoulders haha soo cute! I also thought the Christmas memory and such were coolio. But of chore my eanchalata was Avril's Girlfriend cause I absolutely love Bella and Ben for that. Thought I think they should have give her more props and maybe ask for an encore haha. But one thing that kinda made me sad was the whole beer thing but I'm sure it will get better. Alright I CAN'T WAIT TILL NEXT FRIDAY :D
Love all my reviewers and reviews (smiles)