DISCLAIMER: Same disclaimer. I don't own anything, just the way I choose to use the characters.
Chapter 50 – Preparing for Arizona
BPOV
I raised my eyebrow as I waited for Edward to answer me. I soon realized that that was biting my lip when Edward walked over and pulled it from between my teeth.
"Well, as a matter of fact I am going somewhere."
I stood there waiting for him to expand on the statement but all he did was smile at me. I couldn't help it, but suddenly all the stress I had been holding in exploded and I yelled at him.
"I know I don't deserve to know, but just tell me if it is none of my business." I said as the tears started to escape.
Suddenly his face changed and he cupped my cheeks in his hands. "Don't cry. I was just messing with you baby. I'm sorry I shouldn't have messed with you."
I just shook my head because it isn't his fault that my emotions are all over the place. "No, I'm the one who is sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you." I tell him as I try to pull away.
Edward just pulls me to him and guides me to his bed. "Bella, I can't imagine the stress that you are under as you get ready to testify against your mom. You know it's okay to let it out baby. I'm here for you."
I sniffed and looked up at him through my watery eyes. "I have no idea what I ever did to deserve you in my life. I guess I'm just all over the place right now. So you said you were going somewhere." I gave him a small smile to let him know my breakdown was over.
Edward's smile returned as he looked at me. "Actually, after school I got home and mom told me that she had put a bag in here for me and that I needed to pack."
I watched him and waited for him to continue. One thing was obvious, wherever he is going he is happy about.
"Anyway, she sat me down and explained that she had received a phone call from you dad. Apparently our parents discussed your upcoming trip to Arizona and they all decided that you might benefit from some additional support while you are down there. I guess your dad has to attend some meetings and they didn't want you to have to be left alone so the suggestion was made that I go with you." Edward finished with a smile.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "Are you serious?"
Edward nodded. "Dead serious. I don't know all that was said between our parents because not too long after we started to talk Mom got a call from your dad asking if she could pick you up from your therapy appointment. I offered to go get you but mom stated that she wanted some girl time with you."
My face broke out in a huge smile. I had been dreading this trip, and honestly I still am, but I know that between my dad and Edward nothing bad can happen to me. Suddenly the tears that had just quit falling had returned.
Edward wiped the tears as they fell and gave me a concerned look. I shook my head to try and appease his fears. "I promise they aren't bad tears. I'm just overwhelmed."
"It's okay baby. I promise that the three of us will get you through this." Edward stated as he leaned in and kissed my forehead. We sat there wrapped up in one another's arms for another ten minutes or so before I pulled away.
"Well, we should work on getting you packed. We don't want to take the chance of our parents changing their minds." I stated, only half joking.
Edward got up and walked over to his closet. He started to pull out clothes and throw them into the bag. I couldn't help but laugh.
"Is that really how you pack?"
He smirked and shrugged, "Yeah, what's wrong with it?"
"Are you even paying attention to what you are throwing in the bag?"
"What do you think you could do better?"
I shook my head. I got up and walked over to the bag and started to pull the clothes he had thrown in back out. "If you leave them like this you won't be able to get much in there and everything will be wrinkled before we even leave."
I refolded the items that could be packed right away and put them back in the bag. I took the clothes he had for court and told him that they would need to be put in last in order to keep them from wrinkling too much. By the time I was done everything that could be packed early was packed.
Once we were finished with his bag, Edward grabbed my hand and we made our way back downstairs. We found Esme in the kitchen working on dinner.
"Is there anything we can help with?" I asked her.
"You don't have to, but if you want you can set the table." Esme replied with a smile.
Edward and I worked together and had the table set in no time. Esme informed us that my dad would be here to eat with us so we made sure to set him a place as well. Once we were finished with that we sat on the couch and turned the television on. We were discussing the upcoming standardized tests when Alice joined us in the room.
"Can you believe that we have to take those stupid tests this year? Isn't it enough that we need to take the SATs in the spring, but they expect us to take state tests as well."
Edward laughed at his sister. "You just don't like the need to sit quietly all day long."
I could completely see that as a problem for Alice. I tried to hide my smile. "Just think of it as practice for the SATs this spring Alice."
Alice huffed but didn't say anything else because just then Carlisle and Charlie walked into the room. "Dinner is ready," Esme called from the other room and we all made our way to the dining room.
Edward sat next to me and my dad sat across from us. "Sorry I had to leave your appointment Bella," he stated before he started to eat.
"Don't worry about it. Esme and I went for coffee before we came back here," I told him with a smile.
Dinner conversation revolved around the investigation that continued into Lauren and Jessica's actions. I found myself tuning out because I didn't want to think about those two right now. I was having a hard enough time with next weeks trip.
I must have been too quiet for Edward's taste because before long he put his hand on my knee and gave it a squeeze. I looked up at him and smiled.
After dinner the adults made their way to the library while the rest of us found ourselves in the living room working on homework. I was helping Alice get ready for our upcoming literature test and Edward was working on a history paper. We were so lost in our studies that we hadn't realized how much time had passed until Charlie stated it was time to go.
I gave Edward a kiss before we left and he told me he would see me in the morning. Once we were on our way home I found myself reveling in the quiet of the car and finding the courage to talk to Dad about my feelings surrounding the upcoming trip.
When we got home I made myself a cup of tea and took a seat in the living room with my dad. I find myself trying to gather the courage to speak but before I have a chance to say anything Dad does.
"Bells, I'm worried about you. It's obvious that you aren't sleeping well. If it isn't the nightmares waking you up I have a feeling that you are just avoiding sleep altogether in an effort to avoid the dreams. I really wish you would talk to me."
I shake my head because little does he know that is exactly what I had been planning on doing. "Funny you should bring that up Dad. Actually I was talking to Riley about this today and he suggested that I talk to you." I take a deep breath before I continue. "You're right, I haven't been sleeping well."
"You know if you talk about them it might help." Dad pleaded with me.
"I know, I guess I have been afraid that I'm causing you too much trouble already and I don't want to compound that."
"Why would you think that?"
"Dad, I hate to tell you but your emotions tend to show on your face. I can see how much all of this is affecting you and it kills me to see that look of anguish on your face every day."
"Oh Bella, it isn't your fault. I've just been concentrating on making sure that all the bases are covered. I want to make sure that there is nothing that can go wrong, not only in Arizona but also with the cases here as well. I hate how much you have had to go through, but please know that there is nothing that could ever make me love you any less or that would make it so you can't come to me."
Dad then got up and came over to sit next to me. "I will always be here for you. You mean the world to me and are the best thing that I have ever done," he said before he pulled me into a hug.
We sat there quietly for a few minutes. When I had finished my tea I kissed Dad goodnight and made my way back upstairs. I texted Edward after I got ready for bed and told him that I loved him.
For the first time all week I slept halfway decently. I woke up Friday morning looking forward to seeing Edward and my friends. I was able to keep up the positive attitude the entire day, despite Alice's continued discussions of everything she thinks I need to get when we go shopping.
Friday night Edward came over before he had a night out with the guys. Since we were leaving early in the morning for our shopping excursion I told him to go out and have fun. I ended up spending some time with Dad and we discussed what I should expect in Arizona before the discussion turned to the upcoming testing at school.
"Bells, have you given much thought to where you want to go to school next year," Dad asked me.
I shrugged because the truth was that I hadn't. Up until recently I never thought I would have a place to stay, let alone a way to pay for college so I had never given myself the freedom to want to go to school.
"I don't know. Maybe I will just check out the community college," I told him.
He furrowed his brow at my answer. "Is that what you truly want. If it is I will support that decision. Bella I want you to go to school where you want to go."
I thought about it for a minute before I answered him. "I honestly never thought that college was an option for me so I never put any thought into where I would want to go. I guess the first thing I should do is look into what I might want to do and then maybe look into what scholarships are offered and if there are any scholarships still available. I promise I will give it some thought."
"Good. How about we look into checking some schools out when we get back from Arizona."
"Okay. I like that idea," I tell him truthfully.
I finished the dishes and then told Dad goodnight and made my way upstairs. The rest of the night I thought about what I would do if I did anything I wanted to. I decided that I should ask Edward what he was going to do and maybe I would be able to come up with a better idea.
The next morning my alarm went off way too early. I threw on a hoodie over my skinny jeans and fitted tee. I giggled to myself because Alice would just assume that I wore the hoodie to annoy her, when really it was just for warmth. I took my ballet flats downstairs with me and grabbed a cup of coffee. Dad had already left for work but I found a note from him on the table.
Bells,
I know you don't like spending money on yourself, but I have given Esme money for your shopping trip today. Don't limit yourself to just what you believe you need. Buy yourself something fun. I expect to gasp at the amount you buy.
Most of all have fun today.
Love,
Dad
I couldn't help but smile at the note. One that is for certain, Dad knows me more than I have given him credit for. I decide to not fight him and go into the shopping trip with a positive attitude. Before long I see Esme pull up so I grab my purse and make my way out to the car.
"Morning," I say as I get in the back seat.
"Morning Bella," Esme replies as Alice narrows her eyes at me, and Rose giggles.
I just ignore Alice's evil looks as we make our way out of town. Esme starts talking to her and the stare is taken off of me. I smile because I know that Esme is purposely averting Alice's attention. I just relax and listen to the conversation around me throughout the drive. When a question is directed at me I answer, but otherwise I am just content to listen.
My mind wanders and I think about the conversation I had with Dad last night. I realize that I have never asked Edward what his plans are after school. I decide that I need to have that conversation with him so that I'm prepared if he plans on moving across the country.
The thought of Edward moving so far away breaks my heart so I quickly divert my thinking back to the shopping trip ahead of me. I try to think of everything that I need to get without obsessing about the money it is going to cost. I'm so lost in my thoughts I don't realize we have reached our destination until Rose touches my hand.
I smile at her before I throw myself out of the car. I can't help but groan as Alice grabs my hand and starts dragging me into the building. Fortunately Esme makes the decision that we are going to stop for coffee before shopping. Alice tries to argue but Esme stops her by telling her it will give us an opportunity to map out a shopping strategy.
We grab a table once we all have our drinks. I'm taking a sip of mine when Rose speaks.
"So is there something specific that you want while we are here? Is it just stuff for court or are you looking for other items as well?"
"Originally, I was just going to get something to wear to court but my dad wants me to get some other things as well so I'm not sure what all I'm looking for." I tell them with a shrug.
I can see Alice almost bouncing in her seat next to me. Esme throws me a wink and I know that she is on my side and will try to keep her daughter under control.
Once we finish with our coffee we decide to begin with the outfit for court first to get that out of the way. We make our way into Macy's and I try to hide my cringe when I see some of the price tags.
I'm surprised when Alice tries to get me into trouser pants. I shake my head at her. "Alice, I will never wear those again."
"But Bella, you will look so good in them. Don't you want to look good?"
"Of course I do, but I am not going to waste money on something that I can never see myself wearing again." I said as I turned back to looking at the blouses.
I found a cream colored silk blouse that was dressy enough for court, but that I could see myself wearing out on a date with a nice pair of skinny jeans. I looked at the price tag and immediately started to put the blouse back.
I continued looking until I found a nice sweater I could see myself wearing and a cute skirt. I excused myself and took my items to the fitting room.
I tried on the sweater and while it was okay, I just didn't love it as much as the blouse I put back. However, I couldn't stop myself from looking at the price tag and decided to go with the sweater and the skirt. I grabbed the items and exited the fitting room to run into Esme.
"You scared me," I said as I clutched my chest.
"Did you find something you like?" Esme asked.
I nodded and looked down at the items in my hands.
"Why don't you try this on with that skirt?" Esme asked me as she held up the blouse that I had been looking at.
I opened my mouth to argue with her but she raised her eyebrow at me, which made me cringe back a bit. "Bella, I saw you looking at this. I happen to think you have impeccable taste and it would look beautiful with that skirt. Why didn't you try it on?"
"It's too expensive."
"Sweetie, your dad wants you to get what will make you more comfortable while you are in court. He doesn't care about the money. Why don't you just try it on and we will go from there."
"Okay," I say as I make my way back into the fitting room. When I get the blouse on with the skirt I am in love with the outfit, but the price is still nagging at me. I go out to show Esme the outfit only to find all three of them waiting for me.
"Bella, that outfit is perfect. You have to get it," Alice utters excitedly.
"Alice is right. You look beautiful in that outfit," Esme beams.
I can't help but smile at their praise. I leave to change back into my other clothes when Rose shoves some things at me.
"Why don't you try these things on?"
I nod and take the items back into the dressing room with me. Thankfully it seems that Rose knows my style because the jeans and tops she gave me to try on not only were things that I would wear but they also weren't outrageously priced.
By the time we are done with Macy's I have several new outfits, including some fancy underwear. We head to DSW to look for some shoes before we stop for lunch.
Alice seems to have calmed down and we all end up getting new shoes. IN addition to the flats I fell in love with I ended up getting a pair of black boots that will look nice with the skirt and shirt I got for court.
When we leave DSW I can't stop my stomach from growling. Esme hears it and determines that it is time to stop for food. Instead of hitting the food court we decide on a family owned pizzeria that is next to the mall.
Lunch was a blast and we talked about upcoming tests and the girls asked me if I was nervous about my trip. I found it easier to talk to them now that I have expressed my worries to Riley. I told them how happy I am to not only having my dad coming with me but also having Edward with me as well. I thanked Esme for allowing him to come with us. Soon the conversation turned to our plans for the afternoon.
Apparently my dad had talked to Esme and told her that I needed some pampering. Appointments had been booked for manicures, pedicures, facials, and I was getting my hair done.
Alice tried to talk me into getting my hair colored but I put my foot down on that plan. I acquiesced to the haircut but I didn't want to color my hair. I ended up getting long layers put in and the hairstylist gave me some tips on some ways that I could curl the ends.
All too soon the day was over and we were on our way home. I texted Edward to tell him that I missed him and we made plans to get together tomorrow. Apparently all the boys were having a gaming marathon. He invited me over but I decided to let him have his time with his friends since we would have time together while we are in Arizona.
When Esme dropped me off I hugged her and once again thanked her for everything. I made my way inside where I found Dad sitting watching the game. I smiled at him and showed him all the items I had bought. I thanked him for paying for the clothes and the spa treatments before I headed off to bed.
I snuggled in my bed with a book and realized that everyone had managed to keep me from worrying about what is going to happen next week. I went to sleep realizing I have the best people in my life.
A/N
I apologize for the delay. RL is not slowing down so until further notice the updates are going to be closer to every two weeks as they have been. However, if I am able to get the chapter done ahead of time I will post it early.
Next chapter will be in Arizona.
