Chapter 24: The Breakdown
Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.
Also, thank you for those of who have commented and offered well-wishes in my difficult time. It means a lot to me. Writing these stories has been my strength (as silly as that sounds) and has grounded me.
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It means so much to me. More than you can imagine. These stories (this one in particular) are my babies and I adore the reviews and comments I receive. Much, much love to ALL of you!
Chapter 24: The Breakdown
Rose's sedation was lessened a few days later. The damage to her lungs was more substantial than originally anticipated. It was a mistake that was missed by a resident. Edward saw red and laid into the said resident. The damage to Rose's lungs is what caused her fever. Once that was determined, they prescribed the right medication and the fever finally broke. Emmett took the first few days off when Rose was in the hospital, but Edward, Alice and I convinced him that if he stayed in Rose's room, she'd be pissed. He reluctantly went back to work but was really cranky with his kids.
I visited Rose every day. I talked to her and told her about school, the mundane things that would make her laugh. I told her about her sub. He was a young man who was very attractive and all the eighth grade girls were in love with Mr. Drum. Mr. Drum, Rose's sub, relished in his attention. I found it to be extremely disturbing.
Despite the medication that held her under sedation was lessened, Rose still remained asleep. Her body had undergone a radical change and obviously needed to heal. I asked Edward about it, but he said that she would wake up when she was ready. It was the end of the week and Rose still hadn't waken up. I was getting really worried.
The weekend came and went. We were preparing for open house. It felt weird to not have Rose with us. She was still in the hospital, asleep. We were having our team meeting in my room, discussing what we wanted to share with the parents. Emmett was not really paying attention, Mr. Drum, Tyrone or Ty as he liked to be called, was grading some papers and Jacob was creating a math test. I was working on the power point for the team presentation. I was loading pictures onto the power point, showing the kids in various poses and our classrooms. I typed up the basic curriculum that was covered in my classes. I saved the power point and sent it to Jacob. Out of the team, he was the most focused. However, he said that school was the only positive thing in his life. I made a mental note to remind Edward about talking to Ren about Jake.
"So, is this open house thing required?" Ty asked.
"Um, yeah," Emmett said, arching a bushy brow.
"Shit. I have a date and I guess that'll have to be cancelled," he grumbled. "I thought that since I was a sub, I'd be able to get out of it."
"Ty, you are, for all intents and purposes, Rosalie Hale. All of her responsibilities are your responsibilities. You do her bus duty, handle parent concerns, attend open house, attend parent/teacher conferences and anything else that Rosalie would have done if she was not in a fucking coma and fighting for her life," I seethed. "If you can't handle it, then I'll talk to Mrs. Cope and get another sub. Are we clear?"
"Yeah, sure," he said, blinking a few times. The bell rang and the boys got up to leave. I heard Ty mutter the word 'bitch' under his breath as he left my room. I growled lightly as my one class of regular language arts class strolled in. I sent off a quick email to Mrs. Cope, requesting a meeting to discuss Mr. Drum. The rest of the school day went by quietly. I had a great class with my final accelerated class. We had a deep conversation about the virtues of vampires versus werewolves. It was humorous, listening to their arguments. At the end of the day, I went into the main office and checked if Mrs. Cope was in her office. She was and I told her about my concerns with Mr. Drum. She said that he was going to finish out the week but would not return after that. She had received several parent phone calls about his behavior in class that was deemed inappropriate.
I was driving home when my cell phone rang. I picked it up and saw the phone number for Craven Memorial dance across the screen. It wasn't Edward's number. I shrugged and picked up the call. "Hello?"
"Is this a Ms. Isabella Swan?" asked a nasal voice.
"Speaking."
"This is Aro Volturi. I was wondering if you had some time to meet with me to discuss your claims against Tracy and Trixie Middleton," he said in a slimy tone.
"I'm not available today. I have a meeting that I'm late for, but I can come in tomorrow," I said.
"What's this meeting you're going to?" Aro asked.
"It's something for my graduate degree," I answered. "Will tomorrow work for you?"
"Of course, Ms. Swan," Aro said. "Four in the afternoon?"
"Yes. That'll be fine."
"I'm on the seventh floor. I look forward to seeing you again, Ms. Swan. Have a good night and good luck with your meeting," he answered. He ended the call and I tossed my phone into the center console. Aro was such a little weasel. I didn't trust him as far as I could throw him. He looked slimy and seedy. His expensive suits were impeccable, but he wore them like a used car salesman would. His black hair was slicked back and his mustache was small and pointed. I shuddered at the mental image of Aro.
I managed to drive to the campus of the school where I was getting my masters, or rather finishing my second masters from. I sat through the two hour meeting and was bored out of my mind. I took notes and doodled on my notepad, trying anything to keep me awake. I didn't want to be there. I wanted to be at the hospital, checking on Rose. I wanted to be with Edward. Practicing…
And we practiced a lot. Every flat surface in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom had been christened. Not that I complained or anything. Okay, well my cooter was protesting. Edward really had a supercock. And the extra friction of not using a condom was delightful when we were in the moment, but caused me discomfort when we weren't. It was a welcome change to actually have sex with a man and not a vibrator. Though it really wasn't sex. It transcended 'sex.' What Edward and I did truly was making love. He was always concerned about my needs. He was gentle. He was experienced and he knew how to make me come. Every fucking time. Hot damn.
Is it hot in here or is it me?
I was driving home from my meeting when my phone rang again. It was Edward. I picked up the cell phone. "Hi, handsome," I smiled.
"How are you doing, gorgeous?" he asked.
"I think I lost a few brain cells. But I turned in the first half of my practicum binder. My advisor said I'd get my grade in a week or so," I said dryly. "Do you want me to pick up some dinner?"
"Actually, could you swing by the hospital? Rose is awake," Edward explained.
"What? When?" I squeaked.
"About an hour ago. I sent you a text, but apparently you didn't get it."
I pulled my phone away and saw that I did have a new text from Edward, Emmett, and Alice. "Shit. My phone was on vibrate in my bag and I didn't realize. I'll be there in a little bit," I said. "Love you, Edward."
"Love you more, beautiful girl," he responded and the call ended.
I drove to Craven and parked in the parking garage. I rode up the elevator to the burn unit and was met by Emmett, Alice, Jasper and Edward. He held open his arms and I gratefully fell into his hug. He kissed my forehead and we swayed back and forth. The burn unit doors opened up and Rose's parents came out. They were smiling and appeared to be more relaxed. Roberta looked at me and told me that Rose was asking for me. I looked up at Edward and he kissed my lips chastely before I headed into the burn unit. I looked at the nurse's station and was grateful that Tracy was not there. I knocked lightly on Rose's door and she called for me to enter. Her usually clear voice was raspy and low from disuse.
"Hi, Rose," I smiled. "How are you feeling?"
"Like total shit," she answered honestly. "I just had an exhausting conversation with my parents and the doctor. I'm in shock."
"You look pretty damn good for being in shock," I chuckled.
"I haven't seen the damage," she muttered darkly. "Can you get Edward in here? I trust him. The doctor that was assigned to me was a bit of a jackass and reminded me of Royce."
"Yeah, let me call him," I said as I took out my phone. I dialed his number and asked him to come into Rose's room. A few moments later, Edward came in, wearing the requisite gown over his dress shirt, tie and dress slacks.
"How are you feeling Rose?" Edward asked, smiling warmly.
"Edward, you tell me. Don't beat around the bush. Tell me what's wrong and be honest," Rose said, her eyes flashing with fire. "Show me my legs."
"Before I show you your injuries, I'm going to explain them to you and what your recovery will entail. I'm assuming you don't want me to sugarcoat?" he asked.
"Fuck no. The doctor who was talking to my parents and me was a jagoff," she seethed.
"He's not the best. I'm sorry," Edward frowned. "So, not beating around the bush. Your legs and feet were burned. They are classified as third degree burns. A majority of the burns are below your knees and on your feet. You will have to get skin grafts to repair the damage. However, before you can have the grafts, the dead skin will have to be removed," he frowned. Edward then explained the process of the removal of her charred skin. I held onto Rose's hands as Edward told her what she would have to endure. A lone tear fell down her cheek as she listened to the prognosis.
"Do you want to see the damage?" Edward asked quietly, taking Rose's other hand. She clamped her eyes shut and nodded. Edward went to put on a pair of latex gloves and he lowered the blankets that covered her legs. Gingerly, he removed the dressings. "Rose?"
He removed his gloves from his hands and cupped her cheek. I wrapped my arms around her neck, trying to give her the strength. "You can do this, Rose. We're here for you," I whispered in her ear. She took a deep breath and looked into my eyes. I gave her a smile. "We'll look together. No matter what, you'll be fine."
"Okay," she whispered. She broke my gaze and we both looked at her legs. I was shocked and appalled at the damage. I bit back the overwhelming feeling to vomit. Her legs were charred and black. Rose let out an ear piercing scream. She reached for her legs, scratching at the dead skin.
"Rosalie," Edward said, capturing her face with one his hands and holding her hands with other. "Listen to me. Listen to my voice. You will be fine. Please stop fighting me."
"I'm fucking ruined, Edward," she said as she fought against his hold. "I'm a freak. They're useless." Her eyes kept looking at her legs.
"Rose, look at me. Look at my eyes," he said coolly. His eyes captured mine and he pleaded with me. I gently covered her legs with a blanket so she wouldn't see the damage. "If you don't calm down, I'll have to give you another sedative."
"No! No! No!" she begged. "I don't want to sleep. Please, Edward. I'm afraid."
"Rose, you will not die," I whispered.
"Not dying. That the fire will get me," she murmured. Her eyes dropped and she stopped wiggling against Edward's grasp. He released her, but held her hands in his, restraining her.
"Has a counselor come to talk to you?" Edward asked, his voice soothing her.
"No," she said in a tiny voice. "It won't help. My legs are fucked up."
"Do you know my story, Rose?" Edward asked.
"Sort of," she answered. "You were in some sort of car accident and were gravely injured."
"Yes," he took her hand and placed it on the back of his head. "Do you feel that?" Her fingers moved in his hair and she felt the plate in the back of his head. "I had a shunt and I have a plate in my head. I couldn't walk, couldn't talk, couldn't do anything for myself for six months. I had to relearn everything. That took a year. I'm still not as 'sharp' as I should be. My processing is slower than most. I also don't have a spleen and a kidney. Do I look like a freak?"
"No," she whispered. "You look normal."
"But I have my scars. Bella's seen them," he said, glancing at me. "Do you think that she thinks that I'm a freak?"
"No, she loves you," Rose said. "But who will love me?"
"Emmett," I answered for her. "He's been here every day, just like me. We've all been here for you. We all love you, Rose."
"How can he love me? I have charcoal briquettes for legs," she spat.
"Rosalie Hale," I seethed, "Stop it. Emmett has been worried sick about you since you were brought in. He's been here every day and didn't leave until Alice, Edward, Jasper and I threatened him because he smelled like cheese that had been left out in the sun too long."
"Bella, that's just gross," Rose laughed.
"It's true, Rose. He was foul," Edward agreed.
"But, he's been wanting to be with you every moment of every day," I answered. "He loves you. Despite your injuries."
"Even if I'm scarred?"
"Even if you're scarred," Edward responded. "Hell, my abs look like a road map and Bella puts up with me."
"Stop it, Edward. The scarring on your belly is nearly translucent," I chided. "Back to you, Rose. Do you want me to get Emmett?"
"He's here?" Rose squeaked.
"Yes," I smiled. Rose's eyes filled with tears and she nodded emphatically.
"Bella, why don't you get Emmett and I'll redress Rose's legs," Edward said. I gave him a smirk and kissed Rose on the cheek. I walked out of the room and into the waiting room, informing Emmett that Rose wanted to see him. He hopped up and ran into the burn ward like a shot. I sat down next to Alice and she put her arms around my shoulders.
"She's going to be okay," Alice said with certainty. "Perfectly fine."
A few tears slipped from my eyes. "Her legs were…"
"I know, Bells. But she'll be fine. I just know it," Alice said with resolve.
Edward came out a few moments later and his cheeks were pink. He looked like he had been crying. I looked at him, furrowing my brows and he mouthed that he would explain later. Alice and Jasper suggested that we go out for dinner and I was about to say no when Edward suggested that we all go together. I arched a brow and he shrugged. We headed down to the main entrance. Edward had to get his bag from his office and he said that he'd meet us at the restaurant. We ended up going to a Mexican restaurant, Front Street Cocina in downtown Sherryville.
We were seated immediately and Edward slid into the booth as soon as we were given our drinks. He looked a little frazzled. He kissed me lightly and pulled me against his side. I leaned up and hissed in his ear, "Are you okay?"
"Not really. We'll talk when we get home," he said sadly. He buried his nose into my hair and inhaled. "I love you, my beautiful girl."
"I love you, too," I whispered.
"Okay, enough, lovebirds," Alice chastised. "Why don't just fuck on the table and get it over with."
"Mary Alice Whitlock," Edward growled.
"Come on, you two need to have the sex. It's a wonderful thing," Alice laughed. "Right, Jasper?"
"The best ever," he drawled.
"Alice, our sex lives are none of your business," I said, crossing my arms. "If we had it or didn't have it, it's our prerogative to tell you or not tell you."
"They did it," Alice squealed. "It's about damn time."
"Where's the waitress? I want my meal to go," I joked.
"Oh, come on, Bella," Alice laughed. "You both were on the masturbation train for too long."
"Alice," Edward hissed as he ran his hands through his hair. "For the love of God, woman!"
"Really, where's the damn waitress?" I said, narrowing my eyes.
"Alice, darlin', please stop. You're making Bells and Eddie uncomfortable," Jasper said. "Besides we have our own news to share."
"What news?" Edward asked. "And don't call me Eddie."
"Well, we were going to wait, but…" Jasper began.
"We're pregnant!" Alice shrieked as she bounced in her seat. "You're going to be an auntie and uncle!"
"Wha…? When?" I squeaked.
"Baby was conceived on Fourth of July," Alice said. "You want to see pictures?" Before waiting for an answer, she went into her purse and pulled out several ultrasound pictures. Their baby was tiny in the photos.
"Alice, congratulations!" I smiled. I reached across the table and grasped her hand. She continued to bounce on her seat. Jasper wrapped his arms around his wife, willing her to calm down. Edward was sitting and he wasn't saying anything. His eyes had glazed over and he had a slight frown on his face. I reached under the table and caressed his knee. He jumped and looked into my eyes. His grass-colored orbs were filled with so much sadness, pain, anguish. "Hey, Ali?"
"What's up, Bella?"
"I'm really feeling pretty lousy. It came on suddenly. Migraine," I lied, surprisingly easily.
"But…" Alice wailed.
"Loud noises don't help, Alice," I said. I opened my purse and threw down some money onto the table. "I'll see you tomorrow at school. Bye, Jas. Congrats, Daddy." I gently nudged Edward and he woodenly got up from the booth. I took his hand and led him out to my car. His eyes were dead. His posture was defeated. I opened up the car and before I could usher him into the passenger seat, Edward crushed me to his chest. His face was buried in my hair and I felt his tears against my blouse. I couldn't imagine why he was…
He was going to be a daddy. Tanya was pregnant when she died. Oh, no…
"Edward? Can you drive?" I asked as I ran my fingers through his hair. He shook his head no and I could feel him trembling. "Okay, come on. Let's get you home." I gently pried his tight hold from my body and helped him into the car. I got into the driver's seat and backed out. I laced my fingers with his and we drove home. He looked so lost when I glanced at him. So lost. So defeated. The man sitting next to me was not the man that I knew and loved. He was the widower who had his life ripped apart. I pulled into the driveway, parking in the garage. I took the spot that the Volvo usually resided. When I turned off the car, Edward made no effort to move. He was just sitting in the passenger seat. I got out of the car and helped Edward into the house. I dragged him to the couch in the family and sat him down. "I have to make a few phone calls and then we'll talk. Will you be okay, Edward? Do you need anything?"
"You," he whispered as fat tears rolled down his cheeks.
"You'll have me in ten minutes. I need to call the police to inform them that your car is going to be in its spot overnight and we're taking tomorrow off. We've been through the ringer and…" I said as I ran my fingers through his soft hair. "Ten minutes, tops." He wrapped his arms around me and clutched me to his chest. The air in my lungs whooshed out. I squeaked as I braced myself against him. As quickly as he grabbed me, he released his hold. Edward kicked off his shoes and curled up on the couch, laying his head on his knees. I frowned as I took out my phone, stepping into the living room. I called the police and took care of Edward's car. I then called Mrs. Cope, informing her that I would be taking a personal day tomorrow. I'd send sub plans in an email to Maryann and to Emmett. I also contacted Carlisle and informed him about Edward and that he was going to take tomorrow off. He had a sudden, but violent case of the stomach flu. I know that Carlisle didn't believe me when he asked if Alice told us about the baby. I blushed and said that she did today at dinner. Carlisle than arranged for Edward to be off until the end of the week. After finishing my phone calls, I went back into the family room to Edward.
"Baby," I whispered. "Talk to me. Please?" Edward was shaking uncontrollably and when he raised his head, his eyes were glazed over and blank. "Do you want your meds?" He blinked and didn't answer.
I started to get up and he pulled me into his lap, straddling his waist. "Three. That's how old my child would have been if…if…" he wailed.
"I know, Edward," I said as I held him to my chest. He sobbed against my body. I felt so helpless. I just held him. I held him until my feet fell asleep. I held him until his sobs quieted to soft whimpers. I just held on, giving him all my love and support that I could. I was so afraid that it wasn't enough. I told him that I loved him and that we would have babies. It was at that point that I decided that I wasn't going to continue with the shot. When I was due for my next one, I wouldn't take it. If I got pregnant, great. If not, then we'll work on it for the future.
When Edward had calmed down enough, I sat back on the couch. I gently pulled Edward forward and laid his head in my lap. I played with his hair as we sat on the leather sofa. "Edward? Are you feeling better?"
"Not really. However, the shakiness is gone," he said weakly. "I don't feel like I'm going to jump out of my skin. Thank you."
"I understand why you reacted the way you did, but I'm surprised at the force," I said.
"That's what I was for the six months after her death," Edward murmured. "I wasn't human. I was just a shell of a man, going through the motions."
"Edward?"
"Yes, beautiful girl," he replied as he looked up at me. I bit my lip and blushed. Now's NOT the time, idiot.
"Nothing," I said, brushing it off. I so want to make him happy. Telling him that I wasn't going to continue with birth control would make him happy. Wouldn't it?
"It's something if you're biting your lip," he said, releasing my lip from my teeth.
"I took tomorrow off. I also called Carlisle and you're off too," I said quickly. "It's been crazy and we both need mental health days, yeah?"
"Okay," Edward said, arching a brow. "That's not what you're thinking, but I'll let it slide. I'm too exhausted to think."
"Do you want anything to eat? We didn't get a chance to have dinner," I asked.
"No appetite," Edward mumbled, looking at his fingers.
"Not even for chocolate cake?"
"Cake?" Edward asked, his eyes sparkling slightly.
"I think I have the fixings for my mocha chocolate cake," I smiled. "You can lick the bowl."
He snorted and got up. "I'd rather lick you," he teased.
"How about I pour the batter over my body and you can go to town?"
"Sounds like the perfect plan," he said, hugging me tightly. "Thank you, Bella. I don't think I would have gotten through Alice's surprise without you. I love you beautiful girl."
"I love you too. However, are you okay with Alice's announcement?" I asked warily.
"I'm happy for them. Tremendously happy for them, but it opened some wounds," he said with a sad look in his eyes. "My own child."
"Did you want a boy or a girl?" I asked as I pointed to him to sit on the stool at the island. I gathered the ingredients and necessities for my cake.
"I didn't honestly care as long as the baby was healthy," Edward answered.
"I know you are just saying that," I said, quirking a brow.
"A girl. I wanted a girl," he blushed. He lowered his eyes and a few tears slipped down his cheeks. "I'm just afraid that the time has passed for children…"
"Why?" I asked, my brow furrowing. "Do you not want children with me? I know we're just dating, but I want kids too. We've spent a fair share of practicing."
"Bella, of course I want children with you. I just remember all of the hassles that Tanya and I went through to get pregnant. Her infertility issues," he sighed.
"Edward, please don't freak out," I whispered.
"Too late," he replied. "What?"
"In my mind, I always had this notion of what my life would be like when I reached a certain age. A twenty-five, I'd be married and have 2.5 kids and a dog. However, that changed drastically. I got married at twenty-six, with no children and no dog. My dreams didn't come to fruition. Also in my mind, I wanted to be married before I had kids. But, now, I don't care about being married. The only thing that matters is you. Your happiness. I can see how much you want to have children, Edward. You'll be a fantastic father. Hell, you've stepped in a fatherly role with Jacob and to some extent with Emmett. Anyhow, I'm rambling. What I'm trying to say is that after the shot that I got from the gynecologist wears off, I'm not going to ask you for another one. And we'll keep doing things as it is, if you want," I said quietly, blushing furiously.
"What are you saying, Bella?" Edward said inaudibly.
"I want to have your children," I replied, looking into his jade depths.
"Bella…"he said gently. He blinked a few times and his eyes filled with tears again. He got up from the stool and he crushed me to his chest, kissing my lips roughly, but sweetly at the same time. He kept kissing me and I could feel him smile against my lips. "Really? You want to have babies with me?"
"Cute little bronze haired children with green eyes," I said against his mouth.
"I was hoping for brunette babies with chocolatey brown eyes," he said, picking me up and setting me on the counter. "I love you so much, Bella. I can't imagine my life without you."
"Then don't," I answered simply. Edward smiled and he picked me up, wrapping my legs around his waist. He easily carried me upstairs and we practiced making our hypothetical babies.
xx AFS xx
Edward and I spent all morning making love and staying tangled in the sheets. I finally ventured out of bed, much to Edward's chagrin around one because I had to get ready for my meeting with Aro. Edward furrowed his brow and asked what it was about. I told him that it was related to the situation with the Middleton sisters. He asked me if he wanted to go with me, but I insisted that he stay home and rest. We had gotten very little sleep the night before and he was emotionally spent. Honestly so was I, but I couldn't really do much about it.
I left the house to head to Craven. Edward told me to be careful around Aro. He always had something up his sleeve. I agreed whole-heartedly. He was an evil little troll who needed to have his head examined. I rode the elevators to Aro's office and was met with a young woman who was impeccably dressed in his lavish office. She introduced herself as Renata and that she was Aro's personal assistant. I explained to Renata that I had an appointment with Aro and she told me he was running behind and would be here in a few minutes. Renata instructed me to sit down and wait for Aro. Her violet eyes were penetrating and she had a slight sneer on her otherwise attractive face. Lovely.
About fifteen minutes later, Aro breezed in with a grimace on his face. He grunted a greeting to Renata. She pointed toward me and he snarled. "Ms. Swan, in my office," he commanded.
Rude, much?
I got up and adjusted my sweater and dress pants idly before walking into Aro's office. His door was slammed shut and he looked at me with an evil sneer. Then it morphed into something different. His face grew darker and almost seductive. "I can see why Edward is taken with you. You're quite attractive, Ms. Swan."
"Um, I'm here to discuss the situation with Tracy and Trixie," I said, fumbling for my words. "Have you spoken with them?"
"Yes," Aro sighed as he took out his file folder. "They said that Dr. Masen was putting the moves on them. They also said that you and Dr. Masen were engaged in sexual relations in his office on company time."
"We never did such a thing," I huffed. Actually, we did. But that's not the point.
"I can overlook these infractions that Dr. Masen has done, if you do me a favor Ms. Swan," Aro smiled as his eyes trained in on my breasts. I self-consciously crossed my arms over my chest.
"Obviously, you have other things on your mind, Mr. Volturi," I fumed. "If you are not going to take my claims seriously, then I will speak with the other members of the board. Perhaps they would be more receptive to my plight and to your inappropriate actions."
"What would that be?" Aro growled.
"You were blatantly staring at my chest and insinuating that Dr. Masen and I had sexual relations on the campus of the hospital," I listed.
Aro got up and sat on the edge of his desk, leaning forward, in my face. "Listen to me, little girl. I did none of those things," he spat. His eyes bore into mine and he licked his lips. Without provocation, his slimy lips were on mine and I nearly fell out of my chair. I turned my head away and slapped him with my hand. He grabbed my hand and stopped me from slapping him again. His fingers tightened around my wrist and he leaned in again. I shot out of the chair, ripping my already sore wrist from his steely grasp.
"I can't believe you just did that," I whispered. I stood up and backed out his office. Aro stood watching me, his mouth scraping the floor. I clumsily opened the door and darted out of the stifling office. I tried to walk calmly to the elevator but my heart was going a mile a minute. I stopped a random doctor and asked for Dr. Cullen's office. He said it was a floor down and I went immediately to talk to Carlisle.
"Can I help you?" asked Carlisle's assistant.
"Is Dr. Cullen available? It's something important I need to speak with him about," I said in a shaky voice.
"Is Dr. Cullen expecting you?"
"No. I'm Isabella Swan and I was just upstairs meeting with…" I said, swallowing back bile, "Aro Volturi. Something happened and I need to tell him."
"Okay, dear," she said as she gave me a wary look. "Dr. Cullen? Isabella Swan is here to see you…Of course…I'll send her right in. Go ahead." She pointed to the door and I thanked her with a smile. I walked into Carlisle's office and he was sitting at his desk.
"Hi, Bella," he said with a friendly grin. "What can I do for you?"
I looked at him and the tears streamed down my face. I collapsed on his sofa in the office and began rubbing at my face and arms, trying to get Aro's sweaty feeling off my skin. He got up and sat next to me and pulled me into a hug. I cried into his shoulder, drenching his designer suit coat. I cried for a few moments before calming myself to actually talk. I pulled away, sniffling. "Aro…"
"What about him?" Carlisle asked, concern in his blue gray eyes.
"He crossed a line with me. I went in for a meeting about my issue with the Middleton sisters and…and…damn it, I can't even say it. I feel so dirty and gross," I wailed.
"He didn't rape you, did he?" Carlisle asked, his gaze hardening and his nostrils flaring.
"What? NO! He kissed me," I said, looking at my fingers. "His slimy, worm-like lips kissed me and then I slapped him."
"Was it just you in the office?" Carlisle asked.
"Unfortunately," I sighed. "But it doesn't negate the fact he touched me without my permission."
"This just happened?"
"About ten minutes ago," I said.
"We need to play this carefully. This could be what gets him ousted as CEO of Craven," Carlisle said. "The rest of the board is tired of his shenanigans. However, are you okay?"
"No. He grabbed my wrist. The one that I've jacked up a few times," I said. Carlisle took my hand and he gingerly felt around the bones. He proclaimed it slightly sprained and he said he'd get me a wrap. He then called down to security and had me tell the head of the security department what happened to me and with whom. The head of security was shocked and appalled, but not all that surprised. While I was talking with him, Carlisle was on the phone. With whom, I had no idea, but his conversation was quite heated. An hour after my whole ordeal, Carlisle guided me out his office and I was met with a worried Edward. Well, a worried, pissed off, ready-to-kill-Aro, Edward. He embraced me tightly, not saying a word, but his hold was unwavering. I started to ask him how he got here, but my question was cut off with his lips caressing mine. Edward's mouth felt so much better against mine than Aro's. His lips were soft and full, not slimy and thin like Aro's. His kiss erased the grime of the CEO's mouth and I felt more at ease. Edward pulled away and his green eyes looked so upset.
"Are you okay?" he asked in a strained voice.
"I feel dirty," I said, shuddering.
"Understandable. I feel dirty just standing near him," Edward replied with an angry smirk. "Did he do anything else? Other than kiss you?" I held up my wrist that had been wrapped by Carlisle. "That fucker. I'll kill him."
"Edward, don't. Please. I need you…" I whimpered. "I can't…just can't even imagine if…"
"I'm sorry, love. So sorry. I should have been there with you," he muttered as he crushed me to his chest.
"Edward, you couldn't have known," I said, putting my hand on his scruffy cheek. "Come on. I'm tired and I have to work tomorrow. Open house and all."
"I love you, Bella. We will make Aro pay for what he did to you," Edward seethed. "No one touches you without your permission."
"The only person I want touching me that way is you. Your mouth. Your hands. Your…well, you know what I mean," I blushed.
"You are the only woman I want to touch that way. Ever, baby."
"Let's go home, please? I have this overwhelming need to shower," I said with a shudder.
"I'll wash your back, Bella. I love you."
"I love you, too, Edward."
A/N: So, Aro is a tool. Rose woke up and is freaking out. Bella and Edward want to make beautiful babies together. Alice and Jasper already made babies together…leave me love. More love = faster updates. Please and thank you! MUAH!