Chapter 13

EPOV

We had been at the BBQ for several hours and I could hear people whispering but not exactly what they were saying. I also saw the looks we were getting, it wasn't until I was talking to Mr. Yorkie that I realized the looks and whispers weren't aimed at me or us but at Bella alone. I expected this of Tanya and her friends but not of the people in general, especially at Esme's BBQ. While I had never noticed their behavior being this bad before, I had to admit that I had never shown an interest in a woman not already accepted before. Was this how every newcomer was treated?

I scanned the crowd for Bella and found her by the water talking to Anthony, who looked to be pissed off. I was trying to excuse myself from the conversation when Bella smiled and waved at me, letting me know she was fine and to stay where I was. I turned back to Mr. Yorkie and he was smirking at me like he knew some secret.

"She is gorgeous Edward, I can't blame you for going after her and with her connections the sky would be the limit for you."

"Excuse me?" I had no idea where he was going with this.

"Edward there is nothing wrong with dating or even marrying someone to get ahead in business, it happens all the time. She would be quite an asset too, I mean just look at her, and you wouldn't even need a mistress with her warming your bed."

"I am not dating Isabella to get ahead in business, I care for her very much. That is insulting to her and me." I could not believe what I was hearing.

"Why else would you be dating her Edward if not for her body and business connections, everyone knows you have pretty much vowed never to get married and she is the only one Denali can't scare off of you. What else does she have to offer, she is well connected arm candy and there is no shame in admitting that."

I couldn't believe what he was saying. Is that the reason people thought I was seeing Bella, just to use her. Yorkie had said it so matter of fact, like it was the gospel truth. Did people really think so little of me and her? Bella came into our line of sight on her way into the house.

"She is very beautiful and has a great body, I bet..." I had heard enough.

"If you'll excuse me I see Carlisle trying to get my attention, enjoy your evening." I couldn't get away fast enough, is this what I was dragging her into? A circle of people who would never respect her. As I looked around I noticed most of the couples' whispering were ones where the husband definitely ran things in the marriage. I suddenly felt very uneasy about leaving Bella alone with this crowd, she had seemed apprehensive about coming today from the beginning and now I knew why. Would they ever see her for the intelligent, compassionate, giving woman she was?

I passed Alice as I went inside to find Bella and she looked very upset.

"Are you ok Alice?"

"I'll be fine Edward, I just can't believe some of things I am hearing come out of the mouths of people I have known most of my life."

"I know Alice, believe me I know. Have you seen Bella?"

"She just went into the powder room."

I hugged her close to me, "thanks sis" and I went off to wait for Bella.

She opened the door and while she still looked calm and collected on the outside her eyes looked weary. But I was growing to not only know but understand Bella and she would not want to discuss or even acknowledge what was happening now, that could wait until we were alone.

"I have been looking for you. Are you enjoying the BBQ?" She looked intently into my eyes, probably trying to see if I had a hidden meaning to my words.

"Yes I am. I love this house and your family has been very welcoming."

She smiled at me and I took her hand, "Come on then they are serving dinner and I want to introduce you to some of my business associates and their wives."

"I would like that Edward." She smiled but it didn't reach her eyes. I was pretty sure she was trying to just get through the day.

I kissed her quickly and tried to be excited about doing this. I tried to pick couples that I thought would not be openly hostile to her. "Isabella, I would like to introduce you to Michael Newton and his wife Liz and Todd Stanley and his wife Jessica."

"Pleasure to meet everyone." We sat down for the meal and it was...uncomfortable. The women ignored Bella and I tried to draw her into our business conversation but it was obvious that effort made Mike and Todd very uncomfortable. She ended up sitting there listening and people watching. Esme came up and whispered she needed a word with me so I excused myself for a moment.

"Edward you need to know that Tanya has been spotted at the BBQ with Jacob Black. Bella's security has been alerted and they are moving closer to her but I felt you should know also."

"Thanks mom. I need to get back to Bella." I knew Jacob would try to at least talk to talk to Bella and this would be the perfect setting for Tanya to try something. I should have talked to my family before today. I needed to be careful not to drink anything Tanya offered me.

As I approached the table it looked as if Bella was getting ready to tell someone off so I kissed the top of her head to let her know I was back. "Are you having a good time and enjoying the meal?" I caught the looks of disdain on the couples' faces before their masks dropped back into place.

"The food is great and everything else is just lovely Edward. Are you enjoying your evening?"

That is a loaded question I thought, but I said, "I am and I am especially happy that I get to share it with you Bella." I wanted the others to realize that I was on Bella's side.

"That is my favorite part of the evening too Edward, the time spent with you."

"Then come dance with me sweet Bella." I led her on to the small dance floor just as Norah Jones started to play, I was hoping she would remember that night at her house. I heard her gasp and knew she recognized the song being played. "That was one of the best nights of my life so far. Don't listen to what people are whispering, know that I care for you very much Bella."

"I do Edward, I do." she said as she laid her head on my shoulder and I felt her relax into my body. I love the way she feels in my arms and she was running her fingers up and down my neck which was very soothing and arousing at the same time. The song was ending and I was about to kiss her when I heard Tanya and stiffened.

"Do you mind if I cut in?" Bella squeezed my arm as if to say it's fine and be careful at the same time before she looked at Tanya, "No, that is fine. Enjoy your dance." I watched Bella walking through the crowd before Tanya spoke drawing my attention back to her.

"I really don't know what you see in her Edward. I have so much more to offer you and it wouldn't cause the stir that is now occurring among our peers." I could care less about the stir Bella and I were causing. She may consider these people her peers but after today I couldn't find it in myself to think of most of them that way.

"I thought you were here with Jacob Black, where is he?"

"He is around, he said he needed to talk to someone." I was looking around for Jacob or Bella when I saw the alarmed look on William's face. I felt a pinch on my neck like a bee sting and raised my hand to swat at it.

"You are a stubborn one Edward but you aren't leaving me much choice now. I am sorry it had to happen like this though."

I was starting to feel lightheaded. "I'm sorry Tanya but I am not feeling well and think I should sit down for a moment."

"Ok, let me help you to the pool house so you can rest for a moment. It is closer than the house."

"No, just let me sit down at a table for a moment and clear my head." My body was starting to feel heavy and it was hard to focus on anything. I shut my eyes hoping that would help some. I could feel Tanya and someone else leading me somewhere. The last thing I remember was someone saying "we don't have much time" before everything went black.

Tanya POV

Getting to Edward was easier than I imagined but I was surprised that he knew I had arrived with Jacob. As we danced I quickly jabbed him with the dart and waited for the drugs to take effect. He didn't even notice I had been dancing him closer to the pool house, by the time he became dizzy we were almost there.

Once inside, he was out before we could get him to the couch. However that also meant he didn't fight us when we removed his clothes. He is one fine man and I was jealous when Jane removed her wrap dress and lay on top of him while I covered them with a blanket. I could hear Jacob yelling at Bella and knew I had to get out of there before they arrived. I slipped out of the pool house and made my way to the table Victoria and Charlotte were seated at, I had not told them of my plans tonight as I was counting on them to be my alibi.

I had a perfect view of Bella when Jacob threw open the pool house doors to reveal Edward and Jane, her reaction was not what I expected. She wasn't angry, she looked...sad. She immediately turned and said something to a man next to her and after he entered the pool house Bella closed the doors.

When I saw the look on Esme's face I almost felt bad about what I had been forced to do, I would have liked to have had her acceptance. Then I remembered that no one would know it was me and my conscience left just as quickly as it had arrived. Bella talked to Esme briefly before she moved to stand on the steps leading into the house and asked for everyone's attention. She proceeded to air the Newton's and Stanley's dirty secrets since they had been the most vocal about her tonight. While I wondered how she knew these things they were having the tables turned on them and I loved it.

I was feeling confident this would drive a wedge between Bella and the Cullen's, they would not want to be associated with a scandal. I heard her ask where I was and people started point in my direction, I had no idea why she was talking about me.

"Rumor has it that Tanya has wanted Edward for years and had managed to scare off several women. The facts state that Edward can't stand Tanya and that is why he won't date her. Tanya tries unsuccessfully to run me off so now she has to come up with a plan to force me to stay away from Edward on my own. Her plan is to drug Edward and get a woman in bed with him so I can find them and then I will run away never wanting to see him again. I know this is her plan because she contacted someone I am loosely related to about being the woman to do this. We have drawn some of Edward's blood and when it comes back he was drugged Tanya and Jane will have some explaining to do. I don't think they will do very well in prison."

I couldn't believe what she saying, Jane came running over to my table arguing that she would not do prison time for me. I was having a hard time getting past the fact that she was related to Heidi. She was the only person I contacted before approaching Jane to do this. Jane had her own reasons for wanting to get even with Edward Cullen. My attention was drawn back to Bella.

"Why would she do something so desperate you ask? Well, it could be because she has already blown through the money from her first 2 husbands or it could be because she has developed quite the little coke habit and her dealer is insisting on getting paid. Maybe it is because for years she has been saying she would get Edward for herself and she can't back down now and appear weak or is it because of that little home porno video that was made when you were in New York last year? I don't care for your reasons Tanya, you need to stop this obsession with Edward. Do you really think he will want anything to do with you when he finds out that you have been not only fucking Jacob Black but passing business information on for the last few years?"

How had she found all of this out. No one had called to warn me there were questions being asked about me. "You fucking bitch how do you know all of this?" I yelled as I ran towards her, she flipped me over her shoulder before I could touch her.

"Know your enemy Tanya it is the first rule of warfare." She said before she turned her attention back to the crowd. Edward was being moved into the house and he looked terrible. Two men picked me up and escorted me into the house. I began to wonder if they would press charges against me, a part of me hoped they would. As rough as prison would be the fate that awaited me at Aro's hands was even worse, I did not want to have to marry Felix Volturi.

Esme POV

A part of me was wishing I had let Bella back out of the BBQ gracefully when she suggested it last week. I picked up on the whispers and the finger pointing at her and Edward and had never been more embarrassed by the people considered to be my peers.

The women who were my age or older, the ones considered the 'Old Matrons' had warmed considerably to Bella, recognizing a unique soul in one so young. But as her acceptance grew among us the next generation of women seemed to resent her even more and I placed blame squarely on Tanya's shoulders. I should have allowed Edward to put her in her place once and for all years ago but I didn't want to cause problems socially or for the business. That decision had now come back to haunt me as I saw my son sprawled out on the pool house couch with Jane. I couldn't believe my eyes, he would not hurt Bella this way I was sure of it. As I saw the look on Bella's face I was devastated, could she forgive him for this? She closed the doors and pulled me off to the side for a private conversation.

"Esme, did Edward have to opportunity to discuss with the family Tanya's plans?"

"No, we haven't discussed Tanya recently."

"I need to do something Esme. It will be like what happened at the gala but not directed at anyone in your family. Is it ok if I address the crowd?"

"If you think it will help Bella, then yes."

"Truthfully I have no idea if it will help but it will make me feel better and your BBQ will be the talk of the summer, believe me."

"Please forgive Edward Bella, he loves you I know he does. I have no idea why he would..."

"There is nothing to forgive Esme, just listen."

So I did just that, I listened as she called the Newton's & Stanley's out for the hypocrites they are. They loved to gossip and spread rumors about everyone, thinking their secrets were secure. I had no idea how she had found out the things she did but judging by the looks on their faces it was all true. As I scanned the crowd most of the guests looked as stunned as Carlisle, Jasper and Emmett did but Alice and Rosalie were trying very hard not to fall down they were laughing so hard.

When Bella asked where Tanya was I brought my focus back to what she was saying. I knew Tanya was behind this and so help me god I would have that woman out of our lives once and for all. As I listened to Tanya's past indiscretions I became very thankful that Edward never had an interest in her. Then she was running towards Bella wanting to know how Bella found everything out and Bella made her comment about the first rule of warfare. After Tanya and Jane were being escorted into the house by Bella's security she looked over the crowd one more time but I only heard bits and pieces of what she was saying, I was having a hard time getting passed the warfare comment.

"I can't say this applies to all of you but it does to most of you...I am an easy target...you have no problem starting rumors...ostracize me. I do not care what you think of me or what I do...the people whose opinion actually matter...not the majority of you here. Gossip about me is off limits, I will not play by your rules...coming after me or any of the Cullen's because of their association with me is tantamount to signing your own social death warrant...I have been attacked like this for almost 10 years, since the day I married Edgar Sinclair...you are playing way out of your league if you choose to play this game with me." Then she turned and walked into the house.

I could easily see how Bella would consider this warfare or a war game, she had done nothing to deserve the treatment she was receiving. She came into our community as an asset and was trying to bring in projects that would only help Seattle and was treated with disdain at every turn. The more I thought about it I was amazed that she had not walked away, never looking back. Was it Edward that kept her here? She was so calm and composed, was she used to this type of treatment? Did she get this everywhere she went? I didn't think she was treated this badly other places, after talking to Angela and some of the other wives that had family in different cities that did work with The Sinclair Foundation I had pieced together that she was admired in those communities. They loved when she personally came to visit and she was warmly welcomed. Did Tanya really have that much influence over things here? I pushed those thoughts to the back of my mind and went to check on Edward.

They had put him in his old bedroom and he was currently being checked by a doctor. The doctor was sure he had been drugged with some type of date rape drug but we needed to wait for the test results to come back to know exactly what it was. Edward would be fine but probably out of it for the rest of the night and have a hangover tomorrow from the drug. I watched as Bella ran her fingers through his hair saying she was sorry and I had no idea what for. I decided to go downstairs and wait to talk to her.

Everyone had gathered in the living room trying to figure out what had happened in the last few hours when I noticed Bella coming down the stairs.

"Bella, what did you mean when you asked if Edward had told us about Tanya's plans?"

She sighed and looked at everyone before she spoke. "I received a phone call a few days ago from a distant relative of mine about a plan Tanya had to force me away from Edward. Tanya had asked Heidi to be the woman he was found with not realizing that she had married recently and definitely not knowing we are related. It was essentially what happened here today although I think we both expected her to put something in his drink rather than injecting him. I asked him to take this seriously and tell all of you about this so you could help keep an eye on him and make sure she didn't do anything. I assume he didn't have time to but I am not sure."

"He did not mention it to me. Did he mention it to anyone?" I looked around the room and everyone was shaking their head no. As I turned back to Bella she was crying and looked as if her heart was breaking.

"Esme, I left a letter upstairs for Edward when he wakes up. I am going to go to Swan Cottage for a few days until I need to be in San Diego."

I gasped, "Bella no, he will be so upset when he wakes and you aren't here. He loves you I know he does."

"I do not doubt how he feels for me or how I feel for him that is not the issue. I realize the Aro issue would be here if I was present or not but the Tanya and Jacob problem is directly related to me seeing Edward. I feel as if I have only brought Edward and your family into danger since I have been here and for that I apologize. I truly never expected things to get this out of hand. I would never ask or expect Edward or any of you to put your business or social reputation on the line for me and I feel that is what it has come to, especially after today. I am used to being treated like this but your family isn't, I don't want to drag you down with me."

Carlisle spoke up this time, "You are not dragging us down and to think that or that Edward won't stand by you does us all a grave injustice Bella. I know my son and he will not turn his back on you and neither will the rest of us."

"I do not mean to insult any of you that is the last thing I want to do. But to hear the whispering and gossip is very different than living with it. I have explained quite a bit to Edward but today is the first time he has had to deal with it directly and I am sure it will prove to be an eye opening experience for him. He has the right and needs to take the time to process what happened and if the potential aggravation of us being together is worth it or not. I know how I feel but he needs to examine his feelings without my input. The letter explains everything to him. I feel I should tell you that the letter also states that I do not think I could ever have Seattle as a permanent home."

"You are underestimating Edward if you think..."

"Oh but I'm not Carlisle, and that is why the letter tells him exactly where to find me when he is ready." Bella said with a small smile on her face before she left surrounded by her security.

I could see that it hurt Bella to leave but it also appeared that she had confidence in the fact that Edward would come to her. I was almost positive that she loved him, I needed to be sure he understood that is why she was giving him this choice.

Edward didn't wake up until the next afternoon and when he did he was not pleasant to be around, to say he had a hangover was a large understatement. He told us what he remembered happening before he blacked out, the things Mr. Yorkie said, how Mike & Todd treated Bella at the table and then the dance with Tanya. Alice explained what she had overheard when Bella was on her way to the bathroom and Bella begging her not to say anything to anyone. Edward had been trying to ask where Bella was and we kept cutting him off or ignoring the question.

Carlisle explained the drug used on him was a mix of GHB and Ecstasy and that Tanya and Jane had been arrested but we didn't what if any charges would be pressed against them. He had just started to explain Bella calling out the Newton's & Stanley's when Edward reached his limit.

"Enough of this, where is Bella?" He looked at all our faces as I walked to his desk to retrieve the letter to give to him.

"She left?"

I nodded and sat on his bed. "She said the letter explains everything Edward."

He grabbed it out of my hand and looked as if he was going to rip it in half, I grabbed his hand. "No Edward, where she went is in that letter, she wants you to find her." His eyes went wide. "Then why did she leave?" he asked.

"She cares for you very much and realizes that you need time to process everything that happened. She is letting you go, if that is what you choose."

"She thinks I can just let her walk away from me?"

"No, if she thought that she wouldn't have told you where she is. I think she knows how you will decide but realizes you still have to make the decision. Read the letter Edward."

We all filed out of his room as he opened the letter. He requested dinner in his room and no one talked to him for the rest of the night, it was very quiet in his room. We each at some point in the night stood outside his room just listening for any sound from inside but nothing was ever heard.

At breakfast the next morning we were discussing how long to let him go before one of us forced him to talk about things when Edward walked into the kitchen with a smile on his face. He looked 100% percent better than the day before, he had showered and shaved and looked as if he were going somewhere. He wished us all good morning and fixed himself a travel mug full of coffee. He picked up the overnight bag none of us had realized he was carrying and turned towards the door to the garage.

"Edward," I called to him rising from the table. "Where are you going? Do you want someone to come with you?"

"To Scotland," he said as his smile spread even wider. "I'll be back in a few days...with Bella."

As he walked out we each looked at other and smiled, Alice was the one to vocalize the question I think we were each pondering.

"Now, how exactly do we teach Seattle Society the lesson they so richly deserve? They threatened my brother's happiness and are slandering his future wife. A challenge like that can not go unanswered, can it?"

"No it can not Alice." I said and we began plot how to hit them where it would the most, their public image."

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters.

Please read & review.