Growing More

Chapter 28

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Edward's POV:

I woke with a start to something poking me on the ribs. I opened my eyes and still couldn't see - it was pitch black. Middle of the night.

"Edward?" Bella whispered in my ear. I turned my head towards the voice and could just make out her pale figure in the darkness.

"Bella? What is it?"

"I felt bad,"

"And you decided to apologize at... What time is it anyway?"

"2:18 am," she mumbled. I internally groaned. "Sorry."

"So what were you going to say?" I asked, fighting my heavy eyelids. I didn't want to seem like a total jerk by falling asleep on her.

"Well, there's a reason I was in a bad mood when I came back." she murmured. I sat up, my eyes adjusting to the darkness, and she sat down next to me.

"Really? What was it?" I asked, yawning.

"Maybe I should wait. You're not coherent." she mused.

"You already woke me up. You're telling me. Now." I growled.

"Okay, okay, pushy McPush pants," she teased, poking me. I rolled my eyes.

"Get on with it, Bella," I said, fighting a smile.

"You remember those girls from sixth grade?" she asked me. I immediately stiffened, remembering the moment I found Bella in the bathroom, bruised, bloody, and battered...

I shuddered, and clacked my teeth together.

"Yes, I remember."

"They're, um..." she took a deep breath.

I listened intently.

"Edward, they're out of juvie."

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Bella's POV:

"What?!" Carlisle roared when I told him the news later on. I clutched at Edward's hand tighter. I had never seen Carlisle lash out before.

"They were supposed to get life without possibility of parole!" Carlisle continued.

"Remember, Carlisle. It's juvie. Their parents finally saved up enough money for bail." Edward said reasonably. I had finally calmed down after his explosion with the news that nearly woke up the entire neighborhood.

After muttering a string of profanities, he had punched the wall. The wall now forever bears a scar from Edward's rage; he punched a hole in the wall.

When I had told him to watch his mouth, he glared at me until I finally managed to calm him down. 

And now, here we stand with Carlisle going red-faced. I cowered more behind Edward, and he gave me a comforting smile, but I know he was a bit intimidated too: he had told me he had never seen Carlisle mad.

"This is absurd! This is not acceptable!" Carlisle roared.

"Um, it's kind of too late," I squeaked, and Carlisle gave me the glares of all glares. I shuddered.

"Is this a joke to you? Do you want to go through that again?" Carlisle screamed in my face. I flinched back, and Edward stepped in front of me.

"Dad, stop. This isn't Bella's fault, and she's trying to make good out of the situation. You are not helping, and in fact I think you are the one acting absurd. You taught us all to always keep calm and think of the positive whilst you're here losing your sh**. So, quite frankly, I think you need some camemille tea." Edward snapped at Carlisle.