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Chapter Twenty-Five

Shadows were cast on the bare, off-white walls as I blearily sat up against my headboard. I rubbed my eyes, and as my arms dropped, I felt a piece of paper brush against my hand.

Unfortunately, I had to go back to work. I didn't want to wake you. Here's my address if you'd like to come by later. I get off at 8.

Smiling to myself, I ignored the slight tense of my right cheek and folded the piece of paper to hide in my underwear drawer.

After searching the house for any signs that Renee had been home, I poured myself a glass of her red wine and drew myself a bath. I sipped the wine and reveled in the silence, wishing it were always this quiet around here.

Edward's sweet face entered my mind and I didn't have the strength to will him away this time, no. He had brought me soup and held me while I slept. He had brushed the hair out of my face and rubbed circles into the small of my back. It was more than anyone had ever done for me before, and there was no doubt in my mind that he was too kind for his own good.

Quiet laughter seeped under the bathroom door and I froze under the bubbles and lukewarm water. Staring at the doorknob, I reached for my towel and wrapped it around my body, leaving the sudsy water in the tub.

The cool air hit my body and I cursed under my breath. I almost made it to my room before I heard Renee's voice behind me.

"This is my daughter, Bella."

Renee stood in the hallway with an unfamiliar man. And I stood there in my towel.

"Nice to meet you, Bella. I'm Phil," he said, looking about as awkward as I felt.

"I've heard about you, Phil," I admitted cryptically because I didn't feel like playing this game. "I need to get dressed." My voice was as sharp as the glare I shot Renee.

She had the nerve to look confused before laughing awkwardly.

"Phil, why don't you wait in the living room. I need to speak to my daughter."

My daughter.

This is my daughter, Bella.

I cringed as she entered my bedroom.

"What do you want?"

"That's Phil," she explained.

"Yes. I gathered that when he introduced himself."

"What is that?" Renee asked, pointing at the bowl of soup on my dresser.

"It's called soup." My words were deliberately slow and I inwardly laughed at her scowl. "It's what people eat when they aren't feeling well."

"Isabella. Must we act this way towards each other?"

Cocking my head to the side, I feigned confusion. "Act what way, mother?"

"Stop that! Stop with the attitude," she snapped. "About our disagreement last night..."

"Disagreement? Oh, you mean when I asked you about the rent and you slapped me?"

Renee's eyes hardened. "You were disrespecting me."

"You don't think I deserve a little respect as well?" I all but shrieked, trying to talk myself down. No need to give her a show. That's what she wanted, anyway. "It's tacky and unacceptable to ask the landlord to not collect rent."

Like a petulant child, Renee crossed her arms. "Fine."

Edward's face was there again, and it gave me a little more confidence as I said, "And the next time you put your hands on me, don't expect me to hold back. That is also unacceptable."

Anger flared in her eyes as she calmly said, "I'm sorry you feel that way."

I noted she didn't actually apologized, but only apologized that I felt a certain way. She was good at keeping her apologies to herself.

"Get out of my room and go entertain your guest."

With a huff, Renee walked out of my room and I locked the door behind her. Phil was being fooled by Renee's act, but I was glad he was keeping her occupied.

Digging through my drawers, I grabbed Edward's note along with my checkbook.

I already owed him a lot, but I'd start with the rent money.

A/N: One more update later tonight! :)