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Chapter Thirteen

When Edward and I pulled up in front of my house, he didn't mention the Jetta-less driveway. Then again, why would he find it odd? Edward didn't know about Renee's problem; nor would he ever.

To him, the simple fact that my mom's car wasn't in the driveway merely meant she was out running errands or something equally as normal.

I knew otherwise. I knew better.

Honestly, I was secretly pleased Renee wasn't home when Edward and I were moving the hammocks and the couch. There was no telling what mood she would be in and that always left me feeling anxious, on edge.

Before he left, Edward asked if I was okay. And when I lied to him, he easily believed me.

We were standing in the driveway, saying our goodbyes when he stepped closer, towering over me.

"Thank you for everything," I murmured almost too softly, afraid of his close proximity and how it was affecting me.

So I took half a step back, because there was no need to get arrested for public indecency. No need to scar the children riding past us on their bikes.

Edward cleared his throat and stared at his shoe scuffing the pavement. "About earlier-"

"Hey. It's cool." I cut him off with a slight chuckle. "No need to explain yourself. It happens."

"Really? Landlords usually corner you in storage units and sexually assault you?" He was teasing, of course. But he was nervous for some reason.

"You kissed me and I kissed you back. I would hardly call that sexual assault."

Edward's soft gaze lingered in my mind as I drifted to sleep on the new-to-me couch.

"What's this? Charity?" Renee's spiteful tone sent a jolt of shock through me, forcing me to wake sooner than expected.

"Looks more like a couch than charity," I joked as I sat up and rubbed my eyes.

Renee shook her head and asked, "Where are the hammocks?"

Because that was the more logical question. Not where'd you get the couch from? or how did you move this in here all by yourself?, but 'where are the hammocks?'.

"In the garage. Two are in the backyard just...hanging out."

Renee didn't even crack a smile. I personally thought it was one of my funnier jokes.

I followed her into the kitchen and watched her set a bottle of vodka in the freezer. "I think I might have a job."

"That was fast," she said as she washed her hands. "Where are the paper towels?"

I handed her the roll. "Yeah, well. Bills."

Renee stopped drying her hands to narrow her eyes. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"What?"

"Do you think you're better than me because you already found a job?"

"No. Mom, I was just...telling you. I wasn't trying to upset you. I'm...sorry." Because giving in was easier than fighting.

Her shoulders slumped as her attitude disappeared. "No, baby, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you."

Shaking my head, I said nothing.

"I was looking for a job today, too. You're just better at all of that than I am."

"Better at being responsible?"

"Bella. I'm working on it, okay? Don't give me such a hard time." She patted my shoulder, opening the cabinet to retrieve a glass. "It's fine. Things are going to be fine."

I was also a better liar than she was.

As far back as I could remember, I had not a single memory of my parents being together. Sure, they were together to celebrate my birthday, some Christmases, and Easter when my Gramps would force us to attend church and eat brisket. But I don't remember Renee and Charlie ever being together; being in love.

Charlie didn't know about Renee's incident four years ago. He also didn't know of her second attempt half a year later when I tried to go back to school.

What Charlie did know was that Renee had been struggling with depression since before I was born. That was all he needed to know.

He claimed I was worse than he was. He said I enabled her, though I'm sure he didn't know the meaning of the word. Charlie refused to help Renee. He never took care of her. The one thing he was good at was leaving when things got tough.

It was close to midnight, and I knew the Grey Goose had lulled Renee into a coma, so it was safe to make the phone call.

Besides, he was used to receiving my calls after midnight. It was more normal than not.

"Swan speaking."

Taking a deep breath, I willed myself to sound strong; to sound mature and capable of dealing.

"Dad?" Five seconds into the conversation and my voice had already cracked.

"Bells? Why are you calling from a Washington area code?"

"Yeah." I cleared my throat. "Residents of Forks, Washington as of...three days ago?"

The line was silent.

"Bella..."

"Dad, stop. I don't need to hear your spiel okay? I was just calling to let you know where we're at."

"This isn't normal. This isn't a good living environment for you." Blah, blah, blah. As if he'd never wasted his breath on this before.

"It's fine. Things are fine," I repeated Renee's words from earlier. They felt wrong slipping off my tongue.

"Things shouldn't be just fine, Bells. Come to Port Angeles. Maybe start school in Seattle. You can stay with me for a while until we figure things out," Charlie pleaded.

He always begged and I always denied. It was the one game we'd play over and over again, knowing exactly who would win.

"I can't leave." Even if I knew I should, I couldn't leave now. Not now.

"What does Forks have to offer you?"

Edward's face entered my mind and I closed my eyes, willing him away. I didn't want him present for this, even if he were only in my subconscious.

"This will be the last time we move," I lied, and lied, and lied. "She's doing...better," I lied again as the vodka in the freezer taunted me. "Look, I really think things are changing and at least we're closer to you now, right?"

"If I had the authority, I'd drive myself over there and bring you home to live with me."

"I know you would," I whispered softly, wishing things were different between us. "But you can't."

"Will you come visit me soon? I at least want to see you," Charlie asked, already letting himself sound defeated.

Because this was a fight - the game - I'd always win. Charlie stood no chance.

"Yeah. I'd like that. I'll call you soon, okay?"

"Bells?"

"Yeah, Dad?"

"Please take care of yourself. Don't put her first."

I hung up the phone before saying goodbye.

A/N: Charlie and his mustache seem to be a little upset when it comes to Bella enabling Renee, huh? Thanks for reading. Next update will be tomorrow.