Disclaimer- Stephenie still owns the usual suspects.
I own my original characters and original story.
*This parallels chapter 62 of V&V 'Badass Bella & Commencement Exercises'. Please read that before attempting this.
Enjoy!
****************************LRM**********************************
Chapter 62 – A Watershed Moment for the Rap Star
I looked into her beautiful brown eyes. "I knew I'd make it back to you." She said in a hoarse whisper.
At the sound of her voice, the rest of the world, along with all the shit that we'd endured for the past day melted away, leaving just Bella and I.
I fought the urge to sway with relief. "Oh Bella." I said, holding back my tears. "I'm never going to be able to leave you again." I choked out. "It's just not possible." I was able to get the words out before leaning down to carefully kiss her right cheek.
She studied my face. "I'm sorry." She whispered. "I'm so so sorry." She repeated as the tears filled her eyes.
"Sweetheart, please don't cry." I tried to soothe.
"Bells, the most important thing is that you're back and you're safe." Charlie said with authority.
"Dad" She whispered as she turned to look at him. "I can't believe I was so stupid. I should have called someone." She choked out.
"Bells, you thought Pops was sick, I would have done the same thing." Emmett added.
Bella looked at him dubiously.
Charlie spoke up again then, "Bells, you should be able to drive to Forks without fear of some bastard abducting you. The ranger is to blame here, not you."
She nodded. I hoped that was the end of the matter. Bella had no reason to feel guilty.
She looked at me again. As I looked into her eyes, I was reminded of everything I would have lost if the Ranger had been successful in his attempts.
"Are you real?" Bella asked me.
I smiled. "I've been asking myself that same question for hours."
We just sat there looking into each other's eyes, not needing to speak.
Charlie cleared his throat. "Come on Emmett and Rose, let's go check out that cafeteria."
"Pops, Bells just woke up I want to…umph." Emmett started to speak, but was cut off.
"We'll be back in a little while." Rose said as they left.
I couldn't tear my eyes away from Bella's beautiful bruised face to watch them go.
I cupped her right cheek with my hand. "Oh Bella, I didn't think I'd ever see you again." I said sorrowfully.
She pulled me down into a careful hug.
I will never take these moments for granted again.
"I love you so much." She whispered.
"As I love you." I answered.
The feel of Bella safe in my arms and the overwhelming joy that came along with that feeling pushed all other thoughts and feelings aside. They could be dealt with later.
When we finally pulled back to look at each other, Bella studied my face. She ran a fingertip over the dark circles under my eyes. "You look tired."
The truth was, I was bone weary. When I finally went to sleep tonight, I had no doubt that I would sleep like the dead. As long as Bella slept nearby, I would be content.
I pressed my hand over hers, trapping it against my cheek. "How do you feel?" I asked.
"Thirsty."
Of course, what was I thinking?
I poured her a glass of water, and watched as she winced when she curled her lips around the straw.
For the next little while, we sat together, not saying much, just enjoying the feeling of being close again. In the silence, I found myself counting her breaths, every one of them precious to me.
Too soon, Charlie, Emmett and Rose returned. I was grateful that they thought to bring us food. "Have you eaten anything today?" Bella asked me.
It was a ridiculous question, knowing what the past almost twenty-four hours had been like for all of us.
Luckily, Bella's lunch consisted of soup and crackers, something easily digested after her ordeal. Even so, because of her injuries, I watched as she struggled to chew.
Every moment of her discomfort makes me hate that fucking Ranger even more.
I saw her reach up and trace her fingertips over the bruises on the left side of her face. "Do I even want to see myself in the mirror right now?" She asked.
I couldn't look her in the eye. To me, she was just as beautiful as ever, but I doubted she'd see it that way.
"Probably not Bells." Rose answered with a smirk.
I worried that she would be upset when you saw her bruised and swollen face. My hope was that she'd be able to get past it. After all, there were no permanent scars.
It wouldn't have mattered to me if there were. Just to have my beautiful girl alive and safe in my arms was enough. The fact that there would be no lasting physical reminders of the hell she went through was a gift.
"You're beautiful Bella." I remarked softly as I leaned over to kiss her head.
"You should be proud of your injuries, especially since I hear you gave a lot worse than you got." Rose interjected.
"Oh yeah" Bella said. "Your boots came in handy."
Rose smiled.
"Did they find the ranger?" She asked. "Please tell me he didn't escape."
Damn it. This is definitely not the way I want Bella to find out about the Ranger's death. I don't think she's ready.
Just when I thought there would be no escape from Bella's hearing the truth, my parents along with Alice, Chris and Jasper arrived back in the room, effectively changing the subject.
Thank God.
They fawned over Bella for a while before Dad asked her a few questions about how she was feeling. Bella mentioned that it hurt to breathe. The thought of her in pain renewed the anger I felt for that bastard, but I couldn't let Bella know. Instead I just rubbed her arm and stood by feeling useless.
I had completely forgotten about Lou's mother until Bella asked Sidney about her.
Evidently Lou was feeling guilty about leaving Bella. There was no reason for him to take this upon himself, especially since I was the jackass who gave permission.
Bella turned to me. "Edward, I want you to call Lou. Please tell him that none of this was his fault."
"Only if you take your own advice and stop feeling guilty." I answered with a grin.
She sighed and gave me a small smile. "I'll try."
And I'll try and do the same.
A few minutes later, Jasper pulled me aside for a word. "Edward, you won't believe what's going on outside."
"What?"
"We went out to lunch, instead of going to the cafeteria. On our way back inside, we noticed an entire bench near the entrance, filled with flowers and little gifts. They're all addressed to you and Bella."
I gave him a puzzled look.
"You know Alice and Chris, they couldn't resist stopping and talking to the small group of people gathered there. It seems that there has been a steady stream of well-wishers coming by the hospital since details of Bella's ordeal got out. Some people just dropped gifts and left, but some others have waited around. "
"Why?"
"At first I thought maybe they just wanted a glimpse of you, but I now think they're waiting to hear that Bella's okay."
It had been one hell of a day, during which I'd spent the last few hours trying to suppress the hatred I felt for a dead man in order not to upset my girl. She'd been through enough and didn't need to worry about me.
Hearing that people had taken time from their busy day to stop by and wish us well, expecting nothing in return, truly touched my heart and made letting go of the hatred a little easier.
I asked my Dad to go outside and reassure them that Bella is doing well.
A short time later, Bella received the first of many flower arrangements. It wasn't long before the room began to look and smell like a flower shop. Rose spent the balance of the afternoon reading the cards and announcing the sender's names. "I'll have you know that this beautiful arrangement is from none other than Dirty Harry himself." Rose was grinning from ear to ear. Charlie was out of his seat like a shot to investigate.
We made the decision to have most of the flowers taken to a nearly nursing home, keeping the special ones, such as the arrangement sent by Duke and the plant sent by Dorothy. At one point in the afternoon, Bella and I were on the verge of simultaneous heart attacks when an arrangement of yellow carnations was delivered, only to find out that they were from WIRI, and that one of Bella's co-workers was an idiot.
Bella thankfully was able to laugh it off.
"You know Bella, this is nothing compared to what's going on outside." Emmett announced as he gestured toward all the flowers. "I swear that every one of Edward's Seattle fans have left flowers and notes outside for you both. Originally they were leaving them at the front desk, until they got in the way. So now one of the benches outside has become the official spot for the public to deposit their gifts."
She smiled. Every time she smiled a small piece of my anger and resentment was chipped away, never to return.
When Bella whispered that she needed to use the restroom, I started to let down the side of her bed. "Bella, stop right there." My mother directed as soon as she realized what was going on.
"Gentlemen would you all step into the hall. Bella needs to get out of bed and we need to preserve her modesty as best we can." My mother wasn't asking, she was ordering.
Bella had a look on her face which was at the same time both amused and touched by Mom's announcement. I watched as Charlie, Chris, Emmett and Jasper scurried from the room.
"That means you too Edward." Mom demanded while Alice and Rose tried to contain their laughter. Bella looked forlorn.
She doesn't want me to leave any more than I want to go.
"That's not going to happen Mom." I said as I crossed my arms over my chest.
When Bella reached up to grasp my folded arm with one of her hands, I saw my mother's eyes soften before giving us a small smile.
The smile disappeared as soon as Bella threw back the covers and we all got a look at her legs.
"It's okay. Rose remembers when I had worse." Bella announced, once again more concerned with our feeling than her own.
Rose closed her eyes, letting out a breath as she nodded.
"Bella" Alice stopped her "Before you go in there, we wanted to prepare you."
I knew what was coming; it was necessary, but still hard to watch.
"Huh?" Bella asked.
"Here" Alice said as she handed Bella a small mirror.
Bella looked at her reflection for a long moment before handing the mirror back to Alice. I watched her face for any hint of an imminent breakdown. "Actually, judging by the way I feel, I kind of expected worse." She remarked quietly.
Hands down, the most amazing person I've ever known.
"Are you okay?" Alice asked me while Bella was in the bathroom.
"A lot better than I was last night." I said quietly.
She patted my arm comfortingly. "Take care of yourself Edward; remember you've had quite a shock to your system. We all have." She trailed off.
Father Pat's arrival was a surprise, although it shouldn't have been. I knew that the Swan's thought of him as part of the family, and evidently the feeling was mutual.
Soon after Father Pat's arrival, most of our family left. They had lived through this ordeal with us, and every one of them was in need of a good night's sleep.
That left Charlie, Father Pat and me sitting with Bella. A silence fell over the room, and I knew what was coming next.
Bella obviously sensed something, because she looked at Charlie and asked, "Now that there's just us here, can you tell me what's going on?"
Charlie glanced at Father. "I'm glad you came up Father, I may need a little moral support." He then looked back at Bella as I held her hand.
He cleared his throat. "Bells, I have something to tell you."
Her entire body tensed at his words.
"The ranger is dead Bella. He died as a result of injuries he sustained in the crash." I knew Charlie had been agonizing over telling her this as much as I had.
Bella glanced at me as I squeezed her hand.
"I .. I … oh no." She whispered as she pulled her hand away from mine, and placed it over her mouth. "I think I'm going to be sick." She announced. I helped her out of the bed and followed her into the bathroom.
This may be it. This may be Bella's breaking point.
The entire fucked-up situation of the past twenty-four hours and the weeks and weeks leading up to this have finally proven to be too much.
I felt so helpless. All I could do was stand behind her and rub her back as she retched, wishing the entire time that it had been me who killed the Ranger.
I had selfish reasons for wishing I'd done it, but at that exact moment my only reason was to have been able to relieve her of the burden she now carried. Knowing Bella as I did, I knew this would eat at her. She would brood and worry over this until it was all-consuming.
I knew all about that, because that was one personality trait we had in common.
"Oh gross" She said when she realized I was behind her. "I'm sorry." She looked up at me with pleading eyes.
Will she never understand how deeply I love her?
"Bella" I said with a sigh "would you please stop apologizing."
I stayed with her as she brushed her teeth with a dazed expression. Once she was back in the bed, she covered her face with her hands and wouldn't look at any of us. "I know he was evil, and part of me is glad he's gone, but I didn't want it to be by my hands." She said as she softly cried. "I took someone's life. I'm a murderer..." She whispered.
She wouldn't let me take her hand, it hurt, but I understood. "I can't. I can't." She chanted.
"Edward, why don't you take Father Pat down to the cafeteria for a cup of coffee?" Charlie suggested. "I need to speak with Bella for a few minutes."
If it hadn't been for the pleading look in Charlie's eyes, I wouldn't have been able to leave her. Instead, I acquiesced and kissed the top of her head before following Father Pat through the door.
We ended up drinking coffee from a vending machine and sitting in a waiting room at the end of the hall. I made sure that I could see Bella's door from where I sat. After thinking that I'd lost her forever, I still wasn't ready to be too far away from her. I would probably never be.
Just then I saw a nurse scurry into Bella's room, and only Father's grip on my forearm kept me from following.
"Let them sort things out Edward." He said in a low voice.
I settled into my chair then, taking note when the nurse left the room no more than a minute later.
"Why did Charlie want to speak with her alone?" I asked.
Father pursed his lips. "Without betraying Charlie's confidence, let's just say that, as a police officer Charlie may have particular insight into what Bella is feeling at this moment."
"Out of the three of us, he undoubtedly has the most credibility in this matter, unless there's some deep dark secret in your past that I'm unaware of Edward." Father was trying to lighten the mood.
I glanced down at the fading scars on my wrists before looking up into his eyes. "I've never taken a life Father, but as Bella no doubt told you, I did attempt to take my own." I'd given Bella my permission to confide my secrets back when she was seeking guidance from Father.
He nodded slowly. "Fortunately you were unsuccessful." He remarked. "And if memory serves, that desperate act was the thing that prompted the young lady to tell the truth about what happened to her."
"That's true." I'd never thought about that. I looked him in the eye again. "As horrible as all of that was, it was nothing compared to last night." My voice broke. "I thought I'd lost her Father, and I had no plans to continue living if I had." My shoulders slumped as I dropped my gaze to the floor in front of me.
"Oh dear." He was quiet for a moment as he thought. "Edward, let me ask you something."
I looked up at him again. "If your places had been reversed. Suppose you had been kidnapped. Suppose you had been killed, heaven forbid, but just suppose. Would you have wanted Isabella to end her life in despair?"
My heart clenched at the thought of Bella being so distraught that she would end her own life. The image of a still and lifeless Bella that had haunted my dreams came back to me then. I drew in a deep breath. "No, I wouldn't. I couldn't." I admitted.
"Then what makes you think for even a moment that Bella would want you to do such a thing?"
"She wouldn't want me to do that." I answered quietly.
"So you would do that for purely selfish reasons, without consideration of her feelings?" He probed.
I am an arrogant selfish prick.
"I never looked at it that way, but I guess that's true." I rubbed the back of my neck in agitation.
"Edward, I'm not here to accuse or condemn you." He said softly. "I'm not here to listen to your confession either; you're not even Catholic for heaven's sake." He chuckled then. "It just seems that Bella's memory would have been better served in some other way."
He sighed.
"Be that as it may, I thank God that things turned out the way they did." He smiled then.
"Do you think Charlie will be able to calm her down?"
He nodded. "Yes, I do. Isabella's family members approach situations in different ways as I'm sure you've noticed. This particular instance doesn't call for Rose's sledgehammer approach." He said with a chuckle. "Or the big over-protective bear that is Emmett." He grinned. "Or even your professions of undying love aren't exactly what she needs to hear at this moment."
He's probably right. I don't think I'd know what to say to her.
"No, I think her father's calm, direct honesty will have the most positive affect."
We'd finished our coffee, and given Charlie more than enough time to talk. I was anxious to return to my girl.
As soon as I opened the door and saw Charlie hugging her to him, I felt like I'd intruded. "Should we come back later?" I asked.
"No" She answered. "I would say you have perfect timing."
Father Pat and Charlie didn't stay much longer after that.
Finally, Bella and I were alone.
Maybe it was the fact that I was now able to relax after the most stressful day of my entire life, and was feeling a little punch-drunk, but for some reason as soon as Bella made a move toward the bathroom to take a shower, the horny teenager in me decided to make an appearance. "Need any help?" I asked as I wiggled my eyebrows.
She laughed and flinched.
Shit. I forgot laughing is painful.
"I'm sorry sweetheart." I said as I moved to her side.
"It's okay, just don't make me laugh." She answered, smiling. "And Edward, thank you for flirting with me. I appreciate the gesture."
Gesture?
"What do you mean Bella?"
"It's just that I know how awful I look, it's nice of you to pretend that I'm attractive right now." She answered.
"Bella are you accusing me of being insincere?"
"No..I…"
"Sweetheart, I never say anything I don't mean." I was dead serious. "Bruised or not, you are still the most beautiful woman I've ever known. Inside and out." I traced her swollen lip with my finger as I spoke. "I love you so much Bella, I will always want you. Unfortunately, I think I'd find you sexy even if you were in traction." I chuckled.
Or in a coma.
She giggled. "Perv"
That was the fucking truth.
"Guilty" I said with a grin.
When it was my turn in the shower, I stood under the spray with my forehead leaning against the tile wall letting the hot water work its magic on my sore shoulders. Within minutes, I could feel the tension finally leave my body.
It would be quite a while before we were both completely back to normal, but I had no doubt that we'd get there.
I dressed in the scrubs Dad had provided, brushed my teeth and exited the bathroom to find my beauty waiting in bed. I wished I'd had a camera to record the expression on her face because Miss Swan definitely saw something she liked.
"Well hello Doctor." She said playfully.
"Ah yes, Miss Swan" I said smoothly as I took her hand. "I must confess that I'm not a real doctor, although I have played one in the movies." I shot her my Hollywood smile.
"When?" She asked with a smirk.
Touché.
"Okay, you got me. I haven't actually ever played a doctor. But I'd be willing to play doctor with you." I answered with a grin.
Gotcha.
I could see her trying to hold back the laugh, and immediately felt like a tool for causing her pain.
Again.
"I'm sorry sweetheart." I apologized. "I can't seem to help myself. I'm so happy to have you back." I kissed her gently, hoping I didn't hurt her lip. "I'll just be over here where I can't cause you any more pain." I said as I moved toward the sofa.
Something akin to a growl sounded from Bella's throat. It both surprised and thrilled me.
"Get your ass back over here. If I have to stay in this damn hospital overnight, I can at least have you with me."
"Bella.." I argued weakly.
"Edward, I spent hours thinking I may never see you again. I need you here." She said as she patted the space next to her on the bed.
I have been misreading things all night. I feel like such a prick. My only excuse is sheer exhaustion.
"I know sweetheart." I moved back to the bed and climbed in beside her. We both lay down and I pulled her against me. "Better?" I whispered.
She nodded.
"I'm very lucky." I heard her say after a while. "He admitted he was going to kill me."
Although I knew it already, it was still difficult to hear. That someone, anyone would want to harm Bella was beyond my comprehension. I felt Bella's body shudder in my arms.
"Are you cold?" I asked. She shook her head and began to cry softly. I rubbed her arm in a comforting gesture.
After a moment I whispered, "Are you okay sweetheart?"
"I was so afraid Edward." Her voice was so small and sad.
I wrapped my arm around her, pulling her closer. "Me too Bella." I admitted.
She drew in a shuddering breath. "I hate him so much. I hate him for what he did to me, for what he was going to do to me, for trying to take me away from you." She sniffled. "I hate him for making me do something that will bother me for the rest of my life."
I held her tighter.
"I'm not that person. I'm not violent, and I hate that he forced me to do that."
"That's just it sweetheart, he caused all of this. It wasn't you. It was never you. I love you so much Bella, we'll get through this together."
I sighed. "I hate him too. I hate what he did to you. I hate that even though he's dead; he still has this power over you."
She seemed to relax then. "Thank you Edward."
"For what sweetheart?"
"For loving me." She breathed.
I chuckled. "Oh my beautiful girl, can't you see that I never had a choice in the matter?" I kissed her gently on her cheek. "Sleep."
We lay there quietly for a long time; eventually she drifted to sleep, while I sang in her ear. I lay there for a while listening to Bella softly snore, something she rarely did, so I had to assume it was caused by exhaustion.
Everything I ever needed or wanted was here in my arms, and I knew I would never take a single moment with her for granted again. We were given a second chance for a reason, and I had no intention of wasting it.
All that I am
All that I ever was
Is here in your perfect eyes, they're all I can see
-LRM—
During the night, I was awoken by a loud, irritated throat clearing. I peered over Bella's shoulder to see a nurse standing there with her hands on her hips.
"Mister Masen, that bed is for the patient, alone." She whisper-yelled.
No way was I moving.
"I'm sorry nurse…"
"Campbell."
"Nurse Campbell, I don't intend to move from this spot until Bella wakes up" I whispered. "Please don't ask me to. If you'd been through what I have, you'd understand." I said in a broken whisper. "I can't be away from her."
She relaxed her stance as I spoke. "Well, I suppose I could look the other way considering she's being released in the morning."
I smiled at her in the dim light. "Thank you."
I wrapped my arms tighter around Bella and fell back into a dreamless sleep.
-LRM—
The next morning, Rose stopped by before going on to work. After she left, Emmett and Charlie stayed around to help take Bella home. My family had sent word that they'd be coming by the apartment later.
Two police officers arrived to take Bella's statement. Bella relayed every detail of that horrible day and night, beginning with the phone call. When she got to the part about her abductor breaking the car window and grabbing her while she attempted to fight him off, Emmett's face dropped to his hands.
When she spoke of that bastard hitting her multiple times, my fists clenched involuntarily and I saw Charlie's jaw flex. He was good at masking his emotions, but there were cracks in the façade when it came to Bella.
When she told of waking up in that car and making the decision to fight, I just about choked with pride.
Father Pat arrived just as the police were leaving. Charlie, Emmett and I left the room in order to give Bella some time with him. Charlie stayed talking with the police as Emmett and I made our way downstairs. We walked outside, Emmett walking further down the sidewalk while I made some necessary phone calls.
First thing on the agenda was a call to Lou. I assured him that he did not need to feel guilty for anything that had happened. It took some convincing, but after a while I could hear the relief in his voice. He asked when he was needed back, I told him Saturday morning for Bella's graduation would be good, but only if his mother was well enough for him to leave.
Next was a phone call to Alec. Bella had mentioned at least once her desire to still attend the graduation ceremony. To that end, I needed Alec to do several things, not least among them was to get clearance for Bella's bodyguard to accompany her at all times if she decided to attend. I told him to contact Wendy or Kyle if he had any difficulty and to assure the University of the rather sizeable donation which I intended to make the next week.
After my calls, I went in search of Emmett only to find him chatting with a couple people near the flower-covered bench.
There were no screams or cheers as I approached just smiles and looks of recognition. I smiled gently at the people gathered there. "Hello everyone."
"How's Bella" an older woman standing at the front of the group asked.
"She's doing well." I saw everyone smile then. "I wanted to thank all of you. What you've done" I said as I gestured toward the flowers. "What you're doing" I said as I gestured toward them. "I can't tell you how much it means to us. We're all feeling a little battered at the moment, but this has touched our hearts more than you know."
I stood there for a few more minutes talking with the crowd. No one asked for a photograph. No one asked for an autograph.
As Emmett and I made our way back to Bella's room, Charlie stopped us in the hallway and pulled us into that same waiting room that I'd shared with Father Pat the night before.
"The police have found the cabin." He informed. "It was an old abandoned ranger cabin." Charlie swallowed visibly. "I'll know more later, but judging by the shit they found inside, he was definitely planning to torture her." He paused. "And kill her." He whispered.
"It's only a matter of time before it's all over the news so.."
"I'll tell her before she sees it Charlie." I assured quietly.
He nodded. "Also, they've determined he acted alone."
-LRM—
Once we arrived back at the apartment, Bella relaxed for a while before I sat her down to discuss what the police had discovered. Again she surprised me with her calm demeanor. "Edward, you seemed surprised that I'm not freaking out."
I nodded silently.
She sighed. "I never doubted for a moment what his intentions were. The fact that they've found the physical evidence of what he intended doesn't upset me or even intrigue me. I would however like to know why. I can guess at it, and that may be all we will ever know, but I'd like to know more if the police discover anything."
"Well, at least we know he acted alone." I assured.
She took a deep breath. "Yes, I already thought that, but it's reassuring to have it confirmed."
That afternoon while Bella napped, I pulled out my laptop. My curiosity had gotten the better of me, and I needed to know what was being said about us on the internet.
A Google search of Bella's name led me to several news blurbs about her kidnapping and escape. I clicked on one, only to find a host of one of the National News Channel programs giving her take on things:
The latest word is that Isabella Swan has been released from the hospital, and is resting comfortably at home after her abduction and subsequent escape earlier this week. We're hoping to have a statement by tomorrow from the Swan family, or Bella's fiancé Edward Masen.
As details emerge, it is becoming clearer that Isabella exhibited inhuman strength in her fight to get away from her captor. It was something that no one who knew her would have expected from the petite brunette who is only days away from receiving her degree from the University of Washington.
The screen changed to show an interview with a fellow student at UW.
"She's always so quiet. Keeps to herself most days. I've only seen her with two friends, and her bodyguard of course." The girl finished with a giggle.
A second person spoke then. "She used to seem scared to death of everything. That's changed in the last few months, but I never would have expected her to fight the way they're saying she did. Good for her."
After that, I Googled my name. Several of the same postings showed up that had for Bella. I scrolled past them until a new one entitled "Masen Rap"caught my eye.
I read the description: Edward Masen argues with cop. Video reminiscent of 'The Bed Intruder Song'.
Fuck my life. Just fuckit.
My finger hesitated above the mouse button for a second before pressing it.
A reporter came on the screen; she actually looked legitimate at first…
I so deserved what came next. It was my payback for being an asshole to that policeman. She began her fake report as the video screen behind her showed me confronting the police officer. I had to admit that it was a work of video genius, with the police and yours truly supplying the rap vocals. I was raving like a fucking lunatic.
Who was in the car they found?
Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you,
In this state we have laws, we have laws.
You have to wait just like everyone else.
What the fuck; What the fuck;
What the fuck; What the fuck;
What the fuck fuck fuck
What the fuck is wrong with you?
I sat in stunned amazement as I watched. The looping video made my waving arms look as if I was attempting to fly.
I groaned as I watched.
Who was in the car they found?
Who? Who? Who? Who?
Sounding a bit like 'Who Let the Dogs Out'
Who was in the car they found?
Who? Who? Who? Who?
Mr. Masen, MisMister Masen. Please return to your vehicle.
What the fuck; What the fuck;
What the fuck; What the fuck;
What the fuck fuck fuck
What the fuck is wrong with you?
Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you, wouldn't tell you.
We have laws, we have laws, we have laws laws laws.
I'm dying here. I'm dying. I'm dying here.
Who was in the car they found?
Who? Who? Who? Who?
That just bought you a trip. A trip to the back of my squad car. My squad car. And that just bought you a trip to the back of my squad car.
Again, the repetitive video had the officer cuffing me over and over and over. The grimace on my face said it all.
Asshole, asshole, you stupid fucking asshole.
Echo: "You stupid fucking asshole."
Oh my God. I'm in auto tune hell.
I knew that if Bella ever saw this, she'd feel sorry for me because I was so visibly upset. On the other hand if Emmett saw it, which I knew would, he'd crucify my ass.
I cringed and closed my laptop, not able to handle another second.
I had Bella back. They could release as many embarrassing videos as they damn well pleased.
-LRM—
On Friday, I asked Jasper to put together a statement and have Kyle read it to the news media. It was short and sweet. Thanking the public for their concern, and asking their consideration during this time.
It was Friday night. Bella had made the decision to attend the graduation on Saturday. I didn't like the thought of being separated from her, even if only for a couple of hours, but I was so proud of her. Proud of her for graduating, and proud of her for wanting to attend.
Tonight though, I was on a mission. I was determined that Bella would let me see the bruises she'd been hiding for two days. I'd already set the vitamin K cream on the nightstand in preparation.
As I waited in bed for her, I realized that I was sitting there staring at the bathroom door expectantly. Not wanting her to think I was any more of a freak than she already did, I ran to the living room and pulled the first book my fingers touched from the shelf.
When she exited the bathroom, I pretended to be reading, but couldn't help looking up at her to smile.
"Heavy reading for this late in the evening don't you think?" Bella asked with a smirk.
"Yes it is, that's why I wasn't really reading it. I just didn't want you to know that I'd been staring at the door waiting for you to emerge for the past fifteen minutes." I blurted out.
She laughed before snuggling beside me.
I leaned down to kiss her while fingering the hem of her shirt. "Too many clothes" I mumbled.
"Too many bruises." She countered.
She has an answer for fucking everything.
I kissed her nose. "How about you let me be the judge of that." I said as I attempted to pull her shirt over her head.
Bella's body stiffened. I stopped pulling. "Come on Bella, I want to help. Let me see."
"Please" I whispered out a plea.
She sat up and with closed eyes, nodded before lifting her arms above her head. I wasted no time removing the shirt and tossing it aside. I kept my face in an unaffected mask, but inside I was dying.
To say the bruises were worse than I expected would be painfully accurate. Obviously her face and torso had taken the brunt of the Rangers hits. I wished for a moment that he hadn't died so that I could beat him to death with my fists.
I shook that thought away, knowing it wouldn't help Bella's situation. By this time, she'd covered her breasts with her arms. I needed to get her to understand that this was about me taking care of her. Nothing more, nothing less.
Bella allowed me to take care of every bruise, kissing each one before applying the cream. How I wished that she could wake up the next day, every bruise having magically disappeared overnight, but that wasn't going to happen.
After I was finished with her back, she rolled over and lay there looking up at me. I leaned down and kissed her lips. "I hate that you're hurting Bella. I wish it could be me instead." I whispered.
She ran her fingers through my hair. "I'll be as good as new soon enough."
I drew a breath. "If anyone were to ever hurt you again, I don't think I'd be able to stop myself from killing them." I whispered.
It was the absolute truth.
"Then I'll have to make sure I stay safe." She whispered back. "I love you Edward."
I applied the cream to the front of her body then, just as before, holding back the emotions that were trying to break free. I didn't know what to say, so I settled on telling her that I loved her over and over.
We slept again that night contentedly in each other's arms.
-LRM—
As I looked out over the crowd of graduates taking their seats, I could have sworn I caught a glimpse of my girl waving up to me.
Probably my imagination.
All around me, our family members were chattering away to each other. I could hear Alice, seated on the other side of Jasper talking away to Chris and my parents, who were seated immediately behind us. Jasper sat silently on one side of me, while Emmett had insisted on sitting on my other side.
I had my suspicions as to why, but hoped against hope that I was wrong.
For a while he was kept busy talking to Rosalie or Charlie. When there was a lull in their conversation, he turned to me with a shit-eating grin on his face.
"Edward, Edward, Edward" He said looking like a smug bastard. "The star of stage, screen and Internet."
Shit. I knew this was coming.
I heard Jasper snickering beside me. I turned toward him. "Traitor" I accused with a glare.
Rose leaned around Emmett to face me "Don't let him bother you Edward. We saw the footage first before we saw the rap video." She then reached over and placed her hand on mine. "It was hard to watch you suffer like that. I know how much you love her."
I patted her hand. "We were all suffering Rose. Thank God it's over." I smiled.
She smiled a relieved smile. "Amen to that. If I wasn't pregnant right now, I'd suggest we all go out and tie one on." She grinned.
Emmett stuck his head between us, facing me. "That's real touching there Grandmaster Flash, but I was trying to make a point before I was so rudely interrupted."
"What point was that?" Rose asked with a smirk, egging him on.
"Why, I'm glad you asked my love." He told her with a grin. "I was going to tell Edward that I never knew he had a penchant for rapping" Emmett continued. "How'd that go again? Oh yeah." Emmett said before he stood and began to sing that hideous rap, word for fucking word, flapping his arms and looking like a jackass.
Because of the foul language, he earned a few glares, but also a lot of thumbs ups from the people seated around us.
I tried to be angry with him, I really did, but as I watched him happily mimic the video, I couldn't muster the negative feelings. I was just too damned happy. What had been easily the lowest moment in my life had been transformed into something completely ridiculous. I couldn't stop the laughter from bubbling forth. My laughter caused a chain reaction as everyone in our group melted into inappropriate guffaws at the precise moment that the graduation ceremony was beginning. It wasn't so much the rap that brought on this moment of shared giddiness, but the fact that we were emotionally at a place where we were able to laugh about it.
Bella had survived. Everything was going to be okay. More than okay, everything was going to be perfect.
-LRM—
Finally, it was time to hand out the diplomas. I applauded politely for each graduate, more enthusiastically for Bella's friends Tara and Joanna, and was on my feet cheering when they finally announced my beautiful girl's name.
I wasn't alone. I fully expected our family members, especially Rose and Emmett to be on their feet cheering and whistling, but imagine my surprise when a lot of the spectators and graduates followed suit.
I watched Bella make her way across the stage while ducking her head slightly out of embarrassment. The crowd continued to cheer and clap and I took note that Lou stayed close without being conspicuous.
Bella was amazing, beautiful and smart, and probably one of the bravest people I'd ever known. She deserved this. She deserved for people to know a bit of the real her, rather than what the tabloids have presented for the last few months.
Even though it made her slightly uncomfortable, I hoped that Bella realized that this adulation was for her and her alone. Once again, my pride in her knew no bounds. I would always be humbled by the fact that she had agreed to spend the rest of her life with me.
Now, to make sure that she never sees that ridiculous video.
What am I thinking? Somewhere out there, at this very moment, some asshole is probably manufacturing t-shirts with photos of my unfortunate incarceration displayed on the front.
Emmett's probably already ordered his.
I sighed and shook my head at the thought.
***********************************A/N****************************
A/N Song Rec: None, because I never actually quoted The Bed Intruder Song.
although there is a snippet of 'Run' by Snow Patrol.
Poor Edward…I had to find a way to bring his 'emo' down a notch.
Next up is V&V. Already halfway done and so far it's as fluffy as a bunny. Watch for a sneak peek of V&V. Thanks ahead of time for your reviews.*hint hint*.
Facebook for everything else. Begging for nominations at the 'Avante guard awards' then if I'm nominated, I'll be begging for votes. ; )