Chapter Two

"I'm headed to out now, Bella," Dr. Snow said as he pulled his coat on. "Are you sure you want to stay?"

"It's fine, Gerry." I smiled at him. "Debra needed a break, and I certainly don't mind staying late."

"I could stay with you." He said.

"No, you go." I said as I grabbed his bag and forced it onto his shoulder. "I got this. I've been here a couple weeks now. I've got the hang of it."

He chuckled. "Alright. As long as you're fine. Just be careful on your way home."

"I will. Have a good night."

After he left, I walked to the coffee maker to pour myself a big cup. I honestly hadn't been planning on pulling a double, but the warden came in and asked if someone could stay for Debra. Gerry almost volunteered, but tonight was his grandson's school play and I couldn't let him miss that. And since two people have quit, I was the only one who could really cover tonight.

Things in the jail were actually okay. It wasn't as bad as I had feared. My main job was passing out the medication during the day and making sure the diabetics were controlling their insulin. Other than that, things were pretty quiet and I was getting great experience from Gerry.

And Edward Cullen didn't bother me like I had feared. He would come take his medication, give me a grin, and say something charming that would fluster me, but other than that, he was actually really calm and polite.

A few hours later, a guard knocked on the door. Through the glass wall, I could see he was escorting Edward. A little ball of fear formed in my stomach, but then quickly disappeared. I didn't need to worry about Edward, if he wanted to, he would've attacked me already. I was almost sure of it.

"Hello," I smiled as I opened the door. "Can I help you?"

"Yeah, I hurt myself," Edward said through a somewhat pained smile. Holding up his right hand.

"Oh my god," I said as I looked at the very bloody rag that was wrapped around his hand. "Come in, come in."

He followed me into the back office, and I helped him sit on the bed. The P.O. didn't stay. Surprisingly, he left, which was weird because they usually stayed. I didn't really think much of it because I was intensely focused on Edward's hand.

"What happened?" I asked as I carefully unwrapped his hand.

"Not really sure. I was sleeping then I woke up with my hand hurting."

"Ooo," I hissed as I looked at the very large cut across his palm. "Wow, this is nasty. You really don't know what happened?"

"Nope." He said with a pop on the 'p'.

"You are definitely going to need stitches," I said, "And antibiotics to prevent an infection. Let me give you something to numb it."

I pulled out the Novocain and shot it into his hand. He clenched a little as the needle went through his skin, but otherwise didn't make a big deal out of his pain.

"So, what are you doing here so late?" He asked as I pulled the material to stitch his hand.

"Debra needed a break and I volunteered."

"You didn't have any Saturday night plans?"

"Oh no," I said. "I live a very boring life. I hardly go out."

"Why is that?"

"Well, I spend most of my time studying. I'm trying to become a nurse practitioner and that takes years. I don't want to mess up those plans."

"Why not become a doctor?"

"Because nurses get more facetime with the patients. Doctors have to deal with a lot of bureaucratic crap. I just want to help as many people as I can."

"Ah. Very noble of you." He said. "So, what kind of car do you drive?"

"I don't drive a car." I said. "When I moved here, my dad helped me sell my car so I could afford the first month's rent on my apartment."

"Wait, so how are you getting home?"

"I'm taking the subway."

"Do you know how dangerous this neighborhood is?" He asked. "You can't walk to the subway by yourself. Or take the subway by yourself. The subway is dangerous."

"I don't really have a choice," I chuckled. "I'll be fine. I'm pretty tough."

"Hmm." He said. He was quiet for a few moments before he started the conversation again. "So, do your parents live around here?"

"No," I said. "My dad lives in Washington State. He's the sheriff there. And my mom is an artist in Arizona."

"Why did you pick New York?"

"I don't know." I said honestly. "I've just always had this weird fantasy of New York City. I guess I just wanted to try it for a little while."

"And is my city living up to your fantasy?"

I giggled, "Your city?"

"Ask anyone babe, Edward Cullen owns New York," He grinned. "It has a lot of character and there are some really nice places."

"Is the men's correctional facility one of those a nice places?" I said teasingly.

He was quiet for a moment before chuckling. "Sometimes I forget I'm stuck here for two months."

"Two months? I thought you were here for six months?"

"You looked me up?" He said, with a superior grin.

"No I didn't," I blushed. "I've just heard this and that about you."

"Mm hm." He said, his grin still wide on his face.

"So why do you think you aren't going to serve your full sentence?"

"A combination of good behavior and plenty of bribes."

"That's illegal," I said, my tone turning very serious.

He shrugged. "A lot of things that happen are illegal."

I shook my head. "Yes, but the law needs to be followed. It's there for a reason."

"Ah, you're on the side of the lawman." He said. "Not surprising. You said your dad is a sheriff?"

"Yeah. He is."

"You a rule follower?"

"Of course I am." I said. "Society can't function without rules. You're here because you can't follow rules. Hopefully you learn your lesson."

He threw his head back and laughed. "Oh my. I've never encountered someone like you. When I get out of here, you should let me show you how breaking the rules can be so much fun."

I rolled my eyes. "I'd never hangout with someone like you."

He laughed again. "What does that mean?"

"You're in here because you broke the law. You'll have a record and people will look down on you. I'm a nurse and I refuse to dirty my record or my image by hanging out with someone like you. It's nothing against you personally. But you know what they say if you hang around unsavory people."

"You should look me up." He said. "My name is Edward Anthony Cullen. I'm Carlisle Cullen's only son. My reputation in this city is spotless. People respect me."

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, Mr. Cullen. You're done."

"Awe, but I'm enjoying our conversation." He said sadly. "I'm craving real social interactions."

"I'm sure you are." I said as I put stuff away. "I'll make sure to put an antibiotic form in for you. You should probably start getting those in a few days with the med drop. I'll make sure you have it."

"Well, thank you nurse Isabella Marie Swan."

I paused and slowly turned to him. "How do you know my full name?"

"Maybe I looked you up, beautiful." He smiled slowly, his hand reaching out to stroke my cheek.

My eyes widened and I slapped his hand away. "Get out! I'm telling the warden!"

Now his eyes widened. "Wait I didn't mean—,"

"Get out!" I growled. "You have no right to look me up! Now get out!"

I grabbed his uninjured arm and pulled him out of the room. The P.O. had returned and entered the room.

"He's done. Do not bring him back unless there is a doctor here."

"Bella I'm sor—"

"Goodbye." I said as I shut the door in front of his face.

I couldn't believe that. I felt so offended and violated. Who knew what that criminal knew about me now.

I should've never taken a job here. Screw if it fast tracked my career, it was not worth my safety. I checked the clock and found that I was just an hour from being relieved. I sighed in relief and quickly finished my work.

Once I was done, I left. The next shift would be here in just a little bit. I was really supposed to wait until they got here, but I just couldn't. I needed to leave. I was still very upset and I just wanted to leave.

As I walked out of the building, a blond man standing in front of a large black SUV was waiting. He was also holding a sign that said my name.

"Are you Ms. Swan?"

"Who wants to know?" I asked curtly.

"I'm here to give you a ride back to your apartment. My name is Jasper."

"I don't know you. Who sent you?"

"Edward Cullen." He said quickly. "He wanted to apologize for scaring you. He also wanted me to offer you a ride every day you worked."

"Tell Mr. Cullen I'm good and to please leave me alone." I said as I turned to walk away.

"He said that if you didn't want a ride, then I should at least make sure you got home safely by walking you home."

"Please don't do that." I said as I continued to walk.

"I'm sorry, but I do have to listen to what Edward tells me."

"What are you, his slave?"

"No, but he is technically my boss." He said as he followed me.

"Stop following me!" I snapped.

"I'm sorry, I have strict orders to make sure you get home safe."

I huffed and threw my hands up. I could hear his footsteps behind me, but I chose to ignore him. I just hoped he would stop following me.

He didn't, but he kept his distance. It still irritated me though. When we got to the subway, I did my best to try and lose him but he somehow managed to locate me every time.

I thumped down onto a seat and Jasper sat down across from me. I snorted and grabbed my phone and tried to distract myself from his presence, but it was pretty hard.

When my phone died after a few moments, I sighed.

"Want to borrow my charger?" Jasper asked as he waved his charger in the air.

"No thank you." I said curtly as I leaned my head back against the window.

"You live in Inwood, right?"

I rolled my eyes. "And how do you know that?"

"It's my job." He shrugged. "You don't live far from my fiancé. You'll probably see me a lot."

"Yippee." I said sarcastically.

He paused for a brief second before laughing hysterically. "You remind me of her. She's a spitfire too. I'm not surprised Edward fancies you. We like the same kind of women."

"Well you can tell Edward that I am not interested. I don't date criminals."

"I don't know. He can be pretty convincing." He shrugged.

The train came to a stop, and I wish I could say I was relieved that I could get off. But Jasper said he was following me to make sure I got home safe.

"Please don't follow me." I said as we walked off of the train.

"Boss's orders."

I threw my hands up in the air and sighed very heavily. It was only a ten-minute walk to my apartment from the subway. Jasper stayed beside me the entire way, trying to make conversation with me.

"Alright, here's my building. Goodbye." I snapped as I stood at the buzz box; I refused to type my number in front of him.

"Sounds good," He said as he reached into his pocket and handed me a card. "This is my cell. Give me a call if you ever need me."

I reluctantly took the card. "Thanks."

"I'll be here tomorrow morning. You're going in at ten right?"

I snorted. "I don't need a ride."

Jasper shrugged and grinned in a cheeky manner. "Sorry, the boss insists I give you a ride. I'll bring Starbucks, maybe I can entice you to let me give you a ride. Enjoy your night."

I opened my mouth to tell him I didn't like Starbucks, but he had already turned and started walking down the street. I huffed and punched in the code to get into my apartment.

Once I walked into my apartment, I kicked my shoes off by the front door and dropped my bags onto the floor.

I had started towards the kitchen to grab last night's Chinese food, but then someone knocked on my door. I sighed heavily and turned to check the peephole. After a quick peek I immediately opened the door.

"Hey, Angela," I smiled to my elderly neighbor. "Did you come over here to show off your flowers?"

"No I came to bring them to you," She said as she held out the fancy bouquet. "They were delivered about an hour ago and the delivery boy left them here with me."

"Oh," I said as I took the bouquet. "Thank you for holding them for me. Do you know who they're from?"

"No. There's a card but I didn't look. It's none of my business." She smiled softly. "Are you hungry? I have some leftover chicken soup."

I smiled at her. "Thanks, but I'm just in the middle of making some dinner." I had to lie to her because the last time I accepted food from her, it had an uncomfortable amount of cat hair in it.

"Alight, well you have a nice night dear."

"You do the same," I smiled before watching her walk very slowly back into her apartment.

I sighed as I walked the bouquet of flowers into my kitchen. I had a strong feeling who these were from which made me let out an annoyed sigh. There was a cream-colored envelope sitting in the bushel of flowers.

I grabbed it and ripped the side open, dumping the card out onto my kitchen counter.

Dear Nurse Bella,

I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable, that was not my intention. I hope you accept my sincerest apologies. I am usually not so crude and unfortunately, I have to blame it on the hell hole I'm currently in. I promise I won't snoop into your life anymore, even though I would really love to. You're a very interesting lady. I hope to see you again real soon.

Yours Truly,

Edward Cullen.

I swear I could almost hear his voice reading this out loud. I had to scoff at the absurdity. Is he really going to blame the fact that he's in prison on his inappropriate behavior? Really? What a cop out. And I was going to tell him to his face tomorrow.