Chapter Forty Two
Bella
Carlisle came round later in the day when Jasper went off to shower and change. "Well Bella, you feeling up to coming home with us?" I nodded, "Thank you Carlisle, for everything". He took my hand, "Bella I may not get another chance to speak to you alone so I have to do it now. Please be careful with Jasper." He saw my face and hurried on, "I didn't mean it like that. I know he would never hurt you. Its him I'm worried about. He's been through a lot recently and he's very fragile. He was in quite a state when they found you and I didn't like to hear that he was crippled with pain. He's my son and I love him like the rest, so cherish him because he hasn't had much of that in his life. He needs to be protected as much as you".
I nodded, "I will Carlisle. I love him". He smiled, "I know you do Bella, just remember he's as fragile as you, just in a different way. Now" he said getting up abruptly. I think I'll get the paperwork done and perhaps Jasper will drive you home". At this Jasper came in, "Ready to escape princess?" I nodded "Please". "Can you manage to get dressed or shall I send a nurse in?" asked Carlisle. I looked at Jasper, "No I'll be OK, thank you Carlisle". He looked from me to Jasper. "Yes. OK I'll be back in a while with your discharge papers and some pain killers". When he'd gone Jasper came over and kissed me. "Need a hand darlin?" I nodded, "Could you help me get up, only I'm not sure my feet can manage solid ground yet".
He picked me up as if I were spun glass and set me on my feet. "Nice outfit" he said, grinning at my hospital gown. "Yeah latest fashion" I managed although talking was still painful. He passed over my clothes and between us I managed to dress. There was no feeling of self-consciousness with him. This wasn't a lovers hand, but a partner's help. When he got me settled in the car he drove off, but not towards the house, so where? He pulled over out of town. "Bella. I need to tell you something. I feel guilty I didn't save you from this, but I have to tell you I'll never let him touch you again. As far as I'm concerned you are mine, unless you tell me otherwise. So I will find him and I will kill him. Emmett and Peter are on his trail. If you don't want me to pursue him I'll stop but I won't like it".
I sighed, and his face fell. "You want us to let him get away with it?" "No I want to beat the crap out of him with an iron bar when you find him". That was all I could manage. He smiled, "That's my girl. I'll keep you safe and the best way to do that is to be at your side. Do you think you can handle having me there all the time?" I kissed his neck then whispered, "Well I know I can't bear to be away from you so I guess you have a full-time position". He groaned as my hand stroked his thigh. "Girl you are really pushing my control now. I grinned, "And I intend to carry on until you lose it altogether so get used to feeling this way" His eyes burned into mine as he spoke, "Bella. You know how I feel about you and after all you've done I know how you feel about me. So..." he stopped as if tongue-tied. "Well?" I grinned as I waited. "Nothing, later."
He started the car and drove to the house where a welcoming committee waited. Esme flew down the steps to embrace me, "Oh Bella darling, I'm so glad you're OK. Come in." She and Jasper helped me up the steps and into the house. The sofa had been equipped with pillows and a blanket for me and I was soon cocooned and provided with a mug of coffee. Esme took Jasper to one side and I knew they were talking about me. He nodded then came over to sit by my side and took my hand. "Esme is very embarrassed by Edwards actions and she doesn't really know what to say to you. Rose filled her in while you were in the hospital". I looked over at her and smiled. "It's OK Esme I don't blame you, or anyone else. Just Edward. He is responsible for his own actions". She came over and knelt beside me, "I'm glad you see it that way but we all feel responsible, we should have looked out for you better".
I leaned back and closed my eyes. "I'm really tired Esme, sorry". "Would you like a little privacy to rest? Jasper's study has a recliner in it or we can get a bed for you". I opened my eyes and smiled at Jasper, "I think I'll take Jaspers room if you don't mind". I was in his arms and up the stairs as she nodded. His room was bright, with a huge glass wall. There were bookcases and a huge recliner placed to make the most of the view. He saw me looking. "Too bare for you? It was my study. I spent a lot of time here once". It was then I noticed the dust on the shelves and book spines. "It's fine thanks Jasper. It suits you, minimalistic. You read a lot?" He nodded, "Yes, mainly history".
I put my head on his shoulder and he walked over to the chair, sitting down and reclining it to almost lay flat. I rested my head on his chest and took his hand in mine. "Stay". He stroked my hair, "Where else would I be?" "Stay" I instructed. "OK I get the message Princess, now you relax and try to sleep". I nodded and turned to lay my cheek against his chest. It was hard but I wouldn't have traded it for the softest pillow in the world. His hand smoothed my hair as I drifted off, enveloped by his comforting embrace.
When I woke up he was still there, in the same position. Still holding my hand and still caressing my face with his fingertips. His body had relaxed totally and as I moved my eyes I could see his were closed and his whole face had relaxed into a slight smile. "Hey Princess how you feeling now?" He asked without opening his eyes. I tried to sit up but I ached too much. He pulled the recliner slowly back up and I sat forward. "I feel much better but I really need a few minutes". His smile became brighter, "Bathroom through there" he said pointing at another door I'd missed earlier. I stood stiffly and creaked my way to the door. It seemed an awful long way off. When I got in and sat on the toilet I saw my reflection in a full length mirror hanging on the back of the door. God I was a mess! My bruises were beautiful shades of green, blue and yellow, my hair was tangled and my face creased from leaning against his shirt buttons. Princess? I looked more like the frog!