Disclaimer: All the Twilight stuff belongs to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended. I would like to say a big thank you to TeamAllTwilight for her on-going help and assistance. Thank you to the BETA: Cullen Confection for editing this chapter. Thanks to Jess2002 for pre-reading it.
CHAPTER 13: Saying Goodbyes
17 September
Bella has been planning on coming with me to Seattle this weekend, and I am excited. Bella thinks it is just for a weekend away visit for us, but I have a surprise for her. I had this all set up with Charlie. Charlie and I have spent a lot of time talking things over. I am so excited, because I love doing things for Bella. I am just hoping that she is happy, too.
When I find out that Bella doesn't know where her dad is laid to rest, I start trying to find out where his grave is. I am not able to find anything at first, and it really bothers me. I speak to Mr. Jeeves about it and ask him to hire a private investigator. After talking and giving all the information to the best private investigator in Seattle, we play the waiting game.
The private investigator calls a week ago, and says he found Phil's sister. There is a Mr. and Mrs. Waylon Pitt and their family, but that they are away on vacation right now. We find that Bella has three cousins, two of them close to her age, and one younger. Mr. and Mrs. Pitt, and their children live outside of Seattle, but have just relocated there within the last year. The private investigator gives me the family phone number and address. I take all the information straight to Martin, and he checks them out. With Martin sure it is really Phil's sister, we call Charlie. Charlie cannot believe that I have found her. He says that he remembers that Phil had a sister, but they couldn't find her. All Charlie had known is her first name. Charlie asks me not to say anything to Bella, until I speak to the Pitt's. We all agree that we should let her have her birthday, without bringing up the past.
I call the Pitt's to leave a message; I am uncertain what to say, so I leave a rather generic message. "Hello, my name is Edward Cullen. I am looking for the sister of the late Phil Dwyer, in regards to his daughter, Isabella. Please return my call at, 360-555-6518, thank you."
Mrs. Pitt calls me as soon as her, and her family, are back. She tells me her name is Isabella, and that Bella had been named after her. She becomes upset when I tell her that Bella is not with her mom anymore. I explain that she lives with her grandfather. None of Phil's family knows about what Renee did to Bella, but none cared much for Renee. When Phil died, they lost contact with Renee. I don't mention anything about the abuse that Bella endured at Renee's hands; it is not my place to tell her. I ask her where Phil is buried at, and she says he is not buried. He was cremated and his ashes are spread around the bottom of the old oak tree in the family garden. She also has some of Phil's belongings that she has kept for Bella, too. She invites Bella, Charlie, Martin and I, over to her house the following weekend. It would be the ninth anniversary of Phil's death. She says she will expect us there about one, if that is okay for us. I agree to the time she set, and thank her. She is pleased that she is going to get to see Bella. She says that the last time she had seen her, Bella was a little seven year old with freckles.
We are telling Bella today when we get home from school about her family, and then we are going to head to Seattle. Bella is hopefully still going to stay with me. I have asked Charlie if he would like to spend the night too, but he says he is going to spend some time with Martin and have some father and son bonding time. I am grateful that Charlie trusts Bella with me.
I park my car in the garage at Charlie's house. Bella is already sitting at the kitchen table with Charlie. I walk in and I hear Charlie talking to Bella.
"Bella, now that Edward is here, there is something we want to tell you. Edward here, did some investigating and he found your Aunt Isabelle."
Bella turns and stares at me; she looks shocked.
"But, but Uncle Martin looked, and couldn't find her."
"Bella, I wanted to find out where your dad's grave was. I wanted to let you say goodbye to him. Mr. Jeeves helped me find a private investigator, and he was able to help."
I stop talking, as Bella is turning white. I crouch down on the floor, and put my hands on her face. I finally get her to look me in the eye.
"Bella, baby, please breathe. It is all going to be okay, I promise. I spoke with your Aunt already, she says she misses you. The reason we could not ever find your father's grave, is because he was cremated. His ashes are spread around an old Oak tree at the family homestead. Your Aunt has asked us to visit, tomorrow if you feel up to it." By the end of my speech, my voice is really quiet.
I am not sure she heard me, at first. She is just sitting here, with tears on her face. I try to wipe away her tears from her face, I feel bad for making her cry.
"Please, love, say something please," I beg.
"You…you talked to…to Auntie Elle…wh…when?"
"On Sunday," I say, feeling guilty.
"I asked Edward to not to say anything, Bella. I wanted you to have a nice birthday, and I also needed time to make sure she was who she claimed to be. Your Uncle Martin did some major background checks; she is really your Aunt. Just don't blame Edward, he was only protecting you," Charlie says.
"What no…thank you, so much. I…I…I can't believe you…you found her. When are we going to see her?" Bella asks, with a big smile.
I am glad she doesn't seem upset that I had to keep it from her for six days.
"As soon as you're packed," I say.
Bella hugs me and jumps up, but stops at the door.
"Grandpa, are you coming too?"
"Yes, if that is okay with you?"
Bella looks like she is crying even more.
"Yeah, of course, that is more than ok. Um…where are we staying?" Bella asks, while looking at me, biting her bottom lip.
"Well, I knew you would like to stay with Edward, so you will be with him. I thought that maybe I could stay with Martin, he got the weekend off so he can come with us. After we visit your Aunt, I thought he and I could do some father son bonding?" Charlie says, making it sound like a question.
"That sounds great, Grandpa. Okay, I am going to go and pack now," she says, as she runs up the stairs.
"Well, Martin says everything checked out with her. I talked to him on the phone today. We have to make sure no one crowds Bella, between the three of us we need to make sure she is okay. Remember, Edward, don't let any women cuddle her, or get to close to her. The last thing we need is for her to have a panic attack," Charlie reminds me.
Bella is uncomfortable with female contact, she doesn't like any woman to get too close to her. Leah and Bree are the only close female people in Bella's life. Bella only spends a small amount of time in the company of an adult female. If she is around a large gathering of people, she will always be more comfortable with the guys. It really pisses me off, how much Renee's abuse still affects her.
"They have been in Spain all this time; that is why Jack and Martin couldn't find them. The whole family moved there, after Phil's death. They only came back a few weeks out of the year; that is why we never could find them. They moved back here to the states at the beginning of the year. Martin told me that Mr. Pitt moved the family there, with his job. Phil's parents went with her, maybe Bella will meet them someday. Martin spoke to Mrs. Pitt too, and says she sounds really happy about seeing Bella again. I have never met them, Renee never allowed it. I hope Bella can cope with all of this," Charlie says, sounding really worried.
"Grandpa," I say. I find that Charlie likes for me to call him that versus calling him Charlie. I like it too, Charlie is a great guy and it's comforting to me. "We will get her through this. This is a good thing, and it will give her some closure she never got saying goodbye to her dad."
Charlie looks up at me, tapping my chest above my heart.
"So, when are you planning on telling her?"
I give him a confused look, and he grins at me.
"That you love her. Edward, you look at her the same way I looked at my Mary. Don't pretend that you don't know what I am talking about."
I look away from him, because I fear my own feelings.
"You're right Grandpa, I do. I love her, very much. She is everything I need, want, and so much more. But, she is also my best friend. I don't want to lose her. I want to tell her, but I don't want to scare her away. There is so much going on right now, I want her to be ready for everything. If I am being truthful, I really don't want to hear her say that she just wants to be my friend."
Charlie chuckles a little, and shakes his head.
"Kid, did you know that I asked to court Mary three times? She was a stubborn woman, which is where Bella gets it from. You see, Mary was afraid of the same thing. Mary and I were friends for many years. I met my Mary when I was eleven, she had just turned eight. When I was fifteen, I asked her the first time. Finally when she was eighteen, she said yes. That was the day I found out that she felt the same about me. Mary was scared that if we didn't work out, she would lose my friendship."
Charlie chuckles again, and slaps me on the back.
"You know, Edward; that never would have happened. Mary was it for me, and I was it for her. We were married a year later. I became a police officer and within a year, we were pregnant with Renee. Mary always wanted a big family, but it didn't work out that way. We had some hard times, Renee was a handful for a child. Renee seemed to enjoy causing other people and animal's pain. We tried so hard to help her, then she settled down when she became a teenager."
Charlie sat on his chair, took a drink of his coffee and sighed heavily.
"Renee was seventeen, when Mary fell pregnant with Martin. Renee kicked up a fuss about us having another child. Mary was thirty-seven, so they had to keep a close eye on her. The pregnancy was hard on Mary, and she almost died during the delivery. Mary was never the same after that, and Renee blamed Martin for it. Renee went from guy to guy, causing us a lot of sleepless nights. She would do all sorts of things, none of which were good. Mary and I had different ways of handling Renee's behavior. I was all for letting her sit in jail for a few days, but Mary wanted her to see a doctor."
Charlie is shaking his head, like he realizes now what he could not realize back then.
"Renee did see a doctor and again settled down. I wanted to get to know my baby girl again, so I started spending time with Renee. We went to the baseball game on my fifty-second birthday. Renee bought the tickets, I was so happy. I was so happy with her; she even stood in line for me to get an autograph from Phil. That day was one of my fondest memories with my daughter," Charlie says.
Charlie has a smile on his face, and I can tell that he is still fond of the memory. I know deep down, that he loves Renee, he just hates the things she did.
"Then, three months later, on Martin's twelfth birthday, Renee comes to the party. At the party, she drops the bomb that she and Phil are dating and she's pregnant. We were shocked, because Phil was only twenty-one, and Renee was almost thirty. Not so much because of the age, but also the social differences too. Later it came out she was stalking him. Renee kept saying that he was lying, and we stood by her."
I can see the agony of the situation on Charlie's face.
"When Renee had Bella, she refused to hold her. Mary though she had postpartum depression. Mary helped Renee so much, after only a few months it was clear Renee needed more help. Mary moved in with her, but she ended up doing all the work. When Bella was six months old, Mary demanded that she get help. This time, we made sure she went into an inpatient center. Phil came down for a month to help, he stayed with Mary and Bella. Renee did well, and was allowed to come home after a few weeks. Renee started doing all the things that mom's should, so Mary moved back home. Phil ended up staying for another month."
"So, if he was there, why did he leave?" I interrupt to ask.
"I don't know what happened and to this day, I still don't. Phil left, that is all I know."
"What happened then?" I ask.
"Mary missed Bella so much, so she called often to check on her. Renee asked us to stay away, so she could get the hang of parenting without us there to do it. After a few more weeks, Mary went to see her. Two hours later, I get a call from the hospital there saying Mary had a heart attack in Renee's house. Renee never told anyone what happened at her house that day, she only blamed Martin saying he had weakened her heart. I miss my Mary so much, but do you know why our marriage was so strong?"
I shake my head at Charlie.
"Our bond was strong because of our friendship. I could always tell her anything, and she could tell me anything. We didn't always agree with each other, but even when we didn't, we still stood by each other. Sometimes the best love of your life, is your best friend. Just think about it, son. You know, I still talk to Mary, to this day. I even know when I ask her something, what she would say to me. Sometimes, it is like I can hear her voice."
Charlie stands up, then pulls me into a hug. This is not a man hug, this is a full-fledged; both arms around me real hug.
"Do you want me to come back later?" Bella asks. "I mean, is everything ok?"
Charlie turns to Bella, smiles, and hugs her too.
"Yeah, sweetheart, everything is fine. I was just telling Edward here about my Mary. I'll just go grab my bag, and then we can set off," Charlie says walking out of the kitchen.
"Is he okay? Wait, are you ok?" Bella asks, clearly worried.
I pull Bella in to a hug; fuck she smells so good.
"Yeah, baby, just sad. Charlie really loves her, even after all these years. No matter how long she has been gone, he still loves her, very much."
If I am lucky enough to have Bella love me back that way, I will always be happy. I love Bella, a lot and hopefully one day she will love me, too. If Bella and I share even half the amount of love between us which Charlie and Mary shared, we'll be very lucky.
18 September
Bella does not sleep very well last night. She is tossing and turning all night long. I finally put my arms around her and hold her tightly to my chest. I am worried she may have bruises on her arms, where I have to hold them down a few times. We eat breakfast and get ready to leave to pick up Martin and Charlie.
When we get to Martin's, he puts his foot down, saying that we are taking his car. I hate when other people drive, but at least I get to sit in the back with Bella, who is cuddled into my side. The drive to the Pitt's house is really nice, and Martin drives a lot like me. We make it there in good time, and I am no longer bothered by being a passenger.
We pull up to the house, and I get out of the car pulling Bella to my side. I hold her hand, as I close the car door. Right away, I hear Bella's Aunt's voice.
"Oh my, you are beautiful, Isabella," she says.
As she walks up to Bella and me, Bella grips on to my hand tightly.
"Hello, Isabella, I don't know if you remember me, but I am your Aunt Elle."
"Yes, I remember you. You use to make toffee sweets with me when you came to see me. Please, call me Bella," Bella tells her.
Elle's face is bursting with excitement, after Bella says that she remembers her.
"This is my friend Edward," Bella points to me. "And this is my Grandpa Charlie and my Uncle Martin."
"Yes, hello, welcome to the family homestead. Please come inside," Elle says, leading the way.
We follow her inside, and we are greeted by a small girl.
"Hi, I am Poppy. Are you her boyfriend?" She looks right at me, pointing to Bella.
"Well, I am a boy, and I am her friend," I say putting on a big smile.
"Poppy, this is Bella, and her friend, Edward, her Grandpa Charlie, and her Uncle Martin." Elle points us each out, while saying our names.
"This is my youngest daughter, Poppy, she is seven. Do you remember my other daughter Morgan?" Elle asks.
Bella doesn't answer, but Elle doesn't give her a chance as she continues on.
"Well, she is at her friend's house, she should be back soon. She is a year older than you, Bella. She and her twin brother, Keith, just turned eighteen on the first. Keith, her twin and my only son, is here somewhere."
Elle stops and looks at us, "Shit," she says. It comes out really quiet, and I am not sure she meant to say it out loud.
"I'm sorry, would you like a drink? Or Bella, would you like to see your dad's room? This was our childhood home, you know? Oh, and I can show you where we spread his ashes?"
Just then, Poppy comes back into the room.
"Can you come and play dolls with me, Edward? You're kind of cute. You know Morgan will be all over you, but she likes all boys. She will say you're smoking hot and that she'd love to…"
"Poppy! Stop listening to what Morgan says. Edward is here with Bella, and Morgan will be doing no such thing. I am really sorry," Elle says.
Bella lets out a nervous chuckle, Charlie and Martin are about to roll on the floor, and I am just dumbfounded.
"Poppy was born without a filter, then again, so was Morgan."
I am quite sure my face is bright red now. I turn to look at Bella who is holding in her laugh.
"Well, if it's okay, I would like to see his room?" Bella says, questioningly.
I am thankful Bella changes the subject. Elle nods and shows us the way to Phil's old bedroom. On the way, Elle explains that her parents live in a smaller home not so far away.
"I have more grandparents?" Bella says.
"Of course you do, Bella. They let us have the homestead when we all moved back here from Spain. We wanted the old family home, because we have plans to adopt another child. Morgan and Keith are your biological cousins, but Poppy is adopted. So we needed the larger home. I want you to know that Phil's room is not being used. It hasn't been changed, since it was his as a teenager. Here we go," she says opening a door.
"All of the boxes in here are for you. I had Waylon bring them down from the attic yesterday for you. If there is anything else you would like, let me know. Would you like us to stay or have time by yourself to look around?" Elle asks Bella.
Both Martin and Charlie look worried about Bella.
"I would like time by myself to look around the room. If…um…that is okay?" Bella says.
Martin and Charlie nod, giving Bella reassuring smiles.
"Of course Bella, we will just go down and sit in the kitchen. It is back down the stairs and to the right, off the hall. Just come on down when you are done. After you look around the room, I will show you where we spread his ashes."
Elle gives her a smile and heads out the room.
"Thank you," Bella calls out.
I give Bella's hand a squeeze, and turn to leave as well.
"What…wait Edward…where are you going? Can't you…could you…just stay, with me, please?" By the end, Bella voice is so small I can just barely hear her.
"I am sorry, Bella. I thought you wanted to be by yourself, but I will stay if you want me to."
I know I sound a little confused. I am sure she said she wanted to look around the room by herself.
"Yeah, but I didn't mean you. Shit, I am sorry. This is going to sound weird, but I kind of think I need you here. I mean you know me, you know when I need to talk, or just need to sit and think. You being here will give me support, and also it will be like…I am myself, you know? Um…"
I stop her talking by placing my hand over her mouth.
"Bella, it is okay, I understand. I am here if you need me."
I really do understand, I am always more comfortable with her beside me. I stand back, so I can fade into the background. I want her to be able to express her emotions, without feeling guilty. Yet, this allows me to be able to step in and hold her, or talk to her if she needs me.
I watch Bella as she goes through the boxes, holding up the odd item here and there, telling me the story behind it. She found some journals her dad had written in, he was writing them for Bella. The entries are all about his days when they were apart.
"Oh my god, Edward, this is a picture of the meadow we went to, look," Bella says running over to me.
To my surprise, I recognize it to be the same meadow I've been to in Forks.
"Bella, my love, I know this meadow. It is the same one I told you about, in Forks. I will take you there, if you'd like, when we get back on Sunday. Or we could go on Monday after therapy?"
Bella looks shocked.
"What, it can't be, can it? Are you sure, Edward? Maybe it just looks the same?"
I chuckle a little.
"No, little one, it is the same. Look here, see this log?" I ask, pointing at the log in the photo. "I call that my log. I sit there and play my guitar. I am positive it is the same place," I say, pushing her hair away from her face.
She smiles at me, "Yeah, I would like to go there."
She walks back over to the boxes where she picks up another box and opens it. She smiles brightly, as she turns and looks at me, but closes the box quickly.
"Ok, I think maybe we should go back down stairs. I…we can look at the rest when we get back?"
Bella is still looking around.
"Are you sure you are ready to go downstairs?" I ask, as I walk over to her hug her from behind.
"Yeah, I am ready, thank you, Edward."
She places her right hand over mine, and I kiss her head. Her left hand caresses my cheek, before I pull away and take her hand. I lead her back down the stairs. When we reach the kitchen, we see a boy and girl about our age have joined the group. They haven't seen us yet, and I can tell Bella is nervous.
"Wait until you see him, Morgan. He is so beautiful and handsome. He looks like a prince, but I think he likes Bella a lot. Bella is really pretty, too," Poppy is saying as we enter the kitchen.
"Sorry for taking so long, thank you, Auntie Elle. Are you sure that it is okay for me to have all of that stuff?" Bella asks.
"Of course, I am sure," Elle says.
"But, there was some jewelry…don't you not want to keep that stuff?" Bella asks.
I see that Keith is eyeing Bella up with a smirk, while Morgan is visibly drooling.
"No, Bella, those are all for you. Phil wanted you to have those items, they are yours. Now, here are your other cousins. This is my son, Keith, and my daughter, Morgan. Kids, this here is Isabella, but she likes to be called Bella. Her friend here is Edward."
"It is nice to meet you both," Keith says. He holds out his hand to shake ours. He leans forward after grabbing Bella's hand, and tries to kiss it but she pulls it back before he can. Bella shakes her hand, like she can remove his touch by doing so.
Morgan comes over pushing her boobs up, and undoing a few buttons.
"Hi there, Edward," she says, in what I am sure she thinks is a sexy voice. "You have a nice name. It is kind of strange, Bella, didn't you have an imaginary friend named Edwin?" She asks, snidely.
Bella lets out a chuckle, and rolls her eyes.
"No, Edwin was a teddy bear that my dad got me," Bella replies in her sweet voice.
Bella and I both know that Morgan is trying to embarrass her, but I already know about Edwin. However, the whole time Morgan is looking right at me, while she pushes her boobs together.
"Morgan, I don't think that is going to make your boobies any bigger. Do you want me to go find the baggies of chicken for you? They are cold now, because they are frozen. But, you already threw out the ones you used last night," Poppy asks, in a really loud voice.
Morgan looks right at her and growls.
"Poppy! I am sure, I have no idea what you're talking about. Silly child," Morgan says, with a strange laugh.
"Morgan!" Poppy slams her hand on the counter, bringing everyone's attention to her. "Edward is going to be my boyfriend, so there."
Poppy sticks her tongue out at Morgan. I am sure I am bright red again. I look at Bella who is trying hard not to laugh. Martin and Charlie have turned their backs, but I can see they are chuckling.
"Okay, okay…enough girls. Yes, Edward is a really good looking boy. Good God, you two, enough already. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Morgan Anne Pitt, stop trying to shove your breasts in Edward's face! Edward is here to support Bella, not find a date. Poppy, I am sorry honey, but he is too old for you. Morgan you already have a boyfriend, Johnny, from your class. It was bad enough you told your dad that you stole him from your friend Kramer. Now, both of you girls, get upstairs, and get dressed. Grandma and Grandpa are on their way over to meet Bella."
The girls leave the room, shoving at each other.
"I am so sorry about those two. I think Poppy has a wee bit of a crush on you Edward. As for Morgan, if she does that shit again, don't be afraid to put her in her place. That girl really needs it, she has lost so many friends. She steals their boyfriends; one day soon, Kramer will get her back."
Elle is shaking her head.
"Bella, would you like to go down to the tree? We have sometime before Lilly and Philip come. They really would like to see you too, if that is okay? I know you have a lot on your plate today, so it is up to you." Elle asks, with clear worry in her voice.
"I would like to meet them, I don't think I remember them at all. We would like to see were my dad's ashes are first, if that is okay?" Bella asks, as she waves her hand between, Charlie, Martin and me.
"Yes, of course. The Oak tree is at the end of the garden, right down this path."
With that, Elle leave us at the beginning of the path. Martin takes Bella's hand from me and starts to lead her down the pathway.
"How did it go?" Charlie asks, as soon as both Martin and Bella are out of hearing range.
"It went okay, I think. She shed some tears, there is so much stuff there, Charlie. She has a lot to go through, it will take a while. I don't think it has fully hit her yet. I'm glad she asked me to stay with her, but I am sorry that she didn't ask you. I know you were worried about her."
"No, Edward. I knew she would want you to stay with her, thank you for doing that, and all of this."
We listen as Bella talks to her dad, telling him what she has been up to. She introduces each of us, before we back away a little to give her some privacy. I can still hear her, and I will go to her if she needs me.
"Dad, I really miss you, so much. I wish you were here. I think you and Edward would get along. Edward is teaching me how to swim, it is going well so far. I can almost do the breast stroke. I am sorry I haven't been to see you, until now. I couldn't find where you were, and mom wouldn't tell me. I love you, and I miss you. I am going to go back up and meet my Grandma and Grandpa now. I will come back soon to see you, I promise."
It's clear that Bella is upset, and so is Charlie. I bend down to where Bella is kneeling and hold my hand out to her. Bella takes my hand, and I help her stand.
"I love you guys, thank you so much for doing this. I mean it, thank you all for being here for me." With that she gives each of us a hug, leaving me until last. I love that Bella is keeping her arms around me as we walk. We head back up to the house where we hear Morgan and another woman arguing.
"You know you keep showing everyone what is under those clothes, then no guy is ever going to take you home to meet his parents. Girls who show everything off, are seen to be good for only one thing. Morgan Anne Pitt get upstairs and change right now," came the woman's voice, which I did not know.
As we come into the house, I see what Morgan is wearing. Her top is almost completely see though, and she is wearing nothing under it. I mean nothing at all under it, not even a bra. She is also wearing what looks like a belt as a skirt. She stomps up the stairs. Bella clears her throat, to hide her embarrassment of Morgan's actions.
"Ah, now this must be Bella. I am your Grandma Lilly and this old fud is Philip, your Grandpa."
The woman says sweetly, as she runs her eyes up and down Bella.
"It is nice to meet, or I should say see you again. This is my Grandpa Charlie, Renee's dad, and this is Martin, her brother. This is my best friend, Edward," Bella says. While pointing at each of us, I notice the scowl on Lilly's face when Bella says her mom's name.
Morgan rejoins us in a skirt, that is a bit longer and a vest under her top.
"Hi, Bella, hey there, Edward," she says with a wink. "You know, Edward, I could show you the pool house, while Bella talks to Grandma and Grandpa. You know we should give them some bonding time."
"That sounds really nice, Morgan, but I would rather stay here with Bella, right now. If Bella would like some time alone with her Grandma and Grandpa, I already promised Poppy to play a game with her. Sorry," I say, without an apologetic sound in my voice.
Yes, I am using a seven year old, who may or may not have a crush on me. I am, however, doing it to get away from Morgan, because at least I think I will be safe with Poppy.
"Yes, I knew he liked me better," Poppy says jumping up and down.
"Morgan, stop hitting on Bella's boyfriend," Lilly says sternly.
"He is not her boyfriend. They're just friends Grand, and he is good looking. I am not going to sit here and pass something like this up," she says, waving her hand up and down at me.
"Morgan, that is it, you're grounded. No phone, no computer, straight home from school, and you're not going to any parties for the next two weeks. Anymore of this, and you little lady, will be going to a nice Catholic boarding school, in Switzerland. Now, go to your room," Elle yells, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Again, Bella, Edward, I am really sorry about her. She is doing this because we moved back here from Spain. She is really starting to piss me off."
Bella spends the next two hours talking to her new family. We fill the car with the boxes that they kept for her. Bella promises to keep in touch and come back over to see them soon.
"Bella, there is just one last thing we need to give you," Lilly says. "Now, I have a feeling you may not want to take this, but hear me out before you reject it. I have given both Keith and Morgan this to help with college."
Lilly is interrupted by Poppy who screams out, "Morgan says she is using hers for a new boob job, not college." Lilly rolls her eyes, and turns back to Bella.
"Poppy will get this too, when she goes to college. I know you have got another year to go, but as you are starting college next year, we are giving this to you now. This is from all of us, your dad opened an account for you, when you were born. Phil placed money in the account monthly, right up to the day he died. We opened a college fund for each of our grandchildren, when we lost contact with you after Phil died, we began placing your birthday, Christmas, and allowance in it too. You have quite a bit of money here. Seventy-five percent of the amount in this account is your rightful inheritance from your father. The other twenty-five percent is the money from us, your Grandparents. This money is yours, promise me that you will use it and get a good education. Your father would be proud to know that you did," Lilly is just about begging Bella by the end.
Bella takes the bank book, but does not open it. She thanks them quietly.
"Bella, maybe you should open it, I really want to make sure, we are on the same page. It is important you know," Elle says strangely.
They have just met Bella for the first time in years, and already they are showering her with gifts. Bella is not really a big gift receiving kind of person.
"Any amount of money is much appreciated, but if it makes you feel better, then I will open it."
As Bella opens it, her face goes white.
"What…what…no…this...it is too much!" Bella all but shouts out, as she stares at the book.
"Bella, honey, what is it?" Charlie asks, as she doesn't reply. I take the book from her hands, and look at it.
"Holy shit…fuck me…shit, sorry."
I shake my head.
"Grandpa, they put 2.5 million in the account for her. That is more than enough for her to go to any college she wants," I say in a small voice.
Shit, I can't believe I just swore four times in front of Bella's new family.
Way to make an impression.
"She will need my signature, or Elle's, right now to lift any large amounts from the account. But, I will also put your name on the account now," Lilly tells Charlie. "I will send the bank the information they need."
Lilly is looking at Bella now, who is clearly still stunned.
"Thank you, so much, but are you sure it is not too much?" Bella asks, looking right at Lilly and Elle.
"It is yours, Bella, you will need one of us to agree for you to take large amounts of money, until you are twenty-one. As I said, only a quarter of that money is from us, the rest is your inheritance as Phil's rightful heir. I will also continue to add funds, I still give my child and grandchildren an allowance. You will get 500 per month, plus 500 extra when you start college. You are able to take that amount out of your account each month. If you need additional money beyond that, it will require a signature from Elle, Charlie, or me. Any debts for college, housing, car insurance, or books will come out of the account, but will not count as money you have taken."
Lilly reaches out and holds one of Bella's hands.
"No, there is no need for you to give me all of this. I have a job, as for college, there is more than enough here to get me through," Bella says weakly, knowing she is not going to win.
"Bella, you are my granddaughter and I treat all my grandchildren the same. You will get that money, anyone can put money into it. I am so pleased to hear that you have been working to help with going to college. Bella, that is such a noble thing. Charlie, you have brought her up so well."
Bella again goes to argue with her, but Lilly cuts her off.
"Isabella, I don't want to hear it. This is yours and you get this money, and that is just how it is. Now, you get in the car, and I will see you again soon, right?"
Bella only nods, and gives her a quick man hug.
The drive back is quiet, and when we get to Martin's to get my car, Bella still seems to be in shock. Charlie stays with Martin, but tells me to call if I need him. Martin and Charlie have decided to drive to Forks and drop off all the boxes tonight. Bella and I head to my apartment.
We are not leaving until late tomorrow, so Charlie and Martin are having a guy's day out. I am planning on take Bella to see my office, and introduce her to Mr. Jeeves.
We are just finishing dinner when Bella stands up and looks at me.
"I want to give you something, but I don't want any argument from you, please? I really want you to have this."
I just nod my head, and she opens the jewelry box she grabbed earlier. She pulls out a set of dog tags. On the first one, there is a cross stamped into the metal. On the other side is an engraving, it says: 'God grant me the serenity, to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.' On the second tag is her dads name, Philip Keith Dwyer, and his date of birth 11/13/1964. On the other side of the second tag is the Seattle Mariners insignia.
"Bella, this was your dad's, you should keep it."
"No, I want you to have it, I see this and think of you. Hopefully, this will help you," she says, holding up the first dog tag. "This was important to my dad. He always said it helped him a lot, when things were bad. I think it may help you too. He was important to me, and so are you."
Bella leans over me, putting it around my neck. I hold her hand and look right at her. I lean forward still looking her in the eyes. I place my hand on her cheek, as we get closer.
I'm a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world.
Life in plastic, it's fantastic!
You can brush my hair, undress me everywhere.
Imagination, life is your creation.
We both jump apart at the sound of my phone.
It is Alice, fuck! Why does she keep changing my ring tone for her? And really? A phone call just when I am going to kiss my Bella.
I let out a breath, and pick up my phone as Bella walks out the room.
"Hello, Alice."
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