Chapter Twenty One

Bella

"Can we just get it over with, Dad?"

"Get what over with?"

"The yelling, the lecture, the 'I'm disappointed in you'... "

"That's what you're waiting for?"

"Shouldn't I be?"

"No. I'm not going to yell. And no lecture... you don't need that. And Bells, I've never been disappointed in you. Not a day in eighteen years. Don't ever forget that, sweetheart.

"I wish you kids didn't have to grow up so fast, but I know the Cullens will be there for you. You won't have to do it alone. I couldn't have hoped for a better family to love my little girl. I know you'll be okay when-"

"Dad, please don't talk like that."

"I know Carlisle has talked to you. I asked him to."

"Anything could happen. No one knows what the future-"

"Bells... I do know. And so does Dr. Cullen. And so do you. I want you to accept it. And I want you to focus on my little grandchild. Be strong for him or her. And someday tell them that I'm sorry I didn't get to meet them."

"Please stop... "

"I'm sorry, honey. With all my heart, I'm sorry."

"Then keep fighting. We're Swans, and Swans don't give up. You taught me that. Did you forget?"

"No... but I can't win this one, Bells. And I don't want to waste any more time and energy fighting a battle I've already lost. And I don't want you to. I want you to think about the future. The beautiful life you're going to have. You and Edward and that new little ray of hope you made. New life, honey. That's what's important now. It's what made mine complete. A little girl I was afraid to even hold... but that needed me, because there weren't any other arms."

"Yours were perfect."

"I know that's not true. You had to grow up without a mother. Your own, at least. But I tried my best. I tried... and eventually you had Esme... that saint of a woman who treated you like one of her own. That family... that you belong in. That I know will hold you when I can't. Edward sure isn't ever going to let go again. And don't you ever tell him to. Do you understand me, young lady?"

I nod, unable to speak.

His words are stern, but his eyes are smiling.

And the tears in them mirror my own.

Tears we both try to fight.

But that break through our shields...

As I lay down beside him.

And his arms wrap around me.

His arms that are weak...

Tired...

And waiting...

For the moment he can let go.

…

Edward

"Dad?"

"How are you today, son?"

"Charlie called me. He told me to hurry."

"Yes. You should. As soon as you're able."

"It was like he... "

"He wants you to be here for her, Edward."

"So, he really is...?"

"Yes."

"Fuck... can't you do anything?"

"I wish I could."

"Does Bella know?"

"I believe she does. She's trying to be brave."

"And I'm not there."

"You will be. She knows that. It's giving her strength."

"It's not enough, Dad... "

It's not nearly enough.

…

"You're in luck, kid. Part came in a little while ago. We'll get her worked on tomorrow."

"Can't you do it now?"

"Nope. Almost closin' time."

"I'll pay extra. I'll pay anything."

"You're one of them spoiled little rich kids, aren't ya? Born with a silver spoon in your mouth?"

"No."

"You throw around money like you are."

"My father works hard for what we have. I'm not trying to throw around his money, or act spoiled... I just want to get home. It's important. I made a mistake by leaving. I just want to make it right before it's too late. Please, sir? Please help me?"

"Well, ain't that sweet, nowhere boy? You miss your girl so much you're willing to beg. It's kind of pathetic if you ask me. Hey, Gus."

"Did you follow me here?"

"Don't flatter yourself. I'm making a payment."

"You think you got troubles, kid? This one's car's been here for goin' on four months. And the way she's payin' me, it'll be here another year."

"Four months?"

"She ain't rich like you. She was just passin' through when she had some car trouble. And she can't go nowhere till her bill is paid. And me and my boys ain't workin' late just cuz you're achin' for a girl. So, your car will be done tomorrow."

"She doesn't know anything about me. And that's not why. Please? I wouldn't say it was important if it wasn't."

"You miss your momma's cookin', too, do ya? Or do you eat in fancy restaurants every night? Our little diner ain't good enough for you?"

"Be careful how you answer, nowhere boy, Gus's wife owns the diner."

"It's a nice diner. The only complaint I'd ever have is about the service."

Gus seems to think this is funny. And doesn't seem at all surprised to hear it.

"She is a train wreck, ain't she? Which is exactly why her car is probably gonna be here another year. People don't like to tip when they leave with lunch on their belly instead of in it."

"You're both just mean."

I ignore right now girl's attempt at a pout, though I do kind of feel sorry for her, and try once again to plead my case, eyeing a picture behind the counter.

"You have a daughter, sir?"

"Yep. And just cuz you're missin' your girl, don't go gettin' any ideas, rich boy."

"No... I'm just wondering how you'd feel if it was just you and her... and you were real sick... and running out of time... and maybe hours were like seconds... and every one counted...

"I do miss my girl, sir... but the thought of her being left all alone, if there was a chance she might not have to be... I'll do anything for her not to suffer through that. Please?"

He looks back at the picture behind him.

Then back to me.

Almost believing...

But still suspicious.

"Are you pullin' my leg, son?"

"No, sir."

One more glance behind him...

And a sigh...

"You willin' to get dirty?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well, then... wait... her daddy like you?"

"Yes, sir. And he called me today and told me to hurry."

"Hell. Okay, son. If her daddy told you to hurry, then that's enough for me. Now, let's get you home. Your girl needs you."