Welcome back all and thanks for your continued support! I've been writing and editing like crazy and this chapter is roughly the halfway point. It's going to get crazy from here!

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or Charmed.

Chapter 18

"Bella honey, could you finish restocking the new arrivals section? I have to run out for a quick moment," Mrs. Newton calls out from across the store.

I'm snapped out of my daydreaming for the tenth time that day, my thoughts centered around Edward and our night (and morning) together. I'd been 15 minutes late to work because of him but it was worth every minute.

"Of course," I murmur and grab the box from the counter, finishing where she left off. I can hardly focus on the task as all I can think of is that beautiful man who has my heart. I'm practically vibrating.

I felt different... but in a good way.

I can't remember the last time I've felt this happy, this complete. It wasn't only physical when it came to him, we connected in a way that I'd never experienced before with any man. He understood all of me, those parts I never let others see, the parts I was afraid of. He saw me in all my pain, my fear, my hopes, and my dreams.

I'd fallen for him. Hard. And I didn't see any coming back from it.

My only hope is that he felt the same way.

And something deep down told me he did.

Between our rounds of sex, we did a lot of talking. He told me about parts of his childhood, something he typically steered away from. He talked about growing up without his parents and living with various family members and friends, something I connected with deeply. We both understood what it meant to lose those close to us and at such young ages.

I could sense him shutting down at times, but I worked to reassure him that he could trust me and open up to me. And I could sense some of those walls starting to come down. It was a wonderful start. I felt as if I were starting to see and get to know the real Edward Masen.

I loved it.

We plan to meet for coffee at the park when my shift is over and before his afternoon meeting. I can't wait to see him, even if my nerves are starting to make themselves known. Would it be awkward between us after taking our relationship to the next level? Would we be the same?

I'm lost in thought at the front counter not long after finishing the restock when the door rings with a new arrival, it's Leah. She's unusually quiet.

"Hi girlie, how's everything going?" I call out cheerfully. She gives me a small smile as she pins her nametag to her shirt.

"Hey Bee, I'm okay," she murmurs very much out of character for Leah.

"Is everything okay? How's my Mr. sweet face?" There's something off with her but I try not to pry too much.

"Seth's okay… it's just some problems I'm having with my landlord," she shrugs.

"Oh no, what happened?"

Tears well in Leah's eyes as she tries to wipe them away quickly. I quickly pull her in the back to help her calm down. I've never seen Leah cry, I know it must be something major.

She takes several breaths between sniffles and clears her throat before continuing.

"The landlord gave the entire building a 30-day notice to move. Our leases are being terminated because of new owners and they're demolishing the place."

"What?! They can't do that Leah!"

"Well he's sure as hell trying to Bella, I mean I guess he's within his rights and we all can't fight it," she shakes her head, devastation on her face. "Of course, this happens just when everything is starting to come together for me."

"Oh Leah, there's got to be some way we can stop that from happening, they can't just kick you all out! 30 days is hardly any notice."

"I know Bella, but I don't know what to do. Where can I even go that's affordable? That was the only decent and inexpensive place in the area and plus the moving costs are going to be insane," she shakes her head wiping away the wetness from her face before taking a deep breath. "I'll figure something out, even if it means having to call my dad," she rolls her eyes at the idea.

I know how Leah feels about having to depend on others or showing any sign of weakness. To see her break down is uncharacteristic and heartbreaking. I suddenly want to do everything I can to help her. She's such a wonderful person and does not deserve this.

I refuse to let her and Seth be kicked out of their own home. There must be something we can do.

My mind kicks into overdrive as I pull her in for a tight hug and try to soothe her.

"Oh Leah, we'll figure something out. I promise."

I'm lost in my head later as I sit on the park bench waiting for Edward. Leah remains on my mind and I'm racking my brain trying to figure out how I can help.

Suddenly, a coffee-filled hand appears in front of me.

"Coffee for your thoughts?" A smiling Edward holds a tray with two cups and his suit jacket folded over one arm. I'm sure my face lights up at the sight of him.

"Hi," I breathe out.

"Hi, beautiful. How are you?"

"I'm better now," standing up, I give him a quick peck. "This for me?" I gesture to the cups.

"Yes milady," he picks up the cup dramatically before handing it over, slightly bowed.

Laughing, I take the cup gratefully thanking him. It's my favorite latte from the local coffee shop. My mind flashes back to my first time seeing Edward there. God, it feels as if that was a lifetime ago.

We begin strolling through the park making small talk. I'm so happy to see him even if only for a short while. And I'm happy to announce that it doesn't feel awkward at all. We're both still the same with one another. If anything, we're more relaxed and comfortable. As if that built-up tension between us has been released after coming together in such a beautiful way.

The park is bustling today. Edward and I walk along hand in hand sipping from our drinks. I don't realize that I've gone quiet until he speaks up.

"Bella, what is it?" He asks abruptly, stopping in front of one of the large buckeye trees.

"What do you mean?"

"When you're nervous or worried about something you get a little V between the eyes…like that," he smooths the skin on my forehead. I'm lost for words for a second.

"Do I?" I sound distracted even to my own ears.

"Yes…and you've seemed kind of 'off' since we've been here, not very talkative. Did something…happen?" There's a hint of veiled urgency in his questioning. He must think it's because of last night.

"I'm sorry I hadn't noticed Edward. And no, everything's fine. It's just… some complications at work with a friend."

"Oh, well what's going on? Maybe I can help," he sounds almost relieved I think.

"Um, well... she's going to lose her apartment soon. Some contractors have bought the building and they're going to knock it down. I feel absolutely terrible for Leah. She's such a great person and she has a son, Seth, who's so young. They don't deserve this but I'm just not sure what I can do to help her…and that's what I've been thinking about," I shrug helplessly.

There's a look of contemplation on his face for a moment as he stares at me. Finally, he reaches into his pocket pulling out his phone.

"Do you have the name of the residence where she lives?" He asks as he searches for something on his phone.

"Um no I can't think of it at the moment…I can ask her. Wait, what are you doing Edward?" My curiosity rises at his sudden determination.

"I have a colleague that works with a nonprofit organization, they may be able to help her and the other tenants fight this. It's illegal for them to displace tenants without proper notice and moving coverage. Under the San Francisco rent ordinance, they're allowed to finish their leases. I'm not sure what will happen after, but we can certainly take the matter to court and get Leah and the rest of the tenants a few more months."

"Oh Edward, that would be amazing! Thank you so much," before I know it I'm throwing my arms around him. How did I get so lucky?

Taking the pen from his suit pocket, he writes something down on a card, eyebrows furrowed.

"Here, the attorney's information is on the back, Ms. Doughty. Give your friend this card and have her get in contact with her. She'll be expecting the phone call."

Taking the card, I stick it in my bag, making sure to relay the good news to Leah.

Gripping his hand, I give him a soft bump as we continue our walk.

"You're a good person Edward. You know that?"

He's silent and I look up to see his expression. It's blank, though I glimpse a touch of softness as he glances at me.

"Thank you, Bella," I can hear the sincerity in his voice, but something in his eyes gives him away. Perhaps doubt.

I wish I could convince him of my words and make him believe me. But that self-deprecation that eats him alive wins again.

And all I can do is squeeze his hand and sigh.

It's the following day when I'm heading to my car from clinicals, I told Leah about Edwards advice and gave her the contact information for the attorney. She was so grateful and relieved at the news and I was so happy that we could help her. Her battle wasn't close to over but it was a start.

My phone rings and I see an unfamiliar number flash across the screen. I answer immediately.

"Hello?"

"Hi, is this Isabella Swan?" A high-pitched voice rings out.

"Yes, this is," I'm frozen now.

"Hi, Ms. Swan. I'm Amy calling from the Placerville Police Department, following up on an inquiry you made."

Jenks.

In all the craziness lately, I'd managed to call the former precinct my dad worked for regarding the mysterious Jenks. It was a stretch but it was the only lead I had in finding the man my dad was writing to. A letter that he never got around to mailing. I was convinced it had to be a former colleague and I wanted to get the letter to him no matter how long it'd been.

"Right, thank you for following up…is there any update?" I can hear the hope in my voice.

"I'm sorry Ms. Swan but we don't have a record of anyone with that name working for the police department in the last thirty years."

Sighing, my eyes close briefly.

Of course, they found nothing. Why would I even think that calling them would lead me to answers? My dad could've known Jenks from anywhere. Now I'm back at square one, with no other plan on where to go from here.

I thank the woman on the line for her time and effort.

"You're welcome, Ms. Swan. I hope you find who you're looking for," she says pleasantly before the phone clicks.

Yeah…so do I. So do I.