The Consequences of Messing With A Whitlock
by: Wizardtho
Chapter 3:
Alice had called Esme during my tattoo, letting her know the change in plans, to make sure everyone was well fed before I got there. After Esme worrying that something had happened to me and asking if I needed to see Carlisle, Alice told her that it was a surprise. I was completely fine, but that there would be minimal scent in the air, so they should all feed. We got done at Charlie's quickly, only taking my hidden photo album, a few nicknacks, and enough clothing to make it looked like I'd packed for a couple of months away. When we were done there, we headed straight back to the Cullen house.
Before I even made it in the front door, Edward was coming off the porch steps asking, "What is that you're wearing, Love? And why were you bleeding?" His tone of voice made me bristle for some reason, so I said, "I'm wearing clothes, Edward, and the blood was because I got a tattoo done." By this time the family had gathered on the porch, I noticed Rose had a grin on her face. I turned around to tell Alice something, but Edward scuffed, "Isabella, why would you ruin your beautiful skin by marking it?"
I whirled on him, his tone and attitude pissing me the hell off, especially after such a fun afternoon. "Ruin my skin? I didn't ruin anything, Edward. I'm still me. I'm damn proud and honored to be marked with this." I extended my arm to show Edward my tattoo, but his fingers closed around my wrist tightly as he growled, "Why? Do you even know what this means? You don't want this or those those clothes, Isabella. Go in and change, then we'll find out about how to get that removed." His grip had tightened more and more while he spoke. Suddenly I cried out in pain as he snatched at me to walk.
Carlisle was instantly beside me. Jasper and Alice were both crouched in front of me, growling at Edward. I shook my head at Carlisle, holding my dislocated shoulder, then turned to Edward while saying in a deadly calm voice, "I know exactly what this tattoo means, Edward. Like I said before, I'm proud and honored to be marked with it. I will NOT be getting it removed. These clothes? This is the real me. I finally feel like I'm in my own skin again. No more scheming, no more lying, and no more of Bella can't do anything without Edward's approval. This. Is. Me. I cuss, my wardrobe is filled with a rainbow of colors, I like to look like I actually have the curves God graced me with, I can walk on my own two feet without my steps being planned out for me by you, oh... my belly button is pierced."
My voice got angrier with my next words, but I was passed his bullshit. "You, on the other hand, lied about me being your mate, treat me like a porcelain doll you can't touch, act like I'm a possession instead of your true love, plus almost drained me dry until Major practically handed you your ass."
Edward growled viciously in response to my words. In the next second, I felt a change in the air as Jasper stood from his crouch, only to look a hundred times more dangerous than a few seconds ago. He looked back at me with sparkling obsidian eyes, so I knew I was now looking at Major. He turned around as he held his hand out to me. I took it right away, knowing I was safe with him. "The possessive and greedy feelin's ya got goin' aren't gonna get ya anywhere, Boy. Ya fucked up by hurtin' her once. I warned ya what would happen if ya ever hurt her again. Ya just screwed yourself by hurtin’ her again, so ya get to feel the pain she's in now, plus the pain she was feelin' in Phoenix."
Carlisle asked softly, "Major? I understand he needs to be punished, but will you allow Alice to accompany me inside with Bella, so that I can care for her shoulder?" Major nodded sharply, "Care for her. Mary Alice, make sure ya get Captain on the horn. If Edward makes one wrong move toward Isabella, we'll not be waitin' a week to leave." Alice nodded her head seriously, kissed Major lovingly on the cheek, then dashed to my side. Carlisle and Alice took me inside quickly. Just as the front door shut behind the family, I heard Edward scream out in what sounded like excruciating pain. Good... fucker deserves this for laying his hands on me like that.
Before I was even in Carlisle's office, he had sent Emmett and Rose to bring me a few ice packs, and Esme to make me something to snack on, since I would need medication. Alice was on the phone with Peter, talking at vampire speed. When they got me sat down on the couch, Alice put the phone on speaker.
I was barely holding back the scream lodged in my throat by that time, my breathing ragged. Then I heard Peter say in a soothing voice, "Isabella, I need ya to listen to me. Ya know Major's out there takin' care of the situation. Edward can't hurt ya anymore. Major and Ali will make sure you're safe. She's gonna sit next to ya, with Carlisle on your other side. I need ya to close your eyes and just listen. Can ya do that for me, Sweet Pea?" I choked out as tears flooded my eyes, "It... hurts so... much, Peter." He cooed tenderly, "I know, Angel. Close your eyes for me... just listen to my voice. Find your peaceful place for me."
I did as he said, yet knew Carlisle had given me an injection only a few seconds after I visualized my peaceful place. Peter spoke softly to me, talking about nothing in general for several minutes before my breathing calmed completely, then I heard Carlisle say, "Your wrist is badly sprained, and will have a nasty looking bruise. Your shoulder is only dislocated. I'll be able to make it right in just a moment. There are no broken bones, but you will be very tense and sore for the next several days. I've already given you a painkiller, as well as a muscle relaxant. I just need to wait another minute for them to fully take effect before I work your shoulder." It didn't take long before he had my shoulder fixed.
They had just laid me down on the couch to continue talking to Peter, when Esme came in with my snack, with Rose following right behind her carrying two large ice packs. I nibbled at my brownie with my eyes still closed as Carlisle placed the ice packs, not fully being able to comprehend anything other than Peter's voice. It was so soothing. When I concentrated, it almost felt like he was right next to me, comforting me. It wasn't long before I was drifting to his soft voice. The last thing I registered was him whispering, "Sleep well, My Sweet Li'l Angel."
I woke up wrapped in the arms of both Alice and Rose. We were in Ali and Jazz’s room, with Rose whispering softly, "I'm so proud of her for finally standing up to him. I couldn't get the smile off my face while she was putting him in his place, no matter how hard I tried. There were so many times that she gave up her wants for his, that I just wanted to scream at her to say something.... do something. I couldn't understand how she could willingly go from this vibrant, beautiful, confident person, to the mousey little nothing he turned her into. I hope she understands that I never hated her... I just hated what he was doing to her." My voice was thick with sleep when I whispered, "I do understand, Rose... I hope we can start fresh. Now how long have I been asleep, and why am I the squishy human center to a vampire sandwich? Is something wrong?"
They both chuckled, then I heard Jasper's smooth voice as he spoke from somewhere in the room. "You've been asleep for about 3 hours, but ya weren't sleepin' peacefully until ya were brought here and two of us surrounded ya, makin' you that squishy human center. I went to go get Carlisle, so that he could dose ya again, since I'm keepin' quite a bit of pain from ya right now. He says ya need to eat first, Sugar, so Rose and Ali are gonna get ya sittin' up against the pillow pile I'll make." I nodded, "M'kay, but I need someone to help me, I think. I need a human moment." Alice offered to help, then soon I was successfully taking care of necessities.
When I walked back into the room, I giggled at all the fluffy pillows Jasper was arranging on the bed for me. "Are you going soft, Jazz?" He beamed up at me, chuckling, "Not likely, Bella. Just takin' care of my family, is all. Carlisle wants to take a look at your tattoo while he's checkin' on ya. Esme is makin' those stuffed french toast things ya love. Once ya get settled, we need to talk about what's gone on since ya fell asleep, then make a plan." I nodded, then took his hand so he could help me up onto the bed.
When I was settled, Ali and Rose settled on either side of me, then Jasper sat near the bottom with my sock-covered feet in his lap. Alice took my hand carefully, "Alright, Baby Girl. Edward's not settling with you not belonging to him. He's been hard to keep away from you since Major forced him to hunt after his punishment. He keeps saying he wants to apologise, but his emotions don't match his words." I nodded sadly, "I figured. Major said we'd leave sooner if Edward chose to be an ass, so what can I do to help get us on our way? Granted, I'd like to stay a bit before we leave, but if you think it's better to go now, I won't make a fuss."
Jasper smiled at me as he gently squeezed my foot, "I was expectin' somethin' similar to your great Phoenix escape, but your feelin's are matchin' what ya just said. That makes it a hell of a lot easier to keep ya safe, Sugar. What we need ya to do is call Charlie. Tell him that Esme wants to talk to him, then hand her the phone. That's it. Esme will take care of the rest, then she'll hand ya back the phone. Ali has already directed Rose and Esme on packin' all your new stuff from the mall, and Esme's emailed all your favorite recipes to Peter. We know what needs to be done for your meds, plus Carlisle packed us more than enough to take with us."
I nodded, thinking about everything for a second. Everything had already been taken care of, so I nodded, "Alright. Charlie won't be in bed yet, so as soon as Esme comes in with my tray, I'll call Charlie. How soon after the phone call will we leave?" Rose smiled, "As soon as you eat, Carlisle checks up on you, and you get this dose of medicine. Once you get settled at Peter's and have time with your mate, you can call me and Em to let us know when your change will take place. We'd like to come out... be there for you." I was surprised she didn't mention Esme and Carlisle in there with them, but I agreed with a big smile, "I'd like that, too."
Just then, Esme came in with my tray. She smiled as she said, "I know it's not dinner, but I thought you might like something sweet and comforting." I nodded, "It's perfect, Esme. Thank you. Ali, can you hand me my phone, please? It's not in my pocket, so I assume you put it somewhere." She handed me my phone, so I pressed the button for Charlie.
Charlie answered on the first ring, "Bells, what's wrong? Are you okay?" I smiled, "I'm perfectly fine, Dad. Esme just wanted to talk to you. There's been a change in plans, I guess, so she wanted to okay it with you." He chuckled, "Alright, Bells... put her on." I handed Esme the phone, then started eating as she went about explaining that her brother had asked if Ali and I could come out early, because they stumbled onto the opportunity to get a lake house for next week. She explained that we'd need to leave first thing in the morning if we wanted to get settled in before we went to the lake house, and that we already knew to call her as soon as we got to her brother's.
I was only part way through my french toast and bacon strips when she handed me back the phone with a smile. I put it to my ear, saying, "Hey, Dad. Did you and Esme get everything settled?" He chuckled, "Yeah, Bells. You go ahead and have fun, but remember to call your mom. You make sure you call when you're supposed to, and remember to check in with me, so I know you're okay." I smiled, "I will, Dad. I promise. Mom will still be awake, knowing her, so I'll call her as soon as I hang up with you. Love you, Dad." He said good-bye, then I hit the end button.
"Ali, what's the best way to go about dealing with Renee?" She chuckled with a shake of her head, "No problems or tap dancing with her. Just give her minimal information, telling her you were wondering if you could have your babies shipped out to where we'll be for the summer. Charlie never told her about you staying here, since she never calls the house to reach you, so don't mention that." I nodded as I pressed the button for Renee. She answered on the second ring, "Bella? Is that you?" I chuckled, "Yeah, Mom. It's me. I know I never call this late, but Dad made me promise to call before I left in the morning. Remember my best friend Alice I told you about? Well Dad's letting me go out of state with her for the summer, to stay at her uncle's house and visit with her cousins."
Renee laughed, "Well it looks like Charlie's lightening up a bit, huh? Good for you. I'm sure he's got a million things for you to make sure of, doesn't he?" I laughed out right, then said, "I have to check in with him at least once a week, plus we have to make sure to call Dr. and Mrs. Cullen as soon as we arrive. That's it." Renee responded with a whistle, "Wow, Sweetie. He's really lightened up with you. Good for you."
I grinned at Alice, then said, "Umm... Mom? I was wondering if you'd mind me having the Viper and Streetfighter sent to where I'm going to be this summer. I really miss them, with having to drive that old truck Dad gave me, but you know I can't make him feel bad for buying me something like that." Renee chuckled, "Oh, of course, Honey. What do I need to do?"
I looked at Alice in silent question. She mouthed 'nothing, couriers', so I said, "Nothing at all, Mom. You just need to let the couriers have both of them and the keys when they come for them. I'll take care of everything on this side, then call you when they make it safely to me. Oh, please put my helmet and leathers in the trunk of the Viper, so that I don't have to buy new ones." She responded easily, "Sure thing, Bella. You just call to let me know when they should be here to get them, and I'll make sure one of us is here. I've got to go now, though, because we just made it to Andrew's birthday party." I smiled, "Tell him I said 'Happy birthday, Old Man.’ I'll call you as soon as I have details. Love you, Mom."
Jasper flipped his phone open when I flipped mine shut, then he pressed a button. A female voice answered right away, saying, "Yes, Major?" Jasper chuckled, "At ease, Char. Nothin's wrong. I just have a job for ya to do with Aaron on the way to Pete's... and you're on speaker." She asked what the job was and how long before leaving for Peter's she should plan to do it. Jasper replied, "As soon as tomorrow afternoon. You'll need the haulin' trailer. You'll be pickin' up Bella's Dodge Viper and Ducati Streetfighter from her ma's place in Jacksonville, then holdin' ‘em until ya head to Peter's. Make sure they're tuned up and ready for her to use as soon as ya arrive, but remember to keep the tweaks to a minimum for now, since she's still human."
Char chuckled, "Awesome. Give me the tag info, models, and colors so I can fix up the paperwork, then I need the pick-up address." I rattled off all of the info she asked for, having had them memorized since I lived with Renee, then said, "My step-dad's mechanic tweaked both of them out already, but I'm sure you'll be able to make at least a few adjustments. Check to make sure my leathers and helmet are in the trunk of the Viper, please, because Renee is liable to forget. Just put it as a notation of what was supposed to be in the vehicle when you pick it up." Char chuckled, "Sure thing, Sweetie. Don't you worry. Aaron and I will have them both in top form before they get to you. Do you have an objection to aftermarket items?" I shook my head, "Nope, you'll see when you pick them up, that there are a lot of aftermarket pieces already in. Oh, and check the wiring to the start button on the Viper, please. It took it more than one try last time I started it."
Our conversation was over a few minutes later, then Alice said to me, "You'll call Renee first thing in the morning. Tell her that the pickup is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon around 3. That's when Char and Aaron will get there. Don't worry, Baby Girl. Char will take good care of them, they'll be better than new when they get to Peter's." I nodded while pushing my empty tray away from me. Esme took my tray, saying as she walked out, "I'll send Carlisle right in."
Carlisle came in with a smile just 5 seconds later, "How's my favorite patient?" I shook my head as I motioned to Jasper, "Jazz is keeping the mojo on high, from what I understand. He's keeping me pain-free until you can dose me up again. Other than that, I'm pleasantly full and not sleepy at all." Carlisle hummed, "Well, let's get you looked at, then I'll give you your next injections and put you in a sling. Keep the movement as minimal as possible in both your shoulder and your wrist. It's too soon after getting your tattoo for me to be able to wrap your wrist in an ace bandage." I agreed as he asked, "May I?"
When I smiled, nodding, he took a close look at my tattoo. "This is not the same as Alice and Jasper's. The heart and wings... did you think of them?" I nodded, "I just saw a picture of it in my head. I told Jasper that I just didn't want to forget how pretty it was... that I didn't have to have the changes done in the tattoo, but he said it was perfect. He said Peter's was just missing the wings, I think." Carlisle looked to Jasper, then said to me, "Let Alice and Jasper keep up with the aftercare. Try not to rub or scratch at it. I've already given them all they will need to keep it looking as bright as possible as it heals. Now, let's see about this shoulder, shall we?"