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Chapter Sixty-Two

It was early Monday morning, the day I was supposed to meet with the civil officer about Renee's case.

Sunday evening, I had spoken briefly with the hospital, confirming the time and if I needed to bring any important documents.

As Edward slept, I sat in his living room and stared into space. The more I thought about Renee being alone in the hospital, the worse I felt.

Having already dry heaved twice, I was grateful Edward was still sleeping. I didn't need him to worry; I didn't need him to pity any more.

The first thing he did when he awoke half an hour later was make me toast, pushing, coaxing me to eat something I could keep down.

He always knew more than he let on.

I couldn't have loved him any more.

The both of us lounged around until early afternoon when we stopped by my house on the way to the hospital. I needed a change of clothes as I assumed it wouldn't be appropriate to wear Edward's boxers.

Once we walked inside, I stood in place in the foyer.

I just couldn't.

I couldn't.

Words failed me but apparently my expression did not.

Edward immediately understood and ran upstairs to grab my clothes, bringing a few extra things he assumed I might need.

I couldn't have loved him any more.

"Maybe you should call your dad," Edward said conversationally on our way to Port Angeles.

Staring out the window, I waited a few minutes before slightly shaking my head.

"If he wanted to help, he would have contacted me. He would have done something."

"He deserves to know," Edward explained while turning down the radio.

"This isn't about what he deserves!"

"Well." Edward paused for a second. "He should know. I'd want to know if I were him."

I crossed my arms over my chest and said, "That's what it's going to take for him to come around? Me being attacked?"

He rubbed my cheek before dropping the subject.

As we walked towards the hospital, Edward grabbed my hand and squeezed it twice before giving me a small smile.

"Wait," he said before we walked inside. "I just want you to know that whatever happens- I'm here, okay? I'm not going anywhere."

"I didn't think you were," I admitted, causing him to laugh quietly.

He gave me a quick kiss.

I took a deep breath as we walked under the florescent lighting.

We sat in the small, dusty office and waited for the magistrate to explain to us what was going to happen.

Edward noticed my leg bouncing and said, "So, I don't think I'm allowed to fly United Airlines again."

"What?"

"I may or may not have caused a scene when they refused to put me on standby," he explained and gauged my reaction, still focusing on my leg. "It was all very ridiculous."

"Are you trying to distract me?" I questioned, calling him out.

"Is it working?"

I sighed.

"Everything is going to be fine, you'll see," he murmured before the door opened.

Edward and I sat and listened intently to everything the magistrate had to say.

"...is most definitely a threat to herself and others..."

I squeezed Edward's hand.

"...not currently able to recognize what is in her best interest..."

I could feel Edward's gaze upon me.

"...will need someone to claim temporary guardianship..."

Edward stiffened at this information and I nodded enthusiastically, showing that I understood everything being said.

It was explained that if Renee refused to take the prescribed medication for the rest of her stay in the hospital, they could give them over her objection.

If I signed to become temporary guardian.

If I agreed she needed them.

If I signed my life over.

More time lost.

It was understood that Renee would have to post bail to leave the hospital, since I had pressed charges.

I will admit, for a split second, it as an intriguing idea to drop the charges. Although - after everything that had happened - I doubted that would be possible now.

One look from Edward told me it wasn't going to happen.

He wouldn't allow me to even try to drop the charges.

We thanked the magistrate and I asked to have a moment alone with Edward in the office.

"She can't be released for another twenty-four hours," I repeated from what I had heard the civil officer say.

"Well, she hasn't been admitted for seventy-two hours yet."

"I know." I shook my head.

She needed to be bailed out.

I needed money.

Edward rubbed circles on my hand with his thumb, noticing my silence. "Bella..."

"How is this going to work?" I asked through the lump in my throat. "Phil has everything."

"Well." Edward sighed.

"I can't pay for all of this treatment. She has no insurance. I'm lucky to still be on Charlie's insurance plan; the one thing he is good for."

I looked up at Edward's concerned face and cursed to myself.

I didn't want to ask him for the money to bail her out.

I didn't want to involve him any more than I had to.

But I saw no other choice.

"Edward." I swallowed and pushed my hair behind my ear. "I wouldn't be asking if-"

"No."

"What?"

"I can't do it," he replied quickly, keeping my hand in his.

"But-"

"Bella. I'm sorry." Edward stood from his chair and was on his knees in front of me. "Listen to me."

I stared with tears in my eyes and tried to listen; tried to understand.

Edward grabbed my face with both of his hands and said, "I love you. I can't bail her out after everything she's done to you. I'm sorry and you might hate me. But I wouldn't be able to sleep at night. I care about you too much and I know she's your mother but..."

"Stop," I commanded.

Because I understood what he was saying.

Edward kept his hands on my cheeks and searched my face, trying to figure out what I was saying.

"I understand."

"I want to help you, but I can't justify-"

"It's fine. Now take me to speak with Phil."

A/N: Who here wants to claim temporary guardianship of Renee so Bella won't have to? No one? Not even you in the back row?

Thanks for reading.