Thank you to my wonderful pre-readers and beta's: Shadowed by Passion, piperann_25, KannnD, and BookishQua. I would be nothing without these ladies. :)

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There Goes My Life, Chapter 11.

A/N: Hello, readers! First off, I'm so glad you guys liked chapter 10. It wasn't an easy one to write, but I hope it answered some questions about Tanya and Edward. Second, I wanted to reassure some of you about Edward. Remember, he's only 18. Tanya was the only person who made Edward feel like he was wanted; she wormed her way into his life by offering a sympathetic ear while he was having a breakdown. Remember, he told his parents he thought he was a disappointment, and Bella sure wasn't giving him the time of day, so he went to the one person who gave him what he needed -emotional support, even though now we realize that it was one big lie. And now that the lie was exposed, it's going to be up to Edward to prove, not just to Bella, but to his family that he is a good person. Of course, none of this excuses his behavior – not at all. Life isn't perfect, and one if not both of them, are going to make mistakes. It's how they handle those mistakes that will determine how things go for them. So stick with me, k? I do believe in HEA's.


Bella POV

What a day, I sighed as I slid into my car. I had spent ten hours at Newton's doing nothing but restocking shelves, then I picked up four hours at the diner. The arches in my feet felt like I was walking on needles, and the knots in my shoulders and neck hurt every time I moved. On top of that, I was dead exhausted. Caring for my babies meant that on a good night I slept only five hours. All I wanted to do when I got home was to stand under a hot shower and relax. If I didn't need the money, I would have said no to the diner. Plus, I wanted to have a little extra in my bank account when school started. Money was becoming pretty tight, and I wasn't going to ask my parents unless I was absolutely desperate.

The more I thought about my dwindling bank account, the more stressed I felt. Raising Maddy and Masen wasn't cheap. Diapers, wipes, formula, and clothes were expensive. One can of formula was thirty dollars, and the twins used approximately sixteen cans a month. Thankfully, I've been using a generic version which was half the cost and still provided the nutrients they needed. As far as diapers, they used roughly twenty a day. I tried to save a few dollars here and there by going to second-hand stores to get their clothes, and would buy their diapers, wipes and formula in bulk when I could. Between their needs, gas for my car, and the few things I've had to purchase for school, I was going broke. Another alternative was to actually use the account Carlisle and Esme had created. I hadn't used it all that much because it didn't seem right. It felt like I was using their money and it made me feel like I was almost stealing it.

Before I drove away from the diner, I rubbed my temples to help relieve the stress headache I had from thinking about money. I glanced at the clock on my phone and realized how late it was getting. The twins had been with the Cullen's all day, and I was desperate to see them.

As I pulled up to the Cullen's house, I noticed a vehicle parked in the driveway that I didn't recognize. A moment later, the front door flew open, and a woman with blond hair walked out who looked none too happy. Behind her came a man carrying a screaming girl with his arms around her waist. She was kicking her legs, flailing her arms, and shrieking at the top of her lungs.

"You!" she screamed at me when she saw me. I realized then that it was Tanya. "You fucking bitch! You ruined everything!"

I stood and watched as the man, who I then assumed to be her father, shoved her in the backseat of their car before slamming the door. I could still make out her muffled screams.
She better not have done anything to my kids! I thought. I quickly parked and jumped out of my car, wanting to make sure Mad and Mas were okay. My pulse raced at the thought of her harming my children.

"Pipe down!" her father yelled as he got into the car.

"You must be Bella," the woman said to me. "I'm Jennifer, Tanya's mother. I just wanted to say how sorry I am for my daughter's actions. I had no idea she had done that to you. It was uncalled for."

"She didn't hurt my kids, did she?" I asked.

"No. She was too busy trying to explain away her lies. Again, I'm terribly sorry for what she did," she said sincerely.

"Um...thanks," I said, shocked. I stood there for a moment and watched as Jennifer got into the car. I noticed Carlisle standing on the porch and walked over to him. "Do I want to know what happened?"

"I'll explain inside," he said softly.

"Are Maddy and Masen okay?" I asked, worried.

"They're upstairs with Alice and Rose. Last I heard Masen was already asleep."

When I walked into the house, I could feel the tension still lingering. It was suffocating. Something major had happened here tonight. On the floor in the hallway was what appeared to be a home pregnancy test, and a chair was overturned in the dining room.

"No. I need to get to Bella. I have to tell her what happened," I heard Edward say as I stepped into the living room. His voice trembled, and I worried just how bad things had gotten with Tanya. Esme had her arms wrapped around him. He was pale and shaking.

"Tell me what happened?" I asked.

"Bella..." Edward groaned. He let go of Esme, and before any of us could say or do anything, he collapsed to his knees and buried his face in his hands.

"Edward!" Esme shrieked. Carlisle and I rushed over to Edward, who looked just awful. He was sobbing, wailing, and muttering something I couldn't understand. I felt bad for him. Even though I still hurt from the lies and his behavior toward me, he was in pain and the father of my children.

"Edward, please calm down," I said softly as I took his hands in mine. "You're scaring all of us." I started rubbing my thumb over his knuckles hoping it would help him.

"I'm sorry, Bella. I'm so, sosorry," he cried.

"Shh, everything will be alright," Esme said.

No matter what we tried, Edward didn't seem to calm down. We did, however, convince him to sit on the couch, where Esme handed him a paper bag to breathe into since he was starting to hyperventilate.

"I'm so sorry," he cried again. "I never should have listened to her."

"You have to start to calm down, okay?" I asked again gently. I had hoped that the steadiness in my voice would help him, even though I was mess on the inside. What the heck could have happened to get him this worked up?

"Edward, son, please calm down," Carlisle said. He was standing behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "What's done is done, and we can fix the rest."

"You don't know that," Edward mumbled.

"Yes we do," Esme said. She was sitting on the other side of him and had wrapped an arm around his shoulders."I know because your father and I love you very much. We always have, even if we haven't showed it. But we do love you."

"But I'm a disappointment," he whispered. He had started to curl into himself. The bag he once clutched in his hands was now on the floor. One elbow was now perched on his knee and one fist was pulling at his hair while his other hand was still clutched around mine.

"No! No, Edward. You're not a disappointment," Carlisle said.

"I've made so many bad decisions. How can you just dismiss them?" he asked. He sounded so small, so vulnerable and ashamed.

"Because you're our son and we love you," Esme said soothingly. "Yes, you have made some bad choices, but you still have time to set things right. It may not happen overnight, but it will happen."

I kept my face composed even though I didn't agree with Esme. It was too late for Edward to make things right between the both of us. Too many things had happened, and my heart could only be shattered by him so many times before the pieces no longer fit back together.

After more convincing from all of us, Edward finally started to settle. He wouldn't, however, let go of my hand. It was almost as if he were to let go, the world would end or something. I didn't get it, but I knew now wasn't the time to ask him about it. He just looked so...defeated - a feeling I knew quite well. As much as I wanted to say, "Now you know how I felt," I just couldn't do it. I didn't want to add to his misery - that would have been cruel.

"Better?" I asked.

"A bit," he said with a shaky voice as he wiped his red, tear-filled eyes.

"I saw Tanya outside. Is she gone for good?" I asked cautiously. I didn't want to say something to upset him further, but I had to know.

"Yeah, she's gone," he replied flatly. I couldn't tell by the tone of his voice if he was happy or sad about it.

Upstairs, I heard Maddy start to cry. I quickly glanced at the clock on the mantel and realized it was about the time her colic set in. Two hours of non-stop crying. She didn't need to be changed or fed during that time; she just cried because she had to. "I need to get Maddy," I said.

"I can get her," Esme said.

"Let me. I haven't seen either one of them all day, and when she gets like this she usually wants only me."

"Colic?" Carlisle asked.

"Yeah. Masen isn't too bad, but you could set your watch to Maddy." As I stood, Edward gripped my hand tighter while his eyes begged me to stay. "I'll be right back down."

I quickly went upstairs to get Maddy and to check on Masen. Upon walking into Alice's room, I noticed Rosalie was there as well and was asleep on the bed with Masen tucked into her arm. I gently lifted him from her and placed him in his car seat.

"Alice, what the heck is going on?" I asked quietly before taking Maddy into my arms. By the way she was crying I knew it was going to be a very long night. I had hoped to be home before one since I had another full day ahead of me. The twins had a doctor's appointment and I wanted to make dinner for Dad and Rebecca. At least I had the coming weekend off. Maybe I could ask Dad to watch them for a bit so I could catch up on some sleep.

"It was epic. I didn't hear all of it though. All I heard was Tanya begging Edward not to leave her."

"I saw a pregnancy test on the floor, so I'm guessing it was negative."

"Yeah. She faked it and lied about a lot of things. Stupid whore," she muttered.

"Well, what Edward does on his own time isn't my business. Were the kids okay tonight?" I asked as I placed Maddy against my chest and started to pat her back.

"They were little angels," she said with a smile.

"Thanks for watching them," I said before heading back downstairs.

By the time I reached the living room, Maddy was crying loudly. I was used to it, but I wasn't sure how Edward would take it. I hoped that the car ride home would help calm her down, but I doubted it.

"Why is she crying like that?" Edward asked.

"She has colic and cries for like two hours a night before she's quiet again," I said before I yawned.

"Everynight? How do you manage that?"

"Sometimes I put her in the car and drive around, but most nights I just hold her until she stops. Do you know where their bags are? I didn't see them in Alice's room."

"You're not honestly thinking about driving home, are you?" Edward asked.

"Yes. Why wouldn't I?"

"Bella, dear, why don't you stay here tonight?" Esme asked.

"Oh, I couldn't impose. Maddy will be up for a few more hours, and then Masen will need another feeding. I wouldn't want to disturb the house."

"You wouldn't be. I can get Masen when he wakes up later so you can get some sleep," Esme said.

"Speaking of sleep, Bella, how many hours are you getting a night?" Carlisle asked.

"A few," I said. I could barely keep my eyes open.

"How many is a few?" he asked again with a concerned tone in his voice.

"Four...five on a good night. Sometimes, though, when Dad gets home from a night shift, he'll take Masen's feeding for me."

Esme stood from her spot next to Edward and walked over to me. "That's not healthy, my dear. You need to sleep before you make yourself sick. Now, give Maddy to me and go on up to the guest room. I'll get up with Masen if he wakes."

"Esme, I -"

"I'm not taking 'no' for an answer. Is there a certain time you need to be up tomorrow? Do you work in the morning?" she asked as she took Maddy from me.

"No, but Mad and Mas have a doctor appointment at nine. Are you sure about this?"

"Absolutely. Now go upstairs and get some sleep. I'll wake you in the morning."

A full night's sleep felt wonderful. I barely remembered walking up to the guest room or texting Dad. Thankfully, he understood that I was too tired to drive and wasn't upset. After making the bed, I went downstairs and found Edward, Maddy and Masen in the living room.

"Good morning," Edward said as he fed Masen. I was a little taken aback by Edward's appearance. He hadn't shaved and his eyes were still red. I wondered if he had gotten any sleep. "Did you sleep okay?"

"Yes, thank you. Do you happen to know where their bags are?"

"They're packed and waiting by the door. I was hoping I could come with you to their appointment."

"Um...sure." I was a little surprised that he wanted to come along, but I wasn't going to deny him.

Once Masen was done eating, and both of them were strapped into their car seats, we headed outside. It was a beautiful, sunny day. I hoped it stayed this way all day so I could spend it outdoors with the twins.

"Crap," Edward said quietly as he pulled his fingers through his hair.

"What?"

"Uh, I don't have a base in my car for their seats to lock into."

"Oh. Well, why don't you just follow me to the clinic?" I wasn't completely comfortable with the idea of being alone with him just yet. He nodded with a disappointed look on his face and got into his car. When we arrived, I checked them in. Before I had the insurance card put back in my wallet, Edward had his credit card out and was paying the co-pay.

"I can pay, you know," I said, slightly annoyed.

"I know, but so can I," he replied.

A few minutes later we were in a room with the pediatrician, Dr. Brooks. I loved how gentle she was with the twins and how she took the time to answer all of my questions. While I stood next to the table as she looked Masen over, Edward was sitting in the chair with Maddy.

"Well, little man, I think you're good to go. Should we take a look at your sister?" she asked. "How's her wheezing and colic?"

"I don't really notice her wheezing all that much. Her colic is still in full force, though," I replied as Edward brought Maddy over.

"Wheezing?" Edward asked.

"Sometimes preemies who had breathing problems wheeze a bit. Obviously with fall and winter coming, it's something we'll have to keep an eye on, but if you're not noticing it, then she could be growing out of it."

Once she was finished with Maddy, she told us that we could start incorporating rice cereal with their formula. I was thrilled because they would be fuller longer. After she was done, a nurse came in holding a tray with syringes. I cringed at the sight.

"Are you okay, Bella?" Dr. Brooks asked.

"I hate needles."

"A silly as it sounds, I hate them, too. Okay, I'm going to need one of you to help hold them down."

Before I could say anything, Edward offered to do it. "You hate needles, Bella. How are you going to be able to hold them down?"

"Don't tease me," I said as I wiped my eyes.

"I'm not."

I noticed that while Edward positioned Maddy on the table, he was whispering something to her. The moment the needle was inserted and she started wailing, my own eyes filled with tears. Her little pained cry caused my heart to hurt, and I knew it wouldn't end soon - Masen had to endure this, too.

"Oh, sweet girl, I'm sorry," I cried as I tried to calm her down. Moments later Masen's cries filled the room, and I found myself crying harder. I didn't even notice that Dr. Brooks had left the room.

"Don't cry, Bella," Edward said softly as he placed a hand to my cheek and wiped away my tears. "It kills me to see you cry."

"Sorry. I just hate seeing them like this."

"Me too."

Once the twins were calmed down, we got them dressed and headed out. I was glad the appointment had gone well, and I was surprisingly thankful that Edward was there. I knew I wouldn't have been able to hold them down. I wasn't sure how he did it and kept his composure.

"Better?" he asked.

"Yeah. Thanks for helping. I don't think I could have done that," I admitted quietly. Edward didn't reply, but nodded once and helped me get the twins re-dressed.

"At least you didn't faint like you usually do," he joked.

"Ha ha," I said dryly.

"Hey, I was, uh, wondering if you wanted to grab some coffee?" Edward hesitantly asked as we walked out of the doctor's office.

"Sure. I have the stroller in the trunk. Do you want to walk?"

"Sounds great," he said with a small smile. It was the first time he looked genuinely happy in a long time.

"Did Masen get up during the night?" I asked as we walked to our usual coffee shop.

"Just once, but I was able to get him back down without too much of a fuss."

"Wait, yougot up with him?" I asked completely shocked.

"Yeah. I'll admit, Mom did come in at one point to check on us, but I pretty much did it myself."

"Wow."

"I know and I'm sorry."

"What exactly are you sorry about?" I asked. I was curious to hear his answer.

"Everything," he said as he gestured towards the twins.

"Define everything." My heart was starting to race as I thought about what he would say.

Edward stopped walking and let out a hard sigh before saying, "For lying. For listening to Tanya when I should have listened to you."

I wondered if he heard my heart stop. I had waited so long for this apology that I didn't think it was actually happening. It didn't seem real. I never imagined him apologizing on a sidewalk as he pushed a stroller. But then again, I never thought he would apologize, either. I figured he'd say it just to say it and have him think everything was fine. But there was something about his voice that made me think he actually meant it. I wasn't sure what to make of it.

"What's with the honesty all of the sudden?" I asked as we sat down in the coffee shop. I had a small tea while Edward had his usual venti dark roast.

"I'm not completely sure. I think sometime last night I had an epiphany or something. I remember at one point I could see every mistake I had made during this past year."

"We've all made mistakes, Edward." I could think of several of my own mistakes, but the two that stood out the most were screaming at Tanya in public and making a scene at the Cullen home the day we brought the twins home.

"True. But, can you say that the mistakes you've made have ruined someone else's life? Because I know that's what I did to you...on more than one occasion."

"You didn't ruin my life, Edward." I reached out and touched Maddy's tiny hand. "I know I could have done things differently, too."

"Bella, the mistakes you've made are trivial compared to mine," he said firmly before taking a sip of his coffee. "Shit, my actions could have taken you, Masen and Maddy away from me forever. Do you even know how close you came to dying, Bella?"

"Dad's told me a little bit, yes."

"And the twins...they were born so early..." Edward shook his head a few times and I noticed then that his eyes were glassy.

Was he emotional at the thought of just losing the twins, or was he emotional at the thought of losing all three of us?I wondered.

"I feel so guilty, Bella. For all of it. I should have done more during your pregnancy; I should have been there for you."

Quietly, I said, "I had Dad there to support me."

"I know. I'm forever grateful for him. But, he knew so much about your pregnancy; he was the one who answered the doctor's questions when it should have been me answering them."

"You're right, you should have. But it's in the past, Edward."

"So you've forgiven me?" he asked hopefully.

I didn't answer him right away. My heart and head were telling me two different things. Could I open myself up to him like that again? Did I want to set myself up to be hurt again?

Regretfully, I said, "No. I can't yet. There have been too many times..."

"I understand," he replied quietly.

"But I would never keep you from the twins, Edward. I couldn't do that." Edward shook his head and looked out the window. I knew Edward wanted me to tell him that I forgave him, but I couldn't. We still hadn't talked about everything that had happened, and it was obvious that he wasn't ready yet, and I wasn't going to push him on the subject.

Masen started crying again, and when I picked him up, I felt that he had wet through his diaper and clothes. Maddy started whimpering as well, and I knew she was hungry.

"I have to change him. Can you feed her until I get back?" I asked.

"Yeah, sure."

"There should be a bottle already made in her bag. I'll be right back."

I quickly made my way to the restroom and got to work on changing Masen. He was still grumpy from getting his shots, so I tried to cuddle him as much as I could as I changed him. Once we were done, I washed my hands and went back out to rejoin Edward and Maddy. When I saw him, he had Maddy tucked into on arm with a bottle. What he held in his other hand stunned me.

"What are you doing?" I asked as I sat down.

"Sorry, I didn't go looking for this, it just fell out when I grabbed her bottle." In his hand was a letter I had received from Renee two weeks ago.

"Oh."

"Do you mind if I read it? I just found it."

"It's fine." I watched as Edward's eyes scanned the letter. I had memorized every word of it.

Bella,

I know I said I would support you now that the twins are here, but I've changed my mind. I know I haven't been there for you, but I would have hoped you could have learned from my mistakes. Yes, I was young when I had you, but at least I was married and my husband had a job. You, on he other hand, are unwed and have two children and an ex-boyfriend who lives off his trust fund and does absolutely nothing all day. Talk about embarrassing.

I wanted better for you, yet you've done worse. You could have gone with adoption and still chased your dreams, yet chose to keep them and settle for something less. I hope now you realize I was right.

I've enclosed a check for your birthday. Please know it's the last one you'll get from me. Masen and Madison are not my responsibility and I refuse to support the decision you made any longer. I'd tell you to use the money on something nice for yourself, but it will fall on deaf ears.

Despite my disappointment, I do love you and want only the best for you. I hope one day you'll find it.

Renee.

PS - Phil was signed by the Yankees! Look out Manhattan! Cannot wait to go shopping! : )

In the short amount of time it took him to read the letter, my cheeks were wet from my endless tears. I hated the fact that I had never been good enough for my own mother. I hated that she chose to leave Dad and me for her lover shortly after I was born. I hated her.

"Is she serious?" Edward asked. The was anger behind his voice as he placed Maddy against his shoulder to burp her.

I nodded. "Yeah. Wanna guess how much she sent?"

"Give her past history, I'm guessing it's not much."

'It wasn't." I placed Masen back in his seat and wiped my eyes.

"How much, Bella?" he asked again.

"Fifteen," I choked out before a sob overtook me. I was hurt and embarrassed by the amount. It was a slap in the face to me. Did she honestly think fifteen dollars would buy much or did she send so little on purpose?

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Edward put Maddy down and moved the stroller. I then felt his arms around me. I welcomed his comfort, as he was the only one who could make me feel better where Renee was concerned.

"I'm sorry she did this to you, Bella. It was uncalled for." I nodded against him. "Have you told Charlie?"

"No."

"Here I thought I was a disappointment. But you...you have the world's worst mother to deal with on top of everything. I don't know how you're able to handle it. But then again, you've always been a strong person."

"I'm not that strong," I mumbled against him. His arms tightened around me.

"Yes you are. It's something I admire about you. But Bella, please don't hate me for what I'm about to say. I don't want her around the you or the twins. She's hurt you so much in the past, and I don't want her to do the same to you, Mad, and Mas."

"I don't hate you for saying that. In fact, I actually agree. It's an awful thing to say, though."

"No, it's not. Renee's history speaks for itself. And I think you should show Charlie the letter, too. He needs to know."

"That's not the worst of it, though," I said.

"Tell me," he said as he pulled back to look into my eyes. He had concern for me in his eyes.

"The check...it was returned...and my account got messed up..." I sobbed.

"Is that why you've been doing more shifts at the diner?" he asked.

"Yes. I have to do something so they don't close my account." I fell into the chair, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders.

"You could have used the twins' account," he said.

"No, I can't. That's the account your parents set up. I would be using their money for myself, and that feels like stealing. I can't do that."

"Have you used it for anything?" I didn't answer him. "Bella, are you trying to pay for everything out of your checks?"

"Of course I have."

"Bells, that account is for you to use," he groaned in frustration.

"Yeah, for the twins, not me. I don't want to use it unless I have to."

"Why must you be so stubborn?"

"Because youhaven't contributed to it. You have yet to pay any child support! How else am I supposed to get what they need?"

Edward's face went from annoyed to bright red with anger. Before he spoke, he took a few deep breaths. "I'll go to the bank today and put money in; enough to cover their expenses for a while. I should have done it sooner. I'm sorry," he replied earnestly. "How much do you need to get your account cleared?"

"You don't have-"

"How much?" he asked again, interrupting me. "I want to help you. Please, let me do this for you."

"One fifty, I think."

Edward reached across the table and took my hands in his before saying, "It'll get taken care of today, I promise."

"Edward, why did it have to take a letter from my pathetic excuse of a mother to get you to see just how much I'm struggling? Why couldn't you have realized that on your own?" I asked, my voice shaky. My vision was blurred by a new wave of tears.

"I wish I had a good excuse, but I don't. But I swear to you, Bella, I will work to earn your trust back, and to be a good parent to our children. You should know, though, that you will be a better mother then Renee was. You already are. I can see that you doubt yourself. Don't. If I could be one-tenth the parent you are, I still wouldn't be as good as you."

As I wiped my eyes for what felt like the hundredth time today, I noticed a few people staring at us. I knew we had probably made a scene, but I hoped they hadn't heard our entire conversation.

"We should get going," I said after a few minutes of sitting in silence.

"I'm glad we got to talk today," Edward said after the twins were in the car. "I've missed that."

"Me, too," I whispered. I barely made it out of the parking lot before the tears came again.

Later that afternoon, Maddy and Masen were upstairs asleep in their crib while I was in the kitchen starting dinner for Charlie and Rebecca. I wasn't making anything fancy - just roast beef, and since the twins were asleep, I was using the quiet time to chop veggies and prepare the meat.

No matter how much I thought about what happened in the last twenty-four hours, I couldn't wrap my mind around it. Tanya and her lies; Edward and his vulnerability and honesty. I just didn't know what to think anymore. I wanted to hurt Tanya for what she had done to me and Edward. How could she fake a pregnancy? How could she betray Edward that badly? And how could her parents not know what she was doing?

I hated telling Edward that I didn't forgive him. He had looked at me as though I was the one thing that kept him from losing his sanity. It pained me to see him that way. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and tell him everything would be okay - that we would be okay - but truthfully, I wasn't sure. The last time I let my guard down around him I was hurt by him. It wasn't like a flesh wound that could mend with a band aid. This was more like a potentially fatal wound; one that was touch and go. And while it seemed to be healing at one point, the infection I had been fighting reared its ugly head again.

"Hey Bells," Dad said from the living room. "How'd the appointment go?"

"Fine. I cried, though, when the doctor gave them their shots."

"Yeah, those are never fun," he said as he sat at the table. "So what happened last night?"

"I was too exhausted to drive so Esme insisted I stay in the guest room." I purposely didn't tell him about Edward because I knew he'd want answers - answers I didn't have yet.

"Well you have been working quite a bit. Think you can keep that up and go to school?"

"I hope so. Why do you ask?"

"I'm worried about you. You'll be taking a full course load, working full time at Newton's and picking up shifts at the diner. I'm worried that you're not taking care of yourself."

"I'm fine," I lied. I grabbed a can of Vitamin R for him from the fridge and brought it to him.

"I don't believe you. Look, I'm real proud of you for stepping up to the plate and realizing your responsibilities, but you have to learn to ask for help. You look so tired all of the time."

"I know, but they're my kids. I don't want to burden you."

He placed the beer on the table and took my hands in his. "You're nota burden to me, or Rebecca. I didn't have help when you were a baby. When Renee ran off, it was just the two of us. I had friends, sure, but none of them had kids. Don't think you have to do this on your own." One of the things I loved about Dad was that even though he was scolding me, he did it lovingly. I hoped I could do that with the kids were older.

"I just feel like since they're mine, I should be doing it all."

"They're not justyours, Bella. Edward needs to step up in his role, too."

"I know. Um, I need to tell you something. I got a letter from Renee a few weeks ago with a check for my birthday, even though it's not for a few weeks."

"Well at least it came early rather than late."

"Yeah, but the check was rejected. I've been working with the bank and using my tips to cover it as much as I could -"

"Wait," Dad practically yelled. "She sent you a check that was no good? Did you call her about it?"

"She...she doesn't want to speak to me. She said I was a disappointment."

Dad stood and took me in his arms. "Never, honey. You're nota disappointment. You know how she is, but that's not an excuse. Do you need money to fix your account?"

"No. Edward said he'd take care of it for me. He also suggested we keep Mad and Mas away from Renee."

"Well, I'd have to say I would agree with him on that. Shocking, isn't it?" I gigged against his chest. I couldn't remember the last time I laughed, but it felt good, like a little bit of the weight had been lifted. "Why don't you go in the living room? I can take care of dinner."

"Okay. Thanks, Dad."

I went into the living room and turned on my laptop to check my account. I just about died from shock. Not only had he put money in the twins' account, but he was true to his word and made deposit in mine, as well. I hoped this was a turning point for us because more than anything, I missed my friend, Edward. I wasn't ready to jump back into a relationship - with him or anyone - but maybe with a little time, we could start repairing our friendship.


A/N #2 - Okay, so Edward didn't tell Bella what happened with Tanya. Too much happened in this chapter, but they will talk about it, I promise.