The Twilight Twenty-Five

thetwilight25[dot]com

Prompt: Italy

Pen Name: maxandmo

Pairing/Main Character(s):ExB

Rating: M

Multi-chapter

Photo prompts can be viewed here: thetwilight25[dot]com/round-six/prompts

I don't own Twilight. Extra special thanks to Twilly for encouraging me to write and Sarah for beta'ing! Luv ya's! (maxandmo on Twitter and Maxandmo Fanfiction on FB)

22. Italy

Edward and Bella spent the rest of the night wrapped in each other's arms, enjoying the variety of fine cheeses, prosciutto and olives that Carlisle must have had flown in straight from Italy. They'd never seen anything like it in Seattle, and of course, the wine he bottled just for Bella was delicious.

When Bella finally told Edward about her father, he was entirely pissed off to learn what the Newton's had been holding over her head. It explained why she was engaged to such an idiot. He started to wonder how Mike's parents could do such a thing, but then he thought of his own parents with a grimace.

The difference was Mike's parents truly liked Bella and wanted to make sure she was a permanent fixture in their family and most notably their business. Edward knew his parents couldn't care less about Jessica. It was her social status that they were after. He needed to come up with a way to make them see what he wanted for once.

Bella originally thought that Edward was blinded by Jessica's beauty until he laughed when she said as much. He told her he could see how people found her attractive but that everything, including her personality, was a fraud. Edward reached out to caress Bella's real breasts to accentuate his point.

The thought of going back to Mike made Bella sick to her stomach. She made a promise to herself that she would work three jobs if she had to in order to make sure Charlie was cared for.

They both felt as if a weight had been lifted from their shoulders. As they settled into sleep, they knew that no matter what, they could face their challenges together.

...

The evening was in full swing back at the main house. Once Carlisle assured everyone that Bella and Edward were just fine, they relaxed. Jessica made her way out to the patio and demanded a special vegetarian dinner. Emmett guffawed; it was obvious the girl liked her meat.

She demanded to know where Edward was and became frustrated when no one would answer her. It wasn't until the jazz band Carlisle had flown in began to play, that she settled down. Breaking Dawn, featuring Ben Cheney, was a popular band in Seattle. Jessica had seen them many times and had even exchanged numbers...and a few other things...with Ben once upon a time.

She licked her lips and sauntered up to the stage, where she remained; attentively plotting what she would do to the music man once he was done performing. Her parents would be so proud if she could land someone like him.

Esme, Rose and Alice became close throughout the night. They were happy to hear how much Carlisle meant to her and were glad to see that she was feeling stronger. Emmett and Jasper were chilling to the music reminiscing about their high school days. Emmett had practically lived in the gym. He was a state champion wrestler and also started on the football team. His war stories could go on for hours. Jasper didn't have an athletic bone in his body and was more than happy to let his friend ramble on and on about the good old days.

Alice heard a familiar song and nostalgia clouded her features. Jasper would never forgive himself for taking someone else to his prom. He knew Alice had a crush on him but also knew that taking Maria would ensure two things; getting laid and getting fucked up by the weed she'd provide. Jasper Whitlock, reformed man-ho, thought of Alice the entire time and asked her out the following week. They'd been inseparable ever since. Alice always fantasized about her prom that never was.

Carlisle's stellar hearing came in very handy; as there were a few more things he needed to take care of for his guests. He made himself scarce and locked himself in his quarters to do some research on a Mr. Swan in the greater Seattle area. He made a few calls and was quickly filled in on the situation. Bella's predicament made sense once he learned who was financing her father's care. Once he located the facility's information, the situation was quickly taken care of, and Mr. Charlie Swan's treatment was to be paid for by one of Carlisle's many holding companies. It was pocket change for the wealthy man.

Once that was taken care of, he arranged two special evenings for his remaining guests by brainstorming with Mrs. Cope and Mr. Banner. They were immediately on board and excited to help him make their dreams a reality.

He slipped back outside and enjoyed the rest of the evening with his lady and their new friends.

The next morning Carlisle set his plan for Emmett and Rose in motion. They were served breakfast in their room and told that they had been scheduled for a couple's massage. Emmett thought that meant they had to massage another couple and vice versa. The look on his face was priceless. Mrs. Cope explained that he and Rose were the only couple that was being rubbed down, and Rose quickly chastised him by whacking him upside the head.

Carlisle spent the wee hours of the morning tending to his wildlife refuge. He found that spending time there was extremely satisfying for him and also gave him time to think.

Carlisle had mixed emotions. The more time he spent with Esme, the deeper he fell in love with her, and he was happy to have had the experience. However, there was no way he was ready to let her go in just a short time. The herbal remedy that was concocted for her seemed to have her strength increasing a little more each day. What really broke his heart was that he couldn't provide her with it once she was gone. He straightened his spine and decided not to let his thoughts damper the rest of her trip.

He hoped the tent he provided for Edward and Bella wasn't too presumptuous. He wanted them to talk with no distractions and hoped that they realized what a rare gift they'd been given. Finding one's soulmate wasn't always a guarantee.

As for the others, he was confident that they would indeed enjoy their special treats.

Carlisle was still concerned over what to do with Jessica. His concern was for naught when he found a note she had scribbled on last night's play list. Apparently, she and Ben had made such a connection, she was flying back to Seattle with him. Carlisle laughed to himself. Ben Cheney seemed to make this sort of 'connection' wherever he went. Maybe this time Jessica would get a taste of her own medicine, so to speak. He tucked the note in his pocket for safekeeping.

He lazily made his way to the cafe to bring his lady her tea. On his way, he caught sight of Edward and Bella walking back toward the main house. He quietly observed them from his vantage point. They walked hand in hand and looked absolutely blissful. Carlisle clasped his hands together in glee. He was happy that they found their way to each other regardless of Jessica, Mike, or even the fact that she had no idea her father's care was out of the hands of the Newtons.

Carlisle wished he could see her face the moment the facility offered her a job in their library. Not only could she spend more time with Charlie, she was going to get paid to read, and also wasn't going to work at Newton's anymore. It took Carlisle some sweet-talking, but Miss Angela Webber was on board with telling Bella that one of the job perks was free residential care if they should have someone in need. Miss Webber was already planning her trip to Carlisle's elusive island.

Carlisle still had to deal with Mike, but he was content letting him stew behind bars for a while longer. He needed to ask Bella if she wanted to press charges. If it were up to him, he'd drop Mike off in the middle of his wildlife refuge. However, he was leaving it up to her.

Bye bye Jessica. I was originally going to have them switch partners but then decided it was too convenient. Thanks for all your reviews...I'll take more if you let me;)