Enjoy!

Chapter Twenty-Seven

My front door opened, but I didn't panic. I knew it was just Jasper coming in to grab coffee and pick me up for work.

"I just made a pot!" I yelled out as I dried my hair. "Give me like ten minutes!"

"Take your time!" He yelled back.

I pulled my damp hair into a ponytail before getting my scrubs on. I walked out into the living room where Jasper was sitting.

"Bella, I'm going to tell you right now," Jasper said, his back towards me. "If you make this a bigger deal than it is, I swear, I will punch you."

"You punch me, and I will fuck you up," I said. "What are you talking about?"

Jasper turned around to reveal a face that made me gasp. He had two black eyes, a split lip, and several bruises covering his skin.

"Oh shit, Jasper," I said as I walked over to him. "God damn what happened to you?"

"Nothing. I'm fine." He said.

"Have you gone to the doctor?"

"Yeah. I'm fine."

I made a face. "You look like you were… wait, did Carlisle do this to you?"

"I can't say. Apparently he found out that people have been running their mouths about him and hiding things from him. He was justifiably pissed."

"Oh my god," I said, tears welling up in my eyes. "I-I'm so sorry Jasper! This is all my fault! I told Carlisle… But I swear I didn't give him your name or anyone else's! I'm so sorry!"

He shrugged. "It's alright Bella. I deserve what I got."

"No it's not alright," I said. "Maybe you should punch me. I deserve it for running my mouth."

"Actually you didn't. Carlisle said you wouldn't rat anyone out. So while me, and Edward got our asses beat, you've gotten a good reputation as a non-rat. You're going to get respect in the streets."

I rolled my eyes at his joke. "This is not okay. Carlisle shouldn't have done this. It's wrong."

"It is what it is Bella." He shrugged. "It's okay. Really, it is. I shouldn't have been running my mouth. That's my fault."

"I swear I didn't mention you or Edward. I don't know how he found that out."

"Oh me and Edward came clean immediately."

"Why would you do that? Did you know he was going to do this?"

"Yeah we knew what would happen. We're very loyal to Carlisle and the family." Jasper said. "Now, if you don't mind, I don't want to discuss this anymore. I don't want another beating for running my mouth again. I'm might not be able to walk the next time."

I nodded and swallowed the dry lump that was in my throat. I felt an enormous amount of guilt in the pit of my stomach. I felt badly that I was the reason Jasper had gotten beat up. But as we drove to the prison, my guilt grew because I knew Edward had also gotten in trouble. It made me wonder how Carlisle got to him.

I walked into the office and looked around. Edward would be here right now. This was usually around the time he came to eat breakfast and sleep. I started to worry but then Debra gave me the rundown.

"Edward is laying down. He had a very rough night." She said.

"He's in here? What happened?" I asked.

"Got in a nasty fight. Well, I saw the video. It wasn't really a fight, Edward just let the other guy wail on him. I'm not sure why he didn't fight back, it was insane."

"Oh my god," I gasped, "That's terrible."

"Yeah," Debra said as she slung her bag over her shoulder.

I was fidgeting from one foot to the other, waiting for her to leave so I could go check on Edward. Once she was gone, I ran into the room.

Edward was resting on the bed, his face looking ten times worse than Jasper's. He was naked from the waist up, his ribs wrapped in bandages.

I thought he was asleep, but as I was looking him over, he opened one swollen eye.

"Well, good morning beautiful."

"Edward," I gasped. "I… I'm so sorry…"

He winced as he pulled himself to sit up. I helped him, stuffing another soft pillow behind his back so he would be comfortable.

"Why are you sorry?"

"You got beat up because of me." I bit my lip. "I didn't know your dad would… Jesus… I'm so fucking sorry. I can't believe this."

He smiled softly. "I'm alright Bella. This isn't the first time I've been beaten up. It's not that bad."

"Edward it's horrible!" I said. "Why did you let yourself get beat up? Why didn't you fight back?"

"Because I ran my mouth. I deserve what I got."

"No you didn't." I shook my head. "You did not deserve this. I don't even know why your dad would do this! I told him that I thought everything about the mafia and your family's involvement was bullshit! What an… what an asshole!"

Edward placed his hand on my arm. "Bella, I love this fiery passion, makes me feel special. But we can't talk about this anymore. The only thing I'll say is that my father is in charge, and he does what he has to do to protect our family. I know you're worried, but I'm fine."

"It's my fault. I wouldn't have said anything if I knew he was going to do this."

He smiled at me. "Naw, it's not your fault Bella. I'm fine. Don't feel bad."

"Easier said than done," I sighed as I got to my feet. "I'm just going to start working. Do you need anything? Have you had breakfast yet?"

"No I haven't," He said. "But I'm alright."

"Let me get you breakfast."

I walked out of the room and grabbed a microwavable meal for Edward. There weren't any that had breakfast food, but it would be better than the prison food that made him so sick.

"Here you go," I said as I took a tray and placed it over his lap.

"Aren't you the sweetest," Edward grinned as I started cutting his chicken.

"It's the least I can do."

"You really feel guilty about this?"

"Of course," I said as I sat on the edge of his bed. "I feel awful. It's my fault you and Jasper got the snot beat out of you. I should've just kept my mouth shut."

"Do you want to make it up to me?" He asked.

"Yeah, I do. You look terrible."

"Alright, I will absolve you if you let me take you out the day after I'm released from prison."

I raised my eyebrows. "The day after?"

"My dad told me that my family was planning a coming home party for me," He said. "Which reminds me, did you punch my grandmother?"

I blushed and looked down. "Yeah. I did."

He laughed. "Damn. Did you also tell her to just do us a favor and die?"

I blushed even harder. "Yes."

He laughed even harder. "That hilarious."

"No it's not." I said. "Not when your mom is mad at me."

"My mom's mad at you?"

"Your dad told me she was upset, so I figured she's pissed at me. But Edward your grandmother was relentless. I couldn't stop myself. I feel bad that I pissed your mom off, but Jesus Christ… I couldn't take it."

He snorted. "Yeah, grandmother is fucking ridiculous. We were forbidden from saying anything to her. Me and Alice can't stand her. So why did you punch her? I know you guys were exchanging words, but what made you punch her?"

"She called my mother a whore. No one talks that way about my mom."

He nodded. "I respect that. Good for you. Don't let anyone push you around."

"Well, now apparently, your grandmother won't be in the same room as me. So your dad wanted me to tell you that you had to go to your party without me." I smiled softly. "So, make sure you go."

"Oh, hell no," Edward said, making a face. "You are one hundred percent accompanying me to the party. That's nonnegotiable."

I sighed. "Your dad said this would happen. Look, Edward, it's not a big deal. Just go. Spend time with your family."

"No Bella. You're coming," He said. "Or I just won't go."

"Edward I don't want to cause any more problems with your family."

He reached out and took my hand. "Bella, do me a favor, meet with my mother and smooth things over. I'm not going to the party unless you come. Okay? It's just not happening."

I let out a heavy, dramatic sigh. "Alright. Fine I will."

"Good." He smiled. "Now, about the next day? Are you joining me for an unforgettable night on the town?"

I got to my feet and walked to the door. I paused and looked over my shoulder at him, fluttering my eyelashes.

"I don't like Caribbean food and I hate bars." I said to him.

His smile widened, nearly re-splitting his stitched lip. "Don't worry. You won't hate anything on our date."

I turned my head and walked out of the room, smiling as I did so. Going out on a date with Edward wouldn't be so bad. I mean, we were friends. I had fun with Edward. I was sure a date would be fun and just friendly. We were friends. Just friends.

I had come to the conclusion that me trying to kiss Edward was just a temporary lapse in judgement. I was vulnerable and I wanted comfort. That was all. Edward was just my friend.

Upon Edward's request, I did reach out to Esme. I had been worried she would ignore me, but she was quick to text back and set up a time for us to meet. It was going to be late, but since Edward was getting out in two days and she wanted everything settled before then.

I wish I had waited though. I felt nervous about meeting her after work. We were going to grab dinner at a place near the jail. I wasn't too familiar with the restaurants around here, but I was about a hundred percent sure that they wouldn't be restaurants that required a suit and tie to dine.

Esme was running a little behind, which gave me time to panic internally.

God, I hoped Esme didn't hate me. I really, really liked her. I wanted Esme to like me. It was the craziest thing, out of all the Cullen's, Esme's opinion was the only one I cared about.

When I saw her walking in, I sat up a little straighter and smiled. She returned the smile when she saw me, but it wasn't nearly as friendly as her past smiles. I felt my stomach twist uncomfortably.

"Hey, Esme," I greeted without standing; usually she hugged me, but I wasn't sure if she wanted to now.

"Hi Bella," She smiled as she sat down. "How are you?"

"I'm fine, a little tired and hungry, but otherwise fine."

"How's my son? Is he behaving himself?"

"Oh yes. He's a perfect inmate. He's not doing anything that'll extend his stay."

"Good." She nodded once. "I've been working so hard on this party. But, beyond that, I'm just ready for my son to come home."

"He's ready too," I chuckled.

"Since we're on the topic of parties and Edward," She said after she sipped her tea. "Why don't we discuss what happened at the family dinner?"

I let out a soft sigh. "Esme, I'm really, really sorry I upset you. I know what I did and said wasn't right. And I'm sorry if it brought more problems for you." I took a deep breath. "But, Esme, while I am very sorry I upset you, I'm not sorry for defending you or defending myself. And I am certainly not sorry for punching Mrs. Cullen. No one calls my mother a whore."

Esme nodded. "I understand, dear. I really do. Mrs. Cullen is a very hard woman to be around. Trust me, it's been tough being her daughter-in-law all this time."

"Like I said, I'm sorry that I caused more problems for you but I'm not going to hesitate to stand up for myself or others."

"I admire that," She smiled. "Truly I do. And I don't want you to apologize for sticking up for yourself or for punching Mrs. Cullen."

"So, what do you want?"

"I just wanted to talk to you about…" It seemed as though she were struggling with the correct word. It was a moment before she finally sighed. "I mean no offense when I say this, but I wanted to speak to you about your behavior."

"I'm not a child Esme," I said. "I don't need a talking to about my behavior."

She sighed. "I don't mean it like that, my dear. I wasn't sure how else to put it."

"Okay, well, could you please explain?" I asked, trying to be as polite as possible.

"Of course," She said, before sipping her tea. "It is apparent that you and Edward are… something. Whether it be friends or more, I'm not sure. Edward wants you around, as we all do, we all like you very much. You're a sweet, kind, and independent person. I think we all admire the independent part. It's refreshing."

"Enough flattery," I said. "Please explain what you mean about my behavior."

She sighed softly. "Since you're going to be invited to all of our gatherings, our parties, and our family events, I just want you to not be perceived in an unfavorable way. I've spent a long time in the social circle. I know exactly what they think of people they consider low brow. I am a kind woman, but no one talks about the people I care about." She said. "The other day, I had to put my foot down with Mrs. Cullen. It was difficult and it made my life much more complicated, but I refused to let her speak negatively about you."

"I don't need you to stick up for me Esme. Especially if it'll complicated your life."

She smiled softly. "Just like I don't need you to stick up for me, my dear."

"Alright, you got me there," I sighed. "But look, if I'm going to complicate things, then just don't invite me. I don't need to come to any parties or anything."

"I can't do that," She shook her head. "Edward really likes you, we all do. We want you there as much as he does. You're pretty much a part of the family now."

I sighed even heavier. "Esme, I don't want to cause any problems with your family. If Mrs. Cullen is refusing to show up if I do, then I'll just stay away. I know Edward says he won't come to any events, but I can convince him otherwise."

"Look, Edward is speaking to his grandmother now and he'll be able to convince her to relax. If there's anyone she might possibly love more than Carlisle, it's Edward. He wants you there, we want you there, case closed."

"I'll only come if it isn't going to cause issues in your family."

"Hopefully, there won't be any more unpleasantness." Esme said. "But please remember, I handle Mrs. Cullen in my own way. I don't want you sticking up for me, okay?"

I nodded. "Okay, Esme. I'll keep my mouth shut."

She smiled softly, "Don't worry too much about it. I'm about a hundred percent sure you set Mrs. Cullen straight at dinner. No one has ever spoken to her in such a way, let alone assaulted her. I think she's learned her lesson."

I blushed. "Well, I don't feel bad for hitting her. She deserved it."

"She did, I don't disagree with you there." She chuckled. "From now on, my dear, if you have an issue with anyone at one of our parties, please take it to Carlisle. He'll handle it."

"I don't need Carlisle to handle anything for me." I frowned. "I can handle myself."

"I know you can, but it's best if Carlisle handles these things from now on. These are his associates, and he needs to be the one to handle them."

I sighed but didn't argue with her. The Cullens were a strange family who were wrapped up in some questionable dealings.