Chapter Four

When my alarm went off at five, I jumped awake, startled by the sudden loud noise. I was confused as to why I had an alarm to go off now, but then I remembered I was working the overnight shift. I sighed and hopped out of bed to get ready.

I had just walked outside when Jasper's large SUV pulled up in front of my apartment complex. He jumped out of the car and smiled at me as he opened the door.

"Man, you look rough," He chuckled.

I let out a sigh, "I am so drained. I don't know why I agreed to do this."

He laughed. "You can fake the flu."

"No, no. I need to go." I said.

As I slid in, I noticed the woman sitting on the seat across from me. She was staring out the window, dabbing at her eyes with tissues. I decided to leave her alone when I heard her sniffling. It was clear she didn't want to be bothered.

"So Bella, how was your night?" Jasper asked.

"Eh it was alright. I showered, ate leftovers, and then slept."

"How long did ya sleep? You think you'll be able to make it through the night?"

"Once I went to sleep I never woke up," I chuckled. "My alarm went off at five and it scared the heck out of me. I should hopefully have more than enough energy to make it through the night."

"Coffee, coffee, coffee," Jasper chanted playfully. "If I were you, I'd get the biggest cup of coffee they sold at Starbucks."

"I'm not a coffee drinker," I said. "I like tea, more than coffee."

"I don't know how you survive," Jasper chuckled.

The car fell into silence, aside from the quiet sniffles of, who I was assuming was, Mrs. Cullen beside me. I remembered Jasper said he would be driving her to the jail tonight.

Jasper dropped us off in front of the jail. Mrs. Cullen had a large bag filled with several containers. She walked beside me as we walked into the jail, still not acknowledging me.

"Mrs. Cullen," The PO at the front desk said. "Nice to see you again, but you might have to wait awhile. Edward is receiving medical attention right now."

"What? Is he hurt?" She asked, her voice high-pitched with panic.

"It's complicated, but he'll be fine—," The PO started.

"Let me see my son right now!" Mrs. Cullen demanded, "This is my time to see my son, I've been assured by the warden himself—,"

"Excuse me," I said as I walked up to the desk. "Mrs. Cullen can come back with me. If Edward's receiving medical treatment for something non-fatal, then it'll be okay."

"You don't have to Ms. Swan," The PO said.

"No, I insist." I smiled at Mrs. Cullen. "You can come with me Mrs. Cullen."

"Thank you," She said as she grabbed her large bag. She shot a look at the PO before following me down the hallway.

"I'm sure Edward's okay," I told her. "If it was life-threatening, they would've called emergency services."

"Thank you for your reassurance." She said in a clipped tone. I got the feeling she wasn't in the mood for talking.

When we walked into the infirmary, Edward was sitting on the medical bed. He had a split lip, several bruises, and a few cuts.

"Oh my god!" Mrs. Cullen cried as she dropped her bag down before running to Edward. "My baby! What happened to you!?"

Edward placed his arm around his mother and started whispering into her ear. His green eyes met mine and he forced himself to smile. The action of smiling made more blood gush from his split lip.

"What happened to Mr. Cullen?" I asked Debra, who was busy at her computer.

"He got into a fight a few minutes ago. He's going to need stitches on his lip," She said. "It just happened, but I can't start because—,"

"I know, get home to your son," I smiled at her. "I got this."

I grabbed the stitching kit and walked to the bed.

"Edward," I tsked at him. "I just gave you stitches not that long ago."

He chuckled. "I just wanted to come back and see you again, gorgeous."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm going to have to stitch your lip. Why don't you lay down for me."

"Whatever you need, Nurse Swan." Edward said as he laid down. I had reached out to help him laydown, but then I remembered the last time I tried to help a patient laydown. I pulled my helpful hand away.

"Oh this is nasty," I sighed, "I'm going to have to give you something to numb it, it's going to hurt. The lip is a sensitive area."

"It's alright Nurse Swan, hurt me as you see fit." He chuckled.

"Okay, try not to talk," I said as I brought the needle up and as gently as I could, push it into his cut. When he hissed in pain, his mother let out a soft sob.

"It's okay, ma," Edward said. "I'm good. I'm good."

"Yeah, he'll be alright," I told her with a smile. "I'm pretty good at stitching. I can be done in just a couple minutes."

"Will he be able to eat his dinner?" She asked. "I brought his favorites."

"Of course," I said as I inserted the sewing needle into his lip. "If he hasn't eaten he probably should. You're looking a little pale, Edward. Have you eaten today?"

"I ate lunch and a couple snacks, but my mother comes every Sunday to bring me dinner. So I decided not to eat."

"Not very smart, my friend," I said. "This cut is small, but it looks like you've lost enough blood to make you weak. So, after I sew you up, you really need to eat and rest."

"Could you let me eat and rest in here, Nurse Swan? Just so I can spend a little more time with my mom."

"Sure," I said. "I need to really get monitor your blood pressure, so it's probably best you stay for a little bit."

He chuckled. "I thought you didn't want to see me anymore?"

I narrowed my eyes. "I'm a nurse, it's my job to fix you."

"Edward why were you fighting?" His mother asked as she held his hand tightly.

"Just some jerk who was running his mouth," Edward said.

"Didn't I teach you to ignore what people say? You're going to make your life even harder!" Esme cried. "And they'll add more time."

"I'm in the clear mom. Everyone heard what that jerk was saying, and everyone knows he tried to hit me first."

"Still Edward." She said as she kissed his forehead.

"I'm finished," I said. "How does that feel?"

"It feels great," He smiled at me. "You're the best stitcher I know."

I chuckled and leaned back as he sat up. He let out a sigh.

"Why don't you go ahead and eat?" I said. "I'll check on you after you eat."

"Thank you so much, Nurse Swan," Edward smiled at me.

"Of course," I said as turned to give him and his mother some privacy. As I did, the warden walked in.

"Good to see you again, Mrs. Cullen," The warden smiled at Edward's mother.

"It's nice to see you too, Jon. How's Melissa?"

"She's fine." He smiled. "Mr. Cullen, you're looking better. How are you feeling?"

"Wonderful, now that Nurse Swan has treated me." He said as he winked at me. I turned to my computer.

"Well, I wanted to speak to you. You're not in trouble," He added quickly. "Of course, we don't promote fighting. But I understand why you did it. Mr. Jones was being very vulgar and inappropriate."

My head turned now. Edward fought Mr. Jones? The same one who groped me?

"He was being extremely vulgar. And since you know what he was saying, is he going to receive any repercussions for admitting to what he had done?"

"He most certainly will, if Miss Swan files a report." The warden said before turning to me. "If you wish to file a report against Nickolas Jones, then you need to go ahead and do so."

"Oh, um, okay. I was unaware of… well, that anyone else knew what happened. I was just going to let it go."

"You can still choose to let it go, but if you'd like to file a report, I would appreciate it if you did it now."

I nodded and turned back to my computer to file the report. Of course I was more focused on listening to their conversation.

"What happened, Edward?" Mrs. Cullen asked.

"Nick was just speaking very inappropriately about a respectable young woman. You know, locker room talk. Stuff that could've possibly effected this particular woman's career."

"Yes, what you did Mr. Cullen was very admirable. And I'm sure Miss Swan is appreciative. But you have to remember, you can't put people in the hospital because they're running their mouths. You know, Mr. Jones is in critical condition."

"I-is Edward going to be charged with assault?" Mrs. Cullen asked.

"Well, Mr. Cullen is very lucky because our video cameras weren't working at the time of the incident. And several inmates have named Mr. Jones as the aggressor. He swung first. So, he'll probably be charged with assault."

"Were the cameras working when he was running his mouth?" Edward asked.

"Yes, we do have that evidence. So, when Miss Swan files her report, we can charge him with sexual assault against our nurse. He'll more than likely be kept in isolation for a while."

"Good." Edward said.

"I just wanted to come check on you before I left," The warden said. "Please, stay out of trouble Edward."

"I'll try." Edward said. I imagined he was grinning cheekily.

As soon as the warden left I stood to face Edward. His mother had started pulling the containers out of her bag.

Edward met my eyes and raised his eyebrow. I crossed my arms over my chest.

"Did you… beat up Mr. Jones because he was talking about me?" I asked.

Edward inhaled deeply. "I might have."

I blushed. "Thank you."

He smiled widely. "Well, I don't like it when some punk talks trashy about a woman. And I figured you didn't have any sort of relationship with that ugly son-of-a-bitch—,"

"Edward," His mother snapped. "Please, watch your mouth. It's not appropriate to talk like that in front of women."

"Sorry ma," Edward said. "Mom, this is the new nurse. Bella Swan. Bella, this is my mother, Esme Cullen."

"It's nice to meet you." I said.

"It's nice to meet you as well," She smiled softly at me, "Sorry I'm not being very friendly. I just don't like my son being in here."

"Understandable." I smiled at her. "Well, I'll check on you after you eat."

"Why don't you eat with us?" Edward asked.

"Oh, I'm okay." I said as I pulled out my microwavable meal. "I got Salisbury steak tonight."

"No, please come eat with us." Esme said. "I insist. I always pack extra. And it can be my way of thanking you for taking care of my son."

"Really, I'm okay—,"

"You might as well come eat with us," Edward chuckled. "She's going to get very offended if you don't come eat her food."

"I do not get offended." Esme argued.

I sighed. "Alright. I guess it'll be nice to have a homemade meal. I haven't had one in months."

"You haven't had a homecooked meal in months?" Esme asked. "That's not good. Please come eat. And take home the extras because Edward can't keep them here."

"Oh, well thank you." I smiled at her. "I appreciate it."

"What did you fix tonight?" Edward smiled at his mom while she opened containers.

"I fixed your favorite. Pot roast with potatoes and carrots. I also made that homemade bread you like. And I baked an angel food cake. I brought strawberries and whipped cream too. I know how much you like strawberries and whipped cream."

"Thank you mom." Edward smiled at her.

She finished making his plate before placing it on his lap. She then kissed his temple.

"I just wish you had been there." She started to cry. "You need to be home."

"Mom," Edward sighed. "I'm alright. I'll be home very soon."

She nodded and wiped her tears away. She turned to make another plate. I thanked her when she handed me a plate.

"I hope you like it," She said. "It's Edward's favorite. I fix it probably every other family dinner night."

"So, Sunday nights are the nights you and your family have dinner?" I asked as I started eating.

"Yeah, every Sunday night everyone has to go over to my mother's house for dinner." Edward said. "Where's dad at? He usually comes."

"Your father had to run to that place you own," She waved her hand dismissively. "You know the one."

Edward laughed but blushed brightly. "Oh well, thank him for me."

"You own a business?" I asked.

"It's a disgusting business he bought when he was twenty-one. Please don't ask him about it." Esme said as she shook her head. "His father gave him a small loan to get him started and he spent it all on that place."

"Hey, that place gave me a penthouse in the city and got me started. I still make a pretty penny off that place."

"What kind of place is it?" I asked.

"It's an upscale strip club." Edward said, his blush deepening. "I took it to the next level and it's kind of like that bunny ranch in Colorado."

"Oh," I blushed. "So, it's a brothel?"

"Yes, and it's disgusting," Esme shuddered. "Can I get you another piece of bread, Bella?"

"Sure," I said. "So, you made a brothel in New York? How successful is it?"

"Pretty successful," Edward said. "I don't really fool with it too much anymore. I just used it to help open a new branch of my father's financial business. I deal with investors now, and they love to come to my strip club, so it's really helped our business."

"That's smart," I said as I took another bite. "My mom started off as a nude model. She posed for playboy when she was like eighteen. Took her a few years to get rolling, but the money she made from posing has given her a nice little nest egg to be an artist. She's not a very successful artist, but she gets to enjoy her life and make art."

"So you're pretty comfortable with nudity? Naked women don't make you squeamish, like, some people." He said as he discreetly pointed at his mother.

"It's not that I'm uncomfortable with naked women, but I don't like my son being associated with it." Esme said. "And how would you feel if your sister posed nude?"

Edward shuddered, but I was quick to answer.

"Hopefully not anything, because your sister is her own person who can do what she pleases."

Esme looked over at me, eyebrow raised. "Well, a little spitfire. I think I like you."

I blushed. "I'm just very outspoken. My mom had a difficult time because of her modeling, so, I tend to get defensive. Sorry."

"No, it's alright." Esme waved dismissively. "I wish I had the choice to be more adventurous when I was younger, but I grew up in a very strict family. Now it's just my nature to be very proper, if not downright prudish."

"It's okay." I said with a shrug. "To each their own."

"So, would you ever pose nude?" Edward asked cheekily.

"Are you offering me a job at your brothel?"

Edward threw his head back and laughed. "No, I'm most certainly not. That place is too trashy for a woman like you. But would you?"

"I mean, a girls gotta pay for college somehow." I chuckled darkly; I didn't want to lie, but I also didn't want to tell them that when I first started college, I had done a few nude poses in a local art class. It was humiliating, but it helped pay the bills. And if I had too, I'd do it again.

Edward's laugh deepened. "I like your sense of humor."

Esme's watch beeped and she sighed loudly. Edward set his plate aside and pulled her into his arms.

"I'll see you next Sunday, okay? And you're coming back Wednesday for visiting hours?" He asked her.

"Yeah," She sniffled. "I wish I could stay longer. I'm sorry."

"No mom, you need to sleep. And I don't want you out late."

She chuckled softly. "You sound just like your father."

"Thank you for dinner mom. It was amazing, as always." He said softly. "I can't wait to see you Wednesday."

"And you'll call me tomorrow at four, right?"

"Of course," He smiled. "Jasper should be outside waiting for you."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed him tightly. "I'm going to miss you so much. Please, please stay out of trouble."

"I will, mom," He smiled at her. "Now get out of here and get some rest. You look so tired."

She nodded. "Thank you, Bella. For taking care of Edward and keeping him company."

"Of course." I smiled. "Thank you for dinner. It's the best homecooked meal I've had in a long time."

"Well, please come over anytime and join us for dinner. Dinner is always ready at six."

She gave Edward one last kiss on the cheek before leaving. I felt sorry for her. She was so distraught about Edward being here. I felt bad for saying he deserved to be here. I'm sure he did but seeing his mother's sadness made me regret saying it.

"She's not usually so emotional," Edward said after she left. "But you know, this is hard for her."

"Yeah," I nodded. "I get why she's emotional. It must be hard on her."

"It's been pretty rough. Not just for her though. I worry so much about her to. My dad has to be gone most of the day, so I usually kept an eye on her. And with my sister off at college she gets really lonely. When I wasn't in here, I'd always make time to have at least one meals with her everyday. Now she's by herself most of the day. She tends to struggle a bit."

"If she's struggling so much then why doesn't your dad just stay home with her?"

"Because my father is busy running his businesses and now my businesses since I can't. He doesn't want to work this much but he knows how hard I worked. He doesn't want me to lose anything."

"Oh," I nodded. "I mean… I hate to say this but you kind of have no one to blame but yourself."

He paused in his bite and for a moment, my gut twisted. I probably shouldn't have said that. Edward could be violent, that much was obvious. My hand clenched around my fork, ready to use it to defend myself.

He suddenly threw his head back and laughed loudly. He laughed for a solid two minutes before finally wiping the tears that had formed in his eyes.

"What?" I snapped.

"You're hilarious," He said, coughing on a laugh. "I can quite honestly say I've never met a woman who isn't afraid to put me in my place."

"You must've not known enough women then," I said. "I'm a big believer in honesty."

"And what do you honestly think of me?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

I looked at my watch. "I think it's time you go back to your cell."

He sighed, "It appears so."

He got to his feet and cleaned up the mess. Once it was all cleaned, he sighed.

"Well, I guess it's back to my cell."

I grabbed him by the arm before he walked out. "Thank you."

"For?" He asked, raising his eyebrow.

"For beating up that guy for me." I smiled. "I know I already said it, but thanks again."

He smiled widely, "You are most certainly welcome, Miss Swan. Of course, I'm sure if your boyfriend were here, he'd do the same."

"Oh I don't have a—," I slowly smiled as I realized what he did. "Wow, I walked right into that one."

He chuckled. "You certainly did. Have a fantastic night, Miss Swan."