Chapter 19: Healing Hands
"Alright, Jasper," Edward spoke with a soothing tone, his smile comforting. "Let's start by checking your vitals and listening to your heart. Sit up for me." He helped me adjust. "There we go. Sorry for the cold hands." He apologized.
His voice was deep but soft enough to caress my damaged heart, to soothe the parts of me that were broken. He cradled my face with his caring hand as he placed the cold stethoscope against my neck and gently leaned me forward with the other. I could have sworn I felt him brush me on my cheek with his thumb. Was he discreetly comforting me?
I felt a sense of relief as he placed the cold stethoscope against my chest, its presence a reminder that I was in capable hands. Edward's focused gaze and gentle touch put me at ease. As he listened intently, I could almost imagine the sound of my own heartbeat resonating through the tubes of the stethoscope, like a reassuring melody.
While he listened to my heart, Edward simultaneously checked my pulse, his fingers finding the rhythm beneath my skin. I could sense his concentration, his professionalism shining through every movement. It was comforting to know that someone was paying such close attention to my well-being for a change.
"Man, that heart is racing in there." He smiled. He gave the nurse the numbers.
After my heart examination, Edward put the I blood pressure cuff on my arm and moved to turn on the automatic blood pressure monitor. The tightening squeeze of the cuff around my arm and the slow release of pressure created a familiar sensation. I watched as he observed the readings on the monitor, his trained eyes capturing the information that would help determine my condition.
"Ah." He grimace. "It's down some, but we definitely need to get it down some more."
Beth quickly recorded the reading and, and with a confident and smooth motion, he propped his leg on the bedrail.
"Jasper, do you have an appreciation for music?" He could sense that my anxiety was growing.
"I do."
"Are you musically inclined, Jasper?
"Well, I do a little something." I was feeling a bit shy.
"Really? That's great! So, what's your flavor?" He was distracting me trying to get my anxiety to take a hiatus.
"Funk rock, actually."
"No way!" I smiled a him. He was genuinely excited. "That's awesome! I'm impressed. Please, do tell me more. I'm all ears."
"You kin?" He didn't strike me as the funk rock type.
"Absolutely! In fact, my Dad gifted me two tickets to see 'Blink' on their world tour next year. They are going to be in New York."
"Righteous!" I said laughing. "Serious fire!"
As I chuckled, a pang of sadness washed over me. James had stripped me of the ability to enjoy such fun experiences. The thought of attending concerts or hanging out with friends seemed like a distant memory. Music had always been a source of joy for me, and I longed to regain that freedom and spontaneity in my life.
Edward's vibrant presence and well-rounded nature provided a much-needed distraction from the heaviness that had been weighing on me and my family for the last twenty-four hours. As they engaged in their own conversations, temporarily liberated from the burden of my problems, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Grateful for this light-hearted moment, I seized the opportunity to delve deeper into our connection.
Intrigued by his impeccable taste in music, I eagerly asked Edward about his favorite artists."
"Who's your favorite?"
"Allum'!" he exclaimed with enthusiasm, causing both of us to burst into laughter. "But of course, I love the olds….Jimmie Hendrix, Bowie, Aerosmith, and RHCPs!"
"Nice," I responded, nodding in approval. As Edward continued to work, his hand inadvertently grazed a tender spot on my neck, causing me to wince momentarily.
"I'm very sorry," Edward said softly, his touch becoming more focused as he massaged my neck. He promptly informed the nurse about the situation, instructing her to make a note that I would need a neck scan.
"He's already had one," the nurse informed him.
"Okay, good," Edward replied. I had to admit. I was taking some sort of pleasure from his skilled hands. Even if the massage wasn't really a massage and just a medical exam. It felt good to my sore neck. "Make a note for Dr. William's to see if he needs a referral to the spine clinic."
She nodded and wrote that down.
"Is everything alright?" I asked, feeling worried. His touch uncovered hidden physical reminders of James' abuse in my neck.
"Well, you sustained some trauma not only to your head, but to your neck as well and probably your spine. It feels like there are bulges and knots. We need to investigate further to make sure you're okay, or if you will need further treatment," he explained, reaching for a light. "Please, lie back and relax for me."
I complied.
"Bright light for a minute." Edward meticulously examined my eyes, nose, and ears. He then placed his thumb next to my lips on my jaw.
"Open for me, please." He requested, politely and softly. James had never treated me with such care. He just pried my mouth open and forced his way in. Edward wasn't leaving anything uncovered. I decided at that moment I really liked this man. Not just because he was a vision, but he seemed so cool.
I obliged and opened my mouth for his exam.
Edward thoroughly examined my mouth and throat, his expertise allowing him to discern the recent activities that had taken place there. A knowing expression crossed his face, causing me to blush uncontrollably.
"Hmmm." He said but remained quiet.
"So, you play?" he asked, diverting the conversation.
"Yes, I'm actually in a band, although I haven't played in a couple of years," I replied.
"Oh, which band?" he inquired, clearly intrigued.
"I was the vocalist and occasionally played guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard for '100 Monkeys,'" I revealed.
"Stop playing!" he exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief. Everyone stopped their side bar conversations to tune into to us when they heard the excitement.
"No, seriously!" I laughed, a hint of pride in my smile.
"Wait! What? You're not going to believe this, but 'Wings on Fire' is my ringtone!" he exclaimed, his excitement contagious.
I laughed. "No way!" I smiled with a hint of knowing pride.
"You…better… shut …up! Those are your vocals?" He laughed excitedly for his discovery.
In that moment, Edward's role as a med student seemed to fade into the background, and he became someone I could envision hanging out with, a potential friend. It was a refreshing feeling, a glimpse of normalcy in the midst of the chaos that had consumed my life. The recent revelation of my husband's infidelity had left me longing for someone outside of my family to confide in and connect with. Edward's presence provided that much-needed respite, and I found myself appreciating the conversation and connection we were building.
I nodded, my excitement growing. "Yes, they are."
He laughed and did a semi turn. As did everyone including Beth when they witness our interchange. They were so grateful I was laughing and more lighthearted.
He propped his leg again all in one smooth motion. "Straight fire!" His excitement and pride was refreshing. It's been a long time since someone took this much interest in me and what I like to do. James has never even cared to hear me sing or play even though he knows I can. "And I actually have those powerhouse vocals on my phone. '100 Monkeys? Wow! What are the odds."
We both blushed and his eyes told me just how true his excitement was. My folks knew what was happening.
"Thank you." I said.
"Do you still play?" he asked, examining my my fingers and arms.
I hesitated, a tinge of sadness in my voice. " I have no interest in playing anymore." I lied.
Edward's expression softened, understanding the weight of my words. "It's too much to give up. You have insane talent."
"Just that way it is sometimes." I say regretfully.
"Insane talent." He repeated. He laughed again. His excitement continued. "Man! Unbelievable, mad talent!" He praised. I had to admit it was encouraging. He gave me a fist bump. "I salute you! Straight fire!"
Curious to learn more about him, I asked, "Do you play?"
He nodded. "Actually, I do. I play the piano and I sing."
"What's your flavor?" I teased, using his earlier phrase. "Wait let me guess. Classical and tenor."
He laughed. "What gave it away?" He replied with the sweetest blush of his face and neck.
"All in the fingers and hands," I said, his eyes meeting mine. "And the voice."
We paused for a moment and became momentarily lost in each other. He smiled and quickly recuperated, but caught off guard by my response, he turned beet red, clearly embarrassed. I had unintentionally managed to embarrass him, and my family watched and listened with curious interest.
Edward moved on to examining the rest of my body, his touch remaining gentle yet purposeful. Sensing my growing anxiety, he reassured me, "Don't worry. You're in good hands."
I nodded.
"With your permission Jasper, I need to examine you closer." He turned to my family. "Can you all give him a few minutes to honor his privacy so Beth and I can examine him."
"Of course," my family members nodded in understanding and stepped out, giving Edward and Beth the space they needed.
I couldn't help but tremble, my nerves getting the best of me. The embarrassment of being seen in such a vulnerable state overwhelmed me. It was an odd mix of longing and discomfort, knowing that I would have wished for Edward to see me under different circumstances. I couldn't help but wonder why fate had chosen him to be my doctor, out of all the people in the world.
My Dad looked at me to see if I needed him. He knew firsthand what was going on and what I had been through today.
"Except for my Dad." I said quickly before everyone left. "I want my Dad to stay."
Edward smiled and looked at him. He nodded his consent and everyone else understood and left. Truthfully, either Uncle Michael or Kevin could have stayed as well, but I just wanted my Dad.
My Dad came to stand on the opposite side of my bed and folded his arms. Edward carefully lifted my shirt and inspected each bruise, each cut, as if trying to understand the story they told. His hands moved with precision, palpating the areas around the injuries, ensuring nothing was neglected.
"Ow, ow." I welp when he pressed around my abdomen firmly.
"I'm sorry for the pressure. Very tender there?" He asked.
"Yes". I winced when his strong hands felt around my sides and rib cage. His hands were soothing and deliberate and I found myself briefly imagining these hands touching me in other ways. His hands felt so loving yet professional.
Intuition kicked in and he briefly smiled down at me. Very aware that my Dad was in the room, I hid all reaction.
"I see where you had some scans done earlier. I reviewed the ones that are in your chart before I came in. You do not have broken ribs or bones anywhere for the matter. However you do have internal and external bruising and swelling and possible bleeding. The swelling is being treated with anti inflammatory meds."
I nodded.
"No internal bleeding in this area of your body." He lowered my shirt. "Any new pain or concerns from the waist up?"
"No."
"Does your head hurt?" He asked.
"Not as much. It still hurts in the back."
"Yeah, the hematoma is shrinking. We are watching it but the most important thing is for you to remain calm. Your blood pressure has to stay down to alleviate internal stress on your blood vessels and heart."
I nodded again.
I don't think my Dad heard or saw, but I did. He grunted under the third layer of his breath when he stared into my ocean blues. I heard him! He was attracted to me! There was no doubt. As broken and disgusting as I was, this beautiful soul was drawn to me.
As he worked, Edward maintained a constant dialogue with me, explaining his actions and asking if I had concerns.
"Okay, Jasper with your permission I need to examine the rest of your body."
This time I groaned out loud. Both he and my Dad laughed.
"God kill me now,". They laughed again. "Do I have to?"
"You can refuse Jasper but it would be most helpful if the examination goes forward." Edward explained.
"Ugh!" I complained.
"Jazz, yes you do." My Dad piped in. I was beginning to regret asking the voice of reason to stay. "Let him finish son."
He sensed the chemistry and how embarrassing this was for me. More importantly, he understood the necessity of this examination.
"There's no need to be embarrassed Jasper." He reassured me.
Even though my face and will protested, I consented.
With gloved hands, he lowered my pajamas with Beth's assistance. I kept my eyes fixated on him so I could see the moment he became disgusted and decided to judge me. My Dad closely watched Edward's reaction too.
Edward was completely void of reaction as he steadied himself on examining my genitalia. I immediately responded to his touch…Both positively and negatively. I was sure everyone noticed! I covered my face and reached for my Dad's hand when he probed around and hit tender spots. The pain was far less intense than it had been earlier today.
"God." I complained. "Whatever I did…I repent."
They laughed. I literally was lying here very much "telling" just how I felt about this man touching one of my most intimate areas.
Edward was professional as ever however and not one time was he inappropriate or out of line with me. With Beth's professional guidance and assistance, they open my legs wider so that he could look more closely.
I resisted. "Relax sweetheart." Beth told me. I did and Edward proceeded to examine my most southern region. "You're doing great." She encouraged me.
"Oh. Ah." I groaned when they delved closer for their exam. I had to commend Edward for his professionalism and making sure this was done with the full assistance of another trained professional. Even though he was in his residency, he was already quite skilled. He was going to make an outstanding physician someday.
"We're almost done." He told me. "Beth I think maybe an Acetaminophen suppository for pain and alternate with Ibuprofen for swelling. He has bruising here and indicators of excessive force or trauma to the anal area."
He felt me trembling. I was starting to panic again remembering how hard James had kicked me in that area yesterday.
"You're okay, Jasper." He reassured me. "You still have significant swelling and some bleeding. Are you able to use the bathroom."
I was embarrassed. "Yes but it hurts."
"Ok, I'll have Beth add a stool softener. Also we need to make sure there is an order for the GI to take a look at this closer. We need to know the extent of the injury and the source of the bleeding."
That's when I almost started crying again. I held it in.
"Are you in pain?" My Dad asked me. Edward turned his head to see me. His eyes were full of compassion.
I shook my head no and Edward paused his examination and gave me a moment.
"Jasper? You can tell me if something is wrong or if you don't like something. I know this is uncomfortable for you."
"It's not that." I said softly.
"Tell me what's wrong, Jasper." He said. "How can I help?"
"I'm sorry. I'm just really scared that's all. And I'm-" My voice broke. I shook my head again. "I'm just really scared that I'm not going to be okay. I got all this stuff wrong. I just really want to be okay."
"Jasper, you listen to me. Do not apologize for that. You've been severely injured and you have the right to feel what you feel."
"He's right, sweetheart." Beth said.
"Of course the unit physician for tonight's shift will review my recommendations first, and we will then proceed with treatment or make adjustments as needed to make sure you are going to be just fine. Thats why I'm making sure that all the necessary things are done so that we don't miss anything. It will take time, but you're going to be fine."
I nodded. "Okay."
"Are the meds helping any?" He inquired.
"Yes. A lot."
"Are you still using the ice bandages?"
"Yes."
"Good." He looked at me with compassion and something…a little more fierce…was that anger? How could he not feel anger for me? Surely even though he was in a medical role, this level of abuse has to unnerve him.
"Is it okay for us to continue?" He was so respectful and kind.
"Yes. It's okay."
"Beth is going to come back in with some suppositories and medicated antibiotic ointment and clean this area. The goal is to prevent infection. Also it will help with the pain. Beth start with the Ibuprofen first." He told her.
"Jasper maybe a softer diet for a couple of days will help. Beth start tomorrow morning soft foods only."
He looked up at me. "Still okay?"
I nodded.
He changed out his gloves. He called Beth's attention to my private again. He lifted it up to expose my testicular area. "Beth do you see this area. He has swelling here which is why he's hurting so badly. The penis is actually alright but it's the lower testes that is the culprit here. Make sure this area is kept clean and dry and iced. Maybe try those ice bandages. The swelling has already gone down significantly but this is what's hurting him."
"God help," My Dad said.
"I know right." Edward said. Only the men in the room could understand how much this must hurt me.
"Jasper I'm going feel around and if it gets to be too much you can ask me to stop. Okay."
I frowned. He smiled. "You ready?"
"No." I rolled my eyes. I was so ready for him to be done. "Ugh. Ok."
He started pressing around and calling out instructions to Beth. I felt myself getting harder and admittedly it hurt. Edward was not bothered or moved by what was physically happening to me. He was in full professional mode.
"Owwww," I screamed, clutching my Dad's hand with all my strength. Edward immediately withdrew his hands, concern etched on his face.
"That's what I expected would happen," he said, pausing to meet my gaze. "I think it may be but not necessarily a condition called testicular torsion."
"Testicular torsion?" My Dad asked.
I tried to process the words as the pain continued to radiate through my body. Edward's voice filled the room, explaining the seriousness of the situation.
"Testicular torsion is a very serious medical emergency," he emphasized. "Jasper has experienced severe and sudden trauma and intense pain in his testicles."
As he spoke, Edward listed the symptoms, each word sinking in with a sense of urgency. Painful swelling, a visible lump, uneven positioning of the testicles, discoloration of the scrotum, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain—the list went on. It was clear that this was not something to be taken lightly.
He continued, describing what the experience of testicular torsion felt like. The intense pain, sometimes radiating to the stomach, making it difficult to walk or even stand. The complications were dire, with the risk of permanent damage to the affected testicle if left untreated for too long.
Edward explained the diagnostic steps, including a scrotal ultrasound to assess blood flow in the testicular tissues. And then came the treatment—surgery, orchiopexy, to untwist the testicle and restore blood flow. Stitches would be used to secure it in place, reducing the chances of future torsions.
"The surgery is usually performed through the scrotum, but in some cases, a small incision may be necessary through the groin," Edward explained, his voice calm and reassuring despite the gravity of the situation.
"So tomorrow our urologist, who also specializes in male reproduction, will take a look at your scans to see what's going on. It looks like the beginning of torsion and if so that will need to be correct asap. Once that's done, if it's just in the beginning stage of torsion, and the swelling and bruises leave, everything will continue to function as normal. From the looks of things and judging by the way your body responded to touch, if I had to guess, I would say there's no medically significant or permanent damage. They will also address fertility."
"Ugh. God." I complained. Everyone in this room understood what he meant. I had a full blown erection…still had one…the minute he touched me. My Dad was never going to let me live this one down.
They snickered. "Jazz, you know you hav-"
"Dad, I swear!" I warned him before he got started.
He immediately hushed and bit back a laugh. "Okay, son."
Edward and Beth laughed.
"Oh, honey," Beth said. "Don't be embarrassed. It's quite normal and actually a great sign. We're just medical professionals. We've seen it all."
"Oh, God." I groaned. I covered my face out of sheer embarrassment.
Edward laughed. "Well the good news is that we're done."
"Thank God." I said.
"Beth is going to treat up everything so that you will be able to rest tonight. And make it easier for you when you use the bathroom."
He replaced my clothing and I groaned again when he had to put my pants over my "little problem."
I looked up at my Dad who had balled up his lips to keep from laughing. He was trying to avoid eye contact with me.
"Dad!"
He crossed his arms and covered his mouth with one of his hands. His body was shaking from laughter he was trying to hold in.
"Dad!"
Edward smiled at him. My Dad turned his back and looked out the window, still laughing.
I threw one of my pillows at him.
He lost it.
"Ugh. God kill me now."
Beth picked up my pillow and helped me get comfortable in the bed. My dad returned to my bedside.
I gave him a funky look. "My bad, Sport." He said. "I'm sorry for your pain and your situation. You know that. But it's just so obvi-" He choked back a laugh.
I laughed a little. "Dad knock it off!"
"I'm trying, son." Edward shook his head and laughed at him. "I love you,Jazz." He laughed.
I gave him the side eye. He barely bumped my jaw with his fist. "I'd forgotten how easily you blush."
"I promise when I'm better I'm going to kick your ass Dad."
He smiled and winked at Edward. "Jasper, I want you to do just that. I'm looking forward to it."
Edward was blushing profusely and so was I. My Dad kept watching us intently blushing at each other, and just signed, smiled and shook and scratched his head.
"Oh, fellas." He's collected himself. "Y'all are funny to me.""
We stared at him.
"Mmm. Man oh man," he cleared his throat. "I'm sorry. Edward thank you for everything. You've been very kind and helpful to my son."
I looked at him shaking my head smiling. "Thank you, Doc." I told him. Edward smiled tenderly, looking down at me. He adjusted my blood pressure monitor for comfort and checked my IV.
"You're very welcome. We will get everything in your chart so that the physician can review my findings. We will continue with your orders. All of your tests results will be in tomorrow and Dr. Williams will go over everything with you then."
"Okay."
Edward told Beth she can let my family come back in. He flashed me a reassuring smile, and a sense of disappointment washed over me as our brief encounter concluded.
"You know, Jasper, my father once told me that the eyes hold the truth. And your eyes are speaking volumes," he remarked.
Another blush crept across my cheeks, and he chuckled, blushing himself. I gazed at him bashfully, wondering where he was going.
"They are telling me that you need rest, hydration, and nourishment," he continued.
He looked at me knowingly, chuckling once again. With his bronze hair and a disarming smile, he seemed effortlessly attractive.
Blushing again, I caught a glimpse of my Dad, who was still shaking his head and smiling.
"So, we will recommend all three: rest, hydration, and protein. They will aid in strengthening your body and facilitating the healing process," he explained, flashing another smile.
"I am recommending new medication for your hypertension. We will discontinue the current medication and administer Nicardipine through this IV drip, as your blood pressure has reached dangerously high levels, in the stroke zone," he informed me, capturing my full attention.
"Persistently high blood pressure can strain your heart and arteries, impairing their proper functioning. It can lead to damage in the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, with the potential for stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of a heart attack. By controlling your blood pressure, we aim to mitigate these risks."
"Okay," I replied, feeling a sense of humility and embarrassment, considering that he was around the same age as me. Here he was, a successful medical student, diligently attending to my broken and desolate self. Shame washed over me.
"In the meantime, it's important for you to stay calm, relaxed, and get ample rest. Have you eaten today?" he inquired.
"Yes, I had a meal earlier. My dad shared his food with me," I responded.
"Until your blood pressure decreases, we will prescribe a low-sodium diet," he explained.
I frowned, unsure of the implications.
He reassured me with a smile, saying, "It's only temporary, to stabilize your blood pressure. Once everything is back to normal, you can resume your regular diet. Typically, you don't have issues with blood pressure, and given the circumstances, it should return to normal and remain stable."
"Edward, so exactly what is this drug and what does it do?" I knew it wouldn't be long before my dad turned serious again and sought more information.
"Nicardipine is a calcium channel blocker," Edward explained. "It affects the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. This results in the relaxation of blood vessels, increased blood and oxygen supply to the heart, and reduced workload. The advantage is that it's administered as a solution, which enters the bloodstream directly and acts faster."
My dad nodded, inquiring about potential side effects.
"While the medicine provides necessary effects, it may also cause unwanted ones," Edward replied. "Although not all side effects may occur, common ones include blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, faintness, lightheadedness upon standing, sweating, unusual tiredness or weakness. Less common side effects can include bleeding, skin discoloration, hives, tenderness, tingling, numbness, etc. You may also experience blood in the urine, chills, cold sweats, thirst, pain, or leg cramps, but these are not as common. We administer the medication in the hospital with trained staff to monitor for rare side effects like blood in the stools or convulsions, although those are extremely rare."
I felt proud of Edward for his knowledge and expertise, even though I knew nothing about him. His confidence impressed me, and a part of me was envious, longing to be free like him instead of carrying the burdens I felt weighed down by.
"We will only prescribed a few doses of this medicine until his condition improves, and then he'll switch to a similar medication," Edward informed us.
"Good," my Dad responded.
Edward turned back to me, flashing another beautiful smile that still had a calming effect on me. It was incredible how, in just less than an hour of being in my room, he had managed to ease my anxiety after discovering James' secret rendezvous with his boyfriend.
"Do you have any more questions?" he asked.
I shook my head.
"I'll be here all night, so if you need me, just give me a buzz. I'll also check on you later."
My family filed back in eager to see how I was doing.
"Well, Doc,". I told him. "If you're going to be around for the rest of the evening, meet the rest of the gang here. Let me introduce everyone. That's my favorite Mama…Lizzie, my favorite Uncle Michael and his wife who is also my favorite Auntie Felicia… sometimes I get confused and don't know if they're really my real parents or not." They laughed.
"Of course, you already know Rosie. Those guys over there are my four brothers ….Saye, Levi, Miles, and the cutest of them all Patrick. The one standing next to you is my oldest brother and best friend in the world, Kevin. We're tight. These five guys belong to those guys." I pointed to their parents. "So, this is the rest of my family." I explained. I was sure he clearly understood why I didn't introduce my husband or his whereabouts with my family introductions.
"Hi everyone. Again I'm Edward Cullen."
"Hi Edward." He greeted my family with a warm smile, and I could tell that they were charmed by him.
"For some reason you guys looked so familiar." Edward said trying to remember where he had seen them.
"Edward you volunteer at the med clinical at Faith. I've seen you there and Rosie has told us about you." My Mama said.
"That's where I know you from!" My Dad said. " I kept trying to figure it out, but I remembered your face and I know I've seen you before. Mickey, he's one of the UW kids that comes and helps with the health clinics and such."
"Oh yeah, OK, I remember now." Everyone else agreed that they remembered seeing him at the clinic.
"That's it." Edward said. "Usually when I'm there I'm super absorbed and they're always so many people but I never forget a face." He offered. "It's a very small world. I guess it's true. There are only six degrees of separation between us."
"Very true." Mom said.
"So Edward since it's obvious you are realllly, reallly, REALLY feeling my little brother….isnt there some kind of ethical code that says you can undo being his doctor so you can holler at him?"
Leave it to "no filter" Rosie to pull the elephant out of the corner!
The room froze. Everyone looked at her and then me and then Edward and back and forth. My Dad and Uncle Michael fell out! They hit the deck! As did Kevin and his brothers!
"OH MY GOD ROSIE!" I exclaimed. "God!"
"Rosie!" My Mom chastised her! " Rosalie Elizabeth Whitlock!
"What, Mama? Where's the lie? It needed to be said. From the time Edward walked in this room, he and Jasper been all over each other! All I'm saying is make it official! Geez!"
The men were still in shackles with laughter.
"Oh God!" I said.
Edward looked faint. "I-I," he was flabbergasted. He knew Rosie and her mouth! She left him speechless.
"Edward I'm so sorry." My mother apologized. "Please forgive this foolishness."
He smiled bashfully and held up it hands. "It's quite alright."
"No it's not!" I protested. "Rosie I'm going to kill you!"
"But you'll thank me later. Edward you too!" She said.
"Rosie come with me!" My mom told her walking towards the door. She knew it was best take Rosie outside for some air otherwise she would just keep on edging. Rosie winked at Edward when she passed him.
"Sure thing Mama." She followed her out the door and we could here mama giving her a good tongue lashing about her rude behavior. Rosie held her own and we all heard her say, "Once Jazzy rids himself of the rat in the attic, Edward is going to be nice honey sauce for him!"
"Rosie! Your mouth!"
"Well it's true mama! I'm telling you watch. Edward is perfect for him and Jazzy deserves a good man who's going to love him! Don't be trying to take that hot sauce off Jazzy's chicken mama!"
And their conversation went on.
Edward was taking it all in. I was dead.
"Edward, I'm sorry." I apologized.
He laughed it off. Good thing Beth had not returned when she told my family they couldn't come in.
"I know how Rosie is." He simply said. "She and I are friends. She keeps it 100 at all times."
"Rosie is awful and you guys are too." I told my family.
"I still ain't heard no denials in this room." My dad said laughing.
"Edward thank you again for everything. I totally understand if you can't or won't come back."
He laughed clearly embarrassed. "It's quite alright Jasper."
Rosie and my mom came back into the room. "Now you apologize for your rudeness." Mama was still scolding her.
"Ugh. Alright Mama!" She walked over to Edward. "Edward my mom told me to apologize to you so I'm sorry for telling the truth and embarrassing you. But I don't take back what I said."
He blushed even more. My mom looked at my Dad for support but he shrugged. He was useless.
"Lizzie what do you want me to do? You know how Rosie is." She gave him a nasty look. "Rosie, play nice baby." He told her.
Rosie left it alone… for now. Mama rolled her eyes. "Good grief."
Dad shrugged again. "Edward don't pay us mind. Gone and do your job, son. Thank you for everything."
He smiled. His patience and attitude towards this was commendable.
"Seriously, it okay." Edward said. "We will continue to do our best for Jasper." He promised.
"I'm sure you will." Rosie muttered.
He chuckled.
"It's very nice to see you all again or meet some of you for the first time," Edward said graciously. "Thank you so much for taking care of Jasper and making sure…". He laughed when someone gave another sarcastic slick comment. "….for making sure he stays calm and mends. The goal is to try to keep him relaxed and carefree, to make sure that he is eating, drinking, and sleeping." My Uncle Michael and my Dad were laughing, probably over some foolishness. Edward proceeded with a crooked smile on his face. "…and to also help his heart heal."
"How you gone do that?" Someone murmured barely audible. He ignored them.
Edward laughed again, turning to everyone. "Well, you guys are a joy. Jasper, do you need anything else from me before I go?"
"A family with some sense." I told him.
He laughed. God he was so handsome. "They're alright, Jasper."
"Still haven't heard denials up in here." Kevin said.
Edward laughed. "Well, very well then," he said, softly clasping his hands. "I'm going to continue making my rounds, but I'll see you later."
"Okay, thanks," I replied gratefully.
"Bet you will." One of those fools said. I'd stopped listening.
"Goodbye, everybody," Edward waved to my family as he made his way towards the door. Then, he turned to me, offering another wave.
God help me. He's incredibly attractive. In fact, he's so attractive that I almost forgot I was supposed to be grieving over a husband who never loved me anyway. I chuckled to myself, realizing how Edward had momentarily lifted my spirits.
He left the room quietly but not before giving me one more dazzling smile, and I could feel my family's curious gazes on me. I blushed profusely.
He blushed back.