Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Stephenie Meyer owns it all. I am merely having fun with her characters. I also do not own Brothers and Sisters.

Chapter 25

EPOV

Tuesday April 24, 2004: Age 18

When we arrived at the funeral home, all of the Swan siblings minus Bella took their seats in the front row. Sue sat there as well with Seth. Esme did not want to cause any distress at the funeral home. She was a class act and refused to let Sue antagonize her. My father, Emmett, Alice, and I sat in the second row. I was holding CC while Emmett held Peyton for Rose.

I heard a commotion and we turned to the back of the funeral home to see Bella being escorted in by a couple of guards from the juvenile detention center. This was ridiculous that they were forcing her to attend her father's funeral in handcuffs and a stupid jumpsuit from that god-awful place.

Bella did not even look up as she walked. Her face stayed trained to the ground. What had they done to her in there? She looked worse than the last time I had seen her. My angel's hair was dirty and unwashed. She let it fall around her face. She looked as if she had not been eating or sleeping and she was very pale.

The guards were walking her to the front row and Sue stood up in a defensive stance. "Where in the hell do you think you are going you murderous little bitch? You are not sitting anywhere near my son or me!"

One of the guards spoke softly to Sue. "Miss, she is the daughter of the deceased. She is supposed to sit in the front row with the other siblings."

Bella looked up and I gasped. Her eyes looked completely hollow and dead. My angel was gone. Who was there in her place? What had happened to her?

She started shaking her head, "No…I don't deserve to sit here. I don't want to sit here! Take me from here!!" She yelled at the guard.

Jasper stood, "Bells, sit with us," he told her as he tried to grab her arm in a reassuring manner. She tensed and pulled back from his touch.

"NO! I do…not…want….to…sit…here! I don't deserve it!"

"Alright, calm down. We'll take you to the back. Is that better for ya, dear?" One of the guards asked her sarcastically.

Bella nodded.

Jasper's shoulders hunched as he sat back down with the rest of his siblings, put his head in his hands, and sobbed.

I had never seen him broken like this.

As Bella walked by with the guards again, CC noticed her mother. I thought she was going to somehow bolt from my lap even though I knew she could not walk yet. She reached her chubby little arms out to her mother and said, "Ma!" It was just as clear as anything!

When Bella did not acknowledge her that tiny little bottom lip of hers began to tremble.

Oh no, baby girl. Not here. Don't make a scene here tender heart.

I picked her up and placed her over my shoulder so she could nuzzle into my neck while I patted her on the back gently. She loved when I did that.

"Shhh…baby girl, Daddy's got you. I love you sweetheart, so much. Shhh…" I tried to soothe her. She calmed quickly in my arms and the service began.

The funeral was over before I knew it. It all seemed like a blur. Bella was being led back out of the funeral home by the guards and we were never even allowed to see or speak with her.

It was probably for the best. CC would have been more upset by seeing her mother again and not being able to actually be with her.

Sue did not want to have anyone over to her house after the funeral. She said she wanted to get to the will reading and put these things behind her. Esme said she just wanted to hurry up and get to the part where she finds out how rich she is now that Charlie was gone.

I asked my father if it bothered him that Esme was really upset by Charlie's death. He told me this did not upset him because they were together for many years and had five beautiful children together. He said you never forget your first love no matter what happens.

All of the Swans, along with Sue and Seth were supposed to be present for the will reading. We were on our way to Mr. Jenks's office when my father's cell phone started ringing.

I was in the backseat of my father's Mercedes with CC and Brady. Everyone else was following and meeting us there.

I noticed Esme grab my father's hand from beside him in the front seat while he spoke animatedly on the phone. Something was making him happy.

"How are you holding up?" I asked Brady. He was the Swan sibling that was the most distant from Charlie.

"I'm fine. Thanks for asking."

I nodded. I noticed that my daughter reached out and put her tiny hand on her uncle's arm. Brady turned to her and smiled. No one could help but smile when they saw the beautiful Camilla Cullen. She was quite the charmer.

"Love you Cam," Brady said to her as he held her hand and kissed her forehead.

My father closed his cell phone and was smiling. "Well?" Esme asked him.

"It's done! Jenks was able to fix it!"

"This is splendid Carlisle!" She leaned in and kissed his cheek. "Thank you so much!"

"You will have to thank Mr. Jenks my love, it was all his doing."

"But you were the one who was persistent."

Brady and I looked at each other and shrugged. Brady spoke before I could. "Wanna clue us in on what's going on, Mom?"

Esme turned in her seat to face us. "Carlisle pushed Mr. Jenks to try and persuade the judge to allow Bella at the will reading today. He told him that Charlie's will implicitly states that ALL of his children must be present. The judge had no choice but to allow it."

"That's great, Mom!"

"Yeah, I am glad she is going to be there for this. Will she be under the same restrictions as the funeral?" I asked.

My father looked at me through the rearview mirror, "Yes…I'm sorry son. You won't be able to hold or touch her. She will be there in handcuffs."

I nodded slowly.

"CC is going to be upset if she sees her and can't go to her again, Dad. Plus, the fact that Bella did not even acknowledge her at all in the funeral home. I do not want her upset again."

"Why are you even bothering to go? You don't need to be there? It's no concern of yours! You're not family!" Brady said glaring at me.

"Brady!" Esme reprimanded.

"Sorry, Mom…but I do not appreciate his tone about Bella ignoring CC."

"He is sitting right next to you. Please do not talk about me like I am not even in the car! I am sorry if the tone of my voice upset you. But I found it quite troublesome that Bella did not even glance over at her baby girl once. To answer your question…I was planning on going to the will reading to offer moral support to Bella if she would take it."

Brady turned to me, "Did it occur to you that Bella is going through a whole bunch of shit right now? Our father is dead…which she feels is her fault…our sister is dead…which she also feels…is her fault. She never feels good enough for you which I will never understand. Therefore, do you really think she feels worthy of this sweet little girl right now? No, I don't think so. Just shut up, Edward. I really don't want to talk to you anymore."

I did not respond to that as he turned to stare out the window. What more was there to say? I knew he was right but it did not make it hurt any less that Bella did not even look at CC…or me.

We pulled into the parking lot of the law office and I saw the bus for the juvenile detention center already there.

Before we got out of the car my father said, "I want to warn all of you. Sue is probably not happy about Bella being here…"

Esme cut him off as she said, "I really do not give a damn whether she likes this or not!"

My father chuckled lightly at her anger, "I realize that sweetheart. I just wanted to make sure we are all prepared for what we are walking into."

I pulled CC out of her car seat and whispered to her, "Please be good, sweetheart. Remember that I love you."

She smiled at me and tried to put her hand in my mouth. I kissed each one of her fingers and snuggled her to me. I knew she would be asleep soon and I hoped that she would stay that way so she would not notice we were around Bella. I did not want her to be hurt again by Bella ignoring her.

When we walked into Mr. Jenks's office, everyone was already seated in there. There was a television set up in his office. He explained that Charlie had been having heart problems for several months. Apparently, he had not told anyone about this, even Sue.

"Charlie came to see me last week after the doctor told him that his prognosis was not good. He wanted to make some revisions to the will and give me this," Mr. Jenks said holding up a DVD case in his hand.

"What kind of revisions?" Sue asked through gritted teeth.

"You will see. I will let Charlie explain it to you all."

He put the DVD in and pushed play. It was Charlie on the screen, sitting at a desk in an office. The expression on his face was one of total sadness.

This was going to be hard on everyone in this room.

BPOV

Tuesday April 24, 2004: Age 16

It was completely mortifying to sit at my father's funeral in handcuffs but it was how it should be since he was dead because of me. I knew I did not physically kill him, but my actions led to his death. It was all on my conscience…as was Leah's. What kind of monster kills their father and sister?

I knew I was ignoring CC when I walked by them but I could not help it. It would kill me to look at my baby and know I could not go to her. She was better off this way. I was no good for her…for anyone. I was going to do my time, accept my punishment, and get back to my wicked ways to numb the pain as soon as possible. I did not want to feel anything anymore.

I was shocked that Dad had actually made a DVD for us to see when he found out about his heart condition. I wished he would have told us…but he was heartless…of course he would not think to tell his family. He forgot about us…tossed us aside when something better came along…his new family.

I hated him for that.

I hated him for abandoning us.

I hated him for repeatedly choosing Sue and Leah over me.

I hated him for cheating on Mom.

But most of all…I hated him for dying…for leaving me…and racking me with this guilt I will never get rid of as long as I live.

He looked so sad when I saw him on the television screen. I really did not want to be here. He was just going to say what a disappointment I was and that Leah was his perfect little daughter. Maybe he would be hateful enough that I would not feel so guilty about his death.

A girl could hope.

I focused my attention back on the screen and listened to my father for the last time.

"If you're watching this video…I'm already gone. I am really sorry I did not inform anyone of my health but I did not want you guys to worry. I suppose that is a mute point now since there was actually something to worry about.

I have some things that I need to say to you all and I only pray that I am strong enough to tell them to you in person before I die. That is my hope…that I have enough time to make amends with all of you.

When I say that, I am talking about you, Esie, and our children.

Esie, I never meant to hurt you. I am so sorry that all I did was make you cry during our marriage. But we had some good times didn't we? Dancing in the living room and making love into the wee hours of the morning after the kids went to bed were some of my happiest moments.

I am sorry to tell that…Sue is not the only person I cheated on you with. There were three others. It breaks my heart to tell you that but for once in my life, I am trying to be honest. Please do not feel that it had anything to do with you. I was just a selfish man when I saw a woman I wanted, I seduced and took her, without any thoughts to you or my family.

Please forgive me. You are a wonderful mother to our children…the best mother. They are very lucky to have you in their life and I hope that they show you their love and gratitude always. I hope you find someone who will love and cherish you all the ways that I should have, Es.

Rose, I'm sorry for the way I behaved when things went down with Royce. What kind of father does not stand by his daughter? I love you sweetheart and I am so proud of you and Peyton. Don't ever doubt that you did the right thing when you killed that bastard. I'm sorry if my words or actions ever made you feel otherwise.

Brady, you and I have butted heads since you were a toddler. It never stopped between us but I was always proud of you no matter what. You are my namesake, Charles Brady Swan, and like it or not, I love you! Please don't every forget that. Stay strong for your sisters and brothers like you always do.

James, I'm sorry if I ever made you feel that I loved you any less because of the lifestyle you chose. I think you are very brave…and even though it may be too late for us…I admire you and I love you, son. You have such love and compassion in your heart and I always misunderstood that about you. I apologize for that.

Jasper, you have always been the voice of reason in our family. I hope you remain that way. You were always the closest with Bells. Look out for her always, will you? I love you son, and I know you are going to do great things with your life.

My Isabella, where do I start with you? I have wronged you so much in this short lifetime we have had together. You were always my baby girl. I let you down, sweetheart and I am so fucking sorry for that. I will never forgive myself for the many ways that I failed you more than anyone. You are so lost right now and I pray that you are not lost to us forever. Please let go of your pain and anger baby girl. I need you to get better for yourself and that beautiful little granddaughter of mine that I did not spend near enough time with. I love you Bells…always.

Please make sure that Peyton and Camilla know about their grandpa Charlie. I know I am asking a lot…but if you girls don't hate me too much…please tell them about me. I'll be watching over them always.

Sue, I do not even know where to begin with you. I left my family for you. I abandoned my children and my amazing wife to make you happy. How could you stab me in the fucking back like you did?"

Everyone in the room gasped. What was my father talking about when he said that? How had Sue betrayed him? I was dying to know! Sue started fidgeting in her seat and looked completely livid.

"I began to wonder if Leah was really mine. I was just sorry that I woke up too little too late. I had a DNA test done and…I know that I am not Leah's father. How could you lie to me about that?

Leah, I am sorry that you are stuck in the middle of this and I do not know if you know the truth or not but I am definitely not your father. I always thought of you as mine because Sue told me it was so but that is not the case. I love you anyway, honey."

The sobs were coming out of me faster than they were when he was talking to me because it was so sad that he was talking to Leah and she was dead…because of what I did.

"Sue, I now know that you are nothing but a money-grubbing whore who spreads her legs for a dollar. I know about the other men you were seeing. Es, I am sure you can find the humor in the fact that I was trying to be faithful to Sue while she was sleeping around on me.

Rest assured my little Susie Q, you will still be taken care of. I talked to Jenks and had him change the will."

Sue grinned. How could he? She cheated on him…lied about him being Leah's father…and he was still going to give her everything?

"You see my darling wife; I changed my will so that you will get the house that we lived in and the vehicles that we drove. You also get to keep whatever money was in our joint bank account.

However, sweetie…everything else I own plus my bank account that I had on my own…will be going to one Esme Swan and our five children together."

In a move that shocked all of us, Sue stood up and threw her tiny little chair at the television breaking the screen into pieces.

I stood up in an outrage because she made my father go away from the television. This was the last time I would ever see him and she was ruining it!

The guards promptly pushed me to sit back down in my seat.

"This is ridiculous, you pathetic excuse for a lawyer! I will fight this!" Sue screamed at Mr. Jenks.

She stormed out of the office with Seth hot on her tail. "Is this true, Mr. Jenks? We get everything, even the restaurant?"

"Yes, Esme. Charlie was very adamant about this. He also set up trust funds for Peyton and Camilla, along with the start of a college fund for Bella."

My mom was crying, hell everyone in the room was crying except for the Cullens. I could not believe my father felt responsible for what happened with me. He said he loved me. This just makes me that much more of a monster.

I have to take myself away from Cam and Edward before I hurt them further. Am I too young to get the death penalty? I hoped that is what the judge would give me at my sentencing tomorrow.

"I'm ready to go back now," I whispered to the guards.

The guards nodded. Edward came over to us. He had handed Cam to Alice. I was glad. She was sleeping and I did not want to disrupt that.

"Bella, we will all be at the sentencing tomorrow. It will be alright. We'll figure this out and then we will get you the help that you need. Okay, baby?"

I just nodded. I did not look at him and I did not answer him. I knew it would never be alright again.

EPOV

Wednesday April 25, 2004: Age 18

The will reading the day before had definitely been a shock…to everyone. Bella looked so lost when I talked to her afterwards but I had to believe things would happen for a reason. No matter what happened at the hearing today, I had to be strong for my little girl.

James was pretty emotional after everything yesterday. Everyone was but I think it affected him and Bella the most. I knew neither of them expected Charlie to say the things he said to them. Unfortunately, Bella had to go back to that awful place and deal with her pain alone. James had Steve.

James said he could not take another emotional day like yesterday so he and Steve offered to stay at the house with Peyton and Camilla since the courtroom was no place for babies. The rest of us were going to the sentencing.

We were the first ones to arrive. Carlisle waited out in the hall so he could talk to the lawyer. He came back in and looked upset. "What is it?" Esme asked him.

"The judge is not going to cave. Besides, the fact that he was friends with Harry Clearwater, he wants to make an example out of Bella. He wants to 'scare her straight.' He thinks juvenile detention is just what she needs in lieu of rehab."

Esme was crying. "This is ridiculous! This cannot be happening. She did not kill that girl!"

"I know sweetheart. But the judge is seeing it as an accidental death that she had a part in. I'm sorry Esme."

I wanted to cry but I refused to let the tears fall right now because Bella needed me to be strong. All of her siblings were fuming beside me. Alice grasped Jasper's hand while Emmett held Rose's.

Brady and I were sitting next to each other and the odd men out so he looked at me and tried to lighten the mood. "SO are we supposed to hold hands and shit?"

I allowed myself a small laugh and then I saw them walk Bella into the courtroom. She had a black eye and a busted lip. What the hell had happened to her? She was supposed to be safe in that damned place!

Once Sue entered the courtroom, everything went to hell. There was yelling and arguing from both sides. It got so bad the judge threatened to throw everyone out and only deal with the two lawyers.

Esme was furious that Sue was not being punished for trying to strangle Bella at the house the night everything happened. She screamed at the judge. She was one outburst away from being thrown in jail and my father had to practically sit on her to keep her in her chair.

The judge said that Sue was distraught at the time and since no harm was done to Bella and Bella was unwilling to press charges, he was not concerned with it. All he was concerned with was sentencing Bella today and getting her out of his courtroom, he told us.

He was an asshole…and that was putting it mildly.

Carlisle demanded to know how Bella got the black eye and the busted lip. The judge asked Bella. She said she fell. That was bullshit! The judge did not even fucking question it. He just shrugged and slammed down his gavel with his decision.

"Bella Swan is hereby sentenced to be incarcerated in the Forks Juvenile Detention Center until September 13, 2005 on her eighteenth birthday."

The world felt like it was spinning out of control around me and I did not hear any more words that were said in that courtroom.

I had to get out of there and get home to my daughter. That was all I could do now.

A/N…Please review if you have the time. Reviews = a teaser of Chapter 26. If you are unable to review due to the mix-up with the chapter numbers, you can continue to do what a lot of you have been doing…send me a PM and I will PM you back with the teaser.

Thanks to keepingupwiththekids for betaing this!