Just go and read, catch me at the end.

Chapter Fourteen

"You wouldn't take my calls or answer my texts," Leah said. "You left me no choice. I had to find you. I had to find my best friend."

"I stopped being your best friend the minute you fucked my boyfriend," Bella spat.

"Bella, you have every right to hate me for what I did. I hate myself more than you will ever know. If I could take it back..."

"Well you can't take it back, now can you?"

Leah sighed. "No, I guess I can't. But, Bella, I am so sorry for hurting you."

"You think that's all you did?" Bella hissed, her tears now falling. "Not only did you take my boyfriend away, but you took away the one thing in my life that I counted on the most! You took your friendship away. You were the one person who was there for me through everything, through losing my mom, and you threw it all the fuck away! I hope it was worth it to you."

"Of course it wasn't," Leah spat back. "I have been in hell for the past year."

"You've been in hell? That's rich." Bella got up from the couch and tossed her mug in the sink. "I had to move away from New York because the pain was so intense. I couldn't breathe. My whole idea of love and trust were shattered all thanks to you and Sam. You were the two people who meant the most to me... you over him... and you both shattered my heart into a million pieces."

Bella wiped at her face, trying to wipe away her fallen tears. Leah was doing the same, but there was no hiding her tears.

"I thought he loved me," Leah started and then paused to catch her breath. "He told me he did and I stupidly believed him. That was another mistake... but then he did the same thing to me, so I guess I got what I deserved, didn't I?" Leah cried.

Bella sighed. "Look, Leah, I'm sorry that happened. I'm sorry Sam turned out to be an asshole to you too, but it doesn't excuse what you did."

"I know it doesn't. Nothing will ever excuse that, it's something I'll have to live with for the rest of my life." Leah lowered her head and wiped more tears away. When she looked up, Bella was doing the same. "I've missed you, Bella. You'll never know how sorry I am for hurting you like I did. I can only hope, one day, you can forgive me."

"Maybe one day," Bella said. "I need some more time, but maybe we can keep in touch over the phone or email? It's the best I can do right now. I'm sorry, I'm not ready for anything more."

"I'll take it," Leah said.

"I'm not sure things will ever be the same between us, but maybe in time, we can talk more?"

"I'd like that," Leah said with a smile. "You've seemed to have made a good life for yourself here."

"I'm happy here."

"I'm glad. And I guess that has to do with the man who drove you home?"

Bella smiled. "Edward. He's amazing, he healed my heart."

"I'm happy for you, Bella," Leah said. "You deserve to be happy. I'm glad you found love again."

"Are you still living in New York?" Bella asked.

"No, I… ah… moved back to Florida. I left New York about six months ago. I thought it would be best to go home to my family."

"That's good, I guess."

"Yeah, it's been good for me. I got a good job in a marketing firm; that's part of the reason I'm here. I had a business trip in Seattle and I knew you were living here. I couldn't be so close without trying to see you. My plane leaves in eight hours and I still have to drive back to Seattle."

Leah stood up and then grabbed her purse. She knew she needed to go, she didn't want to push Bella. She turned and looked back at Bella.

"No matter what you think, Bella, I never meant to hurt you."

Leah nodded her head and then turned to the front door. Bella paused and then called after her.

"Leah?"

"Yeah?"

"I've missed you too."

Leah nodded again and wiped her face. Her tears were falling again.

"Have a safe flight, text me when you land," Bella said.

"I will," she replied. "Call me sometime, maybe."

"Maybe," Bella said.

"Take care, Bella. Be well."

"You too."

Leah headed out to her rental car. Bella watched her drive off and, for the first time in a long time, she felt at peace. Bella knew she and Leah had a long way to go, but it was a start.

"Hi, are you okay?" Edward asked, concerned as he picked up his cell phone on the first ring.

"Yeah, I'm okay, Leah is gone."

"You kicked her out?" Edward asked.

"No," Bella laughed. "She had a plane to catch. She was in Seattle on business and found out I lived here so she drove here on her way out."

"How did it go?"

"Well, we're not polishing each others toenails again, but it's a start," Bella said. "I have missed her, I'd be lying if I said I didn't, but it's still going to take some time. A lot of time."

"I understand that," Edward said. "I'm glad you were able to talk to her."

"Me too." Bella blew out a breath. "How are the girls?"

"Everyone is fine; I can't stop looking at Maggie. She's caught me a time or two, but I've missed her hair so much."

"She looks just like you," Bella stated. "I mean, I saw the resemblance in her eyes the first day of school, but now she looks exactly like her father."

"I know, she was always my mini-me." Edward sighed. "I miss you."

"I miss you too, but I'll see you tomorrow."

"I know. I am so looking forward to this summer break. I can't believe Kate is going to be graduating in a week."

"Damn, I really shouldn't be dating such an old man." Bella giggled.

"Good thing I'm hot." Edward laughed.

"Oh really?"

"Yeah, haven't you heard? All the girls in school have a crush on me. My daughters told me themselves; they all think I'm hot."

"Well, I guess I would have to agree, you are hot, Edward, and sexy as hell," Bella breathed.

"You're the sexy one, Bella. And if we keep talking like this, I might be forced to come over there and show you."

"Oh yeah, how would you show me?"

"By fucking you senseless."

"God, Edward. I need to end this call or we're both going to be in trouble."

Edward laughed. "I'll see you tomorrow, babe. I love you."

"I love you too."

~ LoM ~

Next day at school, Bella was getting ready to give her sophomore English final. Maggie walked into the class and smiled at Bella. As the other kids came in, most of them were looking at Maggie, completely shocked at her transformation.

One person in particular was looking at her, a boy named Pete who sat a row over from Maggie. Bella smiled when she saw Maggie smile at him and then chucked to herself about what Edward would think of this. Bella cleared her throat.

"Okay, everyone, I hope you're ready for the final," Bella started, effectively taking the attention off of Maggie. "Only things that should be on your desk are your number two pencils. The final will consist of 30 multiple choice questions and two essay questions based on the novels we've read this term. When you're finished, quietly bring your test to me and then you may leave. Good luck, everyone."

Bella handed out the finals and then took a seat at her desk. This would be the last class she would have with Maggie, and while Bella was happy that she and Edward could now be open with their relationship, she would, however, miss having Maggie in class.

An hour later, Maggie got up from her desk and approached Bella's desk with her final. Bella took it from her and smiled at her. Maggie smiled back and then left the class room.

"Hey, Mags," Edward asked as he saw her standing by her locker. "How did your final go?"

"Hey, Dad, it went well," she said. "There's only, like, two more kids in there, so I'm sure Miss Swan will be done soon."

"What makes you think I'm waiting for her?" Edward asked.

"Uh… because you're roaming the halls," Maggie laughed. "It's nice to see you happy, Dad. I like Bella. I'm glad she'll be a part of our family."

"That means a lot, Mags," Edward said, hugging his daughter. "Let's hope you aced that final."

"It's in the can," she replied. "That was my only final today, so I'm going to head home."

"Okay. You have your session with Dr. Robbins later today at three pm, don't forget." Edward reminded her.

"I know Dad, I remember." Maggie said. "Kate is going to drop me off and then you'll pick me up, right?"

"I'll be there at four o'clock sharp," Edward said.

Maggie nodded and then closed her locker. Edward watched as she walked down the hallway. The school had given Edward a recommendation on a counselor for Maggie. Even tough Maggie had told Edward what was bothering her all this time, he still felt that maybe she should talk to someone. At first, Maggie resisted, but after Edward and Bella talked with her about it and told her they would always be there for her, but felt she could benefit from having someone else to talk to, Maggie agreed.

Edward then walked back past Bella's room and saw that it was empty. He walked in and when Bella saw him, her face lit up.

"Hey there," she said.

"Hey," he replied. "How are you?"

"Okay, that was my last class with Maggie," Bella said.

"I know," Edward said. "We made it to the end."

"Yeah we did." Bella smiled.

"So, you're going to the graduation, right?" Edward asked.

"Of course."

"I was hoping you'd come with us," Edward paused, "Officially as my girlfriend."

"I'd love to, Edward," Bella said.

~ LoM ~

Graduation Day was finally here and everyone was downstairs waiting for Kate. She, of course, was busy getting her hair just right under the cardboard cap.

"Kate, let's go or you're going to be late to your own graduation," Edward shouted from the bottom of the stairs.

Edward walked back into the kitchen where Bella was braiding Emily's hair. Bella was wearing a black and purple dress with a lace overlay that fell above her knees. She took Edward's breath away.

Bella looked up from Emily's hair and winked at Edward when she saw him all dressed in his suit. Bella loved Edward in a suit; he always looked polished and damn sexy.

"Okay, I think I'm ready," Kate said, walking into the kitchen in her gold cap and gown.

"Wow," Edward said. "You look beautiful." Edward choked back his tears.

"Thanks, Daddy."

There was a knock at the door and Kate went to answer it, knowing it was Garrett. Edward sighed, knowing there was no fighting this.

"Hi, everyone," Garrett sad, coming into the kitchen. "Coach."

"Garrett, you clean up nice," Edward said, referring to the suit Garrett was wearing.

"Thanks." Garrett smiled. "You too."

Edward took some pictures of Kate and Garrett and then they left to head to the high school, as the graduates had to be there ahead of other guests.

A short while later, Edward, Bella, Maggie, and Emily piled into Edward's car. They would be meeting Lauren, Seth, and Edward's parents at the school.

Once they were there, Edward and Bella were greeted by Mrs. Cope.

"Mr. Cullen, Miss Swan, how nice to see you two," she offered.

"You as well, Mrs. Cope," Bella replied.

Mrs. Cope then smiled when she saw their joined hands. "I always knew you two would make a sweet couple. So nice to see you so happy, Mr. Cullen, but something tells me this is not a new relationship?"

Edward and Bella looked at each other and then back at Mrs. Cope, not knowing how to answer her question. They both suddenly became uneasy, knowing if it was known that they were a couple when Bella was Maggie's teacher there could be a problem. Mrs. Cope sensed their uneasiness and then leaned in closer to them.

"I love seeing a young couple in love, especially one that was meant to be from day one... no worries, dears, your secret is safe with me. Just be happy."

"Thank you, Mrs. Cope." Edward sighed.

"I'm sure all the girls' hearts will be broken next year." Mrs. Cope laughed. "Enjoy the ceremony and congrats to Kate." Mrs Cope winked and then walked away.

After she walked away, Edward looked at Bella, perplexed. "Does everyone know these girls have a crush on me, but me?"

"Clearly so," Bella agreed. "I might need a bodyguard walking out to the parking lot."

"Oh whatever," Edward laughed. "But that was a close call; at least we know Mrs. Cope is on our side."

"Yeah," Bella agreed. "That could have been a disaster since we obviously couldn't fool her."

Edward smiled and gripped Bella's hand. "Come on, let's find our seats."

They walked over and found their seats next to Lauren and Seth. Edward then realized Maggie was not in her seat. He looked around for her and noticed she was talking to someone... a boy.

"Who's that talking to Maggie?" Edward asked Bella.

Bella looked over to where Maggie was and smiled. "Oh, that's Pete, he was in my class too."

"Pete?" Edward asked.

"Yeah, he's a good kid. Got an A in my class." Bella squeezed Edward's hand. "I think they like each other."

"Dear god, I just got over one daughter being in love, I'm not sure I'm ready for another one." Edward sighed. "They're going to kill me."

The graduation ceremony commenced and finally Kate's row stood to accept their diplomas. Edward smiled from ear to ear when Kate walked across the stage.

"Katherine Elizabeth Cullen."

Kate smiled at her principal and then accepted her diploma. She looked out in the crowd and saw her dad standing up and clapping. She smiled back at him and held her diploma up in the air.

Edward could not be more proud. Kate had turned into an amazing young woman. She received a full scholarship to Arizona State University, and while Edward was sad to see her leave in a few months, a small part of him was glad that Garrett would be going to the same school. He felt better knowing his baby girl would not be alone in Arizona. And if Edward was being honest, Garrett had grown on him. He knew he loved his daughter and would protect her, and that was all Edward ever wanted for her.

Edward sat back down and took Bella's hand again. He looked at her and smiled, seeing all her love looking back at him.

A/N: Okay so, for those of you who thought Maggie got over things too easily in the last chapter, relax, give a girl a chance. You see she's in counseling, so breathe. And now a there's a boy, oh poor Edward. No on to Leah, I didn't want to harp too much on her, her purpose was to give Bella some closure on the subject. Bella didn't jump right back into being friends, she needs more time, and that's that. No, Leah will not be back, that part of Bella's story is over.

I've posted pictures to go with chapter on my FB group, Awish's Fanfiction, Thanks to Chandrakanta on her beta work. Next update will hopefully be soon. This story is wrapping up. About 3 more regular chapters and an Epi to go. But no worries, there is still a lot more story to tell and a lot more citrus to have.

Let me know your thoughts. Your kind words make me so happy, thanks for all of them.

Much Love

XOXO