Chapter Fifteen: Sing with the Radio
Bella's POV
I forced my eyes open as I reached blindly for my phone on my table. I squinted at the screen, seeing an unknown number popping up. I sighed in annoyance before ignoring the call and laying back down again. But, when the same number called two more times, I decided to just answer the phone.
"Hello?" I barked. It hadn't been a very good nights sleep and I looked at the clock. One in the morning.
"Bella?" A familiar voice asked so I perked up a little bit. "Hi, it's Jasper. Edward's friend."
"What's going on?" I asked very alarmed as I threw the covers off me and stood up and began pacing. "What's wrong?"
"Edward's in the hospital." He whispered and my entire body went numb. "He was at some hotel and got himself beat up pretty badly."
"Hotel?" I asked. "Why would he...what hotel was it?"
"The Marco Polo Motel somewhere in the city." He sighed. "Anyway, he was knocked out when someone finally called 911. I just though you'd like to know."
"What hospital?" I asked, trying to keep it together. I didn't need to give myself a panic attack before I knew exactly what happen. Jasper gave me the information and I quickly pulled on some sweatpants and a sweatshirt. I pulled my hair into a bun and put my glasses on before going down the small hallway to Ava's room.
"Mommy?" She asked sleepily.
"Mommy has to go do something, so I'm going to take you into the big house to sleep." I told her, trying to keep calm. I couldn't scare her, that would just add to the drama. I pulled her coat on and grabbed her hand, pulling her downstairs. I used my key and let us in, leading her upstairs to my old bedroom.
Once she was asleep again, I walked down to my parents room and turned the light on. They both groaned annoyed and sat up, but their faces softened when they saw me.
"What's wrong?" Dad asked as he shot to of bed. "Ava? Is she okay?"
"She's asleep in my old room." I assured them and they both sighed in relief. "Dad, I think Jake beat Edward up."
"Why?" He asked as we sat down on the bed.
"Because his friend just called to tell me he was in the hospital, out cold." I explained. "And the ambulance got him from the hotel Jake was staying at."
"I'm going to see what's going on." Dad sighed as he grabbed his work phone from his bedside drawer. Mom crawled over to where I was and held me, trying to calm me down. I laid my head on her shoulder and she stroked my hair, just like she did when I was pregnant with Ava. It always calmed me down and it still did the trick.
By the time dad came back into the room, I was starting to feel sleepy again.
"They're holding him at the precinct." He sighed. Dad was the Chief of Police at the station closet to the city. I figured Jake would be there since he was in the city when this happened, and I was grateful he was where Dad could take care of him. "I'm going to go deal with him."
"Dad," I sighed.
"I don't care anymore, Bella." He snapped. "He hit you and now he's beating up other people? Bella he knocked Edward out, you really think he's safe to be around."
"But...Ava." I cried.
"Bella, he's dangerous." He told me. "He hits woman, he beats up random guys. Who knows what he could do to that little girl." He whispered, choking up. I sat with Mom for a few seconds, just letting what dad said sink. I had provoked him and maybe Edward had too, but...Edward didn't deserve this.
"I'm coming with you." I told him, standing up. "And don't tell me no anymore."
"I was going to ask if you wanted to come." He laughed as I hugged him. He stroked my back, letting me know everything would work out.
"Watch Ava?" I asked turning to my mom and she gave me a smile and nodded. Dad and I walked downstairs and got into his police cruiser, driving off towards the precinct. Dad and I drove silently, I was just too angry to make small talk like we usually did when we were in the car together.
Once he pulled into the parking lot, I jumped out of the car and ran into the building. I had grown up here and I knew everyone my father worked with. They were my father's best friends, the people who would take a bullet for. When I slammed the door open, I saw Harry jump at his desk.
"Bella?" He asked sleepily.
"Where's Jake?" I demanded to know.
"The cell," He whispered, pointing towards the back door. I heard my Dad walk in as I charged over to where he was being held. Greg jumped when I slammed the door shut.
"What the fuck is wrong with you?" I asked as I banged on the bars. Jake sat up on his small cot and rubbed his eyes, clearly confused. "You're such a fucking dick!"
"Bella," Greg warned.
"Stay out of this!" I yelled, turning back to Jake. "You put someone you don't even know in the hospital, Jacob!"
"He hit me first!" He defended.
"Because you deserve it!" I yelled. "You don't even know him Jake!"
"It was self defense."
"Bull shit!" I yelled. "You're never going near Ava again." I threatened. "I promise, you're never going to see her."
"What happened to being selfless for your kids?" He asked. "What happened to she's miserable when I'm not there?"
"She'll get over it." I seethed, but on the inside I was feeling terrible. I so badly wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt for our daughter, but I just couldn't do it anymore. "Don't you get it? You're dangerous and I can't trust you with her."
"I'm sure that'll be great for her, Bella. Finding out her father is in jail." He snapped. "How will you explain that to her?"
"I'll figure something out. Just like I figured something when she asked me why you don't stick around. Why you're always leaving her."
"She...she asked you that?" He asked, and I could literally see his heart breaking.
"Of course she did. You're always coming and going." I sighed. "You're not getting out so easy this time, Jake."
"I can pay my bail." He shrugged.
"Yeah, let Daddy bail you out again." I laughed. "Just because you get bailed out of jail, doesn't mean Edawrd won't press charges."
"Ohhh, I'm so scared."
"You should be because if the court sees you as a danger, they won't let you see Ava." I told him darkly. "And if you go near her, then I'll call the cops and have you arrested." I told him and turned around to leave.
"Bella!" He called. "Bella please." He begged. "She's my entire world. Don't take her away."
"You should have thought about Ava before you broke my nose, and beat Edward unconscious." I whispered as I walked out of the room.
"Bella!" He called angrily as I shut the door to the room. I leaned up against the door, my legs barely keeping me up. Everyone was right. Jake was the monster he feared he'd become. Somedays, I understood why he acted the way he did. His father wasn't exactly a saint and his mother nursed her pain away with a bottle of whiskey each night.
But, I couldn't wonder if every time he drove off with Ava, if she was going to be safe. I would go crazy with doubt if I let him into her life again, so I had to do this. I had to be strong for my daughter and I had to be selfless, because I don't know what I'd do if she got hurt because of him.
"You're doing the right thing." Harry whispered. Harry and my father worked together right out of the Police Accademy. Each time one got transferred, the other went with him. They were best friends and Harry was like a second father to me. He was at my elementary school graduation and he was there when Ava was born.
He knew everything about what'd I'd been going through. Just like my dad did.
"My daughter's father is a monster." I cried. "What am I going to do?"
"What's important is that you are protecting her." Dad sighed as he walked back into the room. "Ava is safe. And you're safe. You'll figure everything else out later."
"I wanna go see Edward." I cried. "Please."
"Sure," Dad nodded as he grabbed his keys.
Dad dropped me off at the entrance of the hospital, promising he would get Ava up and ready for school if I stayed long. I thanked him and got out of the car. I walked up the long walkway before entering the hospitals main lobby. I looked at the sheet of paper I'd written Edward's room number on and began looking for the right hall.
I finally found his room, and hesitated before knocking. If he wasn't awake or if Jake had done some real damage, I'd never be able to forgive myself. I heard a faint 'come in' after a few seconds and I took a deep breath before opening the large door.
"Hi," I smiled at the two guys sitting in chairs in front of his bed. They looked exhausted and I smiled at the thought of them sitting with him all night.
"He hasn't woken up yet." Jasper said. "They have him on some pretty high pain meds, so it should be a while." He explained and I nodded before walking next to his bed. My eyes filled with tears as I saw him lying there, his face bruised and cut up. I smiled at the small, white cast on his nose and remembered when he saw me with the same cast a few weeks ago.
"Is he...okay?" I choked out, turing towards Emmett and Jasper.
"Yeah," Emmett nodded. "He has a concussion and his face is going to need time to heal, but he's gonna be fine."
"Do you know why he was there?" Jasper asked. He didn't look happy, and I didn't blame him. I'd be upset too if this was Alice or Rosalie.
"My ex boyfriend was staying there until he found an apartment." I shrugged and they both looked confused. "Edward showed up and I told him that Jake kissed me earlier that night. I guess Edward went there...to defend my honor or something."
"Edward would do anything for you," Jasper whispered and I couldn't help but smile. I'd only met these two a few times, but what Edward's dad said to me rang in the back of my mind. They were joined at the hip and there was no breaking them apart. And they clearly told each other everything, just like Alice, Rosalie, and I did.
"Edward would climb the highest tower or slay any beast to keep the woman he loved safe." Emmett laughed.
"Woman he..." I stopped, this wasn't the time or place to discuss this. I sat down in an extra chair next to his bed and just waited. I sent my mom a text, telling her I wouldn't be home to get Ava home and sent Mrs. Hale a text, saying I needed the day off. I just held his hand and tried not to cry.
I hated this. I hated that Jake so easily hurt him and that Edward was there because of me. I was beginning to think telling him about that kiss was a giant mistake. But, I didn't want t hide anything from him. Because we wouldn't have a real relationship if there were secrets.
"I need coffee." Jasper said as the sun began peaking through the window. "And then I gotta go home, I have an early patient."
"I'll stay with him." Emmett offered. "Mark can handle my clients today." I looked down at Edward again and stood up. I began to pace the length of the room, and finally I just broke down.
"This is all my fault." I cried.
"He's the one who decided to go to that guys apartment and threaten him." Emmett smiled. "Don't beat yourself up over it."
"He went over there because of me." I remind him. If this had happened to one of my friends, I wouldn't want anything to do with me. "It was my ex-boyfriend he beat up."
"Bella?" I heard Edward whisper, his voice scratchy. I rushed over to him, glad he was finally awake. I held him while he told us why he'd gone there tonight and while he asked about work. I knew he was upset about missing work, but I knew he wouldn't be stubborn about it. He needed to be better to work with the kids or he'd drive himself insane.
He finally asked Emmett for some privacy for us, and he graciously gave it to us. He looked up at me, his beautiful green...eye...still sparking at me even though it was all bruised.
"You can talk. I'll listen." He said softly.
"Don't you ever do that to me again." I cried as I felt tears streaming down my face. "Do you...know how scared I was when I got a call from some random number, telling me you were in the hospital because you'd been beaten? I thought you were mugged or...worse even."
"I'm sorry, but you deserve better."
"Yeah, but I can't have you if you're unconscious!" I snapped. "And you...you are my better."
"He just...I want you to be happy and I can tell how unhappy you are. Because, after everything, you still harbor feelings for him."
"Edward,"
"It's okay. I understand, but you should be treated like a princess, Bella. You should be with someone who never wants to let you go." He said. "And I get that you loved him and that you have a connection with him because of Ava," He stopped. "But...I want you all to myself."
"I know,"
"And I really don't know what I thought I would prove by going there earlier," He smiled. "But I just wanted him to feel the way he made you feel all the time. I wanted him to be in pain and to know that he can't keep doing this to you. Because there are repercussions in life."
"I'm glad you went," I smiled softly. "Because everyone was right."
"About what?"
"That I was putting myself and Ava in danger by not pressing charges when he hit me." I admitted to him and I didn't miss the small smile on his face. "And when I heard where the ambulance picked you up, I knew Jake was the one who did this to you...and if he could do this to someone he didn't eve know then who knows what he'd do to me."
"I'm glad going there had some good effects." He said, bringing his arm up and caressing my cheek. "Because..."
"Edward?"
"I'm falling in love with you, Bella." He whispered and I could feel my heart rate picking up. "Despite everything. Despite you being a single mom. Despite Jake and him showing up. Despite the fact that he...kissed you. I'm falling in love with you."
"I'm scared." I told him. Because the last person to say that left me with a broken heart and daughter. "I know you're nothing like him, but last time someone said that to me..." I took a breath. "I ended up knocked up and alone."
"I would never hurt you, Bella. Why can't you see that?"
"I want to see that. Just...give me some time. Because you're the guy Rosalie, Alice, and I talked about finding one day. You're the guy we pictured ourselves walking down the aisle to."
"I'll give you all the time you need." He said "As long as you chose me."
"I promise." I giggled as the door to my room opened. I looked over and saw Edward's mom standing there, looking worried and tired.
"Edward Antony." She started as she walked over to us. "You scared me half to death."
"Mom?" He asked, clearly confused. "How did you know?"
"Jasper called me after he got the call." She told me. I decided it was time for me to get myself a cup of coffee, and probably go home so I could get some sleep myself. I said goodbye and grabbed my things before walking out the room. I called my mom and asked her to get me on the way home from dropping Ava off at school.
I waited until the next Friday to go see Edward again. We were still talking on the phone, but I wanted to him him the time he needed to heal. He had his mom with him, I didn't need to bother them. But, after a week of not seeing him, I was going a little crazy so I decided to dress up a little and pack a dinner for us.
I pulled out my bright coral jeans I never wore and a grey top and shoes to go with it before packing a basket. Once I was ready and Ava was with my parents, I got into my car and drove over to his building. I saw Mrs. Masen walking out the front door and decided to wait until she was officially gone to go upstairs.
I knocked loudly and took a deep breath when I heard him moving around inside. When he opened the door, I gave him a soft smile. He looked adorable in his flannel PJ pants and white t-shirt. This was as casual as I'd ever seen him.
"Hey," He smiled at me. "What's up?"
"My parents offered to take Ava tonight." I told him. "I thought I'd come over and cook you dinner so your mom could have a night off."
"That's very sweet of you." He stepped aside, letting me inside. I put the things I'd brought with me on the counter and turned to look at him.
"What?"
"I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have let Jake kiss me."
"Bells, I didn't go over there because he kissed you." He explained. "I mean, it wasn't great hearing that, but like I said before he shouldn't get to treat you the way he does. He kissed you because he thinks he can get away with anything when it comes to you and he doesn't care who it hurts."
"How's you eye?" I asked after a long pause. "It looks better."
"Mom has me put ice on it like clockwork." He told me and I believed it. She looked like the type to baby her kid, even if he was an adult living on his own. "It's feeling better. And so is my nose."
"Edward?" I asked as I walked over and stood in front of him.
"Yeah?"
"I'm falling in love with you too." I whispered and I heard his breath catch. This was a big step for me, but I was so glad to be taking it with him. I saw him leaning in and I took a deep breath. Bracing myself for what was going to happen.